2 day inca trail
Short Inca Trail hike 2 days
The 2 day Inca Trail hike is a shorter, yet immersive experience that offers a glimpse into the famous Inca Trail without the physical demands of the full 4-day trek. This trek begins at km. 104, a point along the trail accessible by train from Cusco. From here, hikers embark on a journey that leads them through lush cloud forests, ancient Inca ruins, and scenic mountain landscapes. The highlight of the first day is the visit to Wiñay Wayna, an impressive archaeological site featuring well-preserved terraces and buildings that showcase the advanced engineering skills of the Inca civilization. The day concludes with a hike to Inti Punku or Sun Gate, where trekkers get their first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.
On the second day, hikers enter Machu Picchu early in the morning, often before the crowds arrive. This allows for a serene exploration of the iconic ruins, with time to fully appreciate the grandeur and mystery of the ancient city.
The 2-day trek is ideal for those with limited time or for those seeking a less physically challenging experience, while still offering the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Incas and witness some of the most stunning scenery in the Andes. It’s a condensed yet rewarding adventure that captures the essence of the Inca Trail.
Max altitude
2500 m / 8 202 feet
Trip Length
2 days
Languages
English / Spanish
Physical Level
Moderate
Cancellation
Cannot be cancelled
Inclusions
Included
- Pre-departure briefing to prepare for your adventure.
- Morning pick-up from your hotel and transfer to the train station.
- Entrance fees for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Expedition train ticket from Poroy or Sacred Valley (Cusco) to Km 104 (trailhead).
- Professional English-speaking official tour guide.
- Meals (lunch and dinner on the first day and breakfast on day two)
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu ruins to Aguas Calientes on the first day.
- One-night accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
- Round-trip bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu on the second day.
- Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes back to Poroy (Cusco).
- 24-hour guest service with an emergency contact number available throughout your visit.
- Taxes.
Not included
- Huayna Picchu Mountain (entrance tickets to this site cost $75 USD per person)
- First day breakfast, served at the hotel
- Vistadome train service upgrade for the return trip to Cusco. ($68 USD per person)
- Tips. Please note that our staff is well compensated, so tipping is entirely at your discretion.
Short Inca Trail tour 2 days itinerary
Day 1: Cusco Km. 104 – Wiñayhuayna – Aguas Calientes
- Early Morning Departure: We pick you up from your hotel at 4 a.m aproximately. From there, we will head to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where we will board the train departing at 6:10 a.m. The train ride follows the Urubamba River, offering spectacular views of farmland, snow-capped mountains, and the mighty Urubamba River, one of the sources of the Amazon River.
- Start of the Hike at km. 104: We arrive at the starting point of our hike. It’s important to have everything prepared at this stage. We will provide refreshments and there will be time for taking group photos before proceeding to the archeological site of Chachabamba. After a brief orientation and tour around Chachabamba, we will begin our trek on the Inca Trail.
- Hike to Wiñay Wayna: As we follow the Inca Trail, weather permitting, we will be treated to breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River, and other surrounding Inca sites. The trail ascends moderately for about three hours until we reach the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna at 2,650 m / 8,747 ft. This site is rich in history, featuring water fountains, temples, agricultural terraces, and offers a perfect opportunity to learn about the Inca civilization.
- Continuing to the Sun Gate: After exploring Wiñay Wayna, we will continue hiking towards Inti Punku or Sun Gate (2,730 m / 9,007 ft). Following the ancient Inca trail, we will get our first spectacular view of sacred citdel of Machu Picchu in all its splendor and majesty.
- Descent to Aguas Calientes: After enjoying the views at the Sun Gate, we will descend towards Machu Picchu, but will not enter the site yet. Instead, we will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in our hotel, resting up for the next day’s early visit to Machu Picchu.
Total distance: 13 km (8.08 miles)
Estimated hiking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,650 m (8,692 ft)Campsite altitude: 2,400 m (7,872 ft)
Day 2: Visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
- Early Morning Visit to Machu Picchu: The day begins early, with the first bus departing at 5:30 a.m. to take us to the historic Machu Picchu sanctuary. Upon arrival, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to witness the sunrise over this magnificent Inca citadel, a moment that is truly unforgettable. Take your time to explore every corner of this ancient wonder, soaking in its historical significance and the breathtaking views.
