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SACSAYHUAMAN
The Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman was the largest architectural work that the Incas would ever undertake during their heyday. It is an archaeological complex located 2 kilometers from the city of Cusco in the upper part.
Sacsayhuaman comes from the QUECHUA SAKSAY WAMAN (PUKARA), ‘(STRONGHOLD) OF THE ROYAL EAGLE’. It was built during the government of the Inca Pachakutec in the 15th century until the 16th century. The Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman was a construction of worship to the Ray of the harvest.
HISTORY
Today, THE INKA FORTRESS OF SACSAYHUAMAN is used to celebrate the most important festival in Cusco, the Inti Raymi.
Inti Raymi is celebrated every June 24 in gratitude to the Sun (Inti).
The Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman was built between the years 1438 and 1471. Its construction was Religious – Military.
During the Spanish conquest in 1536, Sacsayhuaman suffered structural damage, and years later many of the enormous blocks were used to build the Cusco Cathedral and other buildings.
Despite this damage, most of the original structure remains standing and has survived the passage of time and remains an impressive work of Inca engineering and architecture.
WHAT YOU CAN SEE IN SACSAYHUAMAN
The Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman is made up of approximately 33 archaeological groups. You can see impressive constructions with rocks that weigh between 90 and 125 tons and the largest of them weighs more than 350 tons.
Towers:
These towers were called:
- Muyucmarca
- Sayacmarca and
- Pucarmáca
These impressive towers that dominated the entire city of Cusco were approximately 22 meters high.
Trapezoidal doors:
These tripping gates are impressive as they are built from gigantic stone blocks. Despite the passage of time, these gates have been preserved and are known by the names Wiraqocha Punku, Tiu Punku and Acawana Punku.
Inca Throne:
It is a rocky outcrop that looks like an Inca throne. It’s very remarkable not only for its formation but also because it has an excellent view from this place. It is likely that the rulers supervised the entire complex from this place.
Chincanas:
They are natural formations in the limestone rock characteristic of the area. There is a small chincana that is enabled that connects you from one place to another in less than a minute and is open to the public.
There is also another large chinkana but it is restricted because many people have gotten lost.
Rodadero:
These slides that were and still are a place of fun, formed of diorite stone, this place is located in front of the bastions of Sacsayhuaman.
HOW TO GET TO SACSAYHUAMAN?
On your own:
Walking: From the Plaza de Armas in Cusco you can go up to Suecia Street, then pass by the Salesianos school and arrive at the Mirador de San Cristóbal. Continue up until you reach the first entrance checkpoint to Sacsayhuaman where you must present your ID or passport, and if necessary you must present your entrance ticket.
By taxi: You can hire the services of a taxi and also visit other tourist attractions such as:
Cristo Blanco, the Q’énqo tree forest among other attractions.
Urban Transport: There are several companies that can take you to Sacsayhuaman, one of them is Cristo Blanco, whose closest stop to the historic center is Puente Rosario, very close to the Qorikancha temple, from where you can find this transport.
Hiring a travel agency
Taking a private tour:
By hiring this private service you will visit Sacsayhuaman at your own pace with a private guide and private transportation, but you will also visit others such as Tambomachay, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Sacsayhuaman and the famous White Christ.
To hire a private service click here!
VISITING HOURS: You can visit Sacsayhuaman between 08:00 am and 06:00 pm
ENTRANCE TICKET: To visit Sacsayhuaman you need to buy the CUSCO TOURIST TICKET for S/70.00 foreigners and S/40.00 nationals.
If you are from Cusco, visit Sacsayhuaman by simply presenting your ID (here you must indicate the CUSCO location code.
Cusco City Tour
Hiram Bingham is the most luxurious train in South America
A LUXURY TRIP
Hop aboard the Hiram Bingham luxury train to Machu Picchu and immerse yourself in a magical adventure with unbeatable views of the Sacred Valley to the entrance of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
On this luxury Hiram Bingham train, decorated in the Pullman style of the 1920s, you will not only be able to enjoy impressive open-air views in its Observatory car, but also live music, exquisite Peruvian food and also the cocktail bar where you will taste the impressive Pisco Sour until you reach the gates of Machu Picchu.
