Two-Day Incredible Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

by Peru PathTravel Path Travel

If you have a shortage of time or a lack of stamina, a two-day Short Inca Trail might be a good choice for you. It gives you a sense of the classic Inca Trail hike but takes half the time and requires less than half the physical labor - but don't expect the price to be half the classic four-day / three-night hike. The two-day Inca Trail trek typically runs on the following schedule:

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First day

· Your tour operator picks you up from your hotel early in the morning

· Take the train to KM 104 (mile 104 from the Cusco railroad track), where you begin your journey

· walk for three to four hours to the Inca Winay Wayna site, located about 8,858 feet (2,700 m) above sea level

· you will then climb the steep steps to reach My Essence (Sun Gate), where you will experience the panoramic view of Machu Picchu

· Descending to Machu Picchu itself, you will pass through the fort for a brief excursion of the main attractions

· your group will head to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) for dinner

· overnight at Aguas Calientes (no camping on the short Inca Trail two days)

(Total run time is 6 to 7 hours)

Day Two

· having an early breakfast in Aguas Calientes

· take the bus to Machu Picchu (preferably early bus departs at 5:30 or 6:00 pm - site opens at 6:00 am)

· your guide will give you a great tour of the site, after which you must have at least a few hours to explore Machu Picchu yourself

· you can climb to the top of Huayna Picchu, but only if your Huayna Picchu ticket is included in your journey - always ask your tour operator about Huayna Picchu access before purchasing your two-day Inca Trail trek

· return to Aguas Calientes, either by bus or on foot, where your tour operator will likely provide lunch and return your train ticket back to Cusco

· you may also have time to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes (S /. 10.00 nuevos soles)

A few tips

As mentioned above, there is no camping during the standard two-day Inca Trail. Your stay in Aguas Calientes can range from basic budget hostels to luxury hotels. More expensive trips should include better accommodation; It's a good idea to do a little research on the proposed hotel before buying your two-day Inca Trail.

Book your trek well in advance to secure your spot on the Inca Trail. The Inca Trail has a limit of 500 people a day, including hikers on the two-day hike. To be safe, consider booking at least three months in advance, especially during peak season.

Is the Inca Trail Short for You?

For certain tour guides, the two-day / one-night Inca Trail offers a handy alternative to the classic four-day Inca Trail and alternative tracks.

If you're short on time, the two-day option gives you a good sense of the Inca Trail - and a good time at Machu Picchu - without putting a four-day break on your Peruvian itinerary. You can use the extra two days for other trips, such as trips south to Puno and Lake Titicaca, Nazca Lines flights or trips to Arequipa and Colca Canyon.

You may also want more time to explore Cusco and the Holy Valley.

A two-day adventure is also a good option in cases where a longer physical footprint may be a problem. A shorter route may be a better or more manageable journey for families with young people, the elderly and not in general. .

The shorter route also scored points in the camp. Without camping on the route, you will spend one night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes, so there is no air in the cold night air.

Two-day Inca Trail Tour Operators

Most - if not all - of the best Inca Trail tour operators in Peru offer two-day Inca Trail (2 days / 1 night), whether you or your family / friends with a guided tour or group meeting, also known as shared service (you and a mixed group of partners).

Private tracks are often more expensive than regular group refugees.

Prices vary depending on a number of other factors, including the quality of the hotel in Aguas Calientes, the service of the route and the type of train taken to KM 104 (standard or luxury). Always check the details of any track before booking your place with the tour operator.

Prices

Short Inca Trail Price (Group service ) if the group party is more that 3 hikers you can ask for special discount.

· 2019 – Price per person US$465.00 (adults)

Private Group Price

· 2019 – Price per person US$500.00 ( adults)

Private family trek US$ 500. 00 per person

Solo Traveler US$ 560

Discounts

· Student Discount: US$20 (Requires ISIC Card to qualify)

· Under 18’s Discount: US$20

Optional upgrade:

· Walking Poles US$5