2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco

Duration:
2 Days
Max People:
12
Min Age:
8+
Inca Trail, Machu Picchu
Peru » Cusco
English
Overview

Inca Trail 2 days to Machu Picchu is ideal for people with little time, or for those who did not book the full “Classic” Inca Trail on time. With a distance of only 16 km, Inca Trail 2 days is a challenge that makes it the perfect place for an unforgettable vacation.

It will allow you to get to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). In this tour you will combine the train trip and trek where you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes during the first day. and visit Machu Picchu on the second day.

Attractions You’ll See

Inca Trail

Machu Picchu

Whats Included

Transportation

  • Pick up from your accommodation
  • Tourist transport Cusco - Ollantaytambo (round trip)
  • Train tickets Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
  • Bus ticket down 1st day and up 2nd day to Machu Picchu
  • Bus ticket down 2nd day from Machu Picchu

Meels

  • Food as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Vegetarian options available. (it’s important mention any dietary restrictions)

Entrances Fees

  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.

Accomodation

  • 1 night accommodation in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)

Services

  • Professional bilingual guide
Does not include
  • Personal care items
  • Lunch and dinner on the last day
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
  • Tips
  • Services not mentioned above

Packing List

Trekking Accessories

Strong walking shoes for trekking
Lightweight backpack of 20 liters
Some cash in small bills

Clothing

Hat or cap
Long sleeve shirt
Long and short pants
Rain coat
Sweater and thick jacket

Biodegradable Plastics

Plastic bags
Optional plastic raincoat (poncho)

Personal Care

Eco-friendly Tomatodo (canteen)
Lantern
Sunglasses
Camera with extra batteries and memory
Toilet paper

First Aid Kit

Insect repellent
Sunblock with a 40 UV factor of at least
Medical or personal items
Itinerary
Day 1 CUSCO – CHACHABAMBA – WIÑAYHUAYNA – AGUAS CALIENTES

Early in the morning we’ll transfer you from your accommodation to the train station. The train trip will last approximately 1:30 pm until we reach kilometer 104, where we begin our walk.

The guide will direct you to walk towards the archeological remains of Chachabamba where the tour begins. From there the trek will continue and we will pass a small and refreshing waterfall on the way to the archeological remains of Winay Wayna where the impressive terraces will demonstrate the skill of Andean engineering.

After lunch we continue the trek to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) where we will have the first view of Machu Picchu with a beautiful panoramic view. From here we go to the control and entrance gate of the Machu Picchu citadel where we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes; Here we will spend the night, have dinner and be ready for the next day our visit to Machu Picchu.

Day 2 MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO

In the morning after breakfast, we will board the bus towards Machu Picchu citadel where we will have a guided tour of the different sectors of the route in the archeological complex, including the Intihuatana or sundial, used by ancient Peruvian settlers.

To climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (optional), you can choose the second group at 10:00 a.m. The trek takes only about an hour, and absolutely worth it, the view is impressive and the experience will be unforgettable.

We will board the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo at 6:20 p.m., be ready at the station at least half an hour in advance. In Ollantaytambo, outside the train station there will be a driver waiting for you to take you back to Cusco.

Note: If you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you must book at least three months in advance, due to limited availability. This activity is optional ($ 70.00 USD).

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is an archeological center that preserves the remains of an Inca city, built in a green environment of mountains and rivers, a mystical and mysterious place; in addition, it is a patrimony of humanity and one of the most desired destinations in the world.

It is located at 2,400 m. a. s. l. in a cloud forest between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforest of Peru.

How to get to Machu Picchu from Lima?

To get from Lima to Machu Picchu you must travel to the city of Cusco by plane or bus.

When to go to Machu Picchu?

It is possible to go all the year, the minimum temperatures vary between 8 ºC and the maximum around 20 ºC. There are 2 seasons in Machu Picchu: the dry season and the rainy season. The first one takes place between April and October, it is characterized by little rain and a sunny climate. The rainy season runs from November to March and is characterized by constant rains.

How much luggage can I take on the train?

On trains to Machu Picchu you can only take hand luggage that should not exceed 5 kilos (11 pounds).

Can Machu Picchu be visited by people of any age?

Yes, it can be visited by people of all ages. However, in order to ascend Huayna Picchu mountain, it can only be visited by people older than 12 years old.

From what time can I enter Machu Picchu?

Public access is from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What to see in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is home to almost 150 amazing constructions, these are some of the places that stand out:

  • The Temple of the Sun.
  • The Intihuatana.
  • The Temple of the 3 Windows.
  • The Temple of the Condor.
  • The Hall of Mirrors.
  • The Ladder of the Fountains.
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain.
  • The Temple of the Moon.
  • The Door of the Sun (Intipunku).
  • The Main Square.
  • The Royal Tomb.
  • The Sacred Rock.