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Difficulty | easy/moderate |
| Aproximate distance hiked per day: | 8 Kms. | |
| Highest point: | 2650 m/ 8692 ft. a.s.l | |
| Acclimatation suggested: | 2 days |
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2d/1n
Day 1 - Cusco to Aguas Calientes
Private transfer from hotel at 5:30 a.m. to the San Pedro Train Station. There we board the train which will take us to kilometer 104 of the railway, which is the trailhead of our hike and where we should be arriving at around 10:00 a.m. We begin our activities by visiting the nearby archaeological complex of Chachabamba (elev.: 2150m/7052ft above sea level) situated on the left bank of the Urubamba- River. Following this we set off on an 8 km. ascent along a well marked trail, reaching the archaeological complex of Wiñaywayna after 4 hours. Wiñaywayna (elev.: 2650m/8692ft above sea level) is an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, an upper religious sector and a lower urban sector connected by a chain of fountains. In the course of our ascent we shall have enjoyed impressive views of the Urubamba River Vallrey as well as the archaeological complex of Choquesuysuy situated on the opposite bank of the river. Another breathtaking view is that of a very beautiful waterfall cascading several hundred feet in the vicinity of Wiñaywayna. This site possesses an impressive layout including an upper ceremonial sector with circular structures and double jamb portals and windows, as well as a lower residential –or urban- one, with elegant delicately gabled constructions; the two being connected by a stairway paralleling a row of 10 baths or fountains. There are also numerous terraces. From Wiñaywayna we proceed westward along the main Inka Trail, following a moderate ascent through sections of cloud forest characterized by the presence of numerous giant fern and cycads. Large sections of the trail are paved with ashlars and flagstones of fine workmanship and skirt the edges of steep precipitous cliffs many thousands of feet above the valley bottom.. After one hour of hiking we arrive at Intipunku (the Gateway of the Sun ). From this magical spot we may contemplate the “classic” view of Machu Pichu, the Sacred City of the Inkas. Afterwards, we descend from Intipunku into Machu Pichu itself and from there by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, on the right bank of the Urubamba. Once in Aguas Calientes we settle into our lodgings at the selected hotel/hostel.
Meals: L , D
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Cusco
We rise early and board a bus up to the citadel of Machu Picchu,. Upon arrival we immediately set forth on a complete guided tour of the site, lasting approximately 2 hours. Once the tour has concluded we will have free time at our disposal to walk around, explore and climb to the summit of Huaynapicchu mountain (usually seen in the background of the classic vista of Machupicchu) from where quite spectacular views of Machu Pichu are seen from a different angle –as well as the breathtaking and dramatic panorama of the surrounding mountain peaks and the great gorge of the Urubamba canyon- can be fully appreciated. It is also possible, from the summit of Huayna Picchu, to visit the Temple of the Moon. Another feature of interest accessible from Machu Picchu is the Inka Bridge. In the afternoon,we all meet up in the town of Aguas Calientes where those who wish to do so can devote some time to rest and relaxation in the local hot springs. In Aguas Calientes. we board the afternoon train back to Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.
