Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

2 days
495.00
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ABOUT

The fabulous ruins of the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu set amongst the outstanding forested peaks of the Peruvian Andes have achieved almost legendary ‘must see’ status with visitors to Peru. Machu Picchu was recently voted one the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’ and has long held UNESCO World Heritage Status – a unique Inca settlement never raided by the Spanish conquistadors and unknown to the outside world until rediscovered by explore and Yale University Hiram Bingham in 1911. 

As impressive as Machu Picchu itself is the beautiful Inca Trail to Machu Picchu that winds through the stunning scenery of the Urubamba Valley, passing stunning vistas of snow clad peaks and numerous Inca archaeological sites that are fascinating in their own right. To arrive at Machu Picchu and look down at this world renowned vista after hiking part of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu is a very special experience. For those who may not have the time to complete the full 4 day Inca Trail hike but still want to get out on the trail we offer this 2 day itinerary, consisting of a day on the trail, followed by an in depth exploration of Machu Picchu World Heritage Site. Enjoy! 

Schedule

Day 1 - Cusco to Machu Picchu.

Day 2 - Machu Picchu to Cusco.

Leaving Cusco around 6.00am by train we head to the scenic Quechua town of Ollantaytambo. The scenery here in the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a beautiful introduction to our tour in the following two days. From Ollantaytambo the great peaks of the Urubamba Mountain range soar above us, their peaks crowned with permanent snow fields. Travelling into the narrow gorge of the Urubamaba River as it leaves the sacred valley we arrive at the trailhead for today’s hike. We visit the ruins of Chachabamba before beginning our walk on the Camino Real de los Incas. Beginning a steady ascent from the valley floor we join with the main Inca Trail to Machu Picchu after around 3 hours of walking. Here we have an excellent view of the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site. Beyond Wiñay Wayna an Inca staircase leads for an hour through wonderful forested surrounds to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, where you can look down upon Machu Picchu in all its glory. Descending to Aguas Calientes town we spend the night in a comfortable hotel. There’s plenty of time of relax and perhaps take a therapeutic dip in the thermal springs. (B.L.D.) 

Starting early we take a 25 minute bus ride above Agues Clients to the truly Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a site straddling a mountain top at more at 2380 m above sea level and surrounded by misty cloud forest covered peaks and incredible views on all sides. This site lay undiscovered and engulfed the jungle until Yale University Professor Hiram Bingham chanced upon the site during an archaeological expedition. This then much of purpose and nature of this site has remained a mystery. After a guided tour of the site you will have time to explore the site on your own and if you’re feeling energetic there’s the possibility of climbing Huayna Picchu peak, the distinctive steep sided mountain overlooking Machu Picchu. Returning to Aguas-Calientes we board the train for Cusco at around 3.30pm, arriving in the early evening. From here you transported back your hotel. End of Service. (B.L) 

Day 1 - Cusco to Machu Picchu.

Leaving Cusco around 6.00am by train we head to the scenic Quechua town of Ollantaytambo. The scenery here in the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a beautiful introduction to our tour in the following two days. From Ollantaytambo the great peaks of the Urubamba Mountain range soar above us, their peaks crowned with permanent snow fields. Travelling into the narrow gorge of the Urubamaba River as it leaves the sacred valley we arrive at the trailhead for today’s hike. We visit the ruins of Chachabamba before beginning our walk on the Camino Real de los Incas. Beginning a steady ascent from the valley floor we join with the main Inca Trail to Machu Picchu after around 3 hours of walking. Here we have an excellent view of the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site. Beyond Wiñay Wayna an Inca staircase leads for an hour through wonderful forested surrounds to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, where you can look down upon Machu Picchu in all its glory. Descending to Aguas Calientes town we spend the night in a comfortable hotel. There’s plenty of time of relax and perhaps take a therapeutic dip in the thermal springs. (B.L.D.) 

Day 2 - Machu Picchu to Cusco.

Starting early we take a 25 minute bus ride above Agues Clients to the truly Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a site straddling a mountain top at more at 2380 m above sea level and surrounded by misty cloud forest covered peaks and incredible views on all sides. This site lay undiscovered and engulfed the jungle until Yale University Professor Hiram Bingham chanced upon the site during an archaeological expedition. This then much of purpose and nature of this site has remained a mystery. After a guided tour of the site you will have time to explore the site on your own and if you’re feeling energetic there’s the possibility of climbing Huayna Picchu peak, the distinctive steep sided mountain overlooking Machu Picchu. Returning to Aguas-Calientes we board the train for Cusco at around 3.30pm, arriving in the early evening. From here you transported back your hotel. End of Service. (B.L) 

What's included?

 

Staff/Crew 

  • Bilingual certified guide.
  • Our guides carry first aid kits and an oxygen bottle in case of any medical emergencies. 

Accommodation 

  • Good quality comfortable hotel room in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom and 24 hour hot water. 

Local Tours and Activities 

  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu Archaeological Site (entrance fees to both the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu World Heritage Site are included in the price). 

Transport 

  • Transport from your Cusco hotel to the trail head at km 104.
  • Buses to and from Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes are provided.
  • On the last day of the tour you will return to Cusco by train (Vistadome Service), and be transferred to a hotel of your choice on arrival. 

Meals 

Excellent nutritious meals will be provided, including Breakfast and Lunch in Aguas Calientes (if you have specific dietary requirements or would prefer vegetarian options please specify this when booking the tour).

  • 2 Breakfasts.
  • 2 Lunches.
  • 1 Dinner 

 

What is not Included 

  • Travel Insurance is not included – a good policy covering all tour activities and possible health emergencies is highly recommended and should be considered a priority. 
  • Some money for staff tips (generally expected in Peru, although not essential). 
  • Alcoholic beverages 
  • Breakfast first day 
  • Tour to Huayna Picchu 
  • Extra Porters 
  • Tour cook 

 

Things to Bring 

Note: On this short trek porters are not included in the basic price – please only bring what you need for 2 days. Some suggestions are listed below. 

  • A good strong day back (around 30 litres is a reasonable size) 
  • Good hiking boots. 
  • Sandals for relaxing at night. Wind and water proof jacket (Gore-Tex is good) 
  • Water bottle 
  • Water purifying tablets 
  • Camera (water proof case is useful) 
  • Extra batteries for camera 
  • Extra money for your own expenses – dollars are easily exchanged, there are ATM’s in major cities
  • A photocopy of your passport/travel documents 
  • A copy of your travel insurance 
  • Mosquito repellent (DEET is good) 
  • Sun block. Sunglasses. Sunhat 
  • Flashlight with extra batteries 
  • Swimsuit 
  • Binoculars (good for wildlife watching!) 
  • International Student Card (for trail discounts) 

 

Free Inquiry

Daily departure from 1st March to 31st January. February the Inca trail is close for maintenience.