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ROYAL SHORT INCA TRAIL to Machu Picchu in 2 days - 2024 & 2025

ROYAL SHORT INCA TRAIL to Machu Picchu in 2 days - 2024 & 2025


Price: USD 479.00 per person

Preparing with us your Inca Trail Experience

This trek is often known as "the two day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu", "the Sacred Inca Trail to Machu Picchu" or the "Camino Real de los Incas".

The trek starts at Km 104 (104 kilometers along the railway from Cusco) and involves a four hour walk uphill to Wiñay Wayna and a couple of hours further to Machu Picchu making it ideal for trekkers wanting to experience at least a part of the Inca Trail but haven't got the time (or energy) to complete the full 4 day trek.

As with the 4 day version of the Inca Trail, regulations introduced in 2002 have prevented individuals from doing the trek solo. The majority of the new regulation sapply for the 2 day trek.

In the past trekkers have always been able to spend the first night of the trek at the basic hostal located at Wiñay Wayna. However due to many complaints about the standard and cleanliness of this hostal the hostal was closed at the end of 2004. This means that trekkers must now continue their trek all the way to Machu Picchu and spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. Groups then return to Machu Picchu for a guided tour on the second day.

This itinerary is rated moderate and should only be undertaken by people who are fairly fit and take regular exercise. The trek starts at 2100m (KM 104) and climbs to 2700m (Wiñay Wayna) before descending to 2400m (Machu Picchu). Since the trek is carried out at a much lower altitude than the Short 2 day Inca Trail trek you do not need to worry about acclimatization as much, although many people still find themselves short of breath when arriving at Wiñay Wayna so this trek should certainly not be considered an easy option.

Apart from the waterfalls just before Wiñay Wayna there are no other places to refill your water bottle up (purify before drinking). Therefore it is recommended that you start the trek with at least 1.5 litres of water.

This route is open in February when the Classic 4 day Inca Trail is closed.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Transfer by ITEP Van, from Cusco to Train station, later train service to Km 104 “Inca Trail Entrance”

Day 1: Transfer by ITEP Van, from Cusco to Train station, later train service to Km 104 “Inca Trail Entrance”
Day 1: Transfer by ITEP Van, from Cusco to Train station, later train service to Km 104 “Inca Trail Entrance”

Meals: Box Lunch and dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel, “Camping on request”.
Distance: 16kms/10 mls (6 hours more or less of hiking)
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
Walking Time: Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch en route)
Walk and Terrain: Walk, canter on open roads, some steep ascending 


Trekking Km 104Chachabamba to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate


Today our trek takes us along the most impressive stretch of the Inca Trail. We'll visit beautiful Inca sites, see a variety of flora and fauna and get to take in the fantastic panoramas of the Andes mountains. Covering 16km of the trail our journey begins in the Sacred Valley and works its way up along an original Inca Trail to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna before continuing on to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).


As we make our way to Machu Picchu we'll pass through the lush and verdant cloud forest that covers the mountain and get to see a variety of plants, flowers and birds along the way. We may also see some larger mammals such as Viscachas (rabbit-like Chinchillas) and Spectacled Bears (if we are very lucky).
 
After a full day trekking we'll arrive to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the late afternoon and get our first views of Machu Picchu spread out on the mountain below. The light at this time of day is great for photos because there are few tourists so it's a perfect time to take some pictures of the site. After we've passed through the Sun Gate, we'll carry on along the trail a little way before taking a side trail that leads us to Aguas Calientes, in the valley below where we'll check in to our hotel.


Map - Day 1: Transfer by ITEP Van, from Cusco to Train station, later train service to Km 104 “Inca Trail Entrance”
Map - Day 1: Transfer by ITEP Van, from Cusco to Train station, later train service to Km 104 “Inca Trail Entrance”

Day 2: Machupicchu “The Sunrise Experience”

Day 2: Machupicchu “The Sunrise Experience”
Day 2: Machupicchu “The Sunrise Experience”

Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 8.9kms/5.5mls “By Bus in 25 minutes”
Difficulty: Easy


Waking up early (04:00am) we’ll take one of the first buses back up to Machu Picchu to enter the site as soon as it opens (06:00am) we’ll have 2-hours guided tour in the site where you'll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour, you'll have free time to explore the site by yourself and if you have permits to climb either Huayna Picchu (2 hours round trip) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3 hours round trip). 

You will also have time to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own if you choose (not included in the price)
Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there.
Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or bathe in the hot springs.

Back to Cusco: You will descend to Aguas Calientes by bus (included) and later board the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo Train Station “Train departure time can vary according train schedule and availability”. In Ollantaytambo Train station you will meet our private van and be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.

*** Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains hike depends on availability; please let us know if you want to add one of these extra hikes at the time of your booking.
*** We only take ITEP EcoTravel clients in our vans / cars – We do not use public transport.

About Machupicchu Hotels: 
Please note: Hotels may change (be different accordind your request) depending on booking time and availability; Campsite for Inca Trail 2 days / 1 night also is possible, we just need to follow Machupicchu government conditions or on restrictions undertaken for safety reasons by the Peruvian Government.

