Overview
The Inca Trail near Cusco in the Peruvian Andes is an ancient path, used by Incan pilgrims as the route to the spiritual citadel of Machu Picchu. Now is possible to experience the excitement of hiking the trail, camping for one night and visiting Machu Picchu on a less demanding, but equally spectacular 2 day tour.
Starting with a unique and unforgettable train journey, our hike begins at KM104, the official start of the ‘Short Inca Trail’. Our route takes us into the heart of the majestic Andes and we climb to take in breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and the ancient ruins that still stand as a testament to the incredible engineering feats of the Incas.
Our hike culminates with our arrival at the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu. Arguably one of the most famous views on the planet, seeing this new wonder of the world for the first time is an experience that we guarantee will stay with you forever!
Spending the night camping under the most amazing starlit skies, you will feel truly immersed in the spirit of this sacred area. We have worked hard to ensure that your camping experience is as comfortable as it can be, so from the comfort of the quality camping equipment we use to the sumptuous food that our camp chef prepares, you can be assured of a fantastic night in the mountains .
On our second day of the Short Inca Trail we rise early to take a full tour of Machu Picchu. Our guides are especially selected for their knowledge of Incan culture and history, and will provide a fascinating and informative tour that really brings things to life. There is an option to climb Huayana Picchu mountain (at additional cost).
With all transfers and tickets booked in advance, we believe this tour offers the perfect combination of an authentic Peruvian hiking adventure and a tour of Machu Picchu.
So why not join us at Peru By Locals for this unforgettable adventure!
High lights of the Short Inca Trail
- Trek with our passionated local guides that hiked the Inca trail more than 500 times and guided Machu Picchu more than 1000 times
- Enjoy one night camping
- Savor the true Peruvian cousine with our hiking chef
- Follow the original Inca trail and explore all the Incan sites along your journey
- Enter to the most sacred city of the Incas Machu Picchu through the Sun gate before Sunset
- Tour Machu Picchu very early in the moorning before the big crowds
Details
Type of tour: Train ride, hike, historical
Total hiking distance : 12 km / 7.4 miles
Total walking time: 6 to 7 hours, about 3 hours up the hill and 2 hours in relativily flat ttrail and the rest of the time is for resting, explore Incan sites, pictures, etc.
Lowest Elevation: 2150m (7,053 ft)
Highest Elevation: 2670m (8,759 ft)
Difficulty: This hike is considered moderate due the low elevation but for some unusual hiker it can be chalenging especially the uphill seccion.
Type of accomodation: . This hike ends in camping at Puente Ruinas campground thats located at the bottom of Machu Picchu and along Urubamba River which later becomes the Great Amazonas.
Good for: Don’t have enough time? to hike the complite 4 day Inca trail but still want hike, and still want to camp we will make your dream come true of taking you on the short Inca trail so you can hike part of the classic Inca trail and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun gate.
Our guides: PERU BY LOCALS was a dream that came thuth on 2015 for Jose Condor who guided treks from 2014 un till today and have been to Machu Picchu for over 1000 times, now Peru by Locals has a groups of top guides around among men and women that had a proffesional degree and get refresh trainning every year these folks had been to USA training with NOLS (National Oudoor Leadership Shool) training about WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER sinze our treks go in the wilderness and your helth is our priority in our trips so, our guides are totaly trained to assist any fo your needs while on you are vacationing, we envest on our guides because we belive they are the main ingredient of any trip.
Location: This trip starts in Cusco city or Sacred Valley at your request, you will need to fly to Lima which is the capital of Peru, then to Velasco Astete of Cusco airport which is a small domestic airport.
Departures: This hike is operated by PERU BY LOCALS 100%, when you book your hike or take any tour package. You go with us, we don’t rearrange tours, and we depart every day and year-round; the size of the groups is from 2 to 5 people on average, which allows us to give you personalized service.
We take bookings year round and this hike does not need to book with a long time in advance so, anytime you are ready join us and reach us for any questions you have to our 14/7 number +51 989585967 or email us to info@perubylocals.com
Itinerary
Day 0:
We think it’s important that all of our guests have the opportunity to ask questions about the trek (the itinerary, the level of difficulty, what to bring etc) before we start Short Inca Trail with camping . At a pre-arranged time, your guide will provide a full pre-trek briefing at your Cusco hotel the day before the start of the trek. A Peru by Locals representative will also be available at the briefing to collect any outstanding balance for the tour, in cash.
