The Royal Inka Trail to Machu Picchu in 3 Days


Short Inca Trail + Wayna Picchu in 3 days

Type of Tour : Adventure, Cultural


Activity(s) Hiking, Trekking, Guided Visits


Great full day Inka trail with a sunset experience in Machupicchu ,The Inca Trail is surrounded by the Andean mountains, primitive lush vegetation and extraordinary ecological varieties. The trail goes through the Machupicchu National Park and enters through Inti Punku “The Sun Gate” with unforgettable views of Machu Picchu.

Upon arriving to Machu Picchu, enjoy a Sunset free time in Machupicchu.

Next day get a Sunrise guided tour in Machupicchu, with full of fresh energy and good Mother earth energy, enjoy free time to explore the places such as the Inka Bridge.

In the afternoon we can enjoy the hot springs of Machupicchu village.

Last day climb the Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu Mountain. According entrance fees time we can climb the Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu Sacred Mountain, Afteroon train back and transfer to Cusco.

Map

Short Inca Trail + Wayna Picchu in 3 days map

Itinerary

DAY 1: Transfer by ITEP Van from Cusco to Train station, later train service to Km 104 Inca Trail Entrance.

Meals: Box Lunch and dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel, “Camping on request”.
Distance: 16kms/10 mls (6 hours more or less of hiking)
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
Walking Time: Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch in route)
Walk and Terrain: Walk, canter, on open roads, some steep ascending trails

img-Transfer by ITEP Van from Cusco to Train station, later train service to Km 104 Inca Trail Entrance.

Trekking Km 104 “Chachabamba to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate”
Today Our trek takes us along the most impressive stretch of the Inca Trail. We'll visit beautiful Inca sites, see a variety of flora and fauna and get to take in the fantastic panoramas of the Andes Mountains. Covering 16km of the trail our journey begins in the Sacred Valley and works its way up along an original Inca Trail to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna before continuing on to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
 
As we make our way to Machu Picchu we'll pass through the lush and verdant cloud forest that covers the mountain and get to see a variety of plants, flowers and birds along the way. We may also see some larger mammals such as Viscachas (rabbit-like Chinchillas) and Spectacled Bears (if we are very lucky).
 
After a full day trekking, we'll arrive to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the late afternoon and get our first views of Machu Picchu spread out on the mountain below. The light at this time of day is great for photos and with fewer tourists in the site it's a perfect time to take some pictures. After we've passed through the Sun Gate we'll carry on along the trail a little way before taking a side trail that leads us to Aguas Calientes in the valley below where we'll check in to our hotel.

img-Transfer by ITEP Van from Cusco to Train station, later train service to Km 104 Inca Trail Entrance.

DAY 2: Machupicchu The Sunrise Experience

Waking up early (07:00am) “Time can Vary according your tour guide recommendation” we'll take one of the first buses back up to Machu Picchu to enter the site as soon as it opens.

img-Machupicchu The Sunrise Experience

We'll have 2 hours guided tour in the site where you'll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour you'll have free time to explore the site by yourself.
You will also have time to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own if you choose (not included in the price). Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or bathe in the hot springs.

MACHUPICCHU MUSEUM

The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, achieves the objectives of the preservation and dissemination of cultural and archaeological research. Within a modern and dynamic exhibition, the reopening of Site Museum Manuel Chavez Ballón has become the primary means of communication and information for the most important cultural Historical Sanctuary of Perú.
The museum is organized in seven phases, they emphasize the beauty and historical significance of the large collection of artifacts, construction tools (copper and bronze), pins, mirrors, tweezers and needles. Also appearing are the headed ornitomorfa ibis, toucans and oropendolas. The exhibit shows in detail the metallurgical expertise in the Inca city; the spectacular examples of dexterity in stone quarrying, as well as significant objects in various other materials. These displays express to the world, a view of the sustenance of life in Inca Machu Picchu, the strategic administrative center intertwined between the Amazon and the Andes.
 

img-Machupicchu The Sunrise Experience

DAY 3: Machupicchu Second entrance to Machupicchu Sacred mountain or Huaynapicchu Sacred Mountain.

Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 8.9kms/5.5mls “By Bus in 25 minutes”
Difficulty: Easy

img-Machupicchu Second entrance to Machupicchu Sacred mountain or Huaynapicchu Sacred Mountain.

