Tambopata and Sandoval Lake
3 Days and 2 Nights
+3
The Short Inca Trail is designed for travelers who want to experience the magic of the Inca Trail, without committing the time needed for one of the longer multi-day hikes.
The Short Inca Trail is designed for travelers who want to experience the magic of the Inca Trail, without committing the time needed for one of the longer multi-day hikes.
The Short Inca Trail is designed for travelers who want to experience the magic of the Inca Trail, without committing the time needed for one of the longer multi-day hikes.
This 2-day/1-night trek is great for families with children as it is only one day (about 6 hours) of hiking, and includes comfortable overnight hotel accommodations.
Along the route you will witness all the beauty of our flora and fauna as well as visit some of our most cherished Inca ruins, including Wiñaywayna Inca site.
And most importantly, the hike ends by walking through the Sun Gate with the most spectacular first view of Machu Picchu from above.
You will head back inside the ruins on your second day to explore the mystery and history of these ruins as you walk around with your guide.
Tour Type: Hiking, adventure, history, culture
Good For: Moderate physical fitness
Difficulty: Moderate
Considerations: Permit Required
ProgramYour short Inca Trail Explorer tour to Machu Picchu starts with you being picked up from your hotel from 4:00 to 4:20 AM.
Next, we’ll go to the train station and leave on the 6:10 a.m. train from Ollantaytambo.
The trail follows the Urubamba River until we reach Km 104, where we’ll begin our trek.
Along the way you’ll see spectacular views of farmlands, snow-capped mountains and the mighty Urubamba River.
The Urubamba River is one of the sources of the massive Amazon River so it’s very impressive to see.
At 104 km (2,000 m), we’ll begin our breathtaking trek.
Once you’re off the train and ready to go, we’ll provide you with snacks and take a group photo.
Then we’ll set off to visit our first Inca site.
We’ll give you a short orientation about this historical Inca site as well as a walking tour.
Then we’ll begin hiking as we head for the Classic Inca Trail.
We’ll have tremendous views of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River and other surrounding Inca Sites.
After hiking for three hours we’ll reach the most beautiful Inca site on the Inca Trail, Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young), at 2,600 m/8,500 ft.
Few people get the opportunity to see these elaborate water fountains, temples and agricultural terraces.
These provide a perfect opportunity to learn about the history of the Incas.
The backdrop of this site is a dramatic cliff drop with beautiful mountains surrounding the area.
A few minutes of walking from there and you’ll arrive at the Inca Trail Explorer campsite used by hikers who have chosen to do the Classic Inca Trail.
Here you’ll be able to enjoy the hot homemade lunch that’s been freshly cooked by Inca Trail Explorer’s chefs.
You’ll also get a chance to refill your water and get a little rest after you’ve eaten.
From Wiñay Wayna, we’ll walk to the Sun Gate.
This is where we’ll see the picturesque landscape of the famous Machu Picchu.
After taking in the once-in-a-lifetime views, we’ll begin our descent to Machu Picchu.
One of the many advantages of this trek is that by the time you reach Machu Picchu the day travelers will have left.
This leaves you the whole area to explore with no interruptions.
After taking photos and exploring the area, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and head to your hotel.
After that, we’ll head to the restaurant for dinner (included).
After dinner we recommend going to bed early to make the most of the next day.
* This hiking route is identical to the 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping Accommodations: Hotel Intipunku (or similar) Meals Included: Lunch and dinner
After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll have time to pack your duffel bags (please leave them in hotel storage for pickup) and prepare your day packs.
We’ll then take a short 5-minute walk to the bus station to be among the first in line for the ascent to Machu Picchu.
The first buses depart at 5:30 a.m. and arrive around 6:00 a.m.
Remember to bring your original passport for the checkpoint.
Your guide will lead you to the perfect spot to enjoy the sunrise over the mountains and capture incredible photos (weather permitting).
Following sunrise, embark on a two-and-a-half-hour private walking tour of Machu Picchu, exploring the citadel and learning about its fascinating history.
If you’ve booked a Huayna Picchu permit, your climb will begin at 9:00 a.m.
Meals Included: Breakfast only.
You’ll need to catch your bus back to Aguas Calientes at least 2 hours before your train departure, allowing time for lunch (not included), pick up the duffel bag and board your train to Ollantaytambo.
Train options: Vistadome Train.
Departure window: Between 2:55 p.m. and 4:43 p.m.
Journey duration: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, with scenic views of the river and surrounding mountains.
Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, a private Inca Trail Explorer vehicle will take you back to Cusco (around 2 hours).
Your stored luggage will be returned, and you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.
Inclusions
IncludesEvery single one of the guides attended Cusco National University and studied tourism as well as English.
They’re all local residents who are from villages in the area.
This means they’re dedicated to their families and heritage.
As soon as we receive your details and a deposit, we’ll purchase your permits (pending availability, check our Inca Trail Availability link).
These permits are for a specific date and in your name.
They cannot be changed once confirmed.
Only your passport number is allowed to be updated.
The permit includes entrance to Machu Picchu.
