Exploring the ancient Inca Trail is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. This 2-day tour from Cusco promises an immersive journey through Peru’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Hikers will traverse the Andean mountains, discover archaeological gems, and unwind in Aguas Calientes before the grand finale at Machu Picchu. With flexible booking options and reasonable pricing, it’s an accessible way to check this iconic destination off your list. But to truly appreciate the allure of this trek, one must dive deeper into the captivating details that make it an unforgettable adventure.
Key Points
- This 2-day tour from Cusco offers an immersive exploration of the Inca Trail, culminating in a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu.
- The tour includes roundtrip transportation, a bilingual guide, entrance fees, and select meals, with an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
- Highlights of the tour include hiking the Andean trail, visiting archaeological sites like Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy, and experiencing panoramic views from the Puerta del Sol.
- The tour can be booked without any upfront payment, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
- Advance booking of at least 2 months is required due to the tour’s limited availability and high popularity.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu offers a 2-day excursion from Cusco, priced from $800.00 per person.
Guests can reserve now and pay later with no upfront payment required. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour lasts 2 days, with flexible starting times based on availability. Highlights include hiking stunning Andean trails, visiting key sites within Machu Picchu, and spending the night in Aguas Calientes with dinner included.
The tour includes roundtrip transportation, a bilingual guide, entrance fees, and select meals.
Advance booking of at least 2 months is required, and a WhatsApp number is needed for the reservation.
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Experience Highlights
On the Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu, hikers will traverse Andean trails that offer stunning landscape views. They’ll visit key archaeological centers like Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy along the way. The highlight is crossing the Sacred River and ascending to Puerta del Sol, which provides panoramic vistas of the iconic Machu Picchu citadel. After the day’s trek, hikers will spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, with dinner included.
Experience | Description |
---|---|
Andean Trail Hiking | Stunning landscapes |
Archaeological Sites | Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy |
Puerta del Sol | Panoramic views of Machu Picchu |
Aguas Calientes | Hotel stay and dinner |
Itinerary Details
Commencing at dawn, guests are picked up from their hotel in Cusco for the 65-mile train journey to Ollantaytambo, the excursion’s starting point.
The first day’s hike leads to the archaeological center of Wiñaywayna, where explorers can wander. The journey then continues to the iconic Machu Picchu, descending to Aguas Calientes for dinner and an overnight stay.
On the second day, an early morning visit to Machu Picchu allows for:
- Exploring the critical areas of the citadel.
- Climbing to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain for panoramic views.
- Returning to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon via train.
Day 1 Itinerary
Guests embark on their Inca Trail adventure with an early-morning pickup from their Cusco hotel.
They’ll board the train for a 65-mile journey to Ollantaytambo, the starting point of the hike. From there, they’ll begin their trek along Andean trails, taking in the stunning landscape views.
The first stop is Wiñaywayna, an important archaeological center, where they’ll explore the ruins. Continuing on, they’ll cross the Sacred River and ascend to Puerta del Sol for panoramic vistas of Machu Picchu.
Descending to Aguas Calientes, they’ll check into their hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner before resting up for the next day’s adventures.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyDay 2 Itinerary
Eager anticipation fills the air as the second day dawns. The tour group embarks on an early morning visit to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu citadel.
They explore critical areas of the ancient Inca site, including:
- The iconic Sun Gate, offering panoramic vistas of the sprawling ruins.
- The Temple of the Sun, a testament to the Inca’s architectural mastery.
- An optional climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, providing breathtaking views from above.
After a thorough exploration, the group takes the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a return journey to Cusco, completing this immersive Inca Trail adventure.
Tour Inclusions
The 2-day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu includes a comprehensive suite of services and amenities. Travelers enjoy hotel pickup and return to Cusco, as well as the services of a bilingual Spanish-English guide and an assistant guide for groups over 8 people. The tour also includes:
Inclusions | |
---|---|
Transportation | Train, bus |
Entrance Fees | Machu Picchu, Inca Trail |
Meals | 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner |
Accommodation | Hotel in Aguas Calientes |
Additional | Oxygen, first aid, Huayna Picchu access |
Plus, the tour provides round-trip transfers from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. This comprehensive package ensures a worry-free Inca Trail experience.
Important Information
To reserve the 2-day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu, travelers must provide a WhatsApp number and book the tour at least two months in advance. This is to ensure availability, as the tour has limited spots and is a popular activity.
Some key things to keep in mind:
- A WhatsApp number is required for the reservation process.
- The tour must be booked at least 2 months prior to the desired travel dates.
- This is an important consideration, as last-minute bookings may not be possible.
Reservation and Cancellation
For the 2-day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu, travelers can reserve their spot with a simple WhatsApp message. The tour must be booked at least two months in advance, and no upfront payment is required. Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
Reservation | Cancellation |
---|---|
WhatsApp number required | Free up to 24 hours in advance |
Book 2+ months ahead | Full refund |
No upfront payment | – |
Reserve now, pay later | – |
Check availability | – |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Hiking Boots Required for the Inca Trail Portion?
Yes, hiking boots are typically required for the Inca Trail portion of the tour. They provide the necessary support and traction on the rugged, uneven terrain of the Andean trails.
What Are the Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour has no age restrictions, though it’s recommended for fit participants over 10 years old. Families with children can join, but the strenuous hike may be challenging for younger kids.
Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated for the Included Meals?
Yes, the tour operator can accommodate dietary restrictions for the included meals. Customers should notify the company of any special dietary needs when booking the tour, so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Water/Snacks During the Hike?
Hikers should bring their own water and snacks during the Inca Trail hike, as the tour only includes specific meals. It’s recommended to pack enough provisions to stay hydrated and energized throughout the trek.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to More Than 2 Days?
Yes, there are options to extend the Inca Trail tour beyond 2 days. Longer tours typically span 4-5 days, allowing hikers to explore more of the trail and Machu Picchu in greater depth.
Recap
This 2-day Inca Trail tour from Cusco is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a memorable adventure to Machu Picchu. With a focus on stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and convenient inclusions, it provides a comprehensive and hassle-free experience. Flexible booking options and a free cancellation policy further enhance the appeal, making it an appealing option for those planning their journey to this iconic Peruvian destination.
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