Short Inca Trail

For the Short Inca Trail we will pick you up from your hotel at approximately 4am (depending on the location) and drive to Ollantaytambo. From here its a 1 hour 30 minute train ride along the Urubamba river from Ollantaytambo (in the highlands) to km 104 at Chachabamba (in the cloud forest). We will head straight to the checkpoint at Chachabamba to start your Short Inca Trail Trek. Please note, you will need your original passport in order to pass through the checkpoint. Our first stop is a beautiful Inca ruin also called Chachabamba. We will then hike along an ancient Inca trail, that was abandoned in the 16th century, and leads to Machu Picchu. The first section of the trail is a gradual uphill hike until we arrive at Wiñay Huayna (the place that never gets old). At this point we will take some time to explore this stunning archaeological site while enjoying spectacular views of the Andes. A packed lunch and refreshments will be provided. Once fed and energised we will continue our hike to the Sungate to catch your first glimpse of the Lost City of the Incas – a truly unforgettable sight. From the Sungate its a one hour down hill walk to the city, with breathtaking views along the way. We will arrive into Macchu Picchu in the afternoon and will therefore have the unique opportunity of experiencing the city almost empty. This is the perfect photograph taking opportunity! We will then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes where we will have dinner and spend the night in a hotel.

Today is the most important day of the Salkantay Trek. It is visiting one of the world’s new seven wonders, a city abandoned for unknown reasons during the 16th century by the great Inca Empire. Wake up early, have breakfast in the hotel, and take the first buses to catch the sunrise in Machu Picchu. Your tour guide will take you to the most famous temples, palaces, and plazas and explain the mysteries of this spectacular Inca city perched on this impossible mountain peak. The guided tour takes about 3 hours, and you will have time to explore the magical citadel or climb Huayna Picchu or Montaña (Machu Picchu Mountain).

After finishing the citadel tour or your hike, you must take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, have lunch, collect your belongings from the hotel, and take the exclusive Panoramic train to return to Ollantaytambo and our private van to Cusco. The local team will drive back to your hotel around 7:30 pm.