Camino Inca Short to Machu Picchu (in Camping) 2 Days

GENERAL INFORMATION

Duration: 2 Days/1 Night (in Camp)
Starting point: Cusco
Point of Arrival: Cusco
Travel style: Hike, ecological, archaeological and Cultural.
Level of difficulty: Moderate.
Climate: Warm and/or Humid.
Distance from the Walk: 12 km
Altitudes of the Hike:
• Km. 104: 2100 m.s.n.m.
• Winay Wayna: 2600 m.s.n.m.
• Puerta del Sol: 2719 m.s.n.m.
• Machu Picchu: 2400 m.s.n.m.
• Hot Waters: 2000 m.s.n.m.
Tour dates: Year-round, except February due to rainfall and route maintenance.
Accommodation: 1 night camping in a tent.

Price Camino Inca Short to Machu Picchu (in Camping) 2 Days

Price 590.00 USD Per Person

Inquire Now WhatsApp

Mapa Camino Inca 2 Días Con Camping

TOUR DETAILS

Information

INTRODUCTION

The 2-day short Inca Trail covers 12 kilometers from km 104 to the Machu Picchu archaeological site. The route combines sections of original Inca trail with stone paving, archaeological sites, agricultural terraces, water channels, and subtropical cloud forest. Key points along the route include Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), from where the first views of the Machu Picchu archaeological complex are obtained.

It is a suitable option for travelers with limited time looking for a moderate hike with significant historical and scenic content.

The excursion begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, and continues by private transport to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there a tourist train is taken to km 104, the starting point of the hike. The area has a mild climate with an average temperature of 23 °C (73 °F).

Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru, with close to 2 million visitors per year. Access to the site is regulated by the Ministerio de Cultura del Perú, which limits the number of daily entries to preserve the archaeological site.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the best-known trekking route in South America.
Walk through archaeological sites along the trail and learn about the history of the Inca civilization with the guidance of a knowledgeable local guide.
Visit the Machu Picchu archaeological site, managed by the Ministerio de Cultura del Perú with limited daily entry quotas.
Hike through varied landscapes including valleys, waterfalls, and cloud forest.
Suitable for couples, groups of friends, families, and travelers interested in nature and history.
All entry tickets and permits included. Pickup and drop-off from accommodations in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Free luggage storage during the hike.
Train journey with views of the valley, canyons, mountains, and cloud forest.
Real-time information on your Inca Trail entry permit.
It is a once in a lifetime experience.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Book the Inca Trail at least 4 months in advance, as permits have limited availability and sell out quickly.
Arrive in Cusco at least 1 day before the excursion to acclimatize. Keep in mind that Cusco is located at 3,400 m.a.s.l.
Review your personal items in advance to make sure you have everything needed for the hike.
Visit our office in the historic center of Cusco the day before the hike at 7:00 p.m. to attend the pre-trek briefing with your tour guide.
Leave any luggage you will not need during the excursion at the free storage facility at our office.
Carry valid identification documents, as these will be required at the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu checkpoints.
If you have any questions or want more information about this Tour, do not hesitate to contact us: Cell: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or write to: info@incredibleperutours.com

IS THIS PATH TO ME?

This hike is suitable for a wide range of travelers: couples, families, groups of friends, and solo visitors. No prior hiking experience is required, although a moderate level of fitness is recommended to complete the 12-kilometer route over 2 days.

If your time in Peru is limited and you are looking for a route with historical and archaeological value away from the most crowded circuits, the short Inca Trail is an option worth considering.

TOUR SCHEDULES

DAY 1:

5:00 a.m. Hotel pickup.
5:10 a.m. Transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station.
7:20 a.m. Train to km 104.
8:30 a.m. Arrival at km 104 and start of the hike.
8:40 a.m. Visit to the Chachabamba archaeological site.
8:50 a.m. Uphill hike toward Wiñay Wayna.
11:30 a.m. Arrival and visit to the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site.
1:00 p.m. Rest and lunch at the Wiñay Wayna area.
2:00 p.m. Hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate).
3:00 p.m. Arrival and rest at Inti Punku.
3:20 p.m. Hike to Machu Picchu.
4:00 p.m. Arrival at the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
5:00 p.m. Bus down to the campsite area.
5:30 p.m. Arrival at the campsite (Puente Ruinas).
6:00 p.m. Afternoon tea and rest.
7:30 p.m. Dinner prepared by our staff.
9:00 p.m. Overnight in sleeping tent.