Today we´ll start with a breakfast at the hotel before we head back to Machu Picchu. We´ll take a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Depending on your entrance time for Huayna Picchu or Machupicchu Mountain you can walk around for a while before entering, but they are very strict about the entrance times, so make sure to be on time! You will need to show your entrance ticket for Huayna Picchu or Machupicchu Mountain and your passport. If you had a student discount when you booked, you will also need to show your ISIC (International Student Identity Card).

It should take about 45 minutes to get to the top and once there you can rest from the strenuous and daunting climb up the mountain as well as enjoying the wonderful view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains and valley. After climbing back down to Machu Picchu you can roam around Machu Picchu again or you can go back to Aguas Calientes right away. You can take a bus down to Aguas Calientes and from there, depending on your train schedule take your Expedition train to Ollantaytambo. In Ollantaytambo you will be picked up and driven back to Cusco.

Note: The time table for the trains may change according to the train company´s availability. There will also be changes to your itinerary and price if you decide to change your departure time, or upgrade to the Vistadome Train. If you booked later than most of your group for your Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu, you may not be in the same train as the rest of the group.

Please be aware of the following:

1.- “Machupicchu Sacred Mountain is different than the Machupicchu Inca City”.
2.- Huaynapicchu Mountain is in front of Machupicchu Sacred Mountain, Machupicchu Inca City is in the middle of the two mountains “Spaces are limited in both mountains and for Machupicchu inca city”.
3.- Machupicchu Sacred Mountain is higher than Huaynapicchu Mountain. 
4.-The climb for these mountains are without tour guides, it means by yourself “the trek duration in each mountain “one way” is 1 hour to 1:30 hours.
5.- The trail is full of signs and park rangers and this day is an exclusive personal day for you”.


*** We only take ITEP EcoTravel clients in our vans / cars – We do not use public transport.
About Machupicchu Hotels: 
Please note: Hotels may change (be different according your request) depending on booking time and availability; Campsite for Inca Trail 3d2n also is possible, we just need to follow Machupicchu government conditions or on restrictions undertaken for safety reasons by the Peruvian Government.
 

img-Machupicchu Second entrance to Machupicchu Sacred mountain or Huaynapicchu Sacred Mountain.

More Information

Transfers In / Out.
Inca Trail Briefing: One day before “briefing about your trail with our staff at our office”.
Inca Trail Pick up: Pick up at your hotel by your guide, time will be confirmed at the day of your briefing.
Inca Trail Transfer: Private transport from your hotel to the Ollantaytambo train station.
Inca Trail Train to beging point: Expedition Touristic Train from Ollantaytambo to 104 kilometer “Chachabamba
Inca Trail Entrance fees: Admission Ticket to the Inca trail, it will be send to you at the time of your booking.
Machupicchu entrance fees: Admission Ticket Machu Picchu Inca City.
2th Machupicchu entrance fees: Admission Ticket Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain / Huayna Picchu.
Adventure Experienced Short Inca Trail Tour Guide: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time along the inca path and will ensure you are safe and happy.
Tour Guide in Machupicchu Cultural Experienced: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. For visit the sacred city of Machupicchu.
Inca Trail meals: 2 Breakfast (hotel), 1 Box lunch + 01 Dinner in a Machupicchu restaurant just on 1st day “please check menu”, vegetarian option is available at no extra cost.
Inca Trail safe first: First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank also an emergency radio and satellite phone is carried by your guide.
2 nights in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Overnight in Machupicchu Village: Each hotel is carefully choosed for having a very local experience “please check options”.
Water:  Inka Trail Expeditions will supply all the water needed only at our office in Cusco “for your 1st day trek”, after you arrive to Machupicchu Village/Aguas
Inca Trail safe first: First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank also an emergency radio and satellite phone is carried by your guide. Calientes, you will be able to find plenty shops and restaurants. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. 
Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes for the 3 days.
Train expedition tickets back: From Aguas Calientes “Machupicchu village” to Ollantaytambo train station (departure time is confirmed the day of briefing and it´s subject to availability)
Transfer back to Cusco: Private touristic transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco (Day 3)
24-hour guest service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.
Free luggage store at ITEP Travel.

