2 Day Inca Trail Hike To Machu Picchu

Highlights

This short 2-day Altitude Experience Inca Trail Tour with a hotel stay in Aguas Calientes is perfect for those who want to experience the magic of Machu Picchu in a short amount of time.

During this 2-day tour, you will hike a portion of the famous Inca Trail and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, just like the Incas did centuries ago. This trekking route offers stunning views and opportunities to learn about the history and culture of the Inca civilization.

You will start your trek from Km 104, where you will hike for approximately 4-5 hours. Along the way, your guide will point out important landmarks and share interesting facts about the Incas. You will also have a chance to see beautiful waterfalls and take in the breathtaking scenery. After arriving at Machu Picchu, you will have some free time to explore the ancient ruins before heading back to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.

The next morning, you will wake up early and take a bus up to Machu Picchu to watch the sunrise over this majestic site. Afterwards, you will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu, where you will learn about the different areas of the citadel and their significance in Inca society. You will also have some free time to further explore and take photos before descending back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch.

The 2-day Inca Trail trip is a perfect option for those who want to experience the beauty and history of Machu Picchu in a shorter amount of time. It is also suitable for those who are short on time or have physical limitations that prevent them from completing the full 4-day Inca Trail trek.

 Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Cusco to Km 104 and hike to Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu
  Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu – Cusco

2-Day Short Inca Trail Maps

Kilometer 104, also known as Chachabamba, is the starting point of the iconic Short Inca Trail route has a total of 12 kilometers or 6 miles in Machu Picchu.

 Hike one day, then visit Machu Picchu the next.

Not only does the short Inca Trail or 2 day Inca Trail offer a condensed yet still fulfilling experience, but it also allows for a more comfortable hiking pace and ample time to fully explore Machu Picchu. This is a great option for those who prefer not to camp or are new to multi-day trekking.

The shorter duration of this trek also means that you will be able to adjust more easily to the high altitude, as you will be spending less time above 3000 meters. This can significantly reduce the chance of experiencing altitude sickness and allow for a more enjoyable trip overall.

However, do not mistake the shorter duration for less of an adventure. The Machu Picchu 2-day hike still offers stunning scenery and fascinating ruins to discover along the way. From spectacular mountain views to ancient Incan sites, you will be immersed in history and natural beauty throughout your journey.

Special Discount – Sacred Valley Tour

Sacred Valley Of the Incas: 110 usd

Live the experience full day in the Sacred valley of the Incas. This is something you may do either before or after your Inca Trail Tour. All you need to do is meet with our sales team for the special discount

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km104 – Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

The first day of the 2-day Inca Trail begins with pick-up at your hotel at 4 a.m. Early in the morning, transfer from your hotel in Cuzco to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there, you will take a scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley until you reach Km 104, the starting point of our trek.

After passing through a checkpoint and showing your entrance permit, you will start walking along a relatively moderate stretch of trail for approximately 3 hours until you reach Wiñaywayna (always young) 2,600 m/8,500 ft, you will have the opportunity to see agricultural terraces, water springs and temples. A great opportunity to learn about the history of the Incas, where you will enjoy a delicious box lunch, you will also have the opportunity to rest a little after lunch.

Continuing along the trail, you will have breathtaking views of the Urubamba River and pass by beautiful Inca ruins until you reach the Sun Gate, this is where you will have the first amazing view of Machu Picchu and the beautiful landscape that surrounds it. After appreciating the unique views of the Peruvian Andes, you will begin your descent to Machu Picchu.

One of the benefits of this trek is that when we arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon, the travelers who take the 1 day tour will have already left. It leaves you an opportunity to explore the area without the crowds of travelers and take memorable photos, feeling a deep connection to the past. As the day comes to an end, we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night at your hotel and then head to a restaurant for dinner. After dinner, we recommend an early night’s rest to enjoy the next day to the fullest.

Total Distance: 10 km (7,736 miles)
Estimated Walking Time: 8 hours
Meals Included: Lunch and dinner

Day 2: Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

The second day of the trek starts early, with pick up from your hotel around 5:00 a.m. We will take the first bus at approximately 05:20 a.m. and arrive at the gate of the ruins by 06:00 a.m. This morning hike is well worth it, as you will be able to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu, an unforgettable experience.

After entering through the gates, your guide will lead you on a two-hour tour of the ruins, explaining the history and significance of each area. After the guided tour, you will have plenty of time to take photos and explore on your own.

Some of the highlights of Machu Picchu include the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone and the famous Inca terraces.

After exploring the ruins, you will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). You will have some free time in this charming village before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo. We will be there to meet you and take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Meals Included: Breakfast Only

What’s Included?

Included 

Pick up: From the airport (send fly details)

Local Guides: Altitude Experience’ guides all attended Cusco National University and majored in tourism as well as English. They are all local citizens from nearby communities. This indicates that they are devoted to their family and history.

 Briefing: We will have an information session, you will receive a travel bag, the bag must not exceed 13 lbs and must include a sleeping bag and air mattress

Permits and Machu Picchu: As soon as we receive your details and a deposit, we’ll purchase your permits (pending availability, check our Inca Trail Availability link). These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They can NOT be changed once confirmed. Only your passport number is allowed to be updated. The permit includes an entrance to Machu Picchu.

