Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days
Overview
The 2-day Inca Trail hike is one of the most beautiful treks to Machu Picchu for those tight on time but still want to experience the energy of Qhapac Ñan (Inca Trail) and glimpse Machu Picchu from the heights of the sun gate. If that’s what you want then this two-day Inca Trail trek is perfect for you. You’ll hike 12 kilometers of this alternative Incan trail, where you will discover archaeological remains, dense forests, waterfalls, and native flora and fauna—all without the usual crowds along the four-day trek. The two-day hike is a generally peaceful trek for those who like tranquility and nature.
We’ll start the trek in the ruins of Cochabamba, hiking uphill for three hours to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna and another two hours to Machu Picchu. After taking in our first views of Machu Picchu, we will descend to the remote town of Aguas Calientes, where we will rest and recharge before our guided visit to Machu Picchu on Day 2. If you are tight on time and are in good physical condition to do so, you may also choose to complete this entire trek in a single day, completing your trek and exploring Machu Picchu on the same day.
Also, if you like, you can climb HUAYNA PICCHU or MONTAÑA MACHU PICCHU, which you have to book in advance. Check the availability here: https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/disponibilidad/
HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit Machu Picchu twice; once in the afternoon of the first day and the morning of the second day
- Hike along the original Incan trail to Wiñaywayna
- Enjoy the beautiful views of the Vilcanota Valleys
- Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate
- Be one of the firsts to enter Machu Picchu
- Spend an entire day in Machu Picchu
- Enjoy the guiding tour lead by an expert
Group Price
- The price per person for group expeditions are fixed based on a group size. However, we have optional arrangements for individual private and tailor-made preferences best suited for you, your family and friends.
- All prices are based on shared accommodation. Please inquire for a 1 guest private room accommodation quote
- Prices listed are not final. Please inquire for your final price quote.
2 pax | 3-4 pax | 5-7 pax | 8-20 pax |
---|---|---|---|
$ 2,676 | $ 2,556 | $ 2,436 | $ 2,328 |
Included/Excluded
- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
- Transfer from Cusco to the train station of Ollantaytambo
- A professional tour guide prepared in first aid and experienced in the route and history
- Second guide for groups of more than 9 people
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to kilometer 104 which is the trailhead
- Entrance ticket for the Inca trail 2 days
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu for the first and second day
- 1 night in hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on day 1
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle for emergencies
- 01 breakfast, 01 lunch, 01 dinner
- Return train from Machu Picchu town to Ollantaytambo
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo Station to your hotel in Cusco
- Breakfasts of the first day
- Extra expenses
- Tips
Day 1: CUSCO – KM 104 INCA TRAIL – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES
Arrive in Cusco
We start the day by picking you up from your hotel between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. to transfer you to the train station of Ollantaytambo, where you will board the train at around 6:00 am. . We’ll begin with a three-hour uphill hike toward the archaeological complex of Wiñaywayna, where you will have time to explore and listen to a guided explanation of the ruins.
Afterward, you will eat lunch and walk for another two hours to the Intipunku Sun Gate, where you will have a spectacular view of Machu Picchu. Afterward, we will continue walking for about 45 minutes toward Machu Picchu and spend time taking pictures and enjoying the magic of the ancient city. Afterward, you will take a bus for 30 minutes to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes where you will spend a night in the hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner in one of the restaurants in the town.
- Overnight in Aguas Calientes
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 2:
Your Nature Horizons team will wake you up early with your choice of hot drinks. You’ll then have time to prepare your duffel bags, day packs and to enjoy your freshly made breakfast. We’ll walk 30 minutes to the bus station to be one of the first in line to go up to Machu Picchu (sometimes there is a 20-30 min wait in the line to board the bus).
The first buses will depart at 5:30 a.m. and arrive at 6:00 a.m., into Machu Picchu. Again, you need to have your original passport at this checkpoint. Your Nature Horizons tour guide will take you to the perfect spot to enjoy the sunrise over the mountains and gets some amazing pictures (weather permitting). We’ll then have a two hour private walking tour of the Machu Picchu ruins with all of its fascinating history. You’ll also have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. If you have booked a permit to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain you’ll start at 10:00 a.m. However, there are a lot of other things to see around Machu Picchu. There is the Inca Bridge, the Sun Gate, or you can walk around the temple and residential areas of Machu Picchu and mingle with the llamas. You’ll need to catch your bus back down to the town of Aguas Calientes for lunch and train to Ollantaytambo. From there you’ll go by private van back to Cusco where your Nature Horizons team will drop you off at your hotel.
- Highlight: Arrive early to Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise
- Temperature: Warm and humid
- Meals: Breakfast Only
- Train: Expedition tourist class
ACCOMMODATION
With Tourist Class Hotels:
Cities | Hotels / Hab. Standard | NT |
Machu Picchu | Hatun Samay *** www.hatunsamay.com | 1 |
Total Nº of nights | 1 |
* In the case of room unavailability in the hotels mentioned above we will use hotels of similar category
Do you arrange international airfare?
When to Go?
Where to Shop in Cusco?
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What Should I pack?
- Comfortable sneakers or hiking boots
- Short and long-sleeved t-shirts
- Rain gear
- A fleece jacket
- Jeans or casual trousers
- Camera
- Backpack
- Insect repellent, lip balm and sun block
- Binoculars
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WHAT TO PACK
- Passport
- Backpack to carry all your stuff and the sleeping bag. It should be a comfortable technical hiking backpack of 30 to 35 liters. If you have a bigger one works as well
- Sleeping bag at least minus 5 cº. If you do NOT have one, you can rent from us for 10 dollars for the whole trek. The sleeping bag weighs 1.5 kilos approx
- Trekking Poles – We recommend for people with problems with knees, ankle, or you used to use hiking poles. If you do NOT have one, you can rent a pair of trekking poles for 10 dollars from us.
- Wool hat or beanie
- Sun hat
- Scarf
- Gloves
- 2 – 3 t-shirts, if you have long sleeve better
- Two layers (sweater, fleece)
- Two pairs of long pants if you have leggings, you can do on leggings
- Hiking shoes
- 2 – 3 pairs of wool socks
- A jacket Rain gear (Pants, jacket, if you do not have you can buy rain poncho) is crucial, especially for the wet season.
- Small towel.
- Small headlamp.
- Toothbrush and other personal toiletries.
- Toilet paper.
- Sun cream.
- Insect repellent.
- Sandals / Flip flops.
- If you have warm clothing, you can take them, which not that important.
- Some snacks such as chocolate, cereal bars, candies, nuts, energy bars, etc.
- Extra Cash in Soles
- IF YOU HIRE PORTER SERVICE, we provide you with a duffel bag. You can pack 7 kilos of your stuff which will Carry by the porters. You get the duffle bags the night before the trek, on the briefing day.
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Our TripAdvisor Reviews
Jill D2024-04-20Not enough stars to rate this company- THE BEST time ever!!! If there were a million stars to rate this company and my recent trip, it wouldn't be enough. Nature Horizons is amazing. I first met the owner, Dominick at a convention for travel advisors in 2023. I knew immediately that he was a very special person and he had a very obvious love for the tours he had created in the destinations he adored. The story of developing his company is inspiring and his work ethic has continued to impress me during all stages of my Safari planning, from its conception to preparation to hosting us during the Great Migration in Tanzania. His communication is efficient, sincere and organized. He is thorough and thoughtful. He is fun and personable. He is extremely knowledgeable and has vetted resources to execute adventures across many countries. Our Safari was 12 days of awesome-ness. We truly couldn't have asked for a better experience. Each day was well-planned and our guides helped us see so many animals, sites and natural wonders. They knew where to be and when for us to see the most miraculous things. Dominick was such a friendly host, helping us gain perspective and a true taste of Tanzania. He listened to our wishlist, considered our requests and delivered days that we will never forget. Dominick truly cares about each and every guest and also has such respect for some of the most treasured creatures and places on our planet. I can't imagine a better Safari ever happening. But, knowing Dominick, he will make sure the next one and the next and the next are better than the one before it. That's how much he cares. I have to share a couple of our favorite moments were totally unplanned, though. Our Safari vehicle got stuck in the mud as rains started in the Central Serengeti. Dominick stayed calm, assured us that all was well and we sipped champagne as we watched the men try to get us unstuck...comical. Everything happens for a reason and we saw a perfectly complete rainbow soon after our vehicle was moving down the road. It couldn't have been scripted any better! As we continued on the way back to our lodge, we came across a Lioness and her brand-new cub. This is something rarely seen and we were sure Dominick paid the Lioness to appear for us. LOL. These examples are merely a glimpse of memories we made. And, part of the reason these moments were so special was because we were in the moment, which was as Nature Horizons intended. We had not a care in the world and could simply "be" in nature. I can't thank the entire team enough for such a wonderful two weeks.
416marlysl2024-04-04Amazing Experience! This trip was, by far, the most amazing trip I have ever taken! Dominick and his driver/guides were fabulous! They definitely found all the animals we wanted to see and many unexpected sites as well. They were so accommodating, stopping whenever we asked even if it was just for a bird or turtle crossing the road. Our guide, Praygod, was able to identify every bird we saw! Their knowledge of the wildlife was phenomenal. We learned so much about the culture, food, and local life from our casual conversations. The accommodations, while not luxury, were very comfortable and the food was very good, especially the soups. When I go back, it will definitely be with Dominick and Nature Horizons Tours!
Morgan M2024-03-27Wildlife Psychics I was totally blown away by the magic of Tanzania, and Dominick and his crew were incredible. They seemed to psychically know where all of the wildlife would be. They were very laid back and were open to pit stops along the way. We had a great time and I can't wait to go back.
Tamara H2024-03-25Safari in Tanzania was AWESOME! I joined Nature Horizons on a safari in Tanzania in February, 2024, and I was incredibly pleased with my experience. Our tour operator Dominick and his staff were knowledgeable, professional, and very friendly. They worked very hard to make sure we saw as much wildlife as possible, and as they got to know us, they adjusted our itinerary to fit in extra special experiences. The accommodations were middle of the road and appropriate for the price point, and I actually think I had a more authentic experience than if I would have stayed in luxury accommodations. The pace of the trip was great. As a solo traveler, I left Tanzania with friends I am sure I will have for a lifetime. There's something magical about a safari, and Nature Horizons made sure we had amazing and awesome experience that I will never forget.
Irene D2024-02-28An Adventure of a lifetime It's been one week since I got back from the amazing adventure. I went on the Tanzanian safari with a friend and made 7 more friends. Dominick Santariga was an awesome host. The evening we arrived, Dominick met us at the airport and the adventure commenced. The next day we actually went to a preschool owned by Nicas Marandu. There we met some beautiful children who were so welcoming and sweet. After visiting the school, we went to a Coffee Farm. Personally, I don't care for coffee but after listening to Godfrey explain the process and having the group actually grind coffee beans and cook the beans, the taste of the coffee was out of this world. The next day we traveled to Lake Manyara. Going through the many small towns, we were able to view the daily lives of the Tanzanian people. We saw elephants on the side of the road, one having tusks almost to the ground! There were so many baboons in the Lake Manyara National Park. On the trip, we got to know the other people on safari, and it was like these are my people. They are all world travelers, some travel agents, business owners to include coffee and photos, but all were amazing. From Lake Manyara we went to Central Serengeti. You could see wildebeest for miles and miles. Roaming with the wildebeest were zebras Grant Gazelle and Thomson Gazelle and Impalas. We came to know our driver, Victor. He said we would see the big five during our adventure, and we sure did. The Big Five: Lion, African Elephant, Leopard, Rhinoceros and the African Buffalo. I almost forgot about the air balloon ride. Oh, my! Traveling over the hippo pool was the highlight of the flight. So many hippos! We spent 3 days in Central Serengeti and saw so many animals. It never got old. From Central Serengeti we went to Ngorongoro Conservation area. The crater has over 30,000 animals. The pink and white flamingos were amazing. During one picnic lunch, a Marabou stock bird was pretty pushy, wanting us to feed him. After Ngorongor Crater, we went to Tarangire National Park. The days went by so quickly. We finished the safari at Simba Farm Lodge. The food, especially the soups, were to die for. After a relaxing two days, we went back to Moshi town but we weren't finished. We went to the MkoMazi National Park and saw wild dogs in a breeding program, zebras that came up to the safari vehicle and the black Rhino, munching on grass 20 feet from the vehicle! Sadly, the adventure was over and we flew back on Monday. But before we left we met Victor, a friend of Dominick's and ate a banana stew. Words can't explain how delicious that dish was. Thanks, Victor and Mama Irene. Overall, this was a trip of a lifetime. I'm still processing the sites and sounds of Tanzania. Thanks, Dominick.!
b S2024-01-22Jam-packed South American Nature Experience On our trip we visited Quito (and surrounding region), the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon jungle, and Cusco (and surrounding region). In Quito, we toured the Quilotoa volcano, and hiked near the Cotopaxi volcano. We were almost able to see the summit of Cotopaxi, but the very top was obscured by clouds. Stupendous views otherwise. This section of the trip probably would have been more enjoyable if we had started with a day to rest from the long flights we arrived on. In the Galapagos Islands we saw sooo many Galapagos tortoises. We also passed through a magma cave, which, as a caver, was pretty cool. The wildlife was quite relaxed in the presence of humans, which allowed us to get close (not too close) and take many great pictures. We chose to go on a couple water/cruising tours. On those, we got to see dolphins playing in the wake of the boat, blue-footed boobies, so many iguanas, frigates, galapagos gulls, small penguins... on those trips we also went snorkeling and saw many types of fish and starfish. I believe the specific islands we toured were North Seymour, and Bartolome. We got to tour the local (only?) chocolate shop and brewery. I suggest a wide-brimmed hat, and light, long clothing. It is easier to wear long sleeves than to remember to reapply sunscreen multiple times. At Guayaquil (layover otw from the Galapagos to Lima) one of our members became sick and had to miss the Amazon portion of the trip. In the Amazon we stayed at the Nature Horizons lodge. It was a bit rustic, but we had no issues with insects / plants / animals at the lodge. In the jungle, outside of the lodge, the primary nuisance was mosquitos. We took various boat rides onto the Amazon river / its tributaries and saw pink and gray dolphins. On one excursion a guide beckoned a monkey to come down a tree, where he fed it parts of a citrus fruit while we watched. I suggest always having raingear with you. We went for a evening boat trip and ended up soaked from a intense rain. In Cusco we took a daytrip to Machu Pichu via bus/train. Would have been all train, but part of the tracks had been damaged by a recent mudslide (iirc). Machu Pichu was really cool, but also swarming with tourists. The next day we drove to Rainbow Mountain (la montaña colorada). We parked at an elevation of ~4500 m (iirc), and walked/hiked up to the peak at ~5200 m. Hiking at an elevation where it is difficult to breath fully was an exciting experience. The views were amazing. We were supposed to do a walking tour of Cusco for our final day, but another member of our group became quite sick, so that was out. The guides that worked with us were super knowledgeable and nice. Tour/support staff were phenomenal. Especially when things deviated from the plan (sickness, issues with flights..). It was a great trip. I think it would have been better if we had spent more time at fewer locations (less time spent moving from place to place), and if we had been more careful about the food (so tasty though) and water.
Bob S2024-01-21First Class South American Adventure! I finally got my family together for a long awaited South American trip to include some common destinations such as the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu but also lesser traveled areas including the Amazon rain forest and the Rainbow Mountain Valley in Peru. Within Ecuador and Peru, these sites are well separated making the logistics of a trip such as this quite an endeavor. Fortunately, Dominick and his staff were more than ready to take on the planning of our trip from the first phone call. Although we went through several itineraries before solidifying the final version, Dominick and staff were always flexible and accommodating in hammering out the changing plans. Upon arriving in country, we found the guides and drivers/vehicles to be excellent. Transfers, hotel accommodations and daily excursions went off like clockwork. When our group was occasionally late, the guides and drivers always worked with us without frustration. The guides were all very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. They freely shared their local expertise during our daily excursions but also their insights on regional and national topics such as education, the economy and politics. In short, they gave us a complete picture of the people, the regions and the countries we were visiting. We did have some unexpected illness in our group during the trip but again Dominick and his team were there to support us in getting the appropriate medications as well as in making adjustments to flight and hotel reservations. Lest I forget, meals, restaurants and hotels were well chosen and top notch. In short, Dominick and his team provided an excellent and unforgettable trip for us all. I would highly recommend Nature Horizons tours without reservation for your next journey. Thanks again, Dominick!
Mary S2024-01-21Outstanding Custom Group Tour Nature Horizons arranged an excellent trip that was custom designed for us (a group of 6) to Ecuador, including the Galapagos, and Peru, including the Amazon River region, and Machu Pichu. Every aspect of the trip was fabulous. The guides were high quality, local, knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating. Dominick at Nature Horizons listened to what we wanted to see and accomplish and he made it happen. We ran into several unexpected challenges along the way with flights but Dominick’s team was there at every turn to help us through including helping us at the airlines and with security. Our accommodations were great and hikes were very scenic. The Galapagos and the Amazon area were beautiful beyond words. If you are looking for a high quality, accommodating, and flexible tour, Nature Horizons is outstanding.
Simon2023-11-21An Amazing Trip on Top of Mount Kilimandjaro This trip from Nature Horizons has been one of a lifetime. From the first contact with Dominic all the way to the summit of Mount Kilimandjaro, the experience has been easy, hassle free and most of all very friendly. Dominic has been a great help at reassuring me about this trip and was always available to answer my many questions. We even set up videconferences so we could talk live about the trip, the planning and every little details. Nature Horizons was very flexible regarding the dates for this trip and the pricing was right. Many things were included in the package where it wasn’t the case with other companies. The process was so easy that even at the airport, Nature Horizons` team was on site ready to pick me up and bring me to the hotel. The hotel staff was aware of my arrival and the check-in process (already taken care of by Nature Horizons) allowed me to start this vacation stress free. As for the trip itself, Nature Horizons’ team has been extremely professional from start to finish. Everyone was ready on time to pick me up at the hotel. My guide, Kelvin, has been very generous with his explanations about how things would work for those 7 days to the summit. During the climb, Kelvin was very knowledgeable about everything on the way. He was providing me information about the different plants, flowers and herbs, about the rock formations as well as the history of Mount Kilimandjaro. Whenever I had a question, he had an answer. For someone who wants to be immersed in Kili lore such as I was, my guide was more than able to please. The food was delicious and varied. Fresh vegetables and fruits every day. I was amazed at the amount of food I was presented with. You won’t starve on this trip, Nature Horizons` team has your success at heart and you will be fed what you need to climb all the way to the summit. They provided treated water daily in more than sufficient amount. Every evening, Kelvin would take the time to brief me on the next day`s route, what to expect and how to dress according to the climate. During the day, I never felt any pressure because of my pace. Either I was able to go a bit faster or had to go a bit slower, that would be it and my guide would adjust accordingly. I reached the summit, thanks to Nature Horizons` wonderful team. It has been amazing from start to finish and I recommend this experience to everyone!
Emily2023-03-14A truly inspiring and unforgettable vacation! Let me just say that if you are considering going to some of the most beautiful places in the world, PLEASE use Nature Horizons Tours. This company truly takes care of you, and makes any trip you go on with them all about you and what you want to experience. First and foremost, I had reached out to Dominick 2 years ago when we started planning an Africa trip, and he’s been an amazing resource since day one. When we finally found the place we wanted to go (Tanzania) and the flights we needed, I immediately contacted Dominick and he was ready to start planning the trip itinerary. We also had a bit of a unique request, and we wanted to do a wedding ceremony while on safari. Dominick was so accommodating to every single one of our requests, and setup an absolutely incredible and beautiful trip. We visited the Lake Mahayana National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Are, and Tanagire National park. We 8 days to accomplish our safari, and Dominick organized a perfect schedule where we spent plenty of time in each park and really got experience each place to the fullest. While on safari in the Serengeti we also had a sunrise wedding ceremony that couldn’t have been more perfect, and was exactly what my husband and I dreamed of. We decided to keep the ceremony super simple, but Dominick was ready with photographers, helping hands, etc. for anything we needed for our day. Considering this wasn’t the average request, Dominick blew it out of the water! Additionally, the connections that Dominick has in each place are extraordinary, and truly add to the experience of visiting any place you go with Nature Horizons. The first day we were in Tanzania we visited a small school run by a local man (Nicas) who also runs a dog shelter AND artist gallery all to help support the people of his town. Nicas gave us a tour of the town, and we visited a local swimming hole, roasted coffee beans with some local coffee makers for some delicious coffee, and visited a huge waterfall tucked away about a mile down a hiking trail. This was all in the FIRST day there. We met some incredible people just wandering the town with Dominick’s guides. The guide and cook for our safari were also a highlight of our tour. Praygod (our guide) was not only a wonderful and clearly kind and caring person (he actually presided over our ceremony), but he was also incredibly knowledgeable about the wildlife we encountered which was a huge plus for someone like me who’s a wildlife biologist and wildlife nerd. He knew SO much about everything we encountered, that the outdoorswoman inside of me was screaming with joy. Our cook, Victor, made absolutely delicious meals that we scarfed down like we hadn’t eaten in days every breakfast, lunch and dinner. He did some local dishes that make the experience even more special, including a goat leg for dinner the day of our ceremony as a celebration. They also both coordinated and picked up champagne for our sunrise ceremony that we popped open after saying I do at 7:00AM! It was so thoughtful and much appreciated by me and Ben to celebrate with people who started as strangers and became our friends. Lastly, we finished up our vacation with 4 days in Zanzibar. Dominick helped us pick the perfect resort and coordinated a ride to and from the airport to our resort. Every detail was taken care of from start to finish with our trip to Tanzania because Dominick made sure we knew all the details and had everything we needed. So to end this, if you haven’t already been convinced to travel with Nature Horizons Tours, I don’t know what will change your mind! Dominick helped us have the most unforgettable experience of a lifetime, and the people he has made friends with and works with at each of his destinations are truly amazing people that you will become friends with yourself. The care put into the tours with Dominick and his staff on the ground is unrivaled, and is truly what makes Nature Horizons Tours so special.Tripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5,
based on 55 reviews