SHORT INKA TRAIL 2 Days

Our Short Inca Trail 2 days is a wonderful option for those who don’t have time or desire to hike the full length of the classical 4-day Inca Trail. With beautiful landscape, a great variety of flora and fauna on display, and a visit to the Inca Trail’s most beautiful archeological site Wiñay Wayna (For Ever Young)

SHORT INKA TRAIL 2 Days

Vibe Journeys
$ 540 GET YOUR SPOT
  • REGULAR PRICE $ 648
  • DIFFICULTY - MODERATE
  • TRIP CODE (VJSIT2D)
ON SALE

Journey Style

ACTIVE/TREKKING

Service Level

STANDART

Effort Level

MODERATE

Group Size

FROM 1 TO 12

Travel Type

SMALL GROUP

SHORT INKA TRAIL 2 Days

Our Short Inca Trail 2 days is a wonderful option for those who don’t have time or desire to hike the full length of the classic 4-days Inca Trail. With beautiful landscape, a great variety of flora and fauna on display, and a visit to the Inca Trail’s most beautiful archeological site Wiñay Wayna (For Ever Young), you will enjoy all the best bits of the Inca Trail condensed into a one-day hike. Covering a distance of just 10km / 6.3 miles. And most importantly, the hike ends by walking through the Sun Gate with the most spectacular first view of Machu Picchu from above. 

In addition, you will visit  Machu Picchu 2 times so you will have afternoon and morning pictures. You will head back inside the archaeological site on your second day to explore the mystery and history of these place as you hike around with your VJ guide.

INTI PATA ARQUEOLOGICAL SITE

Short Inka Trail 2 Days with Hotel night in Machupicchu

This short Inca trail 2 days with a hotel allows you to visit the most magnificent ruins such as Chachabamba and Winawayna, and then enter on foot through the Sun Gate as the Inkas did. You are going to take a bus down to Aguas Calientes town and have an unforgettable dinner with your tour guide. This will be at a nice restaurant in the village before heading to your hotel, and the next day spent at Machu Picchu (Seven Wonders of the Modern World) with a private guide.

Why should you hike Inca trail 2 day trek with Vibe Journeys?

  • We are a Reliable Tour Company: We are a practical, punctual, reliable Travel company.
  • Picnic Lunch: We are the only company who provide Picnic on the short Inca trail.
  • Small groups:  1 to 12 people maximum. This fact sets us apart from other travel companies that take bigger groups.
  • Tourist train for your Guide: Our guide will pick you up from cusco and drive to Ollantataymbo and he/She will be in same train together with you from Ollantaytambo to km 104(The Trailhead).
  • Satellite Phones: Our guide always have satellite phones at all times for emergencies and non-emergencies.
  • Hotel to Hotel Service: We will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Cusco. We will never leave you stranded before or after our short Inca Trail tour!
  • 100% Local Company: Vibe Journeys is A 100% locally owned Travel Company and fully licensed Inca Trail operator.
  • Porter: We include porters who will carry your lunch until Wiñaywayna, so you will hike light.
  • Highly Trained Guides: Our Tour Guides pride themselves on being up-to-date and have a comprehensive program of continual professional development.
  • Early Return: Your return train ticket is at 14:55 or 15:20 from Aguas Calientes. Therefore you arrive in Cusco early so you will sleep enough to do any tour the next day.
  • We do not share the service with other operators: We assure our clients that we will not cancel your your Inca Trail due to low sign-ups or limited participation on the departure date.  These commitments provide our travelers with the confidence and peace of mind that their travel plans are secured and guaranteed.
  • We Pay on Time: At Vibe Journeys, our porters, guides, driver, and Cooks receive their salaries as soon as they finish their job.

Short Inka Trail 2 Days with Hotel night in Machupicchu

Day 1: Cusco – Kilometer 104 – Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu town)

We will leave Cusco at 04:00 am to start our Inca Trail 2 day hike. We drive for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to Ollantaytambo where we have our Breakfast, then take our train until kilometer 104(Trailhead). Our trek today takes us along the most wonderful stretch of the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days. We’ll visit beautiful Inca sites, see a variety of flora and fauna and get to take in the stunning panoramas of the Andes.

