Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2D/1N from Cusco

Day 1: Inca Trail Hike and Sun Gate Arrival

Your adventure begins early with a 4:00 a.m. hotel pickup in Cusco or a 6:00 a.m. departure from Ollantaytambo. Board the morning train through the Sacred Valley, enjoying spectacular Andean scenery before arriving at KM104, the official starting point of the Short Inca Trail.

The Inca Trail hike starts with a gentle ascent along the Vilcanota River, passing through lush cloud forest filled with orchids, waterfalls, and native wildlife. Along the way, visit Chachabamba, an important Inca archaeological site. Your licensed guide will explain the historical and spiritual significance of the trail as you continue climbing through scenic landscapes.

You will then reach the impressive Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful sites on the Inca Trail, located at 2,600 meters (8,500 ft). After lunch, continue hiking to the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the original Inca entrance to Machu Picchu, where you will enjoy your first breathtaking panoramic view of the citadel.

From the Sun Gate, explore the iconic upper terraces and Guardhouse viewpoint of Machu Picchu, perfect for classic postcard photos. After your visit, take a bus down to Aguas Calientes for a relaxing overnight stay.

Accommodations: 3-star hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Lunch

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Day 2: Guided Machu Picchu Tour (Circuit 3B) and Return to Cusco

After breakfast, take a scenic 25-minute bus ride to the Machu Picchu entrance. As morning mist lifts, enjoy stunning views of the terraces and stone architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Join your expert guide for a 2.5-hour fully guided tour of Machu Picchu via Circuit 3B (Royalty Route – Lower Sector), which is included in your Inca Trail 2-day package. This circuit covers the agricultural terraces, lower urban sector, and key ceremonial areas, offering an in-depth understanding of Inca engineering, astronomy, and daily life.

Highlights of the guided visit include the Temple of the Sun, Room of the Three Windows, Sacred Plaza, and other important sectors accessible within Circuit 3B. Your guide will bring the history and cultural significance of Machu Picchu to life.

After completing your guided tour, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch or souvenir shopping before boarding the train back through the Sacred Valley. Private transportation will transfer you from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco, where you will arrive in the evening.

Optional hikes such as Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or additional Machu Picchu circuits are available with separate tickets and are not part of the standard guided tour.

Meals Included: Breakfast

What to Bring for the 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Packing wisely is key to enjoying your Inca Trail trek and making the most of your visit to Machu Picchu. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you prepare for this unforgettable journey:

📄 Essential Documents

• Passport – Required at all Inca Trail checkpoints and Machu Picchu entry
• Valid Student ID – Only if you booked with a student discount (must match passport)

🎒 Backpack

• A small, lightweight daypack (20–25L) with good weight distribution

💧 Water

• Start the Inca Trail hike with at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water
• No refill or purchase points until you reach Machu Picchu

👕 Clothing & Footwear

• Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
• 1 moisture-wicking hiking shirt + hiking pants
• 1 clean outfit for photos at Machu Picchu
• 2 sets of undergarments and walking socks
• Rain gear – Waterproof jacket or rain poncho

🌞 Sun & Insect Protection

• Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
• Insect repellent – essential for the trail and Aguas Calientes

🎒 Optional Items

• Bathing suit – for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
• Personal medication and a basic first aid kit

📸 Electronics & Extras

• Camera or smartphone for capturing your Machu Picchu memories
• Extra cash (in soles) for snacks, souvenirs, or guide tips

🍫 Trail Snacks

• Lightweight, energy-boosting options like nuts, energy bars, or dried fruit

✅ Pro Tip: Pack light and smart! A well-prepared backpack ensures a more enjoyable and comfortable experience along the scenic 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail 2-day trek to Machu Picchu is rated as a moderate-level hike, suitable for any reasonably fit traveler. While the route offers stunning scenery and unforgettable experiences, it includes some challenging sections and reaches altitudes up to 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). Proper altitude acclimatization is essential to fully enjoy the journey and avoid altitude sickness.

If you’re arriving from sea level, we strongly recommend spending at least two full days in Cusco before starting your Inca Trail 2-day trek. This allows your body to adjust to the high altitude and ensures you have the stamina and energy needed to complete the trek comfortably and safely on your way to the breathtaking Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is open for trekking all year round, except for the month of February when the trail is closed for annual maintenance. The best time to hike the Inca Trail is between April and October, as these months offer the most comfortable and dry weather conditions.

June, July, and August mark the high season, when the Inca Trail can become fully booked. To secure your spot on this world-famous trek, it’s essential to make your Inca Trail reservations well in advance.

During the wet season in January and March, the trail can be slippery and challenging. If you choose to hike during these months, be sure to bring a high-quality rain jacket, waterproof hiking boots, and protective covers for your gear to stay dry and comfortable on your journey to Machu Picchu.

Terms and Conditions – Inca Trail 2-Day 1-Night (2D/1N) Tour to Machu Picchu

• The Inca Trail 2-Day 1-Night (2D/1N) tour to Machu Picchu (KM104) is non-transferable and non-changeable. Passenger names, passport numbers, and travel dates cannot be modified once the Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance tickets have been issued.
• All Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entrance tickets, including the Day 2 Machu Picchu entrance via Circuit 3B (Royalty Route), are issued under Peruvian Ministry of Culture regulations and are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• All cancellations for the Inca Trail 2D/1N tour must be submitted in writing and are subject to the cancellation fees listed below.
• Cancellations made with 10 or more days’ advance notice are subject to a $400 USD per person cancellation fee, which covers non-refundable permits, Machu Picchu tickets, and administrative costs.
• Cancellations made with less than 10 days’ notice incur a 100% cancellation fee of the total Inca Trail 2-Day tour price, with no refunds available.
• If a traveler abandons the Inca Trail 2D/1N tour at any stage due to altitude sickness, health issues, personal reasons, or missed connections, no refunds or claims will be accepted.
• Travelers are fully responsible for all additional expenses resulting from tour abandonment, including meals, accommodation, return transportation, medical treatment, or evacuation.
• All participants must carry valid personal travel insurance covering accidents, medical expenses, trip interruption, emergency evacuation, and loss of personal belongings during the Inca Trail 2-Day 1-Night tour to Machu Picchu.
• The itinerary for the Inca Trail 2D/1N tour may be modified or interrupted due to weather conditions, natural disasters, civil unrest, strikes, government restrictions, or other force majeure events. In such cases, we will coordinate with suppliers to obtain refunds when possible; however, refunds are not guaranteed.