Cusco to Aguas Calientes

Ollantaytambo - Early Departure from Cusco to Km 104:
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu kicks off early in the morning with a hotel pickup from Cusco (around 4:00 a.m.) or from the Sacred Valley (around 5:30 a.m.), depending on your accommodation. To avoid a lengthy transfer early in the morning, it is highly recommended to stay overnight in Ollantaytambo.

From Cusco, the trip to the train station takes about 1.5 hours. Once aboard, enjoy a picturesque train ride along the Urubamba River, surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes, until reaching Km 104, the official starting point of the 2-day Inca Trail hike.

Before beginning the trek, there will be a stop for a hearty breakfast to prepare for the adventure. Please remember to bring your original passport, as it is required at the trail checkpoint.

Chachabamba - Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna Archaeological Sites:
The hike begins with a guided visit to Chachabamba, the first significant Inca archaeological site along the trail. After exploring the site, the journey continues with a gradual uphill hike of approximately 4 hours toward Wiñaywayna, considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved complexes on the Inca Trail.

At Wiñaywayna, explore impressive Inca terraces, ceremonial fountains, and temples while enjoying spectacular mountain views. Surrounded by lush cloud forest, enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch by a professional trekking chef, offering a unique dining experience in nature.

Inti Punku Sun Gate - Sun Gate (Intipunku) and First View of Machu Picchu:
After lunch, continue hiking toward the legendary Sun Gate (Intipunku), the most iconic viewpoint on the Inca Trail. From here, witness your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, perfectly illuminated by the late afternoon sunlight.

This magical moment is especially memorable because there are fewer visitors at this time of day, allowing for full enjoyment of the scenery and the opportunity to capture stunning photographs of Machu Picchu from above.

From the Sun Gate, descend for approximately 30 minutes to reach the Machu Picchu citadel.

Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu Visit and Overnight in Aguas Calientes

Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, explore Circuit 1, known for offering the best panoramic viewpoints of the citadel. This circuit is ideal for capturing iconic postcard photos of Machu Picchu, with fewer crowds and exceptional perspectives.

After the visit, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where a delicious dinner at a local restaurant awaits. Then, rest comfortably at a 3-star hotel, featuring a private room, private bathroom, hot shower, and beautiful surroundings.

Machu Picchu to Cusco

Machu Picchu - Sunrise and Guided Tour of Machu Picchu:
Day 2 is fully dedicated to discovering Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas. After an early breakfast at the hotel, board one of the first buses to the citadel. If weather conditions allow, experience a beautiful sunrise over Machu Picchu, as the first light reveals the ancient city surrounded by mountains.

An expert guide will lead a 2–3 hour guided tour through Circuit 3, covering the most important areas of the site. Explore Inca aqueducts, temples, ceremonial plazas, royal residences, agricultural terraces, and the central sector of Machu Picchu. The tour is conducted at a relaxed pace, allowing for full appreciation of the history, architecture, and mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ollantaytambo - Optional Adventures and Alternative Experiences:
For travelers looking to enhance their experience, optional hikes to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain are available with advance reservation. These hikes provide spectacular panoramic views and an added sense of adventure.

As an alternative, after the guided tour, return to Aguas Calientes on foot via the historic Hiram Bingham Trail. Along the way, visit the Machu Picchu Site Museum, stop at the butterfly sanctuary, or simply enjoy the lush cloud forest scenery.

Cusco - Free Time in Aguas Calientes and Return to Cusco:
After returning to Aguas Calientes, enjoy free time for lunch, explore the town, or browse the local artisan markets. In the afternoon, board a panoramic train (Vistadome or 360°) for a scenic journey through the Sacred Valley.

Upon arrival at the train station, the TreXperience team will be waiting to transfer you by bus back to your hotel in Cusco, with an estimated arrival time of around 7:30 p.m.

• Return panoramic train (Vistadome)
• Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance tickets – Circuit 1 (Day 1)
• Pre tour safety briefing
• Train to Km 104 (Expedition or Voyager)
• Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Day 1)
• Lunch
• Breakfast at the hotel (Day 2)
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Free luggage storage
• Breakfast and picnic lunch (Day 1)
• Machu Picchu entrance ticket – Circuit 3 (Day 2)
• All transportation during the tour
• 1 night in a 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Satellite phones, first aid kit, and oxygen tank
• Hotel pickup and drop off
• Professional tour guide
• 1 dinner at a local restaurant (Day 1)
• Round trip bus to Machu Picchu (Day 2)

• Food Except What is mentioned
• Personal Expenses
• Tips for the guide and drive (optional)
• Lunch on Day 2
• Dinner on Day 2

The 2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Hotel offers a perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and exclusive access, making it ideal for travelers seeking the authentic Inca Trail experience without the need for camping.

Unlike typical tours, participants will enter Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate (Intipunku) at sunset on the first day, allowing them to enjoy stunning views with fewer crowds. The journey includes hiking the most picturesque section of the trail and visiting significant archaeological sites like Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna, all under the guidance of knowledgeable local experts.

This tour features two Machu Picchu circuits: Circuit 1 on the first day for panoramic viewpoints and classic photos, and Circuit 3 on the second day for a more in-depth guided exploration of the temples, plazas, and terraces.

Travelers will enjoy added comfort with accommodations in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, chef-prepared picnic meals, and a panoramic Vistadome train for the return journey. With small group sizes, comprehensive logistics, and enhanced safety equipment, everything is organized to ensure participants can fully immerse themselves in the experience.

• Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance ticket

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.