Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu

Unleash your inner explorer and embark on an unforgettable 2-day Inca Trail adventure to Machu Picchu, the ancient Citadel of the Incas amidst the breathtaking Peruvian Andes. Guided by experienced Southamerica Planet guides, you'll traverse along the Inca Trail, plunging into in the rich history and stunning scenery that define this iconic trek.

Private

Andes

2 Days

Jan, Mar - Dec

Intermediate

Highlights

* Visit Machu Picchu - one of the most famous places on earth!

* Hike along the epic and amazing Inca Trail!

* Learn about the complex, fascinating Incan history and culture

Description

I will guide you on this 2-day trek along the Inca Trail towards Machu Picchu, one of the most famous and popular places to visit on earth, as we traipse and travail through the lush green jungle and spectacular natural scenery of the area, taking in the numerous special and important Incan sites as well as the glorious views out over the Peruvian countryside.

The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are located in the Peruvian jungle, approximately 75km from the ancient Incan capital of Cusco, and are the most popular tourist destinations in Peru, and some of the most popular in South America.

Our adventure begins bright and early on the first day in Cusco, and then on to either Poroy or Ollantaytambo train station, from where we catch the train for nearly 100km.

After disembarking we then hit the Inca Trail in earnest, and at a height of 2100m we will begin to feel the mild effects of altitude. After crossing the Urubamba River, we visit the Incan site of Chachabamaba, whereby we will learn about the fascinating history and culture of the Incans.

We then head onwards to the second most famous archaeological site in the area (after Machu Picchu), the sensational and magnificent Winaywayna, a truly beautiful and wonderful place with the added bonus of fewer crowds than Machu Picchu.

After then visiting Inti Punku (Sun Gate), we retire for the day to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes.

Day 2 is devoted the focal point and highlight of the trip, Machu Picchu. Rising at 5:30am, it is then a short bus ride up to the site, whereby we have approximately 2 hours to wander around and admire the stunning and awe-inspiring citadel, truly one of the great wonders of the world.

We finish our trip by heading back to Cusco, thrilled and delighted at having experienced the beauty of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are true bucket-list items. Book now so you don’t miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Price includes

- Accommodation included

- Guiding fee

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

- Transportation start and back

- Transport during the trip

- Permit and entrance fees

Price details

Price does not include:

- Please notice that the food at Machu Picchu is really expensive. You might want to bring some snacks.

- Extra night in Aguas Calientes is an option. You need to tell us some days in advance so we are able to buy your return ticket 1 day later.

- Personal Insurance

- More luxury hotel in Aquas Calientes

- Personal porter, you have to carry your personal belongings yourself.

Permits are non-refundable, dates cannot be changed once they are acquired.

Itinerary

Day 1: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Wiñaywayna-Aqua calientes ) 10 km

You will be picked up from your hotel between Early a.m. depending train hours, to be transferred to either Poroy train station or Ollantaytambo train station. The train will stop at km 104, after 1 h 1/2 from where you will start hiking the Inca trail, at an altitude of 2100 Mt. The trail starts with crossing the Willkamayu River by a bridge; also known as the Urubamba River. After you have crossed the river you will be visiting the famous Inca site of Chachabamba. After an introduction of the Inca history you will start walking a trail of roughly 8 km. After 3 hours of walking you will reach the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna (2650 m). Winaywayna is also known as the second most impressive archaeological site after Machu Picchu. This fantastic place is a perfect example of Inca terrace farming, and it was probably an experimental laboratory for agricultural purposes in Inca times. The name Wiñaywayna means ´forever young´. After walking around this beautiful place you will continue your trek by crossing the rain forest, through a narrow path, until you reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate). At this point you will have a great view over the most impressive place: Machu Picchu. After a break we will continue by bus to Aguas Calientes where you will spend the night. This evening you will have the chance to visit and relax in the hotspings that are located at the upper section of Aguas Calientes.

Day 2: Visit Machu Picchu

You will take one of the first busses at 5.30 a.m. to Machu Picchu. This ride will take about 25 minutes. After arriving at Machu Picchu you will start your 2 h guided tour around this beautiful place. When you finish the guided tour, there will be plenty of free time to explore and take photos by yourself. You you are ready you will take the bus or you can walk down to Aguas Calientes. At Aguas Calientes you can get some lunch (not included). In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will continue by bus to Cusco.

Details

More info

Please bring with you:

Your official international passport and student card. It’s not possible to enter the trail without these documents.
Day backpack.
Trekking shoes.
Big water bottle.
Flash light.
Sun hat and sun cream.
Clothes for the trek and a rain coat.
DEET insect spray.
Snacks.
Emergency money and money for tips (guides).

Meeting point

Cusco, Peru

FAQs

What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?

You will take the train from Cusco to the start of the trail known as Kilometer 104. From there, you will walk about 15 km (9 miles) through the Sun Gate to the Machu Picchu sanctuary. 2650 altitude is the most we do this day.

What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?

Little experience is required for the 2 day Inca trail.

How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?

We will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco and take you to the train station. Or if you sleep in Ollantaytambo, you can walk to the train station in Ollantaytambo. The train takes you to km 104, where you ask the train driver to get off. There the guide will be waiting for you.

How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?

During the Inca Trail hike, a lunch box, evening dinner in a local restaurant, and breakfast in the morning will be included. You will sleep 1 night in a hostel in Aquas Calientes.

Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?

Yes, the Inca trail has limited permits, 250 each day.

What is the best time of the year for this hike?

The best time to visit Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail is during the months of March through November.

Can I join a group?

Yes, we constantly update our Inca Trail Tour open group dates

What happens in the event of bad weather?

No matter the weather during the Inca Trail we'll keep marching on, so be prepared with some rain gear.

About the guide

Southamericaplanet

4.80

(14)

Tour Operator

We “Southamerica planet” are a Belgian / Peruvian travel agency. Our main offices are located in the INCA capital “Cusco”+ Lima

Vicky (Peruvian who work many years for tourists in Cusco and Arequipa) and Dirk (Belgian who traveled many years around South America as tourist and tour leader) are the owners.

Southamerica planet have already 18 years experience in the travel industry. We started 18 years ago in cusco. We like to show you this amazing different continent. With our professional team we show you this adventure in individual tours or in a tour group with professional tour leader.Read our clients travel reports, all happy with our service!

Also this year 2021-2022 we are official Inca trail operator. With all good tents and material, good cooks and good English speaking guides.

Your good holiday is our best promotion!

Languages

English | Dutch

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What people are saying about this trip

Kylie

5.00

We just returned home from a great holiday in Peru. The team of South America Planet has made this trip a big success. We have done the tour with 4 friends. Together with South America Planet we have set-up a tour where there was enough balance between visiting all the highlights in Peru and time to relax and visiting nice cities on our own pace. All agreed tours were delivered as planned with very experienced guides. On top of this we had a 24H emergency number from South America planet that we could call or reach via WhatsApp whenever it was needed. Thanks Warry for you support! Next to this we had regularly contact with Dirk who wanted to know if everything was OK. A dream holiday where we had the feeling there was really taken care about us. Our 2 Days incatrail trekking we never forget, amazing to see Machu Picchu from the sungate .We recommend South America Planet to everyone who wants to travel through South-America If there are people who wants to know more about this great trip, they can always contact us. Thanks Dirk and the team of South America Planet !!!!!

Thomas

5.00

Thanks to Guide Marco for a great trip and some wonderful memories. I had a blast on the 2 day Inca Trail trek!