Peru’s best-known hike visited by thousands of tourists every year. This still thrilling 2-day program covers a 13-km Inca Trail, joining the classical 2-day route at the impressive archaeological site of Wiñaywayna, continuing through the famous Inti Punku or Sun Gate, and finally devoting the second day to a full day visit of the world-famous Inca citadel of Machupicchu. This program is recommended for those having less time or those looking to hike a shorter version of the Inca Trail without camping.
Daily Summary:
Day 1: Cusco / Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Cusco / Sacred Valley
Cusco / Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes
Early morning we pick you up from your hotel and drive to the train station to board the train that will take us to km.104 on the Cusco – Machupicchu railroad (starting point of the hike), where we arrive at around 10:00 am. We start visiting the Chachabamba archaeological complex (2150m/7052ft), located very close to the control point, to then embark upon an 8 km (5 miles) ascending trail, which after four hours takes us to the archaeological complex of Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft). This is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. On the way up we may enjoy magnificent views of the Urubamba River valley and the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex located on the other side of the river, and also of a beautiful waterfall located just a few minutes away from Wiñaywayna. We then continue and climb to Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may contemplate the sacred citadel of Machupicchu. From Intipunku we descend to Machupicchu and then by bus to Aguas Calientes. We are then accommodated at the selected hotel/hostel.
- Meals L (box-lunch)
- Total distance 13 km (8,08 miles)
- Estimated time 6-7 hours
- Maximum altitude point 2,650 m (8,692 ft)
- Campsite altitude 2,400 m (7,872 ft)
Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu - Cusco / Sacred Valley
We wake up early and board a bus to Machupicchu where we begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb up the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it (please note that there are only 400 visitors allowed per day), or visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to Cusco or the Sacred Valley, where we arrive after nightfall.
Meals –
Difficulty Moderate
What is included
- Pre-departure briefing
- Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer to San Pedro train station in Cusco
- Inca Trail and Machupicchu entrance fee
- English speaking professional and official tourist guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people)
- Meals 01L (box-lunch). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Bus ticket from Machupicchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes – 1st day
- Round trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – 2nd day
- Train ticket from Poroy (Cusco) / Sacred Valley to Km104 and from Aguas Calientes to Cusco/Sacred Valley (Expedition, Vistadome or Hiram Bingham service, upon request) (*)
- Transfer train station – hotel in Cusco
- 24-h guest service: please ask for the emergency number available during your time of visit
- Accommodation in Aguas Calientes or Machupicchu
What is not included
- Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machupicchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machupicchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is estimated after nightfall, dinner being at your own expense too
- Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is s/10.00 (Peruvian Nuevos Soles). Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes
- Huayna Picchu entrance fee: if you would like to climb this mountain a new entrance fee applies (S/200.00 Peruvian Nuevos Soles)
- Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish
What we recommend that you bring
- A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
- Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
- Strong footwear, ideally trekking or sport shoes
- Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
- Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Sun block
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
- Handkerchiefs
- Toilet paper
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
- Water container and water for the first day. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into the Inca Trail. Plastic water containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
- Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
- Cash in soles and/or US$
- Original passport
- Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)
- Optional services to be hired
- Accommodation in Aguas Calientes or Machupicchu: please let us know if you wish us to make the hotel booking for you and, in this case, your requested hotel category and accommodation, and the number of nights you wish us to book. Our Reservation Department will provide you with a list of our selected hotels, services and prices for you to choose from. Our hotel choice is based on previous client reports and is regularly updated.
- Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by a sweater or fleece and waterproof jackets if cloudy or rainy. It is very convenient to have light rain-gear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required in Aguas Calientes and Machupicchu, although the temperature is usually warmer than in Cusco due to the lower altitude. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list.
Climate
- Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.
- Along the Inca Trail, temperatures range from 15-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 05-10ºC if cloudy or rainy. At Machupicchu and Aguas Calientes, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.
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