SEASON: From January to December (not available on February)
This trip allows a taste of the Inca Trail without days of hiking and camping and is ideal for trekkers wanting to experience at least a part of the Inca Trail but haven’t got the time or energy to complete the full 4 day trek. We begin the hike from the stop’s train at Kilometer 104 and follow the trail for six hours to the spectacular view of Machu Picchu from Inti Punku, The gate of the Sun. From here we descend into the world famous “Lost City”. After a restful night in a hotel, We return to Machu Picchu at dawn to see the ruins in perfect morning light. In the afternoon, We return to Cusco by train.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2D/1N is undoubtedly one of the most popular excursions for those seeking adventure and mystery that the Incas have left us. This offer a unique walk, with spectacular landscapes and unforgettable experiences. To all these natural wonders we should add Inca buildings that are worth visiting, the architectural art in perfect harmony with the natural environment.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BOOK THIS TOUR? ASK FOR AVAILABILITY
DURATION: 2 days / 1 nights.
SEASON: From January / to December 2015 (Except February)
DEPARTURE: Daily since 2 people subject to availability
GUIDE SERVICE: Shared (Group)
RETURN : Expedition Train
Upon request: Upgrade on accommodation and Train
Important Note:
Before taking this tour you must know about the new regulations created to minimize impact on the fragile environment of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, now days only 500 people in total including guides, cooks and porters on the classic Inca Trail, the shorter Inca Trail and the Salkantay trek 7 days are allow to enter in Machu Picchu though the Inca trail daily.
We advise you to book early (at least 90 days in advance is recommended) to secure your spot.
On the other hand, you must have the following information to reserve as in your passport and from each participant in your group:
*Trek departure date:
*Prior arrival date in Cusco
*Name (as in your passport)
*Middle Name
*Surname
*Passport Number
*Citizenship
*Birth date
*Special Food Requirement
*Height
*Gender: Male / Female
*Student with ISIC card: No / Yes
*Accommodation in Cusco (Address and Phone Number)
Important: Kindly take note that once your spot is reserve and confirmed is non refundable neither allow to do any modifications like names, passport numbers or so.
We appreciate your cooperation in this fact as we are also working with the new regulations.
This itinerary is rated moderate and should only be undertaken by people who are fairly fit and take regular exercise. The trek starts at 2100m.a.s.l and climbs to 2700m.a.s.l (Wiñay Wayna) before descending to 2400m (Machu Picchu).
Since the trek start at a lower altitude than the Classic 4 day Inca Trail trek, you do not need to worry about acclimatization as much, although many people still find themselves short of breath when arriving at Wiñay Wayna, so this trek should certainly not be considered an easy option.
To fully enjoy an Inka Trail adventure, we advise passengers to get into an exercise program for their own safety and enjoyment.
If a passenger suffers from any medical condition, we advise him/her to consult a physician about joining an Inka Trail Expedition.
DAY 1 CUSCO/MACHU PICCHU
Early transfer to the station in order to aboard the train that will lead you to the KM104, located in the railroad Cusco-Machu Picchu. Km104 will be our departure point for the adventure. At this point we will leave the train and start walking to the city of Machu Picchu, across the Urubamba River through a bridge that offers a spectacular view of the mountains. During the trip we will make our first visit to one of the Inca sites known as Chachabamba, a beautiful palace with nice walls carved in stone. Then our guide will explain part of the story of the Incas. We will start walking again and start climbing through a mountain totally covered by vegetation, for about 8 Km (4 hours), until we arrive to Wiñaywayna, located at a height of 2700 meters above sea level. After Machu Picchu, Wiñaywayna is one of the most beautiful buildings made by the Incas, at the cloudy forest. Wiñaywana shows a perfect example of the agriculture during Incas time, showing a great number of terraces, where the Incas used to grow different plants and vegetables, including coca leaves. The name of Wiñaywayna comes from a beautiful orchid which grows in that region and means “forever young”. After exploring this marvelous site we will take our box lunch near to this zone. Later the same day we will continue our walk towards a cloudy forest until the Intipunku or “Sun Gate”. At this point the adventurers shall have access to the most amazing view of the city of Machu Picchu. This is a very special site, where we will rest for some minutes and take a lot of pictures of Machu Picchu. After we will descend towards Machu Picchu (the guided visit will be next day) and we will arrive to the town of Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night in the select lodging.
