Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days
CREATING AUTHENTIC TOURS IN PERU
Explore Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu 2 Days
CREATING AUTHENTIC TOURS IN PERUExplore Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu 2 Days
Trip OverviewTrip Overview
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an unparalleled experience that allows travelers to enjoy the majesty of the ancient Inca civilization in a more accessible route. Spanning approximately 11 kilometers, this trail offers the opportunity to explore stunning Andean landscapes and significant archaeological ruins in a short period of time. Andean Great Treks offers this trek only in private groups, with the best local guides. The short Inca trail is highly recommended for families and people who love the outdoors.
Along the short Inca Trail, hikers can admire diverse flora and fauna, as well as learn about the rich and fascinating history of the Inca Empire, and significant archaeological sites such as Wiñay Wayna, Chachabamba, Intipunku, Sacred Chakana, Choquesuysuy. The journey culminates at the iconic archaeological site of Machu Picchu, where visitors are rewarded with spectacular views and a deep immersion in Inca culture.
This tour is ideal for those who wish to experience the essence of the Inca Trail without compromising several days of their itinerary. Without a doubt, the short Inca Trail presents itself as an exceptional option for those looking to combine adventure and historical discovery on their trip to Peru.
The short Inca Trail is suitable for all skill levels and advance booking is recommended due to its popularity among tourists. Without a doubt, this experience not only satisfies the physical expectations of trekking, but also enriches the cultural understanding about one of the most fascinating civilizations in the world, the Incas.
INCLUDEDINCLUDED
INCLUDED IN THE 2 DAY INCA TRAIL HIKE TO MACHU PICCHU:
- Transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the train station
- Train from Ollantaytambo to “Km 104” the start of the short inca trail trek
- Train back: Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Tourist bus for Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes ( 03 ways)
- Entrance ticket to visit Inca Trail
- Ticket to visit Machu Picchu (circuit 3)
- English tour guide
- 1 box lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast
- 1 bottle of water for the first day
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes 1 night
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle
NOT INCLUDED IN 2 DAY INCA TRAIL HIKE:
- Second day lunch in Aguas Calientes
- First day breakfast
- Huayna Picchu ticket ( $80 usd, according the availability )
- Extra ticket to visit Machu Picchu through circuit 1 or 2 ($ 50 usd)
- Tips for the guide and porter
- Extras not listed in the itinerary
Trip HighlightsTrip Highlights
- Exploring the 2 day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu will take you to the most sacred citadel of the Inca Empire "Machu Picchu".
- Take the best postcards of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, and the next day early in the morning, watch the sunrise from the guardian's house.
- Visit the citadel of Machu Picchu in small groups, along the longest circuit, with the best local guides of the short inca trail who will explain everything about Machu Picchu and its mysteries.
- Enjoy the best landscapes of the cloud forest that hide Inca constructions of great beauty as the real residence of “Wiñayhuayna”.
- Travel on one of the most beautiful train journeys in Peru, from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes the landscape offers you an infinite number of beautiful agricultural landscapes, snow mountains and typical villages of the Andes.
- Connect your senses with nature in the short inca trail, and enjoy the beautiful flowers of orchids, waterfalls and the aroma of pure air.
- Bird watching on the 2 day Inca Trail hike is very special, it is something unique. Since then, very few places in the world can generate these emotions.
- The great variety of colors and shapes that we see. Certainly, they create experiences that captivate all those who take a break to enjoy the richness of the 2 day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.
ActivitiesActivities
This trip is rated Moderate Plus. Participants should enjoy hiking/walking and arrive in good physical condition. Daily hikes/walks will be on-trail and may include some short, steep ascents and descents and climbing numerous flights of stairs at various ruins complexes. We highly recommend a conditioning regimen consisting of activities such as hiking, jogging, stair climbing or cycling beginning several months prior to departure to get in shape for the adventure. The better shape you are in, the more you will enjoy all this trip has to offer!. The altitude is not an aspect that will hinder your trip during the short Inca trail to Machu Picchu, since in this path the maximum elevation will be 8,858 ft. And the weather is hotter with a higher concentration of humidity, than the city of Cusco.
