An accessible Inca crossing, with a ceremonial arrival at Machu Picchu.
The Short Inca Trail is the essential and more accessible version of the original route — perfect for those who want to experience the Inca walk without committing to a 4-day trip.
You start at Km 104, cross the archaeological site of Chachabamba and begin a demanding ascent up stone steps, surrounded by the lush vegetation of the high jungle. The physical effort toward Wiñay Wayna is fully rewarded when you reach Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), which gifts you the first and unforgettable panoramic view of Machu Picchu from above, walking in just as the Incas did.
We handle every part of the journey: official permit, transportation, tourist train, hotel in Aguas Calientes, bilingual guide, meals on the trek, ascent bus and official Machu Picchu entry — so you can focus on what matters.
What makes this itinerary unique.
Official Inca Trail permit through Km 104, secured by the operator.
Ceremonial site of Chachabamba, with ritual water channels.
Ascent to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), passing the impressive Inca site of Wiñay Wayna.
Arrival at Machu Picchu through Inti Punku — the ceremonial gate of the Incas.
Overnight in a selected hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Full guided tour of Machu Picchu on the second day.
Day by day.
We begin by picking you up at your hotel and heading to the Ollantaytambo train station, where we take the train to Km 104. From there we start the ascent to the archaeological center of Chachabamba and continue toward Wiñay Wayna, considered by many the most beautiful archaeological complex after Machu Picchu, where we have a guided visit. We then stop for lunch (box lunch).
After lunch, we follow the trail to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we get the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu — a unique feeling that only those who walk the trail can experience. After a short rest, we begin the roughly 45-minute descent toward Machu Picchu and board the bus that takes us to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we have dinner and stay overnight.
Very early breakfast and hotel pickup to board the bus to the Machu Picchu citadel — about a 30-minute ride up.
We take a 2-to-3-hour guided tour through the most important sectors — a place of great scientific and cultural value that holds the sacred and the enigmatic at its core. Afterward, we return to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Ollantaytambo and, finally, the transfer to Cusco.
Everything we take care of for you.
Inclusions
- Official Inca Trail entry permit (Km 104)
- Tourist transport Cusco ↔ Ollantaytambo
- Tourist train Ollantaytambo ↔ Km 104 and Aguas Calientes ↔ Ollantaytambo
- Professional bilingual guide (EN/PT/ES on request)
- 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes with breakfast
- Box-lunch during the trek and dinner on Day 1
- Up/down bus Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu
- Official Machu Picchu entry (circuit subject to availability)
- Emergency oxygen and first-aid kit
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guides, drivers and crew
- Entry to Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu (optional)
Essential packing list.
- Original passport (required — same one used for booking)
- Small backpack (up to 25L) for trail days
- Layered clothing + windbreaker and thermal wear for the night
- Sturdy, broken-in trekking shoes
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Cap/hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle and energy snacks
- Personal medication
- Cash in soles for tips and extras
Important information
- Inca Trail permits are limited by the Peruvian government — book at least 3 months in advance.
- Passport copy must be sent for the official permit issuance.
- The Inca Trail may close for maintenance in February (year by year).
- At least 2 days of acclimatization in Cusco are recommended before the trek.
- Not allowed for pregnant women or people with serious cardiac/respiratory conditions without medical clearance.
- Recommended minimum age: 12 years with good physical condition.
Permits limited by the Peruvian government.
Inca Trail permits are official and finite — the government releases a limited quantity per day. In high season (May–September), permits sell out 3 to 4 months in advance.
Our team checks availability in real time and helps align dates, flights and hotels. If the date has no permits, we offer alternatives: Salkantay Trail or Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu by train.
Common questions about this itinerary.
The Classic Inca Trail is 4 days and starts at Km 82, requiring camping and greater physical preparation. The Short Trail is 2 days, starts at Km 104, is more accessible and ends with a hotel overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Yes. There are about 9 km of ascent up to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) and then the descent down to Machu Picchu, totaling approximately 12 km. We recommend 1–2 hour walks at your normal pace for a few weeks before the trip.
Technically yes, but we strongly recommend at least 2 days of acclimatization in Cusco before the trek. Altitude can compromise the experience if you're not adapted.
We look for the best alternative with you: Salkantay Trail or itineraries combining the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu by train. Reach the team on WhatsApp.
Yes — we have professional bilingual guides in English. Please confirm at booking to guarantee guide availability.
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