Take a 2-day trek down the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and camp just below Machu Picchu Mountain with comfortable tents, cots, hot showers, picnic meals, and an exclusive team of porters, chefs, and tour guides.
This hike allows you to reach Machu Picchu twice (sunset and sunrise). Start in Cusco or Ollantaytambo, ride the short version of the Inca Trail in one day, arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon through the Sun Gate, and camp below Machu Picchu.
Visit Machu Picchu for the second time early in the morning of the next day with an exclusive tour guide.
Tour Details:
- Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
- Duration: 2 days 1 night
- Departure: In Cusco or Sacred Valley
- Destination: Machu Picchu
- Consider: Moderate
- Accommodation: Camping
- Type: Adventure – Cultural
Prices
We can start the tour any day of the week, as long as there are permits available. Remember, permits are only required for the start date of your hike.
Price:
- $1100 per person
- Single room supplement: $230 per person
Student discount:
- Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or is 17 years old or younger. For those using a university student card to receive the discount, we need to see a copy of the card at the time of booking. For those booking for children 17 years old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at the time of booking. Please send everything to info@sacredexpeditionsperu.com.
Additional Items: Below is a quick list of prices, but please see our Additional Options section for more details.
- Huayna Picchu: This mountain is located next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Although this hike is done on your own, your guide will tell you where it begins. This is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you with advance notice.
- Machu Picchu Mountain: This is another mountain that sits above the ruins of Machu Picchu. It offers even more impressive views than Huayna Picchu, but it takes an hour and a half to reach the top. This is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you and must begin between 9 and 10 a.m. Because this is during your Machu Picchu tour, we recommend doing this hike only if you are spending a second day at the Machu Picchu citadel. or $75 per person
- Vistadome Train: All of our tours include the Expeditions (Tourist) Train. This train is typically booked at 4:22 pm, leaving from Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome Train is an upgraded train, offering slightly larger seats, bigger windows, and even some entertainment. Typically, the Vistadome Train is booked for 4:43 pm and travels to Poroy, a train station closer to Cusco. Although this is an upgraded fare, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel.
Take a 2-day trek down the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and camp just below Machu Picchu Mountain with comfortable tents, cots, hot showers, picnic meals, and an exclusive team of porters, chefs, and tour guides.
This hike allows you to reach Machu Picchu twice (sunset and sunrise). Start in Cusco or Ollantaytambo, ride the short version of the Inca Trail in one day, arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon through the Sun Gate, and camp below Machu Picchu.
Visit Machu Picchu for the second time early in the morning of the next day with an exclusive tour guide.
Tour Details:
- Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
- Duration: 2 days 1 night
- Departure: In Cusco or Sacred Valley
- Destination: Machu Picchu
- Consider: Moderate
- Accommodation: Camping
- Type: Adventure – Cultural
Summary day by day of the Private Inca Trail 2 days
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Machu Picchu (16km, 8 hrs)
Pick up from your hotel around 4:00 am, transfer to Ollantaytambo to take the train to Km 104, start of the Inca Trail. The hike takes around 6 to 7 hours until you reach Machu Picchu in the afternoon. You will visit different Inca sites, pass the Sungate (Intipunku) and see Machu Picchu almost empty in the afternoon. Camp just below the Machu Picchu mountain.
Day 2: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of the Incas) (4 hrs)
Get up early with a cup of coffee in your tent, have breakfast and take the bus to Machu Picchu. The tour guide will take you to explore the Inca Bridge, the most famous buildings, squares and streets. After the guided tour, you will have free time for yourself or hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (different from Machu Picchu Citadel). Later take the Panoramico train back to Cusco. Finish back at your hotel around 7.30pm.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Welcome to Cusco and City Tour Welcome to the Imperial City of Cusco! Our friendly representatives will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation. Arriving at 3,300 meters above sea level can have effects on the body, such as shortness of breath or headache. Don’t worry, these symptoms will disappear over time. It is recommended that you rest and stay hydrated upon arrival.
Your Cusco tour will begin at 1:00 PM. We will pick you up at your hotel lobby to visit the main sights of the center and nearby Inca archaeological sites such as the Cusco Cathedral, the Q’oricancha Museum, Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.