AccommodationsAccommodations
Hatun Inti Classic: (DWB 1 Night)
Located in the village of Aguas Calientes, Hatun Inti Classic offers rustic-style accommodations and free Wi-Fi in public areas. Guests can enjoy breakfast at the property. Decorated with wooden elements and tiled floors, rooms at Hatun Inti Classic have a work area and a private bathroom. They include large, comfortable beds with ornate headboards. A buffet breakfast is served each morning. This property is a 10-minute walk from Macchu Picchu Train Station.
ItineraryItinerary
- 2 Day Inca Trail Hike – The sacred river of Vilcanota, Viewpoint photo stop
- 2 Day Inca Trail Hike – Chachabamba, Archeological Site
- 2 Day Inca Trail Hike – Wiñaywayna, Archeological Site
- 2 Day Inca Trail Hike – Inca Sun Gate, Viewpoint photo stop
PACKING LISTPACKING LIST
WHAT TO BRING TO 2 DAY INCA TRAIL HIKE TO MACHU PICCHU
The best known of all the trekking routes to Machu Picchu, the 2 day Inca Trail hike is the original pilgrimage route to this most sacred temple and is by far the most popular route. This shorter hike condenses the best of the Inca Trail into just one day of hiking followed by a day at Machu Picchu. We walked for around 6-7 hours, before reaching Machu Picchu through Sun Gate in the late afternoon. At this time of day, there are fewer people around and the weather is generally better than early in the morning. Then we go to a hotel in Aguas Calientes to spend the night, returning to Machu Picchu the next morning for a complete tour.
For this reason Andean Great Treks recommends that you will carry only a backpack that contains the most necessary trekking equipment for use on the 2 day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu. The luggage that you will not use you should take in your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
warm jackets
Hydration bladder
wool socks
camera
scarf
first aid kit
hiking shoes
Dry bags
Trekking Poles
sun cream
Snack
sun hat
bathing suite
rain coat
Sandals
insect repellent
Passport
Down Jackets
toilet paper
daypack
Wool cap
head lamp
gloves
sun glasses
cap
extra cash
Trekking pantsFAQFAQ
2 DAY INCA TRAIL HIKE MACHU PICCHU FAQs
The 2 day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is the most famous trek of South America. Experts have described it as one of the 5 best treks around the world.
2 Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is as incredible as any other hike since it has everything to amaze you. For example, the lush landscapes, the unique flora, and fauna will leave you breathless. Majestic monuments that hide Inca mysteries, stunning landscapes surrounded by mountain ranges from where you can observe the Wiñay Huayna. There are plenty of things that you will appreciate in a 10 km or 6,3 miles hike.
The icing on the cake comes at the end of the hike when you visit Machu Picchu, the Mysterious “Lost city of the Incas” and Wonder of the world. There is no doubt that the 2 day Inca trail to Machu Picchu is a wonderful hike, not complex but full of unique adventures you will treasure forever.
The main starting point of the 2 Day Inca Trail Network for the conventional journey of 2 days and 1 night. It is located at the Chachabamba checkpoint km 104, Machu Picchu district, Urubamba province, Cusco region.
Wildkaninchen, Inca Trail or Capaq Ñan, is one of the most classic treks in the world. It was built by the Inca emperor Pachacuti to connect Cusco, capital of the Inca empire or Tawantinsuyo with the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. Hiram Bingham, archaeologist and Yale professor who discovered Machu Picchu in 1911, was also the one who discovered the Inca Trail, as well as all the archaeological sites along its length. This route opened for trekking in 1970, by the Peruvian archaeologist Victor Ángles.
Every year, thousands of visitors from all over the world arrive in Peru to travel this famous road.
ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATIONESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION
ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip InformationBest Season to Travel THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHUBest Season to Travel THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, between May and November, when the weather is dry and bright, with more frequent rainfall occurring between November and April.
