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Short Inca Trail 2Days/1Night

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night

The 2 day Inca Trail is a fantastic option for those who don’t have the time or desire to hike the full length of the Inca Trail. With beautiful scenery, a wide variety of flora and fauna on display and a visit to the Inca Trail’s most beautiful site (Wiñay Wayna), you get to enjoy the all the best bits of the Inca Trail condensed in to a one day walk. Covering a distance of 16 km / 10 miles the 2 day Inca Trail is not too challenging which makes it perfect for families with children and  those on a tight schedule.

The 2 day 1 night option allows you to experience some of the secrets of the Incas whithout camping in close proximity to aboultion facilities. There is no way to explain the surpise of that «woow woow» when

after a four hour steep walk upwards, crossing the path of the second most important Inca ruin «Wina Wayna», (which by the way) is beautiful and well worth the climb you scramble up a steep flight of stairs and

then your breathe is truly taken away at the Sun gate.

Tourists who go into the Machu Picchu sanctuary for a few hours alone really do miss out on this marvelous and mysterious place. A short visit only gives you a stolen glimpse of this impressive empire and does absolutely no justice to this marvelous and mysterious place.

Useful Information

  • Starting Altitude – 2100m / 6900ft.
  • Highest Altitude – 2730m / 8,792ft.
  • Walking Distance – 16km / 10 miles
  • Accomodation – Hotel.
  • Overall Difficulty – Easy to Moderate difficult (depends on your level of fitness).

Day 1: Cusco – Km104 – Aguas Calientes

Our trek today takes us along the most impressive stretch of the Inca Trail. We’ll visit beautiful Inca sites , see a variety of flora and fauna and get to take in the fantastic panoramas of the Andes mountains. Covering 16km of the trail our journey begins in the Sacred Valley and works it’s way up along an original Inca Trail to the Inca site of Winay Wayna before continuing on to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

As we make our way to Machu Picchu we’ll pass through the lush and verdant cloud forest that covers the mountain and get to see a variety of plants, flowers and birds along the way. We may also see some larger mammals such as Viscachas (rabbit-like Chinchillas) and Spectacled Bears (if we are very lucky).

After a full days trekking we’ll arrive to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the late afternoon and get our first views of Machu Picchu spread out on the mountain below. The light at this time of day is great for photos and with fewer tourists in the site it’s a perfect time to take some pictures of the site. After we’ve passed through the Sun Gate we’ll carry on along the trail a little way before taking a side trail that leads us to Aguas Calientes in the valley below where we’ll check in to our hotel.

PLEASE NOTE: Boxlunch provided is carried by the tourist themselves.

Day 2: Machu Picchu!

Waking up early (04:00am) we’ll take one of the first buses back up to Machu Picchu to enter the site as soon as  it opens (06:00am) We’ll have a 2 hour guided tour of the site during which you’ll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour you’ll have free time to explore the site by yourself and if you have permits to climb either Huayna Picchu (2 hours round trip) or Machu Picchu mountain (3 hours round trip). In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo (2 hours) from where you will carry on by bus back to Cusco (2 more hours).

Included

  • Professional English Speaking Tour Guide.
  • Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+.
  • Pick-up from your Hotel.
  • Train to Km 104.
  • Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco.
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Boxed Lunch, 1 Dinner. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know.
  • 3 Star Hotel (Vista Machu Picchu or similar).
  • Oxygen bottle for emergencies.
  • First aid kit for emergencies.
  • Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu ruins.
  • 2 Bus tickets for the second day (Aguas Calientes -Machu Picchu – Aguas Caliente).

IMPORTANT NOTICE: ZERO PLASTIC BOTTLES ON THE INCA TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU FROM DECEMBER 1ST:

Due to New goverment regulations for the Inca Trail it will be 100% PROHIBITED to TAKE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES. We believe that in the first days the new enforced regulations may NOT be 100% controlled however as the days go it will be more and more strict therefore WE KINDLY suggest you getting your aluminum plastic bottles to avoid any dissapointment at the check points along the Inca Trail and in the Machu Picchu citadel.

