Inca Trail Machupicchu + Huayna Picchu 2 days

2 day / 1 night
From $554.00 USD per person
$590.00 USD
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Duration2 Day / 1 Nights
Group Size2/10
Activity LevelModerate / Challenging

Inca trail 2 days to Machupicchu with a sunset experience in Machupicchu on our 1st day “with few people”; taking this adventure day trek we are going to visit the most important Inca site of the famous Inca Trail, Wiñayhuayna “For Ever Young”, midday we are  going to arrive  the Sun Gate and in the Afternoon a beautiful sunset Machupicchu free time “with few people”.

Early the next morning, we will enjoy the sunrise and a guided tour of Machupicchu. Finally we will be able to climb the incredible Huayna Picchu mountain and enjoy a unique view of Machu Picchu and the Urubamba Valley, only 200 people per day have access.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Perú is part of an extensive Inca system of trails for  more than 23,000 kilometers that integrated the Tahuantinsuyo Empire “The Inka Country” (which means four regions) that covered many South American countries such as  Colombia, the west of Brazil, Ecuador, Peru ,Bolivia, to the center of Chile and the north of Argentina. These trails tended to be principally on the coast or in the mountains but in a few cases they reached the tropical edge of the jungle at the Amazon Jungle.

The Inca Trails is called in Quechua “the Inka Language” Qhapaq Ñan - refers to the network of trails) were without a doubt is one of the marvels of Tahuantinsuyo, according to the Peruvian historian, José Antonio del Busto, who explains that the Inca “King” Huayna Capac most increased the network of trails in order to quickly mobilize his army.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Inca Trail

Trekking Km 104 - Chachabamba to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate

Sun Gate and viewpoint of Machu Picchu

Today our trek takes us along the most impressive stretch of the Inca Trail. We'll visit the most beautiful Inca sites; we will be able to see a variety of flora and fauna and take in the fantastic panoramas of the Andes mountains. Covering 16km of the trail, our journey begins in the Sacred Valley; it's way up along the original Inca Trail to another amaizing Inca site named Winay Wayna (forever young); after that, continuing in our way to Machu Picchu via Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

As we make our way to Machu Picchu, we will pass through the lush and verdant cloud forest that covers the mountain and get to see a diversity of plants, flowers, and birds along the way. We may also see some major mammals, such as viscachas (rabbit-like Chinchillas) and the Spectacular Bears (if we are very lucky).

After a full day of trekking, we'll arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) later on in the afternoon and finally have our first impressive views of the archaeological place of Machu Picchu spread out on the mountain below.

The clarity of the day at this time is one of the best for photos and is not to crowded with tourists at all, which makes the perfect time to take some pictures of the amazing place. After we have passed through the Sun Gate, we will carry on along the trail a little way before taking a side trail that leads us to the town named Aguas Calientes in the below valley, where we will check in to our hotel.

  • Walking Distance – 16 kms / 10 miles
  • Starting Elevation – 2100 meters ASL / 6889 feet ASL
  • Highest Elevation – 2700 meters ASL / 8858 feet ASL
  • Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
  • Meals: box lunch 
  • Accommodation: Hotel 3*, Aguas Calientes.
Day 2 | Inca Trail

Machu Picchu - Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu - Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu Mountain

(Left) View of Machu Picchu from Machu Picchu Mountain; (Right) View of Machu Picchu from Huayna Picchu Mountain

Waking up early at (04:00am), we will take one of the first buses back to Machu Picchu to access the site as soon as it opens (06:00am). We are going to have a 2-hour guided tour. During your guided tour, you will learn about the Inca civilization as well as visit the entire place and the most important areas of the citadel.

Around 10:00am (depending on your entrance ticket), you will do your last and most rewarding tour and climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (2 hours round trip) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3 hours round trip).

Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and have the most impressive views of Machu Picchu from the top of the mountain.

  • Starting Elevation – 2000 meters ASL / 6561 feet ASL
  • Highest Elevation – 2,693 meters ASL / 8835 feet ASL
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Coordinates: 13°09′27″S 72°32′50″W

What's Included?

