Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the Short Inca Trail Private – 2 Days
day 1
DAY 1: CUSCO - OLLANTAYTAMBO - CHACHABAMBA (KM 104) - WIÑAYWAYNA - INTIPUNKU - AGUAS CALIENTES
- Time: Approximately 6 hours.
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Weather: Warm and humid.
- Altitude: 2,100 m → 2,719 m (Intipunku) → 2,400 m (Machu Picchu) → 2,000 m (Aguas Calientes).
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, with buffet breakfast.
The 2-Day Inca Trail with personalized private service is the best option for those who want to experience the legendary Classic Inca Trail route with greater comfort and attention.
Follow in the footsteps of the Incas to Machu Picchu. Our private 2-day Inca Trail begins early with pickup at your hotel in Cusco and a private transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station. There, we will board the tourist train with our guide, who will accompany you during the journey and be available to assist you until we reach Km 104, the starting point of this experience.
Km 104 – Chachabamba
Upon arriving at Km 104 – Chachabamba, we will register our Inca Trail permit and pass through the entry checkpoint. After a short walk, we will reach the archaeological site of Chachabamba, nestled amid the lush vegetation of the high jungle.
From here, we will begin our hike along one of the ancient Inca paths leading to Machu Picchu, surrounded by mountains, forests, and an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna. Along the way, we will see different species of orchids and birds, as well as the natural beauty of this Andean ecosystem.
Wiñay Wayna – Inca History and Architecture
After several hours of hiking, we will reach Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Built on the mountain slopes and surrounded by a small valley, this complex stands out for its agricultural terraces, water channels, and ceremonial spaces.
Together with our guide, we will tour its main sectors, discovering the history and meaning of this extraordinary place. After the visit, we will take a break to enjoy our Andean buffet lunch and recharge before continuing.
Intipunku – The Sun Gate
We will resume the trail toward Intipunku, the Sun Gate, along a calmer stretch of Andean forest. Little by little, the landscape will begin to change until we reach one of the most anticipated moments of our hike.
From Intipunku, we will take in our first views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, surrounded by the mountains that make this place truly unique. We will have time to rest, enjoy the scenery, and take photos.
We will continue for about 30 minutes to the area near the Guardhouse, where we can admire panoramic views of the Machu Picchu citadel and capture the classic photos of our arrival.
Aguas Calientes – A Night of Rest
After enjoying this first encounter with Machu Picchu, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and head to our hotel to rest.
The afternoon will be free to explore this small town at the foot of the mountains, stroll its streets, and enjoy its atmosphere.
In the evening, we will have dinner and a brief meeting with our guide, who will give us the instructions and recommendations needed for our visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
Throughout the private 2-day Inca Trail, you can enjoy a personalized experience at your own pace, with time to explore the archaeological sites, take in the landscapes, and stop for photos without rushing.
day 2
DAY 2: MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
- Hiking time: 3 hours.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Weather: Warm and humid, with possible variations along the way.
- Altitude: Machu Picchu, 2,400 m; Aguas Calientes, 2,000 m above sea level.
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, with buffet breakfast included.
The most anticipated day of our adventure: Machu Picchu.
After a night of rest in Aguas Calientes, we will start the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to the bus station. In about 20 minutes, we will reach the entrance to the citadel of Machu Picchu, where we will experience one of the most special moments of our private 2-day Short Inca Trail.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Once inside the citadel, we will take a 2- to 3-hour guided tour with our professional guide. Since this is a private service, you can enjoy a personalized tour, moving at your group’s pace with time to listen to the explanations, take in the main sectors of Machu Picchu, and stop for photos.
Our guide will accompany you throughout the visit, sharing the history, architecture, and meaning of this extraordinary Inca city. We will have all the time needed to enjoy its landscapes, explore its main areas, and capture memories of this unique moment.
Time to Enjoy Machu Picchu
After the guided tour, you will have time to keep enjoying Machu Picchu, admire its breathtaking scenery, and take photos at your own pace.
This is a private experience, so you won’t have to adjust to the pace of a shared group. You can enjoy every moment more calmly and make the most of your visit to one of Peru’s most extraordinary wonders.
Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
At the end of our visit, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to have lunch on your own and enjoy your last moments in this town at the foot of Machu Picchu.
At the scheduled time, we will board the tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the station, our private transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco and drop you off directly at your hotel.
A private experience from start to finish
What is this day like? check our photos
Includes
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- Private group from 2 passengers for a more personalized experience.
- Professional bilingual guide licensed for the Inca Trail: Your guide will accompany you from Cusco all the way to Machu Picchu, providing assistance and guidance throughout the tour.
- Personalized assistance the day before: Our team will answer your questions and provide all the information you need before the experience begins.
- 2-Day Inca Trail entry permit.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket – Circuit 3B.
