Claire Dean
Claire Dean

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!

2 Day Inca Trail Tour

2 Day Inca Trail Tour

3MINREAD

Written by:Claire Dean

Published: 2022-08-18

The Inca trail is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a bucket-list item for many visitors to Peru. In its shortest form, the 2-day trail allows us to enjoy the exceptional experience of arriving at the awe-inspiring archaeological site of Machu Picchu after a few hours of walking along a stone pathway constructed by the Incas. The environment and history will surprise us with each step along this section of the original Inca Trail.  

 

Spend one day hiking to appreciate the Andean countryside. Along the way, visit hidden Inca ruins and arrive at Machu Picchu in the style of Incan royalty, through the Sungate. This is the short and sweet version of the 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu

Short Inca Trail - Overview:

Our 2-day Inca Trail has been designed for those travelers who don’t have much time but want to experience hiking this fantastic trail. Along the way, the Inca trail leads through the protected, natural Andes and the Peruvian cloud forest, passing several Inca archaeological sites and spectacular views Inca archaeological sites and spectacular views. The Incas used this ancient road for pilgrimage to the sacred citadel Machu Picchu. Covering a distance of just 10km / 6.3 miles, the 2-day Inca Trail is not too challenging, which makes it perfect for families and those on a tight schedule. You will still see all the key sights along the authentic Inca Trail on the short Inca Trail; you will still see all the key sights along the original trail. The short trail misses out on the more extensive mountain passes present on the 4-day option and joins the Inca trail on day 3 of the classic 4-day Inca Trail. Highlights of this 2-day Inca trail hike include hiking in the Peruvian Andes, strolling through the cloud forest, and taking in stunning vistas of snow-capped mountains and flowing rivers. You will still arrive at Machu Picchu through the magnificent Sun Gate, the exact entrance the Incas used to enter the sacred site of Machu Picchu.  

 

The Short Inca Trail is perfect for those who love to hike, but don't have enough time to spend hiking the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu over 4 days. You will just hike for one day with the second day's visit to the monumental Machu Picchu. While it is no walk in the park, the 2 day Inca Trail is considerably less challenging than its classic version! You can also see orchids, wildlife, and lesser-visited archaeological sites along this option.

2-Day Inca Trail

 

The shorter, 2-day trail is undoubtedly the best option for travelers who could not secure the 4-day Inca Trail permit, prefer a shorter trek or have a shorter time frame but still wish to experience the original Inca trail. In this experience, you will be amazed because it allows you to enjoy the sunset and sunrise in Machu Picchu, giving you two unique opportunities to enjoy the magnificent Machu Picchu. The 2-day Inca Trail does not involve camping, and you will spend the night in Aguas Calientes in a hotel.

 

The views along the Inca Trailexpress are nothing short of spectacular. As well as the views over the archaeological sites you also have a panoramic vista of the whole valley and Urubamba river below. This trekking option on your Cusco tours is spectacular!

Winay Wayna in the Distance

 

First Day - On the Inca Trail

We will pick you up from your Cusco hotel and take you to the train station in Ollantaytambo to take the train to km. 104, the trailhead for the 2-day Inca trail.  After passing through the checkpoint, we begin our trek to the Chachabamba archaeological complex with its stone altar in homage to the sun and the “Apus” or Sacred Mountains, found at an elevation of 2150 m.

 

The train will drop you off at KM 104. You will then cross a bridge over the Rio Vilcanota and head towards the first stop, called Chachabamba (2,200m / 7,218 ft). This Inca site was discovered in 1940 and was thought to have been used as a religious and administrative center. It was also a checkpoint to protect the Eastern side of Machu Picchu. Make sure you visit on your Inca Trail trips.

Chachabamba

 

We will ascend for 8 kilometers, and after 4 hours of hiking, we arrive at the stunning archaeological complex of Wiñayhuayna, found at 2700 m elevation. This impressive complex comprises an agricultural center with numerous religious and urban terraces. At the bottom, we will have magnificent views of the Valley of the Vilcanota River and the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex on the other side of the river.

 

Winay Wayna is probably the most impressive Inca archaeological site on the Inca Trails besides Machu Picchu. When you hike the Inca trail to Machu Picchu either on the 2 day or 4 day option, you Will visit the awe-inspiring terraces of Winay Wayna before reaching Machu Picchu.

Winay Wayna Ruins

 

We will pass a beautiful waterfall located minutes from Wiñay Wayna, then climb to the Inti punku, or "The Sun Gate," after an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edge of the mountains. From this point, we will enjoy our first sight of the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From the Inti punku, we will descend towards Machu Picchu and take the bus to Aguas Calientes. Here you can enjoy dinner and a comfortable night’s sleep in a hotel.

 

Yet another advantage of hiking the Short Inca Trail is that you spend a night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. This means you can sleep in a bed and shower before you head to Machu Picchu, to take your photos on your Machu Picchu vacation packages.

Aguas Calientes

 

Second Day - On the short Inca Trail

Bright and early, we will pick you up from your hotel to take the bus to the Citadel of Machu Picchu and then immediately begin our 2-hour guided tour of the site., Witness how the Incas fused their temples with nature in this fascinating and unique place.  You will then have free time to walk around the Citadel or climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain for spectacular views over Machu Picchu. Marvel at the surrounding valleys and mountains or visit the Temple of the Moon and the impressive Inca bridge.

 

On the second day, you will wake up early to catch a bus back up to Machu Picchu. Your guide will take you on a full 2–3-hour tour of the Inca Citadel. The bus zigzags up the hill and will drop you off right at the entrance to Machu Picchu. M sure you know the exact time of entering for your Machu Picchu vacation package as the regulations have recently become a lot stricter.

Magnificent Machu Picchu, with Wayna Picchu in the Background

 

(Bear in mind that Huayna Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain requires an additional entrance permit and should be reserved at the time of booking. ONLY visitors who have a Huayna Picchu permit can visit the Temple of the Moon). In the afternoon, we will return to Aguas Calientes, where you will enjoy lunch and even see the hot springs in the town. We will then take our train back to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel. 

 

The Vilcanota River, also known as the Urubamba River is the the river that runs right through the base of the Machu Picchu valley. It heads all the way through the Sacred Valley and is a spectacular sight on your Machu Picchu Inca Trail tour.

Vilcanota River

 

Find out more or book your magnificent 2-day Inca Trail with Valencia Travel Cusco here.

 

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