To begin your adventure of 2-day Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 4:00 am. You’ll then drive for around one and a half hours to the Ollantaytambo train station. If your hotel is located in the Sacred Valley or Ollantaytambo, the pick-up could be around 5.00 am or 5:30 am.

For all travelers hiking the Short Inca Trail, we recommend staying the day before somewhere closer to the train station in Ollantaytambo; you can save 1.5 hours of travel from Cusco. If you participate in a tour like Sacred Valley the day before, you can request the drop-off in Ollantaytambo and spend the night in a hotel.

Peru Spirit Adventure will pick you up from any location in Sacred Valley, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo or Cusco. The pickup times will be confirmed at your briefing, as they might fluctuate based on where you are staying.

After driving in a conformable private transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, you’ll have a few minutes to make any last-minute purchases and then before boarding the Expedition Class Train at 6:10 am, we will provide your box lunch, which you carry in your daypack to enjoy later on.

You will then enjoy a 1 hour and 20 minute leisurely train ride along the Urubamba River and through the Peruvian Andes, with phenomenal views of snow-capped mountains to the lush jungle, brimming with orchids and ferns until the beginning of the 2-day Short Inca Trail hike, called KM 104 – Chachabamba, located in the cloud forest at 2,100m/6,927ft!

Once we disembark after a train journey, we will cross the Urubamba River over a picturesque footbridge and head straight to the checkpoint at Chachabamba to start your Short Inca trail Trek.

Please note that you will need the original passport to pass the checkpoint. Just make sure to carry your passport and (we take care of all the necessary paperwork at the time of booking and all these documents will be carried by your tour guide).

Once you and your tour guide pass through an Inca Trail checkpoint, your tour guide will tell you a brief orientation about the details of the trail, and have time to prepare for the hike, use the restrooms, apply Sunscreen, bug spray/repellent, and warm up.

Our first stop on the trek will be at the beautiful Inca site of Chachabamba, that consists in having temples, the main patio, sacred rock, etc. In addition, you will be immersed in the stunning landscape as you’re surrounded by lush vegetation and towering mountains watching over you.

After learning the history of the archaeological site of Chachabamba from your guide and exploring the beautiful Inca site, we continue the hike along an ancient Inca Trail abandoned in the 16th century, with stops at several outlooks to enjoy an expansive view of the Urubamba River.

Afterwards, we will continue walking the first section of the Short Inca Trail is a gradual uphill hike for 4 hours with some flat parts, spectacular scenery, waterfalls, and lovely views of the Sacred Valley abound as we rise up the mountainside, until we arrive at Wiñay Wayna (2,650m / 8,695ft), which means ‘forever young or the place that never gets old;’ this is one of the most beautiful Inca sites on the Classic Inca Trail.

At the archeological site of Wiñay Wayna, we will take some time to explore this stunning Incan complex and learn the fascinating history of this amazing Inca ruins and discover a ritual water fountain, a temple dedicated to the forces of nature and the beautiful agricultural platforms while enjoying spectacular views of the Andes.

Also, take some time to relax, unwind in peace, and connect to Mother Nature through birdsong and soft whisper of the wind. A little further on, we’ll spot the campsite where those doing the Classic Inca Trail spend the night. Here, you’ll have time to enjoy the tasty box lunch we’ve prepared for you and chill out.

Once fed, we’ll continue our gentle hike for about for about 1 hour and 20 minutes to the Sun Gate / Inti Punku (2,700m / 8,858ft) to catch your first glimpse of the Lost City of the Incas – a truly unforgettable sight; from where you get your first outstanding view of Machu Picchu, with all its incredible architecture, and beautiful mountains surrounding the area.

We will arrive at Sun Gate around 3 pm when the crowds from Machu Picchu have left; allowing you time to gaze on Machu Picchu and get the perfect picture. After taking photos and exploring the area, it’s another one-hour downhill walk from the Sun Gate to the ancient Inca citadel, with breathtaking views, and you’ll also able to watch the magical golden light of the sun setting on the immerse stone walls for some tranquility.

Once we arrive at Machu Picchu – Wonder of the World, we will take our time to take more pictures from the viewing platforms above the site, as the afternoon is usually less crowded. After taking photos, we’ll then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes town and head to your hotel, have dinner in a local restaurant, and spend the night in a 3-star hotel.

Dinner is served in top-rated restaurants in the town, following dinner, we recommend going to bed early to make the most of the next day.

• Highest elevation: 2,720m / 8,924 ft
• Lowest elevation: 2,100m/6,927ft
• Total Walking Distance: 12 km /7.5 miles
• Meals: Lunch, snacks, and dinner
• Accommodation: La Cabaña (or similar)
• Difficulty: Moderate