Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days Trek from Cusco

Itinerary

Hike from Km 104 (Chachabamba) to Sun Gate – Machu Picchu

We start our day early (around 4:00 AM), when your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco or from a previously agreed meeting point. We will then head to the Ollantaytambo train station to board our train, departing at approximately 6:10 AM.

As we travel through the beautiful Sacred Valley, we make our way to the starting point of the Inca Trail, known as Km 104. At around 7:00 AM, we will arrive at the "INRENA Machu Picchu" checkpoint, where you must present your original passport. After completing the entry formalities, we will begin our half-day Inca Trail hike towards Machu Picchu.

A short walk from the checkpoint will take us to the archaeological sites of Chachabamba (2,150 m / 7,054 ft) and Choquesuysuy, hidden within the semi-tropical forest. After a brief guided visit, we will begin climbing a series of stone steps. Along the way, we will enjoy beautiful waterfalls and discover different varieties of native orchids.

After approximately 4 hours of hiking, we will reach and explore the archaeological site of Wiñayhuayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), nestled in a lush cloud forest. After enjoying a hearty lunch, we will continue hiking for another two hours until we reach Intipunku, also known as the "Sun Gate" (2,730 m / 8,957 ft). From here, you will enjoy your first breathtaking views of the incredible Machu Picchu citadel and the surrounding mountains.

We will enter Machu Picchu through the Guardian's House sector, where you can take the classic panoramic photographs of the Inca citadel. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the history, architecture, and mysteries of this remarkable Inca sanctuary, giving you the opportunity to capture some of its most iconic views.

Afterwards, we will take a bus down to Machu Picchu town, also known as Aguas Calientes, and transfer you to your hotel.

Upon arrival, you will have time to enjoy a delicious dinner before settling in for a restful overnight stay.

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

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

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 original passport, entrance ticket, and student ID card if you selected the student discount option.

Your guide will then take you on a guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring its surroundings and the most important archaeological sites, ruins, and temples between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

After the guided tour, you will have enough free time to enjoy one or more of the following optional activities on your own (not included in the tour price):

• Hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain (approximately 2 hours round trip) or Machu Picchu Mountain (approximately 3 hours round trip) to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from above.
• Enjoy other optional activities in Aguas Calientes, such as visiting the local museum or relaxing in the natural hot springs.

After experiencing the magnificent Lost City of the Incas, you will use your included bus ticket to return to Aguas Calientes. From there, we will board the "Expedition" train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, where our bus will be waiting to take you to Cusco. This marks the end of your adventure.

The return train from Aguas Calientes is typically scheduled for 2:55 PM, although this may vary depending on availability. You may request an earlier or later train to arrive in Cusco at a different time, depending on your planned activities and subject to prior coordination.

• Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
• Difficulty: Easy
• Total Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 hours.
• Maximum altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft.

What's Included?

Classic Service

• 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 / Poroy.
• 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 to Machu Picchu included with Inca Trail (Guardian's House - Circuit 1).
• Additional entrance ticket to Machu Picchu on the 2nd day (Circuit 3B).
• Hostal in Machu Picchu town - Aguas Calientes is free of charge.
• 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.)
• 24-Hour Customer Service: We offer a 24-hour telephone service to facilitate communication with our agents before your trek.
• Free Luggage Storage: We provide complimentary luggage storage at our offices in Cusco. You can leave your luggage before starting your tour (exclusive to our passengers).

Confort Service (All previus Classic service +)

• Hotel 3* at Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu town (upgrade)
• One way return from Machu Picchu by Vistadome Train Service (upgrade)

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.

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)
• Upgrade 2* Hotel Aguas Calientes ($30 double room, $50 simple room).
• Huayna Picchu entrance, subject to availability and time slots: 7:00 am / 8:00 am / 9:00 am / 10:00 am ($75.00 USD)
• Machu Picchu mountain* entrance, subject to availability and time slots: 8:00 am / 9:00 am ($75.00 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.

What to Bring?

• 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).

PRICES

• 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 $40 discount per child. (you will need to scan and email us a copy of the passports).

Important information

• The Itinerary can change according to the Peruvian government, climate and health status of the trekkers.
• The train schedule can change according to availability of the train company.
• The train that we provide is the expedition train to Ollantaytambo – if someone books a train ticket in the last minute it is not sure that they can come in the same train as the other group.
• If you would like to change your train schedule or tickets, you have to pay more for the transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco and for the price change of the train.

YES. To protect the historical trail of the Inkas, the number of people allowed to hike the Inca Trail each day is limited to 250. That is why, you should reserve your space as soon as possible. Spaces can be filled up three to six months in advance. Spaces fill more quickly in the high tourist season, from May to September.

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days Trek from Cusco Map