HIGHLIGHTS
- Hiking the second most beautiful place on earth.
- Free transfer airport Pick up (one-way only cusco)
- Panoramic train on the way back to Cusco
- Learn and interact with our native Tour Guides
Pre-Trek Briefing:
The tour guide will meet you at your hotel one day before your tour to give you a briefing. They will tell you all about your tour and answer any questions you may have. It is important to us that you ask any questions you may have so the tour guide will get you ready for your amazing tour.
Trekking With The Best Team
You will hike with the best team made of our guides. You will be proud of the people in our team for their hard work. We treat our team very well and provide them with everything they need to work well and respond to your needs.
What makes us different?
Runas Expeditions is owned by locals and based in Cusco-Peru. Runas Expeditions has the best professional staff, we work hard to provide a high-quality service, RE organize all kinds of tour packages and we are ready to answer your questions, we arrange your tour according to your needs and we are very flexible. And the most important thing for us is your safety in each tour, you are in good hands, we take care of you from door to door.
- 100 % local tour company
- Passion for the essential and details
- Passion for Peru Tours
- Small groups and _customized experiences
- Authentic experiences
- Safety standars
- Experienced Tour Guides
- Committed to social projects
Food
All food restrictions are honored. No matter if you are vegetarian or gluten free, you will always be well fed.
TOUR NAME: SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHTS.
- TOTAL DISTANCE: 12km / 7 miles.
- Day1: 12km / 7 miles, 7 hours aprox.
- Type of trek: Nature, Cultural and history adventure and much more.
- Elevation: 2000 m / 6400 ft.
- Elevation: 2700 m / 8640 ft.
- Weather: From May to October dry season, from November to April wet season.
- Hot Spring: 1st Day, Optional in Aguas Calientes Town.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: Optional, you can climb if you book the ticket.
- Machu Picchu Mountains: optional, you can climb if you book the ticket.
- Train Service: expedition service.
- Departure Dates: Depended of your booking Time.
- Hotel: 3star included
- Diner: At local restaurant included (first night)
- Breakfast on day 2 at the hotel included
Optional items:
- Vistadome Train (one way): $75 per person
- Vistadome Train (round trip): $130 per person
- Single room Occupancy: $50 per person
- Pair – Trekking pole: $10
- Huayna Picchu Mountain –tickets cost an additional $75 per person. To get this ticket, you need to book far in advance; climbing takes 2 hours round trip.
- Machu Picchu Mountain – tickets cost an additional $75 per person. To get this ticket, you need to book far in advance; climbing takes 3 hours round trip.
DAY 1: CUSCO – KM104 – WIÑAYWAYNA – SUNGATE – MACHU PICCHU SITE – AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN.
We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:00a.m. And then we will drive 1hour and 45 minutes to get the train station in Ollantaytambo town. In Ollantaytambo station we will take the train at 6:10 a.m. Train journey will take 1 hour and half to get our starting point of the trek km 104 (2000m / 6400ft), and train follows the Urubamba river. Be awake because you will see nice views along the train journey like farmlands, some inca sites, snow – capped, and much more to see it, and actually you will go through the Urubamba valley (the sacred valley of the Incas). Km 104 is a train stop for the hikers of the Inca trail so you will get off the train and take the first photos of the expedition and pass the first check point of the Inca trail.
Once you have everything you need and you get ready, your Tour Guide will provide your snacks and your packed lunch. And then you will walk 5 minutes to visit the first Inca Ruins called Chachabamba (inca check point) and have the first explanation providing from the professional tour Guide. Afterwards you will officially start to trek around 8:40am. You will hike up hill Inca steps for 3 hours approximately to get the most beautiful Incan site on the Inca trail called WIÑAYWAYNA, along the way the tour Guide will point out the flora and fauna and explaining more about the Inca history. In Winaywayna site (2650 m / 8480ft), you will have box lunch and then you will explore the site and have a tour with your tour Guide, this inca ruins is amazing, you will have a unique experience. Afterwards we will still keep going to Machu Picchu, which will take 3 more hours max.
From Wiñaywayna you continue hiking for 1 and half more hours to get Sungate. In order to get the Sungate, we will hike 1 hour almost flat and the last 20 minutes will be up hill Inca steps to reach the Sungate. From Sungate you will have the first views of Machupicchu inca cidatel, Huaynapicchu Mountain and much more Mountains around. After this place we continue descending gently way to Machu Picchu for one more hour, on the way will have more chance to take more pictures, once you get Machu Picchu your Tour Guide will take you to the right place to take the classic photos of Machu Picchu (Sunset).
After this momento at Machu Picchu you continue walking down for 10 more minutes to the check point of Machu Picchu to catch a bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes for 30 minutes and then your Tour Guide will take you to your Hotel. Later on we will have dinner in one of the local restaurants, and celebrate completing our hike!
As option you can go the Hot Spring before dinner.
