2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | Official Permit Included
Walk the legendary Inca Trail, discover the stunning ruins of Wiñay Wayna, and experience your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate—all in just 2 incredible days.
🟩 ⏱ Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Location
Cusco, Peru
⛰ Highest Point
2,720 m (8,924 ft)
Distance
12 km / 7.5 mi
🥾 Difficulty
Moderate
Group Size
Max 10 Travelers
🎟 Permi
Official Inca Trail Permit
🚆 Train
Expedition Train Included
🏨 Hotel
1 Night Included
Walk along the same stone paths built by the Incas over 500 years ago. Discover hidden archaeological sites, hike through cloud forests, reach the legendary Sun Gate, and witness your first unforgettable panoramic view of Machu Picchu. This is more than a trek—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey through history.
⭐ Why Travel With Machu Picchu Jungle?
100% Local Tour Operator
Trusted local operator based in Cusco with years of trekking experience.
🛡 Official Inca Trail Permits
We secure your official permits and Machu Picchu entrance in advance.
🏨 Comfortable Hotel Stay
Rest in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.
🧭 Professional Local Guides
Certified bilingual guides with extensive experience on the Inca Trail.
👥 Small Group Experience
Enjoy personalized service with smaller groups and more individual attention.
🚆 Scenic Expedition Train
Travel through the Sacred Valley on one of Peru’s most scenic train routes.
⭐ Why You'll Love This Trek
- 🌎 Experience One of Peru’s Most Iconic Adventures on the legendary 2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- 🏛 Walk the Original Inca Trail along ancient stone paths built by the Incas more than 500 years ago.
- 🌿 Discover the Magnificent Wiñay Wayna Archaeological Site, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved Inca ruins on the trail.
- 🌄 Hike Through Spectacular Cloud Forests surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes, orchids, hummingbirds, and native wildlife.
- ☀️ Enter Machu Picchu Through the Legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and enjoy your first unforgettable panoramic view of the Lost City of the Incas.
- 🏨 Relax in a Comfortable Hotel in Aguas Calientes, allowing you to recharge before visiting Machu Picchu the following morning.
- 🎟 Enjoy a Guided Tour of Machu Picchu with an expert local guide who will bring the history, architecture, and mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage Site to life.
- 🚆 Travel on a Scenic Expedition Train through the breathtaking Sacred Valley on your return journey to Cusco.
- 👨🏫 Travel with Experienced Local Guides passionate about sharing the culture, traditions, and fascinating history of the Inca civilization.
- 🎫 Official Inca Trail Permit & Machu Picchu Entrance Included, ensuring a seamless and worry-free adventure from start to finish.
Book This Tour
PRICE FROM $ 520.00 per person
Complete Your Reservation
Quantities are independent of the number of travelers.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5 Verified Reviews
🎟 Official Inca Trail Permit Included
🏆 Local Tour Operator
💳 Secure Payment
⚠️ Before You Book
Inca Trail permits are limited and sell out quickly.
Please contact us to confirm permit availability and the next available group departure before completing your reservation.
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Trip Details
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes
Your unforgettable adventure begins early in the morning with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 and 4:30 AM. We travel through the breathtaking Sacred Valley to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you’ll board the scenic Expedition train bound for Km 104, the official starting point of the legendary 2-Day Inca Trail.
After passing the government checkpoint and presenting your original passport, your trek officially begins. The first archaeological site you’ll visit is Chachabamba, an ancient ceremonial center built by the Incas and surrounded by lush cloud forest. Here, your expert guide will introduce you to the fascinating history, engineering, and spiritual importance of the Inca civilization.
From Chachabamba, you’ll hike along the original stone-paved Inca Trail through one of the most beautiful sections of the Andes. As you ascend, you’ll pass spectacular waterfalls, colorful orchids, exotic flora, and incredible panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley. This section of the trail offers an authentic experience with fewer crowds and countless opportunities for breathtaking photographs.
Around midday, you’ll arrive at the magnificent archaeological complex of Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young), one of the most impressive Inca sites on the entire trail. Explore its agricultural terraces, ceremonial fountains, temples, and perfectly preserved stone structures while your guide shares the remarkable stories behind this sacred place. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a delicious freshly prepared boxed lunch surrounded by extraordinary mountain scenery.
