Smoll Group | Inca Trail 2 Days – New Route to Machu Picchu

The Smoll Group offers a unique opportunity for adventurous travelers to experience the Inca Trail’s stunning scenery without the challenges of traditional camping. This 2-day tour to Machu Picchu follows a new route, promising an unforgettable journey for a maximum of 8 participants. With a moderate 12 km hike, comfortable accommodations, and expert guidance, this compact itinerary caters to those seeking breathtaking vistas and the chance to discover the iconic ancient citadel. But what we love about this tour, and why might it be the perfect choice for your next Peruvian adventure?

This experience made our list of the 8 Best 2 Day Tours In Andes Mountains Peru.

Key Points

• This 2-day compact tour to Machu Picchu starts from $685 per person and has a maximum group size of 8 participants.
• The new route begins at KM 104, allowing hikers to avoid the initial ascent and reach the Sun Gate for sunset views before descending to Aguas Calientes.
• The first-day hike is moderate, covering 12 km over 6 hours, while the second day involves a 4 km, 2-hour walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, bilingual guide, train transportation, bus service, entrance fees, basic accommodation, and select meals, but excludes non-mentioned meals and certain activities.
• Customers have praised the guide’s exceptional support, knowledge, and ability to adjust the pace to accommodate varying fitness levels, enhancing the overall experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This two-day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu offers a small group experience, with a maximum of 8 participants.

Priced from $685 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, train transportation, bus service to Machu Picchu, entrance fees, and basic accommodation with meals.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot now without paying upfront.

The tour duration is 2 days, providing a compact yet immersive journey through this iconic Incan landmark.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with an early 5:00 am hotel pickup in Cusco, followed by a bus ride to the Ollantaytambo Railway Station.

From there, participants take a train to Km 104, where the hike begins. The first day involves a moderate 6-hour, 12 km hike to Chachabamba and Wiñayhuayna.

After a picnic lunch, the group continues to the Sun Gate for sunset views of Machu Picchu. Participants can then take a bus or walk down to Aguas Calientes.

On the second day, the group takes a bus up to Machu Picchu for a 2-hour guided tour, followed by lunch in Aguas Calientes.

The journey back to Cusco involves a train to Ollantaytambo and a bus.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes several key items, such as hotel pick-up and return transfer, an English and Spanish speaking guide, tourist train transportation, bus rides to and from Machu Picchu, entrance fees, basic accommodation with breakfast, and select meals. However, not everything is included, as certain expenses like non-mentioned meals, the Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance, and the first-day bus down to Aguas Calientes are excluded.

Includes	Excludes
Hotel pick-up and return transfer	Meals not mentioned
English and Spanish speaking guide	Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain
Tourist train transportation	First-day bus down to Aguas Calientes
Buses up and down to Machu Picchu	Dinner on the second day
Entrance to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu	Breakfast on the first day
Accommodation with breakfast in Aguas Calientes	–
Meals: First day box lunch and dinner, second day breakfast and lunch	–
Oxygen and first aid kit	–

Important Information

Certain individuals may find this tour unsuitable, including pregnant women, people with heart problems, and wheelchair users.

Tour participants are advised to bring essential items such as their passport or ID, a change of clothes, and biodegradable insect repellent.

Plus, the following items aren’t allowed on the tour:

• Drones
• Alcohol
• Drugs

It’s important to note that no refunds will be provided for cancellations due to strikes or weather conditions. In such cases, alternative dates may be offered.

Hikers should be prepared for the challenging terrain and be aware of the guide’s instructions throughout the journey.

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Customer Reviews

Based on the 1 review provided, customers have described the Inca Trail 2-day tour as an exceptional experience. A New Zealand traveler, Kirsty, raved about the tour, calling it "one of the best experiences of her life." While she acknowledged the difficulty of the first day’s hike, she emphasized the stunning views along the way. Kirsty also praised the knowledgeable and supportive guide, Herbert, and recommended the tour for anyone planning to visit Machu Picchu, especially with the added option to climb Huachu Piccu mountain.

Review Factors	Customer Feedback
Overall Rating	5/5
Difficulty Level	Challenging but worth it
Guide Performance	Knowledgeable and supportive
Recommended for	Anyone visiting Machu Picchu
Highlight	Breathtaking views

New Route to Machu Picchu

What makes this 2-day Inca Trail itinerary a new route to Machu Picchu? Unlike the classic 4-day Inca Trail trek, this alternative route offers a more condensed yet equally rewarding experience.

The highlights include:

• Starting at the trailhead KM 104, bypassing the initial ascent
• Hiking to the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for stunning Machu Picchu views at sunset
• Staying overnight in the town of Aguas Calientes, rather than camping
• Visiting Machu Picchu on the second day with a guided tour
• Completing the return journey via train and bus, minimizing physical exertion

This new 2-day Inca Trail itinerary provides an accessible option for those with limited time or fitness levels, without compromising the breathtaking scenery and culture of the full trek.

Inca Trail Difficulty Levels

The Inca Trail trek presents varying degrees of difficulty, catering to a range of fitness levels and hiking experiences.

The first day’s hike to Chachabamba and Wiñayhuayna is classified as moderate, covering a distance of 12 km over 6 hours. This section involves ascents and descents, so hikers should be prepared for a moderate-to-challenging trek.

In contrast, the second-day walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is considered easy, lasting approximately 2 hours over 4 km.

Regardless of the difficulty, the stunning landscapes and historical significance of the Inca Trail make it a bucket-list experience for many. Proper preparation, including physical conditioning and packing the right gear, is key to ensuring a memorable and enjoyable journey.

Guide’s Support and Knowledge

One key highlight from the customer review was the guide’s exceptional support and knowledge throughout the trek.

The reviewer, Kirsty from New Zealand, praised the guide Herbert for his unwavering assistance and deep understanding of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

As mentioned, the guide’s expertise was instrumental in making the trek an unforgettable experience, even during the more challenging first day.

Some of the ways the guide enhanced the tour include:

• Providing detailed historical and cultural information about the sites
• Offering tips and guidance to navigate the difficult terrain
• Ensuring the group’s safety and well-being throughout the journey
• Adjusting the pace to accommodate different fitness levels
• Enhancing the overall experience with insightful commentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The average group size for this tour is limited to 8 participants. The tour operator states that the group size is kept small to provide a more personalized and intimate experience for the travelers.

Is There an Option to Book a Private Tour?

This tour does not offer a private option. It is a small group tour limited to 8 participants. The tour’s itinerary and inclusions are fixed, though travelers can purchase additional services at their own expense.

Do You Provide Any Altitude Sickness Medication or Supplements?

The tour company doesn’t provide altitude sickness medication or supplements, but they recommend that guests bring their own and consult a doctor before the trip. They do have oxygen and first aid kits available during the hike.

Can I Book This Tour for a Different Date if I Need To?

Yes, you can book the tour for a different date if needed. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing you to change your travel dates with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

There’s no explicit minimum age requirement mentioned, but the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with heart problems, or wheelchair users. Participants should be physically able to handle the moderate hiking on the first day.

Recap

The Smoll Group’s 2-day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu offers an unparalleled opportunity for adventurous travelers. With a moderate 12 km hike, stunning sunset views, comfortable accommodations, and knowledgeable guides, this compact itinerary delivers breathtaking scenery without the demands of traditional camping. It’s an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore the Inca Trail’s new route and the iconic Machu Picchu.

You can check if your dates are available here: