Your adventure begins early in the morning with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:00 a.m. (or around 5:30 a.m. if you are staying near Ollantaytambo). From there, you will travel to the Ollantaytambo Train Station, where you will board your train for a scenic journey toward Machu Picchu. As the train follows the winding course of the Urubamba River, you will enjoy spectacular views of lush valleys, traditional Andean landscapes, and towering mountain scenery—an unforgettable start to your Machu Picchu adventure.

After enjoying breakfast and boarding the train, you will travel for about 1.5 hours through the spectacular Sacred Valley landscape before arriving at KM 104, the official starting point of the Short Inca Trail. Upon arrival, you will check in at the trail entrance using your passport, as required for access to the historic Inca Trail. After completing the registration process, you will meet our dedicated trekking team who will assist and support you throughout the hike, ensuring a comfortable and memorable journey along this legendary route to Machu Picchu.

We will begin the hike with a visit to Chachabamba, a remarkably well-preserved Inca site featuring ceremonial structures and ancient water channels. From there, the trail gradually ascends through lush cloud forest, where you’ll walk along scenic paths surrounded by vibrant vegetation, hear the songs of native birds, and pass beautiful waterfalls along the way—creating one of the most enchanting sections of the Short Inca Trail experience.

The hike begins with a gentle 4-hour ascent along the original stone paths of the Inca Trail, surrounded by lush cloud forest and spectacular Andean landscapes. This scenic section leads you to Wiñay Wayna, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites along the route. Its name means “Forever Young,” and the site features impressive agricultural terraces, ancient temples, and breathtaking views over the Andes Mountains. After exploring this fascinating Inca complex and learning about its history from your guide, you will enjoy a delicious eco-friendly box lunch in a stunning natural setting. It’s the perfect moment to relax, recharge, and take in the incredible scenery before continuing your unforgettable journey toward Machu Picchu.

After lunch, we continue hiking toward the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the historic gateway used by the Incas to enter Machu Picchu. From this spectacular vantage point, you will enjoy your first breathtaking view of the Lost City of the Incas, a truly magical moment for every traveler. Arriving in the afternoon offers a quieter and more exclusive experience, with fewer crowds and perfect lighting over the ancient citadel. This panoramic viewpoint provides one of the most iconic photo opportunities of Machu Picchu, making it a highlight of the entire Short Inca Trail experience.

After reaching Machu Picchu, we will descend toward the citadel and follow Circuit 1, visiting the most iconic panoramic viewpoints. By this time of the afternoon, the crowds have usually begun to fade, allowing you to experience a more peaceful atmosphere while taking stunning photos of Machu Picchu in the soft afternoon light — one of the best moments of the day to capture the classic views of this world wonder.

Afterward, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, the charming town located at the base of Machu Picchu. In the evening, you will enjoy a delicious dinner at a carefully selected local restaurant. Later, you will spend the night in a comfortable 3-star hotel with a private bathroom, ensuring a relaxing stay before continuing your Machu Picchu experience the following day.