Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu 2 days

Discover the magic of the Inca Trail in a condensed 2-day hike to Machu Picchu. This adventure takes you through stunning landscapes, ancient ruins like Wiñay Wayna, and culminates at the breathtaking Machu Picchu.

Star

Cuzco

End

Cuzco

Duration

2 Day / 1 night

Languages

Spanish, English

Difficulty

Challenging

Comments

2 day Inca Trail hike

Are you a hiking lover?

Would you like to do a 2-day Inca Trail tour and visit Machu Picchu in the afternoon? If so, this is your best option.

Enjoy a 2-day hike along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This shorter and more complete version will allow you to explore the same route as the famous 4-day Inca Trail. In addition, you will reach Machu Picchu on the second day and enjoy an enchanting sunrise.

This 2-day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu is highly recommended for adventure lovers, couples, and families with children. It is ideal for those who do not have enough time to stay in Cusco.

Places you will visit

Highlights

Wiñay Wayna: Visit the impressive Inca ruins known as “Forever Young.” These well-preserved ruins showcase Inca architecture and provide a glimpse into the history of the civilization.
Inti Punku (Sun Gate): Hike to Inti Punku, the traditional entrance to Machu Picchu. Enjoy panoramic views of the ancient citadel, a rewarding end to your trek.
Machu Picchu: Explore the iconic archaeological site with expert guides, learning about its history and significance.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1

At 04:20 hrs: Transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station.
At 06:30 hrs: Departure by train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104.
At 07:20 hrs: Arrival at Km 104 and start of the hike.
At 09:20 hrs: Arrival at Wiñay Wayna.
At 12:20 hrs: Lunch at Wiñay Wayna.
At 14:20 hrs: Continue hike to Inti Punku.
At 16:20 hrs: Arrival at Inti Punku and descent to Machu Picchu.
At 17:20 hrs: Bus to Aguas Calientes and check-in at hotel.
At 18:15 hrs: Dinner at a good restaurant in Aguas Calientes (optional).

Day 2

At 05:20 hrs: Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the Machu Picchu bus station.
At 06:20 hrs: Bus to Machu Picchu entrance.
At 08:20 hrs: Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
At 10:20 hrs: Free time to explore Machu Picchu or optional activities.
At 13:20 hrs: Bus to Aguas Calientes.
At 14:50 hrs: Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
At 16:50 hrs: Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
At 22:50 hrs: Arrival in Cusco.

Short 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hike: Itinerary

Día 1: Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Km 104 - Wiñaywayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu

Day 1: Journey to the Inca Trail and Arrival at Machu Picchu

Early Departure from Cusco:

Our exciting journey on the Inca Trail begins early with a departure from Cusco around 04:00 am. We’ll embark on a scenic drive through the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley.

Ollantaytambo Train Station – The Start of Your Adventure:

After about an hour and a half, we arrive in Ollantaytambo, where we board the train to Kilometer 104, the starting point of the Inca Trail. This two-day trek offers a condensed but equally captivating version of the classic 4-day Inca Trail.

Exploration and Natural Beauty:

Our route leads us through captivating Inca sites, showcasing the rich history of this ancient civilization. Along the way, you’ll be enchanted by the diverse flora and fauna, as well as the breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains.

Winay Wayna and the Sun Gate:

We’ll hike 10 kilometers, starting in the Sacred Valley, and follow a well-preserved Inca trail to the remarkable Winay Wayna archaeological site. From here, we’ll proceed to Machu Picchu via the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku). A delightful box lunch will await you after exploring Winay Wayna.

Descent to Machu Picchu and Arrival:

In the afternoon, we’ll reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and be greeted with our first awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu, gracefully set against the mountain backdrop. The softer afternoon light creates perfect conditions for photography, with fewer tourists around to share this moment.

Guided Tour and Exploration:

After passing through the Sun Gate, a 45-minute hike will take us to Machu Picchu itself. Your visit will begin with a stop at the Guard House, offering an opportunity for an iconic postcard photo of Machu Picchu. This spot is blissfully uncrowded, enhancing your experience.

Exploration and Overnight in Aguas Calientes:

You’ll exit Machu Picchu to use the facilities before re-entering at 15:00 for a 1.5-hour guided tour of this magnificent site, ensuring you don’t miss any of its most significant features. After your exploration, we’ll catch the 16:30 bus to Aguas Calientes, where dinner awaits.

Day 2: Machu Picchu - Cusco

Breakfast and Journey to Machu Picchu:

In the morning, we’ll have breakfast at 05:00 am. We’ll then take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. You’ll need to present your original passport and entry ticket to enter the site. Your guide will take you through the various sites, ruins, and important temples of Machu Picchu between 08:00 and 10:00.

Optional Activities:

You’ll have ample time to undertake one of the following optional activities (not included in the price):

Climb Huayna Picchu (2 hours round trip) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3 hours round trip) for stunning views from above.
Another optional activity in Aguas Calientes might include visiting the new local museum or enjoying a relaxing bath in the hot springs.

Return to Cusco:

After enjoying the magnificent Inca city, you’ll use your bus ticket to descend to Aguas Calientes and then take the train back to Cusco via Ollantaytambo. The “Expedition Train” departs at 18:30 and arrives in Ollantaytambo after 2 hours. In Ollantaytambo, a van will be waiting to take you to Cusco. Your journey will conclude around 22:30, ending your incredible two-day adventure on the Inca Trail.

Inclusions

Hotel pick up and drop off included.
Private transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
Train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 and back to Cusco
Inca Trail permits and entrance fees to Machu Picchu
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
English-speaking guide
Bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit
Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 box lunch, 1 snack

What to Pack to Short Inca Trail 2 Day

Original Passport: Your passport is essential, so make sure you have it ready.
Student Cards (if applicable): Students should bring their student cards for potential discounts.
Hiking/Trekking Backpack (Minimum 21 liters capacity): A reliable backpack is a must for your journey.
Hiking Poles with Rubber Tips: You can either bring your own or rent them from Inca Trail Specialist for added stability.
Trekking Clothing: Prepare suitable clothing including hiking shoes, waterproof pants, waterproof shorts, two shirts, a light sweater, a rain jacket, and comfortable hotel attire. Lightweight, moisture-wicking materials are recommended for comfort.
Nightwear for Aguas Calientes: Pack a clean set of clothes for your evening stay in Aguas Calientes.
Anti-Blister Gel: Keep your feet comfortable and blister-free during the trek.
Digital Camera (Optional) with Extra Memory (2-4 Gb): Capture memories along the way.
Sunglasses with UV Protection: Protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
Sun Block SPF 60 (UVA-UVB) Waterproof: Choose a sporty, waterproof sunblock for outdoor adventures.
Waterproof Insect Repellent Lotion: Ensure it’s lotion-based, not spray, for effective protection.
Flexible Plastic Water Bottle: Opt for an environmentally friendly and easy-to-carry water bottle for hydration.

2 day Inca Trail Hike: Prices

Government regulations:

The Peruvian government regulates the number of visitors and permit fees for the Inca Trail, as well as the wages of porters and guides. Tour operators must adhere to these regulations to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of permits and fees. That is why the prices we charge for the 2-day Inca Trail are fair and reasonable, covering all the operational needs of the 2-day Inca Trail trek.

How much is the 2 day Inca Trail?

PRICES: SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAY

ADULTS: 470 USD per person US dollars per person
STUDENTS: 420 US dollars per person

How To Apply For Student Pricing

The student price is available to students from all over the world, as long as they meet the requirements established by the Peruvian government. This discount is applicable when purchasing Machu Picchu tickets from the Peruvian government.

To qualify for the student price, you must meet the following requirements:

Your student ID must be an original ID issued by your university, made of PVC material.
The student ID must have the following information printed on it:
- University information.
- Student’s name.
- Student’s photo.
- The student ID must have a valid expiration date printed on it, which is valid for one year only. For example, if you visit Machu Picchu in 2024, the expiration date on your ID should be 2024 or 2024. If you visit Machu Picchu in 2024, the maximum expiration date allowed is 2024.
The student discount is only available for students under 25 years of age.
The International Student Identification Card (ISIC) is not valid for the discount, even if it meets the above requirements.
The only valid document for the student price is the original student ID that meets the requirements established by the Peruvian government. Other documents such as certifications or virtual cards are not accepted as proof of student status.
To apply for the student price, please send a photo of both sides of your student ID to info@incatrailspecialist.com when booking the tour. If you send it later, you will not be eligible for the student discount.

Additional Option You Can Add To Your Inca Trail Tour

- HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN: 65 USD dollars.
- MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN: 65 USD dollars.
- PAIR OF TREKKING POLES: 10 USD dollars
- UPGRADE TO VISTADOME TRAIN: 65 USD dollars

How To Book The Short Inca Trail With Inca Trail Specialist?

To secure your spot on the Inca Trail 2 Day with INCATRAILSPECIALIST, follow these simple steps:

Click the “BOOK NOW” Button: Visit our booking platform and click on the “BOOK NOW” button to initiate the reservation process.
Select Your Departure Date: Choose the day that best suits your schedule for the Inca Trail 2 Days adventure.
Provide Personal Information: Fill in the necessary details for each participant, ensuring accurate and complete information.
Payment: The final step is making your payment. You can conveniently pay using your credit card or debit card.

On our booking platform, you’ll also find optional extras, including Huayna Picchu Mountain, the Vistadome train, and Machu Picchu Mountain. We recommend booking these options along with your 2-day Inca Trail, as Inca Trail permits are in high demand and can sell out quickly. If needed, you can rent walking sticks in Cusco one day before your trip.

Once we have secured your Inca Trail permits, we will send you a confirmation to ensure that everything is well-organized. Rest assured that all confirmed start dates are guaranteed.

Faqs

Can you hike the Inca Trail in 2 day?

Yes, you can hike the Inca Trail in 2 days. The 2-day Inca Trail trek is a shorter version of the classic 4-day trek. It takes you along a segment of the trail to Machu Picchu, covering key highlights and offering a rewarding experience in a shorter time.

How hard is the 2 day Inca Trail?

The 2-day Inca Trail is moderately challenging. It involves steep climbs and descents, and the altitude can affect some hikers. Proper preparation and acclimatization are key.

Is the 2 day Inca Trail worth it?

Yes, the 2-day Inca Trail is worth it if you’re short on time but still want to experience the classic trek to Machu Picchu. This tour provides a compact but immersive journey through breathtaking scenery and ancient ruins, culminating in the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu citadel. With the help of a knowledgeable tour guide and comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, you’ll enjoy a rewarding and memorable adventure. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Cusco to start this exciting journey.

Price

Offer

470 USD

2 days - 1 night

Book at once, pay a deposit and complete later.