Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu : An Unforgettable Journey – Embark on an exciting 12-kilometer trek starting at Kilometer 104, following the original Inca Trail to reach the majestic Machu Picchu, a true masterpiece of ancient architecture. Designed for all skill levels, this adventure is perfect for families, friends, or anyone eager to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the Andes. Along the route, you’ll pass remarkable archaeological sites such as Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, and finally reach the iconic Inti Punku (Sun Gate), where a panoramic view of Machu Picchu awaits. With the guidance of our expert tour guides, you’ll uncover the incredible stories and secrets of this ancient wonder. Enjoy door-to-door service with a stress-free hotel pickup and a comfortable return to your accommodation after the trek. We take care of every detail—from securing permits and entry tickets to managing transportation—so you can focus entirely on the experience. Let Machu Picchu Jungle offer you a hassle-free, immersive, and truly unforgettable adventure on the Short Inca Trail. Book now and discover the magic of this historic journey!
AVAILABILITY AND BOOKING
📅 Limited Availability – Book Early!
Only 250 permits are issued daily by the Peruvian government to protect this UNESCO site—just 150 are for travelers, the rest go to porters, guides, and cooks. At Machu Picchu Jungle , we offer daily departures and a real-time availability calendar linked to the official system. Click “BOOK ONLINE” to check dates and book instantly. If your date isn’t available, it’s sold out across all agencies.
🎟️ Includes Inca Trail Permit + Machu Picchu Ticket
This tour includes the official 2-day Inca Trail permit and entry to Machu Picchu – Circuit 2, which gives you access to the Classic Viewpoint and a guided tour of the citadel, ensuring a rich and immersive experience.
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy one of the 20 best treks in the world as named by National Geographic
- Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Intipunku), a unique experience only for hikers on the Inca Trail
- Hike through some of the most spectacular Andean landscapes you’ll see
- Trace ancient footsteps along the original Inca Trail and be transported back in time
- Visit Inca archaeological sites and learn all about their culture and history from your knowledgeable guide
- Spend the night in comfort in a well-renowned hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Explore the magical Machu Picchu with your guide and understand its secrets
Trip Details
Itinerary
Day 1: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO TRAIN STATION – KM 104 – INCA TRAIL HIKING TO MACHU PICCHUE AND CAMPING AT SORAYPAMPA
- Early Morning Pickup in Cusco: Your adventure starts with an early hotel pickup in Cusco between 3:45 and 4:15 a.m. Our driver will be ready to transport you to the starting point of your journey. Additionally, we offer a pickup option in the Sacred Valley.
- Drive to Ollantaytambo Station: You will have a 1 hour and 45-minute drive to the Ollantaytambo train station. This scenic drive will take you through some beautiful landscapes as the dawn breaks.
- Train to Km 104: Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo station, you’ll board a train, usually departing at 6:40 a.m., towards Km 104. This train journey is the start of your adventure towards Machu Picchu.
- Meeting the Guide & Starting the Hike: At Km 104, you’ll meet your guide who will lead you on your hike. Before beginning, you’ll go to the Inca Trail control point to show your permits and tickets provide by Machupicchu Jungle company
- Hiking to Wiñaywayna: After passing the Inca Trail checkpoint, you’ll start your hike with a steady climb from 2000m to 2700m over approximately 3 hours. This route takes you to the remarkable archaeological site of Wiñaywayna
- Exploration and Lunch at Wiñaywayna: You will have enough time to explore this impressive Inca site. Your guide will provide detailed explanations about its history and significance. Lunch will be enjoyed here as well.
- Hike to Intipunku (Sun Gate): After lunch, continue your trek with a 2-hour hike along a flat path towards Intipunku, or the Sun Gate. This renowned spot provides stunning views of Machu Picchu and the encompassing landscape.
- Descent to Machu Picchu: After taking in the views from the Sun Gate, you’ll embark on a 45-minute descent hike to reach the main site of Machu Picchu.
- Exploring Machu Picchu: Upon reaching Machu Picchu, head to the upper part of the site for those iconic photo opportunities, including the classic shot with the Waynapicchu mountain in the background. Your guide will provide insights about the Guardian’s House and agricultural terraces. You’ll spend about 1 hour in this area, and it’s important to note that this will be your only visit here, as you will need to depart from Machu Picchu on the second day.
- Departure to Aguas Calientes: After spending about one hour in the upper area of Machu Picchu, you’ll leave the site to take a bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes. This is a 30-minute journey and is included in your tour and once in Aguas Calientes we take you to the hotel.
