Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

CUSCO | WIÑAY WAYNA | MACHUPICCHU

This hike is recommended for people with short time to spend in Cusco or who does not want to walk the traditional 4-day trek, yet are eager to live the one-in-a-lifetime experience of hiking to Machu Picchu.

During your hike, delight yourself with the changing landscape and climates as you will reach the gorgeous Wiñay Wayna, a superb site because of its unbeatable structure, it has a specific function: take as much as possible advantage of the land. This site was constructed on a steep hillside overlooking the Urubamba River, surrounded by agricultural terraces.

Once you leave Wiñay Wayna, just few steps away you will reach a splendid and pictoresque trail and right before you lose your breath climbing up a steep flight of stairs on the last bit of the trail, you will arrive to Intipunku (Sun Gate). Then, marvel with your own eyes the Ancient Machu Picchu Citadel. Make your way down to the citadel and along the way enjoy the breathtaking sunset. Finally, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and spend a quiet evening at your hotel surrounded by the cloud forest.

Adventure
Cusco
Challenging

Summary

The Short Inca Trail is the most popular alternative to Classic Inca Trail. This is an easier trek and can be done in just one full day hike. The trek starts at the kilometer 104 further along the Vilcanota River Valley closer to Machu Picchu. It is recommended to book many months in advance because permits are required for this trek.

View Full Itinerary

Overview

DAY 1

Cusco – Sacred Valley – KM 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

Hike through enigmatic and breath away land-escapes scenaries to the Ancient Machu Picchu Citadel.

DAY 2

Explore the Ancient Machu Picchu Citadel & Train back to Cusco

Dip yourself into the enigmatic Machu Picchu Citadel’s atmosphere

Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1

Cusco – Sacred Valley – KM 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (B, BL)

Hike through enigmatic and breath away land-escapes scenarios to the Ancient Machu Picchu Citadel.

Prepare for a climatic day! The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered as the most beautiful treks in the world and you’ll see why. Hike through different ecological areas, tropical rain forests, and the surroundings are seriously outstanding places. Of course, the Inca Trail saves its greatest reward for its unique archeological sites, culminating at the lost city of the Incas: Machu Picchu.

This morning, you will be transferred from your hotel to the starting point for your trail. Along the route, delight yourself with beautiful Inca sites, see a variety of flora and fauna and dip yourself in the impressive Andes mountains. Covering 16km of the trail our journey begins in the Sacred Valley and works it’s way up along an original Inca Trail to the Inca site of Winay Wayna.

Continue your hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From Sun Gate, stare out into the horizons and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains and Machu Picchu hidden between steep peaks below you. Once you get to this point, take a deep breath of relief as you have tread in the footsteps of the Incas and have conquered the iconic Inca Trail!

Descend to Machu Picchu and try to capture the best view, be sure to make a stop to appreciate the true beauty of this gorgeous place. Make your way to Aguas Calientes by bus and enjoy a peaceful night rest with the sound of the cloud forest around you.

Overnight at campsite.

DAY 2

Explore the Ancient Machu Picchu Citadel & Train to Cusco (B, L)

Dip yourself into the enigmatic Machu Picchu Citadel’s atmosphere

Prepare for a climatic day! This you will be transferred to the bus station to take your bus up to the Ancient City. Do not forget to charge your batteries! You will have many opportunities to take post-card views.

Feeling adventurous? If so, consider hiking the Huayna Picchu mountain, which offers unbeatable views over Machu Picchu. This morning, your private guide will show you mysterious and magic Machu Picchu Citadel by visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sundial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of Three Windows and some other cemeteries.

This afternoon, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and board the return train to Ollantaytambo. We will be waiting for you at the train station and bring you to your hotel in Cusco for a well-deserved good night’s rest.

*** This day you will have the chance to climb up the Huayna Picchu Mountain. Delight yourself with the most beautiful views of the Ancient Citadel. Please, consider that it is necessary to book entrances tickets in advance, due that we are subject to availability

Day 1 Cusco – Sacred Valley – KM 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Day 2 Explore the Ancient Machu Picchu Citadel & Train back to Cusco

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All our experiences are tailored to meet your every need.