Day 1: In the footsteps of the Incas
Our adventure starts with a journey by mini-van and then by train. Collecting you early in the morning from your Cusco hotel, we drive for around 1.5 hours to the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo. From here we join the Expedition train service that takes us the remainder of our journey to KM104, and the start of our trek. The train journey provides a unique perspective of the surrounding area. Have your camera at the ready as we pass by majestic snowcapped peaks, eerie cloud forests and traditional Andean villages.
Beginning our trek, we immediately find ourselves on the ancient Inca Trail, winding quickly away from the hustle and bustle of KM104 into beautiful mountain scenery, and fresh Andean air! Making a moderate 3 hour climb we arrive at the Incan ruins of Wiñaywayna (2,650m). Perhaps the most beautiful and well preserved ruins on this section of the trail, your guide will provide a comprehensive commentary about the site as you rest, take in the views, and enjoy the boxed lunch that we will have prepared for you.
Our afternoon begins with a short 1 hour hike to Inti Punku or the “Sun Gate”, the excitement building as our eyes feast for the first time on the glorious spectacle of Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas! Without question one of the most famous ancient sites in the world, these are images that are unforgettable and we will have plenty of time to take them all in.
Then, hiking downhill for 40 minutes to the entrance to Machu Picchu, we will have yet more opportunities to view this incredible citadel. This is where our time on the Inca Trail ends and we catch a bus for the short ride to the Puente ruins and our campsite for the night. Everything will have been prepared ahead of our arrival, and so all you need to do is to change into some warmer clothing, relax and enjoy the sumptuous dinner that our chef will have prepared; our reward for the efforts of the day.
Quick Facts
- Distance Covered: 12 km / 7.4 miles
- Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Lowest Elevation: 2150m (7,053 ft)
- Highest Elevation: 2670m (8,759 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Good For: anyone with a moderate level of fitness
Day 2: Machu Picchu Tour
Day 2 starts before dawn! After being gently woken by our crew, you will find that our kitchen team got up even earlier to prepare a delicious breakfast for us. After breakfast we then take an easy 30 minute walk to Aguas Calientes, our departure point for Machu Picchu. Walking the trail with just the pre-dawn to light our way is a unique and tranquil experience!
Taking one of the first buses to Machu Picchu this 30 minute drive take us steadily upwards to the citadel, and we arrive to see the sun rising magestically over the Andes.
Joining a short queue, we enter the site together and your guide will then provide a fascinating tour of the site. Taking between 2 and 3 hours, the tour is designed to bring the spirit and history of Machu Picchu to life. Whilst there will be many other tourists visiting at the same time, our guides are skilled in orientating the tour to avoid the biggest crowds and to ensure you get access to all of the best photo opportunities. This is, after all, a once in a lifetime opportunity!
There are 2 options once the tour is over. If you chose to climb Huayana Picchu mountain, then you can begin your hike immediately after the tour. The ascent takes around an hour, but the views across the Andes with Machu Picchu below are outstanding and well worth the effort. Alternatively, you may choose to simply spend more time immersing yourself in the spirit of Machu Picchu; wandering and wondering at this marvel of ancient engineering and spiritual importance.
Having spent about 3 hours of touring in Machu Picchu, eather you climb Huayna Picchu mountain if you booked in advance or we take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. After collecting your luggage from your hotel, we take the train back to Cusco at around 3pm. After the effort and excitement of the last 2 days, this is the perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on the experience. Finally, on arrival to train station, you will be met by one of our representatives who will transport you back to your hotel by mini-van.
Services
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Mini-van transfer to and from your Cusco hotel
- Train ride service from Cusco to Km 104 (start of the hike)
- Train ride service from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (this train service can be upgraded to the Vista Dome service at an additional cost of US$ 25 per person).
- Entrance tickets for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- All bus tickets to and from Machu Picchu
- Professional tour guide, knowledgeable in Inca history, tradition, fauna/flora and first aids in the wilderness
- First Aid Kit and Oxygen tank carried by your guide
- 1 night camping
- Boxed lunch on Day 1
- Dinner on Day 1 with our chef
- Breakfast on Day 2 with our chef
- All camping equipment (sleeping tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, bathroom tent, sleeping mats, stools, table etc.)
- Sleeping bag (all of our sleeping bags are professionally cleaned before each hike)
SERVICES EXCLUDED
- Lunch on day 2 after Machu Picchu tour in Aguas Calientes before your trail ride ( Aguas Calientes town is very small and interesting town where you don’t even find cars, where ever you go will be on foot because the size of the town does not allow cars)
- Tips for your guide, chef. We recomend 15% of the total trip cost
- Tickets to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains (these can be arranged at an additional cost of US$ 70 per person)
Packing list
- Original passport.
