Inca Trail 2-Day Tour

Discover Machu Picchu on our 2-Day Short Inca Trail Tour—an exclusive small-group experience designed for a more personal and immersive adventure.

On this journey, you’ll step into the heart of Inca history as you walk along original ancestral pathways through the Andes. Unlike conventional routes, this itinerary allows you to reach Machu Picchu the way the Incas once did—entering through the iconic Sun Gate into the citadel.

Along the trail, you’ll be surrounded by amazing landscapes while your professional guide brings the region’s rich history and culture to life, highlighting key archaeological sites along the way and great biodiversity.

The experience includes trekking the Inca Trail, a guided visit to Machu Picchu, as well as all necessary bus and train transfers for a seamless journey.

This is the perfect opportunity to explore the legendary Inca trails and discover Machu Picchu in just two unforgettable days.

IMPORTANT: Schedules may vary depending on train departures.

INCLUDES:

• Pre-tour briefing.
• Round-trip transfers from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station.
• Train tickets: Ollantaytambo – Km 104.
• Inca Trail entrance permits.
• Machu Picchu entrance ticket (subject to availability).
• 1 box lunch.
• 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Bus ticket Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (Day 1).
• Bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (Day 2).
• Professional bilingual guide (English – Spanish).

NOT INCLUDED:

• Meals not mentioned.
• Services not specified.
• Hotel in Cusco.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Book in advance.
• Bring your passport or ID.
• Arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes early.
• Wear appropriate non-slip trekking shoes.
• Carry a small backpack with: camera, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
• Follow the guide’s instructions at all time.
• Visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
• Maximum luggage allowed on the train: 5 kg (11 lbs).
• During high season, there may be lines to board the bus due to high visitor volume.

DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 104 – INCA TRAIL – MACHU PICCHU

Our tour begins early with hotel pickup at approximately 3:30 a.m. in Cusco, followed by transfer to the bus station. We will take the bus to the Ollantaytambo train station, where we will board the 5:00 a.m. train. The train journey lasts approximately 90 minutes, during which you will enjoy the stunning Andean landscapes of the Wakay Willka Glaciers, the Sacred Valley and views of the Vilcanota River.

At Km 104 (Chachabamba), located at 2,100 meters above sea level (6,890 ft), we will descend from the train and cross the bridge over the Urubamba River. At this point, our guide will provide a brief explanation. After checking tickets and passports at the control point, we will begin the Inca Trail hike. We will start with an uphill ascent to the first archaeological site, where you will enjoy views of Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy, a small complex belonging to Machu Picchu hidden within the semi-tropical mountain forest.

Continuing the ascent, we will encounter orchids, fungi, and a variety of native tropical forest plants, making your experience a rich encounter with one of Peru’s most amazing biodiversity hotspots. Along the way, we will enjoy the first panoramic views of Wiñay Wayna from beautiful viewpoints. We will also pass the Phuyuwachi waterfall, a natural water formation descending from the heights of Phuyupatamarca, where you can observe diverse wild flora and native bird species.

After approximately 4 hours of hiking, we will arrive at Wiñay Wayna, located at 2,650 meters above sea level (8,694 ft) and 5 km southeast of Machu Picchu. This archaeological center features a ceremonial and agricultural complex with Inca architecture that functioned as a control point for access to Machu Picchu. The name Wiñay Wayna (Eternally Youthful as its name denotes in Quechua) comes from an orchid that grows abundantly in the area.

After a well-deserved rest, we will continue our hike through a beautiful balcony toward Inti Punku, also known as the “Sun Gate” (Puerta del Sol), located at 2,720 meters above sea level (8,924 ft). This gateway marks the entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel. From this privileged viewpoint, you will admire panoramic views of Machu Picchu and its surrounding mountains.

Once we complete the Inca Trail, we will descend to take the buses to Aguas Calientes. After checking into your hotel, you will have free time to walk through the town, visit restaurants or cafés, and enjoy the hot springs. Be sure to rest early to start the next day’s Machu Picchu tour with energy.

Overnight in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

DAY 2: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

The next day and early in the morning, we will head to the bus station to ascend to Machu Picchu. After a 25-minute ride, we will arrive at the citadel and begin our guided tour.

Our guide will explain the history and architecture of the site. Machu Picchu is divided into agricultural and urban sectors, composed of plazas, temples, pathways, stairways, terraces, and water channels. Its design includes agricultural terraces (andenes) supported by stone retaining walls, as well as an advanced hydraulic system with canals and aqueducts for water distribution.

The Inca city is part of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, which covers more than 35,000 hectares and receives approximately 1.5 million visitors per year.

After the guided tour, we will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch. In the afternoon, we will board the train to Ollantaytambo station, where our transportation will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.

INCLUDES:

• Pre-tour briefing.
• Round-trip transfers from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station.
• Train tickets: Ollantaytambo – Km 104.
• Inca Trail entrance permits.
• Machu Picchu entrance ticket (subject to availability).
• 1 box lunch.
• 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Bus ticket Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (Day 1).
• Bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (Day 2).
• Professional bilingual guide (English – Spanish).

NOT INCLUDED:

• Meals not mentioned.
• Services not specified.
• Hotel in Cusco.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Book in advance.
• Bring your passport or ID.
• Arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes early.
• Wear appropriate non-slip trekking shoes.
• Carry a small backpack with: camera, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
• Follow the guide’s instructions at all times.
• Visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
• Maximum luggage allowed on the train: 5 kg (11 lbs).

Essentials (Daypack only – you carry this)

• Passport (required for entry)
• Inca Trail permit / booking confirmation
• Light daypack (20–30L max)
• Water (1.5–2L, refillable bottle or hydration bladder)
• Snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolate, fruit)
• Sunscreen (high SPF)
• Sunglasses (UV protection)
• Hat or cap
• Rain jacket or poncho (weather changes fast)
• Light warm layer (fleece or jacket)
• Phone or camera + power bank
• Cash (small bills for tips, snacks, emergencies)
• Toilet paper + small plastic bag
• Hand sanitizer

Clothing (layer smart, travel light)

• 2 moisture-wicking t-shirts
• Lightweight hiking pants (1–2 pairs max)
• Warm fleece or mid-layer jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Underwear + 2–3 pairs of hiking socks
• Comfortable sleepwear (lightweight)
• Sun hat + warm hat (depending on weather)

Footwear

• Broken-in hiking boots (most important item)
• Lightweight camp shoes or sandals (for evening)

Personal & Hygiene

• Toothbrush + toothpaste
• Wet wipes (very useful)
• Small quick-dry towel
• Lip balm with SPF
• Basic personal medication (headache, altitude, stomach)
• Feminine hygiene products if needed

IMPORTANT:

• TRAINS: Our service includes the EXPEDITION or VOYAGER Train for the round trip; you can upgrade to the VISTADOME Train category for an additional USD 40 per person, only for the return trip.
• HOTELS: You can choose packages based on the type of Hotel, you can also opt for Hotels that are not listed in our offer, before confirming you must inform us of the hotel you prefer and we will add it to the package.
• If you wish to upgrade to the VISTADOME OBSERVATORY Train, there is a fee of USD 60 per leg/segment.
• PRIVATE: Consult with one of our advisors if you want any of the services in private.

To start your reservation process please send us the following information:

• Name and surname:
• Passport No.:
• Nationality:
• Date of birth:
• Sex:
• Phone:
• It is very important your information about your hotel in the city of Cusco, so we can pick you up there at the beginning of the tour..

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