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Details of the trip
2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu ITINERARY.
DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 104 – WIÑAY WAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU
Your Inca Trail Trek Begins!
Wake up early to start your adventure! The guide will pick you up at the Cusco hotel at 4am. Rest or even sleep in our comfortable, private transportation to Ollantaytambo. When you arrive at the train station, the guide will have a lunchbox to add to your daypack. The train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10am and you will have just over an hour on the train to enjoy the scenery and have breakfast (not included).
Get off the train at the famous Km 104, where your trek begins! (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level). After crossing the Urubamba River on a picturesque foot bridge, show your passport at the checkpoint and visit your first Inca site nearby. The first hour and a half is a gentle upward climb. Along the way, stop at several outlooks where there expansive view of the Urubamba River. Pass through several microclimates, including cloud forests, so be ready for damp or even rain at any season of the year. The next hour and a half are a slightly steeper with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end!
When you cross the bridge below the waterfall, be sure to take some time for photos and you will find yourself gazing up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna! (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level) These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle. This close to Machu Picchu, you are hiking through lush sub-tropical jungle. The guide will tell you all about the ruins, plus the incredible flora and fauna of this area and answer any questions you have before the short 5-minute walk to the lunch spot.
Take your time enjoying your hearty, gourmet lunch and admiring the tropical flowers around the campground. Be sure to notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you book!
After lunch, you have a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate, the hour-long walk is a gentle up and down path, it does end with a set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca, called the Gringo Killers. Once you reach the stairs turn the corner from the Sun Gate, here enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. Take the time to savor the moment and take photos. The last 60 minutes down from the Sun Gate provide opportunities to take more photos of Machu Picchu. Make sure to go slowly, enjoy your time walking and ask your guide questions about the historical places you pass on the way down to Machu Picchu.
Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will have time to take more photos from the viewing platforms above the site (Guard House), where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. Arrive in the afternoon, as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists, which gives the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in your shots. Take time to enjoy this magical experience before taking the bus down to Puente Ruinas, where we will camp for the night.
- Meals: Box Lunch, Dinner cooked by our cook.
- Distance: 12 kms/7.5 miles
- Time: 6hrs approximately
- Accommodations: Camping Facilities.
- Difficulty: moderate
You can leave an overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes camp site.
DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
The Full Machu Picchu Experience with your guide!
Today is the day, Machu Picchu! After an early breakfast at our campsite, walk for 20m to Aguas Calaientes, take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and something not to miss! The guide will give you a guided tour of Machu Picchu, which takes about two hours. See many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel.
When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on the train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.
The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. Also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. Expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
Note After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu this trek is conducted without a guide.
***IMPORTANT:
- You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
- Early trains can be organized by requested and it has to be done by booking time.
- On the 2 day Inca Trail, we will be doing the circuit #3 or #4 and there is now way to do another circuit unless you buy an additional entrance to Machu Picchu.
- The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.
WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE 2 DAY INAC TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU WITH CAMPING?
Included
- Hotel pick up
- Private transport from your hotel to the train station
- 3 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- English speaking guide experienced in trekking
- Private guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Round-trip Expedition Tourist Train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 – Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo 2:55pm or 3:20pm (train time depends on availability)
- Admission Tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Archaeological site
- One night camping accommodation.
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
- Taxes
Not Included
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
- First breakfast (served in hotel), last lunch at Machu Picchu
- OPTIONAL UPGRADES: Hotel or Train
- VISTADOME Train: $67 USD per person (RETURN ONLY)
- Tips for your staff (Sam Travel Peru staff receives a fair and decent payment immediately after they end their trip, tips are optional but greatly appreciation)
**Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
Price & Availability
The 2 Days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with camping is almost always available year round except when it is closed in February for maintenance. This trek takes you into Machu Picchu by walking through the SUN GATE like in the ancient times. You will explore amazing Inca ruins along the way including the magical Wiñay Wayna.
Best price:
- US$557 per person all included.