Luxury trip to Machu Picchu 7 days / 6 nights
HIRAM BINHAM LUXURY TRAIN CARS
The luxury carriages are painted in blue and gold; each carriage is finely decorated with polished wood panels and brass trim, with plenty of room to move around and large, comfortable chairs. It has a capacity of 84 people.
Restaurant Car
The Hiram Bingham luxury train’s Dining Car is finely decorated with classic 1920s Pullman-style elegance, creating an unparalleled dining experience.
You will enjoy a gourmet lunch on your way to Machu Picchu or on your way back to Cusco you will taste an exquisite dinner.
Buffet car
In the bar car of the Hiram Bingham luxury train you will enjoy large, panoramic windows that will allow you to enjoy the beautiful landscapes, as well as find a menu of unique cocktails that combine contemporary and Peruvian techniques, created by experts. An ideal place to relax and enjoy a luxurious and comfortable experience, with personalized and professional attention.
Car Observatory
You will enjoy the balcony with a view of the Andes landscape and panoramic windows, where you can take stunning photographs and capture unforgettable moments. It is a space not only finely and comfortably furnished but also designed to relax and disconnect from the outside world that allows the travel experience.
Routes of Hiranm Bingham
The Hiram Bingham train offers both round-trip and one-way options.
DEPARTURES
The Belmond Hiram Bingham does not provide shuttle service on Sundays and departures are from Poroy station (20 minutes from the city of Cusco).
Passengers must be at the train station 30 minutes before their departure time.
Route Exit Fee
Cusco / Machu Picchu 09:05 US$ 481
Machu Picchu / Cusco 17:50 US$ 470
Cusco / Machu Picchu / Cusco
(round trip on the same day) 09:05 / 17:50 950 US dollars
ROUND TRIP CUSCO – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Wanchaq – Machu Picchu – Wanchaq
Trip duration: approximately 12 hours
Wanchaq Station Address: Av. Pachacuteq s/n, Wanchaq District, Cusco.
Storage for luggage of 8kg and measurement of 157 cm (height + length + width)
Note: This route only applies from January to April
Poroy – Machu Picchu – Poroy
Trip duration: approximately 9 hours
Address of Poroy Station: Roldán Street s/n, Poroy District, Cusco.
Storage for luggage of 8kg and measurement of 157 cm (height + length + width)
Note: This route only applies from May to December
Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo
Trip duration: approximately 6 hours
Address of Ollantaytambo Station: Av. Ferrocarril s/n, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, Cusco
Storage for luggage of 8kg and measurement of 157 cm (height + length + width)
Note: This route only applies from May to December
ONE WAY CUSCO – MACHU PICCHU
Wanchaq – Machu Picchu
Trip duration: approximately 5 hours
Wanchaq Station Address: Av. Pachacuteq s/n, Wanchaq District, Cusco.
Storage for luggage of 8kg and measurement of 157 cm (height + length + width)
Note: This route only applies from January to April
Poroy – Machu Picchu
Trip duration: approximately 3hr 19min
Address of Poroy Station: Roldán Street s/n, Poroy District, Cusco.
Storage for luggage of 8kg and measurement of 157 cm
Rainbow Mountain Entrance tickets
If you are visiting the Rainbow mountain in Cusco be sure to bring enough soles to pay the entrance tickets to visit this new attraction, first you will have to paid S/. 10 soles in the community of Tintinco an ad last S/. 20 soles for the community of Chillihuani.
This private day tour of the 7 Color Mountain, Rainbow Mountain, will begin with your private guide and transportation picking you up at your hotel in Cusco early in the morning. Then you will head to the picturesque town of Cusipata, south of Cusco.
You will see Andean animals like llamas, alpaca and vicunas in the deep valleys. We will arrive at 6:00 a.m. at the beautiful village of Chillihuani and then to Fulawasi, where the trek will begin.
