Machu Picchu: 2-Day Tour of the Short Inca Trail

Machu Picchu, the captivating Inca citadel, beckons adventurous travelers to experience its grandeur. The "Machu Picchu: 2-Day Tour of the Short Inca Trail" offers a compact yet comprehensive exploration of this iconic destination. Adventurers can anticipate a scenic hike, breathtaking sunset views, and a guided tour of the ancient ruins, all while enjoying top-notch organization and assistance. With prices starting from $583.00 per person, this tour promises an unforgettable journey that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

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Key Points

This 2-day Machu Picchu tour includes a 6-hour hike on the Short Inca Trail, guided tour of Machu Picchu, and transportation from Cusco.
The tour is priced at $583 per person and has a non-refundable cancellation policy.
Highlights include sunrise views from the Sun Gate and free time to explore Aguas Calientes.
The tour is best suited for active travelers without major health concerns, seeking an authentic Machu Picchu experience.
The tour has received a 5/5 rating from 5 reviews, praising the knowledgeable guide, perfect organization, and overall amazing experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Machu Picchu: 2-Day Tour of the Short Inca Trail," is priced from $583.00 per person.

This 2-day adventure lasts approximately 48 hours, with a non-refundable cancellation policy.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, train tickets, entrance fees, a professional guide, select meals, and transportation.

Excluded are tips, additional hotel upgrades, and some meals.

With an overall rating of 5/5 from 5 reviews, this tour offers an immersive Inca Trail and Machu Picchu experience for visitors.

Travelers should come prepared with proper gear and be aware of restrictions for those with certain health conditions.

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Itinerary Highlights

This 2-day Machu Picchu tour begins with an early hotel pickup at 4:00 am. Travelers will travel by van for 2 hours to Ollantaytambo, then take a 1.5-hour train to kilometer 104 to start the Inca Trail hike. After a 6-hour trek with a picnic lunch, they’ll enter through the Sun Gate for stunning sunset views over Machu Picchu. Dinner and rest await in Aguas Calientes. On Day 2, a bus will take them to Machu Picchu for a 2.5-3 hour guided tour, followed by free time in Aguas Calientes before the return train and bus to Cusco.

| Day 1 | Day 2 |

| — | — |

| – Hotel pickup at 4:00 am
– Van to Ollantaytambo, then train to km 104
– 6-hour Inca Trail hike with picnic lunch
– Enter through Sun Gate, sunset views | – Bus to Machu Picchu for 2.5-3 hour guided tour
– Lunch and free time in Aguas Calientes
– Train to Ollantaytambo, then bus to Cusco |

Included and Excluded Services

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all necessary train tickets, entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, and the services of a professional guide.

Meals include 1 lunch, 1 dinner, and 1 breakfast. Bus transfers to Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo are also provided.

Permanent assistance via WhatsApp is available throughout the tour.

However, tips for staff, any additional hotel upgrades in Aguas Calientes, as well as the first breakfast, last lunch, and dinner aren’t included in the tour price.

Suitability and Recommendations

Who should consider this Machu Picchu 2-day tour?

This tour is best suited for:

Active travelers without major health concerns. The Inca Trail involves around 6 hours of daily hiking at high altitudes.
Adventurous travelers who want to experience the iconic Machu Picchu through an exciting entry point – the Sun Gate.
Travelers seeking a compact yet comprehensive Machu Picchu experience, with highlights like professional guiding and meals included.
Visitors who don’t mind basic accommodations in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, for an authentic local experience.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Overwhelmingly positive reviews underscore the exceptional value of this Machu Picchu 2-day tour.

Overwhelmingly positive reviews underscore the exceptional value of this Machu Picchu 2-day tour.

The tour boasts an impressive 5/5 rating based on 5 reviews. Customers praised the knowledgeable guide, perfect organization, and private tour assistance.

One reviewer from the UK highlighted the "amazing experience", while a French customer appreciated the "private tour assistance".

A German reviewer commended the guide’s informative commentary and pacing, though advised on managing accommodation expectations in Aguas Calientes.

The consistently excellent feedback confirms this tour delivers an unforgettable Machu Picchu adventure.

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Preparing for the Journey

Though the 2-day Machu Picchu tour promises an unforgettable experience, proper preparation is key to ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.

To get ready, the tour operator recommends:

Packing the essentials – sturdy hiking boots, moisture-wicking layers, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle.
Familiarizing yourself with the region’s climate, which can be unpredictable, and packing appropriate gear.
Practicing light hiking to build stamina for the Inca Trail portion of the tour.
Reviewing the itinerary and understanding what’s and isn’t included to manage expectations.

With these preparatory steps, travelers can focus on seeing the rich history and stunning landscapes of Machu Picchu.

Experience the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

After preparing for the journey, travelers can look forward to experiencing the highlights of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

The 2-day tour begins with an early morning pickup, followed by a scenic van and train ride to the trailhead. Hikers will trek the Inca Trail for 6 hours, taking in breathtaking views before entering through the Sun Gate for sunset at Machu Picchu.

The next day, a guided tour of the ancient citadel provides an in-depth look at its history and significance.

With included meals, transportation, and assistance, travelers can fully enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Booking and Logistics

Travelers can conveniently book this 2-day Machu Picchu tour online. The package includes:

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco.
Train tickets, entrance fees, and professional guide services.
Meals during the trek, including 1 lunch, 1 dinner, and 1 breakfast.
Assistance via WhatsApp throughout the journey.

The tour is priced from $583 per person and has a non-refundable cancellation policy.

Hikers should come prepared with suitable attire and equipment like hiking shoes, rain gear, and sun protection.

Responsible tourism is emphasized, with no littering allowed in the Machu Picchu area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour operator has a strict no-pet policy to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Service animals may be permitted with prior notice and approval.

Is It Possible to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

It’s generally possible to extend the duration of the tour, but this would need to be arranged directly with the tour provider. Additional costs and logistics would need to be confirmed. The standard tour duration is 2 days.

Do You Offer Discounts for Groups or Children?

The tour operator offers group discounts for parties of 4 or more. Children under 12 receive a 15% discount. However, the tour is not recommended for very young children due to the challenging hiking involved.

How Strenuous Is the Hiking Portion of the Tour?

The hiking portion is considered moderately strenuous, covering around 6 hours along the Inca Trail. Travelers should be in good physical condition and prepared for varied terrain, steep ascents, and high altitudes to fully enjoy the scenic route.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Mentioned?

The tour price does not include tips for staff, optional hotel upgrades in Aguas Calientes, or the first breakfast, last lunch, and dinner. Travelers should budget for these additional expenses not explicitly mentioned in the tour details.

The Sum Up

The Machu Picchu: 2-Day Tour of the Short Inca Trail offers an exceptional opportunity to explore this iconic Inca site. With its well-organized itinerary, professional guidance, and inclusion of essential services, this tour provides an immersive and hassle-free experience for active travelers. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking views, a challenging hike, or a comprehensive introduction to Machu Picchu, this compact tour is a great choice to make the most of your time and budget.