INCA TRAIL 2D/1N
Language
English or Spanish Tour
Altitude
3,400 m.s.n.m
Transportation
Gentle Walk and car
Difficulty
Medium
Itinerary
- Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner.
- Hiking Distance: 11 km.
On this first day, we will pick you up early from your hotel and head to the train station in Ollantaytambo, a 1.5-hour journey from Cusco. There, we will board our train, which will take us through an area of lush vegetation. Along the way, we will see Km 82, where many adventurous tourists start the 4-day, 3-night classic Inca Trail, covering a distance of 42 km.
After about 1 hour and 15 minutes, our train will stop at Km 104, the starting point of our hike. At the checkpoint, we will have some time to prepare before registering and beginning our trek.
After a short walk, we will reach Chachabamba, the first archaeological site we will visit. Here, we will see ancient water fountains and beautifully finished Inca walls, which were possibly used as a resting and control point for those traveling the Inca Trail.
We will then begin a 3-hour uphill hike along a narrow path. Along the way, we will make short stops to rest and enjoy panoramic views. We will finally reach Wiñay Wayna, which means Forever Young in Quechua. This stunning site features agricultural terraces, warehouses, and numerous water fountains, suggesting that it was a place of water worship.
After exploring this beautiful site, we will have time to enjoy our boxed lunch (fiambre). Then, we will continue our 2-hour hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), from where we will have a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. We will then descend to the checkpoint and take a tourist bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will check into our hotel, have dinner, and rest.
- Meals: 1 breakfast.
Early in the morning, we will take the bus to Machu Picchu (approximately a 30-minute ride). Upon arrival, we will go through the checkpoint and begin our 2-hour guided tour with our guide, exploring the various sacred sites within this magical Inca city.
After the tour, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to enjoy lunch (not included). Finally, we will board our train back to Ollantaytambo, and then take our transportation back to Cusco, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Include
- Professional Bilingual Guide
- Official bilingual tourism guide (Inca Trail 2D/1N and Machu Picchu).
- Assistant guide (for groups of more than 9 passengers).
- Entrance Tickets:
- Entrance to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Transportation:
- Expedition Train Tickets: Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo.
- Shared bus transportation: Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
- Round-trip bus tickets: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Transfers:
- Transfers upon arrival and departure (pre-arranged based on flight arrival).
- Accommodation:
- Basic hotel with private bathroom (1 night in Aguas Calientes).
- Meals:
- 1 Breakfast
- 1 Lunch
- 1 Dinner
Not Include
- Visa processing.
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Additional activities during free time.
- Personal items.
- Accommodation before and after the tour (if required).
Recommendation
Prices
Extras
SUGGESTED BUDGET FOR EXCLUDED MEALS:
- Approximately $60 USD per meal.
Is this trip right for you?
- This trip visits places at high altitudes, and as a result, some people may experience altitude sickness regardless of age or physical condition. Please refer to the Medical and Health Information section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
- This journey involves extensive walking to visit the sites, and if you choose to trek the Inca Trail or the Quarry Trail, you will face strenuous hikes. We recommend this trip for those with a good level of fitness. It is important to bring comfortable footwear suitable for hiking. See the “Packing” section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
- For those trekking the Inca Trail or the Quarry Trail, accommodation will be in campsites with basic facilities. Undoubtedly, this experience is not just about reaching the final destination (Machu Picchu) but about the incredible journey itself.
- According to Machu Picchu’s visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site in a single direction. Once the guided tour begins, exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. After the guided visit concludes, visitors must leave the site, and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not allowed. Please refer to the Itinerary for more details.
- Travelers who choose different ways to reach Machu Picchu (Inca Trail, Quarry Trail, or Train) will not follow the same routes within the site. This means that you may not be able to take photos together overlooking Machu Picchu, whether traveling on the same booking or separate bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Inca Trail 2D/1N lasts 2 days and 1 night, with daily hikes covering the last sections of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It includes transportation from Cusco, a professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English), porters for the collective team, full meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner on the first day, and breakfast on the second day), tents and camping equipment, entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, and return train transportation from Aguas Calientes to Cusco. It does not include personal expenses, tips, or personal equipment such as trekking boots, but we will provide you with a detailed list to prepare you.
The Inca Trail 2D/1N has a moderate level of difficulty, with hikes lasting between 5-7 hours per day, including mountainous terrain, stone stairs, and altitudes of up to 2,700 meters at Wiñay Wayna. Good physical fitness and acclimatization to the altitude of Cusco (3,400 meters) are required, but no previous experience in extensive trekking is necessary. We recommend training in walking before the tour, and our team will give you advice on how to adapt. If you have concerns about your health, please consult with us to customize your experience.
The cost of the Inca Trail 2D/1N varies by season and group, but generally ranges from $350 to $500 USD per person for international tourists, and from 1,200 to 1,800 Peruvian soles for nationals, with possible discounts for students or minors. It includes everything mentioned, except personal equipment. We accept payments by credit/debit card, bank transfers, and in some cases cash at our office in Cusco. We recommend booking in advance, as permits for the Inca Trail are limited and sell out quickly.
We recommend that you bring comfortable trekking boots, thermal and rain gear, a sleeping bag, sunscreen, a hat, drinking water, identification documents (passport for internationals, DNI for nationals), a flashlight, and a day pack. It is also useful to bring cash for purchases in local communities or tips. Our team will provide you with a complete list of equipment and tips to acclimatize and enjoy the adventure. If you need to rent equipment, we can help.
It is not necessary, but it is an advantage. Our guides are bilingual and offer explanations in both Spanish and English, ensuring that both national and international tourists understand the history, culture, and details of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. If you speak another language, you can let us know in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate or provide materials in other languages. The experience is designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone.
TALK TO AN SPECIALIST
One of our specialists will respond to your travel request as soon as possible.