Before we set out, we will get our delicious box lunch to take along with us. We will then walk along a path between the mountains of intense colors and small streams of ice water, that feed and give life to this valley.
As we walk, we will observe how the colors of our surroundings will change due to the climate. Then we will reach our highest point of 17,000 ft and be at the top of the mysterious mountain of colors, this is where we will have our lunch.
Duration is approximately 9 hours. Hotel pick up is between 6:00 a.m and 7:00 a.m. and returning to the hotel around 5:00 p.m.
SALT MINE OF MARAS
MORAY AGRICULTURAL RINGS
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the most beautiful places due to its landscapes, a mild climate and, above all, some of the most important archaeological remains of Cusco are found here.
Among many are: THE SALT MINES OF MARAS AND THE TERRACES OF MORAY.
Incredible places that you have to visit
In this guide you will find all the information you need to optimize your trip to these 2 fascinating places.
THE SALT MINES OF MARAS
They are located 46 kilometers from the city of Cusco in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The salt pools are located on the Qaqawiñay mountain at 3,380 meters above sea level.
There are around 3000 salt water wells and each well has a dimension of 5 meters, these pools are fed by an underground spring.
WHAT CAN WE DO IN THE SALT MINES OF MARAS?
Here we can buy the natural pink salt that contains: magnesium, potassium, silicon and calcium.
You will be able to take incredible panoramic photographs with the bottom of the wells and their extraction (this is one of the most visited places in Cusco and Peru).
MORAY INCA AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER
This archaeological center is located 7 kilometers from MARAS in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
It has an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level.
The climate is dry from April to September and rainy from October to March.
MORAY is surrounded by mountains, this makes the climate dry and temperate at the same time ideal for agriculture.
The archaeological center of Moray has several optimal microclimates for agricultural research during the Inca period.
It is said that Moray was a place where cultivation experiments were carried out at different altitudes (with up to 20 types of microclimates).
VISIT THE MARAS AND MORAY SALT MINE
You can do it on your own or with a tour. Here I explain how:
With a tour from the City of Cusco
This option is ideal if you don’t want to worry about transportation and you have little time.
The tour includes an expert guide in English and Spanish, transportation, a box lunch, pick up from your hotel in Cusco and return.
You can book it here:
BOOK MY MARAS AND MORAY TOUR NOW
ON YOUR OWN
You can take a bus or a shared taxi on Pavitos street.
The cost can vary between s/10.00 to/15.00 per person to maras.
Then you will have to take another bus so you can go to Moray and when you return you will have to wait on the road to return to Cusco.
HOW MUCH DOES MARAS AND MORAY COST?
The entrance to Maras is s/10.00 per person and for Moray you will have to buy the tourist ticket that has a cost of s/70.00 nationals and s/130.00 foreigners.
WHERE TO EAT IN MARAS AND MORAY
The best thing to do is to carry some snacks in your backpack, or wait to get to Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.
The best time to visit Maras and Moray is during the dry season from April to October, however, it can be visited all year round.
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WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR TO SEE THIS BEAUTIFUL PLACES?
Today it probably became one of the biggest tourist attractions in Cusco after Machu Picchu. A beautiful Natural Tourist attraction.
Its formation according to geologists dates back about 65 million years and these layers were formed in the soil with a mixture of different varieties of clay, sandstone and minerals such as copper oxide, which give the mountain a colorful tonality.
Location: It is located in the province of Canchis, department of Cusco, it belongs to the town of Pitumarca.
Altitude: The 7 colors mountain is at an altitude of 4600 MASL or 17,000 feet.
Climate: It is typical of the heights of the Andes, where it is cold, drizzling, windy, sometimes the temperature can drop to zero degrees.
HOW TO GET TO THE MOUNTAIN OF THE 7 COLORS FROM CUSCO?