 

ALUMINUM 0.700ml BOTTLES:

As a way to avoid any inconvenience with our clientes Pacha Peru Explorers offers 0.700ml aluminum water bottles FREE, when our guide visit your hotel he bring you the bottle.

Also, if you are still at home and ready to fly to Peru for your trek we recommend you bringing aluminum water bottles or camel bags.

We look forward to meeting you…

Does Not Included

  • Water.
  • Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 2.
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain.
  • Tips.
  • Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

What you need to take

  • Original Passport.
  • Student card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount).
  • Water.
  • Walking boots.
  • Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
  • T-shirts.
  • Comfortable Trousers.
  • Sun hat.
  • Sun cream (factor 35 or higher).
  • Insect repellant.
  • Toiletries and hand sanitiser.
  • Personal medication.
  • Camera and film.
  • Torch with spare batteries.

TRIP LENGHT

2

DAYS

2021 LAND COST

FROM

$550

PER PERSON

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

PRE PAYMENT PER PERSON

$250

BALANCE

$300

Additional Items:

Below is a quick list of prices, but check our Additional Options section for more details.

Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Even when you will do this hike on your own, your guide will still show you the trail entrance. This trek is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you with advance notice.

Your tickets will be purchased to coincide with when you need to start the trail. Tickets are either for the First Session from 7-8 AM or Second Session from 10-11 AM. We purchase the Second Session for our clients for you to enjoy your tour of Machu Picchu before you begin. This window is only your start time, and you may take your time up and down, so no rush.

The ticket is $45 per person.

Machu Picchu Mountain

* Only possible to do if you have an extra day to visit Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu mountain is the other mountain that stands above the Machu Picchu ruins. It offers even more stunning views than Huayna Picchu but takes an hour and a half to reach the top. For this trek, it will be an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you.

Tickets for Machu Picchu Mountain are now also within a timeframe of when you can begin – which is between 9-10 AM. Due to this limited time frame, it is not possible to hike the Inca Trail and hike Machu Picchu Mountain. You can, however, schedule a second visit to the citadel on the next day.

This ticket is $45 per person.

Vistadome Train

All our tours include the Expedition Train. This train is usually booked at 4:22 p.m., leaving from Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome Train is an upgraded train that offers slightly larger seats, windows, and even some entertainment. Usually, the Vistadome train is booked for 4:43 p.m. and travels to Poroy, a train station closer to Cusco. While this is an upgraded fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel.

This train is $100 per person.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

This trek does NOT include porters. You will be carrying all your own things yourself while hiking. Because of this, it is imperative to pack as light as possible. A light backpack is key to feeling great.

PACKING LIST:

  • Passport
  • Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
  • Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks or bottles are good for this trek.
  • Water for the beginning of your hike. We will resupply you at lunch.
  • Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
  • 1 Wicking/Hiking Shirt & hiking pants
  • Nice shirt and pants for Machu Picchu day – remember you will always treasure these photos, wear something you love
  • 2 sets of undergarments including one pair of hiking socks
  • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
  • Sun hat
  • Bathing suits for the hot springs (Optional on your own in Aguas Calientes)
  • Sun protection cream
  • Insect Repellent
  • Personal medication
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Camera
  • IPhone/IPod for music
  • Flashlight with spare batteries
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

FAQs on the Short  INCA TRAIL 2 Days / 1 Night 

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

BOOKING

We try to make booking as easy as possible at Pacha Peru Explorers. We need a booking form that is completed and includes all details for the entire party on one form please, and then a $300 deposit per person. We will then book your permits. When permits are in our hands, we will send you your invoice and confirmation that everything is 100% set. All start dates, once confirmed, are guaranteed.

PERMITS

Only licensed Inca Trail tour operators, like Pacha Peru Explorers, can obtain permits from the government. Once your permit is secured, the name and start date can not be changed, under any circumstance. The only information the government permits us to change is the passport numbers.

UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS

The government will only allow us to change passport numbers if we have a copy of the new passport and old passport. If you no longer have your old passport, any government issue ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Also, make sure your passport does not expire six months or less from your trip.

