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
- Considered: Moderate
- Accommodation: Camping
- Type: Adventure – Cultural
Highlights:
- Book with Confidence and Flexibility and change travel dates free of charge
- Enjoy the Short Inca Trail with a Camping experience just below Machu Picchu
- Arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon to watch the sunset and revisit it for sunrise.
- Support Social Project that helps education while traveling
Price per person
To book the 2-day Inca Trail trek with Camping, you must make a down payment of 140 USD per person, the remaining balance can be paid online, in installments, or in Cusco with any credit card without booking fees.
This tour can be booked in Private Service too!
Student Discount:
All travelers under the age of 17 will have $40. If you are 25 or younger at the time of travel, you can get the $40 discount with your student ID. Please notify by email to give you a code for the discount.
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.
Day 1: Cusco – Km104 – Machu Picchu Pueblo – Bridge Ruins
Start your adventure in Cusco (4:00 am), Urubamba (5:00 am) or Ollantaytambo (5:30 am) and drive to the train station to board the first trains to the Inca Trail; the train journey starts in Ollantaytambo and takes 1.5 hours to reach Chachabamba, the start of the Inca Trail, also called km 104. Upon arrival, you will need to show the original passport to enter the Inca Trail.
Breakfast will be served right at the beginning of the hike, your trekking chef will prepare fresh produce. Lunch will be served at Wiñaywayna and dinner at the camp. All meals are picnic type with different options.
From the checkpoint in Chachabamba, you will start walking on the short version of the Classic Trek to Machu Picchu. Visit the most remarkable sites of the Inca Trail, such as Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, Intipata, and enjoy the fantastic views, the variety of flora and fauna. You will reach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Intipunku) and have the first glimpse of this impressive archaeological site. After arriving at Machu Picchu in the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to see this place with fewer people when everyone leaves, then you will take the bus to Puente Ruinas, where your chef and porters will be waiting for you with dinner and spend the night comfortable tents.
Upon arrival at the camp, the tents will be ready, you can take a refreshing hot shower, enjoy tea time with your tour guide, dine and sleep in the comfortable tents.
- Maximum altitude: 2700 m / 8858 ft
- Distance: 15 km / 8 miles
- Duration: 7 hours
- Meals: lunch, snack and dinner.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Considered: Moderate
Day 2: Explore Machupicchu (Lost City of the Incas)
The most important day of this experience is to visit Machu Picchu; you’ll wake up in your tent with a cup of coffee, pack up and then have an early breakfast and drive the first buses to Machu Picchu to watch the sunrise. This makes this tour unique; it will allow you to arrive twice at Machu Picchu, 1 for sunset and 1 for sunrise the next day.
Before exploring the citadel, our guides will first take you on optional hikes, such as the Inca Bridge. The guided tour takes around 2 to 3 hours to visit the most important temples and palaces. You will have free time to explore the area yourself or take optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (Different from the citadel of Machu Picchu). After finishing with the city, you will be instructed how to return by bus to Aguas Calientes, have lunch (not included) and take the panoramic trains back to Cusco. Sacred Expeditions Peru will transfer you back to your hotel.
- Duration: 2-3 hours (guided tour)
- Meals: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
Included:
- Pick up and drop off at your hotel.
- All transportation included (door-to-door service)
- Entrance ticket to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Hop-on hop-off bus from Machu Pichu
- Exclusive professional tour guide
- Return train tickets (Expedition or Voyager)
- Picnic meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner)
- 1 night camp with comfortable equipment.
- Sleeping bags, sleeping mats
- First aid, satellite phone, oxygen tank
- All taxes and booking fees included
Not Included:
- Lunch on the second day after the tour to Machu Picchu
- Additional treks to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Tips for your staff (optional)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Optional hikes after Machu Picchu Tour:
Huayna Picchu Mountain – The cost of this ticket is $75 per person. It climbs after the Machu Picchu tour, and takes 2 hours round trip; you need to book well in advance.
Machu Picchu Moantain – Also called Machu Picchu Mountain, it is the highest mountain and climbing takes almost 3 hours, the cost is $75 per person.
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 during travel
- Covid-19 measures to keep you safe during travel
- Temperature checks for all travelers are mandatory.
- Face masks required for travelers and staff in public areas.
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff at all times.
- Printed material such as maps or vouchers will be avoided.
- Payments 100% online with no booking fees at all.
- Flexible bookings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why book with Sacred Expeditions Peru
- Sacred Expeditions Peru is a 100% Peruvian Local Tour Operator based in Cusco.
- Personal porter included for up to 7 kilos of your personal staff
- Small-group tours for personalized service.
- Fair treatment of porters with adequate wages, including men and women
- You help us support social projects in Cusco
- No booking fees! no credit card fees
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 a permit 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.