This tourist attraction begins in the city of Cusco from 5 in the morning where we will be driven for approximately 3.5 hours, traveling about 100 kilometers passing through the town of Cusipata and then to the community of Phulawasipata.
From here we will have the opportunity to use the restrooms and pay the entrance fee, which costs 25 soles for foreigners and s/15.00 for nationals; then we will drive for the last 20 minutes to reach the beginning of our hike to the mountain of 7 colors.
RECOMMENDATION
Before visiting the mountain of 7 colors it is advisable to acclimatize for 1 or 2 days in the city of Cusco.
Take warm clothes to do the walk and appropriate shoes, rain poncho, cap or hat, sunscreen.
BOOK MY TOUR TO THE 7 COLORS MOUNTAIN
Which lasts approximately one hour and 20 minutes until you reach the viewpoint of the mountain.
In the course we will be able to see the opposite side of the Red Valley beautiful rigid mountains.
On the other side of the Valley, several snow-covered mountains on a clear day part of the snowy Ausangate,
TIP: in case the walk is difficult for you, there is also the option of renting horses that can take you to the base of the mountain (the cost is s/90.00) from which you will walk for approximately 30 minutes.
The view is at 5050 MSNM. from where we can clearly see the mountain of colors.
It is perfect for taking panoramic photos.
Then we will descend back to the same place where we started the walk.
Once here the car will take us back to Cusco, we will have lunch on the way.
Arriving back between 4 to 5 in the afternoon.
PAINT YOUR ADVENTURE WITH COLORS
OLLANTAYTAMBO is a town that you have to visit in the SACRED VALLEY of the Incas in CUSCO. This place is known as the living Inca city, because its ancient Inca urban design is preserved to this day. Most of its buildings correspond to the time of the Incanato.
According to various investigations, OLLANTAYTAMBO has origins in the Aymara Culture ULLANTAYTAMPU (Ollanta store or inn).
Ollantaytambo has charming places, among them the most important are the Inca Archaeological remains, Ollantaytambo is a must for your visit to MACHU PICCHU.
Located 60 kilometers, 1 hour 30 from Cusco and has an elevation of 2750 meters above sea level.
The climate has two seasons
DRY SEASON: April to December
RAINY SEASON: January to March
BOOK MY TOUR TO THE SACRED AVALLE OF THE INCAS
HOW TO GET TO OLLANTAYTAMBO FROM CUSCO
From Cusco you can take a bus on Pavitos street and Grau Av. It will cost you approximately 10 to 15 soles per person and the trip will take 1:30 minutes.
If you wish, you can visit OLLANTAYTAMBO IN A TOUR, free of worries such as transportation. Your best option is the one day tour that includes PISAC, OLLANTAYTAMBO and CHINCHERO.
WHAT PLACES TO VISIT IN OLLANTAYTAMBO
1-. VISIT THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONE
The archaeological park of Ollantaytambo is one of the most visited in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this was a military, religious and agricultural center.
This place dazzles us mainly for its impressive stone constructions over 4 meters high, as well as its beautiful agricultural terraces.
The construction of the Archaeological Center of OLLLANTAYTAMBO and the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu date back to the government of the Inca PACHACUTEC, the time when the Inca Empire had its peak.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
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- Ñusta Bath
- Sun Temple
- The Enclosure of the 10 Niches, the Monumental Portal, among others.
How much does it cost to enter the Archaeological Park of Ollantaytambo?
Within the Cusco Partial tourist ticket includes the entrance to Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Chinchero and Moray, this ticket has a cost of S/70.00 foreign soles and S/40.00 National soles. (CONSITUC)
2-. WALK THE STREETS OF THE LIVING INCA CITY
Touring the city of Ollantaytambo is reliving the Inca constructions that despite the passing of the years are still there, this town is the only one that preserves the Inca urban architecture.
3-. VISIT THE OLLANTAYTAMBO SQUARE
The square is the busiest place for locals, here we can find restaurants, cafes, bars, Market and also hotels.