HOW TO GET TO CUSCO

Most people will get to Cusco by air. Please remember that the Cusco airport is for domestic travel only. If you come directly from overseas through Lima, you must get your bags in Lima and re-check them for your flight to Cusco. Four airline carriers fly roundtrip between Lima and Cusco. That includes LATAM Airlines, AVIANCA Airlines, Star Peru, and Peruvian Airlines. They all offer similar schedules and in-flight service, but we usually recommend either LATAM airlines or AVIANCA. They tend to be the most helpful when unexpected flight cancellations or delays occur.

WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO

While you can stay at any hotel in Cusco, the city is becoming more challenging to navigate by car. Many roads, especially near the main square, are open to pedestrian traffic only. We will notify you if it is not possible to pick you up by car and arrange another meeting point for pick up/drop off. For a list of recommended hotels, please ask your Pacha Peru Explorers sales rep.

CAN I STAY IN THE SACRED VALLEY

Ollantaytambo is the best place to stay other than Cusco. By staying in Ollantaytambo, you get a little more sleep, because we will pick you up about 1.5 hours after the Cusco pick up time. You can only have your briefing in Cusco. So please arrange a time that works for you and our office team with your Pacha Peru Explorers sales rep.

CAN I SPEND AN EXTRA NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES

Of course, if you are ok with taking the same train out of Aguas Calientes that is part of your original itinerary, which is typically at 4:22 that evening than there is no additional charge to move the train back a day. If you need us to secure your hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu, this will be an additional cost. If you do choose to spend one more night in Aguas Calientes, make sure you tell the Pacha Peru Explorers office at least one month in advance, so your train ticket is purchased for the right day.

WHAT TYPE OF ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ARE USED IN PERU

Most hotels and even homes in Peru now have the standard US outlet and also the South American outlet.


DURING YOUR TRIP

HOW CHALLENGING IS THE TREK

While you don’t need any specific training to do the 4 Day Inca Trail, being fit will help. The best preparation for the trek is treadmill exercises with steep inclines and stairs. The second day will be your toughest day, as you will climb up two peaks that day.

DO YOU NEED HIKING BOOTS

We always recommend light hiking boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing down so many steps created by the Incas, now uneven and at varying heights, the extra support helps from twisting your ankles.

SHOULD I USE WALKING STICKS

Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, but particularly on this trek. There are so many stairs that you will walk down and all made by the Incas 400 years ago. They vary in height and are not all straight. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing this portion of the trail. Plus they will help you get up the mountain as well. All our walking sticks are expandable black diamond poles that can be folded up and tied to your bag when you are not using them. For those who are bringing your own, make sure you have rubber tips, or the rangers will not allow you to use them. Rubber tips can be purchased in Cusco if you forget before you leave.

WHERE DO I STORE MY LUGGAGE

All of your luggage is not needed for the trek and should stay in Cusco. All hotels are very accommodating and quite used to storing luggage on-site, or you can safely store with the Pacha Peru Explorers team.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS FAR AS WEATHER

Please understand that this is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically April through September is the dry season, November through February is the rainy season and March and October and bridge months – a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up you should be comfortable hiking and touring Machu Picchu in short sleeves. Long pants (yoga or hiking) are encouraged to help from the mosquitos which can be a nuisance in Aguas Calientes.

Please complete the form below to request a reservation. One of our Trip Coordinators will contact you, often within two business hours, to confirm availability of the trip and/or provide you with other options. Once availability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the tour. Please call us or write us by whatsap at (+51) 998 037474 with any questions or to confirm availability or write us directly to pachaperuexplorers@gmail.com

 

 

Group Travel

Personal Details

Trip Details

You are booking NOW:  

SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS

Number of Travelers  

14 years and above
Below 14 years

USEFUL INFORMATION

Locations Visited: Km 104, Inca Trail, Winay Wayna, Sun Gate, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes.


Trip Style: Hikking, Adventure, History, Culture


Length: 16 Km/10miles (2 days / 1 night)


Frequency: From March 1st to January 31st.


Group: 2 pax min, max 12 pax


Difficulty: Challenging