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2 Days Inca Trail
Founded and based in Cusco, with three decades of experience showing our culture.
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We are passionate about giving our clients the best experience possible.
Short Inca Trail hike 2 days
Our Short Inca Trail 2-day trek is the perfect choice for those with limited time or who prefer a shorter hike instead of the classic 4-day route. This journey offers breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and a visit to one of the most stunning Inca sites, Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). In just one day of hiking, covering 10 km (6.3 miles), you’ll experience the highlights of the Inca Trail. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu twice—once in the afternoon and again in the morning—to capture stunning photos at different times of the day.
Short Inca Trail tour 2 days Itinerary
- Departure: 4:00 AM from Cusco.
- Breakfast: Stop in Ollantaytambo (1.5-hour drive).
- Train Ride: Travel to Kilometer 104, the trailhead.
The hike follows one of the most scenic sections of the Classic Inca Trail. Along the way, you’ll visit impressive Inca ruins, enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes, and observe diverse flora and fauna.
- Key Stop: Wiñay Wayna, a stunning archaeological site.
- Lunch: Picnic with mountain views.
- Hiking through Cloud Forest: Walk through lush vegetation filled with orchids, birds, and native plants.
- Sun Gate (Inti Punku): First panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu: Short visit to the upper section (Circuit 01) for the classic postcard photo.
- Aguas Calientes: Arrive around 5:00 PM, check in at the hotel, and enjoy free time. You can relax at the town’s hot springs before dinner.
Hiking Details:
- Distance: 11 km / 6.83 miles
- Trailhead Elevation: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
- Highest Point: 2,720 m / 8,923 ft
- Elevation Gain: 695 m / 1,683 ft
- Elevation Loss: 391 m / 820 ft
- Weather: Hot and humid
- 5:30 AM: Take the first bus to Machu Picchu (30-minute ride).
- Entry to Machu Picchu: Present passport and ticket at the checkpoint.
- Guided Tour (2–3 hours): Explore key sites like the Temple of the Sun, Inca houses, water fountains, agricultural terraces, Sacred Rock, Temple of the Condor, and more.
After the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private vehicle will take you back to Cusco, arriving around 7:30 PM.
Optional Hike: If you booked an extra hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, the guide will provide details and your bus ticket back to Aguas Calientes. These hikes are self-guided unless you request a private guide (additional cost).
Highlights:
- Early morning visit to Machu Picchu.
- Witness the sunrise over the citadel.
Elevation:
- Aguas Calientes: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft
- Machu Picchu: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Meals Included: Breakfast only.
Included
- Briefing Session: The evening before your trek, you’ll attend an informational session at our office with your guide and fellow hikers.
- Three-Star Hotel: We partner with Tara Machu Picchu Hotel. If it’s fully booked, we’ll arrange accommodation at another three-star hotel.
- Hotel Pickup & Drop-off: We will pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco to begin your Inca Trail adventure. After your trek, we’ll drop you off at your hotel or Airbnb.
- Private Transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo: Our driver will take you comfortably from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
- Two Breakfasts: Enjoy breakfast in Ollantaytambo on the first day. Your hotel will provide a second breakfast before your visit to Machu Picchu.
- Lunch: We accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions, offering vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, and allergy-friendly options.
- Dinner: A delicious dinner will be provided at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
- Inca Trail Permit: The tour cost includes the permit for the Short Inca Trail, granting access to various Inca sites along the route.
- Machu Picchu Ticket: This ticket grants you entry to Machu Picchu, including a private guided tour.
- Three Bus Tickets: After completing the trek on the first day, you’ll take a bus to Aguas Calientes. The next morning, you’ll take a bus to Machu Picchu. After your guided tour, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes by bus.
- Round-Trip Expedition Train Tickets: On the first day, you’ll take the 6:10 AM train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104. The next day, you’ll return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo on the Expedition Train at either 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM.
- Tourist Transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco: After your train ride, we’ll take you back to your hotel, Airbnb, or private accommodation in Cusco.