At night the passengers will explore and get to know the little town and will be able to try the thermal baths located in the superior part of the city near the Main Square. Aguas Calientes has a great variety of restaurants. (Box Lunch)
Maximum altitude: 2700 M
Minimum altitude: 2400 M
Distance: 8 km
Approximate walking time: 6 to 7 hours.
TRAIN SERVICE:
The Expedition is a travel experience with all the quality and benefits at a lower cost. Is a service designed for the traveler’s comfort, with four passenger seats located in front of each other, so you can share your experience, and for the faithful backpack that is always with you we offer racks placed above the seats. Also, this train has panoramic windows, air conditioning and heating, and Andean music that creates a cheerful atmosphere.
DAY 2 MACHU PICCHU/CUSCO
After breakfast, we will go to the bus station of Aguas Calientes in order to take the tourist bus that will take us to the Sacred City of Machu Picchu. This short trip takes only 20 minutes and goes through a rural road, very difficult and with a big number of curves through a mountain with jungle characteristics and amazing views. Finally we will arrive to the Sanctuary of Macchu Picchu where our guide will offer us a walk through the most important points of this beautiful Inca city, visiting the most important parts. Later the same day each passenger will be able to explore the city on his own. You can have lunch just outside the ruins or take a bus to the town of Aguas Calientes where there are plenty of restaurants to suit all budgets. In the afternoon return to Cusco City. Reception at the train station and transfer to your accommodation (B).
Maximum altitude: 2400 M
Minimum Altitude: 2000 M
Distance: 9 km
Approximate walking time: 2 to 3 hours.
*INCA TRAIL INFORMATION
SERVICE INCLUDED:
– Train ticket round trip,
– Lodging in Aguas Calientes,
– transfer on arrival and departure,
– Bilingual guide,
– Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
– First aid kit, bus tickets.
NOT INCLUDED:
– Tips for guides, porters or chefs
– Alcoholic drinks.
– Fee entrances to the hot springs.
– Lunch 2nd day.
– Water supply
– Extra porter for personal items
YOU SHOULD BRING:
– Original Passport
– Backpack
– ISIC student card (if applicable)
– Backpack
– Trekking shoes
– Water bottle
– Warm clothes (jacket, fleece and sweaters)
– Flashlight and batteries
– Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain or cold
– Sun block and insect repellent
– Towel and toilet paper
– Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, etc.
– Cash (no ATM machines in Aguas Calientes)
– Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the trek)
NOTE: You will need to leave your extra luggage in the Cusco hotel, all the lodgings in Cusco provide a secure luggage deposit. Put any valuables in their safe box.
IMPORTANT NOTE
We will buy your Inca Trail trek permit using the names & passport numbers that yo will send us with your trek booking application. You must bring these same passports with you to Cusco and take them on the Inca Trail. If the name or number in your passport are different from the name and number on the trek permit, the government authorities will not allow you to start the trek and you will not be entitled to a refund.
If you plan to renew your passport between making the trek booking and actually starting the trek YOU WILL MUST bring both passports (New and Old).
If you make the trek booking at the student price you must send us a scan copy of your ISIC card at the time you pay the trek deposit.
If you fail to bring your ISIC card on the trek the government authorities will not allow you to start the trek. You will not be given the opportunity to pay the extra difference in price!
STUDENT DISCOUNT:
Note: To apply to this discount It is necessary to send us your scan copy ISIC (International Student Identity Card) with your other information.
Without this copy we will not be able to make the discount.
This is the ONLY Student card to apply the discount
When booking a trek: The government has strictly limited the number of people permitted on the Inca Trail during 2009 (permits are issued to about 200 trekkers per day plus 300 porters). We recommend that you make a trek booking as early as possible. In 2008 the trek permits for some dates sold out more than 4 months in advance!! However don’t make a booking until you have all the group details (names, passport numbers, ages etc) and you are sure about your trek departure date since “these details cannot be changed after we have bought your trek permit”
PARK REGULATIONS
Park authorities may occasionally designate different campsites than those indicate The Inca Trail is part of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, a protected area of 32,592 hectares. Every visitor must obey park regulations prohibiting littering, cutting or damaging trees, removing or damaging stones of ruins and the Trail, removing plants, killing animals, lighting open fires or camping in the archeological sites (Only authorized campsites can be used).
If you will take any trek with us. we ask you to fill the customer chart regarding the commentaries or otherwise you can inform to the Operations Department.
This is a very important requirement and necessary to do after take the tour to avoid problems regarding the quality of the service and help you to resolve it before you leave to your country otherwise our agency is assuming that all your services was ok therefore we are not going to accept any claims.
