A Shorter Version Of The Inca Trail

leaves from Km 104 (104 kilometers along the railway from Cusco to Aguas Calientes), at 2100m, and involves a four hour walk uphill to the Wiñay-Wayna ruins (2700 m) and then a couple of hours further to Machu Picchu.

This hike is accessible for all ages and doesn't require you to be in top physical shape. Since your one day hike takes you to the town of Aguas Calientes where you will stay at a tourist hostel, you will not have to camp or carry backpacks; only your personal day-pack with essentials.

This program is recommended to those with less time at their disposition, those less able/fit, and those with less experience in trekking and those not accustomed to high altitude. This 2-Day trek covers a 16-km Inca Trail, picking up the 4-day trail at the impressive archaeological site of Wiñay-Wayna – only Inca Trail hikers get to enjoy these ruins!!! The name Wiñay-Wayna means “Forever Young “in Quechua – native Inca language, and the place is named after a pink and purple orchid of that name that grows in the area. Farming terraces (or andenes) surrounding the whole side of a mountain decorate this ancient Inca castle with temples, residences and water channels. The stonework is prime quality and features fine masonry with a magnificent sequence of fifteen ritual fountain baths. It was a religious centre, probably associated with the ritualistic worshiping of water. Chachabamba, Choquesuysuy and Inti-pata are other very interesting Inca Complexes hiding in the middle of the beauty of the mountains and the lower part of the Sub-tropical valley. 
Trekkers must continue the hike all the way to Machu Picchu where you will observe the famous view from the Sun gate “Inti Punku” and then spend the night in a comfortable hostel in Aguas Calientes. Groups will then return to Machu Picchu for a guided tour on the second day. Very early in the morning you will have a private guided tour of Machupicchu – avoiding the large crowds that arrive with the first trains from Cusco, and then you have free time to explore and take pictures on your own. (Guided group average 5 -8 people Max).

SAP Adventures Quick View

Day 1: Cusco - Km. 104 – Aguas Calientes Day 2: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Difficulty Of Trek: Moderate Length Of Trek: 2 Days / 1 Nights  Start Point: Cusco End Point: Cusco Type Of Trek: Archaeological, Cultural, Ecological, Hiking