 


Map - Day 2: Machupicchu “The Sunrise Experience”
Map - Day 2: Machupicchu “The Sunrise Experience”

End of our Services

INCLUDES

  • Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your royal Inca Trail guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM, the evening before the trip begins. In case you can´t come at this time “please let us know” to coordinate another time. 
  • Touristic Transport: You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and will travel by private transportation to Ollantaytambo Train Station.
  • Touristic Train Expedition Service: Train leaves from Ollantaytambo Train Station until Chachabamba “Km 104” the starting point of the Short Inca Trail to Machupicchu. Optional upgrade for Vistadome Train at extra cost.
  • Adventure Experienced Short Inca Trail Tour Guide: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe and comfortable on your trek so you can enjoy your time along the Inca path and will ensure that you are safe and happy.
  • Tour Guide in Machupicchu Cultural Experienced: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. For visit the sacred city of Machupicchu.
  • Overnight in Machupicchu Village: Each hotel is carefully choosed for having a very local experience “please check options”.
  • 1 night in 2 star Hotel: The 1st night in the 2 star Hotel House of the Luz is included, which is in the town of Aguas Calientes; it’s also known as Machupicchu Village; but if you prefer we can upgrade to 3 star hotel more USD 45 per person; The prices of hotels will vary according to your expectations and budget. However, we can offer you the option of joining us at 2 star Hotel House of the Luz "at no extra cost". Our hostel in Aguas Calientes has double or triples rooms, private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi, breakfast, and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu.
  • Entry ticket to The Short Inca Trail “Sun Gate to Machupicchu
  • Entry ticket to Machu Picchu Inka Site
  • Meals: 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost) Please be in mind (1st breakfast and last lunch after Machupicchu on 2nd day of trek is not included”
  • Water:  Inka Trail Expeditions will supply all the water needed only at our office in Cusco “for your 1st day trek”, after you arrive to Machupicchu Village/Aguas Calientes, you will be able to find plenty shops and restaurants. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. 
  • Medical kit and Oxygen bottle: Our crew will bring a first-aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
  • Train tickets back: From Aguas CalientesMachupicchu village” to Ollantaytambo train station (departure time is confirmed the day of briefing and it´s subject to availability)
  • Transfer back to Cusco: Private touristic transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco (Day 2)
  • 24-hour guest service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for easy communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.
  • 03 Buses Concetur to/from Machupicchu Inca City: Most of the times the wait to board the  bus to Machupicchu is from 1 hour to 1:30 min, So we prefer that you decide a day before your visit to the Inca city of Machupicchu. If you wish to take the bus considering the waiting time. Or if you prefer to do the last stretch of ascent walking up 45 to 1 hour "everything will depend on your physical state, after the trekking done".
  • Free luggage store: At ITEP Travel, we are always looking for ways to improve your travel experience and as such, we strive to provide you with the best service available. For this reason we offer to store your Luggage during your scheduled treks with us.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

  • Walking Sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
  • Climb Huaynapicchu / Machu Picchu Sacred Mountain
  • Panoramic Vistadome train more USD 50
  • Day 1: Breakfast: Approx. 5 USD to 10 USD, Price can vary according your selection.
  • Meals in Machupicchu village: Lunch and Dinner in Aguas Calientes. Approx. 20 USD to 25 USD, Price can vary according your selection.
  • Personal clothing and gear
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for our staff: Please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish “Recommendation 6 USD to 8 USD per day per traveler for all the trek staff”- Once again it is optional and can vary according your satisfaction. 
  • Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)

YOU NEED

  • Original Passport
  • Day Pack   
  • Full rain gear or poncho
  • Gloves (thin riding and warm gloves) 
  • Headlamp Sunglasses             
  • Hiking Socks Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent Bathing suit
  • Trekking pants
  • Breathable dry fit top-wear 
  • Comfortable shoes/flip-flops
  • Cold-weather jacket
  • Long-sleeve fleece/sweater Wool hat
  • Hiking boots
  • Baseball cap, sombrero and bandana
  • Headlamp Sunglasses             
  • Hiking Socks Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent 
  • Bathing suit
  • Casual mountains wear for evenings 
  • Photo/video cameras and chargers 
  • Binoculars
  • Refillable water bottle (hydration bags are recommended)

RESERVATIONS

For availability of spaces for this service, please contact us info@salkantaytrek.org and we`ll send you detailed information, prices, terms and conditions.

Please keep in mind that significant price reductions are available for groups. All our tours are fully guaranteed, departure every day. Contact us for more information for the tour that you are choosing, or to begin customizing your own itinerary. recommendations:

"ITEP Eco Travel is a tour operator travel agency in Peru and the city of Cusco, We really know what we do and offer, We are well managed, with several offices in Peru and a long list of travel destinations, offering all travel alternatives in Perú, from family trips, honeymoon trips and luxury travel, including adventure tours and exploring trips to the jungle, for almost any budget

NOTE: ITEP Eco Travel, specializes in organizing the ideal travel plan to Peru, with hotels and destinations that you choose, because we have all confidential and promotional rates. For guidance on how to organize your custom package. Please write us.

Offer from $ 479.00 USD
Regular Price: $ 532 USD
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Traveler reviews

An amazing trip! Highly recommend!
by
Written: Mar 4th 2024
5 star rating 5/5 stars

We had an amazing trip!! We did the 2 day Inca trail tour. Day 1 included a trek and we saw many different ruins. Our guide Primo was so knowledgable and we learnt so much about the history as well as the flora. Day 2 we had a tour around Machu Picchu ruins and again we learnt so much from Primo....


Great tour, awesome guide
by
Written: Jan 12th 2024
5 star rating 5/5 stars

The 4-day journey to Machu Pichu was a great experience. The porter crew was very friendly, the cool Julio cooked delightful food and a very special thank goes to our wonderful guide Franco who was indeed not only a good leader, Storyteller and historian but became also a friend! Thank you for this...


Super
by
Written: Jan 12th 2024
5 star rating 5/5 stars

It was very good we had Franco as a guide and he knew a lot about the history and things surrounding the inca trail! The chef and porters were also very kind and the food was very Nice. Would highly recommend!!...


5 out of 5 based on 610 user ratings
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