Some of us appreciate excitement and elegance, but unfortunately, time is sometimes limited. Therefore, the perfect option is the Short Inca Trail of 2 days and 1 night. This unique experience gives us the opportunity to explore one of the modern wonders in an authentic way, walking along its ancient trails among the lush vegetation of the Urubamba Valley and its varied fauna.
This tour is known as the "Two-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, "Sacred Inca Trail to Machu Picchu" or simply "Royal Trail of the Incas".
The journey begins at Kilometer 104 (104 kilometers along the railway from Cusco), involving a four-hour ascent to Wiñay Wayna and an additional two hours to Machu Picchu. This itinerary is ideal for hikers who want to experience at least part of the Inca Trail, but lack the time (or energy) to complete the full 4-day trek.
This route is considered to be of moderate difficulty and is recommended only for people in good physical shape and who exercise regularly. The hike begins at an altitude of 2100 meters (KM 104) and ascends to 2700 meters (Wiñay Wayna) before descending to 2400 meters (Machu Picchu).
First Day: Cusco| Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñaywayna – Intipunku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
We will depart from Cusco towards Ollantaytambo to board the tourist train to KM 104.
During our walk, we will explore the archaeological sites of Chachabamba (2150 meters above sea level) and Wiñaywayna (2650 meters above sea level).
We will cross a lush cloud forest that surrounds the mountain, offering the opportunity to admire a diversity of flora, birds, among others, until we reach INTI PUNKU (from where we will get the first panoramic view of the Machu Picchu Citadel).
We will enter Machu Picchu through the Guardian House area to take the iconic photos and we will visit for approximately 40 minutes, and then take the bus to Aguas Calientes.In the evening, we will enjoy dinner and coordinate with the guide for the next day's tour. We will spend the night at the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Meals: Lunch (box lunch) and dinner. Accommodation: Hotel. Distance: 12 kms / 7.5 ml mls. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. Walking Time: 7 hours approx.. Minimum altitude: 2040 m / 6,693 ft. Maximum altitude: 2720 m / 8.924 ft.
On the last day of our tour, we will have breakfast at 5:00 am before heading to the bus station in Aguas Calientes. To board the bus to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, you will need to present your passport, entrance ticket and, if applicable, your student card. Your guide will take you to explore the surroundings of Machu Picchu, including archaeological sites, ruins and important temples, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am.
If you have your entrance ticket to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (2 hours round trip) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3 hours round trip), you can enjoy an additional hike.
You will also have free time for optional activities on your own (not included in the price):
Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for spectacular panoramic views. Explore the new local museum in Aguas Calientes or relax in the hot springs. After enjoying the majestic city of the Incas, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and then the train back to Cusco via Ollantaytambo. The "Expedition Train" leaves at 6:30 pm and arrives in Ollantaytambo in approximately 2 hours. In Ollantaytambo, a bus will be waiting to take you to Cusco, where your trip will conclude around 10:30 pm.
You have the option to change your train schedule to arrive in Cusco earlier or later, according to your preference.
Meals: Hotel breakfast. Accommodation: Hotel Distance: 5 kms / 6.8 mls. Difficulty: Easy. Walking Time: 1.5 hours approx. Maximum altitude: 2430 masl / 7,972 ft.
Hotels in Cusco: no matter what the standard you would like (Standard, Economy, First Class, or Luxury) you should ask us to book your room as we know all the different rates for every hotel in Cusco and might secure you a pretty sweet deal.
In this video we show a brief description about the Inca Trail 2 days, you will appreciate the highlights of this trek in this 2 minutes longer video. There is a short description about the attractions that you will see below.
Chachabamba: Chachabamba is an archeological site left behind by the Incas believed to be dedicated to water.
Wiñayhuayna: Wiñayhuayna means 'forever young' and is considered to be a sacred place along the Inca Trail before coming to Machu Picchu.
Intipunku: Intipunku is also called the 'Sun Gate' and leads to Machu Picchu. This is a great vantage point where you will get your first view of Machu Picchu. It was used by the Incas during their ceremonies for the summer solstice in December.