Cusco & 2 Day Inca Trail Hike – Itinerary

Day 1. – Cusco Sightseeing Tour – Sacsayhuaman & Nearby Ruins.

In the morning upon arrival to Cusco. Reception by our representatives at the airport of Cusco. We then take you to the hotel. After your accommodation our transfer will give you all the information for your activities around Cusco.

In the afternoon at the scheduled time we will pick you up to start our sightseeing tour to Cusco the Imperial City. Cusco is a living city mixture of Andean and Spanish cultures. We begin this tour visiting the Santo Domingo Convent, built over the Qoricancha, the ancient Inca sun temple, with its very astonishing architecture.

Later after to walk in some of the Inca streets, we will head outside of the city we will visit the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress, imposing sample of Inca architecture which domains the city. We will finish our tour visiting some other archaeological sites as: Qenqo, PucaPucara and Tambomachay. The tour takes Approximately 4 hours

• Cusco Hotel:
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2. – Tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

After breakfast, we will meet you at the lobby of your hotel at 08:30am, and then start driving towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, on the way to Pisac we will stop at Mirador of Taray. You will have a classic view of the Urubamba valley, with crops dressing the mountains like carpets. We will arrive to the traditional market of Pisac, where we will have free time to interact with the local craftsmen.

We will continue to the town of Urubamba for a refueling lunch. In the afternoon we will visit Ollantaytambo. Very attractive town of Inca foundation with remarkable water channels, stone streets, colorful dress native people and the impressive fortress on the hill, with the exceptional Sun temple on the top. After the guided tour we will go to the hotel. Where you will spend the night, check-in and rest up.

• Ollantaytambo Hotel:
• Meals Included: lunch

Day 3. – Ollantaytambo – km 104 – Inca Trail – Aguas Calientes.

In the morning at the sheduled time you need to walk to the train station. Then you have a nice train ride for 1hour and 30 minutes until you get to km 104 the beginning of the 2 Day Inca Trail Hike. After to check in to the Inca Trail we will visit Chachabamba a beautiful site. We then start hiking uphill for about 3 hours until to arrive to the beautiful site of Wiñaywayna.

This is an impressive site made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, water fountains and an urban sector, exploring this charming Inca complex. We will eat our box lunch. Afterwards we will continue with the 2 day Inca Trail hike to the Gate of the Sun and Machu Picchu; taking some pictures we take the bus to Aguas Caliente town.

• Aguas Calientes Hotel:
• Meals Included: Breakfast, box Lunch & dinner

Day 4. – Machu Picchu site – Back to Cusco.

In the final morning of the 2 day Inca Trail hike, after breakfast at the Hostal our guide will pick you up to lead you to the bus station, then board the bus that will take you to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Where you will participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Sun Temple, the Sacred Sun Dial (Intihuatana), the Royal palace, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main temple, Sacred Roca, warehouses, a large central square; and all the most interesting places.

It will be an unforgettable experience at this mysterious and charming place, considered one of the new 07 wonders of the world. After the guided tour, free time to explore the zone on your own or you can take the hiking options:

1. Climb to Huayna Picchu; for the most people from the 2 day Inca Trail hike, we suggest to go up the Wayna Picchu from where you can observe the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more amazing being high and distant (we suggest you to book in advance).
2. Walk to Machu Picchu mountain(higher than Huayna Picchu)

In the afternoon at the schedule time we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, and then take the Train back to Cusco. The journey by train takes approximately 3:40 Hours. In the evening upon arrival to the Train station of Cusco, reception and transfer to the Hotel. End of the  2 day Inca Trail hike.

• Cusco Hotel:
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5. – Flight to Lima – International departure.

After breakfast; we will pick up from the Hostal at the scheduled time and transfer to Cusco Airport for your departure flight to Lima and then your international flight at home

• Meals Included: Breakfast

Included in the Cusco & 2 Day Inca Trail Hike

• Transfer airport/hotel/ airport.
• Tour to the Sacred Valley.
• Entrance fee to the touristic places.
• Lunch in Urubamba.
• Train tickets round trip in expedition class
• Entrance fee to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
• Bus ticket up and down to Machu Picchu.
• Professional guide for the Cusco & 2 Day Inca Trail
• Hotels described in the Itinerary.
• One night hostal in Aguas Calientes.

Not Included in the Cusco & 2 Day Inca Trail Hike

• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu(75.00 US additional per person)
• Train upgrade to Vista Dome class (95.00 US p/p)
• Meals not described in the itinerary of 2 day Inca Trail hike.
• Sodas or cold drinks.
• Hotels not described in the itinerary.
• Tips (transfer, guide).
• Airfare tickets (latam)
• Entrance fee to the Hot springs.

