Smoll Group | Inca Trail 2 Days – New Route to Machu Picchu

Exploring the ancient Inca Trail through a lesser-known route can offer an intimate and exclusive experience for adventurous travelers. This 2-day tour provides just that, allowing a small group of up to 8 participants to discover the renowned Machu Picchu citadel in a more personalized manner. Blending moderate hiking with guided tours of archaeological sites, the itinerary promises a comprehensive and convenient way to uncover the wonders of this iconic destination. While the specifics of the new route and the tour’s unique features are yet to be revealed, the promise of an immersive journey into the heart of Inca’s legacy is undoubtedly intriguing.

This experience made our list of the 8 Best 2 Day Tours In Andes Mountains Peru.

Key Points

• This 2-day tour offers a new route to Machu Picchu, combining Inca Trail hiking and a visit to the renowned Inca citadel.
• The tour is limited to a small group of 8 participants, providing a more intimate and personalized experience.
• The itinerary includes hiking through lesser-known Inca sites, reaching the Intipunku (Sun Gate) for the first view of Machu Picchu.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, an English/Spanish-speaking guide, transportation, accommodation, and meals.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant, heart condition, or wheelchair users, and may be canceled due to strikes or weather.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The 2-day tour combines Inca Trail hiking and a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu site, offering a new route to access this renowned Inca citadel. It’s a small group tour limited to just 8 participants, providing a more intimate and personalized experience.

On the first day, you’ll depart Cusco early and travel to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll take a train to the starting point of the Inca Trail hike at KM 104.

The hike itself is moderate in difficulty, covering about 12 kilometers over 6 hours, with stops at archaeological sites like Chachabamba and Winaywayna before reaching the Sun Gate for your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. You’ll then descend to the site itself, with the option to take a bus to Aguas Calientes.

Pricing and Booking

This 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour starts from $685 per person. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, with a free cancellation option up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour is limited to just 8 participants, ensuring a small group experience. Pricing includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English/Spanish-speaking guide, all necessary transportation (train, bus, entrance tickets), 1 night’s accommodation in Aguas Calientes, and meals as per the itinerary.

However, the tour may be cancelled due to strikes or weather, with no refund provided in such cases. Interested adventurers should book early to secure their spot on this unique Inca Trail experience.

Itinerary: Day 1

Participants depart Cusco at 5AM for the initial journey to Ollantaytambo, where they’ll board a train to KM 104 to begin the short Inca Trail hike.

The hike takes them through the archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Winaywayna, offering a glimpse into Inca history. After reaching the Intipunku, or Sun Gate, they’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view of Machu Picchu.

The group then descends to the iconic ruins, with the option to take a bus to Aguas Calientes. Day 1 covers a moderate difficulty level, spanning 6 hours and 12 km of trekking.

Itinerary: Day 2

On Day 2, participants take a bus to Machu Picchu for a 2-hour guided tour of the iconic ruins.

They then enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes before boarding a train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus transfer to Cusco.

This portion of the itinerary is considered easy, with only 2 hours and 4 km of activity.

The tour guide will provide valuable insights into the history and significance of Machu Picchu, allowing participants to fully appreciate the grandeur of this ancient Inca citadel.

The return journey by train and bus is a comfortable and scenic way to conclude the tour, leaving participants with lasting memories of their Inca Trail experience.

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Inclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English/Spanish speaking guide, all necessary train and bus transportation, entrance tickets, one night’s accommodation in Aguas Calientes, and meals as specified in the itinerary. This comprehensive offering ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for participants.

Inclusions	Details
Accommodation	1 night in Aguas Calientes
Meals	As per itinerary
Transportation	Train, bus, and all necessary transfers

The tour’s inclusions cater to the needs of travelers, allowing them to focus on the adventure and exploration without having to worry about logistical details. This all-inclusive approach enhances the overall value and convenience of the Inca Trail 2 Days experience.

Important Information

In the Inca Trail 2-day tour, there are a few important considerations for prospective participants. This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with heart conditions, or those requiring wheelchair assistance.

Hikers will need to bring their passport, a change of clothes, and insect repellent. The use of drones, alcohol, and drugs is strictly prohibited.

It’s important to note that the tour may be canceled due to strikes or inclement weather, in which case no refund will be provided. Participants should be prepared for the moderate difficulty of the 6-hour, 12 km hike on the first day.

New Route to Machu Picchu

This 2-day tour to Machu Picchu introduces a new hiking route that avoids the more crowded and strenuous portions of the classic Inca Trail.

Instead, hikers begin their journey at KM 104, a trailhead that provides direct access to some of the lesser-known yet equally impressive Inca archaeological sites along the way.

The route takes trekkers through the ruins of Chachabamba and Winaywayna before reaching the iconic Intipunku, or Sun Gate, for their first glimpse of the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.

This new itinerary not only offers a more intimate hiking experience but also allows guests to fully enjoy the rich history and stunning landscapes of the region.

Small Group Tour

A key feature of this Inca Trail 2-day tour is its small group size, limited to just 8 participants, which ensures a more intimate and personalized experience for travelers.

With a small group, you’ll enjoy greater interaction with your knowledgeable guide, who can provide more in-depth explanations and insights about the Inca sites along the way.

The small size also allows for more flexibility in the itinerary, enabling the group to move at a comfortable pace and explore areas that larger tours might miss.

Traveling in a small group fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared adventure, making this an ideal choice for solo travelers, couples, or small groups of friends seeking a unique and immersive Inca Trail experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Different Group Size?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a different group size. The tour operator offers flexibility in group size, but the maximum is limited to 8 participants to maintain an intimate experience. Larger groups may be accommodated upon request.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour to Include Other Sights?

The tour can be extended to include additional sights, but this would require adjusting the itinerary and pricing. Travelers should contact the tour provider to discuss options for customizing the tour to better suit their interests and needs.

Are There Any Additional Costs Not Covered in the Price?

The tour price covers most expenses, but there may be additional costs for optional activities, tips, and personal expenses like snacks, souvenirs, and unexpected expenses. Travelers should budget accordingly and inquire about any additional fees during booking.

Do I Need Any Special Equipment or Gear for the Hike?

The hike requires proper hiking gear like sturdy boots, warm layers, rain jacket, hat, and sun protection. Trekking poles are also recommended to ease the strain on the knees during the descent. Proper preparation is key for a comfortable and safe experience.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Change My Dates?

The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can change their tour dates without penalty, subject to availability. However, the tour may be cancelled due to strikes or weather, with no refund provided in such cases.

Recap

This 2-day Inca Trail tour offers an intimate and personalized experience, providing a new route to the renowned Machu Picchu.

Suitable for adventurous travelers, the tour combines moderate hiking through lesser-known archaeological sites with a guided tour of the iconic ruins, making it a comprehensive and convenient way to explore this ancient wonder.

You can check availability for your dates here: