Thrilling 2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Your Private Adventure Awaits
Private Guided Trek, Hotel Comfort, and Spectacular Views of Machu Picchu!
Say Goodbye to Tents and Hello to Luxury.
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2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Short on time? Our 2-day trek offers a full day of classic Inca Trail hiking, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and hotel accommodation—no tents! Enjoy the Cloud Forest, archaeological sites, and stunning views from the Sun Gate.
Start from Cusco or the Sacred Valley at the same price. Book at least 2 months in advance for guaranteed availability. Note: The Inca Trail is closed in February, but Machu Picchu remains open.
2 DAY INCA TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS:
Enter Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate
No buses. No crowds. You hike in like the Incas did — and Machu Picchu reveals itself in the morning light, just for you.
Hike the most scenic section of the Inca Trail
From KM 104 to the citadel: orchids, cloud forests, stone stairways, and the stunning Wiñay Wayna ruins along the way.
Private service from start to finish
Your own guide. Your own pace. No strangers, no stress. Just you and the Andes, on your terms.
No camping required
Enjoy the magic of the Inca Trail by day — and sleep in a cozy hotel in Aguas Calientes by night.
All logistics handled
We take care of permits, train tickets, Machu Picchu entry, transport, and your box lunch. You just bring the legs and the attitude.
Itinerary Overview – 2 Day Inca Trail (Private Tour)
Day 1: Step Into the Inca Trail – Sacred Valley/Cusco → KM 104 → Sun Gate → Aguas Calientes
We pick you up early — 4:00 AM from Cusco, or 5:40 AM from Ollantaytambo or Urubamba (same price, more sleep). You board the train at Ollantaytambo, watching the Urubamba River twist below as you head deep into the Andes.
At KM 104, you step off the train and onto the legendary 2 Day Inca Trail.
After a passport check and a quick breath, you cross the suspension bridge — and begin to climb.
The trail rises through dense cloud forest and ancient Inca terraces.
🕒 Hike time: ~3 hours to Wiñay Wayna, a stunning archaeological site perched on a hillside, often empty, always magical.
You rest, explore, and snack. Then it’s time for the final push.
🕒 Another 2 hours of hiking through lush trails, narrow staircases, and breathtaking views.
And then — the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
The first glimpse of Machu Picchu is nothing short of cinematic.
Quiet. Majestic. Real.
You descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where your hotel and a well-earned shower await. Rest up — tomorrow, you explore the citadel up close. Overnight in Tierra Viva Hotel or similar
Hiking time: Approx. 6-7 hours
Distance: Approx. 11 km (6.8 mi)
Elevation: Low – 2,030 m / 6,658 ft; High – 2,650 m / 8,692 ft
Day 2 | Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco:
Rise with the sun. At 5:00 a.m., you’ll wake, groggy but fueled by anticipation, to catch a 5:30 a.m. bus that will take you through misty valleys and twisting paths, arriving at the gates of Machu Picchu as dawn breaks. With your seasoned guide—the same one who trekked alongside you on the Inca Trail—you’ll set out on a private, no-rush exploration along Circuit 1, the path made for those who arrive by foot after days of adventure. This route gives you access to most of Machu Picchu, from iconic vistas to hidden nooks, weaving together history, wonder, and a touch of mystery.
Your journey back to civilization is set for 2:30 p.m., with a train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, where a transfer will whisk you back to Cusco by 6:00 p.m. But if you want to linger, to soak in a little more of this ancient wonder, drop us a line at bookings@pie-experiences.com to grab an earlier 10:30 a.m. train—or a later 7:00 p.m. departure if the urge to wander wins out.
This isn’t just a tour; it’s an invitation to walk in the footsteps of the past, with options to make it as spontaneous or as structured as you please. After all, this is your adventure—embrace it.
Guided tour duration: Approx. 2 hours
Travel time back: Afternoon 2:30pm or 4:30 pm according to availability.
⚠️ Important Update – Effective November 2025
As of November 2025, all Inca Trail permits include access to Machu Picchu only on the same day you complete the hike, and only to Circuit 1.
Circuit 1 gives access to the upper part of Machu Picchu — including the iconic viewpoint for the postcard photo — but does not include the main archaeological areas found in Circuits 2 and 3.
What We’ve Done for You
To ensure you enjoy a more complete and meaningful visit, we have updated our tour prices to include an additional entrance ticket for Day 2, with access to:
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Circuit 2 (the most comprehensive route), or
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Circuit 3 (central area of the ruins)
➡️ This gives you more time, more access, and the chance to explore Machu Picchu without the rush of Day 1.
Availability for these circuits depends on the time of booking — we always secure the best option available for you.
Important Information:
When you book the Inca Trail, you gain access to Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu, offering extensive exploration of this iconic site. If you wish to extend your visit, additional options are available at the time of booking. For more details about other Machu Picchu circuits, please refer to the following link.
If you have any extra questions please contact us
Important Booking Notice
One minute after completing your payment, you’ll receive an automatic email. Please check your inbox (including spam) and fill out the form within 48 hours to secure your tickets. This step is essential to confirm your reservation.
Which Extra Circuit Should You Buy?
- If You’re an Inca Architecture Geek:
Circuit 2 and Circuit 3 are your playgrounds! 🏛️ These routes will let you nerd out on all the intricate stonework, hidden temples, and mysterious structures that make Machu Picchu an architectural wonder. - For History Buffs:
Pick any circuit, and you’re in for a treat! 📜 Each path will tell you a different part of the Machu Picchu story, from ancient myths to Inca rituals. Just get ready to geek out on all the juicy history facts! - Photographers on the Hunt for That Perfect Shot:
Circuit 1 and the hikes up to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu are your dream come true. 📸✨ These routes have all the epic viewpoints, postcard-worthy angles, and jaw-dropping scenery you need to fill up your camera roll (and make your friends jealous). - Adventurers, This Way!
Love a good physical challenge? 🧗 Go for the Circuit 3 Caverns or the Machu Picchu Mountain Hike. These trails are steeper, wilder, and way less crowded. Plus, you get to explore hidden corners of Machu Picchu that most tourists never see. Now that’s how to do Machu Picchu like a pro. - Families with Kids or Elderly Travelers:
Go for Circuit 3! 🧳👵 This route is shorter, with fewer stairs and a more relaxed pace, making it perfect for little explorers or those who prefer an easier walk. You’ll still see some great archaeological sites without the rush or crowds of the other circuits.
Choose your extra circuit wisely and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Andes! 😎🌄
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Use Code EARLY25: Book Your Exclusive Journey Now and Enjoy 5% Off. Secure Your Spot 2 Months in Advance for the Best Deal!
Why book with us
In-depth local expertise
No middleman commissions
Friendly booking platform
Secure payment system
Comprehensive customer support
Sustainable Travel Operator
Book with flexibility
Our Impact on This Tour 🌿
When you book the 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, your experience goes beyond just visiting a world wonder:
Supporting Local Education
Every box lunch you enjoy is prepared by El Albergue, a restaurant that donates a portion of its revenue to fund scholarships for children in the Sacred Valley through the Kuska School.
Empowering Local Communities
We exclusively work with local guides who are fluent in Quechua, Spanish, and English, ensuring your adventure is guided by those who call these lands home.
Environmental Preservation
1% of your tour purchase is contributed to sustainabletravel.org to support carbon offset projects, protecting the delicate Andean ecosystem for future generations. Additionally, our box lunches are made with organic ingredients, and the packaging is an eco-friendly cloth material—completely plastic-free.
Contributing to Child Health
During your stay at Tierra Viva Hotels, a 100% Peruvian-owned hotel chain, you’re also supporting their alliance with the Vida Wasi Children’s Hospital in the Sacred Valley. This partnership promotes child health by providing crucial support to reduce the rate of infant mortality and ensure early diagnosis of complex pediatric diseases.
Book with PIE EXPERIENCES – Effortless & Secure
Just Three Steps: Name, tour date, and email – quick and easy. Secure Payment: Through our trusted US platform. Simple Updates: Add your details effortlessly after booking.
Book with confidence – your adventure starts here!
Risk-Free Booking
Book with confidence.Enjoy free cancellation within 48 hours of making your reservation,giving you peace of mind as you plan your trip.
For tours including Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, please check our booking and cancellation policies for specific terms.
Travel with confidence knowing that if your plans change, we’re here to make things right. With us, there’s nothing to lose – just incredible adventures to gain.
