Ultimate Guide to the Two-Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

If you’re short on time or stamina, the two-day Inca Trail trek might be a suitable option. It provides a taste of the iconic Inca Trail hike but takes only half the time and requires significantly less physical effort. However, anticipate that the price will not be half that of the classic four-day/three-night hike. Here’s a detailed itinerary for the two-day Inca Trail trek:

Day One

• Your tour operator will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning.
• Take the train to KM 104 (kilometer 104 of the train track from Cusco), where your trek begins.
• Walk for three to four hours to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna, located at approximately 8,858 feet (2,700 m) above sea level.
• You’ll then ascend a steep flight of steps to reach Intipunku (the Sun Gate), from where you’ll enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
• Descending to Machu Picchu itself, you’ll pass through the citadel for a brief glimpse of the main attraction.
• Your group will then head down to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) for dinner.
• Spend the night in Aguas Calientes, as there is no camping on the two-day Inca Trail.

(Total walking time: 6 to 7 hours)

Day Two

• Have an early breakfast in Aguas Calientes.
• Take the bus to Machu Picchu (ideally, opt for an early bus leaving at 5:30 or 6:00 a.m. as the site opens at 6:00 a.m.).
• Your guide will provide an extensive tour of the site, after which you should have a couple of hours to explore Machu Picchu independently.
• You can climb to the top of Huayna Picchu, but ensure that the Huayna Picchu ticket is included in your trek — always inquire with your tour operator before booking the two-day Inca Trail trek.
• Return to Aguas Calientes, either by bus or on foot, where your tour operator will likely provide lunch and deliver your train tickets back to Cusco.
• You might also have time to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes (S/. 10.00 nuevos soles).

Some Tips

As noted earlier, there is no camping during the standard two-day Inca Trail trek. Accommodation in Aguas Calientes may vary from a basic budget hostel to a relatively luxurious hotel. Usually, a more expensive trek will offer better accommodations; therefore, it’s wise to research the proposed hotel prior to finalizing your two-day Inca Trail trek.

To secure your place on the Inca Trail, it’s essential to book your trek well in advance. The Inca Trail has a daily limit of 500 people, which includes trekkers on the two-day hike. Consequently, consider booking at least three months beforehand, especially during high season.

Is the Short Inca Trail Right for You?

For certain trekkers, the two-day/one-night Inca Trail offers a practical alternative to the classic four-day Inca Trail and other alternative treks.

If you’re pressed for time, the two-day option provides a satisfying glimpse of the Inca Trail and ample time at Machu Picchu without committing four days to your Peru itinerary. Therefore, you can utilize those extra two days for other activities such as visiting Puno and Lake Titicaca, taking a Nazca Lines flight, or exploring Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Additionally, you may prefer to spend more time discovering Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

The two-day trek is also a viable choice for those who might struggle with the physical demands of the longer trail. This shorter route can be much more manageable for families with young children, older adults, and non-trekkers in general.

The shorter duration also appeals to individuals averse to camping. With no overnight camping required, you’ll enjoy a comfortable night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, eliminating the discomfort of roughing it in cold conditions.

Two-Day Inca Trail Tour Operators

Most, if not all, of the best Inca Trail tour operators in Peru offer a two-day Inca Trail trek (2 days/1 night), whether as a private trek (just you and your group with a guide) or as a scheduled group departure (with a mixed group of fellow trekkers). Private treks are often significantly more expensive than standard group departures.

Prices can vary widely based on several factors, including the quality of accommodations in Aguas Calientes, services available along the trail, and the type of train used to reach KM 104 (standard or luxury). Therefore, it’s crucial to verify the details of any trek before finalizing your booking with a tour operator.

Sample prices for the two-day Inca Trail (October 2013):

• Llama Path — private service for 5+ people at US$350 per person
• SAS Travel — shared group service at $420 per person
• Enigma Adventure — shared group service at $557 per person
• Amazonas Explorer — private service for two people from $802 per person (fixed departures)