DAY 2:

5:00 a.m. Breakfast prepared by our staff.
5:20 a.m. Departure from campsite and uphill hike to Machu Picchu.
6:20 a.m. Arrival at the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
6:30 a.m. Guided tour of approximately 2 hours.
9:00 a.m. Free time to explore Machu Picchu independently.
1:00 p.m. Bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes. 1:30 p.m. Arrival in Aguas Calientes.
2:00 p.m. Lunch at a local restaurant.
3:30 p.m. Free time to explore the town.
6:20 p.m. Train to Ollantaytambo station.
8:00 p.m. Arrival at Ollantaytambo station.
8:20 p.m. Transport from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco.
10:00 p.m. Arrival in Cusco and transfer to your hotel.

* The present Schedule is referential since it can vary according to the physical condition of each hiker, and according to the train class that you choose, because it depends on the availability of train departure times.

Itinerary

DAY 1: CUSCO CITY – OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM. 104 – INTI PUNKU (SUNGATE) – MACHU PICCHU – PUENTE RUINAS (CAMPSITE).

Pickup takes place early in the morning from your hotel in Cusco. We travel by tourist transport for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the Ollantaytambo train station, where we board the train.

The train journey follows the Urubamba River with views of cultivated land and the Verónica snow-capped peak (5,800 m.a.s.l. / 19,029 ft). After 1 hour and 20 minutes we arrive at km 104, the starting point of the hike, where passports, permits, and entry tickets are presented at the first checkpoint.

We begin the hike with a visit to the Chachabamba archaeological site (2,100 m.a.s.l. / 6,890 ft), with explanations from the guide. From there we start an ascent of approximately 3 hours, passing waterfalls, until reaching the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site (2,600 m.a.s.l. / 8,530 ft). The site preserves water fountains, temples, and agricultural terraces representative of Inca architecture.

A few minutes from Wiñay Wayna is the dining area, where we stop for lunch and rest.

After lunch we continue for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to Inti Punku. The section passes through cloud forest with ferns and a steep stretch of 50 steps, leading to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) archaeological site, a viewpoint at 2,719 m.a.s.l. / 8,920 ft. From here the first views of the Machu Picchu archaeological complex are obtained.

From Inti Punku we descend approximately 40 minutes to Machu Picchu, with an estimated arrival at around 3:30 p.m. There will be time to explore the site and rest before taking the bus down for 20 minutes to the Puente Ruinas campsite (1,900 m.a.s.l. / 6,234 ft), located at the bottom of the valley alongside the Urubamba River.

Upon arriving at the campsite all equipment will be set up and ready. Afternoon tea with hot drinks and snacks is served. Dinner is prepared by the cook. During dinner the guide will provide information about the following day’s program. An early rest is recommended to be ready for the first hours of the morning.

Technical details:

Hiking time: approximately 6 hours.
Distance: 7.5 miles / 12 km.
Difficulty: easy to moderate.
Weather: warm and humid.
Elevation: from 6,890 ft / 2,100 m.a.s.l. (start) to 8,920 ft / 2,719 m.a.s.l. (Inti Punku), descending to 7,874 ft / 2,400 m.a.s.l. (Machu Picchu), then by bus to 6,234 ft / 1,900 m.a.s.l. (Puente Ruinas campsite).
Accommodation: sleeping tent.

DAY 2: PUENTE RUINAS – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO CITY

We wake up early to pack our bags. After breakfast we leave the campsite at 5:00 a.m. and hike approximately 50 minutes uphill to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,400 m.a.s.l. / 7,874 ft).

The early departure from the campsite allows us to arrive before most visitors who access the site by train, making it possible to witness the sunrise over the site if weather conditions allow.

Upon arrival we begin the guided tour of approximately 2 hours led by the professional guide, with explanations of the history of the site and its main structures. After the guided tour there is free time to explore the site independently. Subject to ticket availability, it is possible to hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain as an optional add-on.

In the afternoon we take the bus down for approximately 25 minutes to the town of Aguas Calientes, where lunch is included at a local restaurant.

