ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 104 – WIÑAY WAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU
Your Inca Trail Trek Begins!
The adventure begins bright and early at 4 am! Your tour guide will be picking you up at your hotel in Cusco, in your very own private transportation. Don’t worry about staying awake though, our comfortable vehicles allow you to rest or even catch up on some extra sleep on the way to Ollantaytambo train station. Once you arrive, your guide will provide you with a delicious lunch to add to your daypack.
At 6:10 am, your train departs from Ollantaytambo, giving you just over an hour to take in the stunning scenery and enjoy breakfast (not included). You can even request a picnic breakfast from your hotel or pack your own breakfast to bring along for the ride.
When you arrive at the famous Km104, your guide will disembark the train with you, ready to begin your hike at an altitude of 2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level. After crossing the Urubamba River on a picturesque footbridge and showing your passport at the checkpoint, you will get the chance to explore a nearby Inca site. The first hour and a half of the hike is a gentle uphill trek, but don’t worry – there are several shelters along the way to rest and seek shelter from either the sun or rain, depending on the season.
Hiking the Inca Trail: Exploring Microclimates, Waterfalls, and Ancient Ruins on the Way to Machu Picchu
As you continue on your hike, you’ll have the chance to stop at several outlooks to capture breathtaking photos of the Urubamba River and pass through a variety of microclimates, including a cloud forest. Be prepared for the possibility of rain, regardless of the season. The next hour and a half will be a slightly steeper uphill climb, leading you to a stunning waterfall at the end of the hike.
Take your time crossing the bridge below the waterfall and snap some photos to remember this momentous occasion. After crossing the bridge, you’ll be greeted by the impressive Wiñay Wayna ruins (2,600 m/8,500 ft above sea level). These historic Inca ruins are shrouded in mystery and some areas are still hidden by the thick jungle. As you continue on your journey towards Machu Picchu, you’ll hike through a lush sub-tropical jungle and breathe in the same air as the Incas once did. Your guide will share stories about the local ruins and the incredible flora and fauna of this microclimate, answering any questions you may have along the way.
The Wiñay Wayna Campground
After a short 5-minute walk, you’ll arrive at the Wiñay Wayna campground – the last campground for those hiking the four-day Inca Trail. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch in a covered shelter, with nearby facilities to freshen up. Take your time savoring your meal and admiring the tropical scenery surrounding the campground.
Experience the Wonder of Machu Picchu: A Hike through the Sun Gate and Beyond
Once you’ve finished your lunch, you’ll embark on a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate, where you’ll get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. After a gentle hour and a half walk, you’ll encounter a set of impressive stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca. Just a few steps up and you’ll arrive at the legendary Sun Gate. Here, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable view of Machu Picchu, so take your time to soak up the moment and snap some photos.
Machu Picchu from unique vantage points
The last 45 minutes of your journey down from the Sun Gate are filled with plenty of opportunities to capture even more photos of Machu Picchu from unique vantage points along the way. Additionally, there are a number of significant Inca sites situated between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu that your tour guide will happily point out and explain. Take your time walking in the footsteps of the Inca on this part of the trail, as your guide will be delighted to answer any questions you may have about these historical places as you make your way to Machu Picchu.
Unobstructed photos in the brilliant afternoon light
When you finally reach Machu Picchu, you’ll have plenty of time to admire its grandeur from the viewing platforms above the site. As you arrive in the afternoon, you’ll find that the archaeological area is starting to clear of other visitors, which means you’ll have the opportunity to take countless breathtaking and unobstructed photos in the brilliant afternoon light. Take your time soaking up this once-in-a-lifetime experience before you head down to Machu Picchu City to check into your hotel.
Once you’ve settled in, you’ll be treated to a delectable dinner. Afterward, you’ll have some free time to explore this charming little town, visit the hot springs, or simply unwind at your hotel after such an exhilarating day.