The adventure continues with one of the most rewarding sections of the hike as you follow the ancient trail toward Inti Punku (The Sun Gate). This historic entrance marks the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, just as the Incas experienced centuries ago. Standing at the Sun Gate and seeing the Lost City emerge among the mountains is an unforgettable moment and one of the greatest highlights of the entire journey.
From the Sun Gate, you’ll descend gradually to the upper viewpoints of Machu Picchu, where you’ll have time to admire the breathtaking landscapes and capture your first iconic photographs of the Inca Citadel before continuing down to the exit.
In the afternoon, you’ll board the shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll check into your comfortable hotel. The evening is yours to relax, explore the charming town, enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants, and prepare for the guided visit to Machu Picchu the following morning.
🌄 Today's Highligh
Walk the original Inca Trail through breathtaking cloud forests, discover the spectacular archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, and enjoy your first unforgettable panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the legendary Sun Gate. This extraordinary journey is one of Peru’s most exclusive hiking experiences, with only a limited number of official permits available each day..
📋 Day 1 at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🕓 Pickup | 4:00 – 4:30 AM |
| 🚆 Train Departure | Around 6:40 AM |
| 🥾 Hiking Distance | 12 km / 7.5 mi |
| ⛰ Highest Elevation | 2,720 m / 8,924 ft |
| ⏱ Hiking Time | 6–7 hours |
| 🍱 Meals | Box Lunch |
| 🏨 Overnight Stay | Comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes |
| 👥 Group Size | Max. 10 Travelers |
| 🥾 Difficulty | Moderate |
DAY 2: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at your hotel before boarding one of the first shuttle buses to Machu Picchu. Enter the legendary Inca Citadel during the quiet morning hours, when the soft light creates the perfect atmosphere to admire one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Together with your professional guide, you’ll explore the most important temples, plazas, terraces, fountains, and ceremonial sites while discovering the fascinating history, architecture, and engineering of the Inca civilization. Throughout the guided tour, you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic viewpoints and plenty of opportunities to capture unforgettable photographs.
After the guided visit, you’ll have free time to continue exploring the areas permitted by your entrance circuit, relax, or simply admire the breathtaking scenery before taking the shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes.
Later, board your Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will be waiting to transfer you comfortably back to Cusco, bringing your unforgettable Short Inca Trail adventure to a perfect conclusion.
🌄 Today's Highlight
Experience the magic of Machu Picchu with an expert local guide, uncover the secrets of the ancient Inca civilization, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological wonders before returning to Cusco.
📋 Day 2 at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🍳 Breakfast | Included at the hotel |
| 🚌 Shuttle Bus | Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu |
| 🏛️ Guided Tour | Approximately 2.5 hours |
| 📸 Free Time | According to your entrance circuit |
| 🍽️ Lunch | Not Included |
| 🚆 Return Train | Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo |
| 🚐 Transfer | Ollantaytambo → Cusco |
| 🕗 Arrival in Cusco | Approximately 7:00–8:00 PM |
What’s Included For 2-Day Short Inca Trail TO MACHU PICCHU
Pre-Trek Briefing
- Held the evening before your departure at 6:00 pm in our central Cusco office.
- Includes a detailed explanation of the trek itinerary, safety protocols, and what to pack.
- You’ll also receive printed tickets of train and Machu Picchu
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
- Seamless transfer from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley (e.g., Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Calca, Pisac). We take care of both your pickup before the tour and your drop-off at the end to make your journey completely hassle-free.
Transportation to/from the Train Station
- Private round-trip transportation between your hotel and the Ollantaytambo train station, including your return after the tour.
Train Ticket to Km 104 (Trailhead)
- Train ride from Ollantaytambo to Km 104, the starting point of your trek. Departure times are at 6:10 AM or 6:40 AM, giving you flexibility and comfort.
Inca Trail Permits and Entry Tickets
- All necessary permits for the Short Inca Trail and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are included, so you don’t need to worry about logistics or paperwork.