- Oxygen Tank: Our guides always carry an oxygen tank for emergencies.
- First Aid Kit: Our guides are equipped with first aid kits and can assist if needed.
- Rain Poncho: Even with a good rain jacket, heavy rainfall can be overwhelming. We provide a plastic poncho for extra protection.
- Guided Machu Picchu Tour: Explore Machu Picchu with our expert guide, visiting key temples and ruins, including the iconic Guardhouse platform.
- Free Storage for Extra Belongings: We offer secure storage in Cusco for any extra luggage you don’t need on the trek.
Not Included
- Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes town (5 USD).
- Tips (optional)
Additional Things
- Climbing Huayna Picchu Moutain: $65
- Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain: $65
- Vistadome Train: – One way Vistadome Ticket is 60 USD, – Round trip Vistadome ticket is 80 USD
What to bring for Inca Trail 2 day hike
It is required to carry
- Original passport (the same one that you used to book your trek).
- Valid university ID (if you booked as a student).
- Good backpack (30L or 35L).
- Water bottle: 2-3 L (Camelbaks recommended).
- Comfortable hiking shoes with ankle support.
What to carry in the 35L backpack
We recommend you to have a small 35 L day trekking backpack, in which you can carry the following things:
- Sun hat.
- Sunscreen
- Beanie or winter hat (wool hat).
- Rainwear or rain jacket.
- Snack such as chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dried fruit.
- Coca leaves.
- Plastic rain poncho.
- Gloves
- Camera
Price
Price per person
- From US$ 495 – Adults
- From US$ 475– Students (under 25 years of age)
Student discount
- 20 USD
The student discount can reduce the price of your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu by approximately 20 USD depending on the type of ticket. You must be a student of higher education (university or high school) and be under 25 years of age.
Requirement for the student id
To benefit from the student discount, travelers must present a valid student ID that meets the following criteria:
- Must be 25 years old or younger at the time of entry to Machu Picchu. Travelers over the age of 25 are not eligible for the student discount.
- The ID must include the name of the university, as well as the name and photograph of the student.
- The ID must be current and not expired.
Invalid student IDs
Student IDs will not be accepted for a discount under the following circumstances:
- The traveler is over the age of 25.
- The ID is expired.
- The student ID does not include an expiration date.
- ISIC cards are not considered valid for this discount.
Children discounts
- All children under 8 years old have a 30 USD discount on this tour.
How To Book
To book your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 1 day, click the BOOK NOW button and select your departure date. Next, fill in the personal information for each participant. Finally, complete the booking by paying a $200 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and your trip to Inca Trail will be fully secured.
FAQs About Rainbow Mountain Tour
The difficulty is moderate, with about 10-12 km (6-7 miles) of hiking on the first day. The terrain includes stone steps, uphill sections, and high-altitude walking, but it’s much easier than the 4-day trek. The second day is mostly a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Yes! Permits are required, just like for the classic Inca Trail. They are limited and must be booked months in advance, especially in the high season (May to September)
The highest point is 2,720 meters (8,924 feet) at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). It’s lower than the 4-day Inca Trail, making it easier for altitude adaptation
A moderate level of fitness is recommended. The trail has uphill sections and stone steps, but it’s manageable for people with basic hiking experience
No, the Inca Trail is regulated by the Peruvian government, and only licensed tour operators can provide the trek. Independent hiking is not allowed
While the highest point is 2,720 m (8,923 ft), altitude sickness is generally not an issue for most travelers. However, it’s recommended to spend at least 1–2 days in Cusco before the hike to acclimatize
The best time is during the dry season (April to October) when the weather is stable. The rainy season (November to March) can make the trail slippery but is still possible
Yes, but you need to book a separate permit in advance. The climb is steep but offers incredible views of Machu Picchu
There’s no official age limit, but it’s recommended for children over 8 years old. Elderly travelers should consult a doctor due to the altitude and hiking conditions
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