    • Transfers In / Out.
    • One day before “briefing about your trail with our staff at our office”.
    • Pick up at your hotel by your guide, time will be confirmed at the day of your briefing.
    • Transport from your hotel to the Ollantaytambo train station.
    • Expedition Touristic Train from Ollantaytambo to 104 kilometer “Chachabamba
    • English speaking professional guide experienced in trekking and degree in archaeology for Inca Trail and Machupicchu inca city.
    • Admission Ticket to the Inca trail, it will be send to you at the time of your booking.
    • Admission Ticket Machu Picchu Inca City.
    • Admission Ticket Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain (without guide).
    • 1 Box lunch.
    • 01 Dinner in a Machupicchu restaurant “please check menu”, vegetarian option is available at no extra cost.
    • Sunset Free time in Machupicchu 1st day and Sunrise Guided Tour on 2nd day.
    • Inca Trail safe first: First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank also an emergency radio and satellite phone is carried by your guide.
    • 1 night, 3* hotel in Aguas Calientes.
    • Train Back Expedition from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo train station.
    • Transfer from Train station to Cusco.
    • 24-hour guest service: Telephone service available 24 hours/day.
    • Free luggage store at ITEP Travel.
    • Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes 1th and 2th day.

What's not Included?

    •  First breakfast before the transfer on the first day.
    •  Meals in Machupicchu village: Lunch and dinner on the last day in Aguas Calientes. Approx. 20 usd to 25 usd, Price can vary according your selection.
    •  Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb entrance fees.
    •  Energy snacks will be very useful as chocolate bars, dried fruits.
    •  Personal clothing and gear
    •  Travel Insurance
    •  Tips for the staff (Tips are optional but of great appreciation for them; ITEP Travel staff receives a fair and decent payment immediately after they end their trip).
    • Guide Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain

Additional Services

    •  Walking sticks (US$15 for a pair of sticks)
    •  Extra porter for personal items (US$130 for up to 15 Kg)
    •  Upgrade to Single room in Aguas Calientes
    •  Upgrade to Vistadome train

What to Bring?

  • Original passport and valid student identity card, if applicable.
  • Walking boots.
  • Waterproof jacket/rainponcho.
  • Warm jacket, hat, and gloves.
  • T-shirts.
  • Comfortable trousers.
  • Sun hat.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended).
  • Re-usable plastic or metal water container or camel bags.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Toiletries.
  • Personal medication.
  • Camera and films.
  • Torch with spare batteries (headlamps are the best).

Optional Items to take - Inca Trail tour

  • Shorts.
  • Walking stick (with rubber tip).
  • Plasters and bandages.
  • Sandals.
  • Extra money.
  • Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes), where the entrance fee at the door is US$4.

PRICES

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu mountain USD 554.00

Discounts Inca Trail

  • 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 17 years old: We offer a $20 discount per child. you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trip (you will need to scan and email us a copy of the passports).

Important information

LIMITED SPACES

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.

We highly recommend doing your trekking to the Machupicchu or Huaynapicchu Mountains in order to have the most stunning views of the archaeological place (Machupicchu).

HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN

Huayna Picchu is one of the mountains that stands next to Machu Picchu and has amazing views from above. This hike is done after your tour with us and takes 45 minutes to reach the top and 45 minutes to come back down. Great opportunity to take lots of photos because of the incredible views. 
The Huayna Picchu Mountain is the one that you will see just behind Machu Picchu on any postcard; the Inca paths hidden alongside the mountain may frighten those who have a fear of heights.

For those of you who struggle with heights, you may need to know that you will be steps away from hundred-foot plummets into an abyss, and in some places the path can be very steep and narrow.

There are times when you need to use security cables to support yourself; it is a challenge for anyone. If you suffer from vertigo or you have a hard time controlling your fear of heights, we would recommend taking a different route. You will have to place reservations 6 months before if you would like one of the 400 available tickets to go up to the Huayna Picchu Mountain.

MACHUPICCHU MOUNTAIN

Machu Picchu Mountain is an unforgettable and lesser-known hike above the Machu Picchu with a stunning panoramic view of the valley. Reaching the archaeological place, which is only one part of the Machu Picchu experience,.

The other one is climbing the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain at 3,050 meters above sea level for dramatic views of the place and lush mountains separated by deep valleys and the Urubamba River.

As spectacular as seeing Machu Picchu is, the lost Inca city tells us just little things if you don’t see them in perspective with the surrounding mountains. It is when you can appreciate the enormous effort of Inca engineers to build their cities 2,430 meters above sea level without using any metal tools or wheels. Why the city was initially built still remains a mystery.

PREPARING FOR THE INCA TRAIL TREE

We recommend that our guests spend at least 2 nights in Cusco prior to departure. This helps with acclimatization to the altitude and also provides an opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Cusco.

Travelers can feel the effects of higher altitudes as low as 6000 feet (2000 meters) above sea level. They differ in their tolerance for high altitude conditions and how their bodies react to the changes in air pressure and oxygen level. Therefore, we encourage our guests to undergo appropriate preparation by regular cardio-vascular exercise, even if conducted at low elevation, and to adopt a healthy, balanced diet prior to the trip.