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DecemberPRICE & AVAILABILITY OF 2 DAY INCA TRAIL HIKEPRICE & AVAILABILITY OF 2 DAY INCA TRAIL HIKE
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
To book this tour, a minimum of $ 400 USD per person is required, the remaining balance will be paid upon arrival in Peru, at the Cusco office.
Any other additional information, please coordinate with your travel agent.
Choose your preferred departure date to proceed.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE INCA TRAIL PERMITS TO MACHU PICCHU
The Inca trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most fascinating excursions and full of much history, this is a religious type trail that at the time of the Inca empire was only used by the families closest to the Inca leader. Currently it is still possible to see their temples, aqueducts, houses and cultivation terraces that are preserved just as they left it more than 500 years ago.
Due to all the aforementioned connotations, many travelers want to visit this route to Machu Picchu every year, so the reservation for this attraction must be made at least 6 months in advance.
When Andean Great Treks receives your reservation request, it will immediately try to coordinate the reservation of your tickets for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, for this our work team must evaluate that the necessary spaces are available for you and your crew of cooks, porters and guides. Since according to the Inca Trail regulations, our company takes care of the health and protection of the worker, so each of our porters will only carry the allowed weights. We usually work with small groups (2 to 8 travelers) in private service for which we assign a sufficient number of porters who carry all the equipment such as tents, chairs, tables and food.
What to expect from our
Treks in Peru
Nothing gets you closer to a country than walking through it, and we’ve got trips to suit walkers of all levels and interests.
How fit do I need to be?
All our Walking trips are graded from ‘Easy’ through to ‘Challenging to Tough’. On our online trip itineraries you’ll find a chart showing the daily walk distances, timings and information on the route including the terrain, altitude. Generally, no specific training is needed but you might feel more comfortable if you’ve got out walking a few times in the lead-up to your trip.
What will the group be like?
As with all our trips, every group is different but the ‘average’ group consists of roughly half couples and half solo travellers - all sharing a passion for exploring the world on foot. You’ll always have someone to keep you company along the route, but you don’t always have to walk together. Wherever possible your Andean Great Treks leader will allow everyone to walk at their own pace, regrouping regularly along the route.
Will I need to walk every day?
Mostly of our hikes in the mountains in Peru and Cusco like the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Ausangate Trek, Lares Trek, Ancascocha Trek, Salkantay Trek , involves an average of walking hours of 7-8 hours per day, this timing includes stops for taking photos, lunch, breaks for recovery the energy, and the most important we adapt to your walking pace. This relaxed style of trip involves to know all the attractions in greater depth.
What about the logistics?
On nearly all our Walking trips, porters or mules will carry all the camping equimpent, so your main luggage will be transported for you. We recommend walk with a light rucksack, you will carry water, snacks, a camera, a small first aid kit and any extra clothing or sun protection. On more remote or challenging treks, additional guides are there to assist the leader tour guide and provide support to the group.
INCA TRAIL FAQs
WHAT IS THE ALTITUDE OF THE INCA TRAIL HIKE ?
Along the trek, you will walk through different terrains, and experience diverse microclimates and altitudes. All of these factors contribute to the great biodiversity that is unique to this area.
- Lowest altitude is 2050 m / 6561 ft – Aguas Calientes town (last day)
- Highest altitude is 4200 m / 13779 ft – Warmiwañusca Pass or Dead Woman’s Pass (second day)
DOES THE 4 DAY / 3 NIGHT INCA TRAIL HIKE INLCUDE THE ENTRANCE TICKET TO MACHU PICCHU?
The permits or entrance ticket for the Inca Trail Hike includes the entrance to Machu Picchu citadel, but it does not include the entrance to the extra hikes to the mountains from where you can see the citadel from above.
For example, Huayna Picchu mountain costs $80 USD per person. In case, you want to hike it you have to buy the entrance ticket to the mountain in advance.
RESTRICTION ON THE AGE LIMIT FOR THE INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS
Actually, there is no government restriction on the age limit for the inca trail to machu picchu. However, because of the challenging trek, we consider it to be best for visitors above 15 years old to 55-year-old adults. Of course, they must be in good physical condition. Certainly, In case a child travels with you, you may need to hire the service of a personal porter who will assist your child along the hike and carry his backpack.
