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On the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu experience the stunning Inca ruins, spectacular side by side mountains, lush vegetation and some of the most remarkable ecological varieties you may ever experience.
The 2 Day Trail hikes up and enters into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku e quechua). From the Sun Gate get the most famous, unforgettable views of the Inca City. On the hike, walk through cloud forest and finally into subtropical vegetation. Ending at the magnificent wonder of the world: Machu Picchu.
Trekkers on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu have the privilege of visiting the Ancient Machu Picchu City twice, on the 1st day in the afternoon arrive to Machu Picchu view point and the second day early morning on a tour with their guide.
The second day, be transported by shuttle bus from Machu Picchu Pueblo, in time for sunrise over the mountains and Machu Picchu (2,400m/7907ft). Begin your exploration of the ancient culture in the City of Machu Picchu. Travel back in time to this magical, sacred, and mysterious place, known as Machu-Picchu, “The Old Sacred Mountain.” Take your time exploring magestic Machu Picchu, the Incan ruins rich in history of its past and the thriving culture of the people who once lived there.
Times are approximate and depends on your trekking time. Permits need to be booked way in advance!
Day 1: CUSCO – 104 KMS – WIÑAYHUAYNA-SUN GATE-MACHU PICCHU
With a compacted 2 days of excitement ahead, pick up from your hotel at 4:00am and drive to the train station. After an hour and ten minute scenic Expedition train ride to 104 kms point (elevation 2,100m/6,927ft) we arrive at the starting point of our trek. Here we begin a moderate climb for three hours to the chiseled remnants and remote archaeological site of Wiñayhuana, (2,650m/8747 ft). Enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Canyon, and the wonders of the ancient Inca sites. Being at one with this beautiful sight, we will continue onward towards the Sun Gate. (2,730mts/9,007ft) Following the ancient remote footpath for an hour, we get our first spectacular view of Machu Picchu Citadel in all its brilliance. Moving closer to the citadel of Machu Picchu, feel her mystical presence. Take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in our hotel.
Day 2: AGUAS CALIENTES-MACHU PICCHU-CUSCO
Today you will get to enjoy exploring Machu Picchu and experience her magical presence by taking the first bus at 5:30AM to the Machu Picchu archeological site. Get to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Take your time exploring every nook and cranny of this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It is an unforgettable experience. The guide will expertly direct you through the energetic ruins and its diverse main streets.
After you have finished at the ruins, take a bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch, there are many restaurants to choose from offering a delicious range of meals. Later catch the train back to Cusco arriving around 7pm.
May through November is dry season. That does not mean that it never rains in the dry season but it is mostly dry with an occasional light shower.
The rainy season begins usually in December and last until April. In the rainy season, we have heavy tropical showers frequently.
The Cusco region has a tropical high mountainous type of weather. That means our weather can change quickly from sunshine to a rain shower within a few minutes. A few clouds form (usually in the afternoons), it rains for a few minutes and then out comes the sun again. It can show that it is raining every day; but all that means is that somewhere in our mountainous region there will be a shower.
On the Inca Trail the weather depends on whether it is the rainy season or the dry season. The 1 and 2 day Inca Trail is at lower altitude than Cusco, 1,000 meters or about 3,000 feet lower. Thus it tends to be a bit warmer during the day and at night.
However, it is more tropical and more humid than Cusco. There is always a chance of a rain showers but in the rainy season these showers will last longer and be much more intense tropical rain showers. The Inca Trail is made of stones laid in the ground so it can be more slippery to walk on in the rainy season.
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Couples
Trip to Rainbow mountain. First to the mountain thanks to Yair’s expert driving and special thanks to Cristian for being my guide. Highly recommend!
Written July 2, 2025
Family
We had an incredible experience hiking the Inca Trail with Ray as our guide. Ray was amazing. He was super knowledgeable about the history of the Incas, and he brought that history to life. We visited three larger sites, and several smaller ones that we arrived at by foot deep in the Peruvian jungle. Ray's was an incredible, passionate, and experienced guide, and also just a great person we are lucky to have met. I also have to mention Moses, our porter who made an amazing lunch and hiked it up to our resting spot 2000 ft above the Urambamba River to Wiñaywayna.
Written July 4, 2025
Family
Did the short inca trail through sam travel and it was an unforgettable experience. Hiking from the train to the Sun Gate with its beutiful views of macchu piccu was incredible. Our guide, Ray, was extremely knowledgeable, passionate, and always positive. At every location and along the way he had fascinating information to share and no question went unanswered.
Written July 4, 2025
Family
We had a great experience with our guide Cristian during our visit to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. He shared clear and detailed explanations, with a fascinating historical narrative that helped us truly connect with the places we explored. I learned so much thanks to him. The atmosphere was also really positive and friendly throughout the tour. Highly recommended!
Written June 26, 2025