- Guided Tour of Machu Picchu: Your expert tour guide will lead you through the central area of the citadel, for about an hour and a half. You’ll explore the main streets, temples, and plazas, learning about the history, architecture, and significance of this ancient site. After the guided tour, you’ll have time to explore additional points of interest on your own, such as the Sacred Rock, a spiritual and energetic center of the Andean world, and the carved stone stairs with their stunning views.
- Optional Activities: If you wish, you can also undertake additional activities such as climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, which offer spectacular views of the citadel from above. These hikes require advance booking, are subject to availability, and incur an additional cost. Alternatively, you can go back to Aguas Calientes, the town at bottom of the mountain and visit the local museum or relax at the hot springs (entrance fees apply).
- Return to Aguas Calientes and Departure: After thoroughly exploring Machu Picchu, you will descend to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch on your own. In the afternoon, you’ll board the train for the return trip to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the train station, our private transport will meet you and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, concluding your 2-day Inca Trail adventure.
What to bring for Inca Trail 2 day hike
- Original passport (the same one that you used to book your trek).
- Valid university ID (if you booked as a student).
- Good backpack (30L or 35L).
- Water bottle: 2-3 L (Camelback recommended).
- Waking shoes.
- Toilet paper.
How to book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days
Check availability for the date you wish to go on the Inca Trail: offered by the Peruvian government or consult with our team here.
Once the availability for your departure date has been confirmed, make your reservation by making a deposit of US$200 per person by clicking on the “Book Now!” button.
Important information
- Only 500 people per day are allowed to start this trek (including guides and porters), so we recommend that you make your reservation at least 7 months in advance. If the Inca Trail is already booked for your chosen dates, we offer alternative treks – check them out!
- It is imperative that for entry into The Inca Trail that you have your original passport with you.
- If you have received a Student Discount, you must also have your original Student Card.
- If you have renewed or changed your passport (or name) after your original reservation with us, it is imperative that you send us your new passport number/name and bring a copy of your old passport (or even better, the original) as well as the original new passport to be sure they will admit you onto The Inca Trail.
- The day before your start date for the Inca Trail, we will give you an instructional talk regarding what to expect for the trek, in our office at 6:00 pm.
- You are responsible for carrying your own personal belongings, including your sleeping bag and ground mat. We offer the option for you to hire a porter to carry your personal belongings, if you’d rather. This must be arranged in advance.
- To obtain a student discount, your student card must be current with your photo, issue date, expiration date, and have a security bar/magnetic strip. Please send us a photo of the card and have this card with you when you enter the Inca Trail.
- If you want to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, we’ll need plenty of notice as this is extremely popular and permits are very limited. You should request the reservation at the same time as your reservation of the Inca Trail.
To climb Huayna Picchu Mountain:
You must request this permit at the same time as your reservation for the Inca Trail. Huayna Picchu is the mountain within the Citadel of Machu Picchu – the one in all the classic photos. It is quite popular and it is also extraordinary to be able to climb it, requiring moderate physical effort, though it is very steep. From the top you will have an incredible view. It takes about 2 hours roundtrip. Permits are limited and sell out quickly.
Additional cost for permit:
$ 68.00 USD Adult.
$ 43.00 USD Student.
To climb Machu Picchu Mountain:
From the top you have an extraordinary view of the surrounding area. This climb is quite challenging and takes 4 hours roundtrip. Permits are limited.
Additional cost for permit:
$ 68.00 USD Adult.
$ 43.00 USD Student.
Cancellation Policy:
- Within 15 days of the start date of the tour, the cancellation penalty is 100% of your deposit.
- Within 14 days of the start date of the tour, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the total cost of the tour.
- Tickets are not transferable, and are only valid in the name in which the original reservation was made.
Inca Trail Entry Requirements:
- To enter the Inca Trail, you must have a permit from the Ministry of Culture of Peru. This is acquired through a travel agency that has authorization. Eco Tour Cusco EIRL, is an authorized agency for the operation of the Inca Trail.
- The number of people who can enter the Inca Trail is limited to 500 people per day (including guides and porters). To ensure your entry it is necessary that you make your reservation in advance (up to 1 year in advance).
- To obtain the student discount, your student card must be current and have: your photo, date of issuance and expiration date, and have a security bar/magnetic strip.
- It is forbidden to uproot plants, build fires, or to bring alcohol or other drugs on the trek.
Inca Trail 2 days Reviews
Secure payment options