Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Private Service

Highlight of the day: Guided tour of Machu Picchu in Circuit 5, one of the Seven Wonders of the modern world.

You are finally here! You will wake up in a beautiful town that offers one of the best climates and locations in Peru.

Once you have breakfast, you will take the bus back to Machu Picchu’s entrance gate. There, to enter you will have to present the short Inca Trail ticket, and then you will enjoy a professional guided tour inside Machu Picchu for two hours. Our guide will begin his description of the history of this Inca wonder while we visit the most important sectors of Machu Picchu such as the classic viewpoint, the Guardian’s House, the Temple of the Sun viewpoint, the Sacred Rock or the Water Mirrors Set.

As we leave Machu Picchu with unforgettable memories, we will return to Aguas Calientes town, from which we will take the train to Ollantaytambo a few hours later. Once you arrive at Ollantaytambo, we will continue our journey in our private transportation back to Cusco city. Unfortunately, Cusco is the end point of our exciting Short Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu.

• Difficulty level: Mild
• Meals: 1 breakfast

Note: After the guided tour, only if you have the corresponding entrance tickets, you will have the opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Absolutely yes. It is worth it if you are an adventurous person, looking for an experience on an Inca trail, looking for exciting landscapes, looking to reach Machu Picchu in a different way, looking to see Machu Picchu twice!

The Short Inca Trail is a two-day tour. It offers you to walk along the original Inca trails, see archaeological sites along the way, learn about the flora and fauna of these mountains and reach Machu Picchu in an unforgettable way.

The difference between a group and private service on the Short Inca Trail Tour are the followings:

You choose who you travel with.

Private guide.

Private transportation.

It is important to note that the quality of service is the same with the same inclusions and exceptions.

The 2 Day short Inca Trail Tour is shorter than the Classic Inca Trail. It still allows you to experience the beauty of the trail, and to reach Machu Picchu in a unique and special form, because it is the only tour that shows Machu Picchu Llaqta twice; the first time passing beside the Guard’s house leading to Aguas Calientes, and the second time during the guided tour.

Although the difficulty of the short Inca Trail varies from moderate to mild, we recommend you be in proper physical condition to enjoy the entire hike.

The short Inca trail is not very difficult. The important thing you should keep in mind is that, you are doing a moderate to difficult grade hike on the first day. On the second day, the situation is different because you are going to only hike in Machu Picchu site.

It is possible to walk 10km/76.21 mi on the first day. In addition, on the second day the hike is more gentle because you will only walk around Machu Picchu during a guided tour of 2.5 hours.

With cloudy and clear skies the weather can change from warm to cool. If it rains, it is usually cold at higher altitudes. Please, do not forget, wear appropriate clothing to prevent bad experiences.

We recommend bringing your own water and snacks for the first day’s walk. We will find a good tourist industry in Aguas Calientes once we arrive.

Yes, remember that only authorized travel agencies can obtain the Inca Trail entrance ticket by order of the Peruvian Government. We, as a Peruvian travel agency, must book tourist´s tickets at least 1 month in advance.

No, during the first day’s walk there are no places to charge electronic devices until you reach the Aguas Calientes town. To avoid this problem, we recommend that you bring extra camera batteries or powerbanks.

Of course you can. Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes are great places to buy food and souvenirs. Also, consider that with your purchase you help local people’s economy. I must say that from km 104 to Aguas Calientes there are no food or souvenir stalls.

Don’t worry, just let us know about any dietary restrictions while you are booking, and we will help you.

Along the way, you can only find toilets at the beginning of the trek (km 104) at the Ministry of Culture control point, at Wiñay Huayna, Machu Picchu, and at the end (Aguas Calientes Town).

For this trek, it is recommended to carry a backpack day with only REALLY NECESSARY THINGS INSIDE because of the weight. Remember, the less stuff in your backpack, the more adventures await for you.

The tour takes place in different weather conditions. However, if the conditions are extreme and dangerous, we can make decisions in favor of the hiker to ensure their life.

First, you must check availability with a travel agent (in this case with Waman Adventures) according to the desired date. Once availability has been confirmed, you can make the corresponding reservation on our main page. Here you will fill in your personal details and the number of travelers (Be careful when filling in the form, it must not contain errors).

Remember that you can make the reservation with a 40% advance payment through different payment methods such as VISA, Master Card, American Express, or Pay Pal and that’s it! You have made your reservation. We have a section at the bottom of our page for “Special requirements and other relevant information,” where you can specify the type of diet, trekking pole rental, etc.

The deposit guarantees your place in the group. Please note that the deposit paid at the time of booking is NON-REFUNDABLE.

No. Unfortunately, the Short Inca Trail tour is non-refundable, as the deposit is used to reserve your space within the group. Once we have made a travel booking with the Peruvian government authorities, we cannot change any booking details.

Final balances must be paid in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office in Cusco at least 48 hours before your hiking start.

No. Once the reservation has been made and your details have been entered into the system, it is impossible to change them. Remember that the ticket is non-transferable and non-refundable.

Although it is not mandatory, travel insurance is recommended to cover possible contingencies. The only beneficiaries are our hikers.

The best time is in the dry season, between April and October. This time is ideal because there is minimal rainfall compared to the rainy season (November to April).

In Cusco city, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo, remember to arrive in Cusco 2 or 3 days before the hike to acclimatize. Remember that you will be surrounded by mountains where you could walk days before the short Inca trail.

In order to receive the necessary assistance, you should first remain calm and inform your guide as soon as possible.

In contrast to the classic Inca Trail, the Short Inca Trail maximum capacity is 250 people per day.

Actually, for the short Inca Trail tour the porter service is not required due to the distance and hiking level. However, if you still need one to transport your belongings, the cost of the porter service per day is $60 USD. I must say you should only carry a backpack with the necessary things.

It is so important, as there may be some complications or last-minute shopping desires. It is always advisable to carry cash in Peruvian soles because it facilitates the purchasing process.

Yes, and if we are lucky, we may even learn a few Quechua words near Ollantaytambo, rail and local people along the tour.

Voyager – Inca Rail: 2:30 p.m./2:45 p.m.

Expedition – Perurail train: 3:20 p.m./3:48 p.m.

Yes, Cusco hotels offer luggage storage for free.

Although accommodation in a 3 star hotel is included in our package, you can upgrade if you wish. You must contact your sales agent in advance. Please note that changes cost additional money and are at your own expense.

No. I recommend that you purchase these tickets at least 4 months before your tour due the existance a maximun capacity to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Yes, it is advisable to bring an aluminum bottle to keep you hydrated during the walk. On the other hand, we recommend you to avoid the use of single-used bottles and protect our planet.

Most common mistakes people make before and during the short Inca Trail.

Taking insufficient water and snacks.

Not prepared for rain.

Wearing too many clothes.

Walking fast and not enjoying nature.

Party or drink the day before the hike.