Trip overview:
- Meals: snacks, Box Lunch, Dinner
- Lowest Elevation: 2000 m/ 6400 ft.
- Highest Elevation: 2750 m/ 8800ft.
- Distance of walking: 12 km/ 7 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate, easy.
- Area: Humid Mountain
DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO.
The most important and your magical day! You will get up and have breakfast early at the hotel, because the first bus to Machupicchu is at 5:30am. If you want to enjoy it the sunrise at Machu Picchu, you have to get up early. We will drive half an hour to reach the Inca cidatel Machupicchu. The Inca ruins opens at 6:00am. Your guiding tour in Machu Picchu will take 2 hours approximately. After your tour, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu by yourself, so you can go to the Inca Bridge, Machupicchu Mountain, Huaynapicchu Mountain etc. Once you have done Machupicchu, you take a bus back to Aguas Calientes. You will meet up with your tour guide in Aguas Calientes town to get your train ticket, or you can collect your ticket in Machu Picchu.
Your transportation back to Cusco will be by train and bus. From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo town, you will take a train, which will take 1 hour and half. Tren, from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, you will take our private van, which will take 2 hours.
All transportation back in Cusco or anywhere will be to your hotel.
Trip overview:
- Meals: Breakfast at hotel included
- Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,491 ft.
- Highest Elevation: 2,400 m/ 7,800 ft.
- Weather: warm and humid.
Note: all our tour guides will take you to the official place to take the classic pictures of Machupicchu, then the tour guide will start the tour. Also, if you would like to hike Machupicchu or Huaynapicchu Mountain, or do any other upgrade, please let us know and we will arrange.
Huaynapicchu and Machupicchu Mountain you should book in advance like 4 months before doing any tours in Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions / What you should know before coming to Peru.
WHY RUNAS EXPEDITIONS?
RUNAS EXPEDITIONS is an experienced travel company, we are experts doing tours and you are our motivation; to show you our culture; You will have your best adventure and experience ever in PERU. We will work together to do your trip, hiking through the Andes to reach MACHUPICCHU or any other tours.
Peru is one of the countries that has so many things to do as an adventure, so we offer you the best experiences ever in your lifetime. Whatever is your tour you will have the best adventures. All our tours are only and strictly operated by RUNAS EXPEDITIONS with our professional staff. we are located and based in Cusco, working more than 10 years in the tourism industry, we believe that we are in advance than any others tour companies because we really practice and educate the people to protect the environment and we really help to local people with giving jobs, and giving donations to the local children. And we really care about our employees guides, chefs, porters, horsemen and all our staff. Runas Expeditions contributes to the Peruviangovernment with 19%taxes on all sales (overseas companies are exempt from paying this so do not contribute to the Peruvian economy in this aspect).
All our tour guides are from university who speak English; they are very professional with a lot knowledgeable and a lot passion to their work.
DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
Well all the treks Inca trail, Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, Ausangate trek or whatever trek are moderately difficult, at least you need to train like go running, gym, hike a little bit or do any exercise. On the trail you will have enough time do anything, if you are hiking slow on the way that’s not problem take your time enjoy yourself because our tour guides will be ready to help at any times.
Please when you will be going high altitudes, go slowly and steady and drink a lot water and of course drink the magical coca tea.
How long in advance should I book for the Short Inca trail?
Inca Trail is busy almost all year; high season is May, Jun and July and government allow only 500 people per day as permission. You have to book 5, 6, 7 months in advance before doing the Inca Trail. For the alternative trek: Lares trek, salkantay, Huchuyq’osqo etc. You can book a month in advance before doing the trek.
How can I proceed to book a reservation for the Short Inca trail?
Sending your main Departure date and back up date:
You must provide us a main date and a backup date. By providing us with a main date and a backup date for your trek classic Inca Trail, you automatically authorize Runas Expeditions to use either of these dates for your reservation. Runas Expeditions within the next 24 hours, we will send you an electronic receipt confirming your trek has been officially booked and also to confirm the exact departure date of your trek. And will be required to make a deposit of 20% or 200$ USA of the total price of the Inca Trail. If you want more information just follow the website or contact us.
How can I proceed to book a reservation for the altervative treks?
The same as the Inca Trail, sending your departure date and backup date:
You must provide us a main date and a backup date. By providing us with a main date and a backup date for your trek classic, you automatically authorize Runas Expeditions to use either of these dates for your reservation. Runas Expeditions within the next 24 hours, we will send you an electronic receipt confirming your trek has been officially booked and also to confirm the exact departure date of your trek and also you have to do a deposited of 200$ usa or 20% of the total price of the trip.
How MANY DAYS in advance is recommended to BE in Cusco? How far in advance must one check in at the ROYAL ADVENTURE Office to guarantee the reservation?
All the hiker from any treks, we high recommended to be in Cusco 2 or 3 days before doing the trek in order to acclimatize with high elevation. The last details about your trek (to pay the remaining balance) should be at the Runas Expeditions office at least two days prior to departure.
