The Short Inca Trail

Degree of difficulty

• Considered an easy challenge, the short Inca Trail constitutes a single day of hiking with very little elevation change.
• This is a non-technical trek and should be achievable by anyone with a reasonable degree of fitness.

Accommodation on the trip

• Accommodation is provided for one night, at a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Eating and Drinking

• Breakfast is a hearty affair, with ample offerings and tea and coffee.
• A hot lunch is freshly prepared by the cook.
• Afternoon tea is served with snacks and hot drinks to replenish calories.
• The evening meal will consist of three courses, offering hearty starters and a main course with fresh vegetables and carbs such as rice, pasta or potatoes. 
• Water is boiled and filtered to fill bottles for hiking. 
• Coca tea is available on the trek, which is commonly drunk to alleviate the effects of altitude sickness. 

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Cusco
Cusco
Peru

Getting to Cuzco

• Fly to Cuzco International Airport in Peru (CUZ)
• It is usual that flights from Europe will need to connect through Lima. Lima is serviced by KLM, BA and Iberia from UK Airports, with connections in Amsterdam with KLM or Madrid with Iberia. 
• From Lima, domestic flights to Cuzco are provided by LATAM, Avianca, Star Peru or Peruvian Air. LATAM are the preferred option due to the capability of their planes to land in foggy conditions. 

Short Inca Trail Itinerary

• Day 1 | Pre trek Briefing

  Arrive in Cuzco the evening before the trek begins in order to attend a pre-trek briefing with the lead guide, to prepare for the challenge ahead. 

• Day 2 | Cuzco to Aguas Calientes

  Meet with the group in Cuzco to take a private transfer to Ollantaytambo, to catch a train to KM104, the start point of the trek. Cross the Rio Urubamba, following the trail towards the first Incan ruin Chachabamba. where there's time to explore the site before progressing into the cloud forest. Gaining altitude, there will be a lunch stop at Wiñay Wayna, before joining the main Inca Trail towards the Sun Gate. Plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings before taking a bus to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay in a hotel.

• Day 3 | Machu Picchu Tour 

  An early start to take the bus back up to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of the site, with an option to climb Huayna Picchu, the famous mountain behind the ruins. In the afternoon, take a train to Ollantaytanbo to meet with the transfer back to Cuzco.

Included

• Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entry
• A fully supported trek with expert guide
• Lunch and dinner on the first day of the trek
• Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes on a B&B basis

Not Included

• Flights
• Visas
• Tips for your guide
• Personal items
• Travel Insurance
• Your personal trekking gear
• Your personal medicines or prescriptions
• Snacks on the trek
• Drinking water
• Meals and drinks not specified
• Hotel accommodation in Cuzco

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs

Jose the guide was knowledgeable, funny and encouraging. Our cooker Pedro made the best ceviche I’ve ever had, the porters were kind and helpful. I honestly can’t think on a single thing they could do to improve, looking forward for our next trip. | Diego

They thought of everything. I felt well taken care of before, during and after the trek. Our guide Elio was superb and seemed to know what each individual on the trek needed at every point. Our chef Tani and his assistant Nacalio were absolutely amazing. Their meals were jaw-dropping in taste and presentation. I can't imagine how they made it all happen in a makeshift tent kitchen. The porters are truly angels on earth and the most hard-working people I have ever met. If this is on your bucket list - just go! | Tina