Inca Trail 2 days: a good and unforgettable option to Machu Picchu

Inca Trail 2 days: a good and unforgettable option to Machu Picchu

$616.00 / from

CategoryAdventure

Difficulty star

RequirementsHiking experience

Type of serviceShared & private

The best season to do the short Inca Trail: From April to October. The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February.

Experience the essence of the legendary Inca Trail on a two-day expedition.

Enjoy this unparalleled and enriching experience along the historic Inca Trail, designed specifically for travelers with limited time but a desire to forge a deep connection with Andean history, nature, and spirituality. This two-day trek offers the highlights of the Inca journey: hikes along ancient stone paths surrounded by lush vegetation, towering sacred mountains—the apus—and surprising archaeological sites hidden in the high jungle.

On the first day, you'll be awestruck by Wiñay Wayna, an archaeological complex that seems to emerge from the mountain with its stepped terraces and ceremonial buildings, reflecting the Inca's sophisticated architecture and engineering. From there, the route continues to the iconic Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the original access point to Machu Picchu, where you can enjoy an unforgettable view of the citadel at sunset.

After your stay in Aguas Calientes, the second day will be dedicated entirely to exploring the majestic Machu Picchu, guided by experts who will reveal the spiritual, astronomical, and architectural secrets of this world-famous sanctuary.

This route, though short in distance, offers a meaningful experience that highlights the Inca heritage and stimulates the spirit of adventure.

Overview

Day 1: Cusco - KM 104 - Wiñay Wayna - Inti Punku - Aguas Calientes
Day 2: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Included & Excluded

You will find detailed information about the services included in our tours and hikes below. Please read the list of inclusions and exclusions carefully.

Transfers between Cusco, KM 104 and Aguas Calientes
Round-trip train ticket (Expedition or Vistadome).
Official entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Professional bilingual guide
Box lunch on day 1 and breakfast on day 2
Return bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
One night in a three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
Permanent assistance

Additional expense
Beverages (Coca-Cola, beer, etc.).
Food not mentioned
FLIGHT TICKETS

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - KM 104 - Wiñay Wayna - Inti Punku - Aguas Calientes

Altitudes:

Start (KM 104): 2,100 m
Wiñay Wayna: 2,650 m
Inti Punku: 2,720 m
Aguas Calientes: 2,040 m
Distance: 11 km – 6 to 7 hours of walking

In the early morning, we will be transferred from Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo. Board the train at KM 104, the starting point of your hike.

Along the way, we will visit:

We will visit Chachabamba, an ancient Inca ceremonial centre.
We will then hike uphill along ancient stone paths, surrounded by orchids, ferns and spectacular landscapes.
Explore the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, one of the most beautiful on the Inca Trail.
Enjoy a boxed lunch at the rest area.
Continue to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) for the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu at sunset.
Descend by bus to Aguas Calientes.
Dinner is included, as is an overnight stay in a three-star hotel or equivalent.

Day 2: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Altitude of Machu Picchu: 2,430 m
Early in the morning, we will take a bus to Machu Picchu, where we will enjoy a complete guided tour of the main areas:
The Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana and the Temple of the Condor.
We will also see the agricultural terraces, water channels and ceremonial enclosures.
We will enjoy unforgettable views with the snow-capped Salkantay and Veronica mountains as a backdrop.
You will then have free time to explore, or you can opt to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance booking required).
We then return by bus to Aguas Calientes.
Take the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo and then transfer to Cusco.