Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the Inca trail 2 days to Machu Picchu with Hotel
day 1
DAY 1: CUSCO - OLLANTAYTAMBO - CHACHABAMBA (KM 104) - WIÑAYWAYNA - INTIPUNKU - AGUAS CALIENTES
- Hiking Time: Aprox. 6 hours.
- Walking distance: 12 Km. / 7.60 millas.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate.
- Weather: Hot.
- Elevation: From 2000 m. going up to 2700 m. and from 2700 going down to 2400 m.
- Accommodation: Hotel***
The 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with hotel is an experience for travelers who wish to undertake the legendary Inca Trail journey in less time or for those who couldn’t find availability for the Classic Inca Trail. The tour begins with pick-up at your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:00 a.m. to transfer to Ollantaytambo, where we will take the train to Chachabamba – km 104, the starting point of the famous Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. After the checkpoint, we will visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba and begin the hike, which lasts approximately 3 hours uphill until we reach Wiñaywayna, one of the most impressive Inca complexes on the 4-day Inca Trail. After having lunch and resting, we continue the journey to Intipunku or Sun Gate, from where you get the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. At the end of the Short Inca Trail hike, we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will enjoy dinner and spend the night.
What is this day like? check our photos
day 2
DAY 2: MACHU PICCHU - OLLANTAYTAMBO - CUSCO
- Hiking Time: 2 hours with the group visiting Machu Picchu + 4 hours exploring by yourself.
- Walking Distance: It depends on the area you want to explore at Machu Picchu.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate.
- Weather: Hot.
- Elevation: From 2000 m going up to 2400 m (By bus).
After breakfast in Aguas Calientes, we will take the bus to the citadel for a guided tour of approximately 2 hours, with free time to explore Machu Picchu and take photographs. After the visit, we will return to Aguas Calientes, board the tourist train to Ollantaytambo, and finally, the transport to Cusco.
This experience is ideal for those who wish to enjoy the magic of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in a short and comfortable version, especially if there is no availability for the Classic 4-day Inca Trail. The 2-day Inca Trail is considered one of the best options, as it offers the essence of Inca Trail trekking in less time.
Includes
- Briefing one day before the tour
- 1 night accommodation
- Transportation Cusco – Ollantaytambo / Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- Tourist train Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba (km 104) / Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (day 1)
- Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (day 2)
- Professional bilingual guide authorized for the Inca Trail
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Entrance to the Inca Trail
- 1 lunch, 1 dinner (vegetarian options)
- 1 night accommodation
- First aid kit
- Oxygen tank
Not include
- Briefing one day before the tour
- 1 night accommodation
- Transportation Cusco – Ollantaytambo / Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- Tourist train Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba (km 104) / Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (day 1)
- Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (day 2)
- Professional bilingual guide authorized for the Inca Trail
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Entrance to the Inca Trail
- 1 lunch, 1 dinner (vegetarian options)
- 1 night accommodation
- First aid kit
- Oxygen tank
Additional Services
- Trekking poles ($15.00 USD)
- Budget lunch in Aguas Calientes ($15.00 USD)
- Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge ($45.00 USD)
- Extra porter for 14kg ($80.00 USD)
- Entry to Huayna Picchu, subject to availability and times: 7:00 am / 8:00 am / 9:00 am / 10:00 am ($60.00 USD)
- Entry to Machu Picchu mountain*, subject to availability and times: 8:00 am / 9:00 am ($60.00 USD)
- Guided tour of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain* ($75.00 USD per group)
- Upgrade your train service to “Vistadome” for the return trip ($50.00 USD)
- Upgrade your train service to “Vistadome Observatory” for the return trip ($75.00 USD)
- Assistance with hotel reservations (standard and luxury) throughout Peru
- *Note: “Machu Picchu mountain” refers to the peak/mountain opposite the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
Recommendations:
- Travel insurance: A highly important requirement to cover any unexpected events during travel, such as medical assistance, extended stay due to illness or accident, baggage loss, or forced trip cancellation due to protests or natural disasters.