Without at least some pre-trip training or a good basic level of fitness, trekking is hard work. Let’s be honest—it’s very hard work. Anyhow,anyway the price for a great trek is paid in sweat. Sore calves and aching quads are badges of honor, with blisters and lost toenails marks of pride.

But in return, you get some of the most untouched, pristine, and jaw-dropping scenery on the planet. And you know what? The more you train for your epic hike, the easier it’ll be. And you don’t have to be an Iron Woman/Man to climb the Andean Mountains or reach the top of Machupicchu. Apart from it. Trekking is available to anyone; you just have to be sensible and work a bit for it. There you have some of our top tips for your upcoming trek:

1. Start walking now (it’s never too early to start training).

This may seem like the most obvious step to start with (pardon the pun), but you’d be surprised how many people don’t do it. The best way to prepare for a really long walk? Do some really long walks. You should start with small-ish distances and work up to the length that you will be trekking on your trip.

When you start your training, leave a day in between each walk to let your body recover. But as your body gets fitter, try to do back-to-back sessions each day; it’ll help you build your stamina for the relentless nature of a ten-day trek, where you won’t have the luxury of rest days. Ideally, you want to be able to walk 4-6 hours comfortably before you leave.

2. Make leg-based cardio part of your routine.

As well as doing long walks, you should also work some leg-based cardio into your daily routine. Cycling is awesome for building up muscle in your legs, but soccer, football, squash, and swimming are all great too. If you’re more into gym workouts, mix up your spin classes or cycling bursts with squats and lunges (the more weight, the better).

3....and take the stairs every chance you get.

Stair climbing is also a good one for building up calves and quads, so take the stairs instead of the lift or escalator when you’re at work or the train station.

4. Make sure you’re walking properly.

You’ve been doing it since you were around one year old, but it’s super important to monitor how you’re walking and if you’re doing it correctly. Make sure you’re hitting the ground with your heel first, then rolling onto your toe, which propels you onto the next step (this will help reduce the risk of shin splints and tendon pulls—ouch). Walk with your head up, eyes forward, and shoulders level.

5. Mix up your training terrain...

When you’re on your trek, it’s unlikely you’ll be walking on level footpaths and roads, so avoid training solely on level footpaths and roads. Instead, try to train on surfaces that will be similar to the trails on the trek. If you’re heading to Everest or Kili, aim to train on steep, rocky terrain and loose shale; if it’s Kokoda, try to find muddy paths. It’s really important you prepare your feet, ankles, and knees for the stress they’ll experience on the trip.

6....and walk in all types of weather.

It’s also unlikely you’ll get ten straight days of perfect weather on your trek, so prepare yourself for all conditions by walking in cold, windy, rainy, warm, and humid conditions (where possible, of course!).

7. Try using walking poles.

When you’re navigating Kili’s gravel trails or lumbering down Dead Woman’s Pass on the Inca Trail, walking poles will become your two new best friends. They take the pressure off your knees on the downs and give you extra support on the ups. Incorporate poles into your training sessions so you get used to walking with them.

8. Train with a backpack

On almost all of our trekking trips, you won’t be carrying your main pack, but you will need to carry a small daypack, packed with essentials like your camera, snacks, sunscreen, water, and wet-weather gear. So with all your days/weeks/months of training, make sure you’re challenging yourself with a weighted bag. If you really want to push it, pack your bag with a few extras, so it’s a little heavier than what you’re planning to hike with on the trip—it'll make the eventual trek feel like a walk in the park (chortle).

9. Keep the tank fuelled.

It’s SO important you’re stocked with enough water and food during a trek (hydration is key!). Nuts, dried fruit, muesli bars, and chocolate are all good, quick sources of energy and protein; keep a selection of these healthy snacks in your daypack. Also, bring along a reusable canteen; alpine streams are usually a great source of fresh water, but our guides provide boiled (and cooled) water daily throughout your trek. While you’re in training mode, try to eat and drink ‘on the go’ as much as you can, so your body can get used to digesting during strenuous exercise.

10. Invest in a good pair of shoes.

Your feet are the most crucial part of your body on this trek, and it doesn’t take much to keep them in toe-tappingly tip-top shape. First, invest in a pair of good-quality, water-resistant hiking boots; you want plenty of support and ventilation too. Then, wear them in. How do you do this? Wear them everywhere. On your training runs, on walks to the shops, to work, to formal events (well, maybe not). You get the idea though; by wearing them in as much as possible in the weeks and months leading up to the trek, it’ll help avoid blisters, bunions, and lost toenails. Then, stock up on a few pairs of really good hiking socks (preferably a wool/nylon blend) that will wick moisture and keep your feet dry. If you want to get a bit crazy, wear two pairs while walking to minimize your chance of blisters.

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