2 day Inca Trail with Camping

Ready to star this new adventure? So, early at morning we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco, to transfer to the train station in Ollantaytambo for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and start  our Short Inca Trail hike during the tour you will be able to observe the Sacred Valley of the Incas, farmlands and majestic snowcapped mountains; in Ollantaymtambo we will board the train that will take you to km. 104 the trip is about 1 hour and this is the point where we will start with our hikking adventure.

Once in km. 104, we will pass by the bridge that is on the Urubamba or Willkamayuc River which translated from Quechua means Sacred River, which was very important for them. When you arrive at the control point you have to show the identification documents, either Passport or  Registration Card or National Identity Document. After walking 15 minutes, we will have the opportunity to see the archeological center of Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy that are hidden in the semi-tropical forest, after your visit we will begin the walk through tiers upwards until we reach the next place on the way we will observe the sacred valley, waterfalls and different types of orchids of the semi-tropical forest. 

Then after 3 hours of walking we will arrive at Wiñaywayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft) it shows a perfect example of what agriculture was in the time of the Incas, since along its skirts lie a large number of circular terraces, where the Incas cultivated different agricultural products. The name Wiñaywayna comes from a beautiful orchid that abounds in the area and that has as meaning in Spanish "Eternally young" and has more than 20 buildings, one of them the Temple of the Rainbow also called Temple of Fertility, the visit will be 1 hour on average, then you will enjoy the box lunch to replenish energy and continue until you reach the Wiñaywayna control.

In this second part of the tour we will walk for 2 hours through an Andean path, stone stairs and tambos ("resting places") until we reach the Inti Punku - Sun gate (2,720 m / 8,923 ft) that during the Incas functioned as control of entry to the Citadel of Machu Picchu; From here you have an impressive panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the entire surrounding valley, then descend for approximately 30 minutes to the wonder of the Machu Picchu world (2,490 m / 8,169 ft) and finally take the bus to our campsite (2,160 m / 7,086 ft) the trip lasts 15 minutes, here we will spend the night in  "Ruins Bridge" camp, located next to the Urubamba River. In the afternoon we will have tea time with hot drinks and some snacks, and then have a delicious dinner that will be prepared by our specialized cook. 

•  Night camp "Ruins Bridge".

In the second day of our Short Inca Trail Hike we will get up early and have a wonderful breakfast Then we will make a walk of about 30 minutes, to reach the Citadel of Machu Picchu at 06:00 am and be able to appreciate the majestic sunrise. We will have a guided tour of 2 hours and 30 minutes to know the most important places of Machupicchu, you can visit the most amazing places like the Royal Mausoleum, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Main Temple, the Sacred Plaza, the famous Intihuatana where the wise Incas tied the sun on the winter solstice in June, steps, squares, fountains, etc. After the tour you have a free time to visit Machu Picchu on your own and take some amazing pictures. At opportune time we will board the bus from Machu Picchu to the town of "Aguas Calientes" to board the train back to Cusco.

• Pre-trek briefing with your Tour Guide.
• Eco-friendly service during the hike to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
• Biosecurity in the Inca Trail: Our guide, cook and porters will take to security equipment.
• Transfer by private vehicle to the railway station at Ollantaytambo.
• Accommodation: Camping (1 night).
• Inca Trail Permit and entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
• Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x lunch, 1x dinner (please advice us in advance if you are a vegetarian; this option is for NO extra additional cost).
• Snack on the first and second day.
• Water on the first and second day (Excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own).
• Professional bilingual Tour Guide (a group of up to 8 participants receives 1 Guide, a group over 8 persons receives 2 Guides).
• Professional Chef.
• Porter will carry your camping equipment and your duffel bag 5 kg. per person. 
• Sleeping bag (feather).
• Inflatable sleeping therma-rest mattress.
• Inflatable pillow.
• A blanket.
• A duffel bag for your personal clothes, this duffel bag, our porter will carry.
• Camping equipment: Personal double tents (4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks).
• A shuttle bus round trip to Machu Picchu.
• A train round trip (Expedition Service) between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu).
• Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Salkantay Trek Machu Tour Operator will provide you the camping equipment for your adventure. Our tents are of the brand EUREKA MOUNTAIN PASS 3XTE designated for 4 seasons. We provide a 3 people capacity tents; however, just 2 people use it! In this way, we provide you more space and comfort.

