Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days/1Night

This 2-day, 1-night tour offers travelers an excellent introduction to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. You’ll take the train to and from Cusco, hike along a section of the Inca Trail towards the Wiñay Wayna archeological site, and explore Machu Picchu. What more could you ask for?

DAY 1 – Short Inca Trail & Sun Gate to Machu Picchu

• Early pickup in Cusco or Sacred Valley
• Scenic train journey to Km 104
• Hike along the Short Inca Trail
• Visit Chachabamba & Wiñayhuayna archaeological sites
• Lunch break at Wiñayhuayna
• Hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
• First panoramic views of Machu Picchu
• Descent to Machu Picchu exit
• Bus to Aguas Calientes & overnight

DAY 2 – Machu Picchu Guided Visit & Return

• Early bus to Machu Picchu
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu (approx. 2.5 hours)
• Free time to explore the citadel
• Train return to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer back to Cusco

The night before the tour begins you’ll meet up with guides and be briefed on what on what to expect and what to pack. If you have any questions about the tour, this is the time to ask them.

The next morning you will leave Cusco at 6:20 AM and take a train towards Machu Picchu. The train provides stellar views of the surrounding area and is a great way to see the Sacred Valley. The hike begins at an elevation of 6,890 feet (2,100 m). You’ll hike 5 miles to Wiñay Wayna and pass cloud forests and waterfalls along the way. In Quechua, Wiñay Wayna means “forever young,” and this site is home to the bright purple forever young orchids. Wiñay Wayna is built along a steep hill and consists of stone houses and agricultural terraces. It’s very impressive.

After visiting this site, you’ll take a bus to Aguas Calientes and spend the night in a hotel. Early the next morning, you will take a bus to Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour of this ancient site. Needless to say, a visit here is utterly incredible and memorable.

You can choice that afternoon to take a train back to Cusco and arrive in the town around 7 PM or stay in Aguas Calientes.

Backpack and day pack, hiking shoes/boots, rain coat/poncho, water bottle, flashlight, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, light/quick-dry clothes, insect repellent, and snacks.

Bilingual guide, round trip Expedition train ride from Ollantaytambo, entrance ticket to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, box lunch, bus for descending the first day Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes and bus ticket for 2nd day Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes, transfers from Cusco or Urubamaba to Ollantaytambo and return, and a first-aid kit.