We’ll start in Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, visiting the impressive Cathedral, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, we’ll walk along a street built by the Incas to Q’oricancha, the Temple of the Sun, where you can compare Inca and Spanish construction methods.
Afterwards, we will take a bus to visit the archaeological sites around Cusco. We will visit Sacsayhuaman, with its huge monoliths, Q’enqo with its Inca altars, Puca Pucara, a small circular site, and finally Tambomachay, known for its water fountains. We will return to Cusco, where the tour will end in the main square.
Accommodation: Rumi Punku (3 star hotel)
Meals: Not included
Tickets: Included
Day 2:
Sacred Valley The tour will start early, around 07:30 hrs, with a pick up at your accommodation in Cusco. We will visit the most important and beautiful sites of the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo.
First, we will head to Pisac, with a stop at the most beautiful viewpoints of the Sacred Valley. In Pisac, we will visit the traditional market and the main archaeological site of the city. Then, we will travel to Urubamba for lunch before continuing to Moray, known for its circular terraces.
From Moray, we will go to Maras to see the natural salt mines, and finally, to Ollantaytambo to explore its fortress and solar temple.
Accommodation: Pakaritampu or similar (3 star hotel)
Meals: Breakfast (at the hotel)
Tickets: Included
Day 3:
Inca Trail – 2D/1N Your day will start early, at 05:30 hrs, with a pick up at your accommodation in Ollantaytambo. We will take the 06:10 hrs train to Aguas Calientes, following the Urubamba River. The train ride takes approximately 45 minutes, taking us to the start of the trail at KM 104, at 2,000 masl.
We will begin the hike after breakfast and meeting your chef and porters. Bring your original passport for the first checkpoint. We will visit Chachabamba before beginning the hike on a trail that offers spectacular views of Machu Picchu and the Urubamba River. After approximately 3 hours, we will arrive at Wiñay Wayna, where you will learn about its impressive terraces and temples.
From Wiñay Wayna, we will walk to the Sun Gate, with picturesque views of Machu Picchu. Then, we will descend to Machu Picchu and take the bus to Aguas Calientes for dinner at the Indio Feliz restaurant.
Accommodation: La Cabaña or similar (3 star hotel)
Meals: Breakfast (at the hotel), lunch (packed) and dinner Tickets: Included
Day 4:
Visit to Machu Picchu Today is the most important day of your tour.
We recommend an early breakfast before taking one of the first buses to Machu Picchu (starting at 5:30 am). The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes. Your guide will show you the main sectors of the citadel during a 2.5-hour tour. After the tour, you will have free time or you can take an additional hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability and at an additional cost).
For your return, we recommend returning to Aguas Calientes 2 hours before your train departs. The train ride to Ollantaytambo takes approximately 2 hours, where our staff will be waiting to take you back to Cusco on a 2-hour ride.
OPTIONS: Additional hikes to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, subject to availability and with an additional cost of USD $75 per person.
Accommodation: Rumi Punku (3 star hotel)
Meals: Breakfast (at the hotel)
Tickets: Included
End of the Tour.
All hotels are subject to availability and any changes will be made with your approval.
- Guías profesionales: Todos nuestros guías han estudiado inglés y turismo en la Universidad Nacional de Cusco. Nacidos y criados en esta región, tienen una verdadera pasión por compartir su herencia cultural. Son divertidos, profesionales y se asegurarán de que esté seguro y disfrute de su experiencia.
- Hoteles: Este tour incluye 4 noches de alojamiento: la primera noche en Cusco, la segunda noche en Ollantaytambo, la tercera noche en Aguas Calientes y la última noche de regreso en Cusco. Podemos añadir noches adicionales antes o después del tour si es necesario. Informe a nuestro equipo si desea extender su estancia y le proporcionaremos un presupuesto. Las habitaciones están basadas en ocupación doble. Hay un recargo por habitación individual. Siempre es posible mejorar la categoría de los hoteles o reservar el tour sin alojamiento si prefiere hacer sus propias reservas.