- 1 night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes: Hatun Inti Hotel (3-star) or similar.
- Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
- Private transportation from the Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
- Tourist train Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba (Km 104).
- Tourist train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes after the first day’s visit.
- Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes for the second day’s visit.
- 1 Andean box lunch with vegetarian and vegan options.
- 1 dinner at Mapacho Restaurant or similar, with vegetarian and vegan options.
- Water refill to start the hike well hydrated.
- Duffel bag up to 8 kg to carry your luggage to Aguas Calientes. Request up to 2 days before the start of the experience.
- First aid kit.
Not include
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- Day 1: Breakfast.
- Day 2: Lunch and dinner.
- Travel insurance (recommended): For greater peace of mind during your trip, we recommend purchasing insurance that covers unforeseen events such as flight cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruptions, and loss of tour services due to delays, as well as medical assistance and personal protection throughout your adventure.
- Tips: Optional.
- Additional expenses due to causes beyond the agency’s control: adverse weather conditions, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, or other similar circumstances.
Additional Services:
- Huayna Picchu entrance – USD 70.00 per person
Add one of the most exclusive hikes in Machu Picchu and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the famous Huayna Picchu Mountain. Spaces are very limited, so we recommend booking at least 5 months in advance.
- Private guide for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain – USD 75.00 per group
Explore every detail of your additional hike with an expert guide who will enrich the experience with exclusive information and personalized attention.
Upgrade to the Vistadome Train (return) – USD 45.00 per person
Enjoy a unique return journey on a panoramic train with large side and overhead windows that let you take in the stunning Andean landscapes. Includes an onboard snack and a fashion show of alpaca-fiber garments for an unforgettable experience.
- Upgrade to the Vistadome Observatory Train (return) – USD 66.00 per person
Close your Machu Picchu trip aboard the most exclusive train, with large panoramic windows, an onboard snack, and an alpaca fashion show. It also offers access to the exclusive open-air observation car and live music to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
- Superior hotel in Aguas Calientes – Rate upon request
Upgrade your stay to a 4- or 5-star hotel and enjoy a more comfortable and exclusive experience.
- Trekking poles – USD 15.00 per pair
Trekking poles are recommended for better stability and comfort during the hike, especially on stairways and uneven terrain.
- Enhance your experience with a night in the Sacred Valley – Rate upon request
Visit a local community in Lamay, take part in traditional activities, and get to know Andean culture up close while you acclimatize before starting the Inca Trail.
Prices Short Inca Trail Private – 2 Days
Rates per person – Private service
- Adult (minimum 2 people): US$ 600
- University student (18 to 25 years old): US$ 575 (US$ 25 discount)
Student discount requirement
Physical university ID (PVC card), valid during the year of travel and showing full name, photo, university and expiration date. ISIC cards, digital certificates and screenshots are not accepted. Send a copy at the time of booking.
Payment
You can pay in full when booking or, if you prefer, secure your spot with a US$ 200 deposit per person. In that case, the balance must be paid no later than the day before the tour.
Need accommodation in Cusco?
Our team will help you find the best option for your stay.
Packaging list
- Original passport
- Current, valid student ID card (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration card
- Small backpack
- Hiking shoes or your most comfortable shoes (lightweight, with good soles)
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho (during the rainy season)
- Sun hat
- Swimsuit for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes (optional)
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Extra cash in soles
- 1 change of clothes
Recomendations
- Book your Inca Trail tour as early as possible, as permits sell out quickly.
- Arrive at least 1 day before your tour to acclimatize before your hike. Remember that the city of Cusco is at 3,400 m (11,150 ft) above sea level.
- Check the personal items you will bring on the trip.
- Visit us at our main office in the historic center of Cusco 1 day before your hike at 7:00 p.m. for a briefing about the trip led by your tour guide. This will help you be much better informed, safe, and ready for your tour.
- Leave any luggage you won’t take on the tour free of charge at the luggage storage in our main office.
- Don’t forget to bring your valid personal documents, as they will be requested by Peruvian authorities at the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu checkpoints.
IS THE INCA TRAIL FOR ME?
Definitely YES! The Inca Trail is one of those things no one should miss the chance to do at least once in a lifetime. Whether you are a woman or a man, young or old, in good or not-so-good physical shape… the Inca Trail is simply for EVERYONE.
F.A.Qs
Is it better private or in a group?
If you want to enjoy the 2-Day Inca Trail tour even more, we recommend doing it privately. With fewer people, you will have more time and can walk at your own pace without rushing, and your guide will be able to give you more attention. We also recommend this option for older travelers or people who don’t usually walk much.
How do I know if the Inca Trail tour is right for me?
