- Moderate
- 2 Days
- Up to 12
- All weather
2-day Inca Trail
The 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the ideal choice for travelers with limited time but big dreams. Spanning only 10 miles (16 kilometers), this journey offers a mix of scenic train rides and picturesque hikes, leading you straight to Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku). On day one, immerse yourself in stunning Andean landscapes, while day two is dedicated to fully exploring the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu. Perfect for those who want to experience the magic of the Inca Trail in a short yet unforgettable adventure!
Trip Itinerary
DAY 01 - Cusco – Chachabamba – Wiñayhuayna – Aguas Calientes
You’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the train station. After a scenic train ride (around 1.5 hours), we’ll arrive at kilometer 104, where our trek begins towards the Chachabamba archaeological site. From there, we’ll continue hiking to Wiñayhuayna, where we’ll stop for lunch, before heading up to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate).
At Inti Punku, you’ll get your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, before proceeding to the entrance checkpoint of the citadel. From there, we’ll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll have dinner, stay overnight, and get ready for our visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
DAY 02 - Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
After an early breakfast around 5 AM, we’ll hop on the bus to Machu Picchu, where a guided tour will take us through the various sections of the citadel for about 2 hours. Once the tour is complete, you’ll have free time to explore the site on your own. Later, we’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by our return trip to Cusco.
• If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, be sure to book at least 3 months in advance ($70 USD).
• If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, be sure to book at least 3 months in advance ($70 USD).
Inclusions
Optional
What to Bring
Tips
Inclusions
Included:
- Pre-tour briefing at our office
- Pick-up from your hotel and transport to Ollantaytambo train station
- 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner (vegetarian options available)
- Entrance ticket to Inca Trail
- Professional bilingual guide
- 1 night accommodation in Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes)
- Bus round-trip Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- Train round-trip Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
- Minivan Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Not Included:
- Personal care items
- Breakfast on the first day, lunch on the last day
- Entrance to hot springs of Aguas Calientes
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance (book 3 months in advance, US $70)
Optional
1. Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu is the mountain behind Machu Picchu, climbable in 1 hour aprox. While optional, our guide will take you to the entry point. A ticket is required, which we can secure if booked in advance.
Tickets are aligned with your Inca Trail dates. The ticket for Huayna Picchu costs US$ 70.00 per person.
2. Montaña Vieja
Montaña Vieja offers stunning views, even more so than Huayna Picchu, but takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. A ticket is required, which we can secure if booked in advance.
The ticket for Montaña Vieja costs US$ 70.00 per person.
3. Rental Equipment for Inca Trail
A sleeping bag is essential for camping. Our bags are mummy-style, with liners, and protect down to -18ºC (0ºF). Inflatable mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but recommended.
- Sleeping bag US$ 20
- Walking poles (pair) US$ 15
- inflatable mattress US$ 15
What to Bring
- Valid Passport
- Trekking Clothes (pants, socks, short, t-shirt, jacket)
- Hiking boots or shoes (waterproof)
- Waterproof Jacket and raincoat.
- Hat, sunblock, sunglasses, insect repellent
- Flashlight, camera, batteries, chargers, power bank
- Extra money (soles)
- Personal medication
- Water bottle or CamelBak
- Sleeping bag (-20°C) and Trekking poles
- Medium trekking backpack (25 liter)
- Bathing suit and towel
Tips
Briefing (Informative Meeting)
Join us for a 30-45 minute briefing the evening before your tour at our Cusco office or your hotel. If you can’t make it, please coordinate a different time via email, phone, or in person.
Payment Balance
Please settle any outstanding balance 1 day before your trek to confirm your reservation. Cash payments in USD or Soles are preferred and can be made at our office or during the briefing. ATMs are available nearby. Credit/debit cards or PayPal are accepted with a 5% service fee. Unfortunately, we don’t accept checks.
Can I store my luggage with you?
Yes, you can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel free of charge. For items you won’t need on the trek, check with your hotel—they usually offer storage. Keep valuables in the hotel safe and get a receipt for insurance purposes. For extra security, put valuables in a sealed, signed envelope.
How long should I acclimate in Cusco before the Trek?
To avoid altitude sickness, we suggest arriving in Cusco 2-3 days before your trek. Even if you’ve been at high altitude elsewhere in Peru, it’s best to spend a full day in Cusco to rest and explore before your trek.
Here are some activities to enjoy around Cusco before your adventure begins:
Maras & Moray Tour (half day) US$ 50
Sacred Valley (full day) US$ 60
US$500
Travel Consultation
Would you like to chat with one of our travel consultants for free?
David Silva
Travel Consultant
Testimonials
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Visiting Peru with CIT was like unlocking a hidden world! From the Andes to Machu Picchu, every detail was so well thought out. Our guide, Alberto, even knew how to say 'llama' in Japanese for our group. It wasn’t just a tour—it felt like a reunion with old friends in the most magical place on earth.
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Who knew I’d make friends from Germany, Japan, and Australia all while hiking the Inca Trail? Each day was a new adventure, and the passion they have for their culture is contagious!
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Never thought I'd be learning Quechua while exploring ancient ruins! By the end, our group felt like a big family from all over the world. It was an unexpected journey in every sense. Peru with them is a game-changer!
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