Your Ultimate Guide to the Short Inca Trail 2 Day Itinerary

Embark on an unforgettable journey with our meticulously crafted Short Inca Trail 2 Day adventure, designed for those eager to explore the rich tapestry of Inca history while soaking in the breathtaking landscapes of Peru. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of your two-day excursion, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.

Day One: The Journey Begins

• Early Morning Departure: Our journey kicks off at 4:15 a.m., with a private van pickup from your hotel, setting the stage for an extraordinary adventure.
• Scenic Train Ride: Departing Ollantaytambo at 6:10 a.m., the train ride offers captivating views of the Sacred Valley, arriving at Km 104 by 7:15 a.m. to commence our hike.
• Discover Inca Ruins: A three-hour ascent unveils the ancient sites of Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna, offering a glimpse into Inca civilization.
• Lunch with a View: After exploring, enjoy a delightful lunch before continuing to the Sun Gate for mesmerizing vistas.
• Iconic Machu Picchu Photos: Descend to capture the quintessential Machu Picchu shots, followed by a bus ride to Aguas Calientes.
• Evening Leisure: Check into your hotel, freshen up, and relish a sumptuous dinner in Aguas Calientes, capping off the day.

Day Two: Unveiling Machu Picchu

• Machu Picchu Tour: Post breakfast, delve into the enigmatic beauty of Machu Picchu with a 2-hour guided exploration of its ancient wonders.
• Return to Aguas Calientes: After marveling at Machu Picchu, descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) before heading to the train station for a 2:55 p.m. departure.
• Journey Back to Cusco: Retrieve your belongings at Ollantaytambo and enjoy a comfortable ride back to Cusco, arriving approximately at 6:30 p.m., where your memorable tour concludes.

Day 1: From Cusco to Kilometer 104, the Gateway to Machu Picchu

Your journey begins with an exhilarating early morning departure from Cusco at 4:00 am, setting the stage for an epic adventure on the renowned Short Inca Trail. Following a nourishing breakfast in Ollantaytambo (not included), you’ll embark on a scenic train ride, whisking you away to Kilometer 104 – the trailhead of the Short Inca Trail. Here, at an altitude of 2170 meters (7120 feet), your trek into history begins, guided by the lush landscapes of the Urubamba Valley sector of Chachabamba.

The 12-kilometer trek unveils the Inca empire’s remnants, nestled amidst the breathtaking Andean mountains. After a brief stop to register at the trail’s checkpoint, we delve into the ancient world at the Chachabamba archaeological site, enriched by our guide’s expert narration. The trail ascends, winding through stunning natural vistas and historic ruins, leading us to the mesmerizing site of Wiñaywayna. After exploring, a short walk brings us to our lunch spot, set against a backdrop of mountain splendor.

Venturing through cloud forests, we’re on the lookout for exotic flora and elusive wildlife, from orchids to toucans and spectacled bears. The pinnacle of our day’s hike is the arrival at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where Machu Picchu reveals itself in all its ancient glory – an unforgettable, crowd-free experience perfectly timed for golden-hour photography. The day concludes with a descent to Aguas Calientes, your base for the night, offering relaxation, a sumptuous dinner, and anticipation for the day ahead.

Day 2: The Majestic Machu Picchu Awaits

Awake early to the allure of Machu Picchu, the zenith of our expedition. A brief bus ride at dawn brings us back to this sacred citadel, ready to explore its wonders. Inside, our guide breathes life into the stones of Machu Picchu, sharing insights that make your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site profoundly memorable.

For the adventurers among us, the optional climb up Wayna Picchu Mountain beckons, offering staggering views that command your gaze across the Machu Picchu ruins and the sprawling landscape beyond. Remember, securing your spot to ascend Wayna Picchu requires early booking, given the limited availability of permits.

After basking in the marvels of Machu Picchu, we return to Aguas Calientes for a leisurely lunch (not included). The journey back to Cusco begins with a train ride to Ollantaytambo, where our transfer awaits to escort you back to your accommodation, marking the end of a journey that’s bound to linger in your heart and memories for years to come.

Experience the Short Inca Trail with us – where every step tells a story, and every view etches itself into your soul. Join us on this spectacular trek, navigating the path of the Incas, and uncovering the mysteries of Machu Picchu, one breathtaking step at a time.

SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAY MAP

What’s Included?

• Pick up and drop off at your hotel.
• Pre-departure briefing for the short Inca Trail 2 days, held at your hotel the day before.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Professional English-speaking tour guide.
• Tourist train ticket to Km104 (the starting point of the hike).
• Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu tickets.
• Scenic train and bus tickets
• Two hours of guided tour in Machu Picchu.
• Private transportation from the train station to Cusco.
• Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit.
• 1-night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
• Meal service including 1 breakfast, 1 box lunch, 1 dinner, and 1 snack, with options available for vegetarians, gluten-free, lactose intolerance, and any food allergies.

 Not Included

• Huayna Picchu mountain
• Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the second day.
• Entrance fee to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes town ($6 USD).
• Gratitud

Packing List for the Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu Trek

 Daypack Essentials:

• Original Passport (must match the one used for booking)
• Quality daypack (25 to 30 liters)
• 2-3 liters of water in reusable bottles or camelbacks
• Sturdy hiking boots for rainy season; good running shoes for dry season
• Light layers like a polar fleece or sweater for the mornings and evenings
• Raincoat
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Snacks such as your favorite energetic cereals or dried fruit for energy
• Camera
• Extra cash for emergencies and tipping
• Toilet paper for restroom stops along the trail
• Hand sanitizer
• Extra clothing for day 2 to explore Machu Picchu
• Face moisturizer
• Toothbrush and toothpaste for hygiene
• Personal medications as needed

Note: Everything must be carried throughout the entire trail, or request an extra porter, who will transport your belongings and drop them off at your hotel in Aguas Calientes Town.