- Transporte: Todo el transporte durante el tour está incluido. Lo recogeremos en su hotel alrededor de la 1 pm del primer día y lo acompañaremos hasta que regrese a su hotel alrededor de las 8 pm del último día.
- Boletos: Todas las entradas están incluidas (BTG boleto turístico para el City Tour, Valle Sagrado, tarifa de Machu Picchu, boletos de ida y vuelta en autobús desde/hacia Aguas Calientes).
- Boletos de tren: Los boletos de tren están en la clase turística Expeditions, desde Ollantaytambo a Aguas Calientes y viceversa. Si desea mejorar al tren Vistadome, el costo es de $75 por trayecto y $100 ida y vuelta.
- Traslados: Independientemente del tren que tome desde Machu Picchu a Cusco, el traslado de regreso desde la estación de tren a su hotel está incluido. No incluido
- Huayna Picchu: Esta montaña está al lado de Machu Picchu. La caminata hasta la cima dura aproximadamente 45 minutos y la bajada puede ser empinada. Esta excursión se realiza sin su guía turístico después del recorrido por Machu Picchu. El costo es de $75 por persona y debe reservarse con al menos un mes de anticipación debido a su popularidad. Tenga en cuenta que las condiciones climáticas están fuera de nuestro control.
- Vuelos: Volar a Cusco puede ser complicado, con retrasos y cancelaciones frecuentes. Asegúrese de llegar a la ciudad al menos dos días antes de la fecha de inicio de su caminata. LAN Perú es la aerolínea más confiable, aunque Avianca y Peruvian Airlines también son opciones aceptables. No regresará de su caminata hasta alrededor de las 8 pm del último día, así que asegúrese de que su vuelo de salida sea al día siguiente.
- Propinas: Las propinas son siempre apreciadas y deben basarse completamente en su satisfacción. Aunque no sea habitual para usted, son de considerable importancia para las personas que lo cuidarán durante su viaje.
- Seguro de viaje: No es obligatorio pero se recomienda. Si vive a nivel del mar, aterrizar en Cusco requerirá un período de ajuste. La mayoría de las personas necesitan uno o dos días para adaptarse. En caso de que tenga dificultades para adaptarse a la altitud, se sugiere tener un seguro que cubra recorridos perdidos.
- Comidas: Las comidas no están incluidas, pero nuestros guías le recomendarán algunos buenos lugares para comer.
Packing list for the Short Inca Trail with camp
During the Inca Trail 2 days with camp, you are responsible for taking all your belongings with you; you must bring a comfortable backpack where you will store all your belongings for the two-day walk plus the organic box lunch that we will provide.
Original Passport
Original passports are required to enter this trail; you will need to board the trains, enter the Inca Trail, board the buses to Machu Picchu and check in at the hotels. The passport number must match the number you provided at the time of booking; If you have renewed your passport after booking, please let us know to update the numbers.
Comfortable walking shoes for a 1 day hike.
Comfortable walking shoes, hiking boots are not extremely necessary, but they are preferred.
Warm clothes for the early morning.
The weather in Cusco and Ollantaytambo is cold early in the morning and late at night; the weather on the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu is warmer: make sure you have clothes for all 2 types of weather.
Light and comfortable hiking clothes.
Hiking pants, light and comfortable for the warm climate of the Inca Trail, long-sleeved t-shirts work best.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, sun hat
Sun protection is essential; you will need a sun hat, glasses and mosquito repellent.
Two liters of water in a reusable container.
During the Short Inca Trail for 2 days, you should provide your own water, 2 liters of water during day 1 and 1 liter during day 2. Single-use plastic bottles are not allowed on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Extra snacks for a day of hiking.
We offer a box lunch during day 1. However, we recommend bringing some extra chocolates, energy bars, granola, sweets for the long day of hiking during the Inca Trail and visiting Machu Picchu.
Extra clothes for the second day and toiletries
Remember that during the Inca Trail 2 days to Machu Picchu, we do not have porters to carry food or equipment, and it is necessary to bring all your belongings. However, we can transfer to the hotel in Aguas Calientes a small bag with your clothes for the next day and toiletries that you do not need during the day’s trek on the Inca Trail.