We board the 4:20 p.m. or 6:20 p.m. train back to Ollantaytambo (2-hour journey). In Ollantaytambo a tourist transport will take us back to Cusco (2-hour journey).

Technical details:

Hiking time: 1 hour uphill to the site + 2-hour guided tour + free time.
Distance: 2 miles from the campsite to Machu Picchu.
Difficulty: easy.
Weather: warm and humid.
Elevation: from 6,234 ft (campsite) to 7,874 ft (Machu Picchu).

Included services

THIS TOUR INCLUDES

⇒ Enjoy the Inca Trail and the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu in a 2 Day/1 Night Tour with our All Inclusive Service.

THIS TOUR INCLUDES:

Pre-trek briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before the hike at our office in the historic center of Cusco.
Secure luggage storage at our office during the hike.
Pickup from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley on the day of departure.
Private transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station.
One-way train ticket in tourist service from Ollantaytambo to km 104 (start of the Inca Trail).
Professional tour guide.
Additional professional guide for groups of 9 or more travelers.
Cook for the preparation of all meals during the hike.
Entry tickets to the Inca Trail and the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
Porter service for the transport and setup of all camping equipment: tents, tables, chairs, food, and kitchen gear.
All meals during the tour: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 afternoon tea, and 1 dinner.
Vegetarian and special diets available at no additional cost.
Water bottle every morning. Complete camping equipment:
– High-altitude sleeping tent for 4 people used by 2 for greater comfort and storage space.
– Thermarest inflatable sleeping mat, provided at the start of the hike.
– Dining tent with folding tables, portable chairs, and gas lamp.
– Kitchen tent with complete utensils.
– Down sleeping bag.
First aid kit and emergency oxygen cylinder carried by the guide.
Bus ticket down from Machu Picchu to the Puente Ruinas campsite (day 1). Bus ticket down from Machu Picchu to the town of Aguas Calientes (day 2).
Guided tour of Machu Picchu of approximately 2 hours (day 2).
Return train ticket in tourist service from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (day 2).
Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.
1 night accommodation in a sleeping tent at the Puente Ruinas campsite, at the base of Machu Picchu.

What should you bring

LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS YOU SHOULD BRING TO THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 2 DAYS/1 NIGHT IN CAMPSITE

Below you will find the list of recommended items for this hike. If you do not have any of them, you can purchase or rent what you need in Cusco before departure, as the city has a good selection of stores specializing in trekking gear.

Documents

Original passport.
Valid student card, if you are a student.
Travel Voucher issued by our Company.

Essential

Small backpack.
Some snacks such as: cookies, candies, chocolates, cereals, fruits, among others.
Extra cash, if you want to buy some souvenirs from the tour.

Clothes and shoes

Jacket for the cold.
Waterproof clothing: rain jacket and/or rain poncho.
Hat to cover from the Sun.
Hiking boots or comfortable sneakers.
Bathing suit and sandals, if you want to visit the Thermal Baths in Aguas Calientes village.

Pharmaceutical products

Personal medications.
Insect repellent.
Sunscreen.
Lip cream.

Personal hygiene items

Wet wipes.
Small towel.
Toilet paper.
Toothpaste and toothbrush.

Frequent questions

FREQUENT QUESTIONS

Here you will find the most Frequently Asked Questions from our Clients. Before asking anything, we invite you to carefully read these questions and answers, as well as all our links about this Tour. This will help you to clarify in a simple, fast and practical way.

1. WHAT SETS THE SHORT INCA TRAIL APART FROM THE CLASSIC 4-DAY VERSION?

The Short Inca Trail covers the final section of the classic Inca Trail, starting from kilometer 104 of the Cusco-Aguas Calientes railway line. Instead of the traditional 4 days, this version is completed in 2 days with one night of camping along the route, making it an ideal option for those with limited time who still wish to experience the entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, just as Inca pilgrims once did.

2. WHAT IS THE DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THIS TREK AND WHAT PHYSICAL FITNESS IS REQUIRED?

This trek is considered moderate difficulty. The route covers approximately 14 kilometers over 2 days, with ascents and descents along original stone-paved paths reaching up to 2,700 m a.s.l. at their highest point. No technical mountaineering experience is required, but a reasonable level of physical fitness is expected, along with at least 2 days spent in Cusco to acclimatize before departure.

3. HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK THE SHORT INCA TRAIL?

Booking at least 3 to 6 months in advance is strongly recommended, especially for the high season (May to October). Access to the Inca Trail is regulated by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, which limits the number of permits available per day. Once all spots are taken, no additional permits can be obtained regardless of the travel date.

4. WHAT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES ARE VISITED ALONG THE ROUTE?

Throughout the 2 days, hikers pass through some of the most remarkable archaeological sites along the Inca Trail, including Chachabamba, a ceremonial complex linked to water worship, and Wiñay Wayna, considered one of the best-preserved Inca sites along the entire route. The trek culminates with the entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate at sunrise, one of the most memorable experiences in Andean trekking.

5. ARE THERE DISCOUNTS FOR CHILDREN AND STUDENTS?

Yes, for this Tour we offer discounts and special rates for infants, children and students.

Infants under 2 years of age in the company of their parents travel free.
Children between 3 and 8 years of age have a discount of USD 100 only by sending a scanned copy of the Passport at the time of Reservation.
Students also have a discount of USD 40 in the following cases:

→ School and College Students For young people between 9 and 17 years old, only by sending a scanned copy of the Passport at the time of Reservation.

→ University Students For young people up to 25 years old, only send a scanned copy of the Current University Card to validate. We accept all University Cards from all Universities in the World (Students aged 26 and over are considered Adults).

6. WHY ARE PERMITS SOLD OUT SO FAST?

Unfortunately, many travelers are unaware of the 500 permits daily limit for this route. Furthermore, most hikers are unaware that this limit applies not only to travelers who enter the famous route every day, but also to all service personnel required by authorized agencies such as: guides, cooks, and porters.

These service personnel are of vital importance for the excursion since thanks to them, you will be supplied with everything needed such as: food, accommodation, tents, etc. The guide will keep you safe and informed during the hike.

So, due to this regulation, the tickets required for a group of travelers will need to be always Double (Travelers + Agency Service Personnel).

Now that you know the reason behind the great demand, it is clear the need to reserve your permits as soon as possible, so for this you will need a Tourism Agency Authorized by the Peruvian Government to operate the Inca Trail, like ours Incredible Peru Tours – IPT.

7. HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDE, COOK AND PORTERS?

Tips are not mandatory, there is no exact amount. Only if you wish, at the end of the tour you can give tips for the tour guides, cooks and porters. This is something additional and totally voluntary, really what you consider fair will be highly appreciated by the Service Personnel.

8. WHAT TIME WILL WE RETURN TO CUSCO?

We operate with two return train schedules from Aguas Calientes: departures at 4:20 p.m. or 6:20 p.m. to Ollantaytambo (2-hour journey). In Ollantaytambo a tourist transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco (2-hour journey).

9. DO I NEED TO BRING ADDITIONAL MONEY TO MY TOUR?

Yes, if you want to buy snacks such as cookies, dehydrated fruit, chocolates, etc. or additional drinks such as sodas, beers or an energy beverage, because it is possible to buy these products in small stores in the area.

Also, if you want to buy a souvenir or memories of the trip, there is the Handicraft Market of the Aguas Calientes village. There is also an additional option to visit the Thermo-medicinal Baths of the village on the 2nd day, the Entrance Price is 20 soles. For all this we recommend that you take between 150 and 300 Peruvian soles. You may not need to spend any of this money, but in case of an Emergency, make sure to have enough cash.

10. HOW DO I BOOK MY TOUR?

Booking this Tour with us will really be very safe, easy and practical, you will also have Payment Facilities such as Paying the Excursion up to 1 day before the Tour and in 2 Installments:

The First Installment can be paid online from the comfort of your home by making a Pre-Payment with any Credit or Debit Card from any Bank, using our secure and reliable money transfer system. The Pre-Payment will be made through a deposit of USD 200 per person. (Click on the Reserve link)
The Second Fee will be paid upon arrival in Cusco City, personally at our Main Office located in our Historic Downtown up to 1 day before the Tour.