Our hike begins in the km 104 and works it’s way up along a paved Inca trail to the archeological site of Winay Wayna. After visiting Wiñay Wayna, we will have our picnic with an amazing view of the Mountain. After enjoying our meal. we’ll hike through the lush and green cloud forest that covers the mountain and get to see a wide variety of plants, flowers, orchids, and birds along the way.

After a full day of hiking, we will reach the Sun Gate, where you’ll get your first look at Machu Picchu spread out on the mountain ridge below. From there, we’ll hike for about 45 more minutes to reach Machu Picchu itself. We’ll explore the upper section of the site following Circuit 01, where you can take the famous postcard photo of Machu Picchu. Afterward, we’ll take a bus to Aguas Calientes, arriving at around 5:00 PM. Once there, the guide will help you check in at your hotel. You’ll then have free time before dinner, during which you can visit the hot springs for a relaxing bath. After dinner, you’ll return to the hotel to spend the night.

  • Elevation Gain: 695 m / 1683 ft.
  • Elevation Loose: 391 m / 820 feet.
  • Highlights: hike original Inca Trail, visit Wiñaywayna ruins.
  • Walking Distance: 11 km / 6.83 miles
  • Trailhead Elevation: 2,000 m / 6561 ft.
  • Highest point: 2,720 m/8923 ft.
  • Weather: Hot and humid.
HIKING WITH WALKING POLES
ORQUIDEAS EN CAMINO INKA
MACHUPICCHU LA MEJOR VISTA
INKA TRAIL KM104

The second day is the highlight of the trip: visiting Machu Picchu. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel, and together you’ll walk to the bus station to catch the first bus at 5:30 AM. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes to reach Machu Picchu.

At the entrance, you’ll show your passport and Machu Picchu tickets at the checkpoint. Once inside, your guide will lead you to one of the best spots to take a photo of the citadel. After that, you’ll explore Machu Picchu by following Circuit 03. For about 2 to 3 hours, your guide will show you key landmarks such as the Temple of the Sun, the Inca Houses, the water fountains, agricultural terraces, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and the storehouse.

After the tour, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Once you’ve eaten, your guide will take you to the train station for your ride back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a driver will pick you up and take you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving at around 7:30 PM.

If you book an extra hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, our guide will help you find the trailhead and explain all the details and safety tips. The guide will also give you the bus ticket to return to Aguas Calientes. The trail to these mountains is a single, well-marked path. Keep in mind that you will do this extra hike on your own. If you want a guide for the hike, there will be an additional charge. Let us know if you need one by sending us a message.

  • Highlight: Visit Machu Picchu early in the morning, and enjoy the sunrise over the Citadel.
  • Temperature: Warm and humid.
  • Meals: Only Breakfast included.
  • Aguas Calientes elevation: 2040 m / 6692 ft, we will sleep in this town.
  • Machu Picchu Elevation: 2430 m/ 7972 ft.

Here Photo GALLERY

It is INCLUDED

  • Professional Guide:  At Vibe Journeys, our guides are highly knowledgeable about the history, geology, and archaeology of the Peruvian region.
  • Hotel: We work with PAITITI Hotel, and if they are fully booked, we arrange accommodations at another similar hotel.
  • Briefing: The night before your hike (usually at 6:00 PM), you’ll attend a briefing at our office with our guide and other hikers in your group.
  • Emergency Phone: Our guides always have an emergency phone on hand, allowing them to contact hospitals, doctors, and coordinate emergency rescues if needed. 
CLASSIC INKA TRAIL
  • Pick-Up And Drop-Off At Your Hotel: Pick-Up And Drop-Off At Your Hotel: We will pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco to start your Inca Trail. After your hike, we will drop you off in your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco.
  • Private Transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo: Once we pick you up, our drivers will then transport you in our private Vibe Journeys van to Ollantaytambo.
  • Picnic Tent With Chairs And Tables: We will provide you with a large dining tent, along with chairs and a table where you will enjoy your lunch.
  • 2 Breakfasts: The first breakfast you will have in Ollantaytambo. And the second breakfast the hotel will provide you before you go to Machu Picchu.
  • Picnic Lunch: We are the exclusive provider of picnics, allowing you to enjoy your meal amidst the breathtaking scenery of the short Inca Trail. Our picnic offerings include a range of dishes, such as a protein choice, salads, various sides, and delightful desserts. Additionally, we cater to dietary preferences and restrictions, offering alternatives for vegetarians, gluten-free options, lactose-free choices, and accommodations for other food allergies.
  • Dinner: We will provide a dinner in a Restaurant in Aguas Calientes town.
  • Inca Trail Permit: The cost of the Inca Trail covers the admission fee for the shorter Inca Trail route, along with access to the different Inca sites we’ll encounter during the journey.
  • Machu Picchu Ticket: With this ticket you visit Machu Picchu with your own private guided tour.
  • 3 Bus Tickets: On the first day after completing the hike, you’ll board a bus to Calientes. Then, the following day, you’ll ride the bus to Machu Picchu. After the tour concludes in Machu Picchu, you’ll need to catch a bus back to Aguas Calientes.
  • Round Trip Expeditions Train Tickets: On the initial day, you’ll catch the train departing at 06:10 from Ollantaytambo to reach km 104. Then, on the following day, your Expedition Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo Train Station will be provided, departing either at 14:55 or 15:20.
  • Private Transportation From Ollantaytambo To Cusco: They will take you back to your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco.
  • Oxygen Tank: Our tour guides will always carry a tank of oxygen in case of an emergency
  • First-Aid Kit: Our guide carry first-aid kits during hikes and can offer assistance if required.
  • Guided Tour Of Machu Picchu: You will explore Machu Picchu with our guide, visiting the most important temples and buildings.
  • Free Storage For Your Extra Belongings: We keep your extra belongings safe during the trek in our secure storage space in Cusco.

