Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (with hotel)

Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1: CUSCO / KM104 / WIÑAYWAYNA / MACHUPICCHU / AGUAS CALIENTES

The pick up time from the hotel will depend on the train schedule and the location of your hotel.  The train takes us to the begining of the Inca trail at km 104. We cross the bridge over the Urubamba River to the checkpoint. Once the group is ready, we begin the trek, first visiting the Chachabamba archaeological site.

These inca ruins were discovered in 1940. The style of the site and stonework suggests that this was an important religious place which also functioned as a watchtower on the way to Machu Picchu. The path then turns west and continues uphill entering to the cloudy forest.

After about 2 hours hiking by the mountain side we reach a beautiful waterfall. Then, we arrive to the bottom of the superb ruins of Wiñaywayna, where we have our box lunch. After that, we leave Wiñaywayna to Machupicchu before sunset. The trail follows the mountainside and drops into the cloudy forest before coming to an almost vertical stone tier of 50 steps leading up to the final pass called Inti Punku (Sun Gate). After enjoying this place and taking the panoramic pictures we hike down to Machupicchu.

You will have some free time to enjoy the sunset and take photos of Machupicchu from the classic viewpoint before taking the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes where we spend the night.

• Total walking Distance: 12 km
• Total walking time: 6 hours
• Minimum Altitude: 2100m
• Maximun Altitude: 2750m

DAY 2: MACHUPICCHU / CUSCO

Early in the morning, we take the first bus up to Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise. A guided tour of the citadel lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours.

After the tour, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own.
Before taking the train back to Cusco, you may enjoy lunch near the Inca site or take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where there are plenty of restaurants to choose from and the guide will tell you what time you should meet at the train station to take the train back to Cusco.

Tour Package Details

Inclusions:

• Private Transportation: Our vans are brand new, fully authorized for tourist use, and equipped with all the necessary safety features, including a first aid kit and an oxygen tank.
• English-speaking tour guide: Our tour guides bring over fifteen years of experience, specializing in adventure, culture, history and flora and fauna of this region. Their extensive knowledge ensures that every feature of the journey is carefully planned, providing travelers with a deeply enriching experience. Driven by their passion and love for their work, they are dedicated to sharing the beauty and history of this amazing places.
• First Aid Kit: Our tour guides are always equipped with a first aid kit to address any potential emergencies that may arise during the trip. This includes treatments for altitude sickness, diarrhea, cuts, and other minor ailments, ensuring prompt and appropriate care for all participants.
• Oxygen Tank: Our tour guides carry a metal oxygen tank at all times. This precaution ensures the safety and comfort of our visitors, providing immediate assistance if needed.
• Box Lunch: After your visit to Inti Punku a complimentary box lunch will be provided. This meal is thoughtfully prepared to offer a balanced selection of fresh and nourishing food, allowing you to recharge your energy after your adventure.
• Walking Sticks: To enhance your hiking experience to this amazing place, we provide you complimentary walking sticks, offering additional support and stability on the trails.
• Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: We pick you up from your hotel reception and at the end of this tour we drop you off at your hotel.
• Briefing: One day prior to your trip, the guide will meet you at the hotel to give you detailed information and answer any questions you may have.
• Customer Service: We offer you an emergency phone number available 24 hours a day to facilitate seamless communication with the Inka Expeditions team.
• Round trip train ticket: from Cusco to km. 104 (starting point of the trail) and from Machupicchu to Cusco City.
• Entrance tickets: For the Inca Trail and Machupicchu (second day).
• Hotel: at Aguas Calientes town (the price is based on double room occupancy)
• Snacks
• Bus tickets: From machupicchu to Aguas calientes town (first day).
• Round trip bus ticket: in Machupicchu (second day).

Exclusions:

• Breakfast (first day).
• Lunch and dinner (second day).
• Walking sticks ( you can rent them in our office).
• Flight tickets
• Airport taxes
• Tips (optional)
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses

Optional extras not included (need to book in advance)

• Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75 (Need to book in advance)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75 (Need to book in advance)
• Vistadome/Panoramic 360° Train Aguas Calientes-Ollantaymbo: USD 75 (Need to book in advance)
• Extra Night in Aguas Calientes: Depends on the type of hotel desired (Need to book in advance).

What to bring:

• Backpack to carry personal items like snacks and water.
• Warm clothes and fleece
• Rain jacket
• Hiking boots
• Trousers and shorts
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Toiletries
• Bathing suit and towel (optional)
• Original passport

Why choose this trekking with Inka Expeditions?

With Inka Expeditions, your trekking to Machupicchu will be a memorable experience led by an expert local tour guide who will share all their knowledge of the Andean Culture and Machupicchu and also about the flora and fauna of this region. Our groups are maximum 10 people for a better experience.