4-. DO EXPERIENCE TOURISM
One of the new tourist activities is experiential tourism and this takes place in the town of WILLOQ, this town still preserves ancient traditions, this town is 45 minutes from Ollantaytambo. Here you will be able to see the main activities of this town that are cultivation and weaving, you will learn more about their lifestyle of the peasant communities of Cusco.
5-. VISIT THE PINKUYLLUNA
This place was used as a product warehouse, located on the west side of the mountain with the same name.
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WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR TO DISCOVER THIS MAGICAL TOWN?
Chinchero is one of the few places that still preserve traditions and culture. It seems that time does not pass here.
It’s located in the province of Urubamba (sacred valley of the Incas), it’s one of the must see places that you must visit during your trip to Cusco.
Chinchero is mainly recognized for its beautiful textile industry, attracting visitors from all over the world.
HOW TO GET TO CHINCHERO?
Chinchero is located 30 km or 40 minutes from Cusco.
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To get there you must take land transport from the city of Cusco, you can take the bus from Pavitos street.
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WITH A TOUR: If you want to enjoy yourself to the fullest and have everything organized without worries, I recommend you take the Tour to the Sacred Valley where you will visit the Moray maras, including everything and with pick up from your hotel.
You can book it here.
BOOK MY SACRED VALLEY TOUR NOW!
IN ORDER TO VISIT CHINCHERO, IS THE TOURIST TICKET NECESSARY?
COSITUC
If it’s necessary that you have the partial tourist ticket that has a cost of s/70.00 or you can also purchase it at the time of your admission.
Walking through the streets of Chinchero is free, as is the craft market.
WHAT PLACES TO VISIT?
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- VISIT THE TRADITIONAL TEXTILE CENTERS
In addition, tourists can learn about the customs of the settlers.
The visit to the Textile Centers in Chinchero is free, at the end of the demonstration tourists can buy alpaca garments from the workers, or provide a tip, this is optional.
CHINCHERO TRADITIONAL WEAVINGS
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- WALK THE ARTISAN MARKET OF CHINCHERO
This traditional market is located in the Chinchero Church square.
This market is a beautiful attraction since it continues to preserve the tradition and barter is still carried out among the inhabitants of this place.
I recommend you visit the Sunday market since it is bigger and we can find more products (fruits, vegetables, handicrafts).
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- VISIT THE CHURCH OF CHINCHERO
This church is known as Our Lady of the Nativity or Montserrat Lady, this temple was built on the 17th century, it’s one of the buildings made on adobe that remains still in Peru.
The Church was declared as Cultural Patrimony of the Nation and also as a Historical-Artistic Monument in 1972.
The church was built on the walls of the Palace of the Inca Túpac Yupanqui.
Inside, the church stands out for its impressive murals with religious motifs. The most outstanding piece of the murals is The Virgin of Monserrat and among others such as the defeat of Túpac Amaru.
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- VISIT THE CHINCHERO ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
The Chinchero archaeological park is one of the main attractions of this picturesque town.
This archaeological park has 43 hectares elaborated in the Inca period.
It stands out for its beautiful platforms, Inca walls and stands.
WHAT ELSE TO SEE IN CHINCHERO?
- LOCAL CHINCHERO MUSEUM, its locate it in the main square of Chinchero, in this museum you will find two rooms, one exhibits pieces that were found during the excavations and displayed to the public and the other room exhibits typical costumes of the area and also paintings from the Cusco school made by Diego Quispe Tito and other artists.
- LAGUNA DE PIURAY, is located 3.5 kilometers from the town, this place offers adventure tours like paddle board, that consists of getting on a surfboard and rowing with the paddle, yoga sessions are also very close from the lagoon.
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The city of Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire that covered the entire Tahuantinsuyo and different countries, it is located in the Peruvian Andes, it is known mainly for Machu Picchu.
In 1983 it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and it is considered the Rome of America mainly due to the large number of monuments that this magnificent city has.
The word Cusco comes from the Quechua word: Qusqu or Qosqo which has the meaning of “center” or “navel”, due to its high location and its large network of roads that connects with different countries.