Toll Free: 1-800-590-5784

Included

What To Expect…

Explore Perú in a personalized way. Plan the best itinerary with your expert Travel Advisor based on your needs and interests.
Personalized assistance during your complete stay in the country, we want you to enjoy a relaxing vacation!
We listen to you! So, we can adapt your itinerary based on your interests, it is possible to add or to cut the activities of your preference, just let us know.
We are available 24 hours a day, during the week, our operations area never stops. We are here to assist you whenever you need it.
We work with the most experienced English-Speaking tour guides around the country, every excursion, visit, activities, will be in short groups or absolutely private.

Included

Briefing in your hotel in Cusco
Private transportation to km 82
Private tour guide
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail
Rain ponchos
Pillows
Porter to carry your belongings (up to 7kg/15.4lb per person)
Cook and cooking equipment
Day Pack Rain Covers
Dining tent with tables, chairs and kitchen tent
Private, portable toilet tent for your group’s use only
Meals (3 breakfasts, 4 snacks, 3 lunches, 3 snacks, 3 dinners. Vegetarian food and specialized diets are available upon request and at no extra cost.)
Boiled water
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
Expedition Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
2 hour private guided tour within Machu Picchu ruins

Not Included

International and national flights
Walking Sticks
Airport Taxes
Drinks
Tips
Sleeping bag per person for 4 days
Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains
Pair of sticks
Upgrade to Vistadome Train (return only)
Lunch for the last day

Pricing

The price is fully customizable and can be tailored and flexible to your personal preferences and style, the price is basically based on final accommodation, travel dates and other custom preferences during the tour.

Feel free to reach us via email at info@auriperu.com
or by calling us directly at Toll Free 1-800-590-5784

Signature Add-on Experiences

The unique golden threads that make up your journey.

Pisac's master artisan Vicente Rayo keeps the Inca craft tradition alive through his unique clay creations.

Sounds of the Andes - Vicente Rayo

Venture 3 hours from Cusco to a family home, learning the intricate processes behind coffee and chocolate production.

Coffe and Chocolate Adventure

This Sacred Valley research center preserves Inca farming techniques for cultivating diverse potato varieties.

Potato Park - Hidden Gem of Cusco

Explore astronomy through projection rooms, a dome, and telescopes with expert guidance. Advance booking advised.

Cusco Planetarium - An Astronomical Experience

A local shaman will perform a welcoming ceremony to the Sacred Valley and the mystical Andes Mountains that surround it.

Sacred Valley Shaman Welcoming Ceremony

marta b

Highly recommended!!! We had an absolutely perfect experience with this tour agency for our trip to Machu Picchu. From the initial organization all the way through to the end of the trip, everything ran smoothly and was perfectly taken care of. Communication throughout the process was excellent, and our guide was always on time, which made everything stress-free. A special mention goes to Ibrahim, our guide, who was fantastic — he taught us so much about the Inca civilization and the history of Machu Picchu, making the whole experience even more meaningful. Highly recommended for anyone planning a trip to Machu Picchu!

leticia t

EXTRAORDINARIO Extraordinario servicio de Lizbeth, desde el comienzo de la planificación, hasta cada detalle pensado para que todo salga mas que bien. Un viaje de lujo. Desde los paseos hasta la gastronomía, el guia Franco y el chofer Elisban hicieron todo y más, para que estemos contentos y honrados de estar en Peru. Gracias totales Lizbeth por estar pendiente durante toda nuestra estadia. Recomendable 100%

A Dream Trip Backed by an Amazing Team Our trip to Peru was planned and flawlessly managed by Lizbeth. From the very beginning, her attention to detail, prompt communication, and willingness to help exceeded every expectation. The itinerary was outstanding and allowed us to experience the very best of Peru. Unfortunately, our vacation was unexpectedly interrupted when I suffered a medical emergency that required an urgent evacuation from Machu Picchu. From that moment on, Lizbeth and her team were simply extraordinary. They immediately coordinated my medical care, arranged all necessary logistics, and ensured that Auri representatives stayed with us throughout the entire process. We never felt alone. Their professionalism, compassion, and constant support turned an overwhelming situation into one that was manageable. What impressed us most was that their commitment did not end when our trip was over. For weeks afterward, Lizbeth continued to assist us by gathering the documentation needed for my insurance claim and following up until the claim was successfully resolved. That level of dedication is incredibly rare. We hope to return to Peru one day, and when we do, there is no question that we will travel with Lizbeth and her team again. They don't just organize exceptional trips—they genuinely care about their clients and stand by them when it matters most. We recommend them without hesitation.