Inca Trail Reservations

Classic Inca Trail trek – Itinerary

Day 1 – Cusco – Transportation to Km 82 – Wayllabamba (11km)

The first day is relatively easy and serves as training for the following days of Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Travelers are picked up from their hotels (5:30am) and travel by bus, past the picturesque villages of Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. Buses usually stop at the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley for about 30 minutes to give people the opportunity to have breakfast.

At km 82 we will cross the Urubamba River and follow the trek to the right as it climbs steeply upward. We will pass through a small village, as ruins of the Inca hill fort of Huillca Raccay come into view high above the mouth of the river Cusichaca (‘happy bridge’).

You will be able to view over the extensive Inca ruins of Llactapata (also known as Patallacta on some books). Llactapata means ‘upper town’ in Quechua and was first discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and was primarily an agricultural station used to supply Machu Picchu with maize, the staple crop of the Incas.

We will continue the Inca Trail 4 day trek, on a path that follows the left bank of the river up to the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000m). We will spend the night here depending on the speed of the group. (This is the last place along the trek that you can buy snacks and drinks).
Overnight at the campsite

• Meals included: Lunch, dinner

Day 2 – Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo (9 km.)

After breakfast we will keep hiking the Inca Trail 4 days as we climbing up from Wayllabamba following the left bank of the Llulluchayoc River, we arrive in ‘Tres Piedras’ (three stones). There is stream named after the Huayruro, which is an ornamental tree that has red and black seeds. Many of the porters from  Ollantaytambo district are also known as Huayruros because of their traditional red and black ponchos.

As we trek further up the trail, we will begin to see spectacular terrain known as Llulluchapampa. We will walk another 2 hours uphill to the first and highest pass of the trail (Abra de Warmiwañusca or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215m. During this part of the Inca Trail tour 4 day, hikers are exposed to the Andean elements: first scorching sun and then, closer to the pass, freezing winds. Once at the top hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the hike.

The down hill from the pass is steep but not difficult. We will follow the trail on the left side of the valley floor and spend our 2nd evening at the Pacaymayo campsite.
Overnight at the campsite

• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 – Pacaymayo to Wiñay Wayna (14km)

The third day of the Inca Trail 4 days, leaves from Pacaymayo, it takes about an hour  uphill hike to the ruins of Runkurakay. These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacaymayo valley below.

Another 45 minute hike will bring you to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkurakay (4,000m). At last you’ll feel that you are walking along the  pilgrimage trail of the Incas. An hour from the 2nd pass you’ll arrive at Sayacmarca Inca site by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. The name Sayacmarca means ‘Inaccessible Town’ and describes the position of the ruins perfectly protected on three sides by sheer cliffs.

After  to visit Sayacmarca we will rejoin the trail as it passes Conchamarca, a small Inca dwelling situated in the shadows of Sayacmarca. From here, the path descends into the magnificent cloud-forest full of orchids.

The trail goes up to the 3rd pass (3,670m). This pass offers excellent views of several snow-capped peaks including Salcantay (6,300m) and Veronica (5,900m). Phuyupatamarca, the most impressive Inca ruin, is located a few minutes away from the pass. The name Phuyupatamarca means ¨’Town in the Clouds¨.

After walking through cloud-forest you may just be able to see the tin roof of the park rangers house (Wiñay Wayna), although it will be 3 hours until we arrive at Wiñayhuayna, which is the last official campsite before Machu Picchu. There is a short Inca Trail located in the southern end of the campsite that leads to the ruins of Wiñayhuayna.
Overnight at the campsite

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 – Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu (6km) – Back to Cusco

The 4 day Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu is clearly marked and takes about 2 hours to finish this last section of the trail. We will awake early at 4.00 am, have breakfast and set off on the trail by 5.30 am to get to Machu Picchu before sunrise. The Classic Inca Trail contours a mountainside and drops into cloud forest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku (Sun Gate). Suddenly the whole of Machu Picchu is spread out before you in all its glory – a fantastic sight for all.

When you arrive at the ruins you’ll have plenty of time to take photos of Machu Picchu from the classic view point’.  When the group is back together again we descend to the main entrance where you can safely leave your large backpacks.  The group will re-enter the ruins with the same guide for a complete tour of the major sectors. The tour takes aproximately 2 hours. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore the ruins alone (not included in the price):

In the afternoon take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for the lunch, and then take the Train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival to the Train Station, reception and transfer to your Hotel in Cusco, the journey by train takes approximately 3 Hours.