ALTITUDE AND CLIMATE
The altitude of Cusco is 3399 meters above sea level, as for the climate of Cusco it is generally dry between the months of April and October, with sunny days, cold and frosty nights, and other rainy weather from November to March.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
Although you can travel all year round, the most recommended time to travel to Cusco is during the dry season from April to October, since the rainy season is from November to December. The busiest time in Cusco is from June to August.
THE MOST IMPORTANT FESTIVAL IN CUSCO IS THE INTI RAYMI
The Inti Raymi (festival of the sun) is the most important religious festival in Cusco since Inca times where the Sun God (Inti) is worshiped. The celebration began with the winter solstice, in the month of June (the month in which the sun moves further from the earth) and lasted 15 days in which they performed sacrifices and different dances.
Currently, this religious festivity is held every June 24, it consists of making a theatrical performance of the people of Cusco, where people from Cusco, Peruvians and people from all over the world come together for this magical and magnificent event. Where you can see one of the most important cultural and traditional manifestations in this part of the world.
CHIRIUCHU TYPICAL AVOCADO
The Chiriuchu that in Quechua means cold food or cold plate; This is the flagship dish of the city of Cusco, this stew is still from the Inca period, where products from the coast, mountains and jungle are combined. As ingredients it has: guinea pig, cocha yuyo, chicken, jerky (dried meat), cheese, toasted corn, black pudding, chili and corn torreja.
HOW TO GET TO CUSCO FROM LIMA
It is time to decide on the transport that suits us best and also fits our budget. For example, traveling by bus is the most economical way since air travel can be more expensive.
LIMA CUSCO BY BUS: This trip lasts from 18 to 21 hours, visiting Lima Nazca and Abancay.
LIMA CUSCO BY PLANE: This trip lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes, (there are several airline options eg. Latam , sky , etc.
PLACES YOU CAN VISIT IN THE CITY
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- Main square of cusco
- Cathedral of cusco
- Qorikancha
- Sacsayhuaman
- Quenqo
- Puca pucara
- Tambomachay
- Calle seven sheep, etc.
QORIKANCHA
SACSAYHUAMAN
THIS ITS DEFINITELY AN UNMISSABLE PLACE
GUIDE TO TRAVEL TO MACHU PICCHU
Here we will clarify all your doubts before traveling to one of the 7 modern wonders of the World.
We will consider several points that you have to take into account for an incredible experience in a 1 day Machu Picchu Tour.
The most recommended thing to do the Machu Picchu 1-day / Full Day tour, is to book it with a reliable travel agency that will take care of the entire itinerary, such as:
- Transfers from your hotel to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and vice versa
- Guide in Spanish and English
- Purchase of the train ticketP
- urchase of entrance to Machu Picchu, and
- Purchase of the shuttle bus ticket.
ONE OF THE GUIDES THAT YOU WILL LOVE WILL ALSO BE THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 2 DAYS 1 NIGHT.
MY ADVICE: Book your admission ticket at least 1 month in advance before making your visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu since the tickets are limited.
THE DIFFERENCE OF THE 4 CIRCUITS TO MACHU PICCHU
- CIRCUIT 1 we will be able to observe the guardian’s house. Here you can take the most famous photo of Machu Picchu.
- CIRCUIT 2 is more complete since it is included in Circuit 1, and you can also enjoy more archaeological sites such as the temple square, the Inti Watana pyramid and the sacred rock.
- CIRCUIT 3 goes through the lower part of Machu Picchu from here you can enjoy another view of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. You will also be able to observe other archaeological areas such as the whole of the Inca house, the agricultural area and the Qolqas.
- CIRCUIT 4 you will visit very important places such as the ceremonial fountains, the temple of the condor, the ceremonial fountains, since it is more complete than circuit 3.
