About this experience
The short Inca Trail via Lucmabamba is a secluded Trail in the lush jungle.
DAY 1: Cusco → Lucmabamba → Llactapata → Aguas Calientes
Early van from Cusco via Malaga Pass (5–6 hours drive) to Lucmabamba (~2,085–2,140 m).
After lunch, hike 4–6 hours on the ancient Inca path: moderate-steep ascent through tropical jungle, coffee plantations, waterfalls, exotic birds, and orchids to Llactapata ruins.
Pristine Inca sites (terraces, structures with religious purpose) and epic southeast views of Machu Picchu — a magical unique reveal.
Descend 3 hours to Hidroeléctrica, then walk along the river (2 hours) to Aguas Calientes town. Overnight in a hotel
DAY 2: Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Return to Cusco
Early bus (6:00 AM) up to Machu Picchu for sunrise views
2–3 hour guided tour of the citadel: temples, terraces, plazas, and mysteries of the "Lost City of the Incas"
Free time to explore
Afternoon train (Expedition) to Ollantaytambo, then van/bus back to Cusco (evening arrival).,
At a glance
- Duration: 48 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 48 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Local guides to help you plan
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Guide
Plan the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with practical guidance on permits, the Km 82 route, timing, published access rates, and booking decisions.
Choosing the Right Train to Machu Picchu
PeruRail or IncaRail, Vistadome or Expedition, Ollantaytambo or Poroy. The trade-offs nobody explains until you're already at the station.
Machu Picchu Day Trip From Cusco
A Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco is possible, but it requires advance entry tickets, carefully matched transport, and a very early start. Use this practical guide to choose a circuit, build a realistic schedule, compar
What is included
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
Itinerary and highlights
The short Inca Trail via Lucmabamba is a secluded Inca Trail in the Cusco wet forest
DAY 1: Cusco → Lucmabamba → Llactapata → Aguas Calientes
Early van from Cusco via Malaga Pass (5–6 hours drive) to Lucmabamba (~2,085–2,140 m).
After lunch, hike 4–6 hours on the ancient Inca path: moderate to chanllenging -steep ascent through tropical jungle, coffee plantations, waterfalls, exotic birds, and orchids to Llactapata ruins.
Pristine Inca sites (terraces, structures with religious purpose) and epic southeast views of Machu Picchu — a magical unique reveal.
Descend 3 hours to Hidroeléctrica, then walk along the river (2 hours) to Aguas Calientes town. Overnight in a hotel
DAY 2: Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Return to Cusco
Early bus up to Machu Picchu for sunrise views
2–3 hour guided tour of the citadel: temples, terraces, plazas, and mysteries of the "Lost City of the Incas"
Free time to explore
Afternoon train (Expedition) to Ollantaytambo, then van/bus back to Cusco (evening arrival, around 10pm)
See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- We pick up our travelers from their accommodation.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Kontiki Hikes
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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Traveller reviews and photos
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