HOW TO MAKE A DEPOSIT?
We are Unable to accept any bookings without completed booking form and deposit sent to Runas Expeditions. All deposits are $200 per person and are non-refundable.
We accept payments through PayPal and Visa, they do charge 6% so the total per person is $212 and should be sent to runasexpeditions@gmail.com
You can make your deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbols on our page or you need to log into your Paypal account and send the money to runasexpeditions@gmail.com
NOTE: The client will assume all transaction fees.
CAN I BOOK GROUP SERVICE OR PRIVATE SERVICE.
When you book as Group Service, you will meet people from different nationalities, different ages, and different culture minds, while you are hiking you don’t have to wait for the last one but you will wait at lunch place and camping site because you will share the same food, the same sleeping tents etc.
When you book as Private Service, you will definitely have exclusive service with more details and surprise to you. You will travel just yourself not with other people to share thing, it will selected just two people for honeymooners, for family or a group of friends and normally the groups are small but they could be a big group.
And also we included one way transportation from the airport to your hotel + sleeping bag.
Is there a meeting before the trek OR ANY TOURS?
Of course there will be a meeting at Runas Expeditions office before doing any tours, where you will meet your tour guide, the rest of your group, and be provided with a clear information about your trek or any tours.
CAN I RENT EQUiPMENT FROM Runas expeditions?
Yes, You can. Here you can rent sleeping bag, sleeping tens, trekking poles, inflammable matrass or air mattresses but we don’t rent hiking boots, rain jackets or other personal clothing.
DO I NEED INSURANCE?
We strongly advise you to get travel insurance that covers accidents, medical expenses and emergency repatriation, including rescue and air ambulance. We also recommend that it covers bad weather tour cancellations, loss of luggage, etc. Please forward a copy/ policy number to our offices.
How many people will there be in my group?
According to Peruvian laws and regulation on the Inca Trail, the maximum group size is 16 hikers and 2 tour guides. After 9 hikers there will be 2 tour guides, and from 2 hikers to 8 hikers there will be a tour guide. At many times of year, the group size will be smaller.
ARE THERE TOILETS ALONG THE WAY?
On the Inca Trail there are toilets at every lunch spot and every campsites. The type of toilets are squat toilets and sometimes will be busy, they may become slightly dirty.
We will provide chemical baths on the Inca trail and alternate treks, as these baths are more hygienic
Is there a student discount?
Runas Expeditions gives student discounts of %25. You only need to send us your scanned student card at booking time, and your price will be adjusted accordingly.
WHAT TIME WILL I GET BACK TO CUSCO?
We give you all the chance to enjoy more the Inca city Machu Picchu. Our transportation back to Cusco is not early and not late. That’s why we have to book in advance too, because the Train Company Peru Rail provides us all departure times. You will get back to Cusco between 7pm to 8pm.
WHAT TIME WILL I ARRIVE AT MACHUPICCHU?
When you are coming from the Inca Trail, you will arrive to MachuPicchu around 7:30am. But if you are doing any others tour you will arrive to MachuPicchu between 6:30am to 7am.
IS THERE ANY OTHERS THINGS TO DO AT MACHUPICCHU?
After the guiding tour you will have plenty of time to visit by yourself. If you book for the extra climb to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Macho Picchu Mountain you can do it, or you can go to the Inca Bridge or you can go the Sun Gate or you can just explore at the Inca city.
SHOULD I TIP THE GUIDE?
Tipping the guide is again a personal decision. If you decide to tip we recommend that it is according their performance, knowledge and skills while on the trail. Guides are tipped individually at the end of the trek and tipping depends on their performance!
WHAT HAPPENED IF I GET SICK DO I NEED TO TURN BACK?
We have a very low rate of people turning back once on the trek. Our priority is to help you complete it; all our guides are properly trained and carry a first aid kit and a bottle of oxygen for emergencies. Please do not think about this, be positive mind and definitely you are in good hands.
In the exceptional case that a trekker decides to head back once they have started the trek, they must pay additional expenses such as food, lodging and transportation. On the last day the tourist will be able to rejoin the group and participate in the Machu Picchu tour.
What KIND OF MONEY is used in Peru?
Peruvian Soles are the national currency.
What type of money is most commonly accepted?
Soles are accepted everywhere in Peru. However, at tourist sites you are often able to use American dollars and money exchanges are easy to find it.
How many people are there in Peru?
Peru has a population of 30million; made up of by 54% women and 46% men. And the biggest city in Peru is our Capital LIMA with 9 million people.
What is the MAIN language spoken in Peru?
Most of the Peruvians speak Spanish which meanly in the cities and about the countryside (communities) people speak Quechua Inca Language; however, many people also speak English especially at the touristic places so you shouldn’t have any communication problems.
Have a lovely trip in Peru!
RUNAS EXPEDITIONS.
