2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (with hotel)

Type of Service
Customized Private Tour
Difficulty
Moderate
Frequency
The whole year (Closed on February)
Availability
Every day

Enjoy the marvellous short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2D/1N

Get to know the sanctuary of Machu Picchu on a 2-day tour from the city of Cusco. Designed for those with limited time in Peru, your private tour guide will take you on a 13km day hike along part of the most famous trail in Peru, the Inca trail to Machu Picchu!

Day 1 of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will take you on a journey through Inca history, visiting the impressive sites of Chachabamba, Wiñayhuayna and Inti Punku sun gate, before reaching the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu.

Day 2 will provide you with a second opportunity to visit one of the 7 wonders of the world, only this time at sunrise!

 

Places to visit :

  • Ollantaytambo
  • Inca Trail
  • Kilometer 104
  • Chachabamba
  • Wiñaywayna
  • Inti Punku Sun Gate
  • Machu Picchu
  • Aguas Calientes
From $ 486 / per person
BEST SELLER
Duration 2 Days - 1 Night
Secure Payments With:

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+51 995050803

Itinerary

  • 5:20am : Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
  • 7:15am : Arrive at Ollantaytambo Train station
  • 7:45am : Train journey to Kilometer 104
  • 8:50am : Hike from Km 104 to Wiñayhuayna
  • 11:45am : Guided tour of Inca ruins and lunch
  • 2:00pm : Afternoon hike to Machu Picchu
  • 4:30pm : Travel by bus to Aguas Calientes
  • 6:30pm : Dinner and overnight at your hotel
  • 5:00am : Hotel breakfast in Aguas Calientes
  • 5:30am : 30 minute bus to Machu Picchu
  • 6:00am : Enter Machu Picchu for sunrise
  • 7:00am : 3 hour guided tour of the Citadel
  • Free time to explore Machu Picchu alone
  • Regroup with tour guide for return bus journey back to Aguas Calientes
  • 2:55pm : Return by train to Ollantaytambo
  • 4:40pm : Return drive to Cusco: private car
  • 6:30pm : Arrive at hotel in Cusco

DAY 1 – CUSCO – KM 104 – WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES

The Inca Trail 2-day tour begins with pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:20am.

After a 1-hour 30 minute drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you’ll arrive at the train station in Ollantaytambo ready to board your train at 7:45am. Then you will embark on a 1-hour train journey to the start of the hike at Kilometer 104 at 2,200 m / 7,217 ft.

After crossing the bridge over the Willkamayu River (Sacred River in Quechua), you will arrive at the first checkpoint of the Inca trail. Here you will show your Passport, Registration Card or National Identity Document, to pass into to the national park. The first archaeological site of the day, Chachabamba (valley of the trees in Quechua), is a 15 minute walk away, inside a pristine semi-tropical Andean forest, surrounded by fertile land and lush vegetation.

Once you have had chance to explore the ruins of Chachabamba, you’ll begin the 3-hour climb up the mountain trail to Wiñaywayna. The hike is tough but steady, and will treat you to spectacular views of agricultural stepped terraces, cloud forests and glistening waterfalls. Along the trail you will also get to know the local collection of flora and fauna that is unique to the region. Such as the Wiñay Wayna orchid, the Molle shrub and the Qeuña (Polylepis racemosa).

At around midday, you’ll arrive at the impressive archaeological site of Wiñayhuayna. The name means Forever Young in Quechua and is inspired by the beautiful orchids that surround the site. Located at 2,650 m / 8,694 ft , the complex is situated upon the steep slopes of the hillside, amongst 40 levels of agricultural stepped terraces, overlooking the Urubamba River. Built by the Emperor Pachacutec in the 15th century, the citadel is one of the most famous sites within the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, and was once an important venue for agriculture, religion and administration. Here your guide will take you on a journey through its history and provide you with an opportunity to rest and eat the lunch box we have prepared for you.

