Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2D/1N from Cusco

Day 1: Inca Trail Hike and Sun Gate Arrival

Your journey begins early, with a 4 a.m. hotel pickup or a 6 a.m. start from Ollantaytambo. After boarding the 6:40 a.m. train, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Sacred Valley before reaching Km 104—the start of your adventure. Here, you meet your guide and begin your Inca Trail hike.

The trek starts with a gradual ascent over the Vilcanota River, immersing you in vibrant cloud forests filled with wildflowers, ferns, and orchids. The peaceful sounds of birds and waterfalls set the tone for an unforgettable journey. About halfway, you’ll arrive at Chachabamba, an ancient Inca site believed to have had agricultural and ceremonial significance. Your guide will provide insights before you continue ascending through lush greenery.

As the climb intensifies, you’ll reach Wiñay Wayna, a breathtaking Incan ruin at 2,600m (8,500 ft.), meaning "Forever Young." Its preserved terraces and ceremonial structures offer a glimpse into Inca ingenuity. After a break and a packed lunch, you’ll continue along a scenic trail toward the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at 2,745m (8,924 ft.), the first lookout point of Machu Picchu. The panoramic view of the citadel nestled among misty peaks is an awe-inspiring reward for your efforts.

From the Sun Gate, you descend to the upper terraces of Machu Picchu, capturing iconic views from the Guardhouse. The golden afternoon light enhances the mystical beauty of this ancient city. Afterward, you’ll take a bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll check into your hotel, unwind, and explore the charming town, known for its thermal baths and artisan shops.

This day is not just a trek; it’s an immersive experience in nature, history, and culture, offering a deep connection to the legacy of the Inca civilization.

Accommodations: 3-star hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

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Day 2: Machu Picchu Tour, Optional Hike, and Return to Cusco

The day begins early with breakfast before a scenic 25-minute bus ride up Machu Picchu’s winding roads. As the mist lifts, you catch glimpses of the iconic citadel, its terraces dramatically carved into the mountains.

Upon arrival, you’ll join your expert guide for a tour of Machu Picchu’s most significant sites, including the Temple of the Sun, the Room of the Three Windows, the Sacred Plaza, and the Intihuatana stone—an ancient Incan astronomical feature. As you explore these sacred spaces, you’ll gain insights into the site’s historical and spiritual importance.

After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to soak in the views or embark on an optional hike. Choose between:

• Huayna Picchu: A steep, challenging climb with stunning panoramic views over the ruins.
• Machu Picchu Mountain: A longer but more gradual ascent with breathtaking vistas of the citadel and surrounding peaks.

Following your exploration, you’ll descend back to Aguas Calientes for lunch or a quick visit to local markets before catching your return train. The journey back through the Sacred Valley, with its rolling hills and river views, provides one last moment to reflect on this extraordinary adventure. You’ll then transfer by bus to Cusco, arriving in the evening.

This unforgettable journey blends adventure, history, and culture, leaving you with lasting memories of one of the world’s most remarkable places.

Meals Included: Breakfast

• Original Passport
• ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
• Small day pack
• Water to drink
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Dress in layers. It gets cold in the early morning and it gets very warm during the day
• Sun hat
• Sun protection
• Insect repellant for mosquitoes
• Personal medication
• Basic toiletries
• Snacks that you can eat completely in one serving (There is no food allowed in Machu Picchu, so please be discreet)
• Money in Peruvian Soles for tips and souveniers

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is rated moderate and any reasonably fit person should be able to cover the route. There are some challenging moments and altitudes of 4200m are reached, so ensuring that you are well acclimatized is important. If you are arriving from sea level, plan to spend at least 2 full days in Cusco prior to commencing the trek.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available all year round except February. The months of April until October are probably more comfortable since the weather is drier. June, July and August are in the high season when the Inca trail can become fully booked so be sure to make the Inca trail reservations in advance. The months of January and March are in the wet season so hiking the trail can be difficult unless you have a good rain jacket, good water-proof hiking shoes and waterproof your belongings

• The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour is non-transferable, and the participant cannot change the date of departure without incurring cancellation fees
• All reservations must be canceled in writing and are subject to a cancellation fee.
• If you cancel or change the date of your tour with 10+ days of advanced notice, you will incur a $400 dollar cancelation fee per person.
• If you cancel with less than 10 days of advanced notice, you will incur a cancelation fee of 100% of the total tour cost
• If during the length of the program, a traveler abandons the excursion due to altitude, health, or for any other reason, no reimbursement will be made and no claim accepted.
• You agree to cover all expenses made by you due to abandonment of the tour such as meals, hotel, return transportation, medical expenses, etc.
• It is compulsory that all clients have personal travel insurance. This insurance must cover personal accidents, medical expenses, loss of property and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage or injury occurring to the client.
• Certain Services might be interrupted or even canceled due to weather conditions, natural disasters or other disturbances such as civil unrest, worker strikes, etc. In the case the tour is canceled for your safety, we will work with the appropriate suppliers to obtain a refund only when those suppliers agree to do so.