Description
The 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the perfect option for those who want to experience this historic route in a shorter time. With only 16 kilometers, the hike offers a mix of stunning natural landscapes, from the high jungle to Inca ruins, bringing you closer to the iconic Machu Picchu citadel while enjoying the beauty of the surroundings.
This route allows you to walk along ancient Inca paths, with spectacular views of the Urubamba River and the surrounding mountains. Upon reaching the emblematic Sun Gate (Inti Punku), you will get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu, a unique experience that only the Inca Trail can offer.
The 2-day Inca Trail experience combines the best of a train journey with an unforgettable scenic hike. On the first day, you will enjoy stunning landscapes as you trek the trail, and on the second day, you will explore the majestic Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world. This blend of adventure and exploration lets you live a unique and accessible experience in a reduced time frame.
Itinerary
Pick-up from your hotel to the train station. Train journey (~1,5 hrs) to kilometer 104, where we begin our hike towards the archaeological site of Chachabamba. From there, we continue hiking to the archaeological site of Wiñayhuayna where we enjoy lunch, and then proceed with the hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate).
Here, we will have our first view of Machu Picchu before heading to the entrance control of the Machu Picchu citadel where a bus takes us downhill to Aguas Calientes. We’ll have dinner here, spend the night, and prepare for our visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
After breakfast ~5am, we board the bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu where we’ll have a guided tour of the different sectors for about 2 hours. Afterward, there will be some free time to explore the citadel on your own before descending by bus to Aguas Calientes to catch the return train to Ollantaytambo and then to Cusco.
• If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, book 3 months in advance (US $70)
Included / Excluded
- Pre-tour briefing at our office
- Pick-up from your hotel and transport to Ollantaytambo train station
- 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner (vegetarian options available)
- Entrance ticket to Inca Trail - Circuit 5
- Professional bilingual guide
- 1 night accommodation in Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes)
- Bus round-trip Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
- Train round-trip Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
- Minivan Ollantaytambo - Cusco
- Personal care items
- Breakfast on the first day, lunch on the last day
- Entrance to hot springs of Aguas Calientes
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance (book 3 months in advance, US $70)
What to Bring?
- Hiking shoes
- Lightweight backpack (20L)
- Cash (preferably small bills)
- Hat or cap
- Long and short-sleeved shirts
- Long and short pants
- Optional plastic rain poncho
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunglasses, Toilet paper
- Camera and phone chargers
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Personal / medical items