Price

Private Service

This is a private tour organized exclusively for you and your family. It includes private transportation and a professional tour guide to provide you with the best experience and a personal touch.

DEPARTURES: From March to January  depending on your request.
PRICE 2026

IMPORTANT: Price is based on a double room accomodation in a 3-star hotel.

An additional USD 50.00 will be charged for a single room if there’s no one else to share a double room with or if you are travelling alone.

Discounts:

Students: US$ 25 (with a valid ISIC card under 25 years old)
Teenagers: US$ 25 (under 15)

Booking Information

Choose the date when you would like to start this Tour -select the month, year and the day, (Starting Date). Fill in the blanks as requested with your details as well as of the people traveling with you. Once you have finished,  send us your reservation and you will be registered to pay a booking deposit of US$ 300 + 6% through Paypal. Once we get the payment, we will confirm the tour and send you teh rest of the details.

Booking deposit required – Online payments.

1.- You must pay a booking deposit of US$ 300+6% per person through Paypal.

2.-US$ 75 additional per person if you decide to climb Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. You have to confirm in advance as there are two time options available to enter: 07 – 08 am or 10 – 11 am.

FINAL PAYMENT: The remaining balance of the tour must be paid 2 months in advance through Paypal.

Terms and conditions

1.- You must inform us of any medical problems or allergies. You need to be in good physical condition. If your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor.

2.- If you have vertigo, we recommend not to climb Huayna Picchu for any reason. Indicate NO in the reservation format and write this in the comments section. (If you want to climb up to Machupicchu or Wayna Picchu mountain you have to book 4 or 5 months in advance as tickets sell out quickly.

3.- You must carry your original passport and valid ISIC card on the trail. If you do not take the original passport as indicated in your permit, the control will cancel your permit and refuse your entrance to the trail. If for any reason, you organize a new passport after we have purchased your permits, you must bring the old passport with you, or advise us with a scan of the old passport and your new passport for us to present to the INC with official documentation to avoid problems. Administration charge for this formal change is (US$ 15 pp).

4.- The student US$25 discount for use of ISIC cards is regulated by the park itself, not our company. All student cards are validated by the control of the park and only accepted if you scanned a clear copy of your valid student card through with your deposit at the time of booking and it was confirmed.

5.- Accommodation in Aguas Calientes is provided in a 3-star hotel.
Alternative accommodation options can be arranged upon request. Upgrade options and the corresponding supplemental costs, based on double occupancy, are outlined in the Recommendations section.
Please inform us of any accommodation upgrade requests at the time of booking.

6.- Date changes are permitted only if the group size remains above the minimum required and if train tickets and Machu Picchu entrance tickets have not yet been issued. A change fee of US$25.00 applies.
If train tickets have already been issued, any date change will incur an additional fee, as PeruRail also charges for date modifications. In this case, an administrative fee of US$20.00 per ticket applies.
In some cases, a date change may only be possible by upgrading to a higher-class train carriage; any fare difference must be paid in addition.

7- Our company will take all reasonable care in providing service to our clients to avoid accidents, illness, loss of personal property and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. we cannot however be responsible for any action or event that was unavoidable. We also cannot be responsible for improper acts by clients or other third party. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.

8.-Our travel agency does not take responsibility for additional costs due to unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal items, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.

Cancellation penalties:

A.- Cancellation of the tour once you have paid a deposit and received a confirmation incurs in the loss of the booking deposit. (US$ 300.00) per person. Non-refundable booking deposit.
B.- Cancellation of tour within 45 days to 31 days before departure incurs a loss of 70% of total tour cost…
C.- Cancellation of tour within 30 days to 8 days before departure incurs a loss of 80% of total tour cost…
D.- Cancellation of tour within 7 days – 48 hours of departure incurs a loss of 90% of total tour cost…
E.- Cancellation of tour within 48 hours of departure incurs a loss of total tour cost…

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about this trek.

1.-How do I prepare for the altitude sickness on the 2-day trek to Machupicchu?

The 2-day Inca trail to Machupicchu reaches 2750m (9020ft) so it is recommended to acclimatize for 1 or 2 days in Cusco City before this tour. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.

2.-How difficult is this trek?

This trekking to Machupicchu is considered moderate, perfect for beginners in good health but hiking boots are required.

3.-Is it safe to do this trekking to Machupicchu during the wet season?

Yes, it is safe but during the wet season (November to March) the trail can be slippery so we recommended to bring waterproof hiking boots and rain ponchos. The dry season (April to October) is ideal for this trek because we have clear views but the weather is always unpredictable in the Andes.