Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days

2 days / 1 night
From $479.00 USD per person
$499.00 USD
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Duration2 Day/ 1 Night
Group Size2/10
Activity LevelModerate

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu full day

Experience the exhilarating 2-day Short Inca Trail a blend of adventure and luxury tailored for those with limited time. Covering 12 km, this trek winds through lush Urubamba Valley landscapes and diverse fauna, immersing you in ancient pathways. Highlights include Wiñayhuayna, Inti Punku "Sun Gate", "The Guardian's house" with stunning Machu Picchu vistas, and captivating sunset and sunrise moments. Our agency, authorized and community-focused, offers daily departures, yet early booking is advised due to the Inca Trail's visitor limit.

  • Day 01: Cusco | Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba, Km 104 – Wiñaywayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
  • Day 02: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Day 1 | Inca Trail

Cusco | Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba, Km 104 – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco.

Wiñaywayna, Inca Trail 1st day

We commence our day early (around 04:00 hours) with your guide picking you up from your hotel in Cusco (or an agreed-upon meeting point). We head to the Ollantaytambo train station, departing at approximately 06:10 hours.

As we traverse the Sacred Valley, we make our way to the starting point of the Inca Trail, known as "Chachabamba" or Km 104 (2,150 m / 6,927 ft), arriving around 07:00 hours. At the "INRENA Machu Picchu" checkpoint, we present our original passports, marking the beginning of the half-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.

During this trek, we explore the Wiñayhuayna archaeological site (2,650 m / 8,747 ft) nestled in a lush cloud forest. Following a satisfying lunch, we continue our hike for another two hours, reaching Intipunku, "the Sun Gate" (2,730 m / 9,007 ft), offering breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains.

We enter Machu Picchu through the Guardian's House sector for classic photos. Your guide delves into the history and mysteries of this incredible Inca city, allowing you to capture essential and renowned photos.

Later, we take a bus to Aguas Calientes and transfer you to your hotel.

Arriving by 5 pm, there's time for a delightful dinner, after which we settle in for the night.

  • Meals: Box Lunch / Dinner
  • Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
  • Total distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
  • Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours
  • Maximum altitude: 2,720 m. / 8,924 ft.
  • Accomodation: Hotel, Machu Picchu town, Aguas Calientes

Day 2 | Inca Trail

Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.

Machu Picchu site, Inca Trail 2nd day

On this final day, we will have breakfast at 5:00 am and proceed to our bus at the Aguas Calientes station. Taking a bus to the city of Machu Picchu Inca, you will need to show your passport, entrance ticket, and student card if you have one. Your guide will then lead you through Machu Picchu's surroundings and the various important sites, ruins, and temples between 8:00 and 10:00.

If you have your entrance ticket to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain (2 hours round trip) or Machu Picchu mountain (3 hours round trip).

Additionally, you'll have free time to engage in the following activities on your own (not included in the price):

  • Climb up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain* for breathtaking views from above.
  • Another optional activity in Aguas Calientes might include visiting the new local museum or indulging in a relaxing bath in the hot springs.

Having enjoyed the magnificent city of the Incas, you will use your bus ticket to descend to Aguas Calientes and then take the train back to Cusco via Ollantaytambo. The "Expedition Train" departs at 6:30 pm and arrives in Ollantaytambo after 2 hours. In Ollantaytambo, a bus will be waiting to take you to Cusco. Your journey will conclude around 10:30 pm.

You have the option to change the train so that you can arrive in Cusco earlier or later.

  • Meals: Breakfast at hotel
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Estimated walking time: 1.5 hours
  • Maximum altitude: 2,430 m. / 6,693 ft.

*Note: "Machu Picchu mountain" refers to the peak opposite the main Machu Picchu site.

CLASSIC SERVICE

What's Included?