Prices Inca trail 2 days to Machu Picchu with Hotel
Availability 2025
This tour is available every day of the year, except in February (due to the Inca Trail closure), with advance reservation and a minimum of 2 participants.
Regular Group Rate – Adults: (minimum 2 people)
| Accommodation Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Without hotel | US$ 419 |
| With 3★ hotel | US$ 465 |
| With 4★ hotel | Request a personalized quote |
Payment Conditions
Deposit: US$ 200
Remaining Balance: US$ 199 (to be paid 24 hours before the tour or on the day of the briefing)
Special Discounts 2025
University Students (18 to 25 years old)
Discount: US$ 25
Conditions:
-
Original physical ID issued by the university (PVC card)
-
Must include: full name, photo, university name, and expiration date valid for the travel year (e.g., 2024 or 2025)
Not accepted: ISIC cards, digital certificates, or ID photos.
Requirement: Send a copy of the ID at the time of booking.
Students Under 17 Years Old
Discount: US$ 25
Condition: Must be 17 years old or younger on the tour date.
Requirement: Send a copy of the passport at the time of booking.
Children (under 11 years old)
Discount: US$ 35
Requirement: Send a copy of the passport at the time of booking.
Extras:
Looking for accommodation in Cusco?
Our team of specialists is ready to help you find the best option for your stay.
Packaging list
- Briefing one day before the tour
- 1 night accommodation
- Transportation Cusco – Ollantaytambo / Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- Tourist train Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba (km 104) / Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (day 1)
- Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (day 2)
- Professional bilingual guide authorized for the Inca Trail
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Entrance to the Inca Trail
- 1 lunch, 1 dinner (vegetarian options)
- 1 night accommodation
- First aid kit
- Oxygen tank
Recomendations
- Book your Inca Trail Expedition as soon as possible since permits sell out quickly.
- Arrive at least 1 day before your Expedition as it will serve as a prior acclimatization to your hike.
- Remember that the city of Cusco is at an altitude of 3400 meters above sea level.
- Check your personal items that you will be taking on the trip.
- Visit us at our main office located in the Historic Center of the city of Cusco, 1 day before your hike at 7:00 pm, to receive an informative talk about the journey led by the Tour Guide.
- This will help you be much more informed, secure, and ready for your tour.
- Leave the luggage you won’t take on the Expedition for free at our main office storage.
- Don’t forget to carry your updated Personal Documents as they will be required by Peruvian authorities at the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu checkpoints.
WILL THE INCA TRAIL BE FOR ME?
- Definitely YES! The Inca Trail is one of those things that nobody should miss the opportunity to do, at least once in a lifetime; whether you’re a woman or a man, young or old, in good or bad physical condition… the Inca Trail is simply for EVERY
F.A.Qs
- How to know if it is Inca Trail Tour is for me? The 2-day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu is one of the original preserved roads of the Inca era where not everyone manages to buy the quota, it is made for every passenger that you can walk without having to do a lot of training just really want to walk, but that you can mobilize alone, However, you always recommend having a little time in Cusco to acclimatize yourself by the altitude of the city of Cusco before starting the Inca trail .
- What is the best time to do the Inca Trail tour? The climate in the Andean region is marked by two seasons: the best dry season (from April to October) and the rainy season (from November to March). Keep in mind that, despite being a rainy season, on the same day there may be rain and sun rising, cloudy skies and even a lot of sun.The Inca trail opens from the first day of March of each year until the end of January by day, tourists from all over the world come to visit Machu Picchu 365 days a year. The months with the highest influx of tourists are from April to September. Machu Picchu is in the jungle, so its climate is warm and humid. Temperatures vary between 8 º and 20 º C. It is advisable to wear clothes for cold and heat.