- Evening in Aguas Calientes: You’ll check into a hotel provided by Jungle in Aguas Calientes, where you can rest and freshen up. Around 7 p.m., a special dinner will be organized in a local restaurant, allowing you to enjoy various Peruvian dishes. This is also a good time to discuss plans for the following day with your guide.
Important Notice:
- On the first day of the tour, both lunch and dinner are provided. For lunch, you will receive a packed meal from your guide at km 104, just before you commence your trek. Please note that you will need to carry this lunch with you to Wiñaywayna, where you can enjoy it. This arrangement is necessary to comply with the regulations of the Machu Picchu park, which prohibit cooking activities along this specific section of the Inca Trail.
- Please be aware that the scheduled train times are subject to change, potentially 30 minutes earlier or later than initially planned. This variance is due to our reliance on the availability provided by the train companies. Rest assured, we will notify you well in advance of any changes to ensure you have ample time to plan accordingly.
- You will arrive at Machu Picchu between 3 to 4 in the afternoon and enter through the Sun Gate (Puerta del Sol), an exclusive privilege for Inca Trail trekkers. Upon arrival, explore the site’s upper area to capture classic photographs of the ancient city. With favorable weather, you may even witness a stunning sunset over Machu Picchu. You’ll have about 1 hour to enjoy this area, known for its breathtaking panoramic views.
SUMMARY FOR DAY 01:
- Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
- Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
- Weather: Hot and humid
- Accommodation: Hotel night in Aguas Calientes
- Tickets: All tickets required for the journey are included
Day 2: MACHU PICCHU TOUR - RETURN TO CUSCO
We will get up at 4:30 AM and then have breakfast at 5:00 AM. Later, we will go to the bus station to take one of the first buses at 5:30 AM from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. The approximately 30-minute trip will take us to the main gate of Machu Picchu, which opens at 6 in the morning.
Upon arriving at Machu Picchu at 6 AM, we will enter the lower area of the archaeological site. The guide will take you on a guided tour of approximately 2.5 hours. During this time, we will visit the most important sites of Machu Picchu, where we will have the opportunity to learn everything about this wonder of the world. After the 2.5-hour guided tour, the guide will leave us so we can explore on our own for about 30 more minutes. Let us remember that the maximum time allowed inside Machu Picchu is 3 hours, in accordance with the regulations of the archaeological park.
For those who have booked an additional ticket for Waynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, the guide will assist you to go to the entrance of these mountains at the assigned time. It is important to remember that it is only possible to visit one of these mountains, Waynapicchu being the most recommended. The reservation for Waynapicchu must be made well in advance. The hike to Waynapicchu lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours, including the time up and down. Although no guide service is provided for these mountains, they are safe places, monitored by cameras and park rangers.
- After visiting Machu Picchu, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, with a 30-minute trip. Once in Aguas Calientes, you will have free time to tour the town, rest and, if you wish, have lunch. Then, you must go to the train station to take the train that usually leaves at 2:30 PM or 2:55 PM to Ollantaytambo station. The train ride takes approximately 1.5 hours. At the Ollantaytambo station, a transfer will be waiting for you with a sign with your names to take you back to Cusco on a 2-hour trip, dropping you directly at your hotel.
What’s Included For 2-Day Short Inca Trail TO MACHU PICCHU
Pre-Trek Briefing
- Held the evening before your departure at 6:00 pm in our central Cusco office.
- Includes a detailed explanation of the trek itinerary, safety protocols, and what to pack.
- You’ll also receive printed tickets of train and Machu Picchu
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
- Seamless transfer from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley (e.g., Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Calca, Pisac). We take care of both your pickup before the tour and your drop-off at the end to make your journey completely hassle-free.
Transportation to/from the Train Station
- Private round-trip transportation between your hotel and the Ollantaytambo train station, including your return after the tour.
Train Ticket to Km 104 (Trailhead)
- Train ride from Ollantaytambo to Km 104, the starting point of your trek. Departure times are at 6:10 AM or 6:40 AM, giving you flexibility and comfort.
Inca Trail Permits and Entry Tickets
- All necessary permits for the Short Inca Trail and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are included, so you don’t need to worry about logistics or paperwork.
