Our Short Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 2D/1N starts idyllic by a wake-up early. Then we are taken by our private transport to the railway station at Ollantaytambo to board a train taking us to the starting point of the 2 day trek – so called Km 104. Then we pass through an Inca Trail checking point and start hiking through lush vegetation of a cloud forest while greeeted by local exotic birds such as Andean guan, grey-breasted mountain tucan, etc. and since we can see various wild orchids and bromelias along the path too. Our Tour Guide explains us about the Chachabamba ruins that were rediscovered in 1940. Lunch. Our next stop is in Wiñay Wayna, an Inca complex neighboring to Machu Picchu. The complex, which name means “Eternal Youth, can boosts with a stunning view down at the Urubamba River.
In late afternoon, we have descended to the entrance of Machu Picchu – Inti Punku (Sun´s Gate), we continue down to our hotel in Aguas Calientes Town where we have a rest. The following early morning adventure starts with Machu Picchu hiking tour for two hours. Then we enter to the “Lost City of the Incas” and enjoy its guided tour. Hiking the Inca Trail is an unforgettable experience so do not hesitate joining our group.
Shuttle to Ollantaytambo Kilometer 104: 2½ hour by bus from Cusco.
Walking Distance: 12km. / 7.5mile.
Trekking Time: 5½ to 6 hour approximately.
Climate: Moderate
Acomodation: Hostel.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum Altitude: 2730 masl. / 8792 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2100 masl. / 6900 ft.
The 2 day Inca Trail ends up with a train ride to Ollantaytambo (alternatively to Poroy), from where we are taken by van back to Cusco.
Machu Picchu is both, the best and the least known site of the Incas as it is not mentioned in any Spanish conquistador´s chronicle so that contemporary archaeologists can not do anything more than just speculate on its functions. Local Quechuan farmers had known about Machu Picchu for centuries before an 11-year-old boy showed the American historian Hiram Bingham (who was in a search of Vilcabamba) this site on the 24th of July 1911. At that time, all the rest of the world became aware of its existence. However, the site was covered with thick vegetation so Hiram Bingham along with his team returned and within the years of 1912 and 1915 cleared its surface. Over the years, plenty of work has been done on excavating and studying the site. Despite these efforts, many unanswered questions remain.
Distance Travelled: 6 Km. / 3.7 mile
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours approximately.
Machu Picchu guided tour: 2½ hour.
Climate: tropical warm.
Shuttle to Cusco:3 hours by train and bus from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.
Maximum Altitude: 2429 masl / 7972 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2040 masl / 6692 ft.
