2 Day Inca Trail Tour is an alternative hike of 12 km, along the way you’ll explore archaeological sites and camp near the Sun Gate for a sunset view of Machu Picchu.
The 2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu starts at Km 104 (104 kilometers along the railway from Cusco) and involves a four hour walk uphill to Wiñay Wayna and a couple of hours further to Machu Picchu making it ideal for trekkers wanting to experience at least a part of the Inca Trail but haven’t got the time (or energy) to complete the full 4 day trek.
Your Tour Features
Tour Type Private
Tour Duration 2 Days
Pick-up time from 3:30 AM
Drop-off time until 8:00 PM
Pickup at Hotel
Entry tickets Included
Guide English speaker
Transport Private
Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
What You’ll Do
You’ll be picked up at your hotel in Cusco and transferred to the Ollantaytambo train station. On arrival, you’ll head directly to 104 km to start the trekking towards Machu Picchu citadel. Stay the night in Aguas Calientes village.
Early in the morning, head to Machu Picchu citadel for a guided tour of the site and head back to Ollantaytambo by train. Your private driver will pick you up at the train station and drive to Cusco city with photo stops along the way.
Your Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco to Aguas Calientes
3:30 am – Cusco to Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu
Your day begins with an early hotel pickup in Cusco between. Your driver will take you to Ollantaytambo train station on a 1 hour 45 minute car ride.
6:10 am – 6:40 am – Ollantaytambo to km 104 train ride
On arrival, you’ll board a train towards Km 104 which is located along the way to Machu Picchu town (also known as Aguas Calientes village).
Please be aware that the scheduled train times are subject to change, potentially 30 minutes earlier or later than initially planned. This variance is based on the availability provided by the train companies. Rest assured, we will let you know it well in advance of any changes to ensure you have ample time to plan accordingly.
At Km 104, you’ll meet your guide who will lead you on your hike. Before beginning, you’ll go to the Inca Trail control point to show your permits and tickets.
Hiking to Wiñay Wayna
After passing the Inca Trail checkpoint, you’ll start your hike with a steady climb from 2000m to 2700m over approximately 3 hours. This route takes you to the remarkable archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna
Lunch at Wiñay Wayna:
You will have enough time to explore this impressive Inca site. Your guide will provide detailed explanations about its history and significance. Lunch will be enjoyed here as well.
For lunch, you’ll receive a packed meal from your guide at km 104, just before you commence your trek. Please note that you will need to carry this lunch with you to Wiñay Wayna, where you can enjoy it. This arrangement is necessary to comply with the regulations of the Machu Picchu Park, which prohibit cooking activities along this specific section of the Inca Trail.
Hiking to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
After lunch, you’ll continue your adventure with a 2-hour hike along a flat path towards Inti Punku (or the Sun Gate). This renowned spot provides stunning views of Machu Picchu and the encompassing landscape.
After taking in the views from the Sun Gate, you’ll embark on a 45-minute descent hike to reach the main site of Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu pictures
When you reach Machu Picchu, you’ll head to the upper part of the site for those iconic photo opportunities, including the classic shot with the Wayna Picchu Mountain in the background. Your guide will provide insights about the Guardian’s House and agricultural terraces. You’ll spend about 1 hour in this area, and it’s important to note that this will be your only visit here, as you will need to depart from Machu Picchu on the second day.
You will arrive at Machu Picchu between 3 to 4 in the afternoon and enter through the Sun Gate (Puerta del Sol), an exclusive privilege for Inca Trail trekkers. Upon arrival, explore the site’s upper area to capture classic photographs of the ancient city. With favorable weather, you may even witness a stunning sunset over Machu Picchu. You’ll have about 1 hour to enjoy this area, known for its breathtaking panoramic views.
Descending to Aguas Calientes & Overnight
After spending about one hour in the upper area of Machu Picchu, you’ll leave the site to take a bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes. This is a 30-minute bus ride.
You’ll check into a hotel in Aguas Calientes, where you can rest and freshen up. Around 7 p.m., a special dinner will be organized in a local restaurant, allowing you to enjoy various Peruvian dishes. This is also a good time to discuss plans for the following day with your guide.
Included:
- Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station car transfer
- Ollantaytambo to Km 104 train ride ticket
- English speaking tour guide
- Entry tickets to Inca Trail
- Boxed lunches
- Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes village bus tickets
- 01 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Dinner in a Aguas Calientes restaurant
Excluded:
- Extra expenses
- Breakfast
- Alcoholic drinks, soda
- Bottled water
- Gratuities
Day 2: Machu Picchu Guided Tour & Return to Cusco
5:00 am – Aguas Calientest to Machu Picchu entrance bus ride
Get up early and have breakfast in the hotel. Later, you’ll go to the bus station to take one of the first buses at 5:30 AM from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. The approximately 30-minute trip will take you to the main gate of Machu Picchu, which opens at 6 in the morning.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu Site
On arrival, you’ll enter the lower area of the archaeological site. The guide will take you on a guided tour of approximately 2.5 hours. During this time, we will visit the most important sites of Machu Picchu, where we will have the opportunity to learn everything about this wonder of the world. After the 2.5-hour guided tour, your guide will leave you so you can explore on our own for about 30 more minutes. Take note that the maximum time allowed inside Machu Picchu is 3 hours, in accordance with the regulations of the archaeological park.
For those who have booked an additional ticket for Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, the guide will assist you to go to the entrance of these mountains at the assigned time. It is important to remember that it is only possible to visit one of these mountains, Wayna Picchu being the most recommended. The reservation for Wayna Picchu must be made well in advance. The hike to Wayna Picchu lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours, including the time up and down. Although no guide service is provided for these mountains, they are safe places, monitored by cameras and park rangers.
After visiting Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, with a 30-minute trip. Once in Aguas Calientes, you will have free time to tour the town, rest and, if you wish, have lunch. Then, you must go to the train station to take the train that usually leaves at 2:30 pm or 2:55 pm to Ollantaytambo station.
Ollantaytambo to Cusco private transport
The train ride takes approximately 1.5 hours. At the Ollantaytambo station, a transfer will be waiting for you with a sign with your names on it to take you back to Cusco on a 2-hour trip, dropping you directly at your hotel.Early in the morning, head to Machu Picchu citadel for a guided tour of the site and head back to Ollantaytambo by train. Your private driver will pick you up at the train station and drive to Cusco city with photo stops along the way.
Included:
- Breakfast at hotel
- Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu entrance
- English speaking tour guide
- Entry tickets to Machu Picchu site
- Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes bus tickets
- Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo train tickets
- Ollantaytambo to Cusco private transfer
Excluded:
- Extra expenses
- Alcoholic drinks, soda
- Bottled water
- Gratuities
- Lunches
- Dinners
What to bring:
- Passports
- Water and snacks
- Hat, cap
- Local currency cash
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Small backpack
- Rain poncho
- Mosquito repellent
- Comfortable hiking shoes
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If you have questions about 2 Day Inca Trail Tour, or need help making your booking, feel free to text me the number below and reference the name of the tour (or send the link). I’d be happy to help.
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Pricing:
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