After lunch in Wiñayhuayna , you’ll begin the afternoons’ hike to the Inti Punku Sun Gate. The Andean path and stone steps will be a challenge to the best of us, but after enduring the climb for an hour or so, you will be greeted by the most breathtaking, panoramic view of Machu Picchu. At 2,720 m / 8,923 ft, the sun gate is strategically located to welcome noble visitors of the Inca citadel, acting as a control gate for its elite visitors. As well as offering one of the most stunning views of the sanctuary and its surrounding mountains, the sacred site is also famed for framing the sunrise during the winter solstice in June.

With a camera full of photos of that unforgettable view, you will follow the trail onward to Machu Picchu. Descending for 45 minutes, to the gates of the Lost city of the Incas at 2,490 m / 8,169 ft. Your first encounter with the citadel will be a relatively short one, but since our arrival will be late in the afternoon, there will be few tourists around to share it with.

As there will be plenty more time to befriend the Inca city on day 3, you and your guide will take the 30 minute tourist bus from Machu Picchu entrance to the town below, Aguas Calientes.

Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes) is situated at 2,160 m / 7,086 ft, 300m lower than Machu Picchu, and will be your resting place for the night in one of our recommended hotels. It is also home to a public ATM, a collection of thermal baths (hot springs) and a multitude of bars and restaurants. Once your guide has accompanied you to your hotel for check in, they will also direct you to the restaurant where you will be treated to an a la carte menu that evening, and possibly a celebratory drink.

*If you wish to relax in the thermal baths (hot springs), they are only a 10 minute walk from the town center and are open for visitors until 8pm. Entrance fee is 10 soles (optional extra cost).*

ollantaytambo winay wayna aguascalientes mvp

DAY 2 – AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU TOUR – CUSCO

After taking breakfast in your hotel, your guide will meet you at reception and escort you the bus station where you will board the tourist bus to Machu Picchu. The scenic route from Aguas calientes takes you on a 30 minute bus ride up the mountainside to the entrance of the Inca citadel. Once inside, you will be taken on a 3-hour tour of Machu Picchu, journeying through its rich history, as you make your way through the Inca city with your personal tour guide. Aswell as visiting the famous sites of the temple of the sun, the central plaza and the stepped terraces, you will have plenty opportunity to take the bucket list photos you came for atop the panoramic viewpoint of Machu Picchu. Before boarding the bus back down the mountain, your guide will also allow you time to explore the mysteries of the sanctuary alone.

Once you have regrouped with your guide and taken the bus back to Aguas Calientes, there will be time to take lunch in one of Machu Picchu towns’ many restaurants (optional extra), before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. There you will be greeted by your guide and private transportation who will take you on the 2-hour drive back to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival time in Cusco is approximately 6.30pm.

*There will also be time to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain in this tour after your guided tour of the Inca citadel. However please be aware, this will be an extra cost of $70 USD per person and will involve an extra 2-hours hiking. Return to Cusco will therefore be aboard a later train and arrival time in Cusco will be approx 8.30pm.*

valle mapi retorno machupicchuviajesperu

Included

  • Pick up from the hotel in Cusco
  • Professional English/Spanish speaking tour guide
  • Entrance ticket to Inca trail and Machu Picchu
  • Private transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
  • Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
  • Food : 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
  • Train ticket : Ollantaytambo – Kilometer 104
  • Train ticket : Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
  • Round trip bus ticket : Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
  • 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes (inc. breakfast)
  • First aid kit and oxygen bottle

Not Included

  • Food not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Optional lunch in Machu Picchu town : $ 27 USD (upon client request)
  • Hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain : $ 70 USD (upon client request)
  • Optional entrance to thermal baths in Aguas calientes (S / .10 soles)