- Please, remember to bring your original passport and that should be current one, if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both the one you use for booking your trip and the new one, the information you provided us in time of your booking have to match with your tickets in the Inca trail, the reason we ask you for your personal information when you book the trip.
- Hiking shooes, they should be confortable for your feet.
- Fleece, Temperatures are usually over 50F° during the day and night so one fleece is enough
- T-shirt, you may consider bringing one that you will be wearing during the hike and one for Machu Picchu on day 2.
- Socks, recomended one pair you will be wearing during the hike and one pair for Machu Picchu day.
- Sun hat, some days can be hot and sunny, we recommend you to bring a sun hat that can keep the sun off your face.
- Light long pants, trekking pants are the best those that you can sip off the legs, plus they dry fast in case it rains
- Sunscreen SPF 35+ recommended
- Sunglasses
- Camera or your phone for capturing those beautyful moments.
- Bug repellent, there are mosquitos all around the year make sure you pack your bug spray.
- Cash. Its always good to bring cash for apreciations to your guide, or buy any goodies but most of the restaurants or shops take credit cards.
Important information
OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE DO I MEET THE TEAM?
The day before the trek starts your guide will meet you at your chosen hotel in Cusco at 5:30 pm for a pre-trek talk to give you the last details about the hike, so we recommend you book a hotel in the downtown area of Cusco.
WHAT IS THE TERRAIN LIKE? HOW CHALLENGING IS IT?
The hike is rated as moderate and covers 12 km / 7.4 miles on uneven, rocky terrain with steep uphill and downhill sections.
HOW LONG BEFORE SHOULD I BOOK THE INCA TRAIL?
The Inca trail spots should be booked in advance especially from April to August, as this is the busy season, and from September to January, there are usually spots left. We recommend you book our spot for a high season before December ends.
The Peruvian Ministry of Culture administers control Inca Trail. They are the only ones able to authorize access to the Inca Trail.
Access to the Short Inca Trail is limited to 250 people per day. Reservations for the Inca Trail can only be made from March to January. During February the Trail is closed for maintenance.
The availability applies to the INCA TRAIL itself and not to any tour operators. For this reason, any agency you may contact will have the same availability of permits for the Inca Trail.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE INCA TRAIL DURING THE YEAR?
Weather in the region is extremely variable and you should pack for a variety of conditions. In addition, our trek passes through ten bio-zones ranging from high altitude alpine conditions to high jungle. During a sunny day, you can expect temperatures of about 18–25°C (65–77°F), however, on the second day the weather is very unpredictable and temperatures can drop to 6°C (42°F) during the day at the pass (but you won’t spend a lot of time up there).
The Machu Picchu area has a humid climate and tends to be warmer since it is located at a lower altitude and near the Amazon Jungle. The average temperatures at Machu Picchu are between 23°C to 25°C (73°F and 77°F), with the minimum temperature around 18°C (64°F). The Cusco area has only 2 well-defined seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season starts in November and ends in March. During this period, it rains almost every day for three or four hours, but also there are several sunny days. The dry season begins around March and lasts until October. June and July are the coldest months. Paradoxically at noon, the temperatures can reach 23 °C (77°F), the annual highest temperature.
SHOULD I TIP THE GUIDES? IF I DO, HOW MUCH I SHOULD I TIP?
We recommend tip a guide with 15% of the total cost.
HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD I STAY IN CUSCO BEFORE THE TREK TO ADJUST TO THE ALTITUDE?
This hike does not require altitude adjustments because it is in a low elevation so, you can start the hike anytime you disire.
DO I NEED TO CARRY MY OWN MEDICINE OR FIRST AID?
Your guide will have a first aid kit all the time while you are on the trek, which includes some pain killers, bandages, small bandages to prevent blisters, an oxygen tank, pills for the case of diarrheas, and similar. At any time of the trek please feel free to ask for anything you may need, however, if you need any special medication or you have a special medical condition, please, contact your doctor to get the best advice before the trek.
HOW BIG MY GROUP IS GOING TO BE?
We are specialized in both small and big groups, but we like small groups because that way our clients get personalized service especially when you encounter lots of things on treks, such as Incan sites, flowers, flora, and fauna – your guide spends lots of time with you so you can learn more about our culture and history.
We limit the size of our groups on treks to up to 8 people.
Of course, if any situation requires more than 8 people in a group, that is not any problem for us at all, – for example, a group of friends or family that is more than 8, we are happy to have them in a single group.
IS THERE ANY AGE LIMIT?
In the Inca trail, there is no minimum age or limit,- any person who is prepared for hiking can do it., Inca Trail is considered as moderate hike so, even kids can do it.
WHAT TIME DO I GET BACK TO CUSCO ON THE LAST DAY?