- Meals included: Picnic lunch, dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
- Distance: 12 km/7.5 miles
- Time: 6hrs approximately
- 3* Accommodations: Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu or similar – Included
- 4* Accommodation: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (superior room)
- Difficulty: Moderate
You will leave an overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes.
DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
The Full Machu Picchu Experience!
Get ready for an unforgettable day at Machu Picchu! Rise early and enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel before hopping on one of the first buses to the site. Witnessing the sunrise at this ancient wonder is truly a magical experience that you won’t want to miss.
Your expert guide will then take you on a comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu, lasting approximately two hours. You’ll explore the most important parts of the site and learn about its fascinating history, including how it is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious.
For those who have booked in advance, there’s the option to hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for even more breathtaking views. Once you’ve soaked up the incredible scenery, you’ll take the bus back down to Machu Picchu City for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may have some free time to shop, sightsee, visit the museum, or relax in the natural hot springs.
Finally, it’s time to take the train to Ollantaytambo, following the beautiful Urubamba River. The driver will meet you at the train station exit to take the travelers back to their Cusco hotel in our private transport.. You can expect to arrive around 7:00 pm, reflecting on a day full of unforgettable memories.
- Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel
IMPORTANT:
- On the 2, we will be doing circuit #3,
- Our package includes the 2:55 or 3:20 Expedition train for the way from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, then we drive you back to Cusco in our van, arriving at 7:00 – 7:30. If you have an extra hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we will buy the later Expedition train at 3:20 or 3:22.
2. If you’re interested in a more scenic train ride, you have the option to upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same departure time of 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, at an additional cost of $67 USD. In case you have booked an extra hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we’ll purchase the later Vistadome train at 3:20 pm or 4:43 pm to accommodate your schedule.
INCLUSIONS
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN 2 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
- Hotel pick up
- Private transportation from your hotel to the train station
- Permits for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and entrance to Machu Picchu.
- 3 Bus tickets: from Machu Pichu down to Aguas Calientes, the next morning from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu, and the afternoon return down to Aguas Calientes
- Licensed English-speaking professional guide who is experienced in trekking
- Private guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 and then back from Machu Picchu City(Aguas Calientes) to Ollantaytambo where a private van will return you to Cusco
- Admission tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Archaeological site.
- One night accommodation in Aguas Calientes (hot shower, bathroom, private room, and breakfast included)
- First-aid kit including an emergency oxygen tank
- Rain poncho
- Taxes
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
- Machu Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
- First breakfast (Usually served at your hotel) and last lunch at Aguas Calientes
- OPTIONAL UPGRADES: Hotel
- VISTADOME Trains – $67
- Tips for your staff (APPLE Travel Peru staff receive a fair payment immediately after they end their trip, tips are optional but greatly appreciated)
**If you’re up for an additional adventure, you may consider the optional treks to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain within Machu Picchu Citadel. These treks are not guided and can be done on your own after your guided tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. However, if you prefer a guided hike, you can request it in advance for an additional cost.
PRICES
BEST PRICE FOR THE 2-DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on almost any day that suits your schedule! We only need a minimum of two people to book!
PRICES
| Without Hotel | 3-star Hotel (Included) | 3-star Hotel (Others) | 4-star Hotel | |
| Price Per Person | $442 USD | $477 USD | By request | US$557 |
Hotel Options:
- 3-star hotel: Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu (Included)
- 4-star hotel: El Mapi (1st option)or Tierra Viva Hotel (As 2nd option) – Depending on availability!
