Slogan

Treks & Escorted Tours...

LET'S ADVENTURE TOGETHER

Datos Top

mail info@cuscojourneys.com

phone (+51) 966405778 | (+51) 980811833
phone USA Rep: +1 8017126860

Instagram Facebook Youtube  Twitter tripadvisor Skype 

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days 1 Night, still allows you to visit the most beautiful ruins along the way to Machu Picchu, Wiñay wayna. Enjoy lunch before visiting and then continue through the Sun Gate for your first view of the Lost City of the Incas.

You will continue down to Aguas Calientes village and have dinner at the best restaurant in town before heading to bed. For those who want a small taste of hiking the Andes, this 1 day hike with the next day spent at Machu Picchu can not be beat.

This trek is perfect for travelers short on time who still want to experience the Inca Trail. It offers a unique combination of adventure, history, and natural beauty without the intensity of the full 4-day route. With expert guides and unforgettable views, this 2-day trip creates lasting memories and an authentic connection with Inca history.

Overview

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days 1 Night is the perfect trekking option for those who want to experience the magic of the Inca Trail but are short on time or prefer a less demanding hike. This short version offers all the highlights of the classic Inca Trail in a condensed, manageable format.

Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery, a diverse range of flora and fauna, and the unforgettable opportunity to explore Wiñay Wayna, the most beautiful archaeological site on the Inca Trail.

All this is packed into an exciting one-day hike, followed by a magical visit to Machu Picchu on the second day. Covering just 12 km (7.5 miles), this trek is moderately easy and ideal for families with children, beginner hikers, and travelers on a tight schedule who still want to enjoy the authentic Inca Trail experience.

  • Starting Altitude: 2,100 m / 6,900 ft
  • Maximum Altitude: 2,730 m / 8,792 ft
  • Trekking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
  • Accommodation: Comfortable hotel stay in Aguas Calientes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate – suitable for all fitness levels

By booking Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Days 1 Night, you’re choosing the best. Check out our Tripadvisor reviews. Join one of the top-rated tours in Cusco and experience Peru like never before. Let Cusco Journeys make your Machu Picchu adventure unforgettable.

Itinerary

Pre-trek briefing:

You will have a through briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days 1 night. Your guide will meet you in your hotel and you can take this opportunity to ask questions and make any final preparations.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

We will pick you up from your Cusco hotel early in the morning (about 5:00am) and then drive to the train station in Ollantaytambo and take the train to Kilometer (Km) 104, which takes about three hours.

Km 104 is an unscheduled train stop so you will probably feel a twinge of satisfaction that the train is stopping especially for you – and by knowing you are about to see things that no one else will get to! At Km 104 we will get off the train and pass the Inca Trail checkpoint where we will see our first archaeological center called Chachabamba (2,170 m / 7,170 ft).

These ruins were one of the last shelters that the Incas used before they reached Machu Picchu. This site was also used as a religious and administrative center and features several buildings. Then, we will gradually ascend for about 2-3 hours climbing Inca stone steps while our guide points out different flora and fauna along the trail.

We will then pass a tall waterfall before arriving at the archaeological site called Wiñay Wayna at (2,650 m / 8,700 ft), which is named after an orchid and means Forever Young in Quechua. We will climb to the top of the ruins and enjoy lunch with an incredible view of Wiñay Wayna and the Sacred Valley.

This large site sits on a mountainside and features experimental terraces that the Incas used to grow different crops. We will visit an important temple with 7 windows that was dedicated to the rainbow as well as observe the amazing engineering of water channels that still function today.

Once we finish our tour here, we will continue our hike for about 1 ½ hours on a part of the Inca Trail which is relatively flat, with small ascents and descents along the way. At about 2:00 pm we will reach the Sun Gate (2,720 m / 8,920 ft) which is called Intipunku in Quechua.

This is where we will have our first view of Machu Picchu and from there we will head down to the ruins to take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes you will check in to your hotel. The natural hot springs in town are an unbeatable way to spend a late afternoon/early evening if time is available before dinner.

  • Meals: Box Lunch / Dinner
  • Accommodations: Hotel
  • Maximum altitude: 2,720 m / 8,920 ft
  • Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft
  • Distance to walk: 7.5 miles/12 km
  • Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.

Start your day early with breakfast at your hotel before boarding one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, ensuring you arrive in time to witness the magical sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas—an unforgettable sight you won’t want to miss.

Upon arrival, your guide will lead a two-hour tour through the most significant areas of Machu Picchu Citadel, explaining its history, architecture, and purpose. Explore the site’s three main sectors: the agricultural terraces, the residential area, and the religious sector, gaining insight into how the Inca civilization once thrived in this awe-inspiring mountain retreat.

After soaking in the spectacular views, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure, you may also explore the town, visit the local market, stop by the museum, or relax in the hot springs.

In the afternoon, board your train at 2:30 p.m. or 3:20 p.m., following the Urubamba River through the stunning Sacred Valley. As the train winds through the narrow canyon, keep an eye out for the spectacular Wiñay Wayna ruins, visible high up on the mountainside.

After a two-hour journey, you will arrive at Ollantaytambo, where a private bus will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. Upon arrival, we will drop you off at your hotel, concluding your incredible adventure.

Important Note: Machu Picchu archeological site is different from Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. The mountain requires a separate permit for those wishing to hike it. If you are interested in adding this experience, please let us know in advance so we can arrange it for you.

  • Overnight in Cusco.
  • Meals Include: Breakfast.
  • Entrance Tickets: Included.

Inclusions

Included:

  • Pre-trek briefing with your Tour Guide.
  • Touristic private transport from your hotel to the train station.
  • Entrance tickets to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
  • Professional English / Spanish guide for entire tour.
  • Assistant or second guide when there are groups over 8.
  • Meals according to program + snack at beginning of the trek.
  • Water bottle and Box lunch in Wiñay Wayna.
  • Vegetarian meals at no extra charge (also allergy-related menus can be accommodated).
  • Visit the following Inca archaeological sites (Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Sungate and Machu Picchu).
  • Bus tickets down to Aguas Calientes town.
  • 1 night Hotel in Aguas Calientes town.
  • Bus tickets Aguas Calientes /Machu Picchu/ Aguas Calientes.
  • 2 hour private guided tour by your English speaking tour guide
  • Tourism class train ticket until km 104 (Chachabamba).
  • Return ticket in Touristic class train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
  • First Aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
  • Touristic class transport from Train / Hotel.
  • All local taxes.

Not Included:

  • Extra porter (Extra porters available to carry up to 22 Pounds).
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain $75.00 pp.
  • Machu Picchu Mountain $75.00 pp.
  • Walking stick (we can rent if needed).
  • Entrance tickets to Hot Springs.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • **Tips for the crew (Porters and guide).

What you should bring:

Here’s a complete and detailed checklist of essential items to pack for your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days 1 night, ensuring you’re fully prepared for an unforgettable adventure.

  • Original Passport
  • Light day pack with change of clothes
  • Rain jacket and pants or rain poncho
  • Waterproof trekking boots
  • Warm jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf, beanie/touk
  • Thermal clothing
  • Camera, extra memory cards, batteries
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Sunblock
  • After-sun cream or hydrating lotion
  • Insect repellent (minimum 20% DEET)
  • Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, fruits, muesli)
  • Reusable water bottle (Nalgene type)
  • Water for the first morning
  • Personal medical kit
  • Small towel or sarong
  • Swimsuit (for hot springs)
  • Cash (for snacks, tips, souvenirs)
  • Trekking poles or walking sticks

Prices

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days 1 Night runs daily from March to January. It’s closed in February due to the rainy season and trail maintenance.

Group Price: $489 Per person

*** Guaranteed to operate with just two guests, this small-group tour offers a truly personalized travel experience.

Discounts:

  • 18 to 25 years old: $25 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
  • Under 18 years old: $25 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 years old: $30USD  Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):

  • Machu Picchu Mountain climbing:  USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).

Upgrades:

Hotel Upgrades:

  • Inkaterra (5 star hotel) – US $480 per person per night (double occupancy).
  • Hotel el Mapi (4 star hotel) – US $145 per person per night (double occupancy).
  • Hotel Santuario (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy).

Train Upgrades:

  • Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Need to book in advance).
  • Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $585 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.

Rentals:

  • Hiking poles – US$10.00

Inca Trail Availability

Availability
2025
Jun.
2025
Jul.
2025
Ago.
2025
Set.
2025
Oct.
2025
Nov.
2025
Dic.
2026
Ene.
2026
Feb.
2026
Mar.
2026
Abr.
2026
May.
2026
Jun.

Terms & Conditions

By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Booking:

  1. Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
  2. You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
  3. You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
  4. The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.

Cancellations:

  1. Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 40% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:

ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.

Cancellation By

Terms
91 days or more before departure we will retain 50% of your deposit.
90 – 30 days before departure we will retain 75% of the total tour cost.
29 – 0 days before departure we will retain 100% of the total tour cost.

Inca Trail Tours:

  1. Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Journeys (or any agency).
  2. In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Journeys will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
  3. Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.

Medical Information:

  1. You must advise Cusco Journeys of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
  2. You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
  3. Cusco Journeys reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
  4. Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
  5. It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.

Tours and Treks:

  1. All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee.
    You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
  2. All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
  3. If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
  4. Cusco Journeys will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Journeys cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
  5. Cusco Journeys does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
  6. Cusco Journeys may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
  7. Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
  8. All tours are done in English.