The 2-Day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu follows one of the original trails preserved from Inca times, and not everyone manages to get a permit. It is designed for any traveler who can walk independently; no intense training is needed, just a strong desire to hike. However, we always recommend spending some time in Cusco to acclimatize to the city’s altitude before starting the Inca Trail.
What is the best time of year for the Inca Trail tour?
The weather in the Andean region has two seasons: the dry season (April to October), which is the best time, and the rainy season (November to March). Keep in mind that even during the rainy season, a single day can bring rain, sunshine, cloudy skies, and even plenty of sun. The Inca Trail opens on March 1 each year and remains open until the end of January. Today, tourists from all over the world visit Machu Picchu 365 days a year. The busiest months are April to September. Machu Picchu is located in the high jungle, so its climate is warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 8 °C to 20 °C (46 °F to 68 °F). We recommend bringing clothing for both cold and warm weather.
IS THE INCA TRAIL TOUR CLOSED IN FEBRUARY?
Yes. Because it is the rainy season, the trail is closed for maintenance.
HOW MANY DAYS BEFORE DO I NEED TO BE IN CUSCO TO ACCLIMATIZE?
It is very important to be well adjusted to the altitude before exerting yourself on a hike.
ACCLIMATIZATION We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before your Inca Trail tour begins, so you can acclimatize and avoid possible altitude sickness during the hike.
We can help you arrange day hikes and other tours in Cusco for your acclimatization:
Cusco City Tour – Half-day tour / Morning City Tour; Sacred Valley Tour – Full-day tour
If you have already been in another high-altitude area of Peru before arriving in Cusco, we recommend spending a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your journey, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city before setting off on the hike.
What is the booking process?
FIRST: To make a booking, send us an email at ventas@sakuraexpedition.com to check availability and receive personalized booking forms. All clients must complete a Passenger Details form when making a booking.
This form requests the following information (FOR EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase any permit or entrance ticket without it:
* Personal information (full name, exactly as it appears on your passport)
* Gender
* Passport number
* Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
* Nationality
Once you make your booking, we will reserve your spaces as quickly as possible, since a large number of operators are trying to secure spaces throughout the year.
SECOND: Sakura Expedition will ask you to complete a booking form with all the details, followed by a deposit of USD 200 per person. Once we have all deposits and details, we will book your permits.
When we have the permits, we will send you your confirmation invoice stating that everything is 100% confirmed, so your spaces will be guaranteed.
WILL I RECEIVE TRAVEL INFORMATION BEFORE MY TRIP?
The day before your departure, you will receive a detailed briefing from your guide. This may be in a group or individually at your hotel.
UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS The government will only allow us to change passport numbers if we have a copy of both the new and the old passport. If you no longer have your old passport, any government-issued ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Also, make sure your passport does not expire within six months of your trip.
HOW DO I GET TO CUSCO?
Most people arrive in Cusco by air. Remember that Cusco airport only handles domestic flights. If you are flying in from abroad via Lima, you must collect your bags in Lima and check them in again for your flight to Cusco. Four airlines fly between Lima and Cusco: LATAM Airlines, JetSMART, Sky Airline, and Avianca. They all offer similar schedules, but we generally recommend LATAM or Avianca, as they tend to be the most reliable when unexpected flight cancellations or delays occur.
CAN I SPEND AN EXTRA NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES?
Of course. If you are fine with taking the same train from Aguas Calientes that is part of your original itinerary (usually at 6:20 p.m.), there is no additional charge to move your return train back by one day. If you need us to book your hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu, there will be an additional cost. If you choose to spend an extra night in Aguas Calientes, please inform the Sakura Expeditions office at least one month in advance so your train ticket can be purchased for the correct day.
DO I NEED HIKING BOOTS?
We always recommend hiking boots. Those with ankle support are very helpful, especially for inexperienced hikers. Because you will be going down many steps built by the Incas, which are now uneven and of different heights, the extra support helps protect your ankles.
SHOULD I USE TREKKING POLES?
Poles are always useful for hikers and are recommended for this trek. There are many stairs to go down, all built by the Incas; they vary in height and are not all straight. Using poles can help relieve pressure on your knees on this part of the trail, and they will also help you on the way up. If you bring your own, make sure they have rubber tips, or the park rangers will not allow you to use them. You can buy rubber tips in Cusco if you forget them before leaving.
HOW DO I PAY THE REMAINING BALANCE?
We would greatly appreciate it if you pay in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office here in Cusco. There are many ATMs in the historic center where you can withdraw money.
WHAT SIZE HIKING BACKPACK IS RECOMMENDED?
Generally, a 30- to 60-liter backpack is enough.
CAN I LEAVE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both free of charge.
ARE TIPS EXPECTED?
Tipping is part of the tradition of any hike to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good wages to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Please note that tipping is not mandatory, and you should never feel pressured to do so.