In case of a single traveller, we provide a 2 people capacity tent. After each trek, we carefully check our tents and fix them if necessary!

Also, we will provide you a sleeping bag, inflatable pillow and blanket. Once arrived to each campsite, you will find inside your belongings and camping equipment

Personal Equipment Included

• Sleeping Bag
• An Inflatable roll mattress - Therma-rest
• An Inflatable Pillow
• A Blanket

The guide will visit you a day before the trek in your hotel for the briefing. So, it is important let us know the exactly address of your hotel or Airbnb department.

All passengers are accompanied by a Professional Tour Guide. They are trained to provide you information about the visited places, offer suggestions of what to see and do, and translate any conversation with native people. Also, every representative are trained to solve your questions and attend any of your requirements, you can call us to +51 984004472 and we will solve your doubts.

• Breakfast on the first day and lunch in Aguas Calientes Town on the second day
• A shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu (U$ 12 one way or U$ 24 a round trip)
• Travel insurance
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain ($80)
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru, however, it is not obligatory)

Meal budget: Please allow USD 10 for meals not included on the last day Aguas Calientes town.

Solo Traveller: If you like a single room for this trek, please choose the "Solo Traveller" option during your booking.

Local flights: No local flight is included in the trek´s price!

On the Inca Trail Trek with Camping is included the following train service:

PeruRail - Expedition Train

Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu to Cusco

IncaRail - The Voyager Train

Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu to Cusco

On the Expedition and The Voyager is not included extra service inside the train. Our transfer will pick you up from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

UP GRADING Train service:

If you prefer Vistadome train or Machu Picchu Train 360 for this trek, the extra price is U$ 65 dollars. You must let us know every requirement when you are booking your trek.

Vistadome Luxury Train Machu Picchu - Perurail

The Vistadome train service includes the following services: 

• Long Stretch (from the Poroy Station, Cusco):
• Outbound: Snack Service
• Inbound: Snack Service
• Short Stretch (from the Ollantaytambo Station):
• Outbound: Light Snack Service
• Inbound: Light Snack Service
• Selection of hot or cold non-alcoholic drinks (one hot drink and one cold drink per person)

The 360° Train Machu Picchu - Inca Rail

The 360° train service includes the following services: 

• Comfortable seats with tables in front
• Bigger and wider panoramic windows
• Outdoor carriage including a bar to enjoy the landscape
• Gourmet and organic delights made with products from the Sacred Valley
• InTrain entertainment system.

Starting point

We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. Also, if your accommodation is located in Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Urubamba or Yanahuara. Nevertheless if your accommodation is located outside this towns you must tell us the location with anticipation.

Important Note: In case you will spend night in Ollantaytambo, Our guide can pick you up from your hotel and you can have a U$ 10 discount per person.

What is Qhapac Ñan?

Qhapac Ñan is a Quechua word that means 'main road'. It was a system of roads established by the Inca empire, which traveled more than 30 thousand kilometers through different geographies located in the current countries of Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador and Bolivia.

It should be noted that this immense network of roads is famous for crossing the Andes Mountains, from the mountains of Argentina to the mountains of Colombia, passing through the city of Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire. This route was built using mainly stone.

The longitudinal route that traveled hundreds of kilometers along the South American coast near the Pacific Ocean is also admirable. These paths were wider but they did not have the consistency of stone but the smoothness of sand.

The Inca roads of the mountains and the coast were joined by transversal sections that, at the same time, forked towards other sections that penetrated regions of the jungle. In order to travel these long stretches, the Incas built bridges, tunnels, causeways, walls, stairways as well as deposits (colcas) and shelters (tambos).