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Groups of 5 or more: $30 per person
EXTRAS
- Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike: $75 USD per person
- Vistadome Train: $67 USD per person – (RETURN ONLY)
**Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
CHECK YOUR 2 DAYS INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU AVAILABILITY BY CLICKING ON MONTH OF YOUR CHOICE!
FREE ADDED VALUES:
- TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT: to your hotel in Cusco included (Airport to Hotel in Cusco only).
- SMALL GROUPS: average 4 to 6 with a maximum of 8 hikers
- AFTERNOON TRAIN: We give you enough time to explore Machu Picchu and have a relaxing lunch at Aguas Calientes. Your train back to Ollantaytambo is at 14:55 or 15:20, and when you arrive in Ollantaytambo you catch your private van to Cusco, arriving in Cusco by 7:00 PM.
WHY CHOOSE SAM TRAVEL?
SAM Travel Peru is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. SAM Travel Peru is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are so proud of our team! Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
SMALL GROUPS
To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at SAM Travel Peru we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
OUR TOUR GUIDES
We are proud of our guides! Highly professional, speaking fluent English, very knowledgeable and passionate for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to steady personal development, learning to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Fun loving, great sports and well – educated crew, as well as, holding degrees in one of the following: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
SAM Travel Peru has always believed that we should give back to the local isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we always do many service projects and hire locally.
SAM Travel Peru is so proud to be able to support these people, not only employing them but go back to our grassroots as they share with their families. It makes us happy to have this holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!
Please read carefully the following information as it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the short Inca Trail trek
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
You will be welcomed at the Cusco airport and taken to your hotel. Please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look out for our representative holding an orange SAM Travel Peru board at the arrival terminal. You must exit the terminal in order to find our representative (they cannot enter inside).
THE BRIEFING
Your briefing will take place the night before your trek. It will be held at our office at 6pm, depending on your confirmation email details. The briefing is at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 213 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the The 2 days IncaTrail to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please pack what you will be needing for the trek only.
HOW TO BOOK
FIRST, to book your 2 days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click on this link: BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase Inca Trail permits without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
*** We require copies of your passports as well as they will be needed to make the booking.
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person, in order, to purchase permits for the Inca Trail. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address samtravelperu@gmail.com.
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify for the student discount.
- University students must provide a copy of their ID card showing a photo, University name and card expiration date. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.
- All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30 USD.
- For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40 USD.
- Children from the age of 0 to 2 are free.
All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at info@samtravelperu.com
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately, the answer is No. Once the permits have been bought the Peruvian government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the permit has been bought. Permits are also not transferrable nor refundable. If you cancel your 2 days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT FOR THE 2 DAYS INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport, you sent to us to book your Inca Trail permit. Passports will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu, Inca Trail and board the train. In case, you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. Please send the new passport as soon as possible.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN THE INCA TRAIL?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan to always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. We offer the Cusco City or Sacred Valley Tours that you can book while you are acclimating. Check out our Day Tours on our Home Page.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are usually between 2-6 persons. Sam Travel Peru is specialized in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provide a personalized service.
ARE WE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK?
Absolutely!! Hotel pick ups and drop offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.
AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN’S DEPARTURE?
It will depend on the train availability but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco while on the train. Therefore, you will take the train at 14:55 or 15:20.
HOW MUCH IS THE VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE?
The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you want, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a locally sustainable & responsible tourism operator. We incorporate universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and its people.
Packing List
The 2 days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek DOES NOT INCLUDE a porter. Your duffel bag will be sent by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Please try to pack as light as possible, which is key to enjoying this amazing trek.
In your daypack, or on the first day’s hike you will need:
- Original Passport ( the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Good daypack (25 to 30L)
- Water 1 to 2 liters of water in reusable bottles (please do not bring disposable bottles)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Polar or sweater for chilly mornings
- Rain jacket
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit
- Rain plastic poncho (provided by SAM)
- Camera
- Valuables
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
In your duffel, you should pack
- A change of clothes for visiting Machu Picchu the next day
- Face moisturizer
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- Battery chargers
