Inca Trail 2 Days / 1 Night

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Short inca trail, Machu Picchu, Cusco

Duration

2 days

Max People

Min Age

Pickup

Hotel - Bus -Train

Tour Details

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is beyond a doubt one of the most beautiful trails in America and it gives you an unforgettable experience not to be missed. The Inca trail leads through the protected wild nature of the Peruvian jungle and forest steppe, passes several archeological Inca sights and offers impressive views.

The Incas used this itinerary for their pilgrimage to the sacred citadel Machu Picchu.

Trip details

Altitude: 2050 – 2650 m. / 6730 – 9360 f.
Duration: 2 days / 1 nights
Route: Closed in February
High Season: March – January
Level of Difficulty: Easy – Moderate.

Recommendations

- - Small backpack with rain shelter (30 or 40 liters is well enough).
  - Clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket.
  - Trekking shoes.
  - Slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs).
  - Woolen or synthetic socks and a sweater.
  - Long- and short-sleeved polo’s/T-Shirts.
  - Rainponcho and a hat.
  - Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
  - Sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol, gel, and toilet paper.
  - Camera (wrapped in plastic bag), a flash light and batteries.
  - Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit.
  - Original passport, original ISIC student card (In case you are student) and extra money in soles.

Included/Excluded

Transfer between hotel in Cusco to train station in Ollantaytambo.
Tourist train to km 104
Tourist train from the village of Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco
Tourist bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (2 ways)
Entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
Meals during the excursion (1 breakfast, 1 box lunch, 1 dinner/optional vegetarian).
Hotel with private room in the village of Aguas Calientes
First-aid kit and oxygen bottle.

Lunch in Aguas Calientes
Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes town (it costs $ 4.00)

Tour Plan

Day 01 Cusco - Km 104 – Wiñayhuayna – Aguas Calientes.

Our journey starts early in the morning. After our arrival at km 104 by train, the Royal Inca Trail begins with a hike to Chachabamba (2270m/7448f), where our guide will inform us about the previous function of this archeological site. Thereafter, we will reach Wiñayhuayna (2650m/8694f), the most important archeological site besides Machu Picchu. After that, our trail continues towards the Sun Gate “Inti Punku”, a nice viewpoint from which we can enjoy the nightfall on Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f). Since we have to continue our walk to our hotel in Aguas Calientes, we will only spend little time in the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the first day.

Hiking time: 06 hours Total distance: 12 km.
Level of difficulty: moderate

Day 2 Aguas Calientes - Sanctuary of Machu Picchu – Cusco.

We will leave our hotel towards Machu Picchu after breakfast at about 5:30 am by bus. We are leaving that early because at this time, the setting is less crowded and the morning is a good time to enjoy the calmness and the ancient spirit of the best-known archaeological site on the continent. After our arrival at the citadel around 6:00 am, our guide will give us detailed information about Machu Picchu and the history and culture of the Inca. Thereafter, you will have enough free time to enjoy and explore the site on your own, by ex. go to the Inka Bridge, explore the variety of buildings or climb Waynapicchu for an amazing panorama picture). A bus takes you down to Aguas Calientes. Here you have the possibility to join the town’s hot springs (S/ 10.00 Nuevos soles). We will leave Aguas Calientes in the afternoon.

Hiking time: 02 hours
Total distance: 4 km.
Level of difficulty: normal

Important Notes:

Huayna Picchu Visit: Huayna Picchu mountain is NOT included in the standard Short Inca Trail permit. It must be booked 3 to 4 months in advance. The current additional fee is $75.00 USD. Please note that under the 2024/2025 regulations, access depends on specific circuit availability.
Extra Porter: Unlike the 4-day Classic Inca Trail, porters are not typically used on the 2-day Short Inca Trail, as you only hike for one day and your main luggage is sent to Aguas Calientes by train. If required, a personal porter costs approximately $120.00 USD, with a weight limit of 7 kg for your belongings.
Tips: Tips are optional but highly appreciated. On the Short Inca Trail, you will mostly interact with your guide. Donations such as clothing or school supplies are still a kind gesture for the porters' families and their communities.
Accommodation: While Vista Machu Picchu is a frequent partner hotel, please verify your specific booking, as agencies often provide different hotels based on the service level chosen (Standard, Superior, or Deluxe).