• Meals: Breakfast

What includes in the 4 Day Inca Trail Trek?

• All the transfers required (trail-head, Tran Station, hotel)
• Pre-departure briefing
• Pick up from your hotel of Cusco in the morning of Inca trail trip departure
• Private transportation Cusco – Km. 82
• Porters to carry our camping and kitchen equipment
• English Speaking Professional Guide
• 4 Season tents, 2 to 3 people capacity
• Therma-Rest self-inflating mattress
• 2 breakfast, 3 lunch, 3 supper + 1 box breakfast
• Expert chef and cooking equipment
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Expedition class train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer from the Train Station to your hotel in Cusco
• Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
• Entrance ticket for the 4 day Inca trail trek & Machu Picchu
• Trek permits for the Inca Trail 4 day/ 3 night

Not included in the Classic Inca Trail Trek:

• Transfer in/out to the airport.
• Sleeping bag.
• First day breakfast and Lunch at Aguas Calientes on the last day.
• Tips (Cook, horseman and guide)
• Insurance of any kind,
• international airfares & domestic flights
• Airport departure  taxes
• bottled water and snacks
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Options:

1. A Personal porters you can hire to help carry your personal items such as clothes, sleeping bag etc. The services of an extra porter (maximum 14kg. it could be shared by 02 people) can be hired for US$160. If you hire the services of an extra porter you need to pack maximum 14 kg with your personal equipment. Even with this service, you will need to take a day-pack to carry your essential items such as rain poncho, warm fleece, camera and water bottle. Please note that due to new government regulations the maximum number of porters that we can use in each group has now been capped. This is why we have had to limit the maximum amount of personal equipment that you can give to a porter to carry for you to 14 kg. each porter
2. An extra night in Aguas Calientes can easily be arranged independently. Hotel costs and costs associated with returning to Machu Picchu the following day are additional to trek costs.
3. We will provide vegetarian meals or cater for special diets at no extra cost but we need to know when you make the Classic inca trail reservation.
4. You can rent sleeping bags from us. Cost: US $25.00 per person.

Optional Services per person:

• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain US$ 75.00 per person
• Upgrade train service to Vista dome Train US$ 65.00 per person
• Sleeping bag rental for the trek add US$ 25.00 per person
• Extra porter to carry your personal equipment add US$ 160
• Walking stick rental add US$ 20.00 (one pair)

Discounts for the 4 day Machu Picchu hiking tour:

US $30.00 discount on the above prices to students with a valid University Student Identity Card  and to children under the age of 17. (Scans of your University card or child’s passport must be provided at the time of paying the trek deposit in order to qualify for the discount). International Youth Travel Cards (IYTC) or other forms of student identity are not acceptable for the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or any other hike

Important Note: We will book your trek permits using the names & passport numbers, nationality, date of birth, and sex. That you send us with your trek departure date.

You must bring the same passports with you to Cusco and take them on the trek. If you plan to renew your passport between making the trek booking and actually starting the trek please! contact your travel agent.

If you book the Inca trail tour 4 days at the student price, you must send us a copy of your ISIC card at the time you pay the trek deposit.

If you fail to bring your ISIC card on the trek the government authorities will not allow you to start the Inca trail 4 day trek and you will not have chance to pay the extra and finish the trek.

Classic Inca Trail Reservations

Detailed itinerary for best Machu Picchu 2 day hike

Day 1: Ollantaytambo – km 104 – Winaywayna – Machupicchu Town.

In the morning at the appropriate time, travelers will be picked up from their hotels in Cusco and transported for 1 hour and half to the train station of Ollantaytambo; the train ride is approx. 1 hour and half to arrive to km 104 the trail-head for Short Inca Trail 2 day trek. After to cross the check point you will hike uphill for about 3 hours through the beautiful cloud forest until you reach the beautiful site of Wiñaywayna.

This is an impressive site mixed of  an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious temple and an urban sector. You will be able to explore this charming  and marvelous Inca complex. Which is definitely one of the highlights for this hike, afterwards we will eat our box lunch.

The second part of this route is easier, you will walk towards the Gate of the Sun and Machupicchu;  at your arrival you will take pictures from the upper part of the ruins; then you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes town; to stay at the hotel.

• Meals Included: box Lunch & dinner

Day 2: Machupicchu – Back to Cusco.

