Inca Trail Express To Machupicchu

EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Complete the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in a single day.
Begin the hike at Km 104, the official starting point of this section of the Inca Trail.
Explore the archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna.
Follow historic Inca stone pathways through cloud forest and mountain landscapes.
Experience views of the Urubamba Valley and surrounding Andes.
Reach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, before continuing toward Machu Picchu.
Access the upper panoramic sector of Machu Picchu through Circuit 1, Route 1-C.
Enjoy a picnic lunch during the trekking route.
Travel with an official Inca Trail permit and professional guide.
Return from Aguas Calientes by train and continue by transportation to Cusco.

Hikers with Wiñay Wayna in the background

Traveller above the Urubamba River near Machu Picchu

Temple of the Three Windows in Machu Picchu

JOURNEY OVERVIEW

FULL DAY

Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – CuscoTravel by train to Km 104 and hike the Short Inca Trail through Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna before reaching the Sun Gate and the panoramic sector of Machu Picchu. Descend to Aguas Calientes and return to Cusco by train and transportation.

DAY01

Cusco – KM 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

Your adventure begins with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:00 a.m. Pick-up time may vary depending on the location of your accommodation. Travelers staying in the Sacred Valley near Ollantaytambo are generally picked up at approximately 5:30 a.m.

Travel for approximately 1.5 hours to Ollantaytambo Train Station, where you will board the Expedition train toward Km 104, the official starting point of the Short Inca Trail.

Upon arrival, complete the checkpoint procedures using your original passport and Inca Trail permit before beginning the hike.

The trekking route starts with a visit to Chachabamba, an archaeological site located near the Urubamba River. From there, follow historic stone pathways as the trail gradually ascends through cloud forest, with views of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls, native vegetation, and the Urubamba Valley.

After approximately 3 to 4 hours of hiking, reach Wiñay Wayna. Explore its agricultural terraces, ceremonial structures, fountains, and stone architecture with your guide before stopping for a picnic lunch.

After lunch, continue for approximately another hour toward Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. From this elevated viewpoint, the route offers panoramic views toward Machu Picchu when conditions are clear.

From the Sun Gate, descend along the Inca Trail toward the upper sector of Machu Picchu. Your Day 1 entrance ticket provides access through Circuit 1, Route 1-C, a panoramic route focused on the upper viewpoints of the archaeological site.

After completing the panoramic visit, take the shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes. You will have free time before boarding the evening Expedition train toward Ollantaytambo or Poroy, according to the scheduled service.

Upon arrival at the train station, transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco. Estimated arrival is approximately 9:30 p.m.

Hiking Distance13 km / 8 miles
Hiking TimeApproximately 6 hours
Highest Elevation2,700 m / 8,858 ft
MealsPicnic lunch, snacks, and water
DifficultyModerate

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This itinerary includes admission to Machu Picchu through Circuit 1, Route 1-C. This route focuses on the panoramic viewpoints located in the upper sector of the archaeological site and does not include access to the central urban sector or a complete guided circuit through the interior areas of Machu Picchu.

Travelers who want a more extensive visit to Machu Picchu should consider an itinerary that includes an additional entrance ticket and an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.

At Experience Colibri Peru, we believe every great journey begins with clear and transparent information. That’s why each of our tours includes a detailed list of what’s included and what’s not, so you can book with confidence and know exactly what to expect.

We carefully organize every aspect of your experience from transportation and professional local guides to the services and activities included in your itinerary allowing you to relax and fully enjoy your adventure.

Because every tour is unique, included services may vary depending on the itinerary you choose. We encourage you to review each program carefully before booking to ensure you have all the information you need and can prepare for an unforgettable experience in Cusco and Peru.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Permits & Entrance Tickets

Official permit and ticket for the Short Inca Trail. Permits are subject to availability and are issued for a specific date under the traveler’s name. Passport number changes are only permitted for passport renewal, in which case both the old and new passports must be provided.
Day 1: Machu Picchu Archaeological Site entrance ticket – Circuit 1, Route 1-C.

Quality Service & Safety

Pre-departure briefing with your guide before the tour.
Experienced professional tour guide.
24/7 customer service.

Meals

Day 1: Box lunch, snacks, and water.

