From Cusco || Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2 Days ||

Exploring the Inca Trail and witnessing the grandeur of Machu Picchu is a dream for many travelers. This 2-day tour from Cusco offers a chance to tick off both bucket list items in a manageable timeframe. Hikers will embark on a moderate 12-km trek, passing through ancient ruins before reaching the iconic Sun Gate and descending to the lost city. The second day provides a guided tour of the captivating Inca citadel, followed by a scenic journey back to Cusco. Whether you’re looking for an active adventure or a culture, this tour promises a balanced and unforgettable experience. Now, let’s dive into the details of what makes this such a compelling itinerary.

Key Points

The 2-day tour combines hiking on the Inca Trail and visiting the iconic Machu Picchu site.
On the first day, a 6-hour, 12-km hike along the Inca Trail leads to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu.
The second day involves a bus ride up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the ancient ruins.
The tour is suitable for a range of fitness levels, with a moderate challenge on the first day and an easy hike on the second.
The tour includes transportation, entry tickets, meals, and an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, the town near Machu Picchu.

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Tour Overview

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour typically offers a 2-day experience, combining hiking along the historic Inca Trail and visiting the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu.

The first day involves a scenic train ride to the trailhead, followed by a moderate 6-hour hike along the Inca Trail. Hikers will explore archaeological wonders like Wiñaywayna before reaching the Sun Gate, offering stunning views over Machu Picchu.

After exploring the ancient citadel, guests overnight in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes. On the second day, travelers take a short bus ride up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour, then return to Cusco by train and bus.

Itinerary: Day 1

On the first day, guests get picked up from their Cusco hotel and travel to Ollantaytambo, where they board a train that takes them to KM 104 – the starting point of the Inca Trail hike.

From here, they’ll embark on a 6-hour, 12-kilometer trek along the iconic Inca Trail, passing through archaeological sites like Wiñaywayna.

Along the way, they’ll cross the Sacred River and explore Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy.

The day culminates with a visit to the Machu Picchu Sun Gate, offering stunning views of the ancient citadel.

Guests then descend to Machu Picchu itself, where they’ll explore the ruins, before spending the night in Aguas Calientes.

Itinerary: Day 2

On the second day, guests take a bus up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the ancient ruins.

After exploring the site, they’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo and then travel by bus to their final destination of Cusco.

The day starts easy, with just 2 hours of hiking covering 4 km. The guided tour of Machu Picchu allows visitors to learn about the history and significance of this iconic Inca site.

Once they’ve had their fill, it’s time to retrace their steps, enjoying the scenic train ride and comfortable bus trip back to Cusco.

All in all, the second day provides a more relaxed pace after the previous day’s hike.

Difficulty Level

This two-day Inca Trail tour offers a moderate challenge on the first day, with around 6 hours of hiking and covering 12 km.

The second day, in contrast, is an easy affair, with just 2 hours of hiking and 4 km of ground to cover.

Visitors can expect a balanced experience, where the first day’s moderate hike is followed by a more relaxed exploration of the iconic Machu Picchu site.

This makes the tour accessible to a wide range of fitness levels, allowing both avid hikers and those seeking a more leisurely experience to enjoy the stunning landscapes and ancient wonders.

The tour isn’t recommended for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with back or heart problems.

Included in the Tour

What does this Inca Trail tour include?

Travelers can expect hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a bilingual guide to lead them through the experience.

The tour also provides train, Machu Picchu, and Inca Trail entry tickets, covering the major transportation and entrance fees.

Meals like breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on certain days, and you’ll be provided with an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.

Bus transportation and a first aid kit with oxygen bottle are also part of the package.

However, travel insurance, the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, and the entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain are excluded.

This tour isn’t suitable for certain groups, so be sure to check the restrictions.

Excluded From the Tour

In the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour, travelers should be aware that travel insurance, the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, and the entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain aren’t included in the tour package.

While the tour covers the essentials like hotel pickup, guides, and most meals, there are a few additional expenses to plan for.

The bus ride from Machu Picchu down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you’ll catch the train back, isn’t included.

And if you want to hike up Huayna Picchu, the iconic mountain that overlooks Machu Picchu, you’ll need to purchase those tickets separately.

It’s important to factor in these extra costs when budgeting for the trip.

Age and Health Restrictions

The tour also has some important age and health restrictions to be aware of. It’s not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with back or heart problems, as the hiking involved can be strenuous. Wheelchair users won’t be able to fully participate either. These limitations are in place to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort on the trek.

Restriction	Reason	Solution
Children under 8	Strenuous hiking	Not suitable
Pregnant women	Strenuous hiking	Not suitable
Back/heart problems	Strenuous hiking	Not suitable
Wheelchair users	Hiking trails	Not suitable
Restricted participants	Ensure safety and comfort	Consult with tour operator

Getting to Machu Picchu

Typically, the journey to Machu Picchu involves a combination of transportation methods, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the stunning Andean landscapes.

The tour starts with a pickup from your Cusco hotel, followed by a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo. From there, you’ll board a train that’ll take you to the trailhead at KM 104, where the Inca Trail hike begins.

After a moderate 6-hour hike, you’ll reach the iconic Sun Gate and catch your first glimpse of the magnificent Machu Picchu. The next day, you’ll take a bus up to the site for a guided tour before heading back to Cusco.

This seamless itinerary ensures you make the most of your time and experience the grandeur of this ancient Inca citadel.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Starting and Ending Time of the Tour?

The tour starts with hotel pickup in Cusco and ends back in Cusco on the second day. The first day involves hiking the Inca Trail, reaching Machu Picchu in the afternoon, and staying overnight in Aguas Calientes.

How Much Extra Time Is Needed for Huayna Picchu Hike?

The tour doesn’t include entry to Huayna Picchu Mountain, which requires an additional 1-2 hours for the hike. Visitors interested in this optional activity should plan extra time beyond the scheduled tour itinerary.

Is There an Option to Stay Longer in Machu Picchu?

Yes, there are options to extend your time at Machu Picchu. Many travelers opt to spend an additional day exploring the site in-depth or hiking up to Huayna Picchu. This can be arranged through the tour operator.

Is Wi-Fi Available at the Overnight Accommodation?

Unfortunately, Wi-Fi is not available at the overnight accommodation in Aguas Calientes. The remote location and limited infrastructure in the area mean guests should expect basic amenities without access to Wi-Fi during their stay.

Can I Rent Hiking Gear From the Tour Operator?

Yes, the tour operator typically provides hiking gear rentals. They offer equipment like hiking boots, backpacks, trekking poles, and rain jackets to ensure you’re prepared for the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu.

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