Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (in hotel) 2 Days

GENERAL INFORMATION

Duration: 2 Days/1 Night (in hotel)
Starting point: Cusco
Point of Arrival: Cusco
Travel style: Hike, ecological, archaeological and cultural.
Level of difficulty: Moderate.
Climate: Warm and/or Wet.
Distance from the Walk: 12 km
Altitudes of the Walk:
• Km. 104: 2100 m.s.n.m.
• Winay Wayna: 2600 m.s.n.m.
• Sungate: 22719 m.s.n.m.
• Machu Picchu: 2400 m.s.n.m.
• Aguas Calientes: 2000 m.s.n.m.
Tour dates: All year. Except February for rain season.
Accommodation:1 hotel Night in Aguas Calientes village

Price Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (in hotel) 2 Days

Price 540.00 USD Per Person

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Camino Inca 2 Dias Con Hotel

TOUR DETAILS

Information

INTRODUCCIÓN

This 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 we take a tourist train to km 104, the starting point of the hike. The area has a mild climate with an average temperature of 23 °C (73 °F).

The 12-kilometer route passes through Inca archaeological sites before arriving in the afternoon at the Machu Picchu archaeological site, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the most visited tourist destinations in South America, with close to 2 million visitors per year.

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, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
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.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Book the Inca Trail as far in advance as possible, 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.
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.
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.

If you have any questions or want more information about this Tour, feel free to contact us: Cell: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or write to: info@incredibleperutours.com

IS THIS PATH TO ME?

If you have a day and a half available and want to walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, this is a suitable option. The route is designed for travelers with a moderate level of fitness and no prior hiking experience is required.

It is an accessible route for a wide range of visitors: couples, families, groups of friends, and solo travelers looking to combine history, archaeology, and landscape in a short trek.

If you have more time for the tour, you could do a route with more days such as the Classic Inca Trail – 4 Days / 3 Nights ; there will always be a trek that suits your time and what you are looking for!

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 to Wiñay Wayna.
11:30 a.m. Arrival and visit of Wiñay Wayna.
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 Inca citadel.
5:00 p.m. Bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes.
5:30 p.m. Arrival in Aguas Calientes.
5:40 p.m. Check-in and rest at the hotel.
7:00 p.m. Dinner at a local restaurant.
9:00 p.m. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 2:

5:30 a.m. Hotel pickup.
5:40 a.m. Bus up to the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
6:10 a.m. Arrival at Machu Picchu.
6:20 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, it can vary according to the physical condition of each hiker and due to availability of train departure times.

Itinerary

DAY 1: CUSCO CITY – OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM. 104 – INTI PUNKU (SUNGATE) – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES (HOTEL).

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.). 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 first archaeological site: Chachabamba (2,100 m.a.s.l.), 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. / 8,500 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 to the town of Aguas Calientes, a journey of approximately 30 minutes.

In Aguas Calientes we spend the night at a hotel. Dinner at a tourist restaurant is included. During dinner the guide will provide information about the following day’s program.

Walking time: Approximately 6 hours.
Distance to travel: 12 km / 7.60 miles.
Trek Difficulty: Moderate.
Climate: Warm and/or Humid.
Altitudes of the Hike: From 2,100 m.a.s.l. (Trail Head) going up to 2,719 m.a.s.l./8,900 ft (Sungate) and then going down to 2,400 m.a.s.l. (Machu Picchu). From there going down by bus to 2,000 m.a.s.l. (Aguas Calientes village).
Accommodation: Hotel Retama Machu Picchu or similar. (Ask us if you want to reserve a higher category hotel).

DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO CITY.

This is the day of the main visit to Machu Picchu. We leave the hotel at 5:00 a.m. and walk to the bus station (2,000 m.a.s.l.), from where we travel by tourist bus for 30 minutes along the winding road up to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,400 m.a.s.l.).

The early departure allows us to arrive before most visitors who access the site by train, which makes 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. There will be free time to explore the town and the craft market.

At around 6:00 p.m. we board the return train to Ollantaytambo, with an estimated arrival at 7:50 p.m. In Ollantaytambo a tourist transport will take us back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival at 10:00 p.m. The final transfer is to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.

Walking time: 2 hours with the group visiting Machu Picchu + 1 hour exploring on your own.
Distance to travel: Variable. It depends on the area you want to explore in Machu Picchu.
Hike Difficulty: Easy.
Climate: Warm and/or Humid.
Altitudes of the Hike: From 2,000 m.a.s.l. going up to 2,400 m.a.s.l./7,900 ft. (by bus).

Included services

ALL INCLUSIVE SERVICE

⇒ 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.
Entry tickets to the Inca Trail and the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
All meals during the tour: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner.
Vegetarian and special diets available at no additional cost.
Water bottle.
First aid kit and emergency oxygen cylinder carried by the guide.
Bus ticket down from Machu Picchu to the town of Aguas Calientes (day 1).
Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu (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 at a hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes.

PLEASE CONSIDER:

This accommodation service will be provided at the Hotel Retama Machu Picchu *** , or a similar one, in single, double or triple rooms, according to your requirements.
All hotels reserved by us are clean and safe with breakfast included, private bathroom with hot water, Wi-Fi, Cable TV and free luggage storage to leave the belongings while you visit Machu Picchu.
Please tell if you want us to reserve a Hotel of a higher Category or with any special service.
If you want to book the Hotel yourself, or already have a Hotel reserved, let us know so we can proceed with the corresponding discount.

What should you bring

LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS TO BRING ON THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 2 DAYS/1 NIGHT

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 like: cookies, sweets, chocolates, cereals, fruits, among others.
Extra money, if you want to buy some memories of your trip.

Clothes and shoes

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

Pharmaceutical products

Personal medications.
Insect repellent.
Sunscreen.
Lip cream.

Personal hygiene items

Wet wipes.
Toilet paper.
Toothpaste and toothbrush.

Frequent questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED 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. HOW LONG DOES THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU HIKE TAKE?

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hike takes approximately 5 to 7 hours, depending on the traveler’s pace. Along the route, you will walk through Inca trails, Andean landscapes, and archaeological sites until reaching Machu Picchu through Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate.

2. IS THE 2-DAY SHORT INCA TRAIL DIFFICULT?

The 2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has a moderate difficulty level. It is recommended for travelers with basic physical condition, as the hike is not as long as the Classic Inca Trail, but it includes stone steps, high-altitude trails, and uphill sections. Comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, and light hiking clothes are recommended.

3. WHY CHOOSE THE SHORT INCA TRAIL WITH A HOTEL IN AGUAS CALIENTES?

Choosing the Short Inca Trail with a hotel allows you to enjoy the hike at a more relaxed pace and rest overnight in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu the next day. This option is ideal for travelers who want to experience the Inca Trail, arrive through the Sun Gate, and explore Machu Picchu with more time.

4. 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 of age, only by sending a scanned copy of the Passport at the time of Reservation.

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

5. WHY ARE PERMITS FOR THE INCA TRAIL SOLD OUT SO QUICKLY?

According to the current Regulations of Tourist Use for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, only 250 permits are offered each day for this trek; figure in which visitors are counted, as well as all the Service Personnel of the Authorized Travel Agencies, such as the Guides.

These Regulations for Tourist Use of the area are supervised and controlled by the Ministry of Culture (branch of the Peruvian Government). The norm is strict and once the 250 permits for each day are sold, there is no option to purchase additional ones.

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

Remember to book your Trek as soon as possible, for you can see tickets are limited and they sell out very quickly.

6. HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDE?

Tips are not mandatory, there is no exact amount. Only if you wish, at the end of the tour you can give a tip to the Tour Guide. This is something additional and totally voluntary, really what you consider will be highly appreciated by the Service Personnel.

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

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

If you want to buy a souvenir or memories of the tour, you can buy it in the Handicraft Market in Aguas Calientes village. You also have as an additional option to visit the village’s Thermo-medicinal Baths, the Entrance Price is 20 soles. For all this we recommend taking between 150 and 300 Peruvian soles. You may not need to spend any of this money, but in case of an Emergency, you should make sure to have enough cash.

8. WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO BATHROOM SERVICES?

Yes, you will have access to these services. In the Train Stations, at the beginning of the Trail (Km. 104), in the places where you will have lunch and when you arrive at Machu Picchu.

