2day Traditional Inca Trail

2 Days

The Short Inca Trail its a 2day Tour to Machu Picchu is a relatively short but challenging trek that offers stunning views of the Andes Mountains, lush forests, and Inca ruins along the way. The trek covers a distance of about 12 km (7.5 miles) on the first day and around 4 km (2.3 miles) on the second day.

Overview

On the first day of the 2day Inca Trail , you will start the trek at Kilometer 104 and hike for about 3-4 hours to reach the stunning ruins of Wiñay Wayna, located at an altitude of around 2,650 meters (8,690 feet) above sea level. The trail is mostly uphill, passing through lush forests and several Inca ruins, including the impressive agricultural terraces of Wiñay Wayna. From there, you will continue hiking towards the Sun Gate, from where you will get your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.

On the second day, you will wake up early and walk up to Machu Picchu to explore the ruins before the crowds arrive. You will have a guided tour. Some of the must-see sites in Machu Picchu include the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone, and the Temple of the Condor. After exploring Machu Picchu, you will walk back to Aguas Calientes to catch your train back to Cusco.

Overall, the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a great option for those with limited time but still want to experience the beauty and history of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

2-Days Inca Trail Summary

  • Start Point: Cusco – Hotel pick-up at 4:00 AM
  • End Point: Cusco – Hotel drop-off around 6:30 PM
  • Pick-up & Drop-off: Sacred Valley (Urubamba, Ollantaytambo) availability
  • Duration: 2 days, 1 night
  • Service Type: Guided tour
  • Departure: Daily departures, open for booking on any date
  • Group Size: Up to 10 participants
  • Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Tickets: Included in the package
  • Dietary Options: Vegetarian/Vegan food available upon request at no extra charge
  • Meals Included: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
  • Storage: Free storage available
  • High Season: April to October

2DAY INCA TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

  • Inca ruins: The trail passes through several Inca ruins, including Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, where you can see impressive agricultural terraces, ceremonial sites, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Scenery: The trail offers breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains, lush forests, and the Urubamba River. You will also hike through different ecosystems, from cloud forests to high-altitude plains.
  • The Sun Gate: The Sun Gate, also known as Intipunku, is the entrance to Machu Picchu and offers stunning panoramic views of the ancient ruins and the surrounding landscape.
  • Machu Picchu: Visiting Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the highlight of the trek. This incredible archaeological site is one of the most impressive and important in the world, offering a glimpse into the ancient Inca civilization and their impressive architectural and engineering skills.
  • Local culture: Along the way, you will have the opportunity to interact with local communities and learn about their culture and traditions, including their use of medicinal plants and natural remedies.

Itinerary

We will start the day by picking you up from your hotel between 3:45 to 4:00 a.m. to transfer you to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where you will board the train at around 6:10 a.m. The train will take you to km 104 of the railway line, where you will start your 2-day Inca Trail trek. Here, you will meet your tour guide and pass the control point for the Inca Trail.

On the first day, we will begin with a 3-hour uphill hike to the Wiñaywayna archaeological complex, where you will have time to explore and listen to a guided explanation of the ruins. Afterward, you will have lunch and continue walking for another 2 hours to the Intipunku Sun Gate, from where you will have a spectacular view of Machu Picchu. We will then continue walking for about 45 minutes to Machu Picchu, where you will have time to take pictures and explore the ancient city.

After your visit to Machu Picchu, you will take a bus for 30 minutes to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night in a hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the town’s restaurants.

Highlight: Trekking the Inca Trail, enjoying the views from the Sun Gate, sunset views from Machu Picchu.

- Walking Distance: 15 km / 8 miles
- Meals: B + L
- Elevations: Trek starting point 2,000 m, the highest point is Sun Gate 2,720 m, the camp is at 1,900 m
- Weather: Hot and humid
- Accommodation: Hotel night in Aguas Calientes

On day 2, we will start early to visit Machu Picchu. You’ll need to wake up around 4:00 am to have breakfast in the hotel and start the 30-minute walk to the Puente Ruinas checkpoint where you must show your passport and Machu Picchu tickets at the checkpoint.

After passing the checkpoint, we will climb stairs for about an hour until we reach the Machu Picchu main gate. Here, we will again show our passports and tickets before entering the site. Once everyone is at the gate, we will begin the 2.5-hour tour of Machu Picchu, where you will learn about the Lost City of the Incas. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own before returning to Aguas Calientes for your 14:55 train departure back to Ollantaytambo. In Ollantaytambo, you will transfer to a shuttle and complete the route to Cusco, arriving at the main square around 6:30 pm.

- Highlight: Arrive early to Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise
- Temperature: Warm and humid
- Meals: Breakfast Only
- Train: Expedition tourist class at 14:30 or 14:55

The Trip Cost Includes

  • Inclusions for Inca Trail 2 Days:
  • Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
  • Transfer from Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo
  • Professional tour guide trained in first aid and experienced in the route and history
  • Second guide for groups with more than 9 people
  • Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104, which is the trailhead
  • Entrance ticket for the Inca Trail 2 Days
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu for the first and second day
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
  • Bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on day 1
  • First aid kit and oxygen bottle for emergencies
  • 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner
  • Return train ticket from Machu Picchu town to Ollantaytambo. TRAIN at 14:30 or 14:55
  • Transfer from Ollantaytambo Station to your hotel in Cusco

The Trip Cost Excludes

  • Breakfasts of the first day
  • Lunch of the second day
  • Extra expenses

Frequently asked Questions

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

2day Traditional Inca Trail