2 days as part of a tailor-made holiday in PeruShort of time or energy and don't want to walk the whole Inca Trail or camp, but keen to have a taster of this iconic hike? We'll take you on a day walk up the last few kilometres of the trail to arrive at the Gate of the Sun with its amazing view of the citadel of Machu Picchu. There's plenty of variety, with tropical vegetation, streams, Inca paving and hidden ruins. Suggested Holiday ItineraryThe trail which takes you towards Choquesuysuy with its terracing and Inca buildings is very steep, behind you is the impressive Urubamba canyon flanked by snow capped mountains. After 2-3 hrs you arrive at the beautiful site of Wiñay Wayna, with its remote temple overlooking the canyon. From here you continue towards Machu Picchu - the Inca Trail proper - via a cloud forest.
The route, marked by bridges, trails and staircases, takes you to Inti Punku (the Gate of the Sun) and the ruins at Machu Picchu. From there, it is a gentle downhill path which leads straight into the ruins which are set in a saddle between high mountains with terraced slopes falling away to the Urubamba River. From the entrance of the ruins a bus takes you on a 30 to 40 minute drive to Machu Picchu Village (ex Aguas Calientes) for the night. View detailed itinerary >> Our Comment
If you do not have the time or energy to do the full Inca trail, this is a good alternative way of arriving at Machu Picchu on foot.
Sarah Beard, Manager Group Tours Department
To cope with the huge demand for the mini Inca trail trek, there are now strict regulations limiting numbers, and official campsites with facilities. For busy times of the year it must be booked well in advance. The views, flora and fauna and above all the Inca sites along the way still make this trek unique, however, and justify its popularity.
Diana Henderson, Head of Product
The Inca Trail: an insider's guide. Read journalist Alexander Stewart's experience on the Inca Trail in this article published in our online Papagaio magazine You might also like
Treks around Cusco
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 Gate of the Sun, Machu Picchu
 Machu Picchu
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