The Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is a bucket-list adventure for many travelers. Over the course of two days, hikers will journey through Peru’s stunning landscapes, culminating in a guided exploration of the iconic Inca citadel. At $550 per person, this excursion provides round-trip transportation, a hotel stay, and select meals – making it an accessible option for those seeking an immersive experience in a UNESCO World Heritage site. But beyond the practical details, what truly sets this trek apart is the chance to retrace the steps of the Inca, uncovering the rich history and cultural significance of one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological treasures.
Key Points
- The Inca Trail 2-day excursion offers a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu, with prices starting at $550 per person.
- The package includes round-trip transportation, one night’s accommodation, select meals, and essential equipment for the hike.
- The experience highlights include views from Inti Punku (Inca Sun Gate) and a guided tour of the Machu Picchu ruins.
- Participation is restricted for individuals under 15, pregnant women, those with health issues, and those who lack the necessary physical fitness.
- Travelers should bring essential items such as a passport, hat, sunscreen, and cash, while avoiding prohibited items like weapons and alcohol.
Overview and Pricing
The Inca Trail Hike & Machu Picchu Ticket is a 2-day excursion that provides a comprehensive experience, with prices starting from $550.00 per person.
Travelers can reserve their spot and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, a guided hike along the ancient Inca trail, and a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu, all led by an English and Spanish-speaking guide.
The package also includes one night’s accommodation, select meals, and essential equipment, making it a hassle-free way to explore this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Experience Highlights
Along the ancient Inca trail, travelers embark on a captivating journey, seeing panoramic vistas of breathtaking landscapes, mountains, and snow-capped peaks.
Explore the archaeological complex of Wiñay Wayna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and witness the impressive Inti Punku, or Inca Sun Gate, for the first stunning views of the iconic Machu Picchu.
This unforgettable experience culminates in a guided tour of the ancient Inca citadel, allowing visitors to explore the rich history and culture of this remarkable wonder of the world.
Itinerary
Your journey along the Inca Trail commences with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
You’ll then board a train that’ll take you to the starting point of your trek. The hike begins, and after 3 hours, you’ll reach the archaeological complex of Wiñay Wayna.
After exploring this site, you’ll continue to the Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate, for your first glimpse of the iconic Machu Picchu.
From there, you’ll take a bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night.
The following day, you’ll board a bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour before returning by train to Ollantaytambo and then transported back to Cusco.
Inclusions and Equipment
This tour package includes a pre-departure briefing in Cusco, round-trip transportation, and one night’s stay in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
It also provides an expedition train to the start of the trek and back, an English/Spanish guide, and entrance tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
To ensure your safety, the tour includes a first aid kit, oxygen bottle, and satellite phones.
Hiking poles are available for rent. Travel insurance is also included.
Guests are advised to bring essential items like a passport, camera, and cash, and to refrain from bringing restricted items such as weapons and drugs.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information
The Inca Trail hike and Machu Picchu tour package is not suitable for certain individuals, including children under 15, pregnant women, and those with back, heart, or respiratory issues, as well as wheelchair users, people with epilepsy or recent surgeries, and those over 70 years of age. Travelers are advised to bring essential items such as a passport or ID card, hat, camera, sunscreen, cash, and biodegradable insect repellent. Plus, the following items are not allowed on the excursion: weapons, sharp objects, baby strollers, alcohol, drugs, and explosive substances. A good level of physical fitness is required to fully enjoy this adventure.
Not Suitable For | What to Bring | Not Allowed |
---|---|---|
Children under 15 | Passport/ID | Weapons |
Pregnant women | Hat, camera | Sharp objects |
Back/heart/respiratory issues | Sunscreen, cash | Baby strollers |
Wheelchair users | Insect repellent | Alcohol, drugs, explosives |
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Restrictions
Certain individuals are restricted from participating in the Inca Trail hike and Machu Picchu tour package.
Children under 15 years, pregnant women, and those with back, heart, or respiratory issues, as well as wheelchair users, people with epilepsy or recent surgeries, and individuals over 70 years old, aren’t permitted to join the excursion.
These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants.
Plus, the tour prohibits the use of weapons, sharp objects, baby strollers, alcohol, drugs, and explosive substances.
Maintaining a certain level of physical fitness is also required for this challenging hike through the Andes.
What to Bring
Participants should remember to bring their passport or ID card, as they’ll be required to present it at various checkpoints along the Inca Trail and when entering Machu Picchu.
Along With their identification, hikers should pack the following essentials:
- A hat to protect against the sun
- Sunscreen to prevent sunburn
- Biodegradable insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes
Cash is also recommended for any purchases or tips along the way.
It’s important to avoid bringing any prohibited items, such as weapons, sharp objects, or alcohol, to ensure a safe and enjoyable Inca Trail experience.
Physical Fitness
Physical fitness is a crucial prerequisite for embarking on the Inca Trail hike. The trail involves strenuous trekking through rugged terrain, with steep ascents and descents.
Participants must be able to walk for several hours at a time, carry their own daypacks, and navigate challenging pathways. A good level of cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility is essential.
Those with back, heart, or respiratory issues, as well as the elderly or very young, may find the hike too physically demanding. Prospective hikers should consult with their healthcare providers and train adequately before the trek.
Proper preparation ensures a safe and enjoyable experience traversing the iconic Inca Trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Trek?
Yes, hikers can bring their own food and snacks on the trek. However, the tour provider recommends using the meals and snacks included in the package to ensure proper nourishment and hydration during the hike.
Is There an Option for a Private or Group Tour?
Yes, there are options for private or group tours. Travelers can choose between a private tour with a dedicated guide or join a small group tour to share the experience with others. Both options provide a personalized and guided excursion.
Can I Leave My Luggage in Cusco While on the Trek?
Yes, you can leave your main luggage in Cusco while you’re on the Inca Trail trek. Many tour providers offer storage services at their offices or your hotel so you don’t have to carry unnecessary items.
What Is the Average Group Size for the Tour?
The average group size for this tour is typically between 6 and 15 participants. This allows for a personalized experience while maintaining a comfortable group dynamic during the hike and exploration of Machu Picchu.
Is There an Option to Extend the Trek to 3 or 4 Days?
Yes, there are options to extend the trek to 3 or 4 days. Longer treks provide more time to explore the Inca ruins and scenic landscapes along the way. Hikers should inquire about these alternative itineraries when booking their tour.
Recap
The Inca Trail Hike 2 Day & Machu Picchu Ticket offers an unforgettable adventure through Peru’s stunning landscapes, culminating in a guided exploration of the iconic Machu Picchu. With round-trip transportation, hotel accommodations, and select meals included, this excursion provides an immersive experience in a UNESCO World Heritage site. A good level of physical fitness is essential for this challenging yet rewarding trek along the ancient Inca Trail.
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