Machu Picchu Entry – Included for Two Days
- As part of the 2-Day Inca Trail Tour, your entry to Machu Picchu is included for both days, covering Circuit 2. On Day 1, you’ll arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and reach the iconic Classic Viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views—perfect for unforgettable photos. The guide will provide a brief explanation of the area, and you’ll typically arrive around 3:00 to 4:00 pm. On Day 2, you’ll return for a comprehensive guided tour of the Inca citadel, visiting its most emblematic temples, plazas, and archaeological sectors in a tour that lasts approximately 2 hours. With two separate entries to Machu Picchu, this tour allows you to explore the site in greater depth, enjoying both the viewpoint and the citadel, and gaining a more complete and immersive experience of this world-famous wonder.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- One-night stay in a comfortable hotel such as Andino Machu Picchu or a similar category, ensuring a restful night before your guided tour.
Meals Included
- Day 1: Packed lunch during the hike and a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes Pueblo.
- Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel before heading to Machu Picchu.
Return Train Ticket
- Train from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo, departing around 2:20 PM or 2:55 PM, depending on availability.
Professional Guided Tour
- Enjoy a guided experience led by a licensed expert, who will share rich insights into the Inca Trail, its history, and the significance of Machu Picchu.
Emergency Equipment
- Your guide will carry an oxygen tank and a complete first aid kit, ensuring your safety throughout the trek.
This thoughtfully designed tour package takes care of every detail of your journey, allowing you to fully focus on enjoying the breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and unforgettable moments of the 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
What In Not Included
Breakfast on the first day
- The package does not cover the cost of breakfast for the first day
Lunch on the second day
- Similar to breakfast on the first day, the cost of lunch on the second day is not included in the package.
Gratuities and tips
- Any additional payments typically given as a gesture of appreciation for services, such as tips for guides, drivers, or hospitality staff, are not included. These are optional and should be paid by the participants directly to the service providers if they wish to do so.
What to Pack
- Wool Hat or Beanie
- T-shirt
- Layer
- Jacket
- Long pants
- Sunglasses
- Gloves
- Small Backpack (to carry water, snacks, camera, etc)
- 2 liters of water (there are options to buy along the route)
- Snacks (such as chocolate, cereal bars, candies, nuts, energy bars, etc)
- Sunscreen
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Cash in soles
ESSENTIAL
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED
SALKANTAY TREK 5D-4N PRICES (GROUP SERVICE) – 2025 & 2026 SEASON
The prices for the Salkantay Trek vary based on whether you are a student or an adult, and your chosen return option—by train or by car. Below, we outline the group service pricing details:
SALKANTAY TREK 5D-4N WITH RETURN TO CUSCO BY CAR: +info
- STUDENT: $290 USD per person – (Valid student ID required)
- CHILD: $290 USD per person – (For visitors aged 8 to 17 years)
- ADULT: $310 USD per person
SALKANTAY TREK 5D-4N WITH RETURN TO CUSCO BY TRAIN: +info
- STUDENT: $360 USD per person – (Valid student ID required)
- CHILD: $360 USD per person – (For visitors aged 8 to 17 years)
- ADULT: $380 USD per person
Group Size – Salkantay Trek: Groups average 12 to 14 people, with a maximum of 16. We organize groups based on traveler affinity—whether you’re a couple, with friends, or traveling solo—bringing together people from all around the world. Our goal is to make the experience personal, safe, and fun, so you finish the trek with unforgettable memories and new friendships!
Addons & Upgrades
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS & PRICING:
Discover additional services you can include in your 5-Day Salkantay Trek package when booking your adventure.
- 🎟️ Huayna Picchu Mountain Entry: $60 USD
- 🏔️ Machu Picchu Mountain Entry: $60 USD
- 🚆 Vistadome Train Upgrade (Return): $45 USD
- 🥾 Trekking Pole Rental (Pair): $15 USD
- 🛏️ Sleeping Bag Rental: $15 USD
- 🌟Zipline Add-On: $25 USD
- 🏔️Huayna Picchu: The Iconic Peak Above Machu Picchu: Scale the legendary mountain behind Machu Picchu for breathtaking panoramic views and ancient Inca ruins. Limited to 400 visitors daily across 4 time slots (7 a.m. to 10 a.m.). For Inca Trail trekkers, we typically reserve the 9 or 10 a.m. slots. This unguided 2–2.5 hour round-trip hike features steep sections, making it unsuitable for those with vertigo. Check availability at https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/llaqta_machupicchu; we handle all booking arrangements for you.
