Inca Trail 2 days / 1 night
- Duration
- 2 Days / 1 Night
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Group
- Private or group
- Language
- Spanish
- Max altitude
- 3,400 m.s.n.m
About this tour
Dare to follow in the footsteps of the Incas and discover the magic of Machu Picchu.
The 2-day, 1-night Inca Trail is a short yet unforgettable journey that connects you with the essence of the Andean world. Traverse ancient Inca paths surrounded by nature, temples, and breathtaking landscapes, eventually reaching the magical town of Aguas Calientes. The following day, experience the highlight of the trip as you gaze upon the majesty of Machu Picchu—one of the wonders of the world. It is an ideal experience for history and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Itinerary
-
In the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the train station in Ollantaytambo. You will then board the train to Km 104, where the hike begins (2,200 m). After presenting your ID at the checkpoint, you will visit the archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy.
The hike continues uphill for about 4 hours to Wiñaywayna (2,650 m), where you will enjoy a guided tour and lunch (boxed lunch). Afterward, you will hike for another 2 hours to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), which offers a panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
Next, you will descend for 30 minutes to Machu Picchu (2,490 m) and take a bus to Aguas Calientes (2,160 m) for the overnight stay. In the evening, you have the option to visit the hot springs or explore the town, which features restaurants, bars, and an ATM.
ALTITUDES:
Start of hike – Km 104: 2,200 masl
Wiñaywayna archaeological site: 2,650 masl
Inti Punku (Sun Gate): 2,720 masl
Machu Picchu: 2,490 masl
Aguas Calientes (town): 2,160 maslTRIP DURATION
Approx. 6–7 hours
-
We begin the day with a nutritious breakfast at the hotel before getting ready to visit the impressive citadel of Machu Picchu.
The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes, offering views of the tropical landscapes surrounding this historic site.Once at the citadel, we will explore Machu Picchu for about two hours with our guide, who will share valuable information about its history and significance.
The tour begins in the Agricultural Zone, following the expansive terraces, and continues toward the lower temples and the Sacred Rock, all accompanied by the guide's commentary.After the visit, we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.
You will have free time in Aguas Calientes to have lunch, buy souvenirs, or get organized.
In the evening, we will board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our transport will be waiting to take us back to the city of Cusco.
Included
- Accommodation: 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (breakfast included).
- Transfers and Transportation:
- Ground transfer: Cusco – Ollantaytambo train station – Cusco (round trip).
- Tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 (trek starting point).
- Return tourist train: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Bus tickets: Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (and vice versa).
- Guide and Assistance: Professional tour guide (private or shared service) and personalized assistance during the hike and guided tour.
- Permits and Entrance Fees: Inca Trail entry permits and entrance tickets to the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary.
- Meals Included: 1 packed lunch for the Day 1 hike and hotel breakfast on Day 2.
Not included
- Airfare: Domestic or international flights, as well as airport transfers in Cusco.
- Unspecified meals: Dinner on Day 1, as well as lunch and dinner on Day 2.
- Optional mountains: Entrance fees for the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hikes.
- Personal equipment: Trekking poles with rubber tips or a hiking backpack.
- Insurance: Travel, medical, or accident insurance.
- Personal expenses: Tips for the guide or support staff, additional drinks, and souvenirs.
Information and recommendations
- Lightweight daypack: No luggage porters are used for this option. You must carry everything needed for the two days (change of clothes, personal items, water) in a small trekking backpack (20–30 liters).
- Essential original documentation: You must present the original physical passport or valid national ID card used for your booking at the official Km 104 checkpoint; otherwise, entry will not be permitted.
- Suitable footwear and clothing: Wear broken-in hiking boots or shoes (avoid new footwear), trekking socks, a waterproof jacket or rain poncho, and thermal clothing for the night.
- Protection for the cloud forest/jungle fringe: The route passes through dense, warm vegetation; bring high-concentration insect repellent, sunscreen, and a sun hat.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should this excursion be booked?
Since permits for the Inca Trail are regulated by the Peruvian government and daily quotas are very limited, it is recommended to book at least 3 to 5 months in advance.
Who carries the luggage during the Day 1 hike?
For the 2-day version, each traveler must carry their own daypack during the 12 km hike. Your large suitcase containing the rest of your belongings remains in storage at your hotel in Cusco.
How demanding is the Day 1 hike?
It is of moderate difficulty. The first half consists of a continuous ascent to the Wiñaywayna archaeological site, followed by a flatter section leading to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). A reasonable level of physical fitness is required.
Where do you eat on the first night in Aguas Calientes?
On Day 1, you arrive in Aguas Calientes in the mid-afternoon. Dinner that evening is not included, so you are free to choose from the town's wide variety of local restaurants and cafés.
Before you travel
Important information about Machu Picchu
Limited-capacity tickets
Entry to the citadel has a daily capacity set by the Ministry of Culture. In high season (May to September) tickets sell out weeks or months ahead. We book your entrance as soon as you confirm.
Original passport
Bring the same document used to buy the tickets: it is checked on the train, the bus and at the Machu Picchu gate. Students: valid university ID.
Circuits and entry time
Visits follow signposted circuits at the time printed on your ticket. Arrive at the gate 30 minutes early. There are no restrooms inside the citadel: they are next to the entrance.
What to bring (and what not)
Small backpack, rain poncho, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat and water in a reusable bottle. Single-use plastics, food, drones, tripods and walking poles without rubber tips are not allowed.
Altitude and weather
Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 m (7,970 ft), lower than Cusco (3,399 m). The climate is subtropical: strong morning sun and sudden showers, especially from November to March.
Train and bus
You travel by train to Aguas Calientes (from Ollantaytambo or Cusco station) and then take a 25-minute bus up to the entrance. We coordinate schedules, tickets and transfers.
Conservation rules
Touching or climbing the walls, leaving the trails, smoking and feeding animals are not allowed. You will visit the citadel with an official licensed guide.
Inca Trail
Inca Trail permits are limited and issued by name (non-transferable). The trail closes every February for maintenance; during that month we offer alternatives such as Salkantay or the train tour.
You may also like
