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Your 2-Day Inca Trail Camping Trip from Cusco Historic Center
Choose the Short Inca Trail from Cusco Historic Center, Cusco for a compact, unforgettable two-day trek that covers about 12 km starting at KM 104, where you’ll walk through dramatic landscapes and lush cloud forest toward ancient Inca sites; highlights include the impressive Wiñay Wayna and the rewarding sunrise view from Inti Punku (Sun Gate) that frames the famous Machu Picchu. You’ll camp overnight beneath the Andes Mountains, soak in the mountain atmosphere, and finish the experience with a guided tour of the Machu Picchu ruins-an ideal multi-day Outdoor & Nature adventure for travelers booking through Varoom who want a short, scenic route to one of the region’s most iconic destinations.
About this activity in Cusco Historic Center
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
if you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
if you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Highlights
- Trek the famous Short Inca Trail from KM 104 to Machu Picchu, passing cloud forest, ancient Inca sites and the spectacular Wiñay Wayna ruins.
- Reach Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) on day two for a first breathtaking viewpoint of Machu Picchu at sunrise.
- Enjoy one night of camping in the Andes with meals prepared by a professional chef and support from experienced bilingual guides.
- Return by train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes and finish with a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.
Important Information
- You’ll carry a personal duffel (provided) of up to 5 kg that our porters will transport; camping equipment and group tent shelters are included.
- A pre-trek briefing is provided in Cusco and your itinerary includes meals, one night of camping, a professional guide and porter support.
- Bring a small daypack for essentials during the hike; sleeping bag, air mattress and hiking poles are available to rent if needed.
- The trek involves steep steps and high-altitude hiking; ensure you have a moderate level of fitness and consult health guidance if you have cardiovascular or spinal concerns.
Meeting Point
You will be picked up from your hotel in the Cusco Historic Center for the private transfer to Ollantaytambo railway station; exact pickup time will be confirmed by your operator during the pre-trek briefing.
Includes
- Attend a pre-trek briefing with a tour guide in Cusco to prepare for the Inca Trail experience.
- Enjoy one night of camping along the Inca Trail with provided camping equipment including personal double tents.
- Meals included: lunch and dinner during the trek and breakfast to fuel your days on the route.
- Travel comfortably by tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco at the end of your journey.
- Private vehicle transfer to the railway station at Ollantaytambo for seamless rail connections.
- Round-trip train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to reach the site efficiently.
- Inca Trail permit and entrance fee to Machu Picchu are included so you can focus on the hike.
- A porter will carry your duffel bag with personal clothes (up to 5 kg per person) plus all camping equipment.
- You’ll receive one duffel bag for your personal clothes; our porter will carry it during the trek.
- A professional chef prepares meals on the trail, ensuring high-quality food in the region.
- An experienced bilingual tour guide accompanies you, offering local insight on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Excludes
- Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the second day are not included-plan accordingly before the trek.
- Travel insurance is not included; you should arrange your own coverage for the trip.
- Tips to local staff are not included and are at your discretion while trekking in the region.
- Sleeping bag rental is not included (available for an extra U$ 20 if needed).
- Air mattress rental is not included (available for an extra U$ 25 if needed).
- Hiking poles are not included (available for an extra U$ 20 if needed).
Other
- This trek is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries given the terrain and carrying demands.
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers due to trail conditions and altitude.
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health; the route requires sustained exertion.
- You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to enjoy the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu fully.
Customer Reviews
10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
We had an incredibly perfect 2-day hike on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu with our guide Sara. Super nice views and a good rest in the tent. The explanations from Sara were great in Spanish and English and the food was stunning. Also our 8-year old son had a blast!
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Summary:
Had a lovely experience with Sara as our tour guide, she was very knowledgeable, friendly and last but not least a good photographer! We enjoyed amazing food and slept very comfortable at a camping site near Aguas Calientes. On the second day of the tour we entered the Circuit 3 inside Machu Picchu which was incredible. The hike itself on the first day from Km 104 is easy to moderate and you will noticeably appreciate the lower altitude compared to Cusco.
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Summary:
Our guide, Andrea was so kind. She kept a good pace on the Inca Trail - she was very knowledgeable about her cultures history, and we could feel that she was passionate about sharing that knowledge.
We are happy to have this experience and would recommend Andrea and Inca Trail Machu!
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Know more about Cusco Historic Center
The Short Inca Trail covers approximately 12 km and takes two days to complete. You’ll hike from KM 104 through cloud forest and varied Andean landscapes, visit ancient Inca ruins such as Wiñay Wayna, camp overnight, then reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate) on day two for panoramic views before a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Yes, camping for one night is included in the trek. The trip provides personal double tents and a porter who carries camping equipment and a provided duffel bag (up to 5 kg per person). Note that a sleeping bag and air mattress are listed as excluded items with optional rental costs.
The trek is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to enjoy the two-day, 12 km experience through varying terrain in the Andes.
Key highlights include scenic cloud forest sections, Andean mountain vistas, and significant Inca archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna. These landmarks guide you along the trail to Inti Punku, where you get rewarded with views of Machu Picchu before the trek ends with a guided visit to the ruins.
Yes, the Short Inca Trail package includes the Inca Trail permit and entrance fee to Machu Picchu, as well as a round-trip train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, ensuring you have the required access to the trail and the site.
On day two you’ll hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) to take in the iconic view of Machu Picchu, then proceed down to Aguas Calientes for a guided tour of the Machu Picchu ruins, concluding the Short Inca Trail experience.