Recommendations to bring

  • Original passport – expiration date no less than 7 months
  • Valid Student ID card (if student booking)
  • Good quality walking boots or shoes
  • Trekking poles (can be rented at agency)
  • Canteen water bottle as you should drink plenty of fluid throughout the tour
  • Raincoat or long poncho (for rainy season)
  • Waterproof trousers (for rainy season)
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Long trousers
  • Shorts suitable for hiking
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Wide-brimmed hat – UPV is strong at altitude
  • Sunglasses
  • Medicine/personal effects (eg. contact lense liquid)
  • Personal First Aid Kit
  • Camera or phone camera
  • Portable battery charger
  • Toilet paper (not usually found on trail)
  • Small travel towel
  • Cash/coins – small denominations – soles & dollars
  • Swimming suit for the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes (optional)

Price and Options

OPTION 1
$486 REGULAR PRICE 540 PER PERSON
(PRIVATE SERVICE)
TRAIN EXPEDITION OR INKA RAIL

“BASED ON DOUBLE ROOM”
HOTELS CATEGORY 3***
(Groups or Families of 2 to 3 people)

OPTION 2
$450 REGULAR PRICE 500 PER PERSON
(PRIVATE SERVICE)
TRAIN EXPEDITION OR INKA RAIL

“BASED ON DOUBLE ROOM”
HOTELS CATEGORY 3***
(Groups or Families of 4 to 5 people)

OPTION 3
$414 REGULAR PRICE 460 PER PERSON
(PRIVATE SERVICE)
TRAIN EXPEDITION OR INKA RAIL

“BASED ON DOUBLE ROOM”
HOTELS CATEGORY 3***
(Groups or Families of 6 to 8 people)

ESSENTIAL ITEMS:

  • Original Passport
  • VALID STUDENT ID CARD (if booked as a student)
  • Immigration card (delivered on the airport upon entering Peru)
  • Good quality backpack (medium sized)
  • Water storage bottle or canteen: Camelbak bottles are recommended, but all need to be sufficient to hold 1-2 litres
  • Comfortable shoes, preferably light with good soles (waterproof goretex for rainy seasons)

FOR YOUR BAGGAGE:

The train has a luggage limit of 7-8 kilograms per person. We therefore recommend bringing only important and necessary items to Aguas Calientes.

  • 3 Long sleeve shirts
  • 3 Breathable t-shirts
  • 2 Hiking trousers
  • 3 Sets of underwear
  • 3 Pairs of socks
  • 1 Shorts (suitable for hiking)
  • 2 Fleece
  • 1 Waterproof coat and pants (for rainy seasons)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Sandals – In case you want to visit the hot springs in Machu Picchu town
  • Small quick-drying travel towel
  • Portable battery charger for your phone and cameras

TOILETRIES:

  • Sunscreen
  • Facial moisturiser
  • Insect repellent
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Toilet paper
  • Personal medication
  • First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.

ITEMS TO TAKE INSIDE MACHU PICCHU:

We recommend taking a backpack into the citadel, however please be aware that bags of more than 25 liters will not be allowed. Larger backpacks will need be stored outside the gates of the citadel.

  • Water canteen:
  • Sun hat
  • Rain clothes
  • Camera or phone camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste.
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips

Additional Information

VISTADOME TRAIN FIRST CLASS OR INCA RAIL 360º TRAIN : For an additional payment of $30 USD per person, you can upgrade your tour package to the Vistadome class train or the Inca Rail 360º train for the return journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. The upgrade is subject to the availability of trains on the dates you wish to travel.

VISTADOME TRAIN

EXPEDITION TRAIN

HOTEL CATEGORY 4****: For an additional payment of $30 USD per person, you can upgrade your hotel stay in Aguas Calientes and the hotels can be one of the following options.
* Hotel Tierra Viva Machu Picchu.
* Hotel Taypikala Machu Picchu.

PRIVATE SINGLE ROOM:

* Hotel 3***: For an extra payment of $40 USD, you can get 01 private single room in category hotels 3***.
* Hotel 4****: For an extra payment of $60 USD, you can get 01 private single room in category hotels 4****.

