2-DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU: Experience Ancient Sacred Inca Trail in Peru.

At a glance

• Style: Guided
• Grade: Moderate to challenge
• Maximum elevation: 2,750 meters
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transport: Bus, train and trekking
• Timing: 2 days and 1 night
• Starting point: Cusco hotel
• End point: Cusco’s hotel

Highlights:

• 2-day short Inca trail allows you to explore the mysterious Inca runs of Chachabamba, Wiñawayna and Intipunku.
• Arrive to Machu Picchu through then famous Sun gate or “Puerta del Sol” as the Incas did.
• Trek through the ancient Inca Trail.
• Experience the rainforest where a large quantity of wildlife lives.
• Meny photo opportunities
• Explore Machu Picchu the iconic Inca site.
• Optional climb Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Short Itinerary for Cusco Classic Tour:

DAY 1:  Cusco – Ollantaytambo – km 82 – Aguas Calientes town:

• Take the tourist train at 06:10 a.m from Ollantaytambo train station to Chachabamba or km 104.
• Trek gradually up from Chachabamba to Machu Picchu.
• Trek for 5-7 hours through the cloud forest.
• Visit the Inca ruins of Chachabamba, and Wiñayhuayna.
• See the sunset over Machu Picchu.
• Take a bus from Machu Picchu to «Aguas Calientes»
• Hotel accommodation at the town of «Aguas Calientes».

DAY 2: Aguas Calientes tonw – MACHU PICCHU – Cusco

• Early breakfast in the hotel.
• Take a bus for 25 minutes up to Machu Picchu.
• 2-3 hours guided tour within Machu Picchu.
• Optional climb to the Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• In the afternoon, we will return to Ollantaytambo train station.
• Transfer to you hotel in Cusco.

FULL TREK ITINERARY

DAY 1: CUSCO –  KM 104  – WIÑAYHUYNA – MACHU PICCHU – «AGUAS CALIENTES»

2-day Inca trail to Machu Picchu begins at 04:00 a.m. When we’ll pick up and transfer you from your hotel in Cusco to the train station of Ollantaytambo (we recommend you to stay the night before at the town of Ollantaytambo – there are very nice hotels). Travel by train to trailhead at Kilometer 104 or Chachabamba named like this for the existence of a beautiful Inca ruins named CHACHABAMBA.

From Chachabamba we’ll continue to trek and cross Urubamba River over the bridge when suddenly, we will find the checkpoint and show the passports and permits for the Inca trail to Machu Picchu; then we continue the trek guided by official English-speaking tour guide into Chachabamba ruins located next of old Inca Trail at this place, we will hear the history of the Incas from our guide, this complex was considered the second gate to Machu Picchu. From here we’ll carry on 3 hour-climb the hillside leaving the woods for open grassland till lunch time.

The Inca trail crosses through a nice waterfall and then arrives to the impressive Wiñayhuyna ruins, where we will have fully guided tour; then we continue walking slowly following the ancient Inca Trail and getting the best view of Urubamba Canyon and passing the cloud forest up to the final pass named Inti Punku or Sun Gate (2,750 masl).

From The Sun gate, we will have impressive scenery of Machu Picchu Inca site and Wayna Picchu Mountain. From the Sungate we’ll continue to descend to Machu Picchu and observe the sunset at surrounding mountains. The first day, we won’t visit Machu Picchu so that we must take the bus down to the town of «Aguas calientes» and have accommodation in the hotel; in the evening, you can go the take bath in the natural hot spring relax and be ready for the next day.

• Hike Distance:         11 kilometers
• Minimum altitude:   2,200 meters above sea level
• Maximum altitude:  2,700 meters above sea level
• Approximate time:  7 to 8 hours
• Gradient:                  Moderate

DAY 2: «AGUAS CALIENTES» – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu will be for 2 – 3 hours approximately at his enigmatic and mysterious INCA site, during this time we will visit the agricultural sector and mainly the urban sector where we will visit the Temple of the Water, Temple of the Mother Earth, Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple or Wiracocha’s Temple, the Temple of theThree Windows or the Andean Cosmology Temple, The Inti Watana or Sundial, the Temple of the Mountain and the Temple of the Condor and other interesting places.

After the tour, you will have extra free time to explore by yourself or for climbing to Huayna Picchu (see additional information if you want to purchase a permit for this). At around 12:00 p.m, you will take the bus down to «Aguas Calientes» for your lunch.