This trek includes one night in a three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.
The specific hotel will be confirmed in your trip reminder, which is sent approximately 7–15 days before your trek.
Upgrades are always available upon request.
All transportation is included in your trek for a seamless experience:
Hotel pickup: You’ll be picked up directly from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 a.m. and 4:20 a.m. (unless you are staying in Ollantaytambo).
Train to KM 104: From Ollantaytambo, you’ll take the train to KM 104, where your trek begins.
Return train from Aguas Calientes: After your visit to Machu Picchu, you’ll ride the Vistadome Train or Prime train back.
There is also an option to upgrade to the Vistadome Observatory Train for $75 per person, offering panoramic views.
Private transfer to hotel: Upon arrival at the train station in Ollantaytambo, an Inca Trail Explorer team member will escort you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Bus to Machu Picchu: Your round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is also included.
This ensures a smooth, stress-free journey from start to finish, allowing you to focus on the adventure and the scenery.
Inca Trail Explorer ensures you enjoy delicious meals during your trek to Machu Picchu:
Day 1 Breakfast: Not included.
We recommend arranging a to-go breakfast with your hotel in Cusco or Ollantaytambo, or you can purchase something at the cafeteria inside the Ollantaytambo train station.
Day 1 Lunch: Enjoy a peaceful lunch at the Wiñay Wayna ruins.
Day 1 Dinner: Dine at one of the restaurants in Aguas Calientes.
Day 2 Breakfast: Provided at your hotel.
Day 2 Lunch: Not included.
This ensures you are well-fueled while giving you flexibility to enjoy meals at your own pace.
From your first lunch until your last breakfast, Inca Trail Explorer will provide all the water you need.
The water is carefully boiled, filtered, and cooled before distribution to ensure safety and freshness.
You should bring your personal water bottles or a CamelBak, and we recommend carrying about 3 liters of water with you.
You’ll have the opportunity to refill your bottles at each meal, keeping you well-hydrated throughout the trek, a key to feeling great in the mountains.
Every Inca Trail Explorer guide has received training in first aid from a physician.
We conduct mandatory training sessions every February for all Inca Trail Explorer employees.
Your Inca Trail Explorer guide will always have a first-aid kit with oxygen for basic medical problems.
If something does happen, which is rare, we’ll get you off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible.
We will stay with you the entire time until you are either back at your hotel or being seen by a medical professional.
Inca Trail Explorer’s priority is and always will be safety.
While all our guides are prepared and trained for emergencies, we go the extra mile and ensure that you’re only a phone call away from any doctor or hospital, or to check on things back home.
All Inca Trail Explorer guides are required to carry radios, but they are limited in how far they can reach.
That’s why Inca Trail Explorer added satellite phones to every trek.
Every guide will have a fully charged phone that can be used to reach anyone from anywhere.
They can be used by our clients for non-emergencies as well, for an additional fee.
The night before your trek, you’ll come to the Inca Trail Explorer office for your 2-day Inca Trail briefing.
During this meeting, your guide will go over all the details of your hike and provide you with your duffel bag.
These personal duffel bags will be given to you the night before your trek, during the briefing at 6:00 p.m. at our office.
The duffel bags are similar in size to a small carry-on and are meant for packing only the clothes you’ll need for one night.
The total weight should not exceed 5 kilograms (about 10 pounds).
After receiving your duffel bag, you’ll return to your hotel to pack your clothes and bring it with you the next morning.
At the Ollantaytambo station, you’ll give your duffel bag to your guide.
The bags will then be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes.
When you arrive in the evening, you’ll find your duffel bag waiting for you at your hotel.
The next day, before visiting Machu Picchu, you can leave your duffel bag at the hotel’s storage.
After your tour, stop by the hotel to pick it up and take it with you on the train back to Cusco.
Before being dropped off at your hotel in Cusco, you’ll return the duffel bag and transfer your belongings to the plastic bags provided.
Not IncludedBecause there is no camping on this trek the only possible needs would be an extra porter or walking sticks.
Walking Sticks (Pair): $10
Porters: Because this is just a one-day hike without camping, there will not be porters. Your day pack should include anything you need for the evening and the next day at Machu Picchu. It’s your responsibility to carry it yourself.
Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu.
It’s a 45-minute hike to the top of Huayna Picchu.
The views of Machu Picchu from the top are incredible.
However, if you’re afraid of heights you need to be warned that coming back down the path is quite steep.
If you decide to take this hike, then you would do it after your tour of Machu Picchu.
The cost is $75 per person and arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity.
We would love to take everyone on the Inca Trail and guide you to Machu Picchu.
We can leave any day of the week as long as permits remain with the government.
Please remember, permits are only needed for your start date.
GROUP PRICE: $585 per person.
PRIVATE TOURS ARE BASED ON GROUP SIZE:
2 Trekkers: $1000 per person.
3 Trekkers: $910 per person.
4 Trekkers: $850 per person.
5 Trekkers: $770 per person.
6 Trekkers: $710 per person.
7 Trekkers: $650 per person.
8 or more Trekkers: $580 per person.
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