Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
2 days
495.00
The fabulous ruins of the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu set amongst the outstanding forested peaks of the Peruvian Andes have achieved almost legendary ‘must see’ status with visitors to Peru. Machu Picchu was recently voted one the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’ and has long held UNESCO World Heritage Status – a unique Inca settlement never raided by the Spanish conquistadors and unknown to the outside world until rediscovered by explore and Yale University Hiram Bingham in 1911.
As impressive as Machu Picchu itself is the beautiful Inca Trail to Machu Picchu that winds through the stunning scenery of the Urubamba Valley, passing stunning vistas of snow clad peaks and numerous Inca archaeological sites that are fascinating in their own right. To arrive at Machu Picchu and look down at this world renowned vista after hiking part of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu is a very special experience. For those who may not have the time to complete the full 4 day Inca Trail hike but still want to get out on the trail we offer this 2 day itinerary, consisting of a day on the trail, followed by an in depth exploration of Machu Picchu World Heritage Site. Enjoy!
Day 1 - Cusco to Machu Picchu.
Day 2 - Machu Picchu to Cusco.
Leaving Cusco around 6.00am by train we head to the scenic Quechua town of Ollantaytambo. The scenery here in the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a beautiful introduction to our tour in the following two days. From Ollantaytambo the great peaks of the Urubamba Mountain range soar above us, their peaks crowned with permanent snow fields. Travelling into the narrow gorge of the Urubamaba River as it leaves the sacred valley we arrive at the trailhead for today’s hike. We visit the ruins of Chachabamba before beginning our walk on the Camino Real de los Incas. Beginning a steady ascent from the valley floor we join with the main Inca Trail to Machu Picchu after around 3 hours of walking. Here we have an excellent view of the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site. Beyond Wiñay Wayna an Inca staircase leads for an hour through wonderful forested surrounds to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, where you can look down upon Machu Picchu in all its glory. Descending to Aguas Calientes town we spend the night in a comfortable hotel. There’s plenty of time of relax and perhaps take a therapeutic dip in the thermal springs. (B.L.D.)
Starting early we take a 25 minute bus ride above Agues Clients to the truly Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a site straddling a mountain top at more at 2380 m above sea level and surrounded by misty cloud forest covered peaks and incredible views on all sides. This site lay undiscovered and engulfed the jungle until Yale University Professor Hiram Bingham chanced upon the site during an archaeological expedition. This then much of purpose and nature of this site has remained a mystery. After a guided tour of the site you will have time to explore the site on your own and if you’re feeling energetic there’s the possibility of climbing Huayna Picchu peak, the distinctive steep sided mountain overlooking Machu Picchu. Returning to Aguas-Calientes we board the train for Cusco at around 3.30pm, arriving in the early evening. From here you transported back your hotel. End of Service. (B.L)
Day 1 - Cusco to Machu Picchu.
Leaving Cusco around 6.00am by train we head to the scenic Quechua town of Ollantaytambo. The scenery here in the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a beautiful introduction to our tour in the following two days. From Ollantaytambo the great peaks of the Urubamba Mountain range soar above us, their peaks crowned with permanent snow fields. Travelling into the narrow gorge of the Urubamaba River as it leaves the sacred valley we arrive at the trailhead for today’s hike. We visit the ruins of Chachabamba before beginning our walk on the Camino Real de los Incas. Beginning a steady ascent from the valley floor we join with the main Inca Trail to Machu Picchu after around 3 hours of walking. Here we have an excellent view of the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site. Beyond Wiñay Wayna an Inca staircase leads for an hour through wonderful forested surrounds to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, where you can look down upon Machu Picchu in all its glory. Descending to Aguas Calientes town we spend the night in a comfortable hotel. There’s plenty of time of relax and perhaps take a therapeutic dip in the thermal springs. (B.L.D.)
Day 2 - Machu Picchu to Cusco.
Starting early we take a 25 minute bus ride above Agues Clients to the truly Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a site straddling a mountain top at more at 2380 m above sea level and surrounded by misty cloud forest covered peaks and incredible views on all sides. This site lay undiscovered and engulfed the jungle until Yale University Professor Hiram Bingham chanced upon the site during an archaeological expedition. This then much of purpose and nature of this site has remained a mystery. After a guided tour of the site you will have time to explore the site on your own and if you’re feeling energetic there’s the possibility of climbing Huayna Picchu peak, the distinctive steep sided mountain overlooking Machu Picchu. Returning to Aguas-Calientes we board the train for Cusco at around 3.30pm, arriving in the early evening. From here you transported back your hotel. End of Service. (B.L)
Staff/Crew
Accommodation
Local Tours and Activities
Transport
Meals
Excellent nutritious meals will be provided, including Breakfast and Lunch in Aguas Calientes (if you have specific dietary requirements or would prefer vegetarian options please specify this when booking the tour).
What is not Included
Things to Bring
Note: On this short trek porters are not included in the basic price – please only bring what you need for 2 days. Some suggestions are listed below.