What was its function?

The main function of the Qhapac ñan was to communicate the city of Cusco, the center of Inca power, with the rest of the provinces of the empire. Likewise, because the roads were built during the expansionist era, they fulfilled a function of political, administrative, cultural and social domination of the recently conquered peoples.

History of the Inca trails

During pre-Inca times, the different cultures and human groups that inhabited the southwestern territory of South America built some sections of roads that were improved and expanded during the Inca empire.

The famous emperor Pachacutec (1400 - 1471) was the one who initiated the Inca expansionist process as well as the construction of the main sections of Qhapac ñan for new conquered territory.

The successor Inca emperors continued with the expansion of the Qhapac Ñan as well as the construction of bridges, warehouses and shelters along the roads.

In the 16th century the Spanish arrived in Cusco ending the Inca empire and destroying its main temples, palaces and buildings. However, they kept many sections of the Qhapac ñan, which favored them for trade.

Currently, the road network of the Incas is considered a ‘Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ by Unesco. Many stretches are protected by the nations where they are located. One of the most famous routes is the one that reaches Machu Picchu through the Intipunku, the original gateway to the Inca city.

The main roads

Inca trails of the north coast

This route started from the city of Cusco in a northwest direction towards the coast, crossing the current towns of Palpa, Nazca, Lima, Huarmey, Lambayeque, Piura, Tumbes, Quito and Pasto in Colombia.

Inca trails of the northern highlands

This route started from the city of Cusco, crossing the Andes Mountains in a north direction, going through the current towns of: Vilcashuaman, Jauja, Tarma, Huánuco, Huaritambo, Huancabamba, Siguas, Conchuco, Andamarca, Huamachuco, Cajamarca, Chachapoyas, Tumibamba, Loja, Quito and Pasto in Colombia.

Inca trails of the southern coast

This route started from the city of Cusco in an easterly direction to connect to the royal road of the coast (it crossed the current towns of Nazca, Palpa, Inca), and then followed the southern road through the towns of Tambo Colorado, Catarpe, Arica, Copiapó, the pampas of Tucumán to the Maule river in Chile.

Inca trails of the southern highlands

This route started from the city of Cusco, crossing the Andes Mountains in a southerly direction, including the Collao plateau. It crossed the current towns of Juliaca, Chucuito, Chuquiago, La Paz, the pampas of Tucumán until it descended to the city of Santiago in Chile.

The Inca bridges

The Qhapac ñan crossed difficult geographies where only the use of a bridge could allow the passage. Due to this, the Incas built different types of bridges, which can be divided as follows:

Log Bridges

Rustic and simple constructions that used the trunks of a tree to unify two nearby points. One of the most famous examples is the 'Inca Bridge' located in Machu Picchu.

Suspension bridges

Constructions made of straw joined together to form long rope bridges, which reached up to 60 meters in length. They had to be renewed from time to time. One of the most famous that survives to this day is the Inca bridge of Queswachaka.

Stone Bridges

Rustic stone constructions placed one on top of the other to form a solid path for traversing short distances over cliffs. Due to the passage of time, most of these types of structures were destroyed.

Oroyas

Simple construction made of solid vegetable fibers that served as pillars, which transported people or food in a basket or table. They were used mainly to traverse the rivers of the rainforest. They are still used today in some communities.

Floating bridges

Structures made of totora (a plant located on the islands of Lake Titicaca), which joined together served to transport people by water. They were used to navigate from one island to another in this lake in Peru. Currently they are also used for the construction of simple boats.

Additional Information

The apachetas were offerings that the Incas made during their journeys through the Inca roads. These consisted of placing one stone on another invoking good luck for the long journey. This custom is still valid in the Andean peoples, who still retain the worship of the mountains (Inca gods).

For the construction of the Qhapac ñan, the Incas adapted to the geography. On the coast the roads were wider. In the sierra mountains snaked and in the jungle they crossed narrow cliffs. Of course, they always took care of nature, finding a harmony between the paths and the natural life around them.