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks and tips.
Bringing extra money is very important during this trip, you will need to buy water, souvenirs, pay for lunch on the second day or tip your staff.
Swimsuit for hot springs in Aguas Calientes (optional)
A swimsuit is optional for Aguas Calientes; There are hot springs located in the upper part of the city, you must go alone and you have to pay an additional fee.
Covid-19 measures to keep you safe while traveling
- Covid-19 measures to keep you safe while traveling shall be updated as and if needed.
Why Choose Sacred Expeditions Peru?
Here’s how booking with us, you make a positive impact:
- Intimate Experiences: We focus on creating intimate travel experiences by capping our group sizes at 8 participants during the pandemic and 16 during standard operations. This allows us to provide personalized service tailored to each traveler’s needs.
- Fair Treatment of Staff: Our dedication to equity is reflected in the fair wages and respect we extend to all our porters, cultivating a nurturing and inclusive work environment for both men and women.
- Social Impact: Your reservation plays a vital role in supporting social initiatives in Cusco, enabling us to provide local children with essential resources such as computers and internet connectivity.
- Comfort in Nature: We prioritize your comfort on all camping tours by providing portable toilets and hot showers, ensuring a more enjoyable outdoor experience.
- Transparent Practices: We uphold a commitment to transparency, which is why we do not charge any booking or credit card fees, allowing you to plan your trip without unexpected costs.
- Join Us: Experience the beauty of travel with Sacred Expeditions Peru, where your journey not only enriches your life but also positively impacts the communities we serve.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Inca Trail 2 days
What is the 2-day Inca Trail tour?
The Inca Trail of 2 days and 1 night is the Short Version of the Classic Inca Trail of 4 days, it begins at Km 104 or Chachabamba; You will follow the ancient Inca Trail through the cloud forest, visit Wiñayhuayna, Inti Punku and Machu Picchu in the afternoon.
Where is the Inca Trail 2 days?
The world famous Classic Inca Trail is located in the province of Urubamba, Cusco – Peru, and begins at Km 82 of the railway to Machu Picchu. The Short version begins at km 104 of the railway to Machu Picchu. This trail is considered the real Inca Trail and is believed to have been used by the Panacas Royals during the Inca Period.
How long on the Inca Trail 2 days?
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 2-day, 1-night tour with a total distance of 16 kilometers or 9.9 miles; You will walk for approximately 7 to 8 hours until you reach Machu Picchu.
What is the average altitude of the Short Inca Trail?
- The city of Cusco is located at 3,399 m 11151 feet.
- The starting point of the Short Inca Trail is KM 104 at 2170 m 7120 ft.
- The average altitude of the Inca Trail is 2600 m 8530 feet.
- The highest point is Inti Punku at 2708 m 8884 ft.
- Machu Picchu, where the Inca Trail ends, is at 2,430 m 7972 feet.
- The village of Aguas Calientes, where we took the train back to Cusco, measures 2,040 m 6692 feet.
When is the best time to hike the Short Inca Trail?
This question is often difficult to answer. You will be amazed by the sun, rain, wind, cold or any weather you encounter during your trip. It would be helpful if you had the right equipment and were prepared for all kinds of weather. The Inca Trail is located in the cloud forest and is famous for having the most unstable climate in Peru and even the world.
- The best months to hike the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu are from April to October.
- The driest months of the Inca Trail are May, June, July and August. However, these are the busiest days in Machu Picchu.
- The rainy season begins in November until March; However, it is possible to have full weeks without rain.
- February is always close due to heavy rainfall and maintenance.
When was the Inca Trail built?
The Inca Royal Trails were built by the Inca civilization in the fifteenth century; It is believed that Machu Picchu was built by the ninth Inca king Pachacuteq. At the height of this civilization, the Inca Trail was used as a pilgrimage route to Machu Picchu.
Why is the Inca Trail important?
After rediscovering the Inca Trail in 1915, archaeologists explored this ancient route. They discovered many Inca temples, religious sites and administrative areas, such as Llaqtapata, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, Wiñaywayna and Intipunku.