  • Pre-tour information: You will meet your Inca Trail guide at our offices (or another agreed-upon location) around 18:00 hours for an informative session about the tour.
  • Tourist transportation "Cusco - Ollantaytambo" (round trip).
  • "Expeditions" tourist train to Km 104, Chachabamba.
  • "Expeditions" tourist train Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
  • 03 Consettur bus to the return the Machu Picchu archaeological site (descent, ascent and descent).
  • Highly qualified professional English and Spanish-speaking guide on the Inca Trail.
  • Highly qualified professional English and Spanish-speaking guide at the Archeological site of Machu Picchu.
  • Entrance ticket to the short Inca Trail.
  • Entrance ticket to the Archeological site of Machu Picchu.
  • 2*Hotel in Aguas Calientes, with all the services needed: hot water, private bathroom, Wi-Fi and breakfast.
  • 1 breakfast (hotel), 1 box lunch, 1 dinner (Options: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.).
  • First aid kit and oxygen tank. (Our guides are highly trained in first aid and mountain rescue, with a comprehensive plan for care, ground evacuations, and air evacuations.)

What's Not Included?

  • Trekking poles are not included but is highly recommend for the hike. You can bring your our or rent from us.
  • Entrance to additional sites like Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain.
  • Lunch on the second day.
  • Additional costs or delays beyond our control, such as natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to passenger health issues (suffering from an illness or health problems), pandemic, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, etc.

Note: If you prefer, you can rent trekking poles, and additional entrance fees and lunch can be arranged on-site.

*Note: "Machu Picchu mountain" refers to the peak opposite the main Machu Picchu site.

Additional Services

  • Trekking poles. ($15.00 USD)
  • Economical Lunch in Aguas Calientes, also known as "Machu Picchu town". ($15.00 USD)
  • Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge. ($45.00 USD)
  • Huayna Picchu entrance, subject to availability and time slots: 7:00 am / 8:00 am / 9:00 am / 10:00 am ($60.00 USD)
  • Machu Picchu mountain* entrance, subject to availability and time slots: 8:00 am / 9:00 am ($60.00 USD)
  • Guided tour for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain*. ($75.00 USD per group)
  • Upgrade to the Vistadome train. ($50.00 USD)
  • Upgrade to Vistadome Observatory train Return. ($75.00 USD)
  • Camping Upon Request. ($50.00 USD)
  • We can assist you in booking hotels (standard and luxury) throughout Peru.

*Note: "Machu Picchu mountain" refers to the peak opposite the main Machu Picchu site

Prices

  CLASSIC
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2D - 2024 $ 479.00 USD

Discounts

  • 18 - 24 years old: We offer a $20 discount per student. To qualify as a student, you must have a valid student identity card and be under 25 years of age at the time of your trip. Scan and email us the copy at the time of booking.
  • Under 18 years old: We offer a $20 discount per child. (you will need to scan and email us a copy of the passports).

What to Bring on the Inca Trail?

  • Original passport (and valid student ID if applicable).
  • Hiking boots/shoes.
  • Waterproof jacket/poncho.
  • Warm jacket, hat, and gloves.
  • Short or long-sleeved shirts.
  • Comfortable pants.
  • Sun hat.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen (recommended SPF 35).
  • Reusable plastic or metal bottles, or a camelback.
  • Water – you can buy water bottles from local families along the way.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Personal medication.
  • Camera and camcorder.

Extra Items to Bring

  • Shorts.
  • Trekking poles (with rubber tips).
  • Bandages and plaster.
  • Sandals.
  • Swimsuit.
  • Extra money for personal expenses, tips (recommend 200 Peruvian nuevos soles for extra expenses).

Questions and Answers / 2-days Inca Trail

Important Information

  • The itinerary may change based on the Peruvian government, weather conditions, and the health status of the trekkers.
  • The train schedule may vary depending on the availability of the train company.
  • We provide the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo: if someone books a train ticket last minute, it's not guaranteed they can be on the same train as the rest of the group.
  • If you wish to change the schedule or tickets for your train, you will need to pay an additional fee for transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco and for the train price difference.

¿Cuánto tiempo dura el Camino Inca de 4 días?