Transportation

Transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo Train Station.
Expedition train from Ollantaytambo or Poroy to Km 104, according to the scheduled service.
Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, according to the scheduled service.
Transportation from the train arrival point to your hotel in Cusco.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

Breakfast and dinner.
Travel insurance.
Tips for our staff.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control, including landslides, adverse weather conditions, itinerary modifications required for safety, illness, changes in government regulations, political instability, strikes, or other unforeseen circumstances.

At Experience Colibri Peru, our goal is to provide safe, authentic, and unforgettable experiences throughout Peru. Whether you’re exploring the Sacred Valley, hiking the Inca Trail, or discovering Machu Picchu, we want you to feel well prepared before your adventure begins.

The information below will help you plan your trip, understand how our tours operate, and enjoy a smooth travel experience from the moment you arrive in Cusco until the end of your journey.

Preparing for Your Adventure

A little preparation can make a big difference. We recommend reviewing your itinerary, packing according to the season, and making sure you have all the required travel documents before your tour begins.

If you have any questions before your arrival, our team will be happy to assist you.

Acclimatization in Cusco

Many destinations in the Peruvian Andes are located above 3,000 meters (9,840 feet), making altitude an important factor for travelers.

To help your body adjust, we recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before beginning any trekking adventure. Staying hydrated, eating light meals, and avoiding intense physical activity during your first day are simple ways to improve acclimatization.

Briefing or Informative Meeting

One day before your departure, our operations team will contact you to confirm your pick-up time, meeting point, and any final details related to your tour.

Please make sure your contact information is available and active during your stay in Cusco.

Trek Balance Payment

If your reservation has an outstanding balance, the remaining payment must be completed before your tour departure according to the terms of your booking confirmation.

For your convenience, we accept payments in Peruvian soles (PEN) or US dollars (USD). You may also pay by credit or debit card or through other available online payment methods. Please note that electronic payments may be subject to a processing fee, depending on the payment platform used.

If you prefer to pay in cash, our team will provide the meeting location and payment instructions before your tour begins.

If you have any questions regarding your balance or payment options, our reservations team will be happy to assist you prior to your arrival.

Hotel Pick-Up

We provide hotel pick-up for most tours within the city of Cusco.

Because the historic center has narrow streets and some areas with limited vehicle access, certain accommodations may require a short walk to the nearest meeting point.

Your exact pick-up time will be confirmed before your tour.

During Your Experience

Our professional guides are committed to providing a safe, enjoyable, and informative experience throughout your journey.

Whether you are joining a cultural excursion or a multi-day trek, we encourage you to travel at your own pace and communicate with your guide if you need assistance at any time.

Group Tours

Group tours bring together travelers from different countries, ages, and fitness levels.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy the experience at a comfortable pace while respecting the group’s schedule and the guide’s instructions. Any operational decisions during the tour will always prioritize safety and the overall experience of all participants.

Weather Conditions

Mountain weather in Peru can change quickly, even during the same day. We recommend wearing layered clothing and carrying rain protection regardless of the season.

Being prepared for changing conditions will help you enjoy every destination comfortably.

Sustainable Travel

We believe that responsible tourism helps preserve Peru’s extraordinary landscapes and cultural heritage.

We encourage our travelers to reduce plastic waste, respect local communities, stay on designated trails, and help protect the natural environment for future generations.

Every small action contributes to a more sustainable travel experience.

Personal Belongings

Please keep your personal belongings with you at all times.

Before leaving transportation, restaurants, campsites, or attractions, check that you have collected all your items.

Experience Colibri Peru cannot be held responsible for personal belongings that are lost, forgotten, or damaged during the tour.

Unexpected Situations

Occasionally, weather conditions, transportation delays, road closures, or circumstances beyond our control may require adjustments to an itinerary.

If this happens, our operations team will always work to provide the best possible alternative while prioritizing your safety and ensuring you continue to enjoy your experience.

Essential

Valid Passport
Extra money (recommended soles)
Personal medication
Water bottle or CamelBak
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Insect repellent
Personal Care Products

Clothing

Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
Light footwear or sandals
Trekking pants
Trekking socks
Pair of thermal pants
Long sleeve t-shirts
Warm jacket
Rain poncho
Sun hat

Equipment

Trekking poles
Medium trekking backpack (15 – 25 liter)
Sleeping bag
Headlamp