Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
The 2-Day Inca Trail Hike is a shorter alternative to the classic Inca Trail, offering an unforgettable introduction to one of Latin America’s most iconic treks. With Howlanders, your journey begins with pickup from your accommodation in Cuzco, followed by a transfer to Ollantaytambo. There, you’ll board the scenic panoramic train toward Machu Picchu, heading to the starting point of the Short Inca Trail.
You’ll set off on the hike with a professional guide who will share insights about the natural landscapes and archaeological sites along the way, including Wiñaywayna and the famous Sun Gate, the gateway to the ancient Inca citadel. After spending the night in Aguas Calientes, you'll enjoy a guided visit to Machu Picchu the following morning. The experience ends with a return train ride to Ollantaytambo and a shuttle back to your accommodation in Cuzco.
What's included
Train Ticket (Aguas Caliente - Ollantaytambo)
Professional guide (Spanish / English)
Hotel pick up & drop off
1 night Hotel *** accommodation
Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
Train ticket (Ollantaytambo - KM 104)
Breakfast day 1 & lunch day 2
Tips to porters
Bus to Machu Picchu (optional)
What to expect
Day 1: Cusco - Km. 104 - Aguas Calientes
Cusco
2h
The day before your adventure begins, you'll meet your guide and fellow travelers for a pre-tour briefing. During this meeting, you'll receive all the important information and have the chance to ask any questions, ensuring you're fully prepared to make the most of your experience. Now you're all set—let the adventure begin!
START: You'll be picked up early in the morning and driven to the Ollantaytambo train station to catch the 6:10 AM train. This scenic ride will take you to kilometer 104—the starting point of your 2-day Inca Trail Hike adventure.
Inca Trail
4h · Admission ticket included
At kilometer 104, your hike begins with a three-hour trek to the Wiñaywayna Archaeological Site, located at 2,600 meters above sea level. This impressive site is thought to have housed the priests of ancient Machu Picchu. After exploring, you'll enjoy a well-deserved lunch and some rest before continuing your journey along the Inca Trail. Eventually, you'll reach the iconic Sun Gate, offering your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes
3h
From there, you’ll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you'll check in to the accommodation you selected when booking your tour. The evening is yours to relax—perhaps visit the local hot springs, enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants, or simply explore the charming town.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
7h · Admission ticket included
You'll start the day bright and early with breakfast at your hostel to recharge for the adventure ahead. At 5:30 AM, you'll board one of the first buses up to the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
Once inside the ancient Inca citadel, you’ll enjoy a two-hour guided tour, where you'll learn about its fascinating history and architecture. After the tour, you'll have free time to explore the site at your own pace before heading back to Aguas Calientes by bus.
Once inside the Inca citadel, you will enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the archaeological site, with plenty of time to enjoy it on your own until it's time to take the bus back to Aguas Calientes.
Cusco
2h
In the afternoon, you'll catch the 2:55 PM train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, a minibus will be waiting to take you back to the center of Cuzco, marking the end of your unforgettable 2-day Inca Trail Hike experience.
Meeting and pickup
Pickup details
Any accommodation in Cusco.
Additional information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
