This two-day short Inca Trail hike gives you the opportunity of visiting the most stunning ruins along the way to Machu Picchu. Passing through the Sun Gate for your first view of the Lost City of the Incas; and continuing down to the picturesque town of Aguas Calientes to stay overnight. This a perfect option for those seeking for a small taste of trekking the Andes and appreciate one of the 7 Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.
Basic Information
- Duration: 18 hours
- Currency: USD
- Language: English
Summary Description
Highlights
Description
The day starts early with us picking you up on our private van at 4:00am from your hotel/hostel in Cusco to head down to Ollantaytambo’s train station. We arrive roughly at 6:00am and hop onto the train for a 2-hour ride to Km 104, which is where the checking point of the Inca Trail is located. Once there we start our hike! Our first stop is at the archaeological site Chachabamba, where your guide will give you a tour and explain the history of these amazing ruins. We take a small break to have freshly made lunch and gain energy for what’s left of the day. Once done, we continue on a 3-hour hike to our next Inca site, Wiñay Wayna. After the tour, your guide will give you time to explore the site, temples, waterfalls, gardens, storehouses, watchtowers and farming terraces.
From there, we keep hiking until we reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to admire the sunset above Machu Picchu and astonishing views. We won’t be able to visit the Inca citadel since it’s already too late, but don’t worry, we’ll have more than enough time the following day! The hike ends with us making our way down to Aguas Calientes, we’re we’ll spend a night in a comfortable hotel.
The big day is here. We have an early morning breakfast and get ready to take a bus up to the mystical city of Machu Picchu. There, your tour guide will show you around the Incan citadel and explain to us about its history and purposes. After the guided tour, you have free time walk through the ruins by yourself, take amazing pictures and just relax and enjoy the majestic feeling.
After exploring Machu Picchu, you come back to Aguas Calientes. The 2-day Inca Trail ends up with a train ride to Ollantaytambo (alternatively to Poroy), from where we you’re taken by van back to Cusco.
Included / Excluded
What's Included
- Pre-tour briefing the night before departure (Yapa will contact you in the morning to arrange)
- Inca Trail permit
- Machu Picchu ruins entrance ticket
- 2-hour guided tour in Machu Picchu Citadel
- Professional, experienced, bilingual tour guide
- Hotel/hostel pick-up and drop-off
- Roundtrip bus transport between Machu Picchu sanctuary and Aguas Calientes
- Transportation by private mini-van to the start point of the trek
- Transportation by train and mini-van from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
- 1 night at 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
What's Not Included
- First day’s breakfast and last day’s lunch & dinner
- Travel insurance (not a requirement)
- Gratuities / Tips
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- Duration: 18h
- Mobile tickets accepted
- Instant confirmation
Cancellation
Cancellation Policy: standard
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
Options
Adult
| RETAIL PRICE | |
|---|---|
| Adult (13-64 years) | $499.00 |
Points of interest
Additional Information
What to bring;
• We strongly recommend a small backpack, 40 to 50L max
• Original passport (the same you used to book)
• Hiking boots
• Comfortable clothes
• Sunblock & lip balm
• Aluminum/Reusable water bottle
• Personal medication
FAQ
Will I have problems with altitude sickness on this tour?
Altitude sickness can catch many travelers a little bit off guard. It’s impossible to know who will get affected by it. Some don’t even feel it at all! For most, it’s nothing more than a headache and a dizzy sensation that goes away over a short period of time.
If you want to limit your chances of getting sick, there are a few things you can do. The most important thing to do is acclimatize in Cusco. Take it easy on the first day or two, eat small meals, get plenty of rest and drink water. Other alternatives are Soroche (Diamox) pills and coca leaves.
It’s also important to speak to your physician to make sure you don’t have any underlying conditions.
What is the group size?
Our tour departs with a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 8 people.
If looking to book a private group tour or solo tour, contact us and we’ll organize one for you.
Do you arrange trips for solo travelers?
There’s nothing like that feeling of discovering a new place all by yourself and we can help you with that. Whether looking to travel alone part of a journey or the whole trip, simply contact us and we’ll create the perfect plan.
Can I book a private group tour?
We take the stress out of booking a group trip of 4 or more people to Machu Picchu, plus the added bonus of including great benefits! Contact our team through our email: [email protected] or by sending a Whatsapp to our number: +51 956 723 295 (09:00am to 6:00pm – Peruvian time) for more information.
What Inca sites will I see on the Inca Trail?
Apart from Machu Picchu, the other ruins you’ll discover on the Inca Trail are the ones of Llactapata, Winay Wayna, Runkurakay, Phuyupatamarca and Sayacmarca, as well as other smaller Inca sites. Your tour guide will take you to these sites and explain their history and purpose in the Inca Empire.
How far in advance should I book the Inca Trail tour?
We suggest at least 6-8 months in advance. There’s a strict limit of 200 permits for travelers per day, and as you can imagine they can get snatched up really quickly.
Theres no availability for the Inca Trail on the date I’m traveling. What now?
The Inca Trail is the most popular route to Machu Picchu and unfortunately, luck can sometimes not be on our side. But the good news is that the Inca Trail isn’t the only trek to the citadel!
The Salkantay Trek is the main alternative to the Inca Trail. Being named one of the most beautiful treks in the world, it offers unbelievable views like nowhere else.
The Inca Jungle Trek is another great alternative which mixes adventure into the journey. Trek, bike zip-line and even river raft on your way to Machu Picchu!
