Short Inca Trail 2D/1N
The Inca Empire, called Tawantinsuyu, went from the present Ecuador as far as the present Chile. Its capital was Cuzco, which means Center of the World (the Inca World). According to the Spanish in the 16th century, the Incas were the most organized society in the world. This empire had an enormous infrastructure but very well organized. Communications were organized as well, thanks to transport ways but also to messengers (chasquis) who covered the territory. They transmitted information or commands and transported merchandise. As an anecdote, we can mention for example that the Inca, in Cuzco (in the middle of the Andes) could eat fresh fish 3 hours after fishing it at the sea, while the Spanish needed 2 weeks by horse to go from the coast to the capital of the Empire, Cuzco. The “Descendant of the Sun” deserved it!. The existence of Machu Picchu is still subject to controversies. Was it a residence of the Inca or a shelter? Was it a fortress or even the famous “El Dorado”? The fact remains that the access from the Capital was also well organized; it is the famous Inca Trail.
Day 01: Cusco – Km. 104 – Wiñayhuayna – Aguas Calientes
You will be picked up from your hotel at 3:30 am and transferred (by bus) to the train station in Ollantaytambo to take the 7:00 am train to 104 Km (2000 m.a.s.l./ 6560 ft) located along the Urubamba River where the hike (Camino Inca) will begin. Before heading to visit the Inca archaeological site, we will provide you with a packed lunch and drinks, as well as a briefing, which will be provided by our professional guide. Here you have the chance to take in the beautiful vista of the snow-capped mountains and when ready, start our hike towards the classic Inca trail where we will visit: Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, the Urubamba River and other Inca sites.
From 104 Km it will take around 3 hours to hike to Wiñayhuayna (Quecua for “Forever Young”) 2600 m.a.s.l/8530 ft. To many this place hosted the ancient houses of the ancient priests of Machu Picchu. Continuing on this route we will arrive at Inti Punku (4 km) where we will have the first view of the historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu. From here the trail will start to descend towards Machu Picchu where we will have the opportunity to take some spectacular photos. We will take a bus to Aguas Calientes where the guide will take us to the hotel, followed later by dinner at a restaurant. (16 KM/ 10 MI, 7 HOURS)
Day 02: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
At 4:30 in the morning we head to Machu Picchu with our professional guide to visit the principal sites during a 2-hour tour. After the tour there is free time to visit Machu Picchu again or Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) on your own. If you have selected to visit Huayna Picchu Mountain* or Machu Picchu Mountain*, this is your time to make the ascent. In the afternoon we will return to Aguas Calientes, take a train to Ollantaytambo followed by a bus back to Cusco.
Includes
- Cusco transfer to km 82 (bus and train)
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Km. 104
- Entrance fee to the Inca Trail
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- Professional guide (Spanish – English)
- 01 night accommodation (hostel) in Aguas Calientes
- 01 bus transfer (Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes)
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (18:45 or 21.30 depending on availability)
- First Aid Kit
- Oxygen tank
- Transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Does not Includes
- Breakfast on the first day, lunch and dinner on the last day.
- Tips (optional).
- Extra expenses.
Recommendations
- Passport(Requierd for entrance to Machu Picchu).
- A medium sized backpack.
- Lightweight tops/shirts.
- Hiking shoes.
- Wind breaker.
- Swim suit.
- Water bottle.
- Sunblock
- Hat.
- Sunglasses.
- Sweets, caramels (can be bought in Cusco).
- Personal items (camera, extra money etc.).