The greatest moments on any trip to Peru will include the the short 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu but not only for the spectacular Inca ruins but also for the stunning mountains, the lush vegetation and also the remarkable ecological varieties.
While on the trail you will get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. To get to the Sun Gate hike the trail from Winay Wayna and through the cloudforest. The Sun Gate has the best views of Machu Picchu.
Trekkers on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu have the privilege of visiting the Ancient Machu Picchu City two times. On day 1, arrive late in the afternoon to the top of Machu Picchu where you can take the opportunity to get the best pictures and marvel at the site from the famous Sun Gate. On day 2, take the bus early in the morning to witness the beautiful sunrise over the glorious archealogical site. Learn about the historical site with a full tour by the guide.
After you have seen Machu Picchu, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes where you can enjoy lunch and in the afternoon travel by train and bus back to Cusco.
Times are approximate and depend on your fitness. Permits need to be booked in advance.
ITINERARY for the 2 day Inca Trail:
With 2 days of excitement ahead, pick up from your hotel will be at 4:00am. Drive to the train station. After an hour and ten minute scenic train ride to km 104 (2,100m/6,927ft) arrive to the beginning of our trek. Begin a moderate climb for three hours to the remote archaeological site of Wiñayhuana, (2,650m/8747 ft) see the spectacular plunging views of the Urubamba Canyon and the wonders of this ancient Inca site.
After some time to take in the beauty of this marvelous sight, continue onward towards the Sun Gate. (2,730mts/9,007ft) Following the ancient and original footpath we get our first spectacular view of Machu Picchu Citadel in all its brilliance and majesty. As we move closer to the citadel of Machu Picchu you will begin to feel the mystical presence. After you take enough photos and have enjoyed the views, take the bus to Aguas Calientes and spend the night in the hotel.
Explore Machu Picchu and experience the magical presence by taking the first bus at 5:30AM to the front entrance of Machu Picchu. Be quick and enjoy the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Make sure you tour every nook and cranny of this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It is one of lifes most unforgettable experiences. Your guide will expertly direct you through the energetic ruins and the diverse main streets. Ask as many questions as you can, our guides love sharing the history. Then on your own, wander around the town squares and feel the spiritual energy, esoteric wisdom and rich history of this site.
Here are a few of alternative activities that you might wish to indulge in on your own:
Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu (not included in your tour price and must be booked in advance.) Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs (entrance fees required)
You will descend to Aguas Calientes when you are ready to eat lunch and later on board the Expedition train at 4:22pm for the return trip to Cusco stopping at the Ollantaytambo Train Station. From there you will be driven back to your hotel in Cusco from Ollantaytambo in our private van arriving at around 8pm.
Huayna Picchu mountain ($75) and Machu Picchu mountain ($75) are available on this option. It has to be booked in advance and depends on availability.
The weather in the region can be highly unpredictable, making it challenging to anticipate specific conditions. To prepare for this possibility, we recommend dressing in layers. This will allow you to easily adjust your clothing to accommodate quickly changing weather patterns.
We have 2 main seasons:
May through November is dry season. That does not mean that it never rains in the dry season but it is mostly dry with an occasional light shower.
The rainy season begins usually in December and last until April. In the rainy season, we have heavy tropical showers frequently.
The Cusco region can be all seasons in one day. The area has a tropical high mountainous type of weather. Weather can change quickly from sunshine to a rain shower within a few minutes. A few clouds form (usually in the afternoons), it rains for a few minutes and then out comes the sun again. We do not usually have rain all day long, only occasionally in the rainy season. Sometimes it can be rainy in one area of Cusco and completely dry in another area.
On the Inca Trail the weather depends on whether it is the rainy season or the dry season. The 1 and 2 day Inca Trail is at lower altitude than Cusco, 1,000 meters or about 3,000 feet lower. Thus it tends to be a bit warmer during the day and at night. However, it is more tropical and more humid than Cusco. The Inca Trail is made of stones laid in the ground so it can be more slippery to walk on in the rainy season.
Absolutely! For explorers who can’t do the 4-day Inca Trail, the short 2 Day Inca trail to Machu Picchu is a perfect option. Not only do hikers have the opportunity to enjoy marvellous landscapes, you also get to see great Inca constructions! Retrace the footsteps of the ancients as you hike along original Inca paths, explore the fascinating archaeological complexes on the Inca Trail, experience the unique moment of walking through the Sun Gate for your first view of Machu Picchu. What more could you ask for?
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2 DAYS INCA TRAIL
1. Day 1: CUSCO – 104 KMS – WIÑAYHUAYNA-SUN GATE-MACHU PICCHU
2. Day 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
PACKING CHECKLIST
THE WEATHER
1. Dry Season
2. Rainy Season
Is the 2 day Inca Trail worth it?
Quality
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