Single occupancy is $40 USD for a 3-star hotel, $110 USD for a 4-star hotel similar to El Mapi, or $75 USD for a 4-star hotel similar to Tierra Viva with superior room
EXTRAS
- Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike: $75 USD per person
- Machu Picchu Mountain Hike: $75 USD per person
- Vistadome Train: $67 USD per person – (RETURN ONLY)
- Hotel single occupancy is $40 USD per night (for solo travelers with a single room)
- Duffel bag (5 kilos): sent to your hotel in Machu Picchu city for those staying extra days
**If you’re up for an additional adventure, you may consider the optional treks to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain within Machu Picchu Citadel. These treks are not guided and can be done on your own after your guided tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. However, if you prefer a guided hike, you can request it in advance for an additional cost. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of the university, student name, photo of the student, expiration date, etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for a discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
*** The 2-day short Inca trail to Machu Picchu is almost always available year-round, except when it is closed in February for maintenance — This trek takes you into Machu Picchu by walking through the SUN GATE like in ancient times, and you will explore some amazing Inca ruins along the way like Wiñay Wayna.
FREE ADDED VALUES
- TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT: to your hotel in Cusco included (airport to hotel in Cusco only).
- SMALL GROUPS: average 4 to 6 people, with a maximum of 8 hikers
- AFTERNOON TRAIN: We give you enough time to explore Machu Picchu and have a relaxing lunch at Aguas Calientes. Your train back to Ollantaytambo is at 14:55 or 15:20, and when you arrive in Ollantaytambo you catch your private van to Cusco, arriving in Cusco by 7:00 PM.
- HOTEL AT AGUAS CALIENTES: includes a private bathroom, hot shower, buffet breakfast, and wifi, etc.
WHY APPLE TRAVEL
WHY CHOOSE APPLE TRAVEL?
Apple Travel Peru is a family-owned travel agency and a local tour operator located in Cusco, Peru. With years of personal experience trekking and exploring the area, we pride ourselves on providing personalized and high-quality service to all our clients. As a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders, we are committed to supporting our local community.
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe in responsible and sustainable tourism practices. We treat our staff like family and ensure that they receive a fair salary. Our team is the backbone of our company, and we are proud to have a skilled and dedicated team that helps us provide unforgettable experiences to our clients.
We understand the importance of working with a reliable and honest tour operator when planning your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. That’s why we encourage you to check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on TripAdvisor to see what our clients have to say about their experience with us. With Apple Travel Peru, you can trust that we will go above and beyond to make your trip a success.
SMALL GROUPS
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe in providing a more intimate and personalized experience for our guests. To achieve this, we have a policy that limits our group size to a maximum of 8 people. This sets us apart from other tour companies that often operate with much larger groups. By keeping our groups small, we are able to provide more individual attention to each of our guests, ensuring a higher quality of service and a more enjoyable experience overall.
OUR TOUR GUIDES
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe that having the right guide can make all the difference in your travel experience. That’s why we are proud to say that our guides are highly professional and fluent in English. They are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about Inca heritage and history.
Our guides are committed to ongoing personal and professional development. They conduct extensive research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. You can rest assured that you will be in good hands with our crew, who are not only knowledgeable but also fun-loving and great sports.
All of our guides hold degrees in one of the following fields: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology. We believe that their education and expertise provide a valuable perspective and enhance your overall experience.
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
At Apple Travel Peru, we strongly believe in supporting the local communities that surround us. We are committed to responsible tourism and make it a priority to give back through various service projects and by hiring locally.
We take great pride in not only employing local people but also supporting their families and communities. The belief is in a holistic approach and we are thrilled to be able to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us. It brings us joy to be able to support our highland employees and their families in a meaningful way.
IMPORTANT INFO
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE 2-DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU TREK.
Please read carefully the following information as it will help answer all of your questions about our services and the 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek below:
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
When you arrive at the Cusco airport, we send our representative there to greet you and take you to your hotel. To help us make sure everything runs smoothly, please provide us with your flight details at least two weeks before you arrive. When you exit the arrival terminal, keep an eye out for our representative, who will be holding an Apple Travel Peru sign. Our representative won’t be able to enter the terminal, so you’ll need to step outside to find them.
THE BRIEFING
Your briefing will take place the night before your trek. It will be held at our office at 6 or 6:30 pm, depending on your confirmation email details. The office is located at Calle Garcilaso 2010 Office 2012.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please pack things you will only need during your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
HOW TO BOOK THE SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU TREK?
