Short Inca Trail 2 days

This tour is designed for those who want to experience the Inca Trail with less effort while still enjoying the stunning landscapes and the lush cloud forest with its excellent climate. It offers a shorter duration but the same satisfaction as the classic Inca Trail. The difference is that, on the first day, you will have an amazing first view Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate or Inti Punku and the following day, you will have more time to explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. If you prefer not to walk too much but still want to experience the magic of the Inca Trail, this is the tour for you.

Duration:
2 days
Dificult:
Demanding level
Group size:
from 2 to 16
Altitude:
2720 ​​ma.s.l
Travel style:
Walk, hiking and Adventure

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco (city center) around 04:00 hrs. and head to Ollantaytambo train station in our tourist transport. There, we will board the train that will take us Km. 104, where we will begin our hike through a subtropical jungle landscape. During our trek, we will visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba (2150m) and after approximately 3 hours of hiking we will arrive at Wiñaywayna. This impressive archaeological complex includes an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector, and an urban sector. We will then continue to the Inti Punku or ¨The Sun Gate¨ along a flat Stone path along mountain cliffs, which will take us about an hour. From Inti Punku we will enjoy our first panoramic view of the majestic Machu Picchu. We will use this day to take panoramic photos of Machu Picchu as on the second day we will only visit the lower part of Machu Picchu (circuit 3 or 4).

From the Sun Gate, we will descend towards Machu Picchu and then take the bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo (or Aguas Calientes). We will spend the night in a pre-selected hotel, and optionally you will have the opportunity to enjoy the thermal baths of this magical town.

  • Time of transportation: 3 hours (1:30 hrs land transport y 1:30 hrs by train).
  • Time of hiking: 6 hours.
  • Distance: 12km.
  • Difficulty Level: moderate.
  • Climate: Cold and warm during the day with mosquitoes.
  • Altitude: Cusco (3,350m) – km 104 (2,250m) – Wiñayhuayna (2,650m) – Aguas Calientes (2,050m).

Early in the morning we will take the bus up to Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise at this magical place before other tourists arrive from the city of Cusco. We will experience the tranquility of The Lost City of the Incas on a guided tour of approximately 2 hours through circuit 3 or circuit 4, where we will make brief stops to take photos during the visit.

Optionally, there is the possibility to hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain (If you have previously booked your entry ticket for this site).  From there, you will have spectacular views of the entire Machupicchu citadel, as well as the surrounding valleys and mountains. After this hike, we will take a bus down to Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes). From there you will return to Ollantaytambo by train and then take our tourist transport back to the city of Cusco.

  • Visiting time at Machu Picchu: 2 a 3 hrs.
  • Distance: 4 km
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Climate: Warm during the day with mosquitoes.
  • Altitude: Aguas Calientes (2,050m.a.s.l.) – Machu Picchu (2,400m.a.s.l) – Cusco (3,350m.a.s.l)

NOTE:

Guided tours is Machupichu last between 2 hours and 2 ½ hrs in a shared service and between 2 and 3 hours in a private service, depending on the coordination between the guide and the passengers. (The duration is also managed based on the return train schedules, lunch time and the descent to Aguas Calientes).

INCLUDES

  • Transfer from the hotel in Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station.
  • Train ticket for the journey to the start of the hike (Km. 104), “Expedition” tourist or similar.
  • Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to the Ollantaytambo train station on the ¨Expedition¨ tourist train or similar.
  • Return transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
  • 03 Bus tickets Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (Round trip).
  • Entrance tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
  • Professional English - speaking guide throughout the tour (2 guides for groups of 9 or more passengers).
  • Buses up and down from Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes.
  • Meals - 01 Box Lunch during the hike. - Dinner at a restaurant en Aguas Calientes. - Breakfast at the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
  • 1 night at a Hotel in Aguas Calientes. (3 –Star hotel with private bathroom and hot water).
  • Return transfer from Ollantaytambo station to Cusco.
  • First aid kit.
  • Emergency oxygen cylinder.
  • SERNANP fees.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR

  • Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the second day.
  • Additional services such as tips.

OPTIONAL

  • Entry to Huayna Picchu mountain  or Machupicchu  mountain US $ 65.00
  • (Confirm this entry at the time of booking, subject to availability).
  • Buffet lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge: US $ 45.00 per person or lunch in Aguas Calientes village starting from US $ 15.00 per person.
  • There is an additional cost if you wish to travel by first –class train round trip ¨VISTADOME Tourist Service, an extra¨ US $ 80.00 per person (One way– or return only US $ 40.00).
  • Visit to the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes located 10 minute – walk from the town (entry fee is S/ 20.00 soles, towels and swimwear can be rented there).

