Royal Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2 days

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This trek is often known as "the two day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu", "the Sacred Inca Trail to Machu Picchu" or the "Camino Real de los Incas".

The trek starts at Km 104 (104 kilometers along the railway from Cusco) and involves a four hour walk uphill to Wiñay Wayna and a couple of hours further to Machu Picchu making it 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.

As with the 4 day version of the Inca Trail, regulations introduced in 2002 have prevented individuals from doing the trek solo. The majority of the new regulation sapply for the 2 day trek.

In the past trekkers have always been able to spend the first night of the trek at the basic hostal located at Wiñay Wayna. However due to many complaints about the standard and cleanliness of this hostal the hostal was closed at the end of 2004. This means that trekkers must now continue their trek all the way to Machu Picchu and spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. Groups then return to Machu Picchu for a guided tour on the second day.

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 (KM 104) and climbs to 2700m (Wiñay Wayna) before descending to 2400m (Machu Picchu). Since the trek is carried out at a much lower altitude than the Short 2 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.

Apart from the waterfalls just before Wiñay Wayna there are no other places to refill your water bottle up (purify before drinking). Therefore it is recommended that you start the trek with at least 1.5 litres of water.

This route is open in February when the Classic 4 day Inca Trail is closed.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 | Transfer by ITEP Van from Cusco to Train station, later train service to Km 104 “Inca Trail Entrance”. Trekking Km 104 “Chachabamba

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Meals: Box Lunch and dinner on Aguas Calientes.
Accommodation: Hotel, “Camping on request”.
Distance: 16kms/10 mills (6 hours more or less of hiking)
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
Walking Time:    Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch en route)
Walk and Terrain: Walk, canter, on open roads, some steep ascending trails

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Today our trek takes us along the most impressive stretch of the Inca Trail. We'll visit beautiful Inca sites, see a variety of flora and fauna and get to take in the fantastic panoramas of the Andes Mountains. Covering 16km of the trail our journey begins in the Sacred Valley and works its way up along an original Inca Trail to the Inca site of Winay Wayna before continuing on to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
 
As we make our way to Machu Picchu we'll pass through the lush and verdant cloud forest that covers the mountain and get to see a variety of plants, flowers and birds along the way. We may also see some larger mammals such as Viscachas (rabbit-like Chinchillas) and Spectacled Bears (if we are very lucky).
 
After a full days trekking we'll arrive to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the late afternoon and get our first views of Machu Picchu spread out on the mountain below. The light at this time of day is great for photos and with fewer tourists in the site it's a perfect time to take some pictures of the site. After we've passed through the Sun Gate we'll carry on along the trail a little way before taking a side trail that leads us to Aguas Calientes in the valley below where we'll check in to our hotel.

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DAY 2 | Machupicchu Sunrise - Back to Cusco

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Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 8.9kms / 5.5mls “By Bus in 25 minutes”
Difficulty: Easy

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Waking up early (04:00am aproximately) Time will be confirmed by your tour guide the day before, because it can change depending wheater conditions or others issues, we'll take one of the first buses back up to Machu Picchu to enter the site as soon as it opens, we’ll have a 2 hour guided tour of the site during which you'll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour you'll have free time to explore the site by yourself and if you have permits to climb either Huayna Picchu (2 hours round trip) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3 hours round trip).

 
You will also have time to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own if you choose (not included in the price)
•    Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there.
•    Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or bathe in the hot springs.

Back to Cusco: You will descend to Aguas Calientes by bus (included) and later board the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo Train Station where you will meet our private van and be transferred to your hotel in Cusco

"Train time departure, will vary according train schedule", The train departure time, will be confirmed at our office  during your briefing "01 or 02 days before the trek start".