1. Choose the best moment

The best months (coldest and driest) are June, July and August. The problem: they are also the most demanded. To avoid crowds it is best to go before or after the rainy season (from March to May) or from September to November.

2. Get in shape

Naturally, it is advisable to be in good shape, and prepare the weeks before the trip with other excursions and long walks. Of course, the boots have to be used and checked that they do not blister.

3. Make advance reservation in advance

Six months in advance if we want to visit it on dates outside of high season, and from six months to a year if we want to do it from May to early September. The two-day route is also usually the same or more crowded and booking months in advance is more than a must.

4. Study the regulations and prices

This excursion cannot be done on your own: it is mandatory to book it through an authorized operator. It is necessary to give the passport number and show it at the controls along the way.

Permissions cannot be transferred: name changes are not allowed.

5. Choose the most convenient operator

 Make sure that the circuit includes at least shop, food, cook, one-day entrance to the ruins and return trip by train.

The equipment porters are always included although each one carries their personal luggage, including the sleeping bag. There are also more exclusive services for private excursions.

6. Make the backpack

It is advisable to bring walking poles, a small first-aid kit, sunscreen, sandals or crocs for the camp, a down jacket, raincoat, hat and gloves, sun hat, travel towel, tamed hiking boots, thick socks, underwear thermal, fleece, hydration canteen or backpack, mosquito repellent, long pants and sunglasses.

7. Select the route

The Inca Trail is not the only route to Machu Picchu. There are more versions of both the Inca Trail and other trails. These are the most popular:

Excursion to the Lares valley

A more cultural option, best done with a guide.

Salkantay excursion

It is a longer and more picturesque route, although exhausting, that accesses Machu Picchu by a path a little more difficult than the Inca Trail.

Inca jungle

It is a route devised by providers and guides that leads from Cuzco to Machu Picchu passing through Santa Teresa and that offers options of two to five days to do the way by bicycle, on foot or by raft.

Need more information?

When to book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

• The Inca Trail is one of the best treks on the planet. That is why there is a great demand for tickets. This is why you will need to reserve the proceeds well in advance.
• Take the following into account before reserving the ticket to the Inca Trail:
• The income to the Inca Trail runs out 6 months before. Remember that only 500 people can travel this route each day.
• Only 200 people will end up entering Machu Picchu this way, since the rest belong to the support team, cooks, porters and guides.
• The entrance to the Inca Trail only includes the Inca City of Machu Picchu. If you want to visit the Machu Picchu Mountain or the Huayna Picchu; request it at the tourist agency.
• The purchase of the income to the Inca Trail is through the website of an authorized tourism agency.

2 day inca trail altitud

Day 1: CUSCO - OLLANTAYTAMBO- KM 104 - WIÑAY-WAYNA- MACHUPICCHU-AGUAS CALIENTES.

Maximum Altitude: 2680 Mts / 8792 ft

Minimum Altitude: 2100 Mts / 6888 ft

Day 2: AGUAS CALIENTES-MACHUPICHU- OLLANTAYTAMBO- CUSCO

Maximum Altitude: 2100 Mts / 6888 ft

Minimum Altitude: 2400 Mts / 7872 ft

What is the maximum height of the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is considered a difficult expedition not only because of the distance but also because of the high altitude at some point along the way. The highest point on the road is at ‘Abra Warmihuañusca’, at 4,224 meters (13,860 feet).

Recommendations on problems with height on the Inca Trail:

• Altitude sickness or soroche is a typical discomfort in places of high altitudes. It can cause headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, and lack of energy.
• The best way to combat soroche is to spend a few days of acclimatization in Cusco or the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• One of the most effective ways is to drink plenty of mate de coca (coca leaf-based infusion) or chew it, just as the Incas did hundreds of years ago.
• In any case, the tour guide has a lot of experience in these ailments and will know how to help the visitor during the Inca Trail.

Can I do the Inca Trail on my own?

The entrance to the legendary Inca highway is strictly controlled. This is how it seeks to protect the Inca Trail that is more than 500 years old and the wonderful natural environment that surrounds it.

More information about the Inca Trail permits:

• The Inca Trail is only allowed with the company of a tour guide. The purchase of the ticket is in an authorized travel agency.
• The agency will be in charge of reserving the entrance ticket for you and everything you need to do the Inca Trail.
• Tickets must be reserved 6 months in advance. Permits are limited to 500 people per day.
• Among the 500 people who do the Inca Trail, cooks, porters and guides are included. So there are only 200 tourists who can enter Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail.

Is the Inca Trail open all year round?

The Inca Trail is closed in February. During that month, the rains are heavier and can make the journey through the trails of the Inca Trail very difficult. The guards take advantage of these days to maintain the road and the Inca structures. The rest of the year, this hiking trail is open to the public.

Alternatives to get to Machu Picchu with hiking routes:

• The Salkantay Trek is one of the alternative routes to Machu Picchu. It lasts 5 days and 4 nights and crosses the famous Salkantay mountain range as well as landscapes of the jungle.
• The hiking route that connects Choquequirao with Machu Picchu is an 8 or 9 day hike that connects Cusco with the 2 most beautiful Inca archaeological centers in Cusco.
• The Lares Trek is a 4 day and 3 night trek through high altitude landscapes until arriving at Machu Picchu. There are several variants of this hiking trail.

What is the best time to do the Inca Trail?

Cusco and the entire southern region of Peru are marked by two different climatic seasons: the rainy season (from November to March) and the dry season (from April to October). The best time to do the Inca Trail is the dry season. The climate in those months is warm and with little frequency of rains.

What to wear to combat the weather on the Inca Trail?

If you plan to visit the Inca Trail during the dry season, it is advisable to bring a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, sunglasses, light clothing during the day and warm clothes at night.

If you plan to visit the Inca Trail during the rainy season, it is recommended to bring a rain poncho, a windbreaker jacket, non-slip shoes and a walking stick.

How difficult is 2 day Inca Trail?

The trek is slightly difficult. If you have a physical preparation before, it will seem not so difficult or heavy.

For example, one of the difficulties is having to go up and down stone bleachers that are all along the route. It is NOT a dangerous tour, but you must walk through the places assigned by the authorities and the guide and you must NOT be impertinent or want to go or go through places not due as you could suffer an accident; Remember that this tour is part of our vacation, therefore it is better to be careful and careful.

How long is the 2 day Inca Trail?

The trek lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours until you reach the Puerta del Sol known as Inti Punku, where you can get the first panoramic views of Machu Picchu. 

Is the Inca Trail dangerous?

The Inca Trail is not dangerous. The security measures in place include first aid equipment. The tour guides are trained to act effectively in any type of emergency.

What dangers can there be on the Inca Trail?

The trails of the Inca Trail are wide and well signposted. For no reason the tourist should risk his life looking for roads on his own.

The maximum height is in the ‘Abra Warmiwañusca’ (4,200 m.s.n.m.). This altitude can cause physical difficulties.

Older adults can feel physical exhaustion more intensely during the Inca Trail. They should check with their doctor before hiking.

Can I do the Inca Trail with children?

The Inca Trail is allowed to people of any age. Children or adolescents can do the walk accompanied by their parents. It is preferable that minors like long walks and camping.

Tips for doing the Inca Trail with children:

• It is not advisable to do the Inca Trail with children under 8 years of age, unless they have already successfully completed similar walks.
• Of course, it is not recommended to do the Inca Trail with babies.
• If you have already decided to do the Inca Trail with children, it is advisable to prepare them psychologically for the journey.

More information about the Inca Trail

After visiting Machu Picchu with the Inca Trail, the return is with a train trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. From there, a minivan transports tourists to the city of Cusco.

Train services are established by each tourism agency. If the visitor wants a better service, he must request it and add the cost.

Each group that does the Inca Trail has a maximum of 16 tourists. Some agencies also offer 'private services'.