The train departs from «Aguas Calientes» in the afternoon to Ollantaytambo, and then 1 hour and 45 minutes transfer to Cusco and to your hotel.

2-DAY INCA TRAIL INCLUDES

• Pre-departure briefing at your hotel or in our office time will be confirmed on your arrival to Cusco.
• Pick-up from your hotel at 04:30 a.m.
• Private transport to Ollantaytambo train station.
• Expedition class train to Km 104 (starting point of the trek).
• Entrance fee for the trail and Machu Picchu.
• Permits for the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
• Walk with an excellent English-speaking guide.
•  1 Lunchbox, 1 Dinner, 1 Breakfast.
•  Private room for 2 or 3 people in hotel with shower and bathroom.
• 2 bus tickets (Machu Picchu- «Aguas Calientes» -Machu Picchu)
• Expedition class train return to Ollantaytambo and transport to Cusco.
• Personal Travel Advisor assigned for you to customize the rest of your Peru Trip.

EXCLUDED

• Dinner on the 2nd Day
• Drinks, snacks or water
• Tips for your guide are not mandatory.
• Admission fee for Huayna Picchu $65
• Hot spring pools 20 soles (Optional).

PRICE INFORMATION:

• In the following price is included 3-stars category hotel which we consider appropriated and very confortable hotel for this Tour
• We have other options based on the hotels, type of train; the options are adapted to all budgets and THE PRICE IS PER PERSON. We gladly assist you, write or please call Us.

PRICE OF THE TOUR

Daily departure

WHAT TO BRING?

For 2-Day Inca Trail you’ll need to carry the following items:

• Your original passport.
• Student card ISIC (if applicable).
• You only need to carry a small daypack.
• Drinking water 1 liter.
• Camera, rain jacket in rainy season – Nov. to Jan
• Basic toiletries
• Hat or cap for the sun, essential
• Sun scream with sun protection
• Insect repellent for mosquitoes (Malaria or Yellow fever no cases have been reported)
• Comfortable hiking boots.
• Money in soles or dollars. ATM’s or cash machines and travelers cheques in «Aguas Calientes» are more expensive to change.

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

IMPORTANT NOTES OF THE TRIP.

1. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including other names listed on your passport) for Machu Picchu Permits and train tickets. Charges may apply for changes to details within 45 days of departure and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
2. A single supplement is available if you prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Talk to your reservation agent for more information.
3. This trip includes a visit to Machu Picchu. According to the visiting regulations of Machu Picchu, all visitors must follow a predetermined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction and, once the guided tour has started, it is forbidden to leave and re-enter the site. After the guided tour is over, visitors must leave the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not allowed. See the Itinerary for more details.
4. Machu Picchu permits are sold on request only. Once the deposit has been paid and passport details provided, SPT Travel & Tours will attempt to obtain a permit for you.
5. Parts of your trip exceed 2,800 meters / 9,200 feet, where it is common for travelers to experience adverse health effects due to altitude, regardless of age, gender and physical condition. Consult your doctor for professional advice on high altitude travel if you have any medical conditions.
6. Most highland hotels are required to have oxygen cylinders, but you may be asked to pay extra for using oxygen for more than 5-10 minutes at a time.

ARRIVAL IN THE CITY OF CUSCO.

The tour begins in Cusco; You will be met at the airport and transferred in a private vehicle to your reserved hotel, make sure you tell us all your flight details at least 10 days before your trip. Once you arrive to the airport of Cusco, please look for our representative with a Blue SPT Travel & Tours sign.

PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING:

There is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cusco Office or in your hotel one day before your departure to 2-Day Inca trail at 6pm. You will meet your tour guide and He will give you detailed information about your hike, a list of what to bring, rental equipment or questions in general.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE IN YOUR OFFICE?

Yes, During the 2-Day Inca Trail  your main luggage can be stored in our office or in your hotel, both are free of charge. It is very important ta have with you a small backpack for the walk where you’ll carry essential things for the day like water, jacket, etc.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

The remaining balance of the tour you’ll pay at the briefing time. We accept only in Cash and you will avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you can pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles). There are many ATMs in the historic center to withdraw money. You can also pay with VISA or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay a 7% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you must log in to your PAYPAL account and use our email address: sunrisetrek@gmail.com

HOW CAN I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

Under Peruvian law, you must be under the age of 18 at the time of your trek or visit to Machu Picchu (students over the age of 18 require a student ID). For example: If you book a hike at age 17 but turn 18 before taking it, you must have a valid college ID to qualify for the student discount.
College students must provide a copy of their ID card showing a photo, college name, and card expiration date. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.