HOW TO TAKE THE MACHU PICCHU 1 DAY TOUR FROM THE CITY OF CUSCO
Our trip starts early from the city of Cusco to Ollantaytambo train Station to take train, visiting (Peru Rail) or Voyager (Inca Rail), both companies operate the trains to Picchu.
MY ADVICE: Buy the train two weeks in advance (and choose your schedule well so you don’t have to get up early). Remember to always board 30 minutes before the scheduled train departure time.
Here we can have breakfast before going up to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
The bus leaves every 5 minutes.
We will have a trip of approximately 20 minutes on the shuttle bus.
The bus will drop us off exactly at the entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Here we will present our entrance tickets.
The visit inside the Inca citadel lasts approximately 3 hours, we can visit it on our own or hire an expert guide.
Remember to take the best pictures and recharge your energies.
WHAT SHOULD I TAKE WITH ME TO MACHU PICCHU?
- Our identity or passport documents
- Sunscreen
- Windproof jacket
- Rain poncho according to the season
- Light clothing
- Bug Repellent
- Sunglassess
- Hat
- Water
- Comfortable shoes to take the tour
“The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is for lovers of adventure, history and archeology. It is located in Cusco, Peru, this impressive hike is considered one of the best hikes in South America, where we will walk 12 km through ancient Inca trails to reach the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
The duration of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is approximately 6 hours, here we will have the opportunity to appreciate the scenic beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas as orchids of different colors, sizes and Inca archaeological sites such as Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Inti Punku and the Wonder of the World Machu Picchu.
In this blog you will learn all about the short route of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu before visiting this magical place in 2023.
You are ready to discover one of Peru’s most valuable treasures and embark on an unforgettable adventure. Let’s get started!
You should know that it is one of the best hikes in the world and that is why tickets are limited and you should book your tickets in advance.
Machu Picchu
HISTORY
The Inca Trail is an immense connection of Inca roads built mostly by the Inca Pachakuteq in the fifteenth century, during this period the Incas were united and built as part of a great political, military, ideological and administrative project that became known as the Tawantinsuyo.
To know the Inca Trail is to understand how well organized our ancestors were, these roads linked the main cities of the empire with Cusco, capital of the Inca empire.
Due to their historical importance, the Inca road networks are currently considered ‘Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO. Because of this, they are protected and preserved for the future of the next generations.
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
THE SHORT INCA TRAIL HIKE 2 DAYS AND 1 NIGHT
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most important treks you will do in the Cusco region, due to its impressive Inca constructions in harmony with the landscapes, flora and fauna. Without a doubt the short Inca Trail hike is one of the best options if you are looking for an unforgettable experience and the best thing is that you can do it without any age limit since the difficulty of the hike is minimal.
HOW TO GET THERE
The short Inca Trail is located between 2650 masl at the maximum and 2400 masl at the minimum, at the top of the mountain and on the banks of the Vilcanota River, which makes it one of the most beautiful and unique places to visit in the region of Cusco.
You will depart from Cusco to Ollantaytambo station where you will take the tourist train Expeditions or Vistadome whichever you prefer to have a nice view of the landscapes of the sacred valley, you will have a trip of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the starting point of the hike at kilometer 104.
The hike will take 12 km or 6 hours approximately, which makes it an exciting hike. Believe me; all the effort will be worth it!
MY TIP: Don’t forget to bring a good camera, cell phones (nowadays they are usually of very good quality), and don’t forget to bring a portable charger. You don’t want to miss the panoramic views, flora and fauna.
Flora and Fauna on the Short Trail to Machu Picchu
ARCHITECTURE
In terms of architecture, the Inca Trail is a great example of advanced Inca architecture in the mastery of stone. Many constructions that have very large blocks were apparently made by taking advantage of the original erosion of the rock.
This amazing hike to Machu Picchu is evidence of Inca ingenuity and their connection with nature.
Inca architecture on the short road to Machu Picchu
WHAT YOU WILL FIND ON THE SHORT INCA TRAIL
The archaeological sites along the Short Inca Trail are many. The most prominent is Wiñay Wayna, but others along the trail are worth visiting. Many of these archaeological sites are well preserved and offer a glimpse into the past.