Short Inca Trail 2 day price

Group Service

• High Season: $ 480.00 USD  per person (May-Sept)
• Low Season: $ 400.00 USD  per person (Oct-Apr)

Private Service 

• 02 Hikers: $ 520.00 USD per person
• 03 Hikers: $ 500.00 USD per person
• 04 Hikers: $ 490.00 USD per person
• 05 + Hikers: $ 480.00 USD per person

Discount

• Students aged between 18 to 24 with a valid student ID : $20 USD
• High school students aged 11 to 17 : $30 USD
• Children aged 2 to 11 : $40 USD

To apply the discount, students aged 18 to 24 must provide a copy of their passport and student ID at the time of booking. For more information, contact us at Info@allynpachaperutours.com

EXTRAS 

• Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket: $70 USD.
• Upgraded Vistadome train service: $40 USD (one way)
• Pair walking stick: $10 USD.
• Breakfast: on Day 1 
• Lunch: on Day 2
• Gratuity is appreciated.

Additional Information for the Sjort Inca Trail 2 Day

Key Details:

• Access to the Inca Trail 2 day at km. 104 is limited to 250 people per day, inclusive of support staff like authorized porters, cooks, and guides. This quota is strictly enforced, and once reached, the Trail is closed for the day with no further reservations allowed. Therefore, it’s essential to purchase permits in advance to secure your spot.
• Important Points to Note:
• This short Inca trail 2 day to Machu Picchu hike is not recommended for travelers with back problems.
• A tour guide will accompany you throughout the short Inca trail and the Machu Picchu tour.
• Daily departures are available for groups of 2 people or more.
• There are no departures in February due to trail maintenance.
• Wheelchair access is unavailable.
• Don’t Forget the Essentials: Original passport, insurance card, personal medications.
• The group for the short Inca Trail 2 day trek to Machu Picchu consists of a maximum of 8 travelers accompanied by a tour guide.

Potential Strikes:

• Strikes and roadblocks are common occurrences in Peru and may impact our short Inca trail 2 day to Machu Picchu hike and rail service to and from Machu Picchu. We’ll make every effort to ensure your hike proceeds as planned, with potential adjustments if necessary.
• In the event of a strike on the first day of your short Inca Trail 2 day tour, we’ll arrange a transfer to Aguas Calientes the night before your departure. You’ll spend the night in a hotel at your expense and hike an additional 1.5 hours to Km 104 the following day.
• If a strike occurs on the day you complete your short Inca Trail 2 day trek, we’ll make private transportation arrangements, requiring an extra 2.5 hours of hiking, followed by a 7-hour drive to return to Cusco.

Travel Insurance:

• It’s strongly recommended to obtain travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances, such as canceling your two-day Machu Picchu hike or medical emergencies during your travels.

Short Inca Trail Weather:

• Weather in the Andes is unpredictable. While the dry season spans from May to September and the rainy season from October through April, rain may occur during the dry season, and the sun may shine during the rainy season. Be prepared for fluctuating weather conditions and dress in layers, including rain gear and a down jacket, although temperatures are warm during the day (14-22 °C).

Return Journey from Machu Picchu to Cusco:

• Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes: A 30-minute bus ride with departures every 15 minutes or when full.
• Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station: Our guide will provide your train tickets, and you should arrive at the station 30 minutes before departure.
• Estimated travel time to Ollantaytambo is 1 hour and 40 minutes, and to Poroy is 3.5 hours.
• Upon arrival at any of both the train stations, our transfer will be waiting to take you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

Accommodation Options:

• Solo travelers will share a hotel double room with a same-sex traveler, while couples will enjoy a private double room.

Pre-departure Briefing:

• A mandatory briefing will be conducted one day before your departure for the Inca Trail 2 days. You’ll receive detailed information about your hike, equipment lists, and your payment balance.

Booking the Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek:

• Complete our booking form and upload passport copies for all participants as required by Peruvian law.
• A deposit of $200.00 USD + 7% bank commission per person is necessary to secure permits for the Short Inca Trail 2 Day.

 Balance Payment:

• Pay the balance in cash (USD or Peruvian soles) at briefing time or online via VISA or PayPal with a 7% service fee.

Student Discount Eligibility:

• Students must be under 18 years old at the time of the trek and provide a valid university ID card to qualify for the discount.

Changing Dates After Permit Purchase:

• Permit dates are non-transferable and non-refundable once purchased.

 Passport Requirement:

• Bring the physical original passport submitted for permit booking, as it will be checked at various points along the short Inca trail 2 days.

Luggage Storage:

• Store main luggage at our office or your hotel during the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for free. Bring only pack essentials for the trek.

Vistadome Train Upgrade:

• Upgrade to the Vistadome Train for enhanced amenities and comfort at $40 USD one way.

Tipping:

• While not compulsory, tips for excellent service are appreciated and support our staff.

 Sustainability:

• As a local, sustainable, and responsible tourism operator, we prioritize environmental protection and community benefit. Our staff is trained to respect cultural and religious practices.