Short Inca trail 2 days to Machu Picchu

Overview

This trip allows a taste of the Inca Trail without days of hiking and camping.

One of the shortest treks to the ancient city of Machu Picchu.

The best time to do the Inka Trail is during our dry season between May to September; however, you can definitely hike from March and April and then from October to January. This does not mean that there is no possibility of getting rains or showers because they simply are unforeseeable even by this season.

When dealing with organized excursions, normally the tour operators supply all that is necessary except for the personal equipment.

The 2 day Inca Trail starts at the train stop at Kilometer 104 and takes you to the fantastic ruins of Wiñay Wayna before descending again for your first spectacular view of the famous lost city of the Incas.

After your trek you'll spend a restful night in Aguas Calientes and be refreshed and ready for your visit to Machu Picchu the following morning.

This option is perfect for those who want to experience the trek but who don't have the time for the full 4 days.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Wiñay Wayna - Machu Picchu

We usually pick you up from your hotel at 5.40am (depending on train time) and take you to the train station. We travel by train, on a very picturesque route for 2 and a half hours until we reach kilometer 104 – the start of the trail for us. From here, we have a walk of approximately 4 hours up to the Inca site Wiñay Wayna ('Forever Young') (2680m/8792ft). You have joined the path in time to see the most impressive site on the whole Inca Trail!!

We will then continue on to 'Inti Punku' ('Sun gate') (2730m/8792ft) from where you will have your first dramatic, panoramic view of Machu Picchu (2400m/7873ft). We will walk down the last part of the trail towards the ancient city itself. Before reaching Machu Picchu, we will take a side path off the trail to go down to Aguas Calientes, leaving the visit to Machu Picchu for the next day. In Aguas Calientes we'll have dinner and a much deserved rest so we're recharged and ready for Machu Picchu the next day.

Day 2: Machu Picchu Tour – Return train to Cusco.

We have breakfast and then take the first bus (05:30am) up to Machu Picchu. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2720m/8890ft)!!! (It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top.)

You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (it can be reached by bus or on foot) for lunch and to be given your train tickets back to Cusco (Bus transfer from Ollantantaytambo). The train usually leaves between 2.30pm and 6pm depending on Peru Rail's allocations and availability (to be confirmed).

If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged. This option is very popular as it allows more time to explore Machu Picchu. You can also go to the thermal springs in the town - a real treat after finishing the Inca Trail.

N.B. It is no longer possible to stay a night on the Inca Trail for the 2 day, 1 night trek. All people on this tour spend the night in Aguas Calientes, the town nearest Machu Picchu.

Huayna Picchu:

There is a new regulation for climbing this mountain.

Tickets for this mountain need to be booked well in advance; there are 2 time sessions: 7 - 8am or 10 – 11am – this also needs to be specified when booking the trip.

Please note, if you get the permits for the 7am start you will probably have to miss the Machu Picchu guided tour.

What is included on the trip

• Professional, bilingual Tour Guide.
• Assistant Guide (for groups of 9 or more people).
• Collection from hotel (for groups of less than 9 people).
• Transportation – round trip train journey (Expedition train service from Cusco to Km 104, Aguas Calientes town to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco).
• Collection from Ollantaytambo train station (on day 2).
• Entrance fee to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
• Day 1 - 1 box-lunch to be carried by each tourist, and 1 dinner (breakfast not included).
• Day 2 - 1 breakfast (lunch in Aguas Calientes not included).
• Return bus trip from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• Accommodation in Aguas Calientes (hot showers, private bath and breakfast included).
• Oxygen bottle.
• First Aid kit.

Prices for the 2 days hike

Number of paxs	2 paxs	3 paxs	4 paxs	5 paxs	6 paxs
	$455.00	$415.00	$380.00	$365.00	$350.00
Prices may vary according to the season, availability, and client preferences. Certain transport costs may not be included. Please contact one of our expert travel advisors for more information.

What you need to take:

• Original passport (and *International Student card (ISIC) if applicable).
• Travel Insurance is essential.
• Walking boots.
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho (for rainy season).
• Warm jacket.
• Hat and gloves.
• T-shirts.
• Comfortable trousers.
• Sun hat.
• Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended).
• Insect repellent.
• Toiletries and hand sanitizer.
• Personal medication.
• Camera and films.
• Torch with spare batteries (just in case).