Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Activities: Hiking, Adventure
Average Group Size: 12 people
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Glamping experience
Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
The Machu Picchu Short Inca Trail with camping is the ideal option for those in quest of a brief adventure. Camp beneath Machu Picchu Mountain after traversing the Sun Gate (Intipunku) along the ancient Inca Trail. Indulge in a glamping experience that culminates in a return journey featuring panoramic trains, walk-in tents, camping mattresses, and sleeping bags. Daily availability for a minimum of two participants.
You should consider the 2-Day Short Inca Trail if time is of the essence but you still wish to experience the trail’s finest attractions. In addition to visiting the trail’s most significant landmarks, you will also have the opportunity to camp. You will visit Machu Picchu twice, at sunset and sunrise, and have the opportunity to explore intriguing Inca sites such as Wiaywayna, which boasts some of the most breathtaking natural scenery.
This excursion can commence from either Cusco or Ollantaytambo, and a segment of the Classic Inca Trail hike will only require six to seven hours. Upon reaching Machu Picchu via the renowned Sun Gate (Intipunku), one will be treated to the awe-inspiring initial vistas of the entire Inca Trail. Camping will be situated adjacent to the Urubamba River at the base of Machu Picchu. Our proficient chef will prepare delectable meals, and you will enjoy a restful night’s slumber in walk-in tents and camping cots.
We will have you ascend before the throngs the following morning and take you to Machu Picchu in the company of an experienced ESPERU guide. Camping gear will be handled by the porters’ team, so you have nothing to fret about!
Day 1: At 4:00 a.m., be driven from your hotel to Ollantaytambo, where you will board the first trains to Kilometer 104, where camping begins the Short Inca Trail. Following a chef-prepared brunch, you will embark on a six to seven-hour hike to Machu Picchu, which will conclude in the afternoon. You will visit various Inca sites en route, including the Sun Gate (Intipunku), and witness Machu Picchu near the Vilcanota (Urubamba River) when it is nearly deserted in the afternoon—a glamping experience situated directly beneath Machu Picchu Mountain.
Day 2: Spend four hours exploring Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.
After an early morning coffee in your yurt and a chef-prepared breakfast, board the bus to Machu Picchu. Your guide will lead you through the renowned structures, plazas, and streets, and you may choose to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (each of which is distinct from the Machu Picchu Citadel and is not included in the package). After that, return to Cusco via the Vistadome train’s panoramic route to Ollantaytambo and the bus. Make your way back to your hotel by 7:30 p.m.
Depart from either Ollantaytambo (4:30 am) or Cusco (4:00 am) and travel to the train terminal in order to catch the initial train to the Inca Trail. A 1.5-hour train ride departs from Ollantaytambo and arrives at Chachabamba, which is also known as Kilometer 104 and marks the commencement of the Inca Trail. To gain access to the Short Inca Trail, the authentic passport must be presented upon arrival.
A breakfast consisting of freshly procured local ingredients will be prepared by your trekking chef and served at the outset of the excursion. Dinner will be prepared at the campsite, while lunch will be served at Wiaywayna. Each picnic-style supper features a variety of options.
Following breakfast, you will hike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for approximately six to seven hours, stopping at the Chachabamba Inca site en route. Chachabamba and Wiaywayna are two of the most remarkable locations along the Inca Trail; while there, take in the breathtaking vistas and diverse flora and fauna. Upon entering Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Intipunku), one will be presented with their initial impressions of this magnificent archaeological site. Upon your afternoon arrival at Machu Picchu, you will be granted the opportunity to explore this site in relative solitude as others depart. Subsequently, board the bus that will transport you to Puente Ruinas, where your Glamping Experience includes a night of lodging and supper prepared by your chef and porters.
The tents will be prepared for your arrival at the campsite; during that time, you can enjoy dinner, a hot shower, and conversation with your tour guide before retiring to your cozy walk-in tents.
Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
Duration: 6-7 hours
Campsite Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
Highest Altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
Accommodation: Glamping
Difficulty: Moderate
Exploring Machu Picchu on the most significant day of this ESPERU is paramount. After a cup of coffee and a rest in your tent, you will collect your belongings, consume a delectable breakfast, and board the early buses that will take you to Machu Picchu in time to witness the sunrise. This voyage offers a distinctive experience as it enables you to visit Machu Picchu twice, once in the evening and again the following morning before the sun rises.
The guided tour covers the most significant sites, including palaces and temples, in about two to three hours; with pre-purchased tickets, you may also embark on the optional hikes to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (each of which offers breathtaking views and is distinct from Machu Picchu Citadel and costs USD 75). Following the tour, you will be provided with guidance on how to return to Ollantaytambo and Cusco via panoramic trains, after which you will be instructed to take the bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). At 7:30 pm, ESPERU will deliver you to your hotel.
Tour Duration: 2-3 hours in Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Meals: Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a two-day, one-night trek that encompasses a distance of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles); the approximate hiking time to reach the site is six to seven hours.
During the dry season, the optimal time to go on this excursion is between April and October. Amid this time, weather conditions are generally consistent, with minimal likelihood of precipitation. Nevertheless, less prevalent during the wet season.
Although the number of visitors to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail may be reduced, it is possible that the Short Inca Train would be less frequented during the monsoon season, which occurs from November to March.
In February, the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance and the duration of the intense rainy season.
I had the pleasure of being guided by Rosel during my trip to Peru, and I must say, the experience was exceptional. Rosel’s depth of knowledge about the country’s history, culture, and landmarks was truly impressive. Not only was Rosel informative, but his sense of humor and easy-going nature made the tour thoroughly enjoyable. I highly recommend Rosel as a guide for anyone seeking an insightful, entertaining, and memorable journey through the Cusco region.
We had an amazing experience doing the Inca trail with Rossel. Everything was perfectly organized. He knows a lot about the Inca culture and shared all his knowledge with a lot of passion. He was also very attentive of all the group always willing to help.
We originally trekked to Machu Picchu 4d/3n with Rosel and had such an outstanding experience, we went back and booked a private tour to Humantay with him. He is not only an amazing guide, but a wonderful person! Blessed to call him a friend! His experience, knowledge and history