Above all, Adults over 55 years old, should have hiking experience and be in good health condition. This way, they will be able to arrive in Machu Picchu safely.
HOW HARD IS TO COMPLETE THE INCA TRAIL?
From 1 to 5 it’s 3, moderately difficult. The Inca stairways to walk up and down in different temperatures and high altitude all that makes this level of difficulty. You can rent walking poles before you start your hike. Those will help you in many ways, we would recommend you get ones if you have some issues with knees or ankles, poles would absorb some pressure from those parts and also help to keep your balance! We recommend you to have a look how to prepare yourself for the Inca Trail.
ANDEAN GREAT TREKS TOURS DIFFERENCE
UNRIVALLED KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Every Andean Great Treks holiday has been thoughtfully planned and crafted by our specialists. They draw on their own extensive travel experience and the guidance and expertise of our local partners to create superb holidays. Our specialists are committed to making every aspect smooth and enjoyable; they genuinely want to ensure that the holidays they create leave you with wonderful lasting memories.
AMAZING TOURS & AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES
Every Andean Great Treks traveller is accompanied by an experienced tour guide, you will be immersed in Historic cities, ancient ruins and unfamiliar landscapes are all brought to life by our carefully selected local guides. They want to share their expertise and help you make your own discoveries too; their sole mission is to ensure you enjoy every moment.
FLEXIBILITY & CHOICE
Giving you the freedom to make your holiday even more memorable. We know how much our customers look forward to their holiday and we pride ourselves on the choice and flexibility that we offer to enhance every aspect of your experience. Whether it’s getting to the airport, upgrading your room or booking an additional excursion, we can help.
GUIDED BY THE LOCAL GUIDES, TRUE EXPERTS!
Our guides are the stars of the show; it is their unrivalled knowledge, passion and expertise that will transform your tour experience from good to truly extraordinary!
Because the have grown up in the area and know it like the back of their hand, so they can help you experience whichever aspects most interest you. They’re passionate about sharing their corner of the world with you, and as you explore together, they’ll open your eyes to the intricate details, provide background to enhance your understanding of what you’re seeing, and share stories that will bring everything to life.
ALL OF OUR NATIONAL TOUR GUIDES...
- Have at least five years guiding experience
- Are fluent in English
- Are born and raised in Cusco, Lima, Manu Jungle, Puno
- Go through rigorous and ongoing training programmes
- Are at your service 24 hours a day
OUR TRAVELS SHAPE YOURS
“Your inspiration for a trip can be a single word or a highly evolved outline, but it's the conversations we have that help us understand the experience you're looking for. Meanwhile, I'm looking back on the time I spent at the destination.
‘The great thing about working with a specialist at Andean Great Treks is how they take your complete jumble of ideas and turn them into something absolutely spectacular.’
As you begin to share your ideas with your specialist, it will connect them immediately back to a time in their own travels. Conjuring a picture of the rest time they made that same discovery, reminding them how it felt.
Your specialist understands that, when the journey is right, it has the power to excite your emotions in the most profound ways after all, that was the effect on them.
They carry a treasure box of moments, captured over many journeys, into every suggestion they’ll share with you, as they ask you how you want to feel on your trip.
MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES, REAL CONNECTIONS
EXPERIENCES THAT CALL TO YOU
It’s what you do in a destination that helps bring it to life. It’s why we strive to choose experiences that help you connect to a place, absorbing a little of its complex character. Wherever your passions lie, we’ll recommend experiences that speak to you, and we’ll recommend the guide or local expert who’s most qualified to help you explore. Packing your holiday full of special experiences means some early starts and long days, but you can be sure that you’ll return home with many incredible memories! Read our Tours and check the Physical Ratings to see if the pace and activity levels are right for you.
