The Short Inca Trail (2 days) to Machu Picchu is the easiest version of this famous trek. There are several ways to reach the Inca citadel, and this route is perfect for those with limited time but still want an unforgettable experience.
Day 1 includes about 7 hours of hiking , during which you’ll visit Chachabamba on the Inca Trail , a beautiful Inca ruin where we offer a guided tour led by a professional guide. Want to know more?
Location
In our Short Inca Trail itinerary , the impressive archaeological site of Chachabamba is located along the ancient route used during the Inca Empire, partially following the course of the Urubamba River. To build it, the Incas had to clear a path through the jungle. It sits at 2,171 meters above sea level , descending into the Andean subtropical forest — a truly magical place!
Its stone constructions are tall, well-preserved, and imposing. In the past, these structures were covered with light and flexible materials. The surrounding landscape is breathtaking: green mountain ranges crossed by narrow paths and crowned with white clouds — a place full of silence and peace.
Chachabamba Ruins in Cusco, Peru
This site is very interesting and ingeniously designed. Located on top of a hill, the summit was either flat or artificially leveled. Some of the buildings follow the natural undulations of the terrain, featuring curved designs.
According to current archaeological theories, its architectural features combine both religious and military purposes . You’ll feel like a true explorer when you arrive at this unforgettable archaeological site hidden deep in the Cusco jungle!
Purpose of the Chachabamba Ruins
According to accepted Peruvian and international research, the Incas built this citadel as a place of water worship . In their worldview, all of nature had a spiritual essence — mostly feminine — and when honored, it provided what was necessary for agriculture, which was the foundation of the Inca economy.
Additionally, it seems to have served as a watchpoint and access control to Machu Picchu, since that sanctuary was the main holiday destination for the Inca nobility, located just a short walk away.
After Visiting Chachabamba
After your guided tour of Chachabamba, Cusco, Peru , the Short Inca Trail continues with a moderate hike of about 3 hours to the magnificent Wiñaywayna archaeological complex . Finally, you’ll make your way to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) , the original entrance to Machu Picchu. From here, you can take extraordinary photos of the entire citadel.
Day 1 ends with a bus ride down to Aguas Calientes , a cozy town offering many activities for you to enjoy the afternoon as you wish. Overnight stay at a local hotel.
More Info About Chachabamba
You can find additional information about the Chachabamba ruins and the rest of the trek, along with all our tours and travel guides for planning the perfect trip to Peru, on our homepage.
Climate in Chachabamba
The climate in Chachabamba, Cusco, Peru, is generally warmer and sunnier than in the city of Cusco and at higher altitudes (the ruins sit at 7,053 feet / 2,150 meters ).
How to Get to Chachabamba via the Inca Trail
To reach Chachabamba via the Inca Trail, we pick you up from your hotel and take you to the train station in Ollantaytambo. From there, we travel to kilometer 104 of the old road to Machu Picchu (both transfers included). At km 104, you’ll cross a bridge over the beautiful Urubamba River, and not far from there, you’ll find the stunning Chachabamba ruins .
Chachabamba to Machu Picchu
After visiting Chachabamba, we head to the fascinating Wiñaywayna archaeological group , where you’ll enjoy a beautiful landscape filled with orchids and panoramic views of the Urubamba River.
After walking from Chachabamba to Machu Picchu, we reach Wiñaywayna , where you’ll explore the ruins and enjoy lunch at the right time. After a short rest, we continue to Inti Punku , also known as the Sun Gate , where you’ll get your first breathtaking panoramic view of the majestic Machu Picchu citadel .
This is the classic way to go from Chachabamba to Machu Picchu .