- CHACHABAMBA (valley of mosquito bites): Located at kilometer 104, this will be the first archaeological site to visit, located on the banks of the Urubamba River.
- WIÑAY WAYNA (eternally young): The most beautiful and largest site on the Inca Trail that you will explore.
- INTI PUNKU (Sun Gate): It was the most important access gate to the Inca citadel, it is located at 2745 meters above sea level, this place can only be visited by hikers of the Inca Trail.
Chachabamba
View from Inti Punku – Short Inca Trail
Wiñaywayna – Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
The hike is moderate to challenging because it covers 12 km. Walking the “Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” includes stairs, climbs and steep steps. Be in moderate physical shape before embarking on this hike.
The first part of the trail is mainly uphill until you reach Wiñay Wayna, where you can enjoy your lunch, the second part is easier until you reach Machu Picchu.
WHAT TO BRING FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
If you plan to hike the “Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu”, it is important to bring the following items to ensure a safe and comfortable experience:
- Original passport
- Backpack
- Comfortable trekking shoes.
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent (most important)
- Trekking poles
- rain poncho
- Light, comfortable and warm clothes
- Hat
- Camera
- Spare batteries and portable charger
- Sunglasses
- Water and snacks
- Medications
- Money
RECOMMENDATIONS TO ENJOY THE HIKE TO THE MAXIMUM
Bring enough water, souvenirs for 1 day of trekking and adequate clothing for the hike.
- If you plan to make the short trek to Machu Picchu, choose during the dry season which is from April to November, this is when the weather is usually more stable, with sunny days and cool nights, however, it is always necessary to be prepared in case of sudden changes in the weather.
- Take only what you need. Make sure you take what you will need during the trek.
- Hire a travel agency that can guide you on the route. They will provide you with more relevant information about the history of the Incas and will accompany you on this wonderful journey.
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
REMEMBER: Respect the archaeological site, structures, terraces, flora, fauna. Mother Nature and our ancestors were very wise to give us these beautiful sites.
The Inca Trail is considered one of the best trekking routes in the world.
And what are you waiting for to do the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!
Machu Picchu
We were recommended this company by our neighbor. Ruben/Juan was great with questions and provided a lot of valuable information as I was planning parts on my own instead using a set tour, partially due to wanting to climb one of the optional peaks which you need to book months in advance. We then hit a snag with my wife’s passport and Ruben happily rearranged the tour for us even though we gave last minute notice.
Our tour guide Wagner met us where the bus dropped us of (can be arranged to pick up from your hotel as well), and we spent the next two hours learning a lot about the history of the site and he took us away from the crowds, and accommodated our photos requests. After we hung around and explored on our own until it was time to leave….
Traveler:
FANTASTIC!!! From start to finish! Amazing Andean Adventures was in charge for our entire 8 day trip to Peru. Every detail and pick up was perfect. Every driver and guide was great! Thank you Kivin and Joaquin for finding my camera!
There was one special guide that we will never forget. Dany met us at our hotel in Agnes Calientes and was very patient as our train was late arriving. His knowledge of the history and culture of the Incans made the tour of Machu Picchu come alive! We were fortunate to have Dany for two days, always upbeat, helpful, fun, and competent. The Cusco City Tour was also amazing with the continuing history making us feel like we were actually there in the time of the Inca rule. Magical…
Traveler:
We traveled to Cusco this December with a three day private tour planned with Danny. My mom had done a similar tour with Danny and recommended him/amazing andean adventures to us! Our three day adventure was pretty much perfect; danny was always early to meet us, super friendly, with great english and tons of knowledge to share about the ruins and inca historical sites we visited. He even made the rain clear up so we could get a perfect view of machu picchu after our hike. On day one we went from our hotel to various destinations in sacred valley, which I worked with the company to plan so that we would hit all the spots I wanted to. They were helpful and accommodating in building a highly individualized itinerary…
Traveler: