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?
Where to Eat?
Will my mobile phone work in Peru?
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
What currency do I need to bring?
Can I rent a car in Peru?
Do I need travel insurance?
Do I need any vaccinations to travel to Peru?
How do I book and pay?
Do you arrange group or join-in tours?
Do you arrange trips for solo travelers?
Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
What is the brief history of Peru?
How do I get to Peru?
When is the best time to travel to Peru?
What are the best places to go to in Peru as a tourist?
How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located in Peru?
What is the geography and climate of Peru like?
What is the historic Capital?
What is the capital of Peru?
What other languages and/or indigenous languages are there in Peru?
What are the official languages of Peru?
What is the currency of Peru?
How large is the size of the country of Peru?
What Countries Border Peru?
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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
Kika C2024-12-16Amazing experience and customer service!!! I highly recommend Dominick with Nature Horizons Tours!! I am a travel advisor who had a bit of a last-minute booking with a family to Peru. I reached out to Dominick immediately, since I knew he’d be fabulous!! He went above and beyond with communication, response, time, organization, and more! He got the very happy clients booked within a few days and I am super grateful for his services!!! he was so kind to start a WhatsApp group chat with me and my clients to answer any and all questions we had! Thank you!!!!Evan L2024-10-29Amazing time at Machu Picchu We had a great time in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco! Great views and excellent guide and transportation. Everything was great!Karen H2024-10-29Excellent experience I have worked with Nature Horizons as a travel advisor and it was an excellent experience. I 100% trust this team to deliver an exceptional trip for my clients. They are quick to respond to questions and the communication while my clients were traveling was outstanding. They had excellent knowledge of the area and were able to provide more local tips and suggestions that I would have been able to provide alone.Highly recommend.Rosie H2024-08-18Epic African Safari to Tanzania My husband and I planned a trip with 2 other couples to go on an African Safari in Tanzania for the Great Migration experience as well as the Serengeti which was epic all by itself. We visited and stayed across Moshi (Mt. Kilimanjaro area), the North & Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Maynara, nKomazi Black Rhino Sanctuary, Tarangire and probably a few other places I can't recall. We stayed at tented temporary camps to luxury camps. We stayed at Weru Weru lodge, Serengeti Heritage lodge, Central Serengeti Luxury camp, Rhino Lodge, Lake Maynara Safari Lodge and finally at Kilimanjaro Luxury camp. These venues each had their own beauty with furnishings, mosquito nets, traditional African tribal entertainment, good food and amazing staff who catered to our every need and comfort. Even in the bush, we still had access to electricity, hot water, bottled water, showers, toilets and yes of course, the internet but you have to be realistic since the bush is the bush with hyenas, big cats and elephants moving around the property. I really loved the Masai warriors who made us feel safe as they escorted back and forth between tents and the main camp. We were so blessed to experience the BIG 5 largely due to the expertise of our guides Praygod and Victor. They were the best and boy did they make the trip. I was grateful for their knowledge of the terrain, their respect for the wildlife, education and tolerating our 1000s of questions. We had 3 couples plus the owner operator Dominick and we rotated across 2 Land Cruisers. I wouldn't have it any other way, I never felt cramped and being able to pop my head up in the open roof was great for photos and viewing the animals with my binoculars. This was a once in a life time trip that I highly recommend to anyone that has grown up watching animal planet and national geographic as a kids. When you see these animals only feet away from you, the kid in you returns and you will definitely cry at the beauty of these animals in their natural habitat. I highly recommend Nature Horizons since they are well connected across the different operators and local partners. They lodging was great and it provided a little bit of raw nature in the bush, feeling like a roughed it a bit (but not really) to the beauty Kilimanjaro luxury camp the last 2 nights to be at the foot of Kilimanjaro, and being able to see her greatness above the clouds. I have been back a month and I can't stop talking about my experience in Tanzania. I was able to experience the beauty of the people of Tanzania, an actual Masai village, shopping at the awesome African Galleria, and getting souvenir's at the cool places our guides felt were respectable locations for tourists. I am not sure when, but I plan to go back to explore more of Tanzania and Africa.Nikole2024-07-17No Words I feel very fortunate to have gone on this safari with Nature Horizons. I went with a group of people and only knew one. Each place that we stayed at was very special in its own way. Dominick is a very kind, intelligent, fun human. He has built all the right relationships to ensure all of his clients are taken care of. We were able to see all of the big five. Our guides felt like family. I’ve never been on a trip that was so magical and was so hard to leave. It has nearly been half a year and our group still talks with each other. We bonded so much that we committed to going on a trip together every 5 years. If you’re thinking about this, DO IT! Do it with Nature Horizons! They will go the extra mile for you to get the experience of a lifetime. They even made sure we had opportunities to connect with the people of Tanzania.Rebecca M2024-06-23Unforgettable vacation We worked with Nature Horizons for our honeymoon to Peru and it far exceeded any expectations we had! It was the most incredible experience and itinerary they created for us and Deivis was always on top of everything and extremely responsive if we had questions. I give this company my highest/strongest recommendation if you are thinking of going to any of the countries they service!Dream224010839132024-06-12Great Travel Team! I am a travel advisor and just sent my clients on their honeymoon with Nature Horizons. They visited Peru and had the most amazing time. The Nature Horizons team was so easy to work with. listened to my requests, and made all the revisions I needed. They took wonderful care of my clients as if they were their own. I can't wait to work with them again!Noe V2024-06-11Full service trip to Perú We had a wonderful time traveling through Perú for two weeks on an itinerary planned by Deivis, through nature horizons.The experience was so much more than we originally expected. Every detail was accounted for. From private drivers to knowledgeable tour guides, there was nothing lacking.I don't know if we'll ever be able to take a trip like this again, but I'm so glad we did at least once. Thank you so much. I'll never forget these amazing days.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!Tripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5,
based on 63 reviews