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End of our Services

INCLUDES

• Personalized assistance: A private, hand-crafted and fully personalized assistance and itinerary from start to finish. For an authentic experience, our assistance is personalized, 24 hours a day
• Sustainable tourism encompasses responsible practices for recreation: Conservation of biological and cultural diversity, Sustainable use of ecological resources (should have a minimal impact),Support for local economies through increased local revenue, jobs for local populations, and use of local supplies and services thus helping communities to rise their standards of life. Community empowerment by sharing participation in management local ecotourism activities. Increased environmental and cultural awareness which further encourages the local population to preserve its environment. Minimal environmental tourist industry impact on local resources.
• Briefing of your Tour: At our office or your Hotel; It will be done the same day of your arrival or day according your request
• Pick up at your hotel: To begin your Experience from Cusco to Train station (Ollantaytambo)
• Private Touristic transport "It means the transport is only for our Group": All our Transports has Tourism Authorization, and we offer only private transfers from Cusco to the Train Station round trip.
• Expedition Train Experience: The train cars are steeped in the designs of Incas culture, making them the perfect way to start your trip in the unbelievable Andean scenery and take incredible panoramic pictures of a journey unlike any other. Optional at extra cost you can request an Train Upgrade Service for the Vistadome "Panoramic Train" or the Luxury Hiram Bingham Train, please let us know.
• Processing of tourism attraction authorizations: As soon as we receive your details and a deposit, we will purchase your permits (pending availability, check our Inca Trail Availability link). These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They can’t be changed, once confirmed. Only your passport number is allowed to be updated. The permit includes an entrance to Machu Picchu.
• All entrance fees: Admission Tickets to the Classic Inca trail & Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
• Classic Inca Trail visit: Only 250 spaces per day according regulations of Ministry of Culture of Peru
• Sun Gate visit: The Sun Gate also called Intipunku in Quechua was once a guardhouse that marked one of the most important entrances to Machu Picchu. The Sun Gate also called Intipunku in Quechua was once a guardhouse that marked one of the most important entrances to Machu Picchu.
• Machupicchu sunset "1st impresion": Some photographers also say that between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., is the best for photographing Machu Picchu. Because only few people are in the inca city. Please Note that  according Machupicchu gouverment The Inca City is closed at 5:00 pm. It means we ca be only until 5pm.
• Machupicchu sunrise "One of the first group in the Santuary ": “Sunrise over Machu Picchu will vary along the year and seasons” But if we are until 8:00 am provably. We´ll evocative phrase that it's no surprise that so many travelers are seduced by its promise. This is the reason why we waky up very eary on this day. Note: The 1st bus to Machupicchu from Aguas Calientes Village is leaving at 5:30 am. The Machupicchu Santuary is open at 6:00 am.
• All meals cooked on the spot with fresh ingredients by our Choosed Top restaurant: Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian diets or other dietary needs upon prior request)
• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner: You will enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the trek, along with a happy hour of tea and snacks. You will also be provided a snack each morning, for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on day four. Lunch the last day is not included.
• Professional English speaking guides experienced in the mountains & knowledgeable of Inca History: Professional Guides All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe and happy.
• Machupicchu Tour Guide: 2 Hour Guided tour in Machu Picchu
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank: Our Inca Trail guides has received training in first aid from a physician. We conduct mandatory training sessions every February, which every single tour guide must attend. Your tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. We will get you off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible, if needed, and ensure you get directly to a clinic for treatment.
• Satellite Phones: Our top priority will always be the safety of our clients and our team. While we are prepared and all our guides are trained for most of the issues clients have on the mountain, being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital or friend helps everyone feel assured that they are safe. Radios, which all our guides have, are limited in how far they can reach, so our Operation department has added Satellite Phones to every trek. Every guide will have a fully charged phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to connect us with our Office.
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu ruins to Aguas Calientes (01 way). 1st Day: After a day Trek and an amazing Sunset Machupicchu experience; we just want to relax and enjoy our friends; So We don´t trek more.
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu (2 ways) 2nd day Let´s emjoy Machupicchu Sunrise
• Hotel in Machupicchu: Our local accomodation is included in Machupicchu town, but we can upgrade to 3 star hotel more USD 45; if you prefer you can book it online and we can give you some recommendations. There are many options, and the prices will vary according your Expectations.
• Transfer Back to your Hotel: Overland private transfer from Train station to your Hotel "for clients only"

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Private porter to carry personal stuff: We include a personal porter, who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag. There is no additional fee for this. .It means you will need only a day backpack to carry what you will need during day!
• Santuary Lodge Restaurant: Last Buffet lunch at Sanctuary Lodge "Exclusive and unique restaurant in Machupicchu" Last day of the trek
• Inka Massage Session in Machupicchu Village.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain: The mountain Huayna Picchu is the one that appears behind Machu Picchu in its classic postal photo; Their Inca trails built on one side of the mountain can be terrifying for people afraid of heights
• Peruvian taxes: Duty free for foreigners. Important for all peruvians and foreignes residents in Perú with more than 3 months. Need to add taxes to the final price 18% at the total.

WHAT TO TAKE

• Original Passport
• Day Pack
• Full rain gear or poncho
• Gloves (thin riding and warm gloves)
• Trekking pants
• Breathable dry fit top-wear
• Comfortable shoes/flip-flops
• Cold-weather jacket
• Long-sleeve fleece/sweater
• Wool hat
• Hiking boots
• Baseball cap, sombrero and bandana
• Headlamp
• Sunglasses
• Hiking socks
• Sunscreen
• Bathing suit
• Casual Mountain wear for evenings
• Photo/video cameras and chargers
• Binoculars
• Refillable water bottle (hydration bags are recommended)

RESERVATIONS

For availability of spaces for this service, please contact us info@salkantaytrek.org and we`ll send you detailed information, prices, terms and conditions.

Please keep in mind that significant price reductions are available for groups. All our tours are fully guaranteed, departure every day. Contact us for more information for the tour that you are choosing, or to begin customizing your own itinerary. recommendations:

"ITEP Eco Travel is a tour operator travel agency in Peru and the city of Cusco, We really know what we do and offer, We are well managed, with several offices in Peru and a long list of travel destinations, offering all travel alternatives in Perú, from family trips, honeymoon trips and luxury travel, including adventure tours and exploring trips to the jungle, for almost any budget”

NOTE: ITEP Eco Travel, specializes in organizing the ideal travel plan to Peru, with hotels and destinations that you choose, because we have all confidential and promotional rates. For guidance on how to organize your custom package. Please write us.