You will be back in Cusco around 5 pm after the trek., If for any reason you have to be back in Cusco earlier than that, please advise us at the time of your booking or at least over one month before your trek begins, as we have to buy you the train ticket for exactly the specified trains.
SHOULD I HAVE TO BOOK WAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN IN ADVANCE?
The Wayna Picchu mountain has a limit of permits up to 400 per day which is divided into two groups -, the first group from 7 am to 8 am and the second one from 10 am to 11 am., We recommend you to book it in advance, especially for the dry season or high season that runs from April to August, Consider booking it 2 or 3 months in advance and email us for the availabilities.
HOW BIG MY DAY BACKPACK SHOULD BE?
Thirty-litre backpack will be big enough to carry your belongings such as water, rain gear, and extra clothes since we will provide you with a personal porter who will carry up to 13Lbs of other equipment.
If you already have any backpacks between 20 and 30 liters, they will be good too.
CAN I PAY THE REST OF THE BALANCE ON THE CREDIT CARD OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE IN CASH?
We take the balance of the payment in cash, so you won’t need to pay extra fees, Of course, you can use PAY PAL or CREDIT CARD, but you will need to pay the fees that are usually over 6%.
On the day of your briefing when your guide will meet you, one of the representatives will meet you too to collect the rest of the balance for your trek.
PERUVIAN CURRENCY
The Peruvian sole is the currency of Peru, and usually fluctuates in the 3.3 to 3.8 Nuevo sol to 1 US Dollar
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the national language of Peru, also a 20% of Peruvians speak Quechua (Inca language) Our guides are fluent in Spanish and English
Why Peru by Locals
- Peru by Locals offers tailor-made treks and tours and we cater to your interests when we plan your tour
- We are committed to providing world-class tours based on exceptional customer service.
- We are a locally owned and highly experienced travel company based in Cusco, Peru.
- Our staff consists of members which have decades of first-hand experience in the Peruvian tourism sector.
- All the management and staff in Peru by Locals speak English, Spanish, and Quechua (the language of the Incas).
- Our guides and staff members are professionally trained and educated in the history of the Incas, Peruvian history, culture and traditions, first aid in the wilderness, guiding treks and tours, the fauna and flora of the region, and tourism management.
- We are committed to protect our environment.
- We are committed to creating Jobs and empowering local people. We believe in fair labor practices and honor and treat all our employees with dignity.
- We have programs to help with the development of the porters’ families and communities, such as planting trees and buying school books and school equipment for poor local communities.
- We honor native communities that have stewarded the land you visit
- We have also started an Education Fund to support the education of the children of porters. A percentage of income from every tour and trek goes to education of needed once.
- Our trips are designed carefully to your needs and we create diverse unique itineraries from 1 to 15 days in length, a we offer wide range of tours and treks and all the tours. We guarantee you the experience of a lifetime!
- Peru By Locals organizes free worry trips for you to enjoy fully.
Peru small group specialists
Our tours are designed for those who love adventure, want to explore new places, experience the local culture, love food, like history or photography for all ages whether you are traveling alone, with friends, in couples, family. At Peru by Locals there is not
Small groups are the best and the average tour or trek group is around 4 to 8 people. Why is this great? Well, have you ever waited in line while 40 other people get a coffee in the morning? Believe it or not, it is not fun. Taking small groups allows us the flexibility to take you on an adventure to places that nobody else goes.
Prices
- USD $560 (Group Service) Our gorups are usually small because we like to provide personolize service and can be 6 people in a group
- USD $650 (Private Service). This service is recomended for group of friends, family with kids, couples, honey monners and can be costumized at your needs with no extra costs.
Discounts:
- Students:$30 (please provide a copy of your university student card when booking the hike)
- Children up to 15 years of age will be considered as students (please provide a copy of the child’s passport when booking the hike)
Are you ready to book? email us to info@perubylocals.com or send us a Whatsaap message to +51 989585967 and joun us for an incredible hiking trip to Machu Picchu.
Discounts:
- Students:$30 (please provide a copy of your ISIC card when booking the hike)
- Children up to 15 years of age will be considered as students (please provide a copy of the child’s passport when booking the hike)
BOOK NOW
In order for us to reserve your spot on this Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you are required to send us the following information below (detaisl): full names, passport number, age, gender, nationality and make the relevant deposit of US$200 per person using VISA as indicated below:
When you have sent us the information of each person, made your deposit using VISA and once we have both, we will confirm your tour. Thank you so much for choosing PERU by LOCALS.
If you have any questions, send us an e-mail to: info@perubylocals.com or send us a message to Whatsapp +51 989585967
