The desire to experience the 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu comes from the stunning Inca ruins, spectacular side by side mountains, lush vegetation and remarkable ecological varieties. The Inca Trail hikes up and enters into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate with the most famous, unforgettable views, through cloud forest and finally into subtropical vegetation. Ending at the magnificent wonder of the world: Machu Picchu. Trekkers on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu have the privilege of visiting the Ancient Machu Picchu City two times, on the 1st day when they arrive to Machu Picchu and the second day when they take a tour with their guide. The second day, you will be transported by shuttle bus from Machu Picchu Pueblo, just in time for the sunrise over the mountains and Machu Picchu (2,400m/7907ft), you then begin your exploration of the natural world and ancient culture in the City of Machu Picchu. Catch yourself as you travel back in time to this magical, sacred, and mysterious place, known as Machu-Picchu, “The Old Sacred Mountain.” Take your time exploring majestic Machu Picchu, the Inca ruins rich in the history of its past and the thriving culture of the people who once lived there.
Hike the last 1/3 of the famous Classic Inca Trail that everyone worldwide desires to hike. Explore Winay Huayna an amazing and unique Inca City. Trek the actual trail that the Ancient Incas hiked more than 600 year ago.Hike through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) all the way to famous Machu Picchu Citadel. Experience the spectacular views of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.Visit Machu Picchu Citadel twice, the 1st and 2nd day of the trek.
Times are approximately and depends on your fitness. Permits need to be booked way in advance!
With a compacted 2 days of excitement ahead, we will pick you up from your hotel at 4:00am and drive you to the train station. After an hour and ten minute scenic Expedition train ride to 104 kms point (elevation 2,100m/6,927ft) we arrive at the place where we begin our trek. At this point we begin a moderate climb for three hours to the chiseled remnants and remote archaeological site of Wiñayhuana, (2,650m/8747 ft). Enjoy the spectacular plunging views of the Urubamba Canyon, and the ethnic wonders of the ancient Inca sites, as you embrace them with an open mind and heart your connection with the ancient Inca Trail will begin. After your being at one with this beautiful sight, we will continue onward towards the Sun Gate. (2,730mts/9,007ft) Following the ancient remote footpath we get our first spectacular view of Machu Picchu Citadel in all its brilliance and majesty. As we move closer to the citadel of Machu Picchu you will feel her mystical presence. Then we will take our bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in our hotel.
Today you will get to enjoy exploring Machu Picchu and experience her magical presence by taking the first bus at 5:30AM to the Machu Picchu archeological site. If you hurry you will get to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Take your time, making sure you tour every nook and cranny of this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It is an unforgettable experience.
Your guide will expertly direct you through the energetic ruins and its diverse main streets. Then on your own, wander around the town squares of the world’s spiritual center of esoteric wisdom as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Or stay still and drink in the pure majesty of her presence, and enjoy the pure delight of the moment.
Here are a few of alternative activities that you might wish to indulge in on your own: Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu (not included in your tour price and must be booked in advance.) You will be given some time to walk to the Sun Gate or Inti Punku (free of charge) Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs (entrance fees required)
You will descend to Aguas Calientes when you are ready to eat lunch and later on board the Expedition train at 4:22pm for the return trip to Cusco stopping at the Ollantaytambo Train Station and you will be driven back to your hotel in Cusco from Ollantaytambo in our private van arriving at around 8pm.
Huayna Picchu mountain ($75) and Machu Picchu mountain ($75) are available on this option BUT its has to be booked in advance and depends on availability.
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu DOES NOT INCLUDE the extra porter, so you will need to carry all your things. Please try to pack as light as possible to enjoy this trek. Original Passport (it has to be the same as the one you have used for booking your trek) Good daypack (the smaller, the better) Water bottle: 2 liters Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support Toilet Paper Jacket Dress in layers Hand Sanitizer Wet wipes Personal medications Sun Hat, Wool Hat (only in the cold season) and Sunscreen Rain gear (if rainy season) Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits Rain plastic poncho (provided by Orange Nation) Camera Extra Money for Souvenir
THE WEATHER IN THE CUSCO REGION IS DIFFERENT FROM SOME OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD.
May through November is dry season. That does not mean that it never rains in the dry season but it is mostly dry with an occasional light shower.
The rainy season begins usually in December and lasts until April. In the rainy season, we have frequent heavy tropical showers.
The Cusco region has a tropical high mountainous type of weather. That means our weather can change quickly from sunshine to a rain shower within a few minutes. A few clouds form (usually in the afternoons), it rains for a few minutes and then out comes the sun again. We do not usually have rain all day long, only occasionally in the rainy season. The weather reports are very misleading. It can show that it is raining every day; but all that means is that somewhere in our mountainous region there will be a shower. It can be rainy in one area of Cusco and completely dry in another area.
On the Inca Trail the weather depends on whether it is the rainy season or the dry season. The 1 and 2 day Inca Trail is at lower altitude than Cusco, about 1,000 meters or 3,000 feet lower. Thus it tends to be a bit warmer during the day and at night. However, it is more tropical and more humid than Cusco. There is always a chance of a rain showers but in the rainy season these showers will last longer and be much more intense tropical rain showers. The Inca Trail is made of stones laid in the ground so it can be more slippery to walk on in the rainy season.
***The 2 day Inca Trail to machu Picchu information was provided by SPIDER TREK PERU!
Just got back from our wonderful trip two days ago! Our group was a group of adult siblings/SOs ( age 27-35) with our 64-year-old parents. Most if not all of the positive reviews you see are similar to what my family experienced, so sharing a few other highlights that may get a little less shine:
Amanda A
January 19, 2024Just got back from our wonderful trip two days ago! Our group was a group of adult siblings/SOs ( age 27-35) with our 64-year-old parents. Most if not all of the positive reviews you see are similar to what my family experienced, so sharing a few other highlights that may get a little less shine:
Amanda A
January 19, 2024Just got back from our wonderful trip two days ago! Our group was a group of adult siblings/SOs ( age 27-35) with our 64-year-old parents. Most if not all of the positive reviews you see are similar to what my family experienced, so sharing a few other highlights that may get a little less shine:
Amanda A
January 19, 2024Just got back from our wonderful trip two days ago! Our group was a group of adult siblings/SOs ( age 27-35) with our 64-year-old parents. Most if not all of the positive reviews you see are similar to what my family experienced, so sharing a few other highlights that may get a little less shine:
Amanda A
January 19, 2024Just got back from our wonderful trip two days ago! Our group was a group of adult siblings/SOs ( age 27-35) with our 64-year-old parents. Most if not all of the positive reviews you see are similar to what my family experienced, so sharing a few other highlights that may get a little less shine:
Amanda A
January 19, 2024Just got back from our wonderful trip two days ago! Our group was a group of adult siblings/SOs ( age 27-35) with our 64-year-old parents. Most if not all of the positive reviews you see are similar to what my family experienced, so sharing a few other highlights that may get a little less shine:
Amanda A
January 19, 2024
All our guides have many years of experience in the industry and come highly recommended. They are fully versed in the values and vision of Spider Travel and will provide a service inline with those values. Our guides are knowledgeable and passionate about Inca Heritage and culture and in Peru as a whole. They dedicate themselves to continuous professional development and growth to ensure that you receive the most recent accurate and recognized theories about Inca and Andean culture. They are well educated, usually holding a degree in more than one field of study and can therefore hold a conversation on a broad spectrum of issues. Finally, expect to have an amazing time while trekking, our guides are fun loving and great sportsmen.
Our porters personify hard work. We employ about 90 porters from local communities. They are mostly farmers by trade and are native Quechua speakers. They mainly come from the indigenous communities around the trail. We refer to our super porters as ¨Red Machine¨. This is because they work hard during the treks but carrying duffel bags, camping gear, and more! It is important to us that we employ porters from local villages because we are supporting them to become self-efficient and helping communities grow their economy to better the quality of lives.
We provide the following items to our porters and cooks for free: Working insurance, Jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffle bags, canteen, girdle for protecting their spine, sleeping bags, mattress.
Our porters are what make everything look seamless and smooth. They have your tent ready before your arrival in your tent and most importantly they significantly lighten that camping gear load.
This is where youth comes in handy. Our chefs are fully trained to provide the most scrumptious, abundant and simply mouthwatering meals in the outdoors with limited equipment. Our chefs prepare the best of fusion cooking that includes Peruvian and International dishes, using organic local and exotic ingredients. Our chefs are very versatile, serving even better specialty dishes for those with food allergies and specific dietary requirements. It has been a highlight for a majority of our hikers and we have yet to disappoint a trekker. Enjoy a complete and immersive culinary experience while trekking through the rugged Andes Mountains.
Enjoy a good night sleep in our 4 season igloo waterproof, spacious and professional EUREKA tent. All our tents are 4 person tents. ONLY 2 people will sleep in each, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bag. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking poles so you don’t have to bring the dirt inside. We also bring our own portable camping toilet, so you can use our clean facilities instead of the ones provided by the government. Our dining tent is spacious, with room to hangout during meal time and get to know your fellow hikers and guide.