Transportation: All transportation for this journey will be provided by Altitude Experience. You will be picked up from your accommodation around 4 a.m. (unless you are staying in Ollantaytambo) and taken to KM 104 to begin your walk. The return train from Aguas Calientes will be on the Expedition Class Train and is included in your vacation. You may also pay $75 per person to upgrade to the Vistadome train. When you arrive at the train station, our Altitude Experience vehicle will transport you to your Cusco hotel. Your round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is also included.

 Food: Altitude Experience will make sure you eat well on your route to Machu Picchu. Lunch will be served at the Wiñay Wayna ruins. While supper will be served at the greatest restaurant in Aguas Calientes. Breakfast will be served at your accommodation the next morning. The last day of your Altitude Experience excursion does not include lunch.

Hotel***: This hike includes one night in Aguas Calientes, the village just below Machu Picchu. Your invoice will include the hotel you booked, and upgrades are always available.

 Water: From your first day you will be provided with water, for your walks, this water is boiled, it is necessary to bring personal water bottles.

 First Aid: Our team is trained in first aid, in case of emergency we manage an emergency plan if necessary for the promptest and fastest possible attention

 Satellite Phones: For us security is very important, keeping our customers safe is our priority, we have satellite phones for emergencies and emergencies that require communication. Our team has a satellite phone

 Taxes and Fees: All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in the listed price.

 Extras: We believe that personalized attention is a plus for us, so small details for us are very important. For them we are committed to creating the real experience towards Machupicchu

Not Included

 Huayna Picchu: The mountain that is next to Machupicchu, has a duration of about 50 minutes, is quite enpina The walk, has a cost of 75 usd, to be able to get permission for this mountain you must do it a month in advance due to popularity

Tips: Tips are always considered, and should be based on your travel satisfaction (not mandatory).

Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended, but not mandatory, normally many people get sick with altitude sickness, so we recommend adapting 1 day or 2 days.

Day by Day Inclusion 2-Day Short Inca Trail

DAY 1.- INCA TRAIL -SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU

Briefing in your hotel the night before your hike to provide the duffle bags.
Pick up from your hotel to begin the hike to 2 day inca trail.< a i=2>Storage if you have extra luggage.Drive to Ollantaytambo train station in our bus.Train ticket expeditions or voyager.Entrance ticket to the short inca trail to machu picchu.Snack for hiking.Lunch in the trailDinner in Aguas Calientes with hot drinksHotel *** in Aguas Calientes town to stay tonight for two people.

DAY 2.- MACHU PICCHU (YOU’LL BE BACK IN CUSCO AROUND 8:00 P.M.)

Early breakfast in your Hotel
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
Guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel
Bus ticket run trip from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu citadel.
Vistadome Train with great views.
Bus transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.

What to bring for the 2-Day Inca Trail Trek

Essentials

• Passport and student cards.
• Backpack (21 liter capacity).
• water storage
• Comfortable hiking boots

For your Backpack

• Trekking Clothing
• Hiking shoes
• Waterproof pants
• waterproof shorts
• two shirts
• light sweater
• Jacket for rain

Toiletries

• Sunscreen
• face moisturizer
• bug spray
• Handsanitizer
• wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• toilet paper
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

Note: Night in Aguas Calientes: Please bring with you a clean set of clothes to wear after the trekking. Also, you can bring along swimwear and towels if you decide to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.

Price

Price per person

• Tour starting at: $550 per person

Private Tours

• Price per person: By request

Hotels in Machu Picchu

• 3 Star Hotel – Inti Punku Machu Picchu town or Similar

Discounts 

• Discount for groups of 5 or more: Our $25 group discount applies from 4 participants or more .
• Student discount: The student discount applies only to people who present their valid UNIVERSITY CARD. Children under 17 years of age or younger. To grant the discount we need you to send us a copy of the university card. For children 17 and under, we need a passport copy for booking. Discount: $20 off per person

Ticket fee for Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It’s a 45-minute hike to the top. Even when you do this hike on your own your guide will still show you the trail entrance. This trek is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you with advance notice. Your tickets will be purchased to coincide with when you need to start the trail. Tickets are either for the First Session from 7-8 AM or Second Session from 10-11 AM. We purchase the Second Session for you to enjoy your tour of Machu Picchu before you begin. This window is only your start time and you can take your time up and down so you don’t rush.

• USD $ 75.00 per person.

Ticket fee for Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu mountain is the other mountain that stands above the Machu Picchu ruins. It offers even more stunning views than Huayna Picchu but takes an hour and half to reach the top. For this trek it’ll be an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you.

• USD $ 75.00 per person.

Vistadome Train Service

The Expedition Train is included in all Altitude Experience excursions. This train generally departs from Aguas Calientes at 4:22 p.m. The Vistadome Train is a more modern train with significantly larger seats, windows, and even entertainment. The Vistadome train is usually scheduled at 4:43 p.m. and travels to Poroy, a train station closer to Cusco. Despite the fact that this is an increased cost, we will still provide transportation back to your accommodation. The cost of this train is

• USD $75.00 per passenger.

