- Availability: Available now
- Group size: 2-10
- Tour Type: experiential/cultural/adventurous
- Max. Elevation: 2700 meters above sea level
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Camping 2D/1N
510 USD Per person
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Camping 2 Days 1 Night
2-day Inca Trail with camping is one of the bucket list trip for anyone planning a journey to Machu Picchu. It gives you a taste of the 4-day Classic Inca Trail hike but it takes half the time and requires less than half the physical exertion. The Short Inca Trail with camping is a premium trip planned by IncaGo Expeditions and that involves on the 2-day hike to Machu Picchu with a tour guide, cook and porters. You are going to spend 1 night in the Machu Picchu camping in Puente Ruinas and see the sacred Machu Picchu mountain. IncaGo have quality service, all-inclusive and you don’t need to bring any camping equipment.
Enjoy lush vegetation of the Machu Picchu cloud forest and birdwatch its exotic birds such as: Cock of the rocks, Andean guans, grey toucans and Andean motmot to mention a few. Along the Inca trail you can also observe different types of wild orchids, bromeliads, ferns and bamboo. Explore the ancient Chachabamba Inca ruins. Walk from corner to corner around Wiñaywayna, known like Mini Machu Picchu, due it is an Inca citadel very similar to Machu Picchu but 10 times smaller. Then hike via the Intipunku or the Sun Gate, which is a small ruin from where you will take the classic Inca trail hikers photo. Also from the Sun Gate you will have the first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
1 more hour hiking on the Inca Trail to arrive to Machu Picchu citadel, where you will live a stunning sunset over the lost city of the Incas. Ending the Short Inca Trail and after taking memorable photos in Machu Picchu in a perfect sunset, you will board a bus that will take you for 20 minutes to Puente Ruinas where you will spend 1 night in camping. The second day you will be waken up early by your tour guide; and after a tasty and nutritious breakfast you will hike 20 minutes to board a bus that will take you up to Machu Picchu citadel. You will have an amazing sunrise over the Inca citadel and your guide will lead all over Machu Picchu for 3 hours. Around 3 in the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then a private van back to Cusco, where you will arrive around 7 pm.
** Our Inca Trail with camping has a door to door service.
Highlights of our short Inca Trail with camping
- We wish to give you the best experience on this Classic Inca Trail.
- We have the best and most passionate team of workers.
- Be part of our social and environmental projects.
- With our unique itinerary, have the wonderful opportunity to see the citadel of Machu Picchu twice, for sunset and for sunrise.
- Our breakfast, lunch and dinner are served as buffet.
- We want to pamper you, that’s why we provide you with a hot water bladder and a blanket for the cold night.
- Experience the incredible sensation of sleeping and eating in a tent; for just one day and one night.
- In addition to all the above, we prepare food for our hikers and team with 100% organic veggies purchased from local producers.
- Our Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with camping has a fair and cheap price compared to other operators.
2-Day Inca Trail with Camping Trip Overview
- Trek Type: Hiking on an inca trail; paved 500 years ago,scenic beauty, cultural, historical and informative
- Good for: Those in moderate shape or better
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Season: From March 1st to January 31th
- Consideration: Inca Trail permits required
Day 1. Cusco – Chachabamba – Machu Picchu – Puente Ruinas
- Hiking distance: 6 miles/10 km (6-7 hours)
- Campsite altitude: 2.000 meters above sea level
- Considered: Moderate to difficult (there is not altitude sickness issues)
- Meals: Breakfast,snacks, lunch, dinner! All served as buffet
- Weather: Warm and very humid
The first day of the Inca trek start long before the sun comes up. Early in the morning between at 04:30 to 05:00 in the morning, your IncaGo Expeditions tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive you all the way to Ollantaytambo, where would board the Peru Rail or Inca Rail train heading to Aguas Calientes. This ride train is known worldwide as one of the top 5 most beautiful train tracks. You will observe the imposing Veronica Peak elevated at (5,893 m/19333 ft.), see the huge corn crops of the sacred valley of the Incas, and glimpse the starting point of the 4-day classic Inca trail. However, you don’t go all the way to Aguas Calientes, but rather the train stops in the Km. 104, where you will get off the train. This is the place where you will pass the short Inca trail checkpoint to then start hiking in this incredible adventure in Inca lands.
After hiking for 5 minutes, you will explore the first Inca ruin of the Inca path. Chachabamba is a small Inca shrine built some meters over the Urubamba river. Then you will hike uphill for 4 hours to Wiñaywayna or Mini Machu Picchu. Along the way, the cloud forest landscape will be magical; in this stretch you can observe different types of orchids out of the 455 found in the Inca trail. In this ancient Inca path there existed more than 10000 types of ferns, endemic mosses, bromeliads and colorful birds like the cock of the rock, Andean motmot, hummingbirds, parrots and tanagers. 20 minutes before reaching Wiñaywayna, you will arrive to a stunning 15-meter waterfall, where you can dip or at least refresh your feet. Upon arrival to Mini Machu Picchu your guide will lead around the Inca citadel. He will also share interesting facts of the settlement, its function and its relation with Machu Picchu.
Then you get back on the Inca trail to hike for 10 minutes to the lunch area. Here your cook and porters will prepare a delicious buffet lunch consisting in a soup and main courses. Afterwards you will hike 1 hour and 30 minutes to the Sun Gate, which is a small Inca checkpoint before getting Machu Picchu. From this point all Inca trail hikers have the first glimpse of Machu Picchu world wonder. The only way to have the privileged of being in the Sun Gate is hiking the short Inca trail or either way, the Classic Inca trail. From here it takes 45 minutes hiking down to get the lookouts of Machu Picchu, where you will contemplate a perfect sunset over the lost city of the Incas.
Then you will walk down for 10 minutes to the bus station, to board a Consettur bus for 20 minutes to Puente Ruinas, where you will camp. Upon arrival your porters will have already pitched the tents, so you can take a well-deserved rest. Also they will bring to you a bucket with warm water, soap and a small towel. The idea of performing the short Inca trail with camping instead of hiking the short Inca trail with hotel is to taste a bit of the classic Inca trail, where porters are carrying food and equipment for hikers who sleep and eat in tents.
** Taste the best bits of the 4-day Inca trail with this premium short Inca trail with camping.
Day 2. Puente Ruinas – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Meals Included: Breakfast Only
In order to get well rested and have plenty of time to enjoy the views, pictures and guided tour at Machu Picchu; we suggest you to wake up by 5:00 in the morning, get ready, pack the essentials and take the bus from Aguas Calientes town to Machu Picchu citadel. This will be a ride of 30 minutes until reaching the Inca citadel at 6:15 am. more or less. Thus, you will have the chance to see the sunrise on this magnificent location. Your guide will give enough time to take pictures into the most beautiful spots of the Inca citadel, share information about this amazing Incan masterpiece and display you the most impressive details of Machu Picchu.
Then we take the bus back at more or less 12:00 pm. Down to Aguas Calientes to enjoy without rush our lunch. This lunch is optional and not included. At lunch, your guide will deliver out train tickets, so if you opt to skip this; please arrange to get these train tickets before leaving your tour guide at Machu Picchu citadel. Unless you requested for an upgraded train, we will book the Expedition class train departing Aguas Calientes at 3:20 p.m. or 4:22 p.m. This will be a 2-hour drive to Ollantaytambo or 4 hours to Poroy (this is based on which train you board). At Ollantaytambo or Poroy, our IncaGo Expedition driver will meet you and drive you back to Cusco, then we drop you off at the door of your hotel or the closest possible if there is not car access until your accommodation. You will arrive to your hotel in Cusco around 6:30 pm.
Included on the Inca Trail 2 days with camping
Professional local english speaker Guides: all our super leaders grew up in cusco region and studied tourism for five years at cusco’s university, they are friendly, funny charming, knowledgeable, professional and will care your safety into our short inca trail
Permits: As soon as we get your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits for the 2 day Inca trail that also includes an entrance to Machu Picchu
Briefing: The night before your trip, you will come to our office for your informative meeting. You will receive your duffle bag that will stay with your porters while you hike on the short Inca Trail hike. This duffle bag should not exceed 7 kg / 14 pounds and should include your sleeping bag and air mattress.
Porters: We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffle bag and also our camping equipment and food to our basecamp. There is no additional cost for this. You will not have access to your duffle bag until you arrive at your camp in the afternoon.
Hotel: This short inca trail includes one night in a three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. The hotel you book will be listed on your invoice, and upgrades are always available.
Transportation: IncaGo Expeditions will be providing all transportation for this inca trail 2 days. You will be picked up from your hotel around 4 am, (unless you are staying in the sacred valley ) and brought to KM 104 to begin your short Inca Trail. The train back from Aguas Calientes will be on the train called Expedition Class and will be included in your trip. You also have the option to upgrade to the Vistadome class train for $75 per person. Once you arrive at the train station, our van will take you back to your hotel in Cusco. In addition included is your round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Food: Our 2 day Inca Trail includes expert hiking chefs who will will cook delicious meals that many previous trekkers have loved. We honor all food restrictions, so be sure to add any that you have on your booking form and let us know . Food is typically all served as buffet.
Water: Starting from your first lunch until your last breakfast we will provide you boiled, filtered, and then cooled water before distributing. You must bring personal water bottles and or a camelback. We advice you to bring a bottle or camelback of 1.5 litters , as being well hydrated is the key to feeling great in the mountains.
Details: we profess that it is the attention to small details that separates us from other travel agencies. Each hiker receives a small sleeping pillow, a foam mattress to insulate, a backpack cover to protect their belongings while hiking and a rain poncho. We will work hard to create your best holiday.
First Aid: Every guide has got training in first aid from a clinic and firemen. We elaborate mandatory training sessions every February on the Inca Trail, which every Incas Path tour guide must attend. Your tour leader is going to have always a first-aid kit for basic medical problems.
Not Included on the Inca Trail 2 days with camping
Rentals: Due there We are hiking the short Inca Trail with camping, each trekker needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and trekking poles (with rubber tips). They are optional but encouraged for a better comfort. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent:
- Sleeping Bag: $15
- Inflatable Air Mattress: $10
- Trekking Poles (Pair): $10
Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 1 hour hike to the top. While this hike is on your own, your guide will show you the entry. Huayna Picchu is an additional entrance ticket that we must secure for you with advance. The ticket is $75 per person.
Machu Picchu Mountain is the other mountain that stands above the Machu Picchu site. as Huayna Picchu it offers also spectacular views, this extra hike takes 3 hours round trip. This is an additional entrance ticket that we must secure for you in advance. This ticket is $75 per person.
Vistadome Train Our 2 day Inca Trail includes the ExpeditionTrain class. This train is always booked at 3:20 or 4:22 pm. departing from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. There is also the vistadome train class, which is an upgraded train that offers slightly larger seats and windows, some entertainment and snack. Usually, the Vistadome train is booked for 4:43 p.m. and goes to Poroy, a train station 30 minutes close to Cusco. As this is an upgraded fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel. The ticket is $75 per person.
Extra day at Machu Picchu
You will have from 6 am to 12 pm to enjoy Machu Picchu (it is not possible to be all day in Machu Picchu due to the new protection regulations developed by the Peruvian state), arriving at the citadel around 6 a.m. and leaving no later than 12 p.m. to take your train at 3:20 or 4:22 pm. If you also want to have a guided tour again the next day in Machu Picchu, we can also organize it.
We would love to tour the short Inca Trail hike with camping with you and your loved ones and take care of immortalizing your visit to Machu Picchu. We can leave any day from March to January while Inca Trail permits are still available in the Inca Trail government booking system.
Group Price (2022):
- $510 per person
Private Tours are based on Group Size (2022):
- 2 Trekkers: $545 per person
- 3 Trekkers: $540 per person
- 4 Trekkers: $530 per person
- 5 Trekkers: $525 per person
- 6 Trekkers: $520 per person
- 7 Trekkers: $515 per person
- 8 or more Trekkers: $510 per person
– $ 25 discount per person
Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid International Student Card (ISIC) at the beginning of the hike or who is 17 years old or younger. For those who use an international student card or for children under 17, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount of the Inca Trail of the government.
Please send everything to: email@example.com
This Inca Trail 2 days with camping include porters who will carry all your duffle bag while you hike on the Inca Trail. We suggest you to carry lightweight backpack that the is key to feeling good during the trail and at the lost city of the Incas; the great Machu Picchu.
- Original Passport ,
- STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) remember that the short Inca Trail hike is entirely made of stones
For Your Duffel: Our porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air mattress.
- 2 wicking t-shirts
- 1-2 hiking pants
- 2 sets of undergarments.