DISCOUNTS:
* Peruvian Tourists with their valid DNI, Tourists with a passport from the Andean Community (Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia), get a discount. «Does not apply to the Inca Trail tour»
* Foreign tourists with a student card, under 25 years old, current expiration date of the same year, get a discount.

For more information write to us by email: machupicchuviajesperu@gmail.com or to WhatsApp +51 995050803

  • Extra tickets will need to be purchased to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain
  • There are limited number of spaces available per day, so we recommend requesting booking the tickets in advance
  • Once the mountain tickets are sold out for that day, there are no options available for extra tickets
  • The cost to climb the Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu mountain is $ 70 USD per person. This will be added to the total cost
  • Those hiking Inca Trail that wish to do Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, will also be charged an extra $ 70 USD
  • IMPORTANT: Before requesting tickets to the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, check availability by contacting us!
mountain huayna picchu
machu picchu huaynapicchu montana

  • The hotel reservation is subject to space availability.
  • The cost of the tour packages is based on a double or matrimonial room. For an individual room, an additional payment must be made.
  • We can also organize a travel itinerary according to your requirements and the places you want to visit. These can be with category 3, * 4 *, and 5 * hotels.
  • For more queries and information write to us by email:​machupicchuviajesperu@gmail.com

WHY CHOOSE MACHU PICCHU VIAJES PERU?

  • We are a local tour operator based in Cusco with 15 years of experience as a Tour operator 100% Cusquenian Company.
  • We have all the Authorizations and licensed by the Peruvian government as proof that we are an official tour operator.
  • We have the Best Tour guides (Fluent in English and Spanish): We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional, licensed and degrees by the Peruvian government and speak fluent English and Spanish. They are very knowledgeable and passionate about Incan heritage and history.  Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurately and recognized theories in Incan and Andean cultures.
  • Small groups & Personalized and High-quality service (Customized Private Tour), This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
  • No hidden prices or Surprises/ We Never Pass you onto another operator as most travel agencies do here. We will depart even if you are a group of 02 persons (Departure of tours is 100% guaranteed).
  • We never share services with other companies as most travel agencies do here to Minimize cost
  • We are a Sustainable and eco-friendly tour company, Machu Picchu Viajes Peru has always believed that we should “give back” to the communities we pass through on our treks. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we socially support and employ these communities.
  • We are committed to social projects and improving living conditions for the children of Peru.
  • Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering to Personalized and High-quality service.
  • We treat our team of porters the best with a HOUSE for them to sleep in and proper equipment, wages, and health insurance for everyone
  • Master Chefs The best in the Cusco region
  • The food provided on our treks is the best( buffet Style and plenty of food)
  • The best Camping Equipment for the Inca Trail and alternative treks (spacious tents 4 season aluminum poles tents, Eating & Cooking tents, Portable table & chairs, comfortable mattresses, and more…)
  • Our tourist transports are exclusively for our services, which are completely reliable, comfortable, safe and with all the necessary authorizations.

“Machu Picchu Viajes Perú” We know how important it is to trust a trustworthy honest operator to create the adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Take a look at our reviews and certificates of excellence in Tripadvisor