9. WHAT TIME WILL WE RETURN TO CUSCO?

The return trip to Cusco will be by Touristic Train which leaves Aguas Calientes village at 9:45 pm. The ride lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes and we will arrive at the Ollantaytambo Train Station. There, our transportation will be waiting to take you for a two-hour trip back to Cusco City. So you will be arriving in Cusco at around 11:50 p.m.

10. IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, CAN I CONTACT INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

You can talk to us whenever you want, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will be very happy to assist you, call us at Cell phone: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or send an email to: info@incredibleperutours.com, or also check the Contact Us link on this website.

11. HOW DO I BOOK MY TOUR?

You can book this trek up to one day before the departure date. Payment is divided into two installments:

First installment (prepayment): made online from anywhere using a credit or debit card. The amount is USD 200 per person. Click on the Reserve link to complete this step.

Second installment: paid in person at our office in the historic center of Cusco, up to one day before the trek.

Steps to book:

Fill out the booking form available at the Reserve link.
Make your prepayment: we accept credit and debit cards from any bank, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, and Union Pay.
Receive your voucher: we will send it to you by email immediately after your prepayment is confirmed.

Other payment methods: if you prefer to pay via Western Union, bank deposit, or bank transfer, contact us and we will provide all the necessary details.

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

Prepayments of USD 200 per person are non-refundable and non-transferable. Once payment is made, the funds are immediately allocated to the processing of bookings, permits, and entry tickets for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu through the Ministerio de Cultura del Perú, the government body responsible for managing both sites. For this reason, date changes are also not possible for tours paid in installments.

For more information, please refer to our cancellation and change policies. You can read more about change and cancellation Policies on our website: http://incredibleperutours/es/terminos-y-condiciones/

13. WHY SHOULD I BOOK MY TOUR WITH INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?

There are very good reasons to book your excursion with us, let’s see some:

Convenient location. Our office is in the historic center of Cusco, one block from the main plaza, making coordination easy at any point before or during your trip.
Peruvian-owned and government-authorized agency. We are a 100% local team with over 15 years of experience. All our documentation is current and in order, and we are recognized as an Authorized Operator of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Fair pricing with no hidden fees. We are a direct tour operator working with local staff and no intermediaries, which allows us to offer a fully inclusive service at a competitive price.
Travel with experts. Our guides, cooks, and porters are trained to assist all types of travelers: groups, families, couples, and solo visitors. Quality equipment. We renew our gear every 2 years, including tents, sleeping bags, and trekking poles, always looking for the most comfortable and reliable options available.
All meals included. All food is prepared with fresh ingredients. No canned or dehydrated products are used. Vegetarian and special diets available at no additional cost.
Guaranteed departures. We operate 100% of our own hikes. Even with a single confirmed traveler, the trek runs at the published price with no surcharge. Our groups average between 4 and 8 people.
Fair treatment of our staff. We provide our team with Inca Trail permits, accommodation, transport, uniforms, and meals. Cooks and porters have health insurance and receive fair wages. We also support social programs in local communities focused on health and education.
Sustainable and responsible tourism. We use biodegradable detergents in our kitchen and regularly participate in clean-up campaigns along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Personalized support. We respond to every inquiry by phone or email from anywhere, at any time.

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 as early as possible to secure your place.
If you are interested in doing this route and want to reserve permits, or want more information, please contact us: Cell: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or write to: info@incredibleperutours.com
Yes, if there is no longer availability for the Date of your Trip, you can search other similar Tours that also arrive at Machu Picchu, such as: the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days/3 Nights

INCA ROAD PRICES SHORT 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 trek we operate a private service, where you travel exclusively with your own group of friends and family. All services are fully inclusive.

Nº OF TRAVELLERS	PRICE FOR EACH PERSON
2 to 3 people	USD 580 per person
4 to 5 people	USD 560 per person
6 to 7 people	USD 540 per person
8 to 9 people	USD 530 per person
10 or more	USD 520 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): THEY 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 e-mail us 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 of age): you only have to send us online a photo of the student’s Passport.

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

OPTIONAL SERVICES:

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

Rental of a Pair of Hiking Poles for the entire route for USD 10
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).
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).
Pick up from Cusco City’s Airport and transfer to your hotel for USD 5 per person.
Pick up from your Hotel and transfer to Cusco City’s Airport for USD 5 per person.

PLEASE CONSIDER

Notice 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 the 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