Group Tour

Price Per Person in a Shared Service

  • Adults: US $ 560

AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS:

Students: US 20.00

Students must present the original Student issued by the University up to the age of 25, containing the following:

  • University Information
  • Personal information of the student.
  • Student photo.
  • Validity date no more than one year prior to the date of the visit to Machu Picchu.

Private Tour

Private Tour Pricing

For details on our private tour prices, contact us at [email protected] or reach us via WhatsApp: +51 963 213 482.

RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Passport or ID documentation.
  • A personal backpack.
  • Extra batteries and camera.
  • Extra change of clothes for the second day.
  • Warm clothing.
  • Small towell
  • Hiking shoes.
  • Rain poncho
  • Canteen
  • Sunglasses
  • Repellent, Sunscreen and a Hat.
  • Toilette paper.
  • Swimwear and towel (in case you visit the thermal baths).
  • Personal medications
  • Cash for purchases (Soles or Dollars).

OPTIONAL

  • Rubber – tipped trekking poles.
  • Snacks: Cookies, sweets, chocolates, energy bars, fruits (optional).

Travel Insurance: Provide and send us your travel insurance before your arrival in Peru..

Passport: It is important to present the original documents (ID or Passport) to make the reservation when entering the Inca Trail; otherwise you will not allowed to enter. The document numbers must match those used in the reservation.  If you have changed your passport number after making the reservation for any reason, please notify us before your arrival in Cusco or bring both documents. (The old and the new).

Huayna Picchu Mountain: If you want to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain, it is best to do it on the 5th day due to the physical effort required. Additionally, if you do it on the 4th day, you would end up paying twice for entry to Machu Picchu, as this entry is already included in The Inca Trail Price.

Frequent Questions

Provide and send us your travel insurance before your arrival in Peru.

It is important to present the same original documents (Passport or ID) used to make the reservation. When entering the Inca Trail; otherwise you will not allowed to enter. The document must match those used in the reservation. If you have changed your Passport number after making the reservation, please notify us before your arrival in Cusco or bring both documents (the old and the new).

The best way to check the availability of this interesting trek is to contact an authorized agency for this hike. Inca Peru Travel specializes in trekking routes, especially the 2 Day and 4 Day Inca Trails. Simply contact one of our sales agents, and they will provide you immediate information on availability.

Cusco, the imperial City, is at an altitude of 3350 masl. Therefore, if you come from a much lower place or sea level, it is best and most recommended to stay in Cusco for at least 2 days before doing the Inca Trail. Proper acclimatization is highly recommended so you can undertake the hike without any problems or altitude sickness.

Due to the fact it is a route that requires significant maintenance and constant care because it is a historical legacy over 500 years old, it is necessary, important and mandatory to hire an authorized travel agency for this adventure. Please note that not all agencies can operate this trek directly if they do not have the proper authorization.

The Inca Trail, operates 11 months a year, except for February, when it is closed for maintenance and because it is a month with the highest rainfall in Cusco. Please note that from December to March is the rainy season, and this can sometimes cause closures on certain days due to inconveniences, landslides, or natural issues. It is important to stay in constant contact with your sales agent after booking to keep up with any updates.

The most recommended is from April to November. During this period, it is the dry season, so you will encounter less rain can fully enjoy the montainous landscapes along the route.

As an authorized local direct operator, we require a 50% deposit of the total trek amount. You can make this payment via credit card, Pay Pal, bank transfer or Western Union. Please note that for a preliminary reservation our sales agents will ask you for basic and important information such as:  Copy of Passport or Identity Document (your ID must be valid; if it is expired, you can still make the reservation but you must bring both the new and the old Passports for verification at the start of the hike). Another document required is the Student ID (if applicable) for those under 26 years old, so that the corresponding discounts can be applied.

No, unfortunately it is not possible to change the dates. It is important to be very certain at the time of booking.

As a recommendation, bring only the essentials, such as the lightweight clothing for the day since you will warm up while hiking, and warm clothing for the night. A 45 – liter backpack is a good option, allowing you to carry your belongings comfortably.

Yes, this trek does not require as much physical effort as the 4 – Day Inca Trail. The maximum altitude will be approximately 2,400 meters above sea level, and you will pass through a subtropical landscape. The hike will be on the first day only, covering about 9 km with rest periods.








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    Tour a Machupicchu desde Cusco Excelente servicio de coordinación previa, desde antes de comenzar nuestro viaje. Siempre dispuestos a resolver, planificar y darnos seguridad. Una vez en Cuzco, todo funcionó perfecto, horarios de traslados, tickets de bus, tren y hotel reservados. Todos muy amables y resolutivos. Lo recomiendo 200%
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