Where does the tour start and end?
  • All ours tours begins with the pick up to the tourists at the door of their hotels “We pick up to our clients from any hotel located in the city of Cusco”, We recommend to stay close to the historical center of the city of Cusco, it will make it easier to find your hotel.
  • All our tours ends at the door of the hotels, it means the tours will finish with transfer to your respective hotel located in Cusco.
How to prevent altitude sickness?
  • The altitude sickness or soroche can cause you some discomfort during your visit such as dizziness, fatigue or nausea. Try to avoid alcoholic beverages and fatty foods before the visit.
  • To reduce symptoms, try to acclimatize yourself one day before to the altitude of the city of Cusco. We recommend to drink infusions of coca leaf (natural plant used by the Incas) is an excellent option to avoid the actitude sickness.
How is the accommodation?
  • For all the tours which include hotels. We offer hotels of 3* and 4* category, it has spacious and comfortable rooms, bathrooms, hot showers and bueffet breakfast. If the tourist like, you can change the accommodation to a better service. You just have to request it via email for an additional cost.
Which season is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
  • The dry season months between April to December are the best time to come and visit Cusco. During those days the possibility of rain is very little, so the roads are not swampy and the landscapes can be better to enjoy and takes the best pictures. On the other hand, the months with the most rain are January, February and March.
What are the coldest months in Cusco Peru?
  • The coldest season in Cusco are in the months from May to July. During this time the sun is strong in the day, but once it goes down or you spend much time in the shade, it can get very cold. It can go below zero at night, so warm clothes and Jackets are necessary to bring during these months.
How long in advance can I request the tour?
  • We recommend to purchase the tours weeks or months in advance, this because the train and Machu Picchu tickets has a limit of spaces, dont wait until the lust minute to book your tour, other ways you will not be able to find spaces.
During the trip to Machu Picchu, where the big luggages will stay?

The train company that operates to Machu Picchu does not allow the traveler to carry a suitcase that weighs more than 7 kilograms. To go up and visit the city of Machu Picchu, it is recommended to carry a light and small backpack for your convenience; the rest of the luggages you can leave them without any problem at the storage of your hotel in Cusco, or you can also leave at our office in Cusco city, we have an storage too.

Very Important in case you want to book the Inca trail to Machu Picchu:
  • CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS: If you want to book the Classic Inca Trail 4 days, you must to book early to get your desired date. Depending on the month you prefer to do the hike, you may need to book 6 months or more in advance, the limit of spaces for the inca trail 4 days is 400 people per each day.
  • SHORT INCA TRAIL: If you are booking the 1 or 2 day Inca Trail, it is preferred that you also book in advance, however 2 to 4 month in advance would be good, the limit of spaces for the short inca trail is 200 people per each day.
When is the best season to hike the Inca Trail?
  • The best time of year to do the inca trail is between May to October, with August and September being the best months of all. The trail is dry and the weather is lovely. During the rainy season between November to April  the trail will be wet and can make it more difficult.

What will you live in the Short Inca Trail Tour 2 Days

  • You will enjoy a short trekking through a sacred path that is full of history, flora and fauna.
  • You will have the best shots since we will visit the archaeological site of Winañhuayna and the Inti Punku.
  • On the tour you will be able to observe places where the impressive nature is combined with a modern.
  • During the trek to Machu Picchu we will have a set of peaks adorned by the geography of this place.
  • We will arrive at Machu Picchu through the Inti Punku (Puerta del Sol).

What Our Clients Say In Tripadvisor

At Machu Picchu Viajes Perú our goal is to create the best possible experience for all our clients. Proof of our effort are our recommendations.

Why choose "Machu Picchu Viajes Peru"?

Recommended on Tripadvisor

We are a highly recommended company in Tripadvisor, rated as one of the best tourism companies tour operator nationwide, Winners of the 2024 Excellence Award.

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Sustainable and Responsible

We have the highest social and environmental standards in the market of tour operators, which means that we practice a sustainable and responsible tourism with the environment.

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Certificates and Authorizations

We are a tour operator company, which has all the authorizations from the Peruvian government, authorizations that certify us as a legally constituted company .

Certificate in TourCert

We are one of the few companies in Peru certified by TourCert, European certifier with a management system oriented to work on aspects of Business Social Responsibility (BSR).

Our Awards and Recommendations

Our awards and recommendations reflect our commitment to excellence and quality at every step.

RESPONSABLE TOURISM

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RECONOCIMIENTOS Y PREMIOS

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AS FEATURED

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