Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 2 days / 1 nights

Peru’s best-known hike visited by thousands of tourists every year. This still thrilling 2-day program covers a 13-km Inca Trail, joining the classical 4-day route at the impressive archaeological site of Wiñaywayna, continuing through the famous Inti Punku or Sun Gate, and finally devoting the second day to a full day visit of the world-famous Inca citadel of Machupicchu. This program is recommended for those having less time or those looking to hike a shorter version of the Inca Trail without camping.

Day 1: Cusco to Aguas Calientes

We pick you up from your hotel at 05.30am and take you to San Pedro train station to board the train that will take us to km.104 on the Cusco – Machupicchu railroad (starting point of the hike), where we arrive at around 10:00 am. We start visiting the Chachabamba archaeological complex (2150m/7052ft), located very close to the control point, to then embark upon an 8 km ascending trail, which after four hours takes us to the archaeological complex of Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft). This is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. On the way up we may enjoy magnificent views of the Urubamba River valley and the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex located on the other side of the river, and also of a beautiful waterfall located just a few minutes away from Wiñaywayna. We then continue and climb to Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may contemplate the sacred citadel of Machupicchu. From Intipunku we descend to Machupicchu and then by bus to Aguas Calientes. We are then accommodated at the selected hotel/hostel.
Meals: L (box-lunch)
Total distance: 13 km (8,08 miles)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,650 m (8,692 ft)
Campsite altitude: 2,400 m (7,872 ft)

Day 2: Aguas Calientes to Cusco
We wake up early and board a bus to Machupicchu where we begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb up the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.
Meals: -
* Departure and arrival times are approximated.
Difficulty deggre of this hike
Moderate

What is included
Pre-departure briefing
Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer to San Pedro train station in Cusco
Inca Trail and Machupicchu entrance fee
English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people)
Meals 01L (boxed-lunch). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Bus ticket from Machupicchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes – 1st day
Round trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – 2nd day
Train ticket from Cusco / Sacred Valley to Km104 and from Aguas Calientes to Cusco/Sacred Valley (Backpacker, Vistadome or Hiram Bingham service, upon request) (*)
Transfer train station – hotel in Cusco

(*) In the case of requesting the Hiram Bingham luxury train service, please note that only the return trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy / Cusco would be operated with the Hiram Bingham train, as the portion Cusco – km.104 would necessarily have to be operated with the Vistadome service, due to the program schedule making it impossible to operate it with the Hiram Bingham. For guests requesting the Backpacker or Vistadome services, please note that should there be no train tickets available in the direct route Cusco – km.104 and / or Aguas Calientes – Cusco, a train ticket Sacred Valley – km.104 and / or Aguas Calientes – Sacred Valley will be provided, with an additional private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the Sacred Valley and / or viceversa

What is not included?
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes or Machupicchu
Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machupicchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machupicchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is estimated after nightfall, dinner being at your own expense too
Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the trek, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is s/10.00 (Peruvian Soles). Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes
Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish

What we recommend that you bring?
A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
Strong footwear, ideally trekking or sport shoes
Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
Sun block
After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
Handkerchiefs
Toilet paper
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water
Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
Cash in soles and/or US$
Original passport
Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)