Machu Picchu Entry – Included for Two Days
- As part of the 2-Day Inca Trail Tour, your entry to Machu Picchu is included for both days, covering Circuit 2. On Day 1, you’ll arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and reach the iconic Classic Viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views—perfect for unforgettable photos. The guide will provide a brief explanation of the area, and you’ll typically arrive around 3:00 to 4:00 pm. On Day 2, you’ll return for a comprehensive guided tour of the Inca citadel, visiting its most emblematic temples, plazas, and archaeological sectors in a tour that lasts approximately 2 hours. With two separate entries to Machu Picchu, this tour allows you to explore the site in greater depth, enjoying both the viewpoint and the citadel, and gaining a more complete and immersive experience of this world-famous wonder.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- One-night stay in a comfortable hotel such as Andino Machu Picchu or a similar category, ensuring a restful night before your guided tour.
Meals Included
- Day 1: Packed lunch during the hike and a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes Pueblo.
- Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel before heading to Machu Picchu.
Return Train Ticket
- Train from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo, departing around 2:20 PM or 2:55 PM, depending on availability.
Professional Guided Tour
- Enjoy a guided experience led by a licensed expert, who will share rich insights into the Inca Trail, its history, and the significance of Machu Picchu.
Emergency Equipment
- Your guide will carry an oxygen tank and a complete first aid kit, ensuring your safety throughout the trek.
This thoughtfully designed tour package takes care of every detail of your journey, allowing you to fully focus on enjoying the breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and unforgettable moments of the 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
What In Not Included
Breakfast on the first day
- The package does not cover the cost of breakfast for the first day
Lunch on the second day
- Similar to breakfast on the first day, the cost of lunch on the second day is not included in the package.
Gratuities and tips
- Any additional payments typically given as a gesture of appreciation for services, such as tips for guides, drivers, or hospitality staff, are not included. These are optional and should be paid by the participants directly to the service providers if they wish to do so.
What to Pack
- Wool Hat or Beanie
- T-shirt
- Layer
- Jacket
- Long pants
- Sunglasses
- Gloves
- Small Backpack (to carry water, snacks, camera, etc)
- 2 liters of water (there are options to buy along the route)
- Snacks (such as chocolate, cereal bars, candies, nuts, energy bars, etc)
- Sunscreen
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Cash in soles
ESSENTIAL
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED
SALKANTAY TREK 5D-4N PRICES (GROUP SERVICE) – 2025 & 2026 SEASON
The prices for the Salkantay Trek vary based on whether you are a student or an adult, and your chosen return option—by train or by car. Below, we outline the group service pricing details:
SALKANTAY TREK 5D-4N WITH RETURN TO CUSCO BY CAR: +info
- STUDENT: $290 USD per person – (Valid student ID required)
- CHILD: $290 USD per person – (For visitors aged 8 to 17 years)
- ADULT: $310 USD per person
SALKANTAY TREK 5D-4N WITH RETURN TO CUSCO BY TRAIN: +info
- STUDENT: $360 USD per person – (Valid student ID required)
- CHILD: $360 USD per person – (For visitors aged 8 to 17 years)
- ADULT: $380 USD per person
Group Size – Salkantay Trek: Groups average 12 to 14 people, with a maximum of 16. We organize groups based on traveler affinity—whether you’re a couple, with friends, or traveling solo—bringing together people from all around the world. Our goal is to make the experience personal, safe, and fun, so you finish the trek with unforgettable memories and new friendships!
Addons & Upgrades
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS & PRICING:
Discover additional services you can include in your 5-Day Salkantay Trek package when booking your adventure.
- 🎟️ Huayna Picchu Mountain Entry: $60 USD
- 🏔️ Machu Picchu Mountain Entry: $60 USD
- 🚆 Vistadome Train Upgrade (Return): $45 USD
- 🥾 Trekking Pole Rental (Pair): $15 USD
- 🛏️ Sleeping Bag Rental: $15 USD
- 🌟Zipline Add-On: $25 USD
- 🏔️Huayna Picchu: The Iconic Peak Above Machu Picchu: Scale the legendary mountain behind Machu Picchu for breathtaking panoramic views and ancient Inca ruins. Limited to 400 visitors daily across 4 time slots (7 a.m. to 10 a.m.). For Inca Trail trekkers, we typically reserve the 9 or 10 a.m. slots. This unguided 2–2.5 hour round-trip hike features steep sections, making it unsuitable for those with vertigo. Check availability at https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/llaqta_machupicchu; we handle all booking arrangements for you.