FIRST, to book your Short INCA TRAIL to Machu Picchu Trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or clicking here this link: BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permits without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd/mm/yyyy)
- Nationality
***We need copies of everyone’s passports because they are required when purchasing permits.
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person, in order, to purchase a permit for the Short Inca Trail. You can make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page or clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you’re worried about high credit card fees while in Peru, don’t worry! You have options to pay for your tour with Apple Travel Peru. You can pay in cash (in US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office located in Cusco’s historical center. There are also plenty of ATMs in the area where you can withdraw cash.
If you prefer to pay online, we accept payments through VISA or PayPal. However, please note that there is a 5.5% service fee charged by these payment platforms. To pay your balance through PayPal, simply log into your PayPal account and use our email address: appletravelperu@gmail.com.
We want to make sure that you have a stress-free and convenient payment experience. So, feel free to choose the option that works best for you!
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify for the student discount.
- University students must provide a copy of their ID card showing a photo, University name, and card expiration date. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.
- For all students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30 USD.
- For children from the age of 2 to 11, the discount is $40 USD.
- Children from the age of 0 to 2 are free.
All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at info appletravelperu@gmail.com
MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately, the answer is No. We cannot change the dates for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu once the permits have been purchased. This is due to government regulations and the permits cannot be transferred or refunded. If you decide to cancel the Short Inca Trail, unfortunately, the deposit will not be refunded. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE 2-DAY SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU TREK?
Absolutely! It’s important that you bring your original passport with you on your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu adventure, and that it matches the same passport you used when booking your permit with us. Your passport will be checked upon entering Machu Picchu, hiking the Inca Trail, and boarding the train.
If you’re in the process of renewing your passport, don’t worry – just send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permits, and we can update it once you have your new passport. Please be sure to send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 people. Our groups are often between 2-6 people. Apple Travel Peru is specialized in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service.
ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU TREK?
Absolutely!! Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.
AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN DEPARTURE?
It will depend on the train availability but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco while on the train. Therefore, you will take the train at 14:55 or 15:20.
HOW MUCH IS THE VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE?
The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows, and a ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.
TIPPING
If you’re pleased with the services you’ve received from our staff, we welcome any gratuities you may wish to offer. While tipping may not be a standard practice in your home country, it is an essential part of the tourism industry in many destinations we operate in. Tipping inspires our staff to provide exceptional service, and it is greatly appreciated. The amount you choose to tip is entirely up to you and should be based on the quality and duration of your trip. We want to emphasize that tipping is not mandatory and should only be given if you feel you’ve received excellent service.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Absolutely! Apple Travel Peru is committed to being a responsible tourism operator that prioritizes sustainability and local engagement. We believe in following universal principles of tourism that protect the environment and ensure that local communities benefit from tourism while respecting their culture and beliefs. To ensure that we achieve this, we have extensively trained all our local staff to understand, appreciate, and respect the local communities and places we visit.
PACKING LIST
Machhu Citadel in the afternoon on the first day and also visiting it the next morning! This trek was designed for those with little travel time who would like to experience a part of the Historic Inca Trail and walk to the New 7 Wonder of the World: Machu Picchu!
PACKING LIST FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU TREK
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu DOES NOT INCLUDE an extra porter. Your duffel bag will be sent by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Please try to pack as light as possible, which is key to enjoying this amazing trek.
In your daypack, or on the first day’s hike you will need:
- Original Passport ( the same one you used for booking your trek)
- Good daypack (25 to 30L)
- Water 1 to 2 liters of water
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Polar or sweater for early mornings and evenings
- Rain jacket
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars, or any dry fruit
- Rain plastic poncho (provided by APPLE)
- Camera
- Valuables
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
In your duffel, you should pack
- a change of clothes for visiting Machu Picchu the next day
- Face moisturizer
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- Battery chargers
