Exploring the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. The Machu Picchu Hike: 2 Days offers an immersive journey through breathtaking Andean landscapes, culminating in a guided tour of the iconic citadel. Trekkers can expect a scenic bus ride, a challenging hike on the Inca Trail, and an overnight stay in the charming town of Aguas Calientes. With flexible booking options and a cancellation policy that provides peace of mind, this adventure is an enticing choice for those seeking a memorable encounter with Peru’s rich cultural heritage. What makes this two-day trek unique, however, is the opportunity to witness the grandeur of Machu Picchu at a time of day few visitors experience.
Key Points
- This 2-day tour offers an immersive exploration of Machu Picchu, including trekking along the Inca Trail, reaching the Sun Gate, and a guided tour of the archaeological complex.
- The tour includes transportation, guides, one night’s accommodation in Aguas Calientes, and select meals, providing a comprehensive experience.
- The flexible cancellation policy allows for booking now and paying later, offering peace of mind for travelers with unpredictable schedules.
- Highlights of the tour include stunning sunset views from Inti Punku and the optional climb of Huayna Picchu for breathtaking vistas.
- The tour includes all necessary entrance fees and provides the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Tour Overview
The Machu Picchu Hike: 2 Days tour provides an immersive experience exploring the ancient Inca citadel. Priced from $676 per person, this two-day adventure includes round-trip transportation, professional English- and Spanish-speaking guides, and all necessary entrance fees.
Hikers will trek along the Inca Trail, reaching the iconic Sun Gate for breathtaking views of Machu Picchu. After an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, the second day features a guided tour of the archaeological complex, followed by free time to further discover the site.
With a flexible cancellation policy and the option to book now and pay later, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through Peru’s iconic landmarks.
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Itinerary Details
On the first day, hikers are picked up from their hotel in Cusco at 5 am and transported by bus to the Ollantaytambo Railway Station.
From there, they board a train to Kilometre 104, the starting point of the Inca Trail. The hike begins, leading to Chachabamba and then climbing to Wiñay Wayna. Hikers enjoy a picnic lunch with views of historic ruins before trekking to Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate, to witness the sunset over Machu Picchu.
The group then takes a bus to Aguas Calientes for dinner and an overnight stay.
The second day starts with an early breakfast before taking a bus up to Machu Picchu for a two-hour guided tour of the archaeological complex.
Afterwards, hikers have free time to explore on their own or visit Huayna Picchu mountain. The journey concludes with a train back to Ollantaytambo and a bus to Cusco, arriving at the hotel around 9:30 pm.
Inca Trail Hike
Hikers embark on the Inca Trail hike, a renowned trek through the Andes that leads to the iconic Machu Picchu. The journey begins with a pickup from the hotel in Cusco at 5 am, followed by a bus ride to Ollantaytambo Railway Station. From there, a train transports them to Kilometre 104, the starting point of the Inca Trail. Trekkers then hike to Chachabamba and climb to Wiñay Wayna, where they enjoy a picnic lunch with views of historic ruins. The hike continues to Inti Punku (The Sun Gate) for sunset views of Machu Picchu, before reaching Aguas Calientes for dinner and an overnight stay.
Inca Trail Highlights | Description |
---|---|
Chachabamba | Historic Inca ruins |
Wiñay Wayna | Incredible mountain views |
Inti Punku | Witness the sunset over Machu Picchu |
Machu Picchu Exploration
After reaching Aguas Calientes, the group sets out early the next morning for Machu Picchu.
The tour includes a two-hour guided tour of the archaeological complex, allowing visitors to explore this iconic Inca citadel.
Travelers can then enjoy free time to wander on their own, with the option to climb Huayna Picchu mountain for stunning views.
The day concludes with a return bus to Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo, and bus back to Cusco, arriving around 9:30 pm.
The highlights of the Machu Picchu exploration include:
- Guided tour of the Inca citadel
- Free time to explore independently
- Optional climb of Huayna Picchu mountain
- Convenient transportation between sites
Accommodation and Meals
The tour includes one night’s accommodation in Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu.
Visitors will stay in a hotel in this charming town, conveniently located just a short bus ride from the Inca ruins. Meals are also provided, with a picnic lunch and dinner on the first day, and breakfast on the second day.
The picnic lunch is enjoyed with views of historic ruins, while dinner and breakfast are taken in Aguas Calientes. This ensures travelers are fueled for the day’s adventures and activities.
The tour also includes entrance fees for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, as well as the return bus between Aguas Calientes and the ruins.
Booking Flexibility
This tour offers booking flexibility, allowing travelers to reserve now and pay later.
Some key benefits of this flexibility include:
- Secure your spot early to avoid disappointment.
- Have peace of mind knowing your tour is booked, even if you can’t pay right away.
- Flexible payment options make it easier to budget for your trip.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provides added flexibility.
With this booking flexibility, you can plan your Machu Picchu hike with confidence, knowing you can reserve your spot now and take care of the payment details later.
Cancellation Policy
The tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, providing travelers with a full refund should their plans change.
This flexible cancellation policy ensures that customers can book with confidence, knowing they’ve the option to cancel their trip without penalty if necessary.
This can be particularly useful for those with unpredictable schedules or unforeseen circumstances that may arise.
The cancellation policy adds peace of mind and allows travelers to book the Machu Picchu Hike: 2 Days tour without worrying about potential changes to their plans.
Included and Additional Costs
Comprehensive coverage of essential expenses sets the Machu Picchu Hike: 2 Days tour apart, providing travelers with a seamless and worry-free experience.
The tour includes:
- Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free start and end to the journey.
- An English-speaking guide to provide insights and lead the way through the historic Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Comfortable overnight accommodation in Aguas Calientes, complete with breakfast on the second day.
- Entrance fees for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, as well as return bus transportation between Aguas Calientes and the iconic archaeological site.
However, additional expenses like the optional Huayna Picchu entry fee and personal expenses aren’t included in the package price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difficulty Level of the Inca Trail Hike?
The Inca Trail hike is considered moderately challenging. It involves steep ascents, uneven terrain, and high altitudes, but is achievable for fit hikers with some trekking experience. The difficulty level requires preparation and good physical conditioning.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Hike?
Hikers are allowed to bring their own food and snacks on the Inca Trail hike. This can save money and allow for more flexibility during the trek. However, some meals are included in the tour price, so hikers should check the itinerary.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though parents should consider their child’s hiking abilities. The tour operator can provide advice on the suitability for younger children.
Can I Hire a Porter to Carry My Luggage on the Inca Trail?
Yes, you can hire a porter to carry your luggage on the Inca Trail. Porters are available for an additional fee and can help make the hike more comfortable by carrying your belongings.
Is It Possible to Visit Machu Picchu Without Doing the Inca Trail Hike?
Yes, you can visit Machu Picchu without doing the Inca Trail hike. Many travelers opt to take the train to Aguas Calientes and then bus up to the site, avoiding the multi-day trek.
Recap
The Machu Picchu Hike: 2 Days offers an immersive experience through breathtaking landscapes and ancient ruins. With a scenic bus ride, Inca Trail hike, sunset views, and guided exploration of Machu Picchu, this trek provides a memorable journey for adventurers. The flexible booking and cancellation policies make it an ideal option for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the Andes.
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