Another trek to Machu Picchu is the Inca Trail of 2 days and 1 night. This formula is recommended for trekkers who do not have enough time to do the traditional circuit of four days and three nights. This option allows the hiker to make a reservation many months in advance since in most cases there is a lot of availability (200 spaces each day).
It is a short one-day hike. The trek is 13 kilometers from the starting point (Km. 104) to the Inca city of Machu Picchu. Located in the high jungle, with a great variety of flora and fauna. You will have the opportunity to see the national bird of Peru, the famous cock of the rock, the spectacled bear, hummingbirds, and a great variety of orchids and begonias, in addition to the great scenery surrounding the sacred city of Machu Picchu.
On the first day of this trek we pick you up from your hotel (accommodation) in the city of Cusco, in our transport at approximately 4.00 am. To then transfer you on a journey of 1 hour and 40 minutes to the train station of Ollantaytambo. We recommend the previous to the hike, leave ready the backpack and sleep early for this adventure, and do not forget your passport. On the way from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, the tourist will have the opportunity to rest a little. We take the first train that leaves towards the town of Aguas Calientes (6.10 am). The train ride takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. On the train ride to the left side, you will be able to see the Urubamba or Willkamayu river (willka; sacred and mayu; river) and the corn fields that grow in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. About 12 minutes to the right side you can see the Apu (sacred mountain) La Veronica or Wakay Willka (wakay; tear and willka; sacred). The train ride to the starting point is very interesting because we will be able to observe a great variety of landscapes as well as some Inca complexes such as Qhanabamba (resting place), and Llaqtapata (Inca city), Qoriwayrachina (agricultural center).
Arriving at Km 104, we will get off the train, and then cross a bridge, where we can observe the course of the Urubamba River. Then we will pass the first control, where we will have to show the original passports and if the passenger is a student, he/she will have to show his/her ID card. Before starting the walk we will have the opportunity to use the toilets and to buy rain poncho and drinks.
The about 4-minute walk we have the first Inca complex called Chachabamba (2,169 meters / 7,114 feet): Chachabamba was an Inca ceremonial and religious center of worship possibly to the river Willkamayu, which in the central part has the presence of a large altar where they could place the offerings. After visiting this Inca site, we will begin to climb or ascend the mountain on the left bank of the Urubamba River, taking approximately 4 hours of walking to the Inca complex of Wiñawayna. On the way, we will see the Inca complex of Choquesuysuy (2,165 meters / 7,095 feet), which is an agricultural, religious, and resting center on the way to the Inca city of Machu Picchu. Twenty minutes before reaching Wiñaywayna (wiñay; grow, forever and wayna; young), 2,655 meters / 8,708 feet, there is a beautiful waterfall that comes from the high part of the Phuyupatamarka sector. Where you can enjoy the water and take photographic views.
About 20 minutes later we arrive at the Inca site of Wiñaywayna, which in Inca times was the “last place of spiritual rest” before reaching the pilgrimage site or Machu Picchu, having an agricultural sector, an urban sector, in the upper part of the Temple of the Rainbow and a system of stands in a straight line facing east a large number of ceremonial fountains: all this Inca complex is oriented towards the Apu La Veronica.
After exploring this Inca site we will go to the camp and control of Wiñaywayna where we can enjoy our box lunch and use the hygienic services.
From Wiñaywayna control point to Intipunku or Puerta del Sol, the hike is moderate, approximately one hour and 20 minutes. Arriving at Intipunku, we will see the Inca city of Machu Picchu in the distance, to the right side of the Huayna Picchu Mountain, and at the bottom of the valley the Urubamba River.
From the Sun Gate, we descend for about 40 minutes to reach the city of Machu Picchu, on the way we will have the opportunity to place some offerings on a large altar that is located on one side of the Inca Trail. And before going down to the last control we will have the opportunity to go to the sector of the Guardian’s house from where you can take the famous photo, the Inca city and on the right side the Huayna Picchu Mountain.
Then we will descend to take the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes (the bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes). Upon arrival to the village, your Tour Guide will take you to your lodging place and then coordinate dinner time and the visit plan for Machu Picchu.
On the second day of this trek, after enjoying a delicious breakfast, the Tour Guide will pick you up from your accommodation to take you to the bus station and take the transportation to the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
Before visiting Machu Picchu, you will have the opportunity to use the restrooms.
We visit this magical and sacred place, when we enter we will observe the famous qollqas (deposits), where the crops of corn and coca leaf were stored mainly. The majesty of the agricultural sector is oriented towards the sunrise. Its main temples: the Temple of the Sun, Temple of Mother Earth, Temple of the Three Windows, Temple of the Water, Main Temple, The Intihuatana or Solar Clock, Temple of the Condor, and its altars of different sizes. which are oriented to the different cardinal points and different Apus (sacred mountains), the urban sector with great architecture.
After visiting Machu Picchu, if the passenger has the entrance ticket to the Huayna Picchu Mountain, will have the opportunity from the top of this morning another angular view of the sacred city and at the top of this, there is the presence of an altar that is oriented towards the south, ie towards Machu Picchu and see the route that makes the Urubamba River.
After visiting Machu Picchu, you leave Machu Picchu, to take the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes. Here you can enjoy Peruvian food (considered one of the best in the world).
The Tourist Guide will explain to you at what time you should go to the train station to take the transportation that will take you to Ollantaytambo. When you arrive at Ollantaytambo station, the driver will be waiting for you to take you back to your lodging in Cusco. Arrived in Cusco in the evening at approximately 8.0 pm.
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IMPORTANT:Inca Trail 2 days / 1 night – Prices Depend on the final number of people in your group. If there is a cancellation please note, the price per person will reflect the actual number of people going on the trek.
IMPORTANT: Price is based on a DOUBLE room accomodation.