⇒ To Reserve your 2 Days/1 Night Inca Trail, just follow these 3 simple steps:

1. Fill out the Reservation Form: It is in the Reserve link.

2. Pay the First Installment (Pre-Payment): We accept all cards. You can use a Credit or Debit Card from any Bank and of any company: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS CLUB, DISCOVER, JCB, UNION PAY, ETC.

3. Print your Travel Coupon (Voucher): We will send it immediately after you have made the Pre-Payment.

⇒ OTHER PAYMENT METHODS: If you wish to make the Pre-Payment by other means such as: Western Union, Bank Deposit, Bank Transfer or some other methods, let us know so we can send you all the required information to make the Pre-Payment.

11. IF I ALREADY PAID MY FIRST INSTALLMENT AND DECIDE TO CANCEL, WILL I BE REFUNDED?

Unfortunately we will not be able to make any type of refund or date changes for Tours that are paid in Installments. All Pre-Payments of USD 200.00 are non-refundable, nor transferable, since this money will be invested immediately in all the Procedures and Reservations required for the Tour, as well as in the purchase of Permits and Tickets for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. These procedures will be carried out at the Ministry of Culture of Peru (Branch of the Peruvian Government Managing the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu).

We understand that unexpected things happen that are out of your control, but we cannot make exceptions. You can read more about our Change and Cancellation Policies on this link: http://inca-trail.tours/es/terminos-y-condiciones/

Availability and prices

IMPORTANT:

Available permits on our website are updated in real time.
Spots are shared across all authorized tour operators on this route and can sell out at any time.
We recommend booking at least 4 months in advance to secure your place on this trek.
Yes, if there is no longer availability for the Date of your Trip, you can search for other similar tours that also arrive at Machu Picchu such as: the Classic Inca Trail – 4 Days / 3 Nights

PRICES FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 2 DAYS/1 NIGHT – IN PRIVATE SERVICE

Our rates are fixed and include no hidden fees. We are committed to offering the best service at the best price.

For this route we operate a private service, where you travel exclusively with your own group of friends or family. All services are fully inclusive.

Nº OF TRAVELLERS	PRICE FOR EACH PERSON
From 2 to 3 people:	USD 490 per person
From 4 to 5 people:	USD 480 per person
From 6 to 7 people:	USD 470 per person
From 8 to 9 people:	USD 460 per person
From 10 to more:	USD 450 per person

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS:

For this Tour we have discounts and special rates for infants, children and students:

FOR INFANTS (Between 0 and 2 years old): DO NOT PAY, Free of charge traveling with their parents, you just have to send us online a passport photo of the infant.
FOR CHILDREN (Between 3 and 8 years old): USD 100 DISCOUNT. To get this Discount, you just have to send us online a photo of the child’s passport.
FOR STUDENTS (Between 9 and 25 years old): USD 40 DISCOUNT. To get this Discount, the following cases apply:

⇒ STUDENTS OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES (For young people between 9 and 17 years old): you only have to send us online a photo of the student’s Passport.

⇒ UNIVERSITY STUDENTS (For young people from 18 to 25 years old): you only have to send us online a photo of your current Student Card. We accept all Student Cards of all the Universities of the World. Students aged 26 and over are considered Adults.

OPTIONAL SERVICES:

If you wish, for an additional cost you have the option of adding to this tour, up to one day before the trip at our Central Office located in the Historic Downtown of Cusco, some extra services such as:

Rental of a Pair of Hiking Poles for the entire route for USD10.00
Entrance Ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain (request it when you book this excursion because it is subject to availability, only 400 permits per day + USD 70.00).
Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain (request it when you book this excursion because it is subject to availability, only 400 permits per day + USD 70.00).
Pick up from Cusco City Airport and transfer to your hotel for USD 5.00 per person.
Pick up from your Hotel and transfer to Cusco City Airport for USD 5.00 per person.

PLEASE CONSIDER:

Consider the following points:

Prices are shown in US dollars (USD) and are per person.
Please note that a minimum of 2 people is required to book this trek.
Our passion is group travel, so if you are traveling with friends, family or children, get in touch to offer you our promotions.
Our company also has promotions and discounts for student groups. Contact us to receive our offers.
For your peace of mind and comfort, our tours do not have any hidden charges or expenses.
If you are interested in doing this route and want to book, or want more information, please contact us:
Cell: +51 984 525 006
WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047