La caminata tradicional del Camino Inca dura 4 días, comenzando temprano en la mañana del primer día, llegando a Machu Picchu en la mañana del cuarto día y finalizando en Cusco aproximadamente a las 22:00 horas.

¿Cuándo es la mejor época para hacer el Camino Inca?

La mejor época para hacer el Camino Inca suele ser de abril a octubre, durante la temporada seca en la región de Cusco.

¿Necesito estar en buena forma física para el Camino Inca?

Es aconsejable estar en buena forma física, ya que hay caminatas un poco largas y algunas subidas bastante empinadas.

¿Cuánto cuesta hacer el Camino Inca?

El costo puede variar, pero generalmente incluye el ingreso al Camino Inca, guía, porteadores, comidas y transporte. Puede oscilar entre $550 y $1000 USD.

¿Necesito traer mi propio equipo de campamento?

No, las agencias proporcionan todo el equipo de campamento.

¿Qué debo empacar para el Camino Inca?

Empaca ropa cómoda, calzado resistente, una chaqueta impermeable, protector solar, repelente de insectos, artículos de higiene personal y tu pasaporte original, entre otras cosas que consideres necesarios.

¿Puedo comprar boletos para Huayna Picchu en el camino?

La disponibilidad es muy limitada, en especial en meses muy concurridos; se recomienda comprar boletos con bastante anticipación.

¿Cómo es la altitud a lo largo del Camino Inca?

Varía, pero puede alcanzar altitudes superiores a 4000 metros. Es importante aclimatarse en la región de Cusco antes de comenzar la caminata.

¿Se permite la fotografía en Machu Picchu?

Sí, se permite la fotografía y videos, pero el uso de trípodes o palitos selfie está restringido.

¿Puedo cancelar o cambiar la fecha de mi reserva?

Las políticas de cancelación por parte del Ministerio de Cultura del Perú, no permiten cambios y/o cancelaciones en sus plataformas. Salvo excepciones.

¿Qué tipo de comidas se ofrecen durante la caminata?

Se ofrecen comidas variadas, incluyendo opciones vegetarianas y veganas. Los menús suelen ser energéticos para la caminata.

¿Hay opciones de alergias alimentarias o restricciones dietéticas?

Sí, las agencias suelen poder acomodar restricciones dietéticas si se les informa con anticipación.

¿Cómo es el clima a lo largo del Camino Inca?

El clima puede variar, pero generalmente es fresco durante el día y frío por la noche. Prepárate para diferentes condiciones.

¿Es necesario llevar efectivo durante la caminata?

Es recomendable llevar algo de efectivo para propinas y gastos adicionales, pero la mayoría de las cosas están incluidas en el costo total.

¿Puedo comprar recuerdos en el camino?

Sí, hay oportunidades para comprar recuerdos locales durante la caminata.

¿Hay lugares para cargar dispositivos electrónicos?

Algunos campamentos pueden tener enchufes, pero es recomendable llevar baterías portátiles.

¿Cómo es el terreno a lo largo del Camino Inca?

El terreno varía desde caminos empedrados hasta senderos más naturales y empinados.

¿Cuál es el límite de peso para los porteadores?

El límite suele ser alrededor de 7-8 kg para el equipo personal de los excursionistas.

¿Es necesario llevar agua durante la caminata?

Aunque el agua hervida se proporciona, se recomienda llevar tu propia botella reutilizable.

¿Puedo contratar un servicio de transporte desde Cusco?

El servicio incluye transporte desde Cusco ida y vuelta.

¿Hay baños disponibles durante la caminata?

Sí, la mayoría de los campamentos cuentan con instalaciones de baño básicas.

¿Es necesario tener seguro de viaje para el Camino Inca?

No es obligatorio, pero se recomienda tener seguro de viaje que cubra emergencias médicas y cancelaciones.

¿Qué debo hacer si tengo problemas de salud durante la caminata?

Comunica inmediatamente cualquier problema de salud a tu guía. Las agencias suelen tener protocolos de emergencia en su lugar.


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