Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu
Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu
Activity Type
Physical Grading
Service Level
Group Size
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Short Inca Trail 2 Days, See Machu Picchu Twice!
Short Inca Trail 2 days–Hike Peru’s famed Trail to the iconic Machu Picchu: 2-day Short Inca Trail experiencing mind-bending vistas and living a unique experience as you embark on this once-in-a-lifetime 2-day hike to Machu Picchu, make your first sights of the ethereal city of the Incas from the Gate of the Sun.
This 2-day hike to Machu Picchu is a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of Machu Picchu with a local expert guide, this is the only hike that allows you to experience Machu Picchu twice (morning and afternoon). As one of the greatest ancient sites in the world, your guide will provide firsthand information as Machu Picchu offers a breathtaking glimpse into the ancient cultures and natural beauty of this part of Peru.
This Short Inca Trail 2 days hike winds its way past towering hilltop temples such as Wiñaywayna (the most beautiful Inca site along the Inca Trail) and Gate of the Sun, ending in the awe-inspiring “lost city of the Incas–Machu Picchu”. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to explore these temples that feature impressive stonework, terraces, and dwellings still standing, one of them is Wiñaywayna, a place clinging to a mountain and the Gate of the Sun over a mountain spur, that only the Inca Trail hikers have access to.
After a day of memorable sights and experiences, we will end our 2-day Short Inca Trail hike by reaching a viewpoint inside the Inca citadel where you will have the perfect backdrop for a memorable photo of Machu Picchu. We will then enjoy a cozy overnight stay at a hotel in Aguas Calientes Town. So, get ready to embark on a truly unforgettable adventure through the sacred lands of the Incas!
Join us for the adventure of a lifetime in Short Inca Trail 2 Days Hike to Machu Picchu – give us a call at +51 984 464 391 or shoot us an email at info@perusummit.com to learn more or book your spot today!
This trip is officially operated by Peru Summit Adventures, a 100% local tour operator based in Cusco.
Think Green, Think Global for a Better Place for Everyone
Traveling with us you are making a big difference in favor of the environment, our trips are rated as eco-friendly trips to ensure that fragile ecosystems are protected and maintained for future human generations, also maintain ecosystem and environment integrity through considering a sustainable and ethical business model. Making genuine and sustainable itineraries often translates to real costs, with a host of responsible travel practices that underpin our prices.
Trip Details
Service Level
Upgraded Comfort
UPGRADED COMFORT: Premium or Comfort trips are led by Peru Summit Adventures experts, an experienced crew at your side, or top trip leaders/guides, and tap into private local experts' resources to allow for in-depth exploration and special access to unique sites that only the local leaders/guides know. Itineraries are carefully crafted and fully planned, with plenty of free time to roam. Camping gears are high-end and accommodations are high-end or best available. Ground transportation and most meals (especially in hikes) and activities are included in the trip price.
Physical Grading
MODERATE: Designed for travelers who have some experience in hiking and have a regular physical condition. Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our day-hikes adventures.
Activities
Hiking, Archaeology & Cultural Adventures
Important Note
While we expect the tour will run as the itinerary describes to Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu. Participants should accept that there is the possibility of changes, being necessary liable to local conditions, eg, strikes, natural disasters, these changes might be at the discretion of your travel company.
Accomodation
Cozy and lovely hotels.
Group Size
Min 2 ppl, Max 8 ppl
Minimum of 02 people is needed to depart. Family groups, couple travelers, friends, or even if you’re a SOLO traveler, you are welcome to our trips. Price is per person, which is based on two people who might share a room/tent. The itinerary is described and based on shared services as well as semi-private service; however, if you are looking for a private service, that would be upon request.
Limited Spaces
YES, to protect the historical Inca trail, the number of people allowed to hike the Short Inca Trail each day is limited to 250. That is why you should reserve your space as soon as possible. Spaces can be filled up three to four months in advance. Spaces fill more quickly in the high tourist season, from May to September.
Why experience the Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu
Since 2014 and since the very first day of our operation, Peru Summit Adventures has been blazing new trails, new ways of experiencing in Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu. Our trailblazing is just one reason we are a uniquely qualified local company to ensure you have a trip of a lifetime.
- Hike a part of the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and see it twice.
- Make a positive impact on this place by going with a “Green Engage” tour operator, We do know how to care of our mother earth.
- Experience this trek with World-Class and Top Notch Trek Leaders; and get your adventure to the next level.
- Explore trail-side archaeological sites that only Short Inca Trail 2 days hikers have access to.
- 2-day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu on mystical, stone-paved paths built by the Incas.
- Enter Machu Picchu on foot through the Gate of the Sun, as the Incas once did.
- Spend the last day at Incomparable Machu Picchu, “Lost City of the Incas” with a private guide.
- Direct & official local tour operator with headquarter in Cusco, accredited by the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism.
Trip Itinerary
Early wake-up, train journey, Inca Trail, gaze out stunning Inca sites and the unique Machu Picchu will make this first-day hike an unforgettable day.
At 3:45 AM, our private guide will come to your hotel in Cusco City to pick you up and drive for about 2 hours to reach the train station of Ollantaytambo, the reason to start earlier is to start the hike ahead of the crowds and have the trail just for ourselves and to have enough time along the trail. The scheduled train for this 2-day Short Inca Trail is at 6:10 AM (Expedition Class Train).
From Ollantaytambo to the trailhead (KM 104) you will have a train ride for 1 hour and 30 minutes, the railway follows the banks of the roaring Urubamba River, you will scan amazing views of the Urubamba mountain range, Incan ruins, and as you go farther and farther you will reach the high jungle (very lush forest), it’s how we will reach the trailhead where the train will stop briefly to get out, once at the checkpoint of KM 104, we will register ourselves and for this, you MUST bring your original passport as the rangers will review all information on the permits and passports.
After the checkpoint, we will begin our hike towards Machu Picchu for about 7 hours, right after the trailhead we will arrive at the first Incan site, which is a small archaeological site whose name is Chachabamba, this is an Inca site from the 15th century that features great constructions in rocks that most likely were religious constructions and others as dwellings for people who lived here where our Trek Guide will deliver great history lesson.
After enjoying the history of the Incas at the first Inca site, we will continue walking gradually uphill enjoying the spectacular landscape until reaching the Wiñaywayna Incan Temple whose meaning is “forever young” where you will have an opportunity to learn more about the Inca civilization.
This section of the trail to Wiñaywayna is very scenic, you will soak up great vistas of the Urubamba Mountain Range in further directions, the lush Urubamba Valley with the roaring river, and the trail goes through slope parts of the mountain that makes the hike more challenging and interesting.
Wiñaywayna is the most beautiful Inca site along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and this place makes justice for it as the site has outstanding constructions, temples, water fountains, terraces, and dwellings, all of these constructions overlooking or oriented to the main mountains around.
Walking about 5 minutes from Wiñaywayna, we will arrive at the official campsite for the 4-day Inca Trail hikers where we will have our lunch box (packed lunch) and have a break before heading out to Machu Picchu.
From Wiñaywayna, we will keep hiking for 1 hour to reach Sun Gate, this part of the trail is mostly flatter and the trail goes through the forest, as you approach Machu Picchu, the anticipation builds as you arrive at the astounding Sun Gate. Here, you will be rewarded with your first glimpse of the unique and Sacred Citadel of the Incas, perched among the tall Andes mountains like an otherworldly construction, of course, this a perfect moment to get your best snapshots, this place is very touching and exciting for most hikers since the iconic citadel of the Incas is finally uncovered after hiking for several hours.
From the Sun Gate, we will still hike for 1 more hour to Machu Picchu, this part of the trail is a gentle downhill. Once we arrive at Machu Picchu, we will reach the main viewpoint from where we will have the classic views of this wonder of the world (as seen in the magazines) because the afternoon is usually with fewer people, the visit to this lookout point is a must since the following day you are not going back to this place, otherwise, you will visit the middle part of the citadel. We will then take the bus to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes town) where we will have an overnight stay at a hotel.
Food
Only packed lunch
Physical Level
Moderate
Walking Distance
12 Km/ 7.45 Miles
Hiking Time
6 - 7 hours
Starting Altitude
2,150 m/ 7,052 ft.
Minimum Altitude
2,150 m/ 7,052 ft.
Highest Altitude
2,650 m/ 8,692 ft.
Weather
May-Sept Mostly Sunny/ Oct-April Unpredictable.
Today a nutritious breakfast will make us ready at the hotel for our tour of Machu Picchu, after breakfast and picking you up from the hotel, we will walk to the bus station to take the bus back to Machu Picchu, once at Machu Picchu, we will visit the middle and lower part of this citadel because the Inca Trail ticket allows us to visit this part of Machu Picchu (Circuit 3, see the circuit map here) where our guide will deliver great information of this unique site and you will take plenty of time to enjoy the views and take amazing pictures.
The tour will be for about 2 hours, 2 hours of enjoying the history and seeing unique spots like temples, granaries, dwellings, terraces, plazas, aqueducts, and the fascinating views that surround this impressive Inca citadel.
If you have booked an extra ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain, you’ll climb up the mountain after the tour; however, spaces are subject to availability. In the unlikely event that Huayna Picchu permits are not available for your tour date, you will climb up Machu Picchu Mountain instead. This hike to the mountain would be unguided.
After having a great time at the Incan emperor’s palace, we’ll take the bus down to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes Town) where we’ll have lunch (not included). In the afternoon we’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo train station, where our driver will be waiting for you to transfer back to your hotel in Cusco City. (this transfer service from the train station to your hotel is included).
Note on Machu Picchu Ticket: Since the Inca trail tickets grant you to visit Circuit 3 (middle part of the citadel), you can purchase an extra ticket only for Machu Picchu, a ticket that allows you to visit the full of Machu Picchu, if so, please refer to your travel expert or travel designer at the moment of inquiry to see the ticket availability, the ticket cost for a regular ticket for Machu Picchu is $65.00 USD.
Food
Only breakfast
Physical Level
Easiest
Walking Distance
Short Walks in ruins
Starting Altitude
2,050 m/ 6,726 ft.
Highest Altitude
2,400 m/ 7,874 ft.
Weather
May-Sept Mostly Sunny/ Oct-April Unpredictable.
Note on Itinerary
Although we do our very best possible to adhere to the schedule above, this itinerary is subject to change for several reasons beyond our control, including strikes, weather, natural disasters, and terrain conditions. On some occasions, these conditions may demand us to deviate from our original schedule, in which case we will provide the best available alternative options. And we’ll make a great experience of it!
Inclusions
Included on the Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu
- Private transportation from your hotel to the Ollantaytambo train station.
- Train ticket Ollantaytambo – KM 104 (trailhead).
- Train ticket back to Cusco at the end of our journey.
- Entrance ticket to the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu with CIRCUIT 3.
- One night hotel in Machupicchu town at a 3-star hotel.
- Bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (the day we arrive).
- Round trip bus tickets in Machu Picchu the last day (the day of Machu Picchu guided tour).
- Private transportation from the train station to your hotel in Cusco.
- Professional Trek Leader.
- Meals: Breakfast (1), lunch (1).
Not Included on the Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu
- Extra regular ticket for Machu Picchu that allows you to visit Circuit 2 (the full circuit) at an extra cost of $65.00 USD per ticket.
- Hiking poles (available for renting)
- Dinner and lunch on day 2.
- Extra expenditure during the trek, such as soda, alcoholic drinks, extra snacks, tickets for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
- Gratuities for the guides, and other staff.
- Travel and health insurance (bring copies with you please), we highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation, interruption; an insurance to protect your travel investment, Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance and emergency medical expense insurance. Any unexpected situations occurred during the journey and which are beyond our control, including changes in scheduling trains or flights, delays, strikes, cancellations, missed connections, etc. it should be covered by the passenger as a whole. Also, if you for physical reasons of health cannot continue the trek or walk, and will need emergency evacuation then all charges incurred such as transportation, hotel, ambulance, doctors, medication, hospitalization, etc. will be at passenger’s expense.
Prices & Dates
(per person)
Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu
Availability:
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is available for new bookings. Please click Continue to proceed with your booking.
Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu
Availability:
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is available for new bookings. Please click Continue to proceed with your booking.
Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu
Availability:
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is available for new bookings. Please click Continue to proceed with your booking.
(per person)
Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu
Availability:
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is available for new bookings. Please click Continue to proceed with your booking.
(per person)
| Number of participants | Price per person | Total ($ USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Participant | We have special rates for SOLO travelers. Get started by filling out the inquiry form. | Enquire Now | |
| 2 Participants | $ 800.00 | $ 1 600.00 | Enquire Now |
| 3 Participants | $ 780.00 | $ 2 340.00 | Enquire Now |
| 4 Participants | $ 750.00 | $ 3 000.00 | Enquire Now |
| 5 Participants | $ 700.00 | $ 3 500.00 | Enquire Now |
| 6+ Participants | We have special rates for groups, which are over 6ppl. Get started by filling out the inquiry form. | Enquire Now | |
| # | |
|---|---|
| 1 person (We have special rates for SOLO travelers. Get started by filling out the inquiry form.) | Enquire Now |
| 2 people $ 800.00 | Enquire Now |
| 3 people $ 780.00 | Enquire Now |
| 4 people $ 750.00 | Enquire Now |
| 5 people $ 700.00 | Enquire Now |
| 6+ people (We have special rates for groups, which are over 6ppl. Get started by filling out the inquiry form.) | Enquire Now |
- Flexibility on dates: Choose your own dates, you decide when to start your journey.
- Perfect for families, group of mates (friends), honeymoon: Make this trip for you and your loved ones or someone special.
- Totally customizable: Travel the way you want; so you can travel exactly how you want. Book this trip as is or customize it to be as active or relaxed, rustic or luxurious as you wish to go. Perfect for multi-generational families and to celebrate a special anniversary or milestone birthday.
- Go at your own pace: Walk or explore on your own rhythm, forget to stay or keep up with the large groups. It's your own journey.
Note on Prices
Prices are quoted in US Dollars and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Prices are per person based on SEMI-PRIVATE service; we depart with 2 ppl as a minimum, 8 ppl as maximum, and an average of 4 ppl in a group. This tour is also based on a double twin-bed (matrimonial if requested) or triple occupancy in case of families or friends for hotel rooms, single rooms are subject to a single supplement fee.
Trip Payment Schedule
- At time of reservation: 40% of the total balance.
- 60 days prior to departure: Balance should be paid fully, or once upon your arrival in Cusco the other 60% of final balance must be paid fully.
Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule
- Minimum fee (hike permit fee): $90 per person
- 61-90 days prior to departure: 30% of trip cost
- 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
- 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
What Makes Us Different!… Here’s, Why You Should Book With Us!
Making a choice of your right travel company/ tour operator is the most important decision you will make as you make your plans for a long-anticipated dreamed adventure. At first glance, some companies may seem cheaper. However, when you research a little deeper, you will see why traveling with Peru Summit Adventures assures that you will have the most memorable travel experience possible. In fact, we guarantee it, our TripAdvisor reviews say that.
Making genuine and sustainable itineraries often translate to real costs, with a host of responsible travel practices that underpin our prices, here are the reasons why you should go with us!
1. We Focus on Details
2. Our Safety Record is Flawless
3. Knowledge and Expertise
4. The Smallest Groups en Route “Short Inca Trail 2 days” – Averaging Just 4 Travelers
Besides, Machu Picchu offers one of the world’s most spellbinding travel experiences. But it’s also a world-renowned destination, and touring the site in a big group with multitudes of tourists shoving for photos, and competing to hear the guide, your once in a lifetime visit to this World Heritage Site may lose its magic. Our Machu Picchu Trips are scheduled with an average of just four travelers, allowing for a deeper exploration of the lost city of the Incas, with our Local Experts / Tour Leaders.
5. We Deliver on Our Promises
We are very confident the quality of our Short Inca Trail 2 days will get your expectations and that you will savor the best possible of cultural travel experience, nature travel experience, and adventure travel experience if you are dissatisfied, we’ll happily give you credit for an extra trip or for a future journey. It’s, to our knowledge, the best guarantee in the travel business.
6. The Best Fare For The Best Trip
7. You Book, You Go…Don’t Worry… We Won’t Cancel
8. We are Local Entrepreneurs, A Family Enterprise (we are not a gringo company)
Probably you will see that most of the tour operators mention it on their websites that are local tour companies, however, if you research a little deeper you will find out that’s not true, they might be although half of the operation is done from here and another half abroad, they even have NorthAmerican phone number or European phone numbers, which is a clue to find out, we are not against the foreigner companies or half foreign companies, what we are against is that they lie.
In Cusco exist just few truly local tour operators. If you did not know, foreign companies come to Peru to get rich without paying a General Sales Tax or Tax Contribution to our country. If you did not know that, according to the United Nations, for every US $100 spent on a tour in a developing country or foreign travel companies, only $5 stays in the local economy. Normally, almost all of the money flows back to large companies operating outside the destination countries. As we are a local family enterprise, we guarantee that your travel expenditures will support the local economy, and improve the lives of Peruvians through contributing to general sales tax.
9. Responsible Travel
Be a responsible traveller! Let’s make this world a better place for everyone and for everyone that lives in it! The natural environments that we travel to are fragile and abundant with beautiful culture and traditions that are often reliant on tourism. We have a responsibility as travelers to minimize the impact of our presence, protect what is delicate, and leave a positive influence everywhere we can.
As a locally owned and based Peruvian tour company, we integrate these practices into our in-country operations we are aiming for a style of travel that makes the world a better place for everyone, and for everyone that lives in it. Since our very first days as a tour operator, responsible business has been at the heart of what we do. Peru Summit Adventures is committed not just to treading lightly, but to making a real difference by helping and investing in local communities, education initiatives, environmental conservation projects. These values are not more than just words, they are ingrained in the culture and philosophy of our crew, daily operations of Peru Summit Adventures trips, and at our office too.
10. Good Value for Money Guarantees Your Exceptional Short Inca Trail 2 Days Hike
No hidden fees or middlemen, as a local tour operator to Short Inca Trail 2 Days Hike to Machu Picchu, at Peru Summit Adventures we ensure you an exclusive guarantee that clearly says that we will meet the high expectations we set forth on our website or promotional materials because this tour is operated exclusively by us.
Our Flawless Reviews | Your Words -- We Tell It Like It Is!
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- Original passport and some copies.
- Travel insurance and some copies.
- Backpack to carry your personal belongings.
- Bathing suit (if you would like to enjoy the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
- Camera.
- Hands sanitizer.
- Deet or mosquito repellent (recommendable 30% deet).
- Hiking poles (or you can rent one pair from us).
- Rain gear (especially if traveling in the wet season, from October to March).
- Comfortable hiking clothes, including warm clothes for the nighttime.
- Good hiking boots with protector ankle or similar, and one pair of flip-flops or light sandals.
- Sunblock and sunglasses.
- Hiking long sleeve T-shirts.
- Hiking trousers.
- Ear Plugs.
- Hiking socks.
- Water bottle or canteen.
- American dollars and Peruvian soles in cash.
- Sun hat, cap.
- Toilet paper, and face tissue paper.
- Credit or debit card.
- Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen).
- Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Acetazolamide (Diamox), Band-Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may take).
Whats the Trip Like
Weather in Short Inca Trail 2 days
Note on Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket
Distance of the 2 Day Short Inca Trail
Best time or month to hike the 2 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Is it possible to make my luggage to my hotel in Aguas Calientes Town by train?
What's the hiking time?
How long in advance should I book the Short Inca Trail Permits?
Do I visit Machu Picchu with my Short Inca Trail ticket?
Aguas Calientes Town - Machu Picchu Town
Trip Leaders
Trek Leaders or Guides Are Part of the Core of Peru Summit Adventures and Your Perfect Local Companion
The perfect custom-made private tours, adventure tours, or expeditions don’t just happen. It takes a team of talented, knowledgeable, passionate, and experienced professionals to bring it all together and possible. Our team of Peru Summit Adventures Leaders is comprised of local trip veterans, seasoned tour veterans with rich backgrounds on history, archaeology, culture, cuisine, geology, biology, and more.
With the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the travel industry, our Trip Leaders safely deliver your trip-of-a-lifetime to maximize your Peru journeys and adventures every step of the way. Our Tour/Trek Leaders have worked extensively in the Peru isolated mountains, archaeological sites, hiking the Inca Trail (at least 150 times), Amazon jungle, and being at Machu Picchu for over 400 times at least, this guarantees your trip a unique and memorable experience.
Extend your Experience
Lodging
Hotels: We select carefully our hotels in each destination all over the country. And we select our accommodations for how well they represent the distinctive character of the destination you’re in. Some of these rooms and cabanas draw their inspiration from history and others from the views they offer. What’s consistent, however, is that we stand by each and every one of these for what they’ll add to your experience.
Suggested Reading List
We have created a custom comprehensive listing of Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu and Peru, Machu Picchu, and Peru travel books for this trip. Our reading list Peru is custom-designed to complement specific Peru Summit destinations. We feature a handpicked selection of travel guides, maps, literature, books on art, cuisine, nature, and culture, designed to help you get more out of your travels to Machu Picchu & Peru.
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