The Short Express Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a terrific trek for people short on time or that wish to experience the thrill of a hike to Machu Picchu without wilderness camping. Enjoy the stunning combination of Inca archaeological sites, magnificent mountains, exotic vegetation and extraordinary ecological variety. Visit the
awe-inspiring Inca complexes of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna along the way to the astonishing archaeological site of Machu Picchu. Relish in the excitement and beauty that this wondrous trek offers.
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Trekking Overview:
- Duration: 4 nights/3 days.
- Starting Point: Choquesuysuy - km. 104.
- Ending Point: Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu Complex.
- Physical Demand Rating: Moderate.
- Age Restriction: 12years old and over.
- Tour Type: Trekking, Climbing.
- Accommodations: Hotel.
- Service Level: Standard - Deluxe.
- Guarantee: Satisfaction and Safety.
- Style: Personalized.
- Carbon Emissions: 360 CO2-E.
- Group Size: 2 min., 10 max.
- Transport: Train, walk, Mini-van.
- Price: US $ - Contact us.
DAY 1: Cusco - Ollantaytambo – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu
Pick-up from your hotel and transfer to the train station in Ollantaytambo or Poroy.
Train from Cusco to km. 104, the starting point of the trek.
Hiking to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu.
Bus to Aguas Calientes town.
Night in a hotel (with hot shower).
Walking distance: 13 km.
Trail-head elevation: 2,000 meters.
Highest point elevation (Sun Gate): 2,720 meters.
Machu Picchu elevation: 2,400 meters.
DAY 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu - Cusco
Early breakfast at your hotel.
Bus or hiking up to Machu Picchu (by bus 25 minutes, by foot 1.5 hours).
2-hour guided tour in Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
Climb up to Huayna Picchu (note: has to be booked in advance).
Afternoon train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (2:55 or 6:45 pm).
Transfer from Ollantaytambo – Cusco – hotel.
Important information regarding new Inca Trail regulations !
We recommend that you make your trek booking at least 5 months in advance to secure your departure date. Permits sell out at least 4 months in advance. The government has strictly limited the number of people permitted on the Inca Trail to 500 people each day including the porters, cooks and guides. So, if you are sure about your hike departure date, send us an E-mail or check the availability dates first.
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TREKKING ITINERARY:
Day 1: Cusco - Ollantaytambo – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu
6:00am - Start your journey as we leave Cusco in our own vehicle 
to the Ollantaytambo train station where we will board the Expedition Train for a 1.45 hr ride to km. 104 (hike start point). Upon arrival, we will cross a bridge to the checkpoint (where you will be required to show passports and, if applicable, student card).
Then, we will start an easy walk to the other side of the Vilcanota River, where the trail veers off to the right towards the complex of Chachabamba, located on the old Inca Road that ran along the southern bank of the Urubamba River. After our visit, we will continue the trail south and begin climbing the mountain before entering the Cloud Forest. The trail then leaves the forest and goes West while continuing the uphill hike in open grasslands. After hiking in the sun for about 3 hours, the trail descends into a shaded forest where we will enjoy a refreshing waterfall. Following our break, we continue to the lower part of the incredible complex of Wiñaywayna. It is recommended that you start the trek with at least 2 liters of water. After lunch in Wiñaywayna, we continue through a beautiful cloud forest full of colorful bromeliads, orchids and ferns. You will walk the last part of the trail along superb, stone steps and Tambos (resting places). Then, climb 60 steps before arriving to the famous Inti Punku (Sun Gate). From this magnificent point, you will see the extraordinary magical Machu Picchu in front of you. Feel the energy, spirit & warmth of this surreal sanctuary while taking some unforgettable pictures. We will then take a 25-minute bus ride to Aguas Calientes to spend the night and keep thinking over our exciting hike.
- Included meals: Box-lunch, dinner.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes/Back to Cusco
The first bus leaves very early in the morning after breakfast at about 6:15am, arriving in Machu Picchu at around 7:00am to see the lovely sunrise over the mountains. Here we will re-live the history and the mysterious world of the Incas. At this time, there isn't much of a crowd, so we can take advantage of the tranquility of this sacred site. We will explore this enigmatic city for approximately 2 hours, while listening to the guide recount the mysteries and archaeological history of this sanctuary. Then you will have 4 hours of leisure to possibly climb Huayna Picchu or continue your exploration of this massive site. Please, consult with your guide for the time to be at the train station for your departure, so you will have ample time to have lunch or soak in the thermal waters in Aguas Calientes.
- Included meals: Breakfast.
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Included:
- Transfer from hotel to train station and back to hotel.
- Professional guide in English & Spanish.
- Excellent meals (1 breakfast, 1 box-lunch & 1 dinner).
- Train to km. 104 (Choquesuysuy starting point).
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo & Cusco - private transport.
- Tourist bus, Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance fee to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Oxygen bottle and First-aid kit.
- Accommodation in Aguas Calientes in selected hotel with breakfast.
Not included:
- International & Domestic Flights.
- Airport taxes (USD 30,25 for Int'l flights & USD 6,05 for domestic flights).
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes, the first night.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Excess of luggage.
- Additional nights, in case of bad weather/flight cancellation.
- Alcoholic beverages, sodas or bottled mineral water, snacks.
- Personal expenses: laundry, phone calls, etc.
- Personal equipment.
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu.
- Travel insurance.
- Gratuities, extras, tips, etc.
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USS $ 450
Trekking Discounts:
For promotional prices, contact us: Click Here.
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What you need to take ?
- Original passport (must be valid for more than 6 months).
- Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount).
- Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required, in order not to damage archaeological sites).
- Small towel.
- Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
- Cash in Soles and/or US $.
- A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek.
- Rain gear (jacket & pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco).
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended.
- Sandals/jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp.
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
- Flashlight/headlamp and some extra batteries.
- Camera, films & some extra batteries (batteries wear more quickly under cold weather).
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain, wind & cold.
- Sun-block.
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face & body.
- Insect repellent–minimum recommended 25% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported.
- Handkerchiefs.
- Toilet paper.
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, Muesli, etc.
- Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the day.
- Optionally: water-sterilizing tablets or pump in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route.
- Personal medications.
Very important note !
It is obligatory to bring your original passport with you on the trek, with the same passport number you originally made your reservation with. Otherwise, you will be unable to go on the trek. Photocopies are not accepted. We will buy your Inca Trail trek permit using the names and passport numbers that you send us with your trek booking. You must bring this SAME passport with you to Cusco and carry it on the Inca Trail. If the name or number in your passport is different from the name & number on the trek permit, the government authorities will not allow you to start the trek and you won't be entitled to a refund. If you plan to renew your passport between making the trek booking and actually starting the trek, please see the FAQs section relating to passport numbers.
If you make a trek booking at the student price, you must send us a copy of your ISIC card at the time you pay the trek deposit. If you fail to bring your ISIC card on the trek, the government authorities will not allow you to start the trek. You will not be given the opportunity to pay the extra difference in price and you won't be entitled to a refund. These are government regulations that apply to all Inca Trail tour operators.
Environmental Impact
Qeros Tours Team is promoting environmental conservation on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We operate with a minimal impact policy on our Peruvian trips, that can include different cooking methods, packing out the group waste and taking less invasive routes. On all of our Inca Trail trips, 100% of the group waste is removed and in many other trips all non-biodegradable waste is removed and we never start fires at our campsites. Also, all of our guides will talk about the local environment and some of the challenges facing it; all of them work to minimize the group's impact on the routes. Our camp staff: porters, cooks and mule wranglers are usually paid accordingly and receive all accommodations, transport and food. Regular training courses about cultural and environment conservation are held for all the staff.
FAQs about the Inca Trail:
Trekking Permits are limited ?
Yes, the government permits only 500 person each day.
How far in advance do I need to make the Inca Trail reservation ?
As far in advance as possible. The government has strictly limited the number of people permitted on the Inca Trail (permits are issued to 500 people each day, including the porters, guides & cooks). Therefore, we recommend that you try to make your Inca Trail reservation as far in advance as possible. Thus, if you are sure about your trek departure date, send us an E-mail to:
This E-mail address is being protected from Spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Note: Inca Trail permits are sold out far in advance; for example, we have been selling Inca Trail Permits since September 2015 for 2016.
What do I need to make Inca Trail reservations ?
First, you need to E-mail us: Click here to inquire about the Inca Trail availability dates; this E-mail address is being protected from Spambots and you need JavaScript enabled to view it). We will send you an E-mail confirming trek availability and confirming the total price of the trek, and any additional services & info that you may have requested. When you make a trek booking, we require a scanned copy of your passport (must be valid for more than 6 months) and valid ISIC card, if applicable. We will use your passport information to purchase your trek permits. Your passport number will be clearly marked on the trek permit together with your name, exactly as indicated in your valid passport. Please, fill in the Inca Trail reservation form with your personal data.
What are your payment methods ? Do I need to make a deposit upon booking ?
After we have confirmed your trek booking, you will need to pay a trek deposit. The deposit can be paid by WESTERN UNION, PAYPAL and by CREDIT CARD or International Bank Transfer (you are responsible for the transfer fees). The remaining trek balance is to be paid in our office in Cusco, at least 2 days prior the trek departure date. So, once your trek booking is confirmed, we will send you the details on how to pay the trek deposit.
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Important information regarding new Trekking regulations !
We recommend that you make your trek booking at least 5 months in advance to secure your departure date because permits sell out quick daily and sell out at least 4 months in advance. The government has strictly limited the number of people permitted on the Inca Trail to 500 people each day including the porters, cooks and guides. So, if you are sure about your hike departure date, send us an E-mail or check the Inca Trail trek availability dates first.
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