TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1:

CUSCO / MACHUPICCHU

Transfer from the hotel to the train station to get to Km. 104, where the Inca Trail begins.

During the train’s journey, you will pass through some towns and enter the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where we will have admirable views of the mountains of the Urubamba Cordillera that surround the valley.

Starting the Inca Trail, with the guide you will visit Chachabamba, and then walk about 3 to 4 hours inside an Andean rain forest, passing through an impressive waterfall of crystalline water, then arrive at the ruins of Wiñay Huayna.

After lunch, we will continue walking for an hour and a half more, until we reach the Inti Punku from where we will appreciate a magnificent view of Machu Picchu, the sacred city of the Incas.

After enjoying the landscape and the sanctuary, we will go down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where dinner is on your own and we will spend the night.

Early we will board the bus that takes us to Machu Picchu, where our guide will give us an explanation of the sanctuary and if some
wish they will be able to climb the impressive Huayna Picchu.

(All this before the arrival of the train that comes from Cusco with the other tourists at around 10:30 am).

After enjoying the good views of Machupicchu and Huyna Picchu, in the afternoon you will take the train back to Cusco.

Inclusions

Included

  • Transfer Hotel / Train Station.
  • Train tickets Cusco/Km 104 and Aguas Calientes/Cusco.
  • Meals: 1 Lunch,
  • Guide in Spanish and English.

Not Included

  • Hotel night in Aguas Calientes, dinner or breakfast on the second day.
  • Entrance ticket to Machupicchu

Pricing

From 2 to 3 Passengers
$ USD 457.00

Price per person

From 4 to 8 Passengers
$ USD 397.00

Price per person

From 9 to more passengers
$ USD 357.00

Price per person

Inquire Now

formulario de reserva

What to Pack

  • Mask and face shield
  • Original passport and copies (student card if you are students).
  • Specialized footwear for hiking
  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
  • Hat and gloves
  • T-shirts (polo shirts)
  • Swimwear (for the hot springs)
  • Pants with zipper on boots or comfortable pants (no jeans)
  • Rain pants
  • Sunscreen (factor 25+ is recommended)
  • Insect repellent (for mosquitoes, 15% deet)
  • Water bottle
  • Water purifying tablets (Micropur recommended)
  • oilet paper and wet wipes
  • Personal medication or personal medicine box
  • Camera and extra rechargeable batteries
  • Flashlight with spare batteries
  • Extra money for tips (optional). And for any emergency

Frequently Asked Questions Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days

What is the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is a popular hiking trail in Peru that leads to Machu Picchu.

How long is the Inca Trail?

The full Inca Trail is approximately 43 km (26 miles) long. There are also shorter options available, such as the 2-day Inca Trail.

What is the 2-day Inca Trail?

The 2-day Inca Trail is a shorter alternative to the full Inca Trail, covering a distance of approximately 26 km (16 miles) over 2 days.

What is included in the 2-day Inca Trail tour?

A typical 2-day Inca Trail tour includes guided hiking, camping equipment, food, and transportation to and from Machu Picchu.

What is the difficulty level of the 2-day Inca Trail?

The 2-day Inca Trail can be physically challenging, but is generally considered to be of moderate difficulty.

How do I book the 2-day Inca Trail?

You can book the 2-day Inca Trail through a local tour operator or online travel agency. It is recommended to book well in advance, as permits are limited and sell out quickly.

What should I bring on the 2-day Inca Trail?

Essential items for the 2-day Inca Trail include comfortable hiking shoes, warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, a hat, and a daypack.

Can I hike the 2-day Inca Trail without a guide?

No, it is not possible to hike the 2-day Inca Trail without a guide. All hikers are required to have a licensed guide for the entire trail.

Travel Guide about Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days

The Short Inca Trail: A Guide to Hiking to Machu Picchu

The Short Inca Trail is a great option for those who want to experience the famous hike to Machu Picchu but have limited time. This 2-day trek covers a distance of approximately 26 km (16 miles) and offers stunning views of the Andes Mountains and the lush Amazon rainforest. Here is a guide to help you plan your trip.

Getting there: The starting point of the Short Inca Trail is located in the town of Ollantaytambo, which is approximately 2 hours by train from Cusco. From Ollantaytambo, you will take a bus to the trailhead, where your journey begins.

What to bring: Make sure to bring comfortable hiking shoes, warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, a hat, and a daypack. You should also bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you hydrated and energized along the way.

Permits: You will need a permit to hike the Short Inca Trail. These permits are limited and sell out quickly, so it is important to book well in advance. You can book your permit through a local tour operator or online travel agency.

Guides: You are required to have a licensed guide for the entire trail. Your guide will provide valuable information about the history and culture of the Incas and help you navigate the trail.

The Hike: The Short Inca Trail is a moderate hike, with some steep and challenging sections. The first day is the longest and most strenuous, with a climb to the highest point of the trail at Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman’s Pass). The second day is shorter and easier, with a descent to Machu Picchu.

Camping: You will camp overnight along the trail. Your tour operator will provide camping equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, and mats.

Arrival at Machu Picchu: After two days of hiking, you will reach Machu Picchu, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. You will have the opportunity to explore the site and learn about its history and significance.

In conclusion, the Short Inca Trail is a wonderful way to experience the beauty and culture of the Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforest. With proper planning and preparation, this 2-day trek can be a truly unforgettable adventure.