Important Information

Please read the following information carefully as it will help you answer any questions you may have about our services and the Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu.

Where is the short Inca Trail 2 days hike?

The 2-day short Inca Trail with Altitude Experience takes place in the Cusco region of Peru. The starting point is at Km 104, which can be reached by train from Ollantaytambo. The trek ends at Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a must-visit destination for travelers.

How many miles is the 2-day Short Inca Trail?

Approximately 14 km (8.7 miles) and reaches an altitude of 2,720 meters (8,920 feet).

How difficult is the 2-day short Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail Short 2-day trek covers a distance of approximately 14 km (8.7 miles) and reaches an altitude of 2,720 meters (8,920 feet). However, the trek is well-paced with plenty of breaks and time to acclimatize, making it achievable for beginners. It is important to note that the trek involves some steep climbs and descents, so a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

How long does it take to hike the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The 2-day short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu typically takes around 6-7 hours of hiking first day, with breaks and stops included. The first day covers approximately 11 km (6.8 miles) while the second day covers about 3 km (1.9 miles). The total duration may vary depending on the pace of the group and weather conditions.

What are the best times of year to hike the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The best time to hike the 2-day short Inca Trail is during the dry season from May to October. During this time, the weather is generally clear and dry, making for better hiking conditions and more comfortable temperatures. The peak months for hiking are June, July, and August, but it can also get crowded during these times. If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider hiking during the shoulder season months of April, May, September, and October. However, it’s important to note that rain can still occur during these months and proper gear should be packed in case of inclement weather.

Are there any dangers I should be aware of when hiking the 2-day short Inca Trail?

While the 2-day short Inca Trail is a popular and well-maintained trail, there are still some potential dangers to be aware of. It’s important to always stay on the designated path and not venture off into unknown areas, as there could be hidden cliffs or unstable terrain. The altitude can also be a factor for some hikers, as Cusco, where the trail begins, is located at 11,152 feet above sea level. It’s recommended to acclimatize for a few days in Cusco before beginning the hike. Additionally, weather can be unpredictable and hikers should always be prepared with proper gear and clothing for changing conditions.

How many days in advance do I have to arrive in Cusco before 2-day short Inca Trail?

It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least two days before beginning your 2-day Short Inca Trail. This will allow time for acclimatization to the high altitude and also give you some buffer in case of any flight delays or other unforeseen circumstances. It’s important to take this into consideration when planning your trip, as arriving too close to the hike start date can increase your risk of altitude sickness and potentially impact your experience on the trail.

What should I pack for the 2-day short Inca Trail?

If so, congratulations! This is sure to be an amazing and unforgettable experience. But before you set off on your 2-day trek, there are a few things you should pack in your backpack.

Essential: Immigration card, Small backpack), Water bottles, Mountain shoes (light by recommendation), Passport, Student card (if you booked as a student)

Travel bag: Absorbent shirts, walking pants, Warm jacket preferably, feather, Sun hat, Flashlight for personal use, Waterproof jacket, Garbage bag (for garbage), Sleeping bag preferably feather

Toiletries: Repellents, Gel alcohol, Toilet paper, personal medication, Sunscreen

How do I get a permit to hike the Inca Trail 2 days?

In order to hike the 2-day short Inca Trail, you must obtain a permit. These permits are limited and issued by the Peruvian government to protect the trail and its surrounding environment. The best way to secure a permit is by booking through an authorized trekking company, who will handle all of the necessary paperwork and arrangements for your hike. It’s important to book in advance, as permits often sell out months in advance.

Where can i book the Inca Trail 2 days Trek?

FIRST, to book your Inca Trail trek 2 days to Machu Picchu, please fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or by clicking here.

Please have the following information on hand (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We will be unable to purchase an Inca Trail permit unless we have the following information:

Personal data (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):

Gender

Number on a passport

Date of Birth (dd / mm / yyyy)

Nationality

*** We need copies of each participant’s passport to book Inca Trail permits!

SECOND, in order to purchase a permit for the Classic Inca Trail, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person. You can deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols at the top of our home page, or on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

Where is the Balance?

If you want to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you can pay in cash at our Cusco office (in US dollars or Peruvian soles). To withdraw money, there are numerous ATMs located throughout the historical district. You can also pay online with Paypal }, but there is a 5.5% service fee charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance via PAYPAL.

Do I need my original passport for the 2 days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

Yes! You must bring your original passport, with the same passport number that you used to book your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit with us. When you enter Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and board the train, your passport will be checked. If you are renewing your passport, send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit, and we will change it once you receive your new passport. If this is the case, please send us a copy of your newly issued passport as soon as possible.

Are tips mandatory in the 2 day inca trail to macho picchu?

If you are satisfied with the services provided, a tip is appreciated, although it is not required. While it may not be customary in your country, it is extremely important for the people who will be looking after you during your journey. It inspires excellent service and is ingrained in the tourism industry in many AltitudExperience Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip however much you want, based on your perception of the quality and duration of your trip. Remember that tipping is optional and should only be given when you receive exceptional service.