- 🏔️Machu Picchu Mountain: A Scenic Alternative Adventure: At 3,080 m elevation, Machu Picchu Mountain provides spectacular panoramic views of the citadel and surrounding valleys. This separate peak requires special tickets, with 400 daily spots divided into two time slots (7–8 a.m. & 8–9 a.m.). For Inca Trail participants, we usually secure the 8–9 a.m. slot following your guided tour. The 3 to 3.5-hour round-trip journey features a steady climb via original Inca stone pathways. Advanced booking is highly recommended.
- 🚆 Vistadome Train Upgrade – $45 USD:While the Inca Trail includes standard return train service (Expedition or Voyager), upgrade to the Vistadome for an enhanced scenic and comfortable journey. This premium train boasts panoramic windows, glass roofing, and onboard entertainment featuring music and traditional dance performances. The upgrade from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo costs $35 USD per person, adding luxury to your adventure’s conclusion.
- 🥾 Trekking Pole Rental – $15 USD (Pair): Trekking poles are essential for the 4-Day Inca Trail, providing balance and reducing knee strain across steep, uneven, and challenging terrain. Rent a professional pair from Machu Picchu Team for $15 USD throughout your entire trek. Note: poles aren’t permitted inside Machu Picchu or during mountain hikes. Add them during booking or rent at our Cusco office.
- 🛏️ Sleeping Bag Rental – $15 USD: Need a sleeping bag? Rent premium-quality sleeping gear from Machu Picchu Team for $15 USD for your complete trek. Engineered for frigid mountain nights, our bags handle temperatures down to -10°C and include thermal liners for extra warmth. Reserve during tour booking or rent upon Cusco arrival—guaranteeing comfort and restful sleep throughout your journey.
- 🌟 Zipline Add-On – Day 3 Salkantay Trek Adventure ($25 USD): Inject adrenaline into your trek in Lucmabamba, featuring Cusco’s longest zipline system. This thrilling experience includes 5 zipline cables (700 m to 1 km each) crossing the Salkantay River plus a 300-meter Tibetan bridge suspended 500 meters high. Professionally operated and completely safe, this optional activity can be pre-booked to make your Machu Picchu journey truly unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions SALKANTAY TREK 5D-4N TO MACHU PICCHU
How should I prepare for the Salkantay Trek if I’m not used to high altitude?
- If you’re not accustomed to high altitudes and you’re coming from sea level, it’s important to know that Cusco sits at 3,300 meters (10,800 ft) above sea level, and the highest point on the Salkantay Trek reaches 4,700 meters (15,400 ft). To help your body adjust, we recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek begins.
Once you arrive, make sure to:
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Try coca tea, a traditional remedy that helps reduce altitude sickness symptoms
- Avoid strenuous activity and give your body time to rest
- Eat light meals, especially during the first 24 hours
- For a smoother acclimatization, we also suggest taking easy-going tours like the Cusco City Tour or the Sacred Valley Tour, which are done by vehicle and involve minimal physical effort. These tours are a great way to enjoy local culture while your body adapts to the altitude.
- Prepare for Altitud Sickness
Can I change the 5-day Salkantay Trek to the 4-day version?
- Yes, it’s possible to change your reservation from the 5-day Salkantay Trek to the 4-day version, as long as we have availability for the new itinerary. In this case, the trek would start one day later than your originally scheduled date, but your arrival at Machu Picchu would remain the same, since entrance tickets to Machu Picchu cannot be modified or rescheduled.
- This adjustment simply involves delaying your trek departure by one day, without changing your visit to Machu Picchu. If you’d like to make this change, please contact us as soon as possible so we can check availability.
Do I need gloves for the Salkantay Trek?
- Yes, it is recommended to bring gloves for the Salkantay Trek, as the first night and the morning of the second day are usually quite cold. Gloves will help protect your hands from the low temperatures. They don’t need to be anything special—any warm pair will do. You can even buy a pair at the local markets in Cusco for around 7 to 10 soles.
Can I change the date, circuit, or name on my Machu Picchu ticket?
- Once the Machu Picchu ticket has been purchased, no modifications can be made. You cannot change the date, the name on the ticket, the entry time, or the type of circuit. If you do not use your ticket on the scheduled date and time, unfortunately, it will be lost.
This is because the tickets are issued by the Government of Peru, and their official policies do not allow any changes or refunds under any circumstances.
Personal Details
MORE TOURS
You may also be interested in
Discover other unique experiences for your next adventure
