2-DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

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:

The immersive 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins bright and early at 4:00 a.m., with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, transferring you to the train station in Ollantaytambo. It’s highly advisable to spend the prior night in Ollantaytambo, which offers charming accommodations. Your adventure starts with a scenic train journey to the trailhead at Kilometer 104, also known as Chachabamba, noted for its splendid Inca ruins.

Upon arrival at Chachabamba, we embark on a trek that includes crossing the Urubamba River via a bridge. Here, you will encounter the checkpoint, requiring your passport and Inca trail permits. Our knowledgeable English-speaking guide leads the way through the Chachabamba ruins, a site historically significant as the second gateway to Machu Picchu, providing a captivating introduction to the Incas’ fascinating past.

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The journey continues with a three-hour uphill hike through varied landscapes, transitioning from wooded areas to open grasslands, eventually pausing for a well-deserved lunch. As the trail meanders, it passes a picturesque waterfall, culminating at the impressive Wiñayhuyna ruins. Here, a fully guided tour enhances your understanding of these ancient marvels. The trek advances along the ancient Inca Trail, offering panoramic views of the Urubamba Canyon and enveloping cloud forest, until reaching the iconic Inti Punku, or Sun Gate, at 2,750 meters above sea level.

From this vantage point, bask in the breathtaking vista of the Machu Picchu site and Wayna Picchu Mountain. As the day draws to a close, descent to Machu Picchu allows for a serene sunset overview of the surrounding mountains. Rather than enter Machu Picchu, the day’s adventure concludes with a bus ride down to «Aguas Calientes», where accommodations await. Evening relaxation is at your discretion, with an inviting option to soak in the town’s natural hot springs in preparation for the following day’s exploration.

• 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:

The second day of the 2-day Inca Trail brings an opportunity to delve into the enigmatic beauty of Machu Picchu with a guided tour lasting approximately 2 to 3 hours. During this immersive exploration, you’ll discover the rich history embedded in the agricultural and urban sectors, highlighting revered locations such as the Temple of the Water, the Temple of the Mother Earth, the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple or Wiracocha’s Temple, Temple of the Three Windows, The Inti Watana or Sundial, Temple of the Mountain, and the Temple of the Condor, among other captivating sites.

Post-tour, you can wander this archaeological wonder independently or embark on an ascent to Huayna Picchu, should you wish to secure a permit for this additional adventure. At noon, you’ll descend by bus to «Aguas Calientes» for lunch, before boarding the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo, completing the journey with a transfer to Cusco and your awaiting 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

• 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. 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.
• 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, visitors must leave the site, and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not allowed. See the Itinerary for more details. 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.
• 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. 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 at 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 the 2-Day Inca Trail at 6pm. You will meet your tour guide, who 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 free of charge. It is very important to 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 cash, allowing you to 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 enjoy a discount of 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, send us your old passport information to secure your clearance, and we can update it when you receive your new passport number or name change for a fee of $25 per person. We need a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. 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