Created for those with a strict time frame, our 2-day Inca Trail will allow you to experience everything wonderful about the last stretch of the classic 4-day trek in a couple of days. Along the way, you’ll visit fascinating archaeological sites, including the astounding Wiñaywayna. You’ll learn all about the ancient culture of the Incas and connect with nature and Mother Earth in the most stunning landscapes.

You can enjoy relaxing in the middle of the rolling hills and enjoy your packed lunch. Walk up to the Sun Gate, from where those on the 4-day Inca Trail will enter Machu Picchu. From here, you get your first spectacular views of the breathtaking Machu Picchu. It’s a dreamy landscape, without a doubt, so make sure you soak it up before you leave and return tomorrow.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike through some of the most spectacular Andean landscapes you’ll see.
• Trace ancient footsteps along the original Inca Trail and be transported back in time.
• Visit Inca archaeological sites and learn all about their culture and history from your knowledgeable guide.
• Spend the night in comfort in a comfy hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Explore the magical Machu Picchu with your guide and understand its secrets.

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: Cusco | KM 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate (Inti Punku) – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

Highlight of the day: See stunning scenery as you visit archaeological sites and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.

 Walk in Ancient Footsteps and Transport Back in Time

Your adventure will begin bright and early, with a pickup from your hotel at 4:00 a.m. We’ll head out for a journey of approximately one and a half hours to the charming town of Ollantaytambo. Here, we’ll board the first train to KM 104, the starting point of our trek. Along the way, you will be greeted by the stunning Andean mountains, fertile fields, and the Urubamba River, basking in the warm embrace of the morning sun. Before the hike, you’ll have a brief orientation with the guide, a box lunch, and some snacks to enjoy later.

You’ll start on a similar stretch of the Classic Inca Trail, visiting the first archaeological site nearby: Chachabamba. This was once a strategic guard post and checkpoint for those accessing the Inca Trail. Your guide will stop briefly to share some fascinating first insights about the Inca’s history. From here, the actual hike begins for another 3 hours to the Wiñay Wayna Complex. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by lush vegetation and towering mountains, offering breathtaking valley views.

This site’s astounds most trekkers for its impressive architecture. You’ll explore its features, from a ritualistic water source to temples venerating natural forces and agricultural terraces blending with the mountains. It’ll be a window into the Incan legacy. While there, you’ll have enough time to relax, unwind in peace, and connect to Mother Nature through the refreshing breeze. A little further on, you’ll arrive at one of the campsites of the Classic Inca Trail. Here, you’ll enjoy a tasty lunchbox, chill out, and recharge your energies.

Next, we’ll continue hiking to the Sun Gate, getting your first panoramic view of the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. It’ll be a truly jaw-dropping experience! You’ll marvel at the ingenuity of the Incas in constructing such a marvel. The enchanting landscape invites introspection into their connection with nature. You won’t enter the citadel immediately. The departing tourists grant you the chance to bask in the golden hues of sunset, embracing the massive stone walls and offering a moment of tranquility.

For now, we’ll head to the exit to take a bus to Aguas Calientes. Your hotel stay awaits, but first, you’ll enjoy a delectable dinner at one of the town’s top restaurants. Make sure to rest early, as you’ll be waking up at dawn for your next adventure.

DAY 2:  Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Highlight of the day: Step inside the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu, and explore its ancient streets and incredible architecture.

Explore the Astounding Inca City of Machu Picchu

After a well-deserved night’s rest, it’ll be time to be up before sunrise to ensure you beat the crowds. You’ll be wandering the mysterious streets of the majestic historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu! You’ll take a short walk from your hotel to catch a bus that’ll take you on a 25-minute drive to the entrance of the Inca citadel. You’ll enter just before the sun comes up and paints the Wonder with a gorgeous golden hue.

After soaking it all in and taking your first few photographs, your guide will take you on a two-hour tour of the site. You’ll visit some of the most essential parts of Machu Picchu and learn all about its construction and history from your local expert. Once the tour is up, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (pre-booked tickets required), each of which takes 2 and 3 hours to hike up and down, respectively. You’ll experience more stunning views of the whole Inca city from any of these places.

When you’re ready to leave, it’ll be time to head back down to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have time to select a restaurant of your choice for a bite to eat before catching a train, which usually departs at 2:55 p.m. (subject to availability). You’ll arrive in Ollantaytambo by train, and then private transport will be there to pick you up and take you back to your accommodation in Cusco at around 6:00 pm.

Now it’s time to enjoy a thoroughly deserved rest and put your feet up. Your trip might be over, but we assure you your heart will be thumping for many years as you look back fondly on your incredible adventure.

At Know Machu Picchu, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.

WHATS IS INCLUDED?

• Permits & Ticket for Inca Trail: As soon as we receive your complete information and the deposit that secures your reservation, we’ll buy all the necessary permits (subject to availability). These permits are issued for a specific date and will be in your name. They cannot be changed under any circumstances. Change of passport number is only allowed for renewal reasons. In that case, you must bring both your old and new passport.
• Pre-departure Briefing: You’ll have an orientation meeting with your guide the evening before the tour. The meeting is at 7:00 p.m. in your hotel.
• Experienced Tour Guide: All our guides have professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness and passion, which will make your trip safe and comfortable.
• Medical Kit or First AID Kit: All Know Machu Picchu guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers’ diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
• 24/7 Customer Service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Salkantay Trekking leading up to your trek.
• Meals:
• Day 1: Box Lunch (Mineral Water and snaks) and Dinner.
• Day 2: Breakfast 
• Transport: Transfers and bus tickets
• Day 1: Transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station
• Day 1: Bus Ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• Day 2: Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (One-way only).
• Day 2: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco
• Train Tickets: Train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 (Trek Starting Point) / From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• Round-Trip Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.

WHATS IS NOT INCLUDED?

• Huayna Picchu Mountain: You can climb the famous mountain you always see in the photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s 45 minutes uphill, and coming back down can be scary if you fear heights. You can take this excursion once your guided tour to Machu Picchu ends. The permit must be issued at least one month in advance due to high demand. Consider that there could be changes to protect your integrity, mainly due to weather conditions (The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person).
• Machu Picchu Mountain: Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains that surround the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider, and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket which we can secure for you if we have time in advance (The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person).
• Breakfast day 1 / lunch and dinner day 2.
• Travel Insurance.
• Tips for our staff.
• Additional costs or delays beyond our control: Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.

PACKING LIST

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?

ESSENTIAL.

• Valid Passport.
• Extra Money (recommended soles).
• Personal Medication.
• Water bottel or camelback.
• Sunblock (factor 70 or more).
• Insect repellent.
• Personal care products.

CLOTHING

• Light footwear or sandals.
• Trekking pants.
• Trekking socks.
• Shorts.
• Long sleeve t-shirts.
• Warm jacket.
• Waterproof jacket.
• Raincoat or rain poncho.
• Sun hat to protect neck and face.
• Neck gaiter or buff.
• Sunglasses with UV protection.

EQUIPMENT

• Medium trekking backpack (15 – 25 liter).
• Trekking Poles.

RECOMMENDED

• Camera and charger.
• Power bank.
• Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruitys, etc.
• Bathing suit.
• Towel.
• Flashlight.

We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Know Machu Picchu in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.

The Inca Trail Without Plastics

Join us on this journey towards a plastic-free Inca Trail, where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by our commitment to environmental stewardship. Together, let’s pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible adventure through the heart of history.

Briefing or Informative Meeting

The evening before your trip, our staff will contact you to provide full instructions on the tour at your Hotel (between 6 to 8 p.m., by phone call and Whatsapp)

Please make sure you are available at that time. If not, please contact us by email or phone to schedule a different time.

Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco)

If you still have a pending balance, you must pay it 2 days before your hike/tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be confirmed.

If possible, it would be greatly appreciated if you could settle the remaining balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or the local currency, at our office in Cuscoor your Hotel. You can withdraw funds from various ATMs located along Avenida Sol, offering both US dollars and Peruvian Soles. Alternatively, you have the option to pay using a credit/debit card or WETRAVEL, either online or in person, but please note that a 6% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (IZIPAY) and WETRAVEL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank checks or traveler’s checks as forms of payment for the balance.

Can I store my luggage at your office?

Of Course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.

Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.

Pick up of guests

Please note:

• All pickups are within Cusco City, but we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center for its convenient location.
• Our guide or staff will confirm the pickup time the day before the tour.
• Due to traffic conditions, the pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes.
• Cusco is an old city and has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets without car access or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. For such reasons, we strongly advise you to book accommodation with good access.

Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco

• In Machu Picchu, you’ll board a bus that’ll take you for 25 minutes to the small city of Aguas Calientes. The buses are boarded according to arrival.
• In Aguas Calientes, you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo. Your guide will give you the train tickets where the boarding time will be shown. Make sure you’re on the platform 30 minutes early. The train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes 1:45 hours.
• Once you arrive at the station, our representative, will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco or directly to your hotel. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes 1:30 hours.
• In Cusco, depending on your hotel’s location, we’ll take you to a car from our company to transfer you faster to your hotel.

NOTE: Your tour includes a One-Way Consettur Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a round-trip bus ticket, you’ll need to pay an extra of US$ 12.00.

Group Tours

Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.

It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.

Strikes and demonstrations

Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.

Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.

Lost objects

Please pay attention to where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything once you leave a place or a transport. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.

«Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days» can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We don’t operate this itinerary in February because of the rainy season & maintenance of the route.

2024 Land Cost

Group Price: US$ 580.00 per person

Required Pre-payment: US$ 300.00 per person

Balance (Cusco): US$ 280.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing).

This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.

Notice that Wetravel charges a fee of %6, which we ask the client to cover since it’s due to the use of its service. This tax is just for online deposits so that you will pay the remaining in cash (the briefing day in Cusco) without charges.

Extras & Upgrades

There are complementary services and upgrades you can include in this trip.

• Vistadome Train (Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo): US$ 100.00
• Huayna Picchu Mountain: US$60.00
• Machu Picchu Mountain: US$60.00
• Huchuy Picchu Mountain: US$45.00
• Single Supplement (Hotel in Aguas Calientes): US$30.00
• Extra Night in Aguas Calientes: US$50.00

Hotel in Aguas Calientes

This tour includes 1 night at a standard 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, with double or triple occupancy. If you need a hotel upgrade or prefer a single room, we can include them at extra cost.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.

Student Discount

US$20.00 off

Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years old or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of the passport at the time of booking. It must be valid and not expire within the travel dates. Please send it to info@knowmachupicchu.com

Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in know Machu Picchu. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.

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