- 2 sets of hiking socks
- 1 Fleece and 1 down jacket; it gets cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and rain pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Headlamp: essential
- Hiking boots
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might bring a towel a little larger.
- Earplugs in case someone from the group snores
- Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
- Face moisturizer
- Bug spray
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
Inside Your Daypacks:
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25 litters will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside in the Machupicchu check point. Some items are listed below
- Rain gear
- Music (IPhone)
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
Where do we pick up the hikers for the Inca Trail 2 days with camping?
Pick up will be from your hotel at approximately 4:00 a.m. Please provide clear contact information of your place of accommodation when approaching our office in Cusco.
Where to pay the remaining amount of the Inca Trail 2 days with camping?
Most hikers arrive in Cusco 2 or 3 days before the short Inca trail hike for proper acclimatization. Once you are in Cusco it is imperative that you come to our office to review the last details of your excursion and also pay the remaining amount of your short Inca Trail hike.
Reserve for the short Inca Trail hike?
We try to make the booking as easy as possible in Incas Path. We prepare a reservation form where you will complete and include all the details for the excursion, and then a deposit of $ 200 per person. Once we have all the deposits and details, we will reserve your permits. Once the short Inca trail permits are in our hands, we will send you your invoice and confirmation that everything is 100% organized. All excursions once confirmed, are guaranteed.
Permissions for the short Inca Trail hike?
Only tour operators licensed by the Inca Trail, such as Incas Path, can obtain the corresponding permits from the government. Once we have obtained your Inca Trail permits, the name and start date cannot be changed under any circumstances. The only information that the government allows us to change are passport numbers.
Passport Number Update?
The government will only allow us to change passport numbers if we have a copy of the new passport and the old passport. If you no longer have your old passport, any identification document that you have in your hands will be accepted while the name is the same as in your passport.
Where to stay in Cusco?
You can stay in a hotel that you consider convenient, however you must have the account of the location of the hotel because the traffic within the city has become stressful in the last 5 years. Many roads are up to 100 years old; Especially near the main square the roads are only for pedestrians. We will notify you if it is not possible to pick you up by car from your hotel and coordinate another nearby pick-up point. For a list of recommended hotels, consult your Incas Path sales representative.
Can I stay in the sacred valley?
The second most convenient place to stay after Cusco will be Ollantaytambo. When you stay in Ollantaytambo, you will have the chance to sleep for longer because we will pick you up at 5:30 am from your hotel.
Can I stay an additional night in Machu Picchu town or Aguas Calientes?
Of course, if you agree to take the same train from Aguas Calientes that is part of your original itinerary, which is usually at 3.20 or 4:22 pm, then there is no additional charge for the train to be booked one day. after. If you need us to insure your hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu, Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain this will have an additional cost. If you decide to spend another night in Aguas Calientes, be sure to inform the IncaGo Expeditions office at least one month in advance, so that your train ticket is purchased for the correct day.
Can I book my hotel on my own in Aguas Calientes?
You can choose any hotel to stay in Aguas Calientes. It is a small and very safe town. If you decide to book your hotel, be sure to tell us where you plan to stay so we can take you there safely.
During the trip, how challenging is the Inca Trail 2 days with camping?
Remember that although this tour is the 2 day Inca trail, it can be of medium intensity because it will only walk during the first for six hours in total, including some stops. The first day in the morning is mostly gradually uphill, a bit humid and hot all the time, so it will be exhausting but it will be worth it when you arrive at Wiñay Wayna (mini Machu Picchu) for lunch time. After lunch, it will be another hour of hiking to the sungate from where you will observe Machu Picchu for the first time. After being completely satisfied with the view and the photographs in Machu Picchu, we will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes to our hotel
Will I need extra money on the 2 day Inca Trail with camping?
Of course, if you want to buy some type of drinks, snacks, reminders in the citadel of Machu Picchu or go to the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes, take about 200 soles or if you do not want to take cash with you there are ATMs in Aguas Calientes and You can also make almost any payment using your credit or debit card.
How many people will be in my group on the Inca Trail 2 days with camping?
We require a minimum of 2 people for our tour, and if you are traveling alone, we invite you to join our groups that start each day. We can have up to 8 hikers with a guide and if our groups are between 9 and 16 people, we have 2 accredited guides with a lot of experience in the short Inca trail. During the low season it is most likely that the groups are small and during the high season the groups are probably much larger.
What should l pack for the short Inca Trail hike?
Probably the most important question you should ask when preparing for your trip. While you will find a complete packing list on our website, remember that on this particular 2 day Inca trail, it is located within the tropics between 2000 and 2650 m.a.s.l. because in the dry season from April to October the temperatures oscillate during the day between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius and at night between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius we recommend you to wear clothes that are not very warm for the hike during the morning and a warm jacket for the night, on the other hand in the rainy season (it does not rain all day but there is more incidence of rainfall) temperatures during the day are between 14 and 17 degrees Celsius and during the night between 8 and 14 degrees celsius so we recommend you bring a warm jacket for the hike and a down jacket for the night.
Do you need hiking boots for the Short Inca Trail hike?
We always recommend light hiking boots, since if it rains a little the 2 day Inca trail can become a bit slippery. Please make sure they have good soles.
Are trekking poles really necessary on the Inca Trail 2 days with camping?
For the short Inca trail we recommend the use of trekking poles, especially for those passengers with knee problems or older people. There are several sections during the tour where you will need to use the walking sticks, either climbing or descending the stone steps made by the Incas 500 years ago. the park rangers of the Inca trail and Machu Picchu only allow the use of hiking sticks with rubber tips so as not to damage the paved stone section many years ago.
Are there any toilets along the Inca Trail 2 days with camping?
Along the short inca trail there are 3 places that has toilet. Firstly at the hiking start, then after 4 hours in our lunch spot and finally at Machu Picchu. Please carry a roll of toilet paper in your daypack.
Can I use plastic botles during the short Inca Trail hike?
Due to New goverment regulations for the Inca Trail it will be 100% BANNED to BRING PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES. We kindly suggest you getting your aluminum plastic bottles to avoid any dissapointment at the check points along the Inca Trail and in the Machu Picchu citadel.
Aluminum water bottles can be bought in many different shops around the main square.
If you are still at home and ready to fly to Peru for your Inca trail we recommend you bringing aluminum water bottles or camel bags.
Where do I store my luggage?
All luggage not necessary for the hike must remain in Cusco. All hotels are very helpful and are quite accustomed to storing luggage of their guests, or if you wish you can store it safely with our customer service team in our office storage
What should I expect from the weather on the 2 day Inca trail?
Please understand that this is a very difficult question to answer. Historically, from April to October it is the dry season, from November to March it is the rainy season, but in recent years our weather has been affected by climate change and today it is very difficult to predict. Remember that in the mountains the radiation and heat are very high during the day and the evenings and nights always cold. We always recommend a short sleeve shirt for the short Inca trail and Machu Picchu, long pants to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and a fleece jacket and for the night a down jacket.
Can Incas Path please my dietary needs? What kind of food will there be?
For us it is an honor to please all kinds of dietary needs, just let us know at the time of booking. If you are vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant or any type of allergies, we have a team of chefs with a lot of experience in the preparation of all types of diets on the 2 day Inca trail. Also remember that we want to pamper you during your trip to Machu Picchu and for that reason we use 100% organic vegetables for the elaboration of our buffets.
What type of outlet is used in Cusco and Machupicchu?
Most hotels and even homes in Peru now have the standard US output. UU. And also that of South America.
What is the standard procedure when it comes to tip?
Tipping is part of the tradition of any trip to Machu Picchu and, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, we always appreciate any extra appreciation. Keep in mind that this is not mandatory and that you should never feel pressured for this reason.
In general, participants in a group show their personal appreciation towards their tour guide, which will be according to their degree of satisfaction with the service provided.
Is there a possibility to cancel my Inca Trail 2 days with camping?
There is no possibility to cancel the short Inca trail. Even in extreme weather conditions or even in case of a strike there will be no cancellation. The Peruvian government does not have any type of refund or change of date, because if there is any weather problem or strike that prevents us from entering the Inca Trail; We will do our best to provide you with an alternate hike or take you to Machu Picchu in some way. We will keep you very informed in case there is a strike or weather inconvenience in Peru, Cusco or Machupicchu. In the event that a passenger decides to cancel their trip to Peru, they will lose the total amount deposited because the entrance tickets to the 2 day Inca trail, Machu Picchu, train and bus tickets have already been purchased.