Description of the Luxury Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2D/1N
Embark on a luxury 2-Day Inca Trail adventure to Machu Picchu. This short trek is designed for those who seek both comfort and an unforgettable journey through history. An exclusive tour of the Inca site will leave you in awe of the brilliance of the Inca civilization. Completement this by an overnight stay at a wonderful hotel in Aguas Calientes and the scenic Vistadome train to Cusco. Upgrades are available at booking, ask our travel agents for availability.
Luxury Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2D/1N at a Glance
Experience the magic of the Luxury Short Inca trail on a 2 days Journey, hike the ancient trail as our ancestors did, passing lush cloud forest and enjoying stunning views. Before you arrive in Machupicchu, you will explore impressive inca remains such as Wiñaywayna, and the stone portal to Machu Picchu, the Sun Gate or Intipunku in Quechua. Enjoy a personalized service, luxury hotels in Aguas Calientes and on the second day, explore the Iconic yet misterious Machu Picchu citadel with a private guided 3 hour tour.
Day 1: Cusco – Wiñay Wayna – Sungate – Machu Picchu
We start our Journey from your Cusco Hotel at 4:30 am to ride towards Ollantatambo for our panoramic train ride heading to the km 104, start the trek and explore the incredible Wiñaywayna Inca site, to then enter to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, the first breathtaking views which only Inca Trail hikers are allowed to see. We arrive in Machu Picchu in the afternoon in a quieter atmosphere, later we bus down to Aguas Calientes to spend the night in a Luxury hotel.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu “The Lost City of the Incas” Circuit 2 – Cusco
This is our glorious day, we will visit the most enigmatic site in Peru “Machu Picchu”, after an early breakfast, get on one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, and witness the sunrise, enjoy a 3 hour private guided tour unveiling secrets that this wonder of the world hides, then we head back to Aguas Calientes for a deserved Lunch on a top rated restaurant, then travel by train and car to Cusco. We arrive at your hotel by 8:00 pm.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Wiñay Wayna – Sungate – Machu Picchu
Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. We drive towards the train station in Ollantaytambo. Board the Vistadome Train for a scenic train ride to KM104, the starting point for your hike. Enjoy a curated trek with your guide through lush cloud forest, a scenic waterfall before arriving at the most impressive ruin on the Inca Trail.
The uphill hike is approximately 3 hours to the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna. Here, our guide will explain the importance of this site during the Inca empire. Later, after the tour, walk to our lunch spot at the Winay Wayna campground.
Once we are full and reenergized, continue our hike to the iconic Inti Punku, or Sun Gate, of the Machu Picchu Citadel. Here you will experience your first magnificent views of Machu Picchu.
We will reach Sun Gate between 2 and 3 p.m. when the Machu Picchu crowds have thinned down, and you may see this location with fewer people. After a 1-hour hike, reach Machu Picchu in the late afternoon, admire this wonder of the world from the viewing platforms above. You will not be entering the archaeological site today. Instead, you will have plenty of time for photographs before heading to your hotel for the night.
Afterward, we will get on the bus and ride for 25 minutes to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes); we will walk to our hotel in Aguas Calientes, and by 7 pm we meet you for dinner.
- Meals: Box lunch | Dinner | Snacks & Water
- Tickets: Inca Trail permits
- Services: Professional guided service | Private pick-up & transfer Cusco hotel – Trailhead
- Additionals: Personal duffle bag for your overnight clothes and toiletries to be sent to Aguas Calientes
- Accommodation: 5* InkaTerra Machupicchu Pueblo or Sumaq
***Optional – Night at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. Ask for availability and cost at the booking time.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu “The Lost City of the Incas” Circuit 2 – Cusco
Breakfast will be served at your hotel accommodation before your guided tour of Machu Picchu Citadel.
Before your guided tour of the archaeological site, your guide will bring you to a lookout point from where, weather-permitting, you will be able to watch the sun rise over Machu Picchu Citadel. From here, you will begin your 2-hour guided tour of the archaeological site, hearing the history and seeing the royal housing, the agricultural terracing, which feeds the site, and the many religious temples, which were very important to the Inca culture. Take in the impressive views from the citadel. Feel the presence of the Inca spirit that fills the site as well as the surrounding mountains. Be in awe of the beauty and history of Machu Picchu.
If you have opted to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (which needs to be arranged several months in advance with us) your guide will show you to where the hike up the mountain begins.
Once you are finished with your tour of Machu Picchu, take the bus down to down to the town of Aguas Calientes. Enjoy a delicious lunch before having time to wander around or buy some souvenirs. Our Vistadome train leaves at around 12:46 pm – 2:55 pm or 3:20. Once in Cusco, you will be privately escorted to your hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast (Hotel) | Lunch
- Tickets: Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Citadel
- Services: Professional guided service | Guided tour in Machu Picchu Citadel | Shuttle from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
***Optional Hiram Bingham train | Ask for availability and cost at booking time
What’s Included for the Luxury Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2D/1N?
Included
Staff
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Fully trained porter to carry personal backpack
Meals
- 01 exquisite box lunch.
- 01 Dinner.
- 01 breakfast at Hotel in Aguas Calientes on Day 2
- 01 lunch at Indio Feliz in Aguas Calientes on Day 2
- Snacks & water
- Vegetarian or vegan meals available upon request
Tickets
- Inca Trail permits
- Entry ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 – Depending on availability)
- Bus from Machu Picchu Citadel—Aguas Calientes and vice versa
- Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to km 104.
- Vistadome train Aguas Calientes – Cusco
Others
- Airport Pickup
- Private pre-trek briefing session at your hotel.
- Personal duffle bag for packing personal belongings
- Private pick-up & drop off from hotel in Cusco
- Private overland transport from Cuscto theto trailhead
- 01 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes at 5* hotel (upgrades available)
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu Citadel
- First aid kit & oxygen bottle
Not Included
Meals
- All meals not listed
Equipment
- Walking Poles—20 USD per pair
- Personal hiking backpack
Others
- Hotel accommodations not listed
- Extra transportation required & resulting from unforeseen and force majeure circumstances
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance—highly recommended
- Gratuities
Price for the Luxury Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2D/1N
General Cost:
$1199 USD Per person.
Student Discount
- $30 USD off per person Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD (with a barcode, name of university, student name, photo of student and expiration date) at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.
- $40 USD off per person: For kids under 11 years old, this discount will be applied by default. Send passport copy at the booking time.
Please send all information to info@waynatrekkers.com
Add On’s:
- Walking sticks – $20 USD
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes: Ask your travel expert for availability and costs
- Hiram Bingham Trail only return: $550 USD (Book in advance)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $80 USD (Book in advance)
- Machupicchu Mountain – $80 USD (Book in advance)
- Single Room Supplement: Ask your travel expert for availability and costs
PACKING LIST FOR THE LUXURY SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 2 DAYS
We will supply you with a duffel bag at the briefing. Your duffel bag will be sent by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas calientes. If you prefer you can carry all your needs in your backpack, if you prefer to do so, please try to pack as light as possible, which is key to enjoying this amazing trek.
In your daypack, or on the first day’s hike you will need:
- Original Passport (the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Good daypack (25 to 30L)
- Water 1 to 2 liters of water
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Polar or sweater for early mornings and evenings
- Rain jacket
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit
- Camera
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
In your duffel bag, you should pack
- A change of clothes for visiting Machu Picchu the next day
- Face cleanser, moisturizers & aftersun cream
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- Battery chargers
READ THE FOLLOWING LINES. HAVING THIS INFORMATION IN MIND WILL HELP YOU HAVING A COOLER EXPERIENCE
HOW TO BOOK THE LUXURY SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAY WITH WAYNA TREKKERS?
In order to book your Inca Trail 2 day with us, click on the BOOK NOW button, then select the day of your departure, fill out the personal information of each participant and the last step is the payment. You can pay us with your credit card or debit. Send us only the deposit of $500 USD.
On the booking platform, you will also find the extras. The Huayna Picchu Mountain, the Hiram Bingham train, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Walking Sticks. You have to book the Huayna Picchu, Hiram Bingham and Machu Picchu together with your 2 day Inca Trail, permits sell out quickly so it is advisable to include these services at the time of booking. However, you can rent walking sticks in Cusco 1 day before your trip.
When we have purchased your Inca trail permits, we will send you a confirmation that everything is 100% organized. All start dates, once confirmed, are guaranteed.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Yes! During the 2 days Inca trail hike, you can store your luggage at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please bring what you will only need during your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
WHAT ABOUT THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE?
The outstanding balance must be finalized in cash one day before your trip in USD or soles, if you prefer PayPal or Card at least 48 Hours prior to your trip. Also, you can pay us with a Credit card (a 5.5% service fee applies). Please let us know what you prefer. Cash payment MUST be paid 1 day prior to your trip.
HOW ABOUT THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
According to Peruvian law, you have to be under 18 years old at the time of your hike to the Inca trail 2 days (if you are 18 or over, you need valid student cards). Below is a sample of a valid student card.
valid student card
All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $30 USD.
All students have to send a copy of their passport and student card at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at info@waynatrekkers.com
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN PURCHASED?
Unfortunately, this is not possible. The Peruvian government doesn’t allow us to change once the two-day Inca trail permits have been bought. Short Inca Trail permits are not transferable nor refundable. The only information that the government allows us to change is passport numbers.
HOW DOES IT WORK IF I BOOK HUAYNA PICCHU?
For our customers who hike the Inca trail 2-day trek, we will always book the 09 – 10 am Schedule for Huayna Picchu Mountain. You will get to Machu Picchu at 6 a.m. on the second day. So you will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel from 06 until 08:30 am. Then you will enter Huayna Picchu at 10:00 a.m (ideally). This hike takes around 2 hours and a half roughly. Therefore You will finish this hike at 12:00 roughly. Then you will take the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes which takes around 30 minutes. So you will be in Aguas Calientes at 12:30 pm. You will have time to eat your lunch before you need to be at the station at 02:50 p.m.
When you hike Huayna Picchu Mountain, we generally book the 2:55 pm 3:20 or 3:48 pm train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Therefore you will get back to Cusco around 19:30.
Note: The 09 am and 10 am Huayna Picchu tickets run out quickly, so it is better to book the Huayna Picchu together with your 2-day Inca trail hike permits in Advance.
HOW DOES IT WORK IF I BOOK MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN?
In case you book the Machu Picchu Mountain, we book the Schedule of 08 – 09 am. So you will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel from 6 to 8 am then you need to exit Machu Picchu, use the toilet, and reenter Machu Picchu then you need to walk for 10 minutes until the Machu Picchu Mountain checkpoint. You will access the Mountain at 8:45 a.m. This hike takes 3 hours roughly so you will be back in Machu Pichu Citadel at 12 pm then you will take the bus to Aguas Calientes which takes 30 minutes. You will be in Aguas Calientes around 12:30, then you will have time to explore the town and have lunch until 14:25 pm.
IS THE MACHU PICCHU TICKET INCLUDED IN LUXURY SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS?
Yes, it is Included Machu Picchu ticket for circuit 2.
IS THERE ANY SPECIFIC SCHEDULE TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU WHEN I HIKE THE INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS?
Yes, we have specific schedules to visit Machu Picchu on day 2, and it will be confirmed at the time of your booking, we preffer to visit Machupicchu during the first schedules. 6 – 8 am, depending on ticket availability.
HOW HARD IS THE SHORT INCA TRAIL?
This hike is classified as moderate, however, you do not have to be an athlete to achieve it, it’s recommended to be in good physical condition.
DO I NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE LUXURY SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS 1 NIGHT TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it should be the same passport you sent us to reserve your Short Inca Trail 2 days permit. Your passport will be checked at the Short Inca trail checkpoint, Machu Picchu, and when you board the train.
UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS
If you are renewing your passport, go ahead and email us a copy of your old passport to book your Machu Picchu 2 day hike permits. If you no longer have your old passport, any government-issued ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Once you receive your new passport. Please email us a copy of your new passport ASAP to change the information on your permit.
WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE OF MY TRAIN TICKET?
We usually book the 06:10 am schedule from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104 on day 1 and the return train ticket is at 02:55 pm or close schedules, so you arrive in Cusco at around 06:30 pm and you have enough time to sleep and do any tour the next day, like Rainbow Mountain.
CAN I STAY IN THE SACRED VALLEY FOR MY INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS?
Yes, you can stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo. by staying in the Sacred Valley, your pickup will be 1 hour and a half after the Cusco pick up so you will sleep more.
CAN I BOOK MY OWN HOTEL IN AGUAS CALIENTES?
You can book any hotel in Aguas Calientes. It will decrease the price of your hike. If you decide to book your own hotel, don’t forget to tell us where you plan to stay so our guide will take you there safely.
