The highlights of the 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are the stunning Inca ruins, snow-capped mountain peaks, primitive lush vegetation and extraordinary ecological varieties. The “the ancient Inca road” goes through the National Park and enters through the Sun Gate with unforgettable views of Machu Picchu, passing through exotic cloud forest and finally into subtropical vegetation. People hiking the short Inca Trail have the privilege of visiting the famous Machu Picchu Citadel twice: at the end of the day of their hike, and when they return to Machu Picchu the following the day.
Our exciting day begins with hotel pick up at 5:00am in our private van. Then, we drive towards the Ollantaytambo train station to catch the 7:05am Vistadome train. After an hour and ten minutes, we disembark at KM 104 (elevation 2,100m/6,927ft). This is where our trek begins! From here, we begin a moderate climb for about three hours towards the breathtaking Inca remains of the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna (2,650m/8,747ft). Enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Canyon and imperial wonders of the ancient Inca site, which seems to float above the river below. As you embrace them with an open mind and heart, your connection with the ancient Inca Trail will begin. After being at one with this impressive sight, we will continue towards the Sun Gate (2,730m/9,007ft). Following this remote ancient Inca trail, we get our first stunning view of Machu Picchu in all its radiance and majesty. As we trek closer towards this Inca citadel, you will have many opportunities to take stunning photos. After admiring Machu Picchu from above, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night in your hotel.
Today, you will get to enjoy exploring Machu Picchu and experience its magical presence of energy. You will take the first bus at 5:30AM to Machu Picchu archeological site. It is from this Inca site, that you will get to see the sunrise. You will have plenty of time to explore every nook and cranny of this New World Wonder and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It will be an unforgettable experience!
Your guide will escort you through the alluring Inca ruins and its impressive main streets. Then, on your own, wander around the town square of the world’s spiritual center of esoteric wisdom, as well as, climb the intricately carved stone stairways. Stand still and take in the splendor of its presence and enjoy the pure bliss of the moment.
Afterwards, you will return to Aguas Calientes and board the Vistadome train at 4:43pm for your return to Cusco.
Here are a few extra activities that you might wish to indulge on your own:
Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and enjoy the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu citadel (not included in your tour price and must be booked in advance.)
You will be given some time to walk to the Sun Gate or Inti Punku (free of charge)
Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include: a visit to the local museum or the hot springs (entrance fees required)
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on any day that suits your schedule – we only need a minimum of two people in order to book.
*** The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is almost always available year round except when it is closed in February for maintenance. — This trek takes you into Machu Picchu by walking through the SUN GATE like in the ancient times, you will explore some amazing Incan ruins along the way like Wiñay Wayna Inca site.
Glamping Peru Treks is a family owned travel agency and direct local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. Glamping Peru Treks is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family! We ensure they are supported financially by paying them a fair salary. We are proud of our team, without them we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
In an effort to provide a more personalized service, we at Glamping Peru Treks have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone, sets us apart from other companies that operate with bigger groups. Of course, if you are traveling in a group of family or friends of more than 8, we will keep you together as your own private trek.
We are very proud of our guides! They are highly professional, fluent in English and very knowledgeable about Inca history and heritage. You will learn about recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Fun loving, great senses of humor and well-educated, our guides hold degrees in one of the following: Archaeology, Botany, History or Anthropology.
Glamping Peru Treks have always believed that we should give back to the local communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment in responsible tourism, we socially support and employ from these communities.
Glamping Peru Treks is proud to be able to support these amazing people, not only by hiring them to become part of our team but also go back to our grassroots so they can share with their families. It makes us happy to have a holistic approach with our employees and their families!
Please read carefully the following information as it will help answer all of your questions about our services and the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel. Please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek. Look for our representative holding a board stating: GLAMPING PERU TREKS at the terminal arrival. You must exit the terminal in order to find our representative waiting outside.
It will take place the night before the trek at 6pm at our office, which is located on Calle Santa Teresa Nº383 ; 303 (second floor), we are next to SUBWAY sandwich shop.
Of course! During the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days, your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
To avoid the excessive credit card fees in Peru, you can pay in cash at our office (we accept US dollars or Peruvian soles) in Cusco. There are many ATMs within the historical center. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address: glampingperutreks@gmail.com
Unfortunately, the answer is No. Once the permits/tickets have been bought, the Peruvian government does not allow any changes. We can’t change any departure date after the permit/ticket has been paid for. Permits/Tickets are also not transferable or refundable. If you cancel your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days, the deposit is not refundable at all!
Yes! You have to bring your original passport as it is very important, in order, to gain entry onto the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and other sites. It must be the original passport that you have used to book with us from the start.
In case, you are renewing your passport or changing your name, send us your old passport information to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make this change.
If you do not wish to pay this fee, you will need to bring both your old and new passports with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to enter into Machu Picchu and other sites. If you do not have both, you will not be allowed to enter into these amazing sites.
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you feel, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and its people.
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu DOES NOT INCLUDE an extra porter so you will have to carry all of your things in a daypack. Please try to pack as light as possible, which is the key to enjoying this amazing trek.
What to leave in your small luggage that will be delivered to Aguas Calientes by train.
All of our guides are experts in trekking and hold degrees related to tourism. They are passionate about their career and love to show others about their culture!
We specialize in providing our treks and tours with small groups. It helps create a more unique and personalized experience!
We have more than 6 years experience, in providing high quality service. We are considered one of the few operators that most clients trust.
All of our chefs prepare gourmet meals catering to different dietary needs. This sets us apart from other companies.
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As one of the few tour operators that dedicated itself to social responsibility. We are always looking for innovative ways of caring for our natural surroundings.
Our camping equipment is top of the line being replaced when needed. Our camping equipment is available for rent as well.