In the morning after your breakfast at the hotel, the guide will pick you up from your hotel, then you will travel by bus to the citadel of Machupicchu. Where you will participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the farming sector, the Sun Temple, the water fountains, the Royal palace, the Temple of the Three Windows, Sacred Rock, warehouses, a large central square; and all the most interesting places. It will be a unique experience at this mysterious place. In the present day considered one of the new 7 wonders of the world. After the guided tour, there will be a free time to admire the site or you can go for the optional hikes:

1. Hike to Huayna Picchu; for the most hikers, we suggest to hike up to Huayna Picchu, from where you will observe the immensity of Machupicchu, even more amazing being high and distant (we suggest you to book in advance).
2. Walk to the spectacular Montaña. Taller and higher than Huayna Picchu.

In the afternoon at the scheduled time we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, and then the train ride back to Ollantaytambo and then you will have transfer back to the hotel in Cusco.

The journey by train takes approximately 1:40 Hours and 1:30 hours by car to arrive back to the hotel in Cusco.

What is included in this best Inca trail tour:

• Transfer to the train station of Ollantaytambo
• Train tickets round trip in expedition class
• Box lunch
• Entrance fee
• Bus ticket up and down to Machupicchu.
• Expert guide
• Hotel accommodation
• Dinner in Aguas Calientes.
• Transfer back from Ollanta to Cusco hotel

Not Included in the Short inca trail 2 days:

• Entrance fee to Wayna Picchu (75.00 US additional per person)
• Meals not described in the itinerary
• Transfers in/ out to the airport of Cusco.
• Any kind of drinks.
• Tips (transfer, guide).
• Breakfast in the first day morning and Lunch after Machupicchu.
• Entrance fee to the Hot springs.

You should bring for the Inca Trail 2 day Trek:

1. Original passports or ISIC card if you have booked as student
2. Rain gear, insect repellent and sunblock
3. Money in cash (soles or dollars)
4. Small backpack with essential items
5. one liter of water and sun hut
6. Walking poles with rubber tip

Note: The spaces for this Inca trail 2 day trek and Huayna Picchu Mountain are limited (View Regulations), we kindly suggest you to book it way in advance to assure your trek permits for this 2 day hike to machu picchu

How to get trek permits for the short Inca Trail tour?

The Peruvian government office sells the trek permits for the Inca Trail Trips in general 4 day or 2 day. To book your trek permits for the short Inca Trail hike you can contact well established tour companies or directly to authorized tour guides. The limit of spaces for the Inca Trail 2 day trek is 250 per day and that is including trekkers, guides and some porters. We suggest hikers booking in advance to secure the spots for this hike.

How difficult is the Machu Picchu 2 day hike?

This Machu Picchu 2 day hike is categorized as a moderate hike. But still some people will need a bit of acclimatization to the altitude. If you are relatively fit or at least you exercise regularly and then you are prepared to hike the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

What is the altitude of this Machupicchu 2 day hike?

In comparison with the 4 day hike, the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu goes in lower altitude. The beginning point at Cachabamba is just 2180 m / 7150 ft. and its high elevation get to 2720 m / 8930 ft. at the Sun gate. So the elevation change is 1780 ft. between the start and highest point. It mainly goes in the cloud-forest, so the weather is quite warm and wet sometimes.

Is the short Inca Trail worth it?

The 2 day inca trail to Machu Picchu is the only option highly recommended for the wet season. Because it allows you to go through Machupichu twice. Also let travelers to sight Machu Picchu from the Sun gate in the distance. If you plan hiking up to Huayna Picchu this will be your best opportunity in the second day. So hiking this 2 day inca trail to Machu Picchu is totally worth it in every way.

What is the total distance of the short Inca Trail hike?

The total distance from the beginning at km 104 all the way to Machu Picchu is 13 km / 8.1 miles. Usually it takes five and half hours to finish this popular Machu Picchu 2 day hike. Some sections is up-hill, very gentle around some of the hills and some down-hill after the Sun gate.

Do I need to be fit to hike this best trek to Machu Picchu?

People need to be relatively fit to hike the short Inca trail 2 days or at least have some training before to do it. Less weight you carry in your back-pack it will be very helpful for the hike. It is important to have a brief with the guide before to go on the trail. Especially if you want to discuss about the trekking conditions.

Inca Trail 2 days Reservations

Inca Trail Marathon via Salkantay – Itinerary

Day 1. Cusco – Challacancha- Ichupata.

In the morning of departure for the Inca Trail expeditions travelers will be picked up from the hotel. You then travel for 2 hours until we arrive to the town of Mollepata, where you will have a short stop to buy breakfast at a local restaurant. You leave Mollepata and continue traveling for one more hour by bus to arrive in Challacancha the trail-head for the Inca Trail expeditions. At this point you will meet the horseman (wranglers) and the rest of the crew, before we start with the spectacular Salkantay trek and Inca Trail.