IS INCA TRAIL 2-DAY PET FRIENDLY?
Unfortunately, you can’t visit Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu with a dog. Only Guide Dogs are allowed. But you need permits to bring them, ask your travel expert at info@waynatrekkers.com
WHAT KINDS OF REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES SHOULD WE BRING TO THE INCA TRAIL 2 DAY HIKE?
Starting on March 01st, 2022, single-use plastic water bottles and other plastic waste are prohibited in Inca Trail 2 days. You must bring your own personal reusable water bottles to fill out the wáter. You can buy a bladder hard shell bottle, or pouch whichever is convenient for you.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL?
There is not any age limit for the Inca Trail 2-day hike. We recommend that the minimum age should be 7 because there is some steep sections that would be difficult for Little legs.
HOW MANY KILOS IS IT ALLOWED TO CARRY ON THE SHORT INCA TRAIL?
There is no weight limit for you, you can carry heavy or lightweight. However, we recommend packing light, there will be a helper who will carry your backpacks during the trail, furthermore, we can send a overnight bag with change of clothing and toiletries to Aguas Calientes (up to 7 kg).
WHAT TIME WILL WE GET TO MACHU PICCHU AND DO WE VISIT THE PARK ON DAY 1?
On day 01, our groups reach the Sun Gate at approximately 12 – 1:00 pm roughly, and from Sun Gate to Machu Picchu takes 45 minutes so you will get to Machu Picchu at approximately 2 pm. You will take a postcard shot then you will take a bus to Aguas Calientes, we are not allowed to enter the park yet, unless you purchase an extra permit.
HOW MANY DAYS IN ADVANCE SHOULD I ARRIVE TO HIKE THE LUXURY SHORT INCA TRAIL?
It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days prior to your departure, especially if you are coming from sea level. However, if you live in places over 2000 m( 6,561 ft), you can arrive 1 day before your departure.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ALTITUDE OF THE INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS?
Cusco, where we pick you up. It is located 3,400 m (11,151 ft)
KM 104(Chachabamba), where we start hiking at 2,170 m (7,120 ft).
The highest point of 2 day Inca Trail tour is at 2,708 m (8,884 ft).
Machu Picchu, where the 2 day Inca trail Trek ends, is 2,431m (7,973 ft).
Aguas Calientes village, where we board the train back to Cusco, is 2,042 m (6,693 ft).
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE THE 2 DAY INCA TRAIL?
The Best time to hike the Short Inca Trail is April to October which is the dry season in the Peruvian Andes. The driest months in Short Inca Trail are May, June, July, and August. But, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu will be very busy in these months.
The wet season begins in November and finishes in March. It is possible to hike the Machu Picchu 2 day trek in the rainy season but you need to bring good rain gear.
WHEN IS THE SHORT INCA TRAIL CLOSED?
The Inca Trail in all its versions are closed the whole of February due to the wet season, landslides, heavy rain, and maintenance of the trail.
WHAT ABOUT FOOD ON THE LUXURY SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 2D/1N?
The first breakfast is not included in our tour.
Lunch is included on the first day. We will provide you a Box Lunch at Wiñaywayna campsite where you will eat.
Dinner is also included.
The second-day breakfast is included too. The hotel will provide you with it.
Lunch on day 2 After Machupicchu is also provided.
DO YOU INCLUDE PORTERS IN YOUR SHORT INCA TRAIL TOUR?
Porter are not included in our Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 day, however, there will be one person who will help us carrying our boxlunch, not your belongings. If you want to hire a personal porter, the Price will be $80 USD per porter. Note: Helpers are not allowed all the way to Machu Picchu.
CAN I HIKE THE SHORT INCA TREK WITHOUT A TOUR GUIDE?
You can’t hike the 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu without hiring a registered travel Agency. You must be accompanied by a tour guide to hike Machu Picchu two day hike.
WHAT CIRCUIT WILL I FOLLOW IN MACHU PICCHU AFTER HIKING THE INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS?
After having the first glimpse of Machu Picchu at the Sungate, you will hike for 45 minutes straight to Guardhouse where you will take a Classical shot of Machu Picchu on day 01 in the afternoon and the next day you will access Machu Picchu Circuit 02, if available. So this rule is applied to everyone who hikes the Inca Trail 2-day hike.