Wayne S

Magical Peru Incredible experience. Every detail was thought out. Some unforeseen issues with an internal flight that was cancelled and the agency handled rescheduling. Lizabeth was great from beginning g to end of trip. She checked in and tweaked things as needed to ensure a great experience. Wonderful country and wonderful people.

Alice V

Unforgettable experience! We are very happy with our experience with Auri travels! First of all, it was very nice to feel well taken care of: from the moment we landed in Perú to the moment we go to airport again, everything was sorted for us! This allowed us both to feel safe and to enjoy a stress-free trip! Plus, every day we took part in unforgettable tours with knowledgeable guides. Lizbeth was available all the time and flexible with us when we need anything. Also, she surprised us twice with some presents from the travel agency team. A trip of a lifetime that we will never forget 😍*

Diane S

Fabulous Trip! We had an absolutely fantastic trip to Peru from start to finish. The planning process with Lisbeth was seamless and well-organized, making everything easy and stress-free from the very beginning. Every detail was thoughtfully handled, which allowed us to fully relax and enjoy the experience. Our drivers and guides were exceptional—professional, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. They went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable and informed throughout the journey. Every activity and experience exceeded our expectations. From the breathtaking sights of Peru to the overall atmosphere, everything was truly amazing. This trip created unforgettable memories, and we would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-coordinated and enjoyable adventure.

Taya V

Peruvian AMAZON ADVENTURE Lizbeth from Auri Peru Travel helped me arrange a 3-day tour in the Peruvian Amazon, and everything was excellent. The hotel staff were incredibly kind, friendly, and always willing to help. The cabins were comfortable, and the food was very good, especially considering the price. The tour guides were also very informative and knowledgeable, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Lizbeth was outstanding throughout the trip. She stayed in constant contact and regularly checked in to make sure everything was going smoothly. Thank you, Lizbeth, for helping make my Amazon jungle adventure such a memorable experience! I highly recommend Auri Peru Travel to anyone planning a trip to Peru.

Shobhit

Great family trip to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountains Auri Peru helped us complete a great trip to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountains organized. Their guides, transport, food and overall planning were awesome. Lizbeth Masias coordinated the whole trip flawlessly and professionally 👍😍🤩

Sightseer20724883234

WOW Our trip to Peru was a truly breathtaking adventure. We were so lucky to rely on Auri expertise in planning the trip to the minute detail. Starting in Lima with its palpable and vibrant energy to the lushes of Amazon basin and to ascending beauty of Machu Picchu, Cusco and Titicaca - everything was perfectly planned and flawlessly executed. Our point of contact, Lizbeth was extraordinary. Her support around the clock was something we never experienced. For those who are planning to visit Peru, marvel the sunrise over Machu Picchu, explore the cobbled streets of Cusco and Sacred Valley, navigate the pristine waters of Titicaca and immerse into Peruvian food scene Auri will be your the best and only bet.

travel kween

Amazing trip of a lifetime in Peru carefully curated by Auri Peri Travel Oustanding experience with Lizbeth at Auri Peri Travel. It truly was a carefully curated family trip of a lifetime and one that I would highly recommend. We stayed in Belmond hotels throughout Peru and they were amazing. Highly highly recommend staying at the Belmond at the top of Machu Picchu. After hiking 16km to the summit, this hotel was a welcome refuge and allowed us to break up the hike and the tour around Machu Picchu into 2 days. It is a very small hotel so book early. The only part of the trip I would not recommend was the last 3 nights we spent on the "Pure Amazon" boat. It was not worth the lengthy travel to and from and also was not a good financial value. There was nothing much to see. The boat is beautiful and we met another family that made the time onboard fun but other than that not something I would recommend.

Short Inca Trail
To Machu Picchu