Book Now Pay Later
Simply pay an initial deposit per person and pay the rest later.
What our travellers are talking about our experiences?
Please read our full article about what to expect on the 2 Day Inca trail trek
FAQs: 2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Is a permit required for the 2-Day Inca Trail?
Yes, a permit is necessary. Ensure you book in advance, as permits are limited. As part of our commitment to providing a hassle-free experience, please note that when you book a tour with us, we handle the necessary permits for your Inca Trail entry. These permits are included in your package, offering you peace of mind and ensuring you have a secured spot for this remarkable journey.
Is Machu Picchu entry included?
Yes, the tour includes entry to Machu Picchu on the circuit 5 . Enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological site.
What hotel do we stay at in Aguas Calientes?
You’ll stay at the Tierra Viva Machu Picchu, a 4-star hotel offering comfort and an ideal location for your visit to Machu Picchu. We ensure you have a restful night before your day exploring this magical site.
Can I upgrade my hotel?
Absolutely! If you’d like to enhance your stay, you can choose to upgrade to EL MAPI Hotel or Inkaterra for a premium experience. This upgrade option is available during the online booking process for your convenience. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at bookings@pie-experiences.com.
What is the difficulty level of the trail?
It is a moderate trek, suitable for most fitness levels. Steep sections are balanced with breathtaking scenery.
Where should I leave my big luggage?
For the 2-Day Inca Trail, we recommend leaving your larger luggage at your respective hotel in either Cusco or Ollantaytambo, where most hotels offer free luggage storage. Alternatively, you can also leave your luggage at the Inca Rail station in Ollantaytambo, which provides a complimentary luggage storage service. This allows you to travel light during the trek, bringing only what you need for the duration of the trail. Additionally, the hotel in Aguas Calientes provides amenities such as towels, shampoo, and soaps for your convenience.
Do I need to bring my camping gear?
No, the 2-day trek includes accommodation in a comfortable hotel. No camping is required.
What should I pack for the trek?
Pack essentials: comfortable clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a daypack, water, snacks, passport, sunblock and a camera.
Are meals provided during the trek?
Yes, all meals are included except the last lunch. Enjoy delicious Peruvian cuisine prepared by experienced cooks.
Is altitude sickness a concern?
Altitude sickness is typically a concern on the 4-day Inca Trail due to higher altitudes. However, the 2-day trail is designed at lower elevations, minimizing the risk of altitude-related issues.
Can I hire a porter for my belongings?
Due to the relatively short distance covered on the 2-Day Inca Trail, we do not offer porter services for this particular trek. The trek itself is designed to be manageable, with a total duration of around 6 hours. We recommend that participants carry a small backpack with a maximum weight of 8 kilograms (approximately 17.6 pounds). This approach allows you to enjoy the trek comfortably and connect more closely with the experience while ensuring that you have the essentials for the journey. Additionally, the hotel in Aguas Calientes provides amenities such as towels, shampoo, and soaps for your convenience.
What is the best time to do the 2-Day Inca Trail?
The dry season (April to October) offers the best trekking conditions, but the trail is open year-round except February.
Can I extend my stay in Machu Picchu after the trek?
Yes, you can extend your visit. Coordinate with us for additional arrangements.
What’s the Best Way to Hike the 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
The best way to experience the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is by booking a private tour with a local expert. At Pie Experiences, we offer a fully personalized experience that includes Inca Trail permits, transfers, a professional guide, hotel accommodation, box lunch, and your Machu Picchu entrance.
Unlike group tours, our private trek gives you flexibility, intimacy, and the chance to connect deeply with the sacred landscape. You’ll hike from KM 104, visit Wiñay Wayna, and reach the Sun Gate for that unforgettable first glimpse of Machu Picchu—without the need for camping.
It’s the perfect choice for travelers who want the full magic of the Inca Trail condensed into two powerful days.
