Short Inca Trail to Machupicchu

Code : CHA-IT2D-S Trek Name : Short Inca Trail to Machupicchu Length : 2 days / 1 night Class : B (shared service) Activities : Archeology, trekking, flora and fauna Altitudes : from 2350mtr (7,710ft) to 2650mtr (8,694ft) Best season : May - October Departures : March - January Trek grade : Easy Passenger Minimum : 04 Passenger Maximum : 16 Location : Machupicchu Sanctuary

Short Inca trail to Machupicchu Click here to make your reservation

Attraction: An early morning transfer from our hotel to the railway station for a three-hour train ride, which has been described as one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. The train climbs out of Cusco to a high plateau before following the Urubamba River down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. From here, it is drawn into the deep and narrow Urubamba gorge, surrounded by sheer mountains and thick forest. A one day-hike arriving at Machupicchu via the famous Sungate.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Cusco - Km 104 - Machupicchu We begin our walk at Km104 by crossing the Vilcanota / Urubamba River. Along an Inca highway, we'll climb away from the river and through luxuriant vegetation that is home to hundreds of bird and orchid species. We'll emerge from the cloud forest at Wiñaywayna. Wiñaywayna is a beautiful ceremonial site divided into two sectors and fashioned from finely-carved stones fit together with great precision. We'll continue our hike to the Sun Gate, where we'll get our first view of Machupicchu. Here, the final stretch of the royal Inca highway will take us to the citadel itself, covered for four centuries by forest and now laid out for our appreciation. From the Sanctuary, we will take the bus to the town of Machupicchu, where we will spend the night in our hotel. Day 2: Visit of Machupicchu An early rise will give us ample time for our guided visit of the Machupichu citadel. After the tour, which will last for approximately 3 hours there is enough time to discover the Sanctuary by ourselves. In the afternoon we will descend to the train station, where the train will be waiting to bring us back to Cusco. Included: Pickup at your hotel Professional bilingual (Spanish / English) guide in shared service Backpacker train from Cusco to Km106 (trailhead) and from Machupicchu to Poroy Entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machupicchu Box lunch on the first day Tourist bus from the Machupicchu ruins to Aguas Calientes (1st day) Overnight accommodation in a hostal In Aguas Calientes Tourist bus (roundtrip) from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu (2nd day) Transfer Poroy train station to your hotel in Cusco.

Not included:

• Breakfast on the first morning
• Dinner in Aguas Calientes
• Entrance to the thermal baths (US $ 3.00)

Option: travel by Vistadome train ($ 40.00)

Departures Poroy to Machupicchu:

• Vistadome Premium departure 06:53am arrival KM106: aprox. 09:30am
• Backpacker Premium departure 07:42am arrival KM104: aprox. 10:30am

Return from Machupicchu to Poroy

• Vistadome Premium departure 15:20pm arrival Poroy: 18:50pm. Transfer Poroy to your hotel in Cusco by car approximately 20 minutes.
• Backpacker Premium departure 16:45pm arrival Poroy train station: 20:15pm. Transfer station to your hotel in Cusco by car approximately 10 minutes.

Note 1: schedule subject to change.
Note 2: Note: The train ride from Cusco to KM104 and return from Machupicchu to Cusco is subject to change and depends on availability.
If this train if fully booked you will journey by bus to the Sacred Valley and board the train in Ollantaytambo.
On your return you will get of the train in Ollantaytambo and continue by bus to Cusco.

Vistadome versus Backpacker

Vistadome
These spectacular carriages have beautiful panoramic windows offering unsurpassed scenic views and photographic opportunities. With glass surrounding them on all sides, passengers feel as if they are part of Peru's remarkable landscape. Vistadome is the quickest way to visit Machu Picchu and apart from the carriages of the Hiram Bingham, the most comfortable. Snacks and hot and cold refreshments are included on the journey.

Backpacker
The Backpacker carriages are created for our adventure passengers or for those seeking comfort and security, without all the frills. These carriages offer travellers a true Peruvian experience. Seats are upholstered with indigenous fabrics, giving a touch of local flavour. Snacks are served on this service and additional storage space is available for backpacks.

Reservation code: CHA-IT2D-S

Note: For the Inca Trail a trekking permit is required. Permits are limited to approximately 200 per day, and booking in advance (4 to 6 months during the high season, and 1-2 months during the low season) is recommended in order to secure your reservation.

Inca Trail (2 days) packing list and rental options

Tops

• Poly/fleece (wind stopper) jacket
• Poly/fleece lightweight sweater
• Raincoat or poncho (plastic ponchos can be bought in Cusco)

Bottoms

• Wind/rain pants (Gore-tex or similar)
• Lightweight cotton pants (loose jeans/khakis)

Foot & hand wear

• Wool or synthetic socks
• Trekking boots (broken in)
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses that provide good UV protection
• Trekking boots

Miscellaneous

• Small daypack
• Trekking poles
• 1 water bottle
• Sun block
• Lip balm (spf 16)
• Insect repellent
• Toiletry kit
• Toilet paper
• Personal medications

Optional:

• Camera and memory cards
• Spare batteries and extra memory cards for your digital camera
• Binoculars
• Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)

For rent:

• Trekking poles: Leki and Black Diamond, 1 for US $ 4.00 and 2 for US $ 7.00.

Prices 2010:

Tripgrading

Shared service:

Reservation code Backpacker train: CHA-IT2D-S
Reservation code Vistadome train: CHA-IT2D-S-VD

For private service please check this section