- IS THE INCA ROAD TOUR CLOSED IN FEBRUARY? Since it is a rainy season the road is closed for maintenance.
- HOW MANY DAYS BEFORE I NEED TO BE IN CUSCO TO ACLIMATE ME? It is very important to be well accustomed to the altitude before straining on a hike. so that you can acclimatize and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while you are on the hike.We can help you organize day trips and other tours of Cusco for acclimatization: City tour Cusco – Half day tour / City Tour Matinal Tour Valley Sacred – Full day tour If you have already been in another area of Peru of high altitude before arriving in Cusco, we recommend that you have a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your trip and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before leaving for the walk.
- How is the reservation process: FIRST To make a reservation, send us an email [email protected] to check availability and receive personalized reservation forms: All customers must complete a Passenger Details form at the time of booking. Go to the reservation This form is prepared with the following information (OF EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot buy any Salkantay Trek Classic permit or ticket 5 days without the following information: * Personal information (full name, exactly as in your passport): * Gender * Passport number * Date of birth (dd / mm / yyyy) * Nationality Once you make your reservation we will reserve as quickly as possible for the large number of Operators looking to get space for the whole year.SEGUNDO, Sakura Expedition will ask to complete a reservation form with all the details and then a deposit of $ 200 per person . Once we have all the deposits and details, we will reserve your permits. When the permits are in our hands, we will send you your confirmation invoice indicating that everything is 100% confirmed and will be guaranteed.
- BEFORE TRAVELING, WILL I RECEIVE TRAVEL INFORMATION? One day before the departure of your trip, you will receive detailed information with your Guide, this may be group or personal in your Hotel
- UPDATE OF PASSPORT NUMBERS The government will only allow us to change passport numbers if we have a copy of the new passport and the previous passport. If you no longer have your previous passport, any government identification document will be accepted, provided the name is the same. Also, make sure your passport does not expire after six months and less during the course of your trip.
- HOW TO GET TO CUSCO Most people will arrive in Cusco by air. Remember that Cusco airport is only for national trips. If you come directly from abroad through Lima, you must get your bags in Lima and check them again for your flight to Cusco. Four airlines fly back and forth between Lima and Cusco. That includes LATAM Airlines, AVIANCA Airlines, Sky airlines. All offer similar schedules, but we generally recommend LATAM or AVIANCA airlines. They tend to be the most formal when unexpected flight cancellations or delays occur.
- CAN I SPEND AN ADDITIONAL NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES ? Of course, if you agree to take the same train from Aguas Calientes that is part of your original itinerary, which is usually at 18:20 at night, then there is no additional charge To return the train one day. If you need us to insure your hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu, this will have an additional cost. If you choose to spend another night in Aguas Calientes, be sure to inform the Sakura Expeditions office at least one month in advance, so that your train ticket is purchased for the correct day.
- DO YOU NEED WALK BOOTS? We always recommend hiking boots. Those who have ankle support are helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be going down so many steps created by the Incas, now uneven and at different heights, the additional support helps protect the ankle.
- SHOULD I USE WALK STICKS? The canes are always useful for hikers, and are recommended for this hike. There are so many stairs that will go down and all made by the Incas. They vary in height and are not all straight. The use of canes can help relieve knee pressure by making this part of the path. In addition, they will help you climb the mountain too. For those who bring their own, make sure you have rubber tips, or the rangers will not allow you to use them. You can buy rubber tips in Cusco if you forget before leaving.
- THE PENDING BALANCE? It would be highly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many ATMs in the historic center to withdraw money.
- HOW MANY LITERS IS THE WALK BACKPACK RECOMMENDED? Generally, a backpack of 30 to 60 liters is enough.
- CAN I LEAVE MY LUGGAGE IN YOUR OFFICE? Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored in our office or in your hotel, both free of charge.
- DO YOU TIP? Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. While it is true we pay good salaries to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Keep in mind that this is not mandatory and that you should never feel pressured by this.
