If you are short of time, but you’d like to experience the history and magic of the Inca Trail, then the Short Inca Trail with Camping experience is the option for you. You’ll hike along an incredible section of the ancient trail, explore impressive Inca ruins, like Wiñay Wayna, and arrive at the ancient site of Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku) — just like the Incas did.
You will spend the night under the stars at our beautiful riverside campsite where everything has been arranged for you — from lovely camping tents, to meals prepared by our team. When you travel with Uros Expeditions, you’ll enjoy a hassle-free experience that combines nature, history and authentic Andean hospitality. In the morning, you will wake to spectacular views before your guided visit to Machu Picchu, which takes place well in advance of the masses of tourists arriving.
Group Services
Short Inca Trail Camping Experience to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Camping
Begin your expedition to Km 104 on an early train and proceed to hike through the cloud forest. Experience the landscapes at Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, two of the significant Inca sites that you will come across on your hike. After approximately 6 hours of hiking, you will arrive at your site beside the river for dinner and a camping night surrounded by nature.
Day 2: Camping – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Get up early and walk to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for your first panorama view of Machu Picchu. Following your view of the citadel, a guided tour will commence. Afterwards, lunch will be in Aguas Calientes, and you will take your afternoon train back to Cusco.
Tour Highlights
- Hike the last section of the Inca Trail – with the entire camping experience.
- Visit the Inca site of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna.
- Visit Machu Picchu two times at exclusive hours.
- Enjoy the most impressive panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
- Savor picnic-style meals freshly prepared by our renowned chefs.
- Return by comfortable Vistadome train to Cusco.
Included Machu Picchu Circuits
- Circuit 1-C: This is the official access route for all Short Inca Trail hikers to enter onto Machu Picchu. Access to the lower and upper observatories, Sun Gate (Inti Punku) with 360° panoramic views of the citadel and the surrounding mountains.
- Circuit 3-B: This route explores the lower area of Machu Picchu where you will see amazing sites such as the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Water Mirrors, Warehouses and Twelve Niches.
Together, both circuits allow for a more complete Machu Picchu experience. The routes have been established by Peru’s Ministry of Culture to protect the site, control visitor flow and minimize erosion.
Additional Hikes following Machu Picchu Tour
Huayna Picchu Mountain – USD 68 per person (approx. 2-hour round trip).
Machu Picchu Mountain – USD 68 per person (approx. 3-hour round trip).
You can opt for one of the two mountains, and both require prior reservation. Both hikes will be completed after your guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Why Book with Uros Expeditions
- Local Experts: You will experience the best service possible with a 100% Peruvian team based in Cusco.
- Professional Tour Guides: We have professional tour guides, who are highly trained, speak fluent English, and have a passion for Inca history.
- Our Porters: We follow and maintain strong ethical standards to ensure fair conditions for all our Inca Trail porters.
- Food: Our Chefs have great experience preparing delicious, assorted, and nutritional meals from fresh local ingredients.
- High-End Camping: We site use the best tents, sleeping pads and tents possible to ensure you have maximum comfort.
Want more comfort? Take on our Short Inca Trail with Hotel option— same route, more comfortable accommodation to relax.
2-Day Inca Trail Camping Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Camping by the Urubamba River
You will start your Short Inca Trail with Camping experience with an early morning pick up from your hotel followed by a scenic train trip to the beginning of the Short Inca Trail at Km 104. After crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River (2,150 m / 7,053 ft), you will check in with the park rangers and start the hike on the ancient Inca path.
The first stop on your hike will be at Chachabamba, a spectacular archaeological site nestled in the lush vegetation. The trail will then gradually ascend out of Chachabamba through the cloud forest, allowing for spectacular views of the Andes and the Urubamba River below.
After approximately 4 to 5 hours of hiking, you will arrive at Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft); one of the most spectacular sites along the route with agricultural terraces, temples, and water channels all displaying the ingenuity of the Incas. After hiking, you will have time to explore and take photographs while your guide describes the historic site.
You will then continue for around 1.5 hours until you reach your private campsite on the banks of the Urubamba River. When you arrive at your campsite, your tent and gear will already be prepared. Enjoy a fresh dinner prepared by our chef, and sleep easily in your tent surrounded by nature.
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Estimated hiking time: 6–7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Maximum altitude: 2,650 m / 8,694 ft
- Weather: Warm during the day (15–25°C / 59–77°F), cool at night
Day 2: Camping – Sun Gate (Inti Punku) – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Rise early to the sounds of nature and enjoy a warm breakfast before continuing the trail. Today’s hike is about 2 hours long, gradually ascending to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) 2,720 m (8,924 ft). From here you will have the first incredible views of Machu Picchu, bathed in morning light – a moment you will never forget.
After taking your pictures and soaking it up, we will descend into the citadel and officially start your guided tour around Machu Picchu, visiting the temples, terraces, and sacred plazas whilst learning about the history and mysteries of this special place.
Afterwards, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch before catching the Vistadome train to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
- Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
- Estimated hiking time: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Maximum altitude: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
- Weather: Mild and humid (18–22°C / 64–72°F)
Tour Inclusions Short Inca Trail Camping
Included
- Safety briefing the day before the tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- All transportation during the tour
- Professional Tour Guide
- Train Expedition to Km 104
- Return on the comfortable Vistadome train
- Round-trip bus to Machu Picchu
- Entry tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu – Circuit 1 (Day 1)
- Entry tickets to Machu Picchu – Circuit 3 (Day 2)
- 1-night camping accommodation
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Picnic meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner)
- Comfortable sleeping tents
- Sponge mattress
- Satellite phones, first-aid kit, oxygen supply
Not Included
- Last day lunch after the Machu Picchu tour
- Entry to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Entry to Machu Picchu Mountain
- Sleeping bag (Available for rent with Uros Expeditions at an extra cost)
- Trekking poles (Available for rent withUros Expeditions at an extra cost)
- Inflatable mattress (Available for rent with Uros Expeditions at an extra cost)
- Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
- Tips for staff
Short Inca Trail Camping Prices
GROUP SERVICE
$ 620 USDUseful Tips for Your Inca Trail Adventure
Altitude:
The Short Inca Trail goes from 2,100 m (6,889 ft) at Chachabamba to 2,720 m (8,924 ft) at the Sun Gate, which makes it a great option for travelers looking to experience the Andes without extreme elevation. Machu Picchu is at a height of 2,430 m (7,972 ft).
Difficulty Level:
The route is moderate and for travelers in average physical fitness. On average, hikers will hike between 5 to 7 hours each day along well-worn stone paths with an overall gradual incline. Good hiking shoes would be recommended, as well as basic fitness.
Total Distance:
Moving approximately 15 km or 9.3 miles over two days, with archaeological sites among mountainous terracotta scenery and sections of original Inca pathing.
Climate:
Warm days (15–25°C / 59–77°F) and cooler nights (10–12°C / 50–54°F). The dry season (April – October) is the best for clear skies and hiking conditions. The wet season (November – March) will have more frequent rain but the mountains are lush and green.
Best Months to Hike:
The best months for hiking the Short Inca Trail are during May – September. You will have stable weather patterns, clear skies, and best visibility when at Machu Picchu.
What To Bring:
- Valid identification and Inca Trail permit
- Hiking shoes or light boots
- Rain gear or poncho (mostly between November and March)
- Sunglasses and a hat + sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Personal medications and first aid kit
- Camera or phone for pictures
- Day pack for personal items
Meals & Accommodation:
Your tour includes one night of camping at a private site by the Urubamba River. All tents, sleeping pads, and meals made by a local chef are provided for you. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request.
Group Services
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