• All students from 11 to 17 years old, the discount is US$30.
• For children from 2 to 11 years old, the reduction is 40 USD.
• All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of booking to qualify for the student discount. Send us a copy to saleso@sunriseperutrek.com

CAN I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER PURCHASING THE TICKETS?

Unfortunately, the answer is NO. Once the tickets have been purchased, the government does not allow any changes, so we cannot change any departure dates after the tickets have been purchased. Tickets are also non-transferable and non-refundable. If you cancel your tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu, the deposit is absolutely non-refundable!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?

Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport that you sent us to reserve your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other tickets and reservations.

If you are renewing your passport or changing your name, feel free to send us your old passport information to secure your clearance, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or update your name for a fee of $25 per person. We need to have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before changing your passport, keep a copy of the old one.

If you do not wish to pay this fee, you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport, but you will need to show both your old and new passports to enter Machu Picchu or on the train. If you do not have both, you will not be able to enter Machu Picchu or board the train.

VISA FOR PERU.

Citizens of Australia, United States, Great Britain, Canada, Germany, New Zealand and South Africa do not currently require a visa for Peru. For all other nationalities, please reconfirm your visa or entry requirements with the Peruvian consulate in your home country.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS.

If you travel above 2,500m, you can contract altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening and affect anyone, even if they are physically fit. You are at higher risk if you have ever had altitude sickness, if you exercise or drink alcohol before acclimatizing to the altitude, or if you have health problems that affect breathing. Consult your doctor before traveling and get advice specific to you and your situation.
check that your insurance covers emergency evacuation at height and associated medical expenses.

MEDICAL TREATMENT.

Medical treatment can be expensive and not always of high quality in some parts of the country. Make sure you have adequate travel medical insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Parts of your journey exceed 2,800 meters / 9,200 feet, where it is common for travelers to experience adverse health effects due to altitude, regardless of age, gender, and physical condition.

Before your trip:

Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to be severely worsened at high altitude and difficult to treat adequately on land, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition(s) with your physician. We understand that certain medications are reported to aid in altitude acclimatization. Please discuss these options with your doctor.

During your trip:

Although our Guides have basic first aid training and know the nearest medical facilities, it is very important that you know the cause and effects of travel at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly

MEALS NOT INCLUDED:

For this trip, we recommend between 25 and 50 USD per day. How to solve this problem?

Breakfast: If breakfast isn’t included, you can expect to pay $5-$10 at a local coffee shop.

Lunch: If you’re satisfied with a quick grab-and-go snack, you can get away with as little as $5 to $10 for a set menu at a local restaurant or a sandwich and drink at a coffee shop. In contrast, a lunch in a more touristy restaurant can cost between 10 and 15 USD.

Dinner: At dinner time, your chef will usually recommend restaurants where you can safely sample the local delicacies of the area. Expect meals to cost between $12 and $25 for an entree.
These are indicative prices only. If you are on a tight budget, only eat local food and don’t mind having a stomach ache from time to time, you can eat cheaper than this. If you want to taste the best cuisine in the best restaurants, you can expect meals to cost as much as in Western countries.

TIPS.

If you are satisfied with the services provided, a tip is appreciated, but not required. Although this is not common in your country, it is very important for the people who will take care of you during your Tour. It inspires excellent service and is an ingrained feature of the tourism industry in many SPT Travel & Tours destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as you see fit, based on your perception of the quality and length of your visit. Remember that tipping is not mandatory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

COVID-19 ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS IN PERU.

• For the latest update on what is required to enter Peru, check your government’s foreign travel advice and visit the following website: https://www.peru.travel/en
  Requirements include an online health declaration, a negative PCR or antigen test performed within 72 hours of arrival, and an additional antigen test performed upon arrival.
• Also make sure you have your travel insurance policy that covers you for travel to and from Peru, as well as medical or COVID-19 related expenses in the country.
  Most air passengers are now required to take a COVID-19 test within 3 days of boarding their return flight. This includes citizens returning to their home country after their trip. Airlines must confirm a negative test result for all passengers before boarding; otherwise boarding will be denied.
• We can make it easy to take a COVID-19 test while you travel. Make sure you have funds available to cover the cost of this test, which will be paid directly at the test site. Your SPT Travel & Tours Guide will provide more details at the group meeting and schedule appointments for any travelers who need to be tested.