Short Camping Holiday Trek to Machu Picchu

Difficulty

Moderate

Comfort

Basic

Discover the charm of the 2-Day Inca Trail, where rich history intertwines with breathtaking scenery. Trek through vibrant forests, visit historic sites such as Wiñay Wayna, and spend a tranquil night camping under a blanket of stars. The adventure concludes at the magnificent Machu Picchu, providing unforgettable vistas and a personal trekking experience. Ideal for those looking for a shorter yet thrilling route to one of Peru’s most famous landmarks.

Hiking and Trekking

Saul M. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English, Spanish

Before I became the owner and founder of our travel company, I spent a couple of years working as a porter. Then, over the next four years, I transitioned into being a guide. I've had the privilege of conducting more than 200 Inca Trail treks and exploring other alternative routes throughout the Andes. I've also traveled with groups all over Peru. My passion for the Andes mountains, Incan culture, and my knowledge of local plants has always resonated with tourists, and their appreciation fuels my enthusiasm. Realizing my childhood dream of owning a tour and trekking agency has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m committed to giving back to the communities that surround me, aiming to improve their lives and living conditions by employing locals and supporting various service projects. My experiences as a porter and guide have taught me a lot about what works—and what doesn’t—in tourism and on treks.

Tour highlights

Stunning Landscapes

Hike through diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to breathtaking mountain vistas, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Andes

Machu Picchu Sunrise

Enjoy unforgettable views and the chance to explore this ancient wonder, all while basking in the tranquility of the surrounding environment

Route details

Wake up early to start your adventure! The guide will pick you up at the Cusco hotel at 4am. Rest or even sleep in our comfortable, private transportation to Ollantaytambo. When you arrive at the train station, the guide will have a lunchbox to add to your daypack. The train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10am and you will have just over an hour on the train to enjoy the scenery and have breakfast (not included).

Get off the train at the famous Km 104, where your trek begins! (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level). After crossing the Urubamba River on a picturesque foot bridge, show your passport at the checkpoint and visit your first Inca site nearby. The first hour and a half is a gentle upward climb. Along the way, stop at several outlooks where there expansive view of the Urubamba River. Pass through several microclimates, including cloud forests, so be ready for damp or even rain at any season of the year. The next hour and a half are a slightly steeper with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end!

When you cross the bridge below the waterfall, be sure to take some time for photos and you will find yourself gazing up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna! (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level) These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle. This close to Machu Picchu, you are hiking through lush sub-tropical jungle. The guide will tell you all about the ruins, plus the incredible flora and fauna of this area and answer any questions you have before the short 5-minute walk to the lunch spot.

Take your time enjoying your hearty, gourmet lunch and admiring the tropical flowers around the campground. Be sure to notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you book!

After lunch, you have a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate, the hour-long walk is a gentle up and down path, it does end with a set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca, called the Gringo Killers. Once you reach the stairs turn the corner from the Sun Gate, here enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. Take the time to savor the moment and take photos. The last 60 minutes down from the Sun Gate provide opportunities to take more photos of Machu Picchu. Make sure to go slowly, enjoy your time walking and ask your guide questions about the historical places you pass on the way down to Machu Picchu.

Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will have time to take more photos from the viewing platforms above the site (Guard House), where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. Arrive in the afternoon, as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists, which gives the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in your shots. Take time to enjoy this magical experience before taking the bus down to Puente Ruinas, where we will camp for the night.

Meals: Box Lunch, Dinner prepared by our chef.
Distance: 12 kms/7.5 miles
Time: 6hrs approximately
Accommodations: Camping Facilities.
Difficulty: moderate
You can leave an overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes camp site.

Difficulty

Moderate

Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity

Tour provider's comments

Max Altitude: 2730 m.s.n.m.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Tent

1 night

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

Departamento de Cusco, Provincia del Cusco, Aeropuerto Alejandro Velasco Astete

Calculate tour price with tickets from your city

Partnered with

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route

You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on

the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips

Tour conditions

Included

hotel pick up;
private transport from your hotel to the train station;
3 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu;
English speaking guide experienced in trekking;
private guided tour in Machu Picchu;
round-trip Expedition Tourist Train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 – Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo 2:55pm or 3:20pm (train time depends on availability);
admission Tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Archaeological site;
one night camping accommodation;
first-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank;
taxes.

Extras

flights;
Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person;
first breakfast (served in hotel), last lunch at Machu Picchu;
OPTIONAL UPGRADES: Hotel or Train;
VISTADOME Train: $67 USD per person (RETURN ONLY);
tips for your staff (our staff receives a fair and decent payment immediately after they end their trip, tips are optional but greatly appreciation).

**Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.

Group size

From 2 to 8 tourists

Duration

2 days

1 night

It's important to know

The Trek DOES NOT INCLUDE a porter. Your duffel bag will be sent by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Please try to pack as light as possible, which is key to enjoying this amazing trek.

In your daypack, or on the first day’s hike you will need:

Original Passport ( the same you have used for booking your trek)
Good daypack (25 to 30L)
Water 1 to 2 liters of water in reusable bottles (please do not bring disposable bottles)
Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
Polar or sweater for chilly mornings
Rain jacket
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit
Rain plastic poncho (provided by us)
Camera
Valuables
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
Toilet paper
Hand sanitizer

In your duffel, you should pack

A change of clothes for visiting Machu Picchu the next day
Face moisturizer
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Personal medications
Battery chargers

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT FOR THE 2 DAYS INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport, you sent to us to book your Trail permit. Passports will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu, Trail and board the train. In case, you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. Please send the new passport as soon as possible.

THE BRIEFING
Your briefing will take place the night before your trek. It will be held at our office at 6pm, depending on your confirmation email details.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the The Trail, your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please pack what you will be needing for the trek only.

We require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person, in order, to purchase a permit for the Inca Trail.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco.

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately, the answer is No. Once the permits have been bought the Peruvian government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the permit has been bought. Permits are also not transferrable nor refundable. If you cancel your Trail, the deposit is not refundable at all!

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN THE INCA TRAIL?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan to always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days.

The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. We offer the Cusco City or Sacred Valley Tours that you can book while you are acclimating.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are usually between 2-6 persons.

ARE WE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK?
Absolutely!! Hotel pick ups and drop offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.

AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN’S DEPARTURE?
It will depend on the train availability but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco while on the train. Therefore, you will take the train at 14:55 or 15:20.

HOW MUCH IS THE VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE?
The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD per person. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.

TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many our destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you want, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a locally sustainable & responsible tourism operator. We incorporate universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and its people.