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Cusco · Peru
2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Starting From
From $620.79 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Do you want to enjoy the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu but have limited time or don't want to embark on a multi-day trek? Try this express tour that includes only one full day of trekking leading to a Machu Picchu guided tour on the second day. Start with a dream train ride to the checkpoint going from the Sacred Valley to the rainforest. Start at kilometer 104 instead of kilometer 82 while still ensuring you get a taste of the stunning natural environment offered by the cloud forest. Hike along the Inca Trail and enjoy the chance to see Machu Picchu twice. Visit the ancient archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate to end up in Aguas Calientes before your big tour on the second day. Discover this excellent short version of the Inca Trail!
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Experience 2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Hike along the Inca Trail and enjoy the chance to see Machu Picchu twice
- Visit the ancient archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna
- Enjoy a breathtaking train ride towards the trailhead
- Enter Machu Picchu directly through the Sun Gate (Intipunku)
- View Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River, and other surrounding Inca Sites
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Cusco
The short tour to Machu Picchu starts with a pick-up from your hotel at 4 am to catch the train from Ollantaytambo.
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Cusco
Sightseeing at Urubamba River. The train follows the trail of the Urubamba River until we reach Km 104, where we'll begin our trek. Along the way, you’ll see spectacular views of farmlands, snow-capped mountains, and the mighty Urubamba River.
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Cusco
Leisure. Once you’re off the train and ready to go, we’ll provide you with snacks and take a group photo.
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Cusco
Hiking at Machu Picchu. Then we’ll set off to visit our first Inca site. We’ll give you a short orientation about this historical Inca site as well as a walking tour. Then we’ll begin hiking as we head for the Classic Inca Trail. We'll have tremendous views of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River, and other surrounding Inca Sites.
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Cusco
Sightseeing at Winay Wayna. After hiking for three hours, we’ll reach the most beautiful Incan site on the Inca Trail, Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) at 2,600 m/8,500 ft. Few people get the opportunity to see these elaborate water fountains, temples and agricultural terraces. These provide a perfect opportunity to learn about the history of the Incas. The backdrop of this site is a dramatic cliff drop with beautiful mountains surrounding the area.
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Cusco
Sightseeing. A few minutes of walking from there and you’ll arrive at the Alpaca Expeditions campsite used by hikers who have chosen to do the Classic Inca Trail. Here you’ll be able to enjoy the hot homemade lunch that’s been freshly cooked by Alpaca Expeditions’ chefs. You’ll also get a chance to refill your water and get a little rest after you’ve eaten.
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Cusco
Sightseeing at Machu Picchu. From Wiñay Wayna, we’ll walk to the Sun Gate. This is where we’ll see the picturesque landscape of the famous Machu Picchu. After taking in the once-in-a-lifetime views, we’ll begin our descent to Machu Picchu.
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Cusco
Sightseeing at Machu Picchu. One of the many advantages of this trek is that by the time you reach Machu Picchu the day travelers will have left. This leaves you the whole area to explore with no interruptions. After taking photos and exploring the area, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and head to your hotel. After that, we’ll head to dinner. After dinner, we recommend going to bed early to make the most of the next day.
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Cusco
Accomodation provided.
Day 2
Cusco
Sightseeing at Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu guided tour: Today will be all about Machu Picchu. To get the most out of the day we encourage every group to have an early breakfast before catching one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu (starting at 5:30 am). This allows you to get ahead of the crowds. The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes approximately 30 minutes.
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Cusco
Leisure at Machu Picchu. Once in Machu Picchu, your guide will take you directly to the best place to watch the sunrise and take photographs. Your local guide will then show you around the main sectors of the citadel for a total of 2.5 hours. During this guided tour you’ll learn more about the history and culture of the Inca Empire.
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Cusco
Hiking at Huayna Picchu. At the end of the guided tour, you’ll have some time to yourself to relax and wander around, unless you arranged to hike Huayna Picchu (must be booked in advance, as it sells out, and costs $75 per person). Your guide will show you where to begin this hike. The hike will take no more than 2 hours round-trip.
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Cusco
Sightseeing at Aguas Calientes. For your return from Machu Picchu, we recommend heading back to Aguas Calientes no later than 2 hours before your train departure. The return train rode from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo will take approximately 2 hours.
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Cusco
Sightseeing at Ollantaytambo. In Ollantaytambo, our Alpaca Expeditions’ staff will be waiting for you right by the station’s exit door. They’ll be ready to bring you back to Cusco by car.
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Cusco
The car ride to Cusco will be approximately 2 hours and will have you dropped off at your hotel in Cusco.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Transportation: 2 train rides to get to the trailhead and back to Cusco, and pick-up and drop off Trekking guides All entrance fees First aid kit and oxygen tank
Not Included
Walking sticks - can be rent from us at additional charge Huayna Picchu Mountain, its an additional charge for each ticket and needs to be booked in advance.
Meeting & Pickup
Cusco - Calle heladeros N 157 office 24.
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business
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