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DepartureCUSCO OR OLLANTAYTAMBO
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Departure Time4:00 AM
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Return Time6:00PM
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IncludedEntry ticket to Inca TrailEntry ticket to MachupicchuEmail with Pre departure briefing informationPrivate transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the train station in OllantaytamboTrain from Ollantaytambo to km. 104 at 7:22 amEntrance to Inca trail and to Machu PicchuPrivate bilingual professional guide (English and Spanish)First Aid Kit1 breakfast, 1 box lunch, 1 dinnerBus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on day 1 and buses to and from Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes on day 23* accommodation in Aguas CalientesTrain from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo on day 2 at 2:30 pmPrivate transfer from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
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Not IncludedLast lunch in Aguas CalientesTips
My girlfriend and I visited Peru for 2 weeks in November 2022. We have booked 3 different tours with PIE Experience: Sacred Valley, 2 days Inca Trail & Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain. The experience was top notch, with experimented guides (Juan & Rodrigo) very helpful and knowledgeable. Katherine, the main organiser of these trips, took care of everything for us; all promises and different set ups were delivered and very professionaly handled. She’s always answering quickly to WhatApp messages and she has been helping us with all our questions well and beyond the booked tours.
I would highly recommend PIE Experience 💪👍🤩 for your future visit to this amazing country, Peru 🇵🇪
My two friends and I booked with Pie Experiences (pronounced like the word foot in Spanish, not the dessert like I initially thought!) for their 2-Day Inca Trail, starting the hike at Km 104. At first, we were in contact with Katherine. I just wanted to start by saying that this person is FANTASTIC. She is responsive, extremely nice, caring, fun to talk to, and the most helpful person. She made sure from behind the scenes that we were taken care of the entire time. We kept in contact through Whatsapp and I felt that she had our best interest in planning this trip. Our tour guide, Juan, was phenomenal. Juan showed up on time at our hotel on the first day in Ollanta and was extremely friendly and down to earth. We initially booked through Pie Experiences because we wanted to do the 2 day Machu Picchu hike and this company offered a great price with the amenities that we desired. I think what separates this company from other travel companies is not only the hospitality but the friendliness, attentiveness, and earnest attitudes that everyone in the company exudes. I cannot speak any more highly of everyone that I interacted with. Again, I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for a great experience in Peru.
Henry was a fantastic guide! The hike and visit to Machu Picchu was an amazing experience. I couldn’t imagine visiting Machu Picchu any other way. Feedback: we enjoyed the sack lunch but may a preferred a little more information to help guide our choices. PIE was helpful getting our luggage transferred from the Sacred Valley to Cusco. Couldn’t have had a better experience.
Amazing experience! The 7 mile trek was so rewarding upon reaching the sun gate and visiting Machu Picchu. Our guide Rodrigo was fantastic!! He was knowledgeable about the plants along the trip; including pointing out all of the different types of orchids. I would recommend the experience and request Rodrigo as a guide. 🙂
It was a great experience. Katherine was very responsive to any questions we had. Our guide Rodrigo was really good. He not only filled us in on the history of the area and ruins but pointed out various plants, herbs and orchids to us. It was enjoying hiking (12kms). We also got lucky in that the it was a clear and sunny day. We were rewarded with a stunning view once we reached Sun Gate. The hotel reservation at Agua Caliente was very comfortable and in the center of the town. I’d highly recommend this tour with Pie Experiences.
12 Reviews
We used Pie Experiences for our travel arrangements in Peru. From the very start Katherine at Pie was extremely helpful providing advice and answering questions ahead of and during the trip. We went on the two day Inca trail and Machu Picchu tour including Wayna Picchu mountain. Our guide for the trip was Rodrigo Ccama, who was an excellent host during the two days. He provided an excellent explanation of both the Incas and the ruins along the trail as well as Macchu Picchu. This was an exceptional experience for all of us. Peru is a fascinating place to visit, with some dramatic landscapes, magnificent historical sites and great food.
We had a wonderful experience walking the 2-day Inka trail to Macchu Picchu! This site is indeed a world-level wonder that should be on everybody’s bucket list. It is even better when reached after either a full day hike (what we did) or a 3-day option. The walk exposes you to additional sites on the way and the strenuous walk adds to the experience when crossing the Sun Gate and gaining the first sights onto the incredible site.
Katherine was excellent in helping us organize the trip, gave us options and was flexible to our needs. Juan de la Cruz, our guide, was wonderful: helpful, attentive, knowledgeable, accommodating and very nice.
The hotel we stayed at in Aqua Callientes far exceeded our expectations as well as the fantastic lunch bags.
Highly recommended trip and definitely a good tour company to help organize it.