Numerous well-preserved ancient sites located in secluded areas, diverse landscapes, breathtaking landscapes, unique flora and fauna are several of the reasons why the Inca Trail is one of the most important treks in South America.
How many days in advance do I have to arrive in Cusco before the Inca Trail Short Version?
We recommend that you arrive at least 2 days before departure. This way, you will have time to adapt to the altitude of Cusco and prepare for the Inca Trail.
When is the Inca Trail closed?
Due to heavy rains and maintenance, the Inca Trail is closed throughout the month of February every year.
Which Inca Trail Tour is the best?
There are 3 ways to hike the Inca Trail and reach Machu Picchu via Sungate.
- The Classic Inca Trail 4 days and 3 nights are the most popular, and 90% of travelers will choose this option. Camp only.
- The Inca Trail Slow version 5 days and 4 nights, 3 nights camping, 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- The shortest version of the Inca Trail, 1 day hike along the last part of the Inca Trail and the next day visiting Machu Picchu.
There are other extensions of this trek, such as the Salkantay Inca Trail; however, it is always based on the above.
Where do I have to book the Inca Trail?
Authorized registered travel agencies (such as Sacred Expeditions Peru) can only book Inca Trail Permits in Cusco. You cannot reserve to allow yourself.
Food during the Short Inca Trail?
This trip does not include the first breakfast, we will leave Cusco or Sacred Valley early, and you must request a breakfast in the hotel box.
Lunch is included on the first day and dinner will be at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
Breakfast on the second day is included at the hotel. After the Machu Picchu tour, lunch is not included on the second day. Before taking the train back to Cusco, you will have time to explore the city and have lunch.
What do I need to bring for the Short Inca Trail for 2 days?
We will provide you with a canvas bag where you will pack your clothes on the second day of the trip and everything you need for the 2-day trip. You will also need a backpack to travel for a long time.
The canvas bag will arrive directly at the hotel in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu town; the maximum per person may not exceed 5 kg.
During the Inca Trail trek, your backpack should travel with you. Remember that we do not have porters on this trip, and your duffel bag will be waiting for you at the hotel.
In your backpack you must bring water, sunscreen, snacks, the box lunch provided by Sacred Expeditions Peru, rain equipment, passport, insect repellent, toilet paper, camera and space for clothes.
Are porters included in this tour?
The short 2-day Inca Trail with the hotel does not include porters; we used porters during the long 4 day Inca Trail and the 2 day short Inca Trail with camping.
We provide canvas bags for this trip; However, Sacred Expeditions Peru will send them directly to your hotel in Aguas Calientes; All necessary items during the hike, such as water, sunscreen, and rain gear, should be placed in the backpack. Additional porters can be included in this trip upon request and pay extra if you need them.
However in the Short Inca Trail tour with camp if they include the porters to be able to carry the canvas bags.
What do I need to know before choosing a tour?
When searching online, there are many different travel agencies with favorable prices, and it is always difficult to decide which travel company you will travel with.
It would be helpful if you considered the option that suits your interests:
- The average price of a 2-day private tour is from 550 to 600 USD.
- You can find lower prices or options, but always remember to check what is included or not. Some travel agencies do not offer buses from Machu Picchu; is optional. However, we do not recommend that you walk from Machu Picchu.
- Sacred Expeditions Peru provides all transportation services (bus, train) from start to finish, and we are the only company that offers Panoramic Vistadome trains on all our routes.
How to book Inca Trail?
Sacred Expeditions Peru makes booking the Inca Trail easy; click the Book Now button, select your departure date, fill out the form with all the required details, including passport information, and finally send the initial payment required to book the Inca Trail.
Since the Peruvian government imposes a strict permit booking policy for the Inca Trail, all reservations for the Inca Trail must be confirmed manually.
Is Inca Trek dangerous?
Any adventure you undertake will always involve risks. The dangerous situation of the Inca Trail can be caused by negligence or natural forces. The best way to ensure the safety of the Inca Trail is to always follow the guide’s instructions.
Can I do the Inca Trail without a guide?
If you do not hire a registered travel company, you will not be able to enter the Inca Trail. You should walk the Inca Trail with your guide always.