It is NOT INCLUDED

  • Alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages are not included.
  • Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes town(US$5).
  • Walking sticks (price 10 USD a pair for the entire journey)
  • Gratuity for Adventure guides, Adventure chefs and support staff.
  • Travel Insurance
IN CASE OF AN EVACUATION (All expenses generated in)
  • Accommodation
  • Transport 
  • Food
  • others
VibeJourneys will give one staff to support you during the evacuation.
VISTA DESDE INTI PUNKU

PACKING LIST - Essentials for a great journey​

Clothing & Footwear:

  • Rain Gear: Pack rain gear, including a jacket and pants if possible, or a rain poncho. Plastic ponchos are available for purchase in Cusco.
  • Footwear: Strong, waterproof trekking boots are recommended. Additionally, bringing sandals or jogging shoes for added comfort at camp comfort is crucial, so choose lightweight footwear.
  • Warm Clothing: Bring warm clothes such as a jacket and fleece, as well as thermal clothing for sleeping.
  • Hat or Cap: Pack a hat or cap for sun, rain, and cold protection. Due to the intense sunlight in the Andes, a hat will provide essential protection.
  • Rain Pants: These should be lightweight to ensure they dry quickly after getting wet.
  • Gloves: Weather conditions can change rapidly, and it may snow in the passes. In winter, it can also get quite cold.
  • Swimsuit: Include a swimsuit in your gear.
  • Small Towel: Pack a small towel.

Essential Accessories:

  • Backpack: Carry a backpack with a change of clothes for the entire trek.
  • Sun Cream: Pack hydrating cream or after-sun lotion for your face and body.
  • Sunblock: Use sunblock to protect your skin.
  • Insect Repellent: The valley is known for its many mosquitoes. Use a repellent with a minimum of 20% DEET. Note that there is no reported risk of malaria.

Food & Drinks:

  • Snacks: Bring personal snacks like biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, fresh fruits, or muesli. Although we provide a daily morning snack and a comprehensive meal service, personal preferences might not always align with our offerings.
  • Water Container: Bring a water container and water for the first morning. Note that plastic water bottles are no longer permitted at Machu Picchu; opt for plastic or metal containers instead.

Documents & Money:

  • Original Passports: If you have changed your passport since booking the tour, bring both the old and new passports.
  • Student Identity Card: If you have applied for a student discount, bring your original International Student Identity Card.
  • Cash: Carry cash in soles. you can change in Cusco City.

Other Essentials:

  • Walking sticks: Highly recommended for better support and stability while hiking, you can rent a pair from our office for $10 for the duration of the trip.
  • Handkerchiefs and Toilet Paper: Bring these for personal use..
  • Camera: Bring a camera along with extra film and batteries, as cold conditions can reduce battery life.
  • Basic Medicine: Always carry a basic first aid kit that includes items such as Panadol, medicated plaster, and medicated oil.
GOING TO WIÑAYWAYNA
VIEW FROM INTIPATA
MACHUPICCHU ON A RAINY DAY
GOING DOWN IN THE MOUNTAINS WITH WALKING POLES

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW TO BOOK SHORT INKA TRAIL 2 Days with VIBE JOURNEYS?

