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2-Day Inca Trail – Express Adventure to Machu Picchu
The 2-Day Inca Trail adventure offers a perfect blend of scenic trekking, cultural exploration, and the awe-inspiring experience of arriving at Machu Picchu. Starting from Cusco, this express journey takes you through stunning cloud forests, ancient Inca ruins, and breathtaking mountain landscapes, culminating with a visit to one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. Perfect for those with limited time, this adventure captures the essence of the Inca Trail and the magic of Machu Picchu in just two days.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Total Hiking Distance: 7 miles (12 km) on Day 1
Summary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Machu Picchu (via Sun Gate)
Begin with an early morning train ride from Cusco to Km 104, the start of your hike. Trek through beautiful landscapes, passing by the Inca site of Chachabamba and the breathtaking terraces of Wiñay Wayna. After lunch, continue your hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll get your first view of Machu Picchu. Descend into the ancient citadel before heading to Aguas Calientes for the night.
Day 2: Machu Picchu Exploration & Return to Cusco
Start early with an in-depth guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring its rich history and awe-inspiring architecture. For adventure-seekers, there’s an optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. After exploring, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and board the train back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
Full itinerary Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Machu Picchu (via Sun Gate)
5:00 a.m. – Early Morning Pick-Up and Train Ride
You’ll be picked up early from your hotel in Cusco and transferred to the train station in Ollantaytambo. Enjoy a scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley, surrounded by majestic mountains and lush landscapes, until you reach Km 104, the starting point of your 2-day Inca Trail adventure.
Your trek starts at Chachabamba, an archaeological site that once served as a sacred Inca checkpoint. From here, you’ll hike along a well-preserved Inca trail, passing through stunning cloud forests, waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas of the Andes mountains.
After a few hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Wiñay Wayna, a beautiful Inca site with impressive terraced ruins perched on the mountainside. Take some time to explore this ancient site and learn about its history and significance from your guide.
12:00 p.m. – Lunch Break at Wiñay Wayna
Enjoy a packed lunch with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Wiñay Wayna ruins. Rest and recharge for the final stretch to Machu Picchu.
After lunch, continue hiking towards the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the gateway to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you’ll be rewarded with your first awe-inspiring view of the Lost City of the Incas. This moment, overlooking the iconic ruins from above, is one of the most memorable highlights of the trek.
Descend from the Sun Gate into the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Take in the magical atmosphere as you wander around the ruins and admire the stunning Incan architecture. You’ll have some free time to enjoy the site at your own pace before heading down to Aguas Calientes.
Take a short bus ride from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of the mountain. Check into your hotel and relax after a rewarding day of hiking. You’ll have free time to explore the town, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, or soak in the nearby hot springs (optional).
Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Day 2: Machu Picchu Exploration & Return to Cusco
6:00 a.m. – Early Morning Visit to Machu Picchu
Start the day with an early breakfast and return to Machu Picchu for a more in-depth guided tour of the ruins. Your guide will take you through the most important sites, sharing fascinating insights into the history, culture, and architecture of the Inca civilization.
Optional Hike – Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
For those seeking more adventure, you can opt to hike either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (with prior reservation). These challenging hikes offer breathtaking views of the entire Machu Picchu complex and the surrounding landscape.
After exploring Machu Picchu, return to Aguas Calientes where you can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, explore the town, or simply relax before your departure.
Board the train from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo, taking in the final scenic views of the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Arrive in Cusco in the evening, marking the end of your unforgettable 2-day Inca Trail adventure.
What does this tour include?
Included
- Hotel pick-up and private transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
- Train tickets to and from Aguas Calientes
- Inca Trail permit (2-day trail)
- Entry to Machu Picchu
- Professional bilingual guide
- Packed lunch on Day 1
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (round trip)
- Hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Private transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Not Included
- Breakfast and dinner on Day 1
- Lunch on Day 2 in Aguas Calientes
- Optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike (requires prior reservation)
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, and tips for guides and drivers
Discover Our Prices
At our agency, tour prices are calculated per person in double or matrimonial room – Minimum 02 People, and vary depending on the category and type of experience you choose. We aim to offer you flexible and affordable options tailored to your travel needs and preferences.
Note:All our prices are based on standard room accommodations, with train services in Expedition or Voyager class, and tours in regular high-quality service.
We also offer special discounts for large groups, families, and seasonal promotions.
Group price
Optional Add-ons for Your Machu Picchu Trip
To enhance your Machu Picchu experience, we offer a variety of optional services that you can add to your tour, tailored to your interests and preferences. Below is a list of add-ons along with their prices:
- Private Tours
For those seeking a more personalized experience, we offer exclusive tours just for you and your group. These tours have special pricing, calculated based on the group size and level of customization. Contact us today for more details and to secure your spot for an unforgettable adventure. - Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike
Additional Price: Starting at $65 USD per person
Climb the famous mountain that rises behind Machu Picchu and enjoy stunning views of the citadel and surrounding valley. This challenging hike takes about 2 hours round trip and has limited availability each day. Advanced reservation is required. - Machu Picchu Mountain Hike
Additional Price: Starting at $60 USD per person
This hike is less crowded than Huayna Picchu but equally spectacular. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu from a higher altitude. The hike lasts 3 to 4 hours in total. Advanced reservation is required. - Vistadome or 360° Luxury Train (one way)
Additional Price: Starting at $60 USD per person (per trip)
Upgrade your train experience with the Vistadome service, which offers panoramic windows. You’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of the mountains and Sacred Valley as you travel in greater comfort. - Vistadome Observatory Luxury Train (one way)
Additional Price: Starting at $80 USD per person (per trip)
Enhance your train experience with the Vistadome Observatory service, featuring panoramic windows and onboard entertainment. Enjoy stunning views of the mountains and Sacred Valley in a more luxurious setting. - Lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant in Machu Picchu
Additional Price: Starting at $45 USD per person
After your tour of Machu Picchu, enjoy a buffet lunch at the exclusive Tinkuy Restaurant, located at the Sanctuary Lodge hotel near the entrance to Machu Picchu. - Personal Backpack Porter for the Inca Trail
Additional Price: Starting at $90 USD per person
If you’re trekking the Inca Trail before reaching Machu Picchu, you can hire a personal porter to carry your backpack (up to 7 kg), allowing you to hike without the burden of extra weight.
How to Add Optional Services to Your Reservation
To add any of these optional services to your Machu Picchu tour, simply let us know when making your booking or contact us via email or WhatsApp. We will handle the arrangements and confirm your spot for the additional activities or services.
Note: Some add-ons, such as the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain hikes, require advance booking due to limited availability. We recommend reserving these services well in advance to secure your spot.
To book, contact us with the tour, dates, and number of people. We will confirm and send the details along with the payment link via Wise or credit card.
- Deposit 40% of the total amount.
- Remaining 60% in cash before the start of the tour in Cusco or, if preferred, up to 10 days prior by credit card. Learn more
