The Two-Day Inca Trail

2-Day Inca Trail Summary

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, or "Inti Punku". This is the exact entrance the Incas used to enter the sacred site of Machu Picchu.  The 2-day trek is 14km/8.7m, reaches up to 2,700 m/8,858 ft, and is classified as an easy-moderate trek with minimal altitude gain. If you love the idea of hiking directly into Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate but want a shorter hike, then the 2D/1N Inca Trail Trek is the trek for you!

 

View over The Valley from The 2 -day Inca Trail

 

Inca Trail Requires a Permit

The 2-day Inca Trail requires a permit and a limited number of people are allowed to trek per day, the same as the classic Inca Trail these permits sell out quickly so booking well in advance (at least 3 months recommended) is essential. There are 200 permits available per day, which means that only 200 travelers are allowed to access the trail every day. Although permits for the Short Inca trail don’t tend to sell out as quickly as they do for the 4-day trek, it’s still a good idea to book your tickets in advance if you are planning to do the hike during peak season (May-October). Remember there are no porters on the Inca Trail and or camping, therefore the permits are generally reserved for trekkers!

 

The trail to Wiñay Wayna

 

Bird Watching

For any budding ornithologists, the 2 day Short Inca Trail is a dream come true. The 2-day Inca Trail is right in between two different altitude levels, between the jungle lowlands and the higher jungle of Peru. This cloud forest is home to different ecosystems, with humid montane forests. The incredible diversity is home to different mosses, bromeliads, ferns, and orchids, making for an excellent feeding ground for the wide range of bird species in the area.

 

Cock of The Rock

 

The Hike Along The Inca Trail

The two-day hike involves one day of hiking to meet up with the 3rd day of The Classic the Inca Trail, followed by a late afternoon arrival at Machu Picchu. It’s a lot of walking but achievable with an average fitness level. 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.

 

Trekking the Trail

 

Chachabamba site.

The first Inca site you will pass will be Chachabamba, shortly after which comes an ascent through a beautiful cloud forest before arriving at Wiñay Wayna. After exploring this ancient site you will climb ancient Inca stairwells through terraces, exploring water features and buildings of times gone by. From here, the most beautiful section of the entire Inca Trail takes over. Lush vegetation flanks you on either side. The scent of wild orchids fills the air. And all around you, brightly colored songbirds fill your ears with song.

 

Chachabamba

 

The first 4 hours of The Short Inca Trail, are generally considered the hardest part of the hike. A constant four-hour climb will loop around the edges of the mountains on a well-maintained path and what seems to be endless stairs. The Urubamba River will keep getting smaller and smaller, below you, until it is simply a line in the distance as you ascend. Just before the four-hour mark, you will pass in front of the Winay Wayna Waterfall, a true oasis in the Inca trail "desert".

 

A Trekkers Delight!

Wiñay Wayna

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. For the four-day Inca Trail hikers, this would be their last Inca ruin before Machu Picchu. They would have passed six others before arriving at this point. Wiñay Wayna has an upper level containing house structures. The remains of window frames and drainage holes give an idea of how people would have lived. The views from the windows put top-notch real estate to shame. To the side of the houses are terraces, which are common in several Inca sights throughout the regions and were likely agricultural terraces. 

 

Terraces at Wiñay Wayna

 

The Sungate

The last few hours of the hike are much easier. The trail is much flatter until Just before reaching the Sun Gate, you will have one last climb. The stairs are somewhat steep but eventually, you will make it to the top for your first glimpse 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.

 

Sun Gate

The Second Day

Generally, once you pass the sun gate you will then head down to Aguas Calientes and spend the evening in a hotel. On the second day, you will catch a bus back up to Machu Picchu for your complete tour of the archaeological site. Some tours may even allow you to visit Machu Picchu on the first afternoon but it is recommended to visit in a hurry and go in on the second day, after all, it is included in the entrance permit. On the first day, you will see Machu Picchu from the top and have a great view of the Inca city from above; the classic post-card view. Since the hike started early, you should arrive at the top of Machu Picchu at around 3:15 PM. before dark. On the second day, you will visit Machu Picchu and walk through the whole complex with a guide who will explain the meaning and history. This guided tour in Machu Picchu will take about two and a half hours. and then you will head back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch before you take the train back to Cusco. You may wish to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own  Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain– to appreciate the scenery and magnificence of Machu Picchu from above. These extra hikes sell out fast and must be requested at the time of booking. Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs.

(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).

 

Machu Picchu

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. 

If you are interested in booking the 2-day Inca Trail contact us here and trek the awe-inspiring Inca Trail, as the Incas once did!