In order to book your SHORT INKA TRAIL 2 DAYs days with us, Click on the BOOK NOW button above, then select the day of your departure, then fill out all your personal information of each participant and the last step is the payment which you can do with PayPal or Payment Link.

WHAT CIRCUIT IS INCLUDED TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU IN YOUR SHORT INKA TRAIL 2 DAYs?

We bought Circuit 3 – For our SHORT INKA TRAIL 2 Days, so you will visit with our guide the upper part and lower part of Machu Picchu. This circuit is recommended because you will visit more sections of the citadel.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE?

The Outstanding balance can be made in cash one day earlier on your trip in USD or soles or if you prefer PayPal OR Payment link at least one week prior to your trip (a 6% service fee applies). Also, you can pay us with a Credit card only Visa (6% service fee applies). 

 Please let us know what you prefer. Cash payment MUST be paid 1 day prior to your trip.

HOW HARD IS THE SHORT INKA TRAIL 2 DAYs HIKE?

We categorize as ‘MODERATE’ it’s not a stroll in the park, the ascents and descents are more gradual in comparison to alternative treks to Machu Picchu, offering a relatively challenging trekking experience.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

¡Yes! During your tour to Machu Picchu, you can store your luggage at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.  Please bring what you will only need during your SHORT INKA TRAIL 2 Days to Machu Picchu.

HOW ABOUT THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

According to Peruvian Law, you have to be under 18 years old at the time of your hike to Lares trek 4 days (if you are 18 or over, you need to have valid student cards).

All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $30 USD.

For children from 2 to 11 years old, a discount is $40 USD.

All students have to send a copy of their passport and student card at the time of their booking to get the student discount.

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR HEIGHT AND AVOID ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

In order to avoid the altitude sickness, we highly recommend you to arrive in cusco at least 2 days in advance. The first day, walk around the city visiting some museum, local market or you take a City tour to visit some inca site located outside of Cusco. The second day, you can hike to Cristo Blanco. It is 3 km from Cusco and it is uphill there you will see how fit you are or you can take the Sacred valley to visit some inca sites.

Also on the first day, try to eat soft food, not heavy food. If you eat a lot, instead the oxygen goes to your brain, it will go to the stomach then you might get altitude sickness.

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Yes it is possible. However we have to buy another Machu Picchu ticket and we have to pay a penalty to change train tickets. The extra cost to change the departure date is $140 per person. 

I SEE THERE ARE MANY ITINERARIES. COULD YOU ARRANGE A DIFFERENT ITINERARY BASED ON THE OPTIONS ON YOUR WEBSITE?

Yes, we can arrange your trip based on the different itineraries. However, you need to let us know when you make your booking.

DO I NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE  LARES TREK 4 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU?

¡Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it should be the same passport you sent us to reserve your SHORT INKA TRAIL 2 days permit. Your passport will be checked at the Machu Picchu checkpoint, and when you board the train.

VERY IMPORTANT ABOUT YOUR PASSPORT

If you are renewing your passport, go ahead and email us a copy of your old passport to book your Lares Andes trek 4 days permits. If you no longer have your old passport, any government issued ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Once you receive your new passport. Please email us a copy of your new passport ASAP to change the information on your permit.

CAN I STAY IN THE SACRED VALLEY FOR MY SHORT INKA TRAIL 2 DAYS?

Yes, you can stay in the sacred valley. We recommend Pisac or Calca.But, if you stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, there will be an extra cost of $30 total.

IF I CANCEL MY SHORT INKA TRAIL 2 DAYS. DO I GET ANY REFUND?

In case our country closes its borders, we refund you all the deposit. But if you don’t arrive in our country for whatever reason, you get sick or miss your flight or there is a strike or natural disaster. You will lose USD $190 automatically. Once the Machu Picchu permit is bought they become non-refundable or transferable, The entity in charge of issuing the Machu Picchu permits is the Ministry of culture of Peru, and Peru Rail which is in charge of train tickets. They don’t provide any refund.

We understand that nothing is for granted and things may change in a minute, therefore we will do our best to be reasonable and charge you only for the necessary things.

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