Delays:

  1. Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.

Thank you so much for choosing Cusco Journeys!!!

Contact Us

    Please make sure to type your e-mail address well otherwise We can not answer it. We promise to always answer within 24 hours (usually within the hour). If for some reason you do not receive any reply within 24 hours check out your spam,junk folder. You can either email address: info@cuscojourneys.com

    Your Name:

    Please leave your phone number, if you would like to talk with our sales specialist? (optional):

    Your Email:

    Country:

    Message

    We’re here for you all day, everyday!

    As a global travel company operating tours for clients from all seven continents, Cusco Journeys realizes that questions can arise anywhere at any time. Our reservations team is available to assist you.

    The Office

    • Address: San Andres #218, Centro Comercial de la Asociacion de Artesanos Souvenirs Cusco, Office 122

    • Phone:

      • +51 966405 778

      • +51 980 811 833

    Business Hours

    • Monday - Friday 9am to 8pm

    • Saturday - 9am to 2pm

    • Sunday - Closed

    Book Now

      Travel Details

      Tour and Date Choose the correct tour and date




      Travel Details Please list Full Names (as written on passport), Passport Number, Nationality, Dates of Birth, Gender and email addresses for all in your party. Please make sure your passports will be valid for more than 6 months after your visit to Peru. If not, Customs & Immigration may not allow you into the country

      1









      Rentals/Add ons

      choose your add ons

      You can easily upgrade your hotel night, rent our special equipment for your trek, sign up for an extra hike or upgrade your train ride here.

      Rentals

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $15
      $20
      $20

      Hotel Upgrade

      Train Upgrade

      Extra hikes

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $75
      $75

      2









      Rentals/Add ons

      choose your add ons

      You can easily upgrade your hotel night, rent our special equipment for your trek, sign up for an extra hike or upgrade your train ride here.

      Rentals

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $15
      $20
      $20

      Hotel Upgrade

      Train Upgrade

      Extra hikes

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $75
      $75

      3









      Rentals/Add ons

      choose your add ons

      You can easily upgrade your hotel night, rent our special equipment for your trek, sign up for an extra hike or upgrade your train ride here.

      Rentals

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $15
      $20
      $20

      Hotel Upgrade

      Train Upgrade

      Extra hikes

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $75
      $75

      4









      Rentals/Add ons

      choose your add ons

      You can easily upgrade your hotel night, rent our special equipment for your trek, sign up for an extra hike or upgrade your train ride here.

      Rentals

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $15
      $20
      $20

      Hotel Upgrade

      Train Upgrade

      Extra hikes

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $75
      $75

      5









      Rentals/Add ons

      choose your add ons

      You can easily upgrade your hotel night, rent our special equipment for your trek, sign up for an extra hike or upgrade your train ride here.

      Rentals

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $15
      $20
      $20

      Hotel Upgrade

      Train Upgrade

      Extra hikes

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $75
      $75

      6









      Rentals/Add ons

      choose your add ons

      You can easily upgrade your hotel night, rent our special equipment for your trek, sign up for an extra hike or upgrade your train ride here.

      Rentals

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $15
      $20
      $20

      Hotel Upgrade

      Train Upgrade

      Extra hikes

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $75
      $75

      7









      Rentals/Add ons

      choose your add ons

      You can easily upgrade your hotel night, rent our special equipment for your trek, sign up for an extra hike or upgrade your train ride here.

      Rentals

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $15
      $20
      $20

      Hotel Upgrade

      Train Upgrade

      Extra hikes

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $75
      $75

      8









      Rentals/Add ons

      choose your add ons

      You can easily upgrade your hotel night, rent our special equipment for your trek, sign up for an extra hike or upgrade your train ride here.

      Rentals

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $15
      $20
      $20

      Hotel Upgrade

      Train Upgrade

      Extra hikes

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $75
      $75

      9









      Rentals/Add ons

      choose your add ons

      You can easily upgrade your hotel night, rent our special equipment for your trek, sign up for an extra hike or upgrade your train ride here.

      Rentals

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $15
      $20
      $20

      Hotel Upgrade

      Train Upgrade

      Extra hikes

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $75
      $75

      10









      Rentals/Add ons

      choose your add ons

      You can easily upgrade your hotel night, rent our special equipment for your trek, sign up for an extra hike or upgrade your train ride here.

      Rentals

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $15
      $20
      $20

      Hotel Upgrade

      Train Upgrade

      Extra hikes

      DETAILS

      PRICE

      $75
      $75

      What is the email address of the main Point Of Contact (POC) in your group? Please try to always reference this email when contacting us as we use it to search your history.




      Related tours

      MENU