About the Brief Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Brief Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an ideal choice for those with limited time or who prefer a less strenuous alternative to the full-length Inca Trail.
Indeed, it combines stunning landscapes, a variety of flora and fauna, and a visit to Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful sites along the Inca Trail. Furthermore, this trek provides you with the most picturesque sections of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu condensed into just one day.
The distance covered on the Inca Trail hike is 10 km / 6.3 miles. This 2-day Brief Inca Trail is easier and a great option for families traveling with children.
We have daily departures for the Inca Trail hike, except in February when the trail is closed for maintenance. The optimal time to undertake the Inca Trail hike is to schedule it between May and October.
Initially, we set off from your Cusco hotel to embark on the captivating Brief Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Our journey begins with a bus ride to the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Next, we’ll board a train that will take us approximately an hour down the valley to the starting point of our Machu Picchu hike. Our adventure kicks off at the shores of the Urubamba River and gradually climbs to join the original Inca Trail at the Wiñay Wayna site. We’ll then proceed to the Sun Gate before reaching the Machu Picchu citadel.
During our trek, we’ll traverse a lush cloud forest teeming with diverse plants, flowers, and birds. With some luck, we might even spot local wildlife like Viscachas (rabbit-like Chinchillas) or the elusive Spectacled Bear. This route offers the most breathtaking scenery along the Brief Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
After a full day of hiking, we’ll reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the late afternoon, where we’ll be greeted by our first panoramic views of Machu Picchu nestled below the mountain ridge. The lighting during this time of day provides an excellent opportunity for stunning photographs. Following this, we’ll descend from the Sun Gate and continue along the well-preserved stone path to explore Machu Picchu, specifically the renowned “look-out point” overlooking the central part of the citadel. From there, we’ll make our way down to the town of Aguas Calientes in the valley below for hotel check-in and dinner.
Accommodation: Golden Sunrise Machu Picchu Hotel *** or similar.
Similarly, we will wake up very early to catch the first bus heading back up to the Machu Picchu trek and enter the site as soon as it opens. Following this, there will be a 2-hour guided tour of the site, highlighting some of its key locations, such as altars and structures. During this tour, you will gain insights into the history of this incredible 2-day Machu Picchu tour and the ancient people who once inhabited this area. If you have obtained the additional permit to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, this would be the opportune time to do so. Later in the afternoon, your train will depart from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, from where you will continue your journey back to Cusco by bus.
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