As we start hiking there will be constant views of Mt Salkantay and Humantay on our way to Soraypampa. Here is the first camp for the classic Salkantay trekkers, we will pass Soraypampa and hike up for 2 more hours to arrive to Salcantaypampa for lunch. In the afternoon we will walk for two hours uphill to reach our campsite at Ichupata in the proximity of Mt Salkantay.

• Meals: Lunch and dinner.

Day 2. Ichupata – Pampacahuana.

After breakfast, we will start walking uphill for approximately 3 hours to reach the highest point of the entire Inca Trail expeditions. This pass is called Inca Chiriyaska(16.500ft). It has a mind-blowing views of all the tall mountains around it. After to enjoy the spectacular scenery, we will start hiking down the other side of Salkantay with direction of Sisaypampa. Where our chef will be awaiting for us with a delicious lunch. In the afternoon we will hike down for two hours to reach the camp at Pampacahuana village.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 3. Pampacahuana – llulluchapampa.

The day begins with a delicious breakfast. We will continue descending through a small valley for approx. 3 hours until we arrive to Paucarcancha. Which is an extraordinary Inca fortress in the valley. We will have a guided tour at Paucarcancha to learn all the history of this beautiful site. Hhere you are at the beginning of the Machu Picchu National Sanctuary  and  the end of Salkantay Trek. After to have lunch at Paucarcancha village, we will check in to the classic Inca trail. We then start our 3 hour intense hike uphill until to reach the camp at Llulluchapampa.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 4. llulluchapampa – Chaquicocha.

Breakfast is served by our professional chef. Then we continue with the Inca Trail expeditions, hiking uphill for 2 hours toward the highest point of the Inca Trail. The mountain top called Dead Woman’s Pass (13800ft). Depending on the season, hikers will enjoy a very scenic views from here. You will have 2 hour downhill walk to Pacaymayo. Where our chef will provide you a relaxing lunch.

In the afternoon, you will ascend to 12980ft to reach the Runkurakay Pass. Here you get a great feeling of reaching the last high mountain top. On the way down, You will stop to visit a couple remarkable Inca sites located close by the camp. After to walk by the cloud forest, you will arrive at our campsite at Chaquicocha.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 5. Chaquicocha – Wiñaywayna.

After breakfast, you will walk through the beautiful Cloud Forest. Then you will visit Phuyupatamarka Inca site on the mountain top. On the way down, you will see some varieties of orchids, ferns and mossy trees as part of the cloud forest. There will be also great views of the impressive mountains around Machu Picchu. After walking for a couple of hours into the lush forest. You will arrive to Intipata, another remarkable Inca farming place. Later you will break for lunch at the camp. Then a 10 minute walk will lead us to Wiñaywayna. A beautiful and very well preserve Inca ruin. Great site considered a preview to Machu Picchu.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 6. Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco.

We begin our journey with an early wake up. As it is the most important day in our Inca Trail expedition. After breakfast, we leave the campsite at 5:30 a.m. and hike to Machu Picchu. Our total morning hike is approx. 2 hours. We will first pass by the Sun gate (Intipunku). Then we arrive to our final destination; this is a phenomenal point of Machu Picchu. It is a “must take” picture opportunity as we continue our trek downward.

Upon our arrival to Machu Picchu, we will take pictures from the top. Then the guide will show us the most important Inca temples located in the area. After the guided tour you will have some free time to admire this amazing site before you leave it. At appropriate time, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for Lunch.

In the afternoon, you board the train to Ollantaytambo and then you have transfer back to Cusco. End of the Inca Trail expeditions.

Included for Salkantay & Inca Trail Expeditions:

• Private transport to the Trail-head
• Horseman and horses to carry the camping equipment
• Luggage horse for 07 kgs on Salkantay Trail.
• Cooking tent, dinning tent and 2 person igloo tents.
• Inflatable sleeping pads
• Expert tour guide and professional chef
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• Porters for the Inca Trail Expeditions
• Entrance fee for Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
• Bus ticket to Aguas Calientes
• Expedition class train ticket
• Transfer from the train station to the hotel.

Not Included for Salkantay & Inca Trail Expeditions:

• First day breakfast and last day lunch
• Tips for the horseman, cook, porters and guide
• Train upgrade to Vista Dome class ($95)
• Entrance fee for Huayna Picchu (75$)
• Fees to Hot Springs
• Extra porter
• Airfares tickets (latam)

Note: The reservations for this trek are totally similar to the Classic Inca Trail . So the number of people also are 500 per day. You should be aware and secure your spot booking it in advance!

Inca Trail expeditions Reservation