- 🏔️Machu Picchu Mountain: A Scenic Alternative Adventure: At 3,080 m elevation, Machu Picchu Mountain provides spectacular panoramic views of the citadel and surrounding valleys. This separate peak requires special tickets, with 400 daily spots divided into two time slots (7–8 a.m. & 8–9 a.m.). For Inca Trail participants, we usually secure the 8–9 a.m. slot following your guided tour. The 3 to 3.5-hour round-trip journey features a steady climb via original Inca stone pathways. Advanced booking is highly recommended.
- 🚆 Vistadome Train Upgrade – $45 USD:While the Inca Trail includes standard return train service (Expedition or Voyager), upgrade to the Vistadome for an enhanced scenic and comfortable journey. This premium train boasts panoramic windows, glass roofing, and onboard entertainment featuring music and traditional dance performances. The upgrade from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo costs $35 USD per person, adding luxury to your adventure’s conclusion.
- 🥾 Trekking Pole Rental – $15 USD (Pair): Trekking poles are essential for the 4-Day Inca Trail, providing balance and reducing knee strain across steep, uneven, and challenging terrain. Rent a professional pair from Machu Picchu Team for $15 USD throughout your entire trek. Note: poles aren’t permitted inside Machu Picchu or during mountain hikes. Add them during booking or rent at our Cusco office.
- 🛏️ Sleeping Bag Rental – $15 USD: Need a sleeping bag? Rent premium-quality sleeping gear from Machu Picchu Team for $15 USD for your complete trek. Engineered for frigid mountain nights, our bags handle temperatures down to -10°C and include thermal liners for extra warmth. Reserve during tour booking or rent upon Cusco arrival—guaranteeing comfort and restful sleep throughout your journey.
- 🌟 Zipline Add-On – Day 3 Salkantay Trek Adventure ($25 USD): Inject adrenaline into your trek in Lucmabamba, featuring Cusco’s longest zipline system. This thrilling experience includes 5 zipline cables (700 m to 1 km each) crossing the Salkantay River plus a 300-meter Tibetan bridge suspended 500 meters high. Professionally operated and completely safe, this optional activity can be pre-booked to make your Machu Picchu journey truly unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions SALKANTAY TREK 5D-4N TO MACHU PICCHU
How should I prepare for the Salkantay Trek if I’m not used to high altitude?
- If you’re not accustomed to high altitudes and you’re coming from sea level, it’s important to know that Cusco sits at 3,300 meters (10,800 ft) above sea level, and the highest point on the Salkantay Trek reaches 4,700 meters (15,400 ft). To help your body adjust, we recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek begins.
Once you arrive, make sure to:
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Try coca tea, a traditional remedy that helps reduce altitude sickness symptoms
- Avoid strenuous activity and give your body time to rest
- Eat light meals, especially during the first 24 hours
- For a smoother acclimatization, we also suggest taking easy-going tours like the Cusco City Tour or the Sacred Valley Tour, which are done by vehicle and involve minimal physical effort. These tours are a great way to enjoy local culture while your body adapts to the altitude.
- Prepare for Altitud Sickness
Can I change the 5-day Salkantay Trek to the 4-day version?
- Yes, it’s possible to change your reservation from the 5-day Salkantay Trek to the 4-day version, as long as we have availability for the new itinerary. In this case, the trek would start one day later than your originally scheduled date, but your arrival at Machu Picchu would remain the same, since entrance tickets to Machu Picchu cannot be modified or rescheduled.
- This adjustment simply involves delaying your trek departure by one day, without changing your visit to Machu Picchu. If you’d like to make this change, please contact us as soon as possible so we can check availability.
Do I need gloves for the Salkantay Trek?
- Yes, it is recommended to bring gloves for the Salkantay Trek, as the first night and the morning of the second day are usually quite cold. Gloves will help protect your hands from the low temperatures. They don’t need to be anything special—any warm pair will do. You can even buy a pair at the local markets in Cusco for around 7 to 10 soles.
Can I change the date, circuit, or name on my Machu Picchu ticket?
- Once the Machu Picchu ticket has been purchased, no modifications can be made. You cannot change the date, the name on the ticket, the entry time, or the type of circuit. If you do not use your ticket on the scheduled date and time, unfortunately, it will be lost.
This is because the tickets are issued by the Government of Peru, and their official policies do not allow any changes or refunds under any circumstances.
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