First breakfast before the transfer on the first day
Lunch, dinner at the 2th and 3th day at Aguas Calientes.
3th day, guided visit to Huayna Picchu, if you think you need one, please let us know.
Personal clothing and gear
Travel Insurance
Energy snacks will be very useful as chocolate bars, dried fruits.
Tips for our staff: Please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish “Recommendation usd 6 to usd 8 per day per traveler for all the trek staff”- Once again it is optional and can vary according your satisfaction. 
Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)

EXTRA services ofr your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Walking sticks (US$15 for a pair of sticks)
Extra porter for personal items (US$130 for up to 15 Kg)
Upgrade to Single room in Aguas Calientes (US$35)
Upgrade to Vistadome train (US$50)
Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain (US$75) – There is only a limited space at Wayna Picchu (400 persons per day), so it is a good idea to book in advance.
We can help you to book hotels (standard and luxury) in whole Peru.

Original Passport
Day Pack   
Full rain gear or poncho
Gloves (thin riding and warm gloves) 
Headlamp Sunglasses             
Hiking Socks Sunscreen
Insect repellent Bathing suit
Trekking pants
Breathable dry fit top-wear 
Comfortable shoes/flip-flops
Cold-weather jacket
Long-sleeve fleece/sweater Wool hat
Hiking boots
Baseball cap, sombrero and bandana
Headlamp Sunglasses             
Hiking Socks Sunscreen
Insect repellent 
Bathing suit
Casual mountains wear for evenings 
Photo/video cameras and chargers 
Binoculars
Refillable water bottle (hydration bags are recommended)

OPTIONAL items to bring

Shorts
Walking stick (with rubber tip)
Plasters and bandages
Sandals
Baiting suit for the hot springs
Extra money for personal expensive, tips and entrance fees for hot springs (entrance fee for the hot spring is: US$ 4 / 10 Soles), (recommended 200 Peruvian nuevos soles for extra money)

DISCOUNTS: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 3 days

With an ISIC card you can get a discount (20$) of the Inca Trail; you need to scan and send it to us at the time of your booking.
If you are under 17 years old, you can get a discount (20$) of the Inca Trail; you have to scan and send you passport to us at the time of your booking.
Children under 7 years old have a discount US$ 40 of the Inca trail; you have to scan and send you passport to us at the time of your booking.

NOTES:

The Itinerary can change according to the Peruvian government, climate and health status of the trekkers.
The train schedule can change according to availability of the train company.
The train that we provide is the expedition train to Ollantaytambo – if someone books a train ticket in the last minute it is not sure that they can come in the same train as the other group.
If you would like to change your train schedule or tickets, you have to pay more for the transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco and for the price change of the train.

LIMITED spaces

YES. To protect the historical trail of the Inkas, the number of people allowed to hike the Inca Trail each day is limited to 250. That is why, you should reserve your space as soon as possible. Spaces can be filled up three to six months in advance. Spaces fill more quickly in the high tourist season, from May to September.

We highly  recommended  to do your trekking to the Machupicchu or Huaynapicchu Mountains in order to have the most stunning views of the archaeological place(Machupicchu)

HUAYNA PICCHU mountain

Huayna Picchu is one of the mountains that stands next to Machu Picchu and has amazing views from above. This hike is done after your tour with  us and takes 45 minutes to reach  the top and 45 minutes to came back down. Great oportunity to take  lots of photos, because of the incredible views . 
The Huayna Picchu Mountain is the one that you will see just  behind Machu Picchu on any postcard; the  Incas paths hidden alongside the mountain, it may frighten those  who have a fear of heights.

For those of you who struggle with heights you may need to know that you will be steps away from hundred foot plummets into an abyss, and in some places the path can be very steep and narrow.

There are times when you need to use security cables to support yourself; it is a challenge for anyone. If you suffer from vertigo or you have a hard time controlling your fear of heights we would recommend taking a different route. You will have to place reservations 6 months before if you would like one of the 400 available tickets to go up to the Huayna Picchu Mountain.

MACHUPICCHU mountain

Machu Picchu Mountain is an unforgettable and lesser-known hike above the Machu Picchu  with stunning panoramic view of the valley. Reaching the archaeological place which is only one part of the Machu Picchu experience.

The other one is climbing the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain at 3,050 meters above sea level for dramatic views of the place and lush mountains separated by deep valleys and Urubamba River.

As spectacular as seeing Machu Picchu is, the lost Incas city, tells us just little things  if you don’t see them in a perspective with the surrounding mountains. It is  when you can appreciate the enormous effort of Incas engineery to built their  citys 2,430 meters above sea level without using any  metal tools or  wheel. Why the city was initially built ?,still remains as mystery.


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