Reviews about Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days

cathy w
cathy w
2023-12-22
Exceeded all expectations! We had an incredible family adventure with this white water rafting and zip lining experience in Peru. Our safety was a top priority, and the guide ensured a smooth pick-up from our Airbnb. The 1 hour 45 minute drive to the river lodge was scenic, and the lodge itself nestled in a beautiful setting. The rafting, said to be class 3+, provided an exhilarating experience, and the absence of other tourists made it feel exclusive. The scenery during the ride itself was amazing. We were also provided GoPro photos at the end for an extra charge. It definitely got very cold but there was a sauna at the end which was perfect. We finished up with a delicious lunch featuring quinoa and chicken soup, along with chicken, rice, and sweet potatoes. A memorable and well-rounded adventure that deserves five stars!
Madison P
Madison P
2023-10-31
Great experience and value but not a must-do in Cusco Hotel pick up at 8:30am very convenient. 2 hour drive or so to get to lodge, one stop for bathroom/snacks if needed. Equipment provided was weathered and a few tears but adequate. Safety demonstration before hitting river. Water was freezing but stayed warm enough in wetsuit provided, was definitely cold by the end. Anderson was our rafting guide and he was amazing, made the trip fun. Gave us a ton of info about the river, rafting, and other trips he does. Super cool guy. Rapids were about a class 2-3+ on the day we went but they differ depending on time of year/rain. When we got back I warmed up in the sauna then tried to take a shower. No hot water (which I guess isn't in the description but I assumed it would be hot.) Ended up not getting in since I was just in cold water for 2 hours... Had a warm delicious lunch of coffee, soup, and chicken & rice. After was given zipline equipment and a quick basic rundown/safety info. There are only two zips - one across the river and then one back. The ladder to get up to the first one is a little sketchy but not horrible. The posting doesn't specify how many zips are included so suppose it's my fault but I thought there would be more. We were a bit rushed because it looked like it was going to rain. Overall I would recommend if you for sure want to go rafting. But if you have been rafting and/or ziplining before and have a limited amount of time in Cusco, I would say skip it and do something like Rainbow Mountain that you can't see anywhere else.
Anna
Anna
2023-08-23
Exiting tour! We had a really good time, the guides really made an effort to make the whole tour exiting. The lodge were also nice 👍
Mike
Mike
2023-05-30
Awesome Experience! Just completed a hike up Rainbow Mountain with Juan Carlos from Mayuc. He did an outstanding job of keeping a group with varying abilities together and made it a most enjoyable experience for all. He was highly knowledgeable about the history, geology, and culture and was extremely personable. Fantastic experience. Lunch at the nearby Mayuc compound was a great bonus and a treat not to be missed!
George O
George O
2022-11-06
Value for money The zip line and the rafting were both enjoyable experiences. They were loads of fun. To top it all, after the rafting experience one can then warm-up in an home-made Sauna!
Tjay1
Tjay1
2022-09-15
Great Fun, Brilliant Day Out We had an excellent day with these guys! The rafting was brilliant, friendly staff, good equipment, clear instructions, great setting and scenary, fun zip line, good food, on time... recommended!
Necia S
Necia S
2022-08-02
The perfect activity The River was fantastic and our guide made it just an over the top experience! We laughed so much! I highly recommend booking with them!
Jonathan S
Jonathan S
2022-07-28
Amazing rafting trip What an incredible experience! I highly recommend this tour to anyone who is considering it. Rafting on the Apurimac River was beautiful and the rapids were exhilarating. Our guides Willy and Gabriel were also absolutely amazing. They were both very experienced and made us feel safe throughout the experience. Plus, they were genuinely friendly and fun to hang out with. They even sent us photos and videos from their GoPro after the trip! Overall, this is a top tier tour company and I feel more than comfortable recommending it to everyone!!
Alex In Wanderland
Alex In Wanderland
2022-07-20
Rafting Apurimac with Amazonas Explorers The Apurimac is sporty with incredible scenery. In 3 days, other than camping, I don't think we ever went more than 10 minutes between rapids. Six portages and watching one where the guides sent the rafts down unmanned, a wave caught the 6 man raft and tossed it upside down onto rocks several feet above the river level, glad I wasn't in it. You don't want to do anything stupid here, it's a long way to the hospital. The only other people we saw were 3 gold miners sluicing with 5 gallon buckets, who told us it was a 3 day walk for them to get from the top of the canyon down to the river. At the top of the canyon before driving down to the river my i-phone read 13,400 feet elevation. Our outfitter was Amazonas Explorers, the guides professional and food good. The rafting equipment was top notch with foot pockets, which you need. Amazonas Explorers organized another 14 days of Peruvian sight seeing, from Paracas on the coast, through Cusco and the sacred valley, and on to the Tambopata eco-lodge in the amazon. Everything was on time, all of the employees were extra friendly and the guides spoke excellent english, put us up in excellent hotels, good food, just a first class organization. I asked the different guides how long they've worked there, and almost all of them had been with the company for 10-15 years We sprang for the private guides and transportation, good choice. One other thing, the airport at lake titicaca went down for maintenance at the last minute and after some frantic emails, Amazonas Explorers changed the itenerary. got us different hotels and kept the ball rolling, the only extra cost was for changing Latam tickets. I was impressed they were able to pull that off during high tourist season and didn't soak us for it. Hat tip for that.
Choosewhatever
Choosewhatever
2022-06-21
Excellent rafting for beginners This activity included river rafting, lunch and ziplining. The river rafting was an incredible experience with class 1-3. This was ideal for our family with teens. The teens had never been rafting before so it was a fun experience for them without much danger. We were followed by a safety raft in case any went overboard. Américo was a great river guide and gave great instructions on what needed to be done. After rafting there were showers and bathrooms available as well as a sauna. We were then treated to a nice lunch followed by ziplining. I had never ziplined across a river so it was a great experience even though the climb up to the first line was not very safe. If you are doing this activity with children I highly recommend skipping the ziplining. Unlike other eating trips we have done there was no one trailing along to take pictures although there was a GoPro mounted on the raft. There was also no one to take pictures during the ziplining.

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