Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days
Overview
The impressive Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for 2 days is a cultural show where you can see and explore Inca cities, exotic mountains, lush primitive vegetation and extraordinary ecological varieties. The “old Inca Trail” crosses the National Park and the Puerta del Sol with unforgettable views of Machu Picchu, through a forest of clouds and finally to the subtropical vegetation. When making this route you will have the privilege of visiting the famous citadel of Machu Picchu twice, at the end of the first day you will enter through the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and the next day we will tour this wonder of the modern world more in detail.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Gate of the Sun – Machu Picchu
Very early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 a.m. and transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the Expedition train at 6:10 a.m. After a journey of 1 hour and 10 minutes, we will arrive at kilometer 104 (2,100 m a.s.l.), the starting point of our hike.
From this location, we will begin a moderate ascent of approximately three hours to reach the impressive archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m a.s.l.), an Inca complex known for its agricultural terraces, temples, and spectacular views of the Urubamba River canyon. Along the way, you will enjoy an unparalleled natural environment, surrounded by mountains, subtropical vegetation, and archaeological remains that tell the story of the Inca Trail.
After exploring Wiñay Wayna, we will continue our hike toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku, 2,730 m a.s.l.), where we will enjoy our first panoramic view of Machu Picchu — a truly unforgettable experience. From this vantage point, you can admire the citadel in all its glory, surrounded by a mystical and majestic atmosphere.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
This day you will experience one of the most anticipated moments of your trip: visiting the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Very early in the morning, we will take the first bus at 5:30 a.m. to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you can witness the sunrise over the citadel, a magical spectacle that gradually illuminates the ancient Inca constructions. Take your time to admire the view and feel the special energy emanating from this sacred place.
Next, our expert guide will lead you through the main areas of the archaeological complex in an approximately two-hour tour. You will visit iconic sites such as the Main Plaza, Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows, Priest’s House, and the Inca ceremonial baths, while discovering the secrets of Inca architecture and spirituality.
After the guided tour, you will have free time to continue exploring on your own and enjoy the mystical atmosphere of Machu Picchu.
When you are ready, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch on your own. Later, you will board the Expedition train at 2:55 p.m. to Ollantaytambo station, where our private transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
Included:
- Transportation from the airport to your hotel in Cusco
- Private transport from your hotel to the train station
- 3 bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Official guide to experienced tourism.
- Private guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Ollantaytambo to Km 104 – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Archaeological Site
- One night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes (hot water shower, bathroom, private room and breakfast included)
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen tank.
- Taxation
Not included:
- Wayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
- Machu Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
- First breakfast (served at the hotel)
- Optional improvements: hotel or train.
- Vistadome Train: $67 USD per person (return only)
- Tips for the staff (Sam Travel Peru staff receives a fair and decent payment immediately after your trip ends, tips are optional but highly appreciated)
Recommendations
- Original passport (the same one you have used to book your trip)
- Good backpack (25 to 30L)
- Water storage: 2-3L (Camelbaks are recommended)
- Comfortable trek shoes with ankle support.
- Toilet paper
- Tshirts
- Comfortable pants
- Trek socks
- Sweater for the cold.
- Jacket
- Facial moisturizer
- hand sanitizer
- wet wipes
- toothbrush and paste
- personal medications
- sunhat
- sunscreen
- Wool hat (cold season for afternoons or early in the morning)
- Rain Jacket – Rain Season
- Snack (chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dried fruit)
- Rain plastic poncho (provided by Sam)
- Camera
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks and tips