STAYS WITH DIFFERENCE
We know that where you stay is a cherished part of your travels. So, we go to great lengths to find places to stay that exceed expectations, or go above and beyond the ordinary, whether in their character, hospitality, or location. Over the years, we’ve discovered the very best properties, trying and testing them, so we can choose the right one for you. We’ve nourished long-standing relationships with these establishments and the people who founded them, and we’ve stayed there many times often, we’ll even know which rooms have the best views (and reserve them for you).
TRAVELLING THE RIGHT WAY
Our style of travel — authentic, thoughtful, and focused on building meaningful connections to the people and places you visit — is inherently respectful and considerate of the destinations we love. We design each aspect of your trip exactly as you want it, which includes its sustainability. That might mean choosing a train journey instead of a flight, staying at eco-friendly wildlife lodges, or opting for experiences that give back to the communities you’re visiting. The choice is yours.
Responsible travel has always been at the heart of what we do. First and foremost, because it gives you the best experience, but, also because it helps to preserve the communities and landscapes you visit. This isn’t new for us we collaborated with local communities and outside experts so we can grow to be better ambassadors.
The most authentic and interesting experiences often directly benefit the local people. We prefer to buy local products that are produced in the organic farms of the Sacred Valley, we also have alliances with local artisan organizations who provide us with souvenir items for our clients, your money directly benefits the local economy.
Our style of travel — authentic, thoughtful, and focused on building meaningful connections to the people and places you visit — is inherently respectful and considerate of the destinations we love. We design each aspect of your trip exactly as you want it, which includes its sustainability. That might mean choosing a train journey instead of a flight, staying at eco-friendly wildlife lodges, or opting for experiences that give back to the communities you’re visiting. The choice is yours.
Responsible travel has always been at the heart of what we do. First and foremost, because it gives you the best experience, but, also because it helps to preserve the communities and landscapes you visit. This isn’t new for us we collaborated with local communities and outside experts so we can grow to be better ambassadors.
The most authentic and interesting experiences often directly benefit the local people. We prefer to buy local products that are produced in the organic farms of the Sacred Valley, we also have alliances with local artisan organizations who provide us with souvenir items for our clients, your money directly benefits the local economy.
WE EXPLORE WITHOUT AFFECTING THE ECOSYSTEM
We want travel to change us, and not the World
‘There’s a saying: we don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. When we show you our country, this philosophy guides everything we do. It’s our responsibility to preserve the environment and wildlife, and support communities. That means using slower modes of transport, like cycling, employing local people, and working with communities who’ll benefit directly from your visit. This also gives you the best, most authentic impression of the places we want to share with you.
We prefer to buy local products in ecological bags, to avoid the use of plastic bags, likewise we teach the use of soaps and ecological products in each tour that we organize. We also work on reforestation projects with local communities who take care of landscape resources such as communal reserves, national parks.
We want travel to change us, and not the World
‘There’s a saying: we don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. When we show you our country, this philosophy guides everything we do. It’s our responsibility to preserve the environment and wildlife, and support communities. That means using slower modes of transport, like cycling, employing local people, and working with communities who’ll benefit directly from your visit. This also gives you the best, most authentic impression of the places we want to share with you.
We prefer to buy local products in ecological bags, to avoid the use of plastic bags, likewise we teach the use of soaps and ecological products in each tour that we organize. We also work on reforestation projects with local communities who take care of landscape resources such as communal reserves, national parks.
DISCOVER MORE SIMILAR TOURS: SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 2 DAYS
LUXURY INCA TRAIL HIKE TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS
You’ll spend the next five days trekking the iconic Inca Trail, crossing epic mountain passes and discovering ancient Inca ruins en route on a privately guided trek to the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu.
CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS
The classic Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is one of the world's greatest hikes. Along the 45 km you will explore unique andean valleys, lush mountain forest.An exquisite architecture of the Inca sanctuaries, which will dazzle you for its fineness and location within the Andes.
INCA TRAIL EXPRESS TO MACHU PICCHU 1 DAY
The Inca Trail Express to machu picchu is the stunning cultural show of inca ruins, exotic side by side mountains, primitive lush vegetation and extraordinary ecological varieties
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