From Cuzco: Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu

The Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable adventure departing from Cusco. Travelers will embark on a scenic train ride, hike the stunning trail to Wiñaywayna, and witness the breathtaking views from the Sun Gate before exploring the iconic Inca citadel. With a maximum of 8 participants, professional guides ensure a personalized experience tailored to dietary needs. This enriching exploration of Machu Picchu promises an adventure you won’t soon forget.

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Key Points

The Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu tour departs daily from Cusco, with hotel pickup and transportation included.
The 2-day hike covers approximately 3 hours to Wiñaywayna and culminates in a visit to the Sun Gate for views of Machu Picchu.
The tour includes professional guide services, entrance tickets, one night’s hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes, and specified meals.
Vegetarian and vegan meal options are available, and the tour can accommodate various dietary needs.
Recommended items for the tour include a camera, cash, insect repellent, and appropriate hiking gear, while prohibited items include drones, alcohol, and drugs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The tour is called the "Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu" and costs from $635.00 per person.

Reservations can be made with a free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The 2-day, 1-night tour is limited to 8 participants and departs daily.

The price includes hotel pickup in Cusco, transportation, permits, guides, meals, and accommodation.

Dietary preferences like vegetarian or vegan can be accommodated.

Travelers should bring essentials like a camera, cash, and hiking shoes.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with altitude sickness or young infants.

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Itinerary and Highlights

Day 1 begins with a pickup from Cusco hotels at 4:00 a.m. Travelers board a train at Ollantaytambo, departing at 6:10 a.m. The trek starts at km 104, where hikers ascend to Wiñaywayna in 3 hours. After a guided exploration and lunch, the journey continues to the Sun Gate for views of Machu Picchu, before reaching the iconic site. Travelers then bus to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay and dinner.

| Day 1 Highlights | |

| — | — |

| Pickup from Cusco | 4:00 a.m. |

| Train departure | 6:10 a.m. |

| Hike to Wiñaywayna | 3 hours |

| Machu Picchu viewpoint | Sun Gate |

| Overnight in Aguas Calientes | |

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco as well as all necessary transfers, including the train ride from Ollantaytambo to the trek’s starting point at km 104.

You’ll have the services of a professional guide, plus a second guide for larger groups.

Entrance tickets for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are included, along with one night’s hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.

Meals include 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner.

For emergencies, the tour provides a first aid kit and oxygen.

Bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes are also included.

Dietary and Accommodation Options

Two dietary options are available for this tour.

Vegetarian and vegan meals can be provided upon request at no extra charge. This ensures that all dietary needs are accommodated.

The tour includes one night’s hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. This provides a comfortable place to rest after the day’s activities and prepare for the guided tour of the iconic Inca citadel the following morning.

With these options, travelers can fully enjoy the Short Inca Trail experience while having their dietary requirements and lodging needs met.

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Essential Information

Travelers embarking on the Short Inca Trail should come prepared with a camera, cash for any personal expenses, biodegradable insect repellent, snacks, suitable hiking shoes, a daypack, sunscreen, and water.

Drones, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited. This trek isn’t suitable for individuals with altitude sickness, babies under 1 year, or people over 95 years.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, trekkers should follow the guide’s instructions and refrain from any jumping or other risky behavior.

Trekkers should follow the guide’s instructions and avoid any risky behavior to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

With the right preparation, the Short Inca Trail offers a captivating journey to the iconic Machu Picchu.

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Preparing for the Trek

To ensure a successful and enjoyable trek, travelers should carefully consider the necessary preparations. A few key things to keep in mind:

Proper Footwear: Invest in a pair of well-broken-in, high-quality hiking boots with good traction to navigate the uneven terrain.
Layered Clothing: Pack layers that can be added or removed as the weather changes, including moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and weatherproof outer shells.
Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield from the intense Andean sun.
Hydration and Snacks: Carry plenty of water and have high-energy snacks on hand to fuel the trek.

What to Expect on the Trail

The Short Inca Trail trek begins at kilometer 104, where hikers set off on a captivating journey to the iconic Machu Picchu.

The well-marked trail winds through lush cloud forests, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. Hikers will ascend to the Wiñaywayna ruins, an Inca archaeological site, before continuing to the Sun Gate for their first glimpse of the legendary citadel.

The final descent into Machu Picchu is both exhilarating and awe-inspiring. Experienced guides lead the way, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.

Proper gear and conditioning are essential for this moderately challenging trek.

Exploring Machu Picchu

What awaits visitors at the famed Machu Picchu? A guided tour of this iconic Inca citadel provides an immersive experience.

Visitors can:

Explore the awe-inspiring ruins and learn about the Inca’s advanced engineering and architectural feats.
Witness the stunning vistas from the Sun Gate, which offers panoramic views of the entire site.
Discover the intricate details of the Temple of the Sun, the Main Plaza, and the Intihuatana Stone.
Hike to the Inca Bridge, a precarious path that showcases the Inca’s mastery of construction.

The visit to Machu Picchu is the culmination of the Short Inca Trail trek, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness its grandeur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour on Short Notice?

Yes, this tour can be booked on short notice. The tour has daily departures, and reservations can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, you can extend the tour duration. The provider offers a 4-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, which provides more time to explore the Inca ruins and surrounding landscapes along the way.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Meet My Preferences?

While the standard itinerary is fixed, the tour operator may be able to accommodate some customization requests. Travelers can inquire about modifying the schedule or adding/removing activities to better suit their preferences, subject to availability and additional fees.

What Is the Maximum Altitude Reached During the Trek?

The highest point reached during the trek is 2,720 meters (8,920 feet) at the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu. This elevated viewpoint offers stunning panoramic vistas of the ancient Inca citadel and the surrounding Andes mountains.

Do I Need Any Special Permits or Permissions to Do This Tour?

No special permits or permissions are required for this tour. The tour operator handles all necessary permits and entrance tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Participants only need to bring their passport for identification.

The Sum Up

The Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable journey, combining scenic train rides, stunning hiking trails, and an enriching exploration of the iconic Inca citadel. With professional guides, personalized experiences, and accommodations in Aguas Calientes, it’s an ideal adventure for those seeking a condensed yet immersive Machu Picchu experience. The trail’s breathtaking views and the opportunity to discover this wonder of the world make this a truly memorable and rewarding trek.