2 day Inca Trail with Camping

Before the 2-day Inca Trail hike with camping, our driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Upon arrival, you will board the train to KM 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail with camping, which is about a 50-minute train ride.

From KM 104, your hike to Machu Picchu begins. Before checking in at the control point, it is very important to carry your original passport, as the park ranger will compare it with your Inca Trail permit.

After checking in, you will begin hiking to Chachabamba, the first Inca site on the trail. It is a small but picturesque archaeological site. From there, the trail ascends to Wiñay Wayna, where lunch will be served. Our trekking cook and porters will be waiting for you with a nutritious meal (a vegetarian option is available).

Wiñay Wayna, which means "Forever Young" in Quechua, is an impressive Inca citadel built by the ruler Pachacutec. You will enjoy a guided tour of this stunning site, often compared to Machu Picchu. Before continuing the hike, you will also stop at a nearby waterfall, an ideal spot for taking unforgettable photos.

As you continue the hike to Machu Picchu, you will pass Intipata, an Inca farming site. Then, you will reach Intipunku (the Sun Gate), where you will get your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu from a different angle. Enjoy the sunset over the citadel before descending to the Guardian House, which offers the best vantage point for panoramic photos of Machu Picchu. There, your guide will provide a detailed explanation of the site. Please note that entrance to the citadel itself is not permitted at this time.

Finally, you will descend to the Puente Ruinas campsite, where your comfortable tent, inflatable mattress, sleeping bag, and air pillow will be set up and ready for you there. Our cook and porters will serve you dinner here. Get a good night's rest in preparation for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

Inca Trail Info:

Estimated trekking time: 6 hours

Trekking distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)

Physical rating: Easy to Moderate

Max altitude: Intipunku – 2,500 m (8,202 ft)

Min altitude: Chachabamba – 1,800 m (5,905 ft)

Camping altitude: Puente Ruinas – 1,900 m (6,234 ft)

Today is the last day of the Short Inca Trail with camping.

You’ll wake up early, enjoy a nutritious breakfast, and then continue hiking to Aguas Calientes. From there, you’ll take a bus up to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you'll pass the Puente Ruinas campsite, cross the bridge, and hike up a zigzagging road for about 25 minutes to reach the Inca citadel. As you go, take in the lush flora of the Cusco region, with its green mountains, morning mist, and views of Putucusi Mountain. As you near your destination, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu and its ancient Andean agricultural terraces.

Important note:

According to new regulations, the Inca Trail no longer includes an entry ticket to Machu Picchu. However, our Short Inca Trail Camping Tour includes this Machu Picchu ticket. Based on your booking time and availability, our sales team will arrange your Machu Picchu entrance ticket. If you book in advance, you may receive Circuit 2, considered the best route for exploring the entire citadel. If Circuit 2 is sold out, you will receive Circuit 3, the standard route for Inca Trail hikers.

Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, you will check in at the control gate with your ticket and begin a guided tour lasting approximately two and a half hours. The route of your tour depends on the circuit assigned to your ticket.

To enhance your Short Inca Trail experience, we recommend adding one of the following optional mountain hikes: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Both are located within the site and offer stunning, panoramic views from different angles. Although these hikes incur an extra cost, they are well worth it for the unforgettable photos you'll capture of the Inca citadel.

After the guided tour, take the shuttle bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time for lunch on your own. Later, you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Our driver will be waiting to take you to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

This Short Inca Trail Camping journey is certainly challenging and active, but also full of fun, beauty, and lasting memories.

Inca Trail Info:

Estimated trekking time: 2 hours 30 minutes (to Machu Picchu)

Trekking distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)

Physical rating: Easy

Maximum altitude: Machu Picchu – 2,300 m (7,546 ft)

Minimum altitude: Aguas Calientes – 2,200 m (7,218 ft)

• Pre-trek briefing with your tour guide (Our guide will visit your hotel the day before the trek for your briefing);
• Private vehicle transfer to the railway station in Ollantaytambo;
• Accommodation: Camping (1 night);
• Inca Trail permit and entrance fee to Machu Picchu;
• Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner (Please advise us in advance if you are vegetarian; this option is available at no extra cost);
• Water on the first and second day (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek; please bring your own water for this portion);
• Professional bilingual tour guide (1 guide for groups up to 8 participants; 2 guides for groups over 8);
• Trekking cook;
• Personal porters to carry your camping equipment and duffel bag (5 kg per person);
• Feather sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner;
• Inflatable Therma-Rest mattress with cover;
• Inflatable pillow with cover;
• Rain poncho;
• Duffel bag for your personal belongings (carried by our porter during the trek);
• Machu Picchu T-shirt;
• Camping equipment: Personal double tent (4-person tent for greater comfort and storage of backpacks);
• Dining equipment: Tables, chairs, cooking tent with cooking gear, and bottled gas;
• Round-trip train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu);
• Shuttle bus up and down to Machu Picchu;
• Tourist bus transfer from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco.

During the Inca Trail Tours our staff will provide the following:

• Biodegradable soap;
• Hot water for personal hygiene every morning, provided by our cook;
• Small towels to wash your hands;

• Breakfast on the first day and lunch in Aguas Calientes on the second day (not included)
• Shuttle bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on the first day (US$12 – not included)
• Travel insurance (not mandatory but highly recommended in case of emergencies during your trip in Peru)
• Huayna Picchu ticket (US$80 – optional)
• Tips for local staff (Please note: tipping is customary in Peru but 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!

We are committed to ensuring that your 2 Day Inca Trail Camping begins smoothly and without any inconveniences. Although we strive to adhere closely to the planned itinerary, it allows for a certain amount of flexibility. Occasionally, unforeseen circumstances may require us to adjust the schedule.

Should any inconvenience arise, rest assured that our team will make every effort to provide an immediate and effective solution to minimize its impact on your experience.

The itinerary details document serves as a general guide to the Inca Trail tours. Please note that we cannot guarantee specific flora and wildlife sightings, nor can we ensure clear conditions during the dry season, as fog and rain may still occur.

Your comfort, safety, and satisfaction are our top priorities during your Inca Trail tour.

Itinerary Notes:

It is mandatory to send us a copy of your passport in advance. Our reservations department will verify that the information you provide matches the details on your Inca Trail permit.

Currently, the Ministry of Culture in Lima, the agency responsible for regulating entry to Machu Picchu, may change policies without prior notice. These changes may result in modifications to the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu route. Rest assured that our Operations Department will promptly inform you of any changes and advise you on the best course of action to ensure your visit is not affected.

In case of flight schedule changes or delays, please contact Inca Trail Machu immediately. We recommend downloading the WhatsApp app to maintain direct communication with our 24/7 support staff.

The four-day Inca Trail tour takes you through the Peruvian Andes. You will start at an elevation of 2,800 meters and gradually ascend to altitudes of up to 4,250 meters at the highest pass of the Inca Trail before descending to 2,350 meters at Machu Picchu.

Anyone can experience altitude sickness (AMS), regardless of fitness level. If you experience any symptoms, please contact our staff immediately.

Inca Trail Machu has partnerships with clinics and hospitals throughout Peru. In case of an emergency, our representatives, guides, trekking cooks, and porters are fully prepared to assist with a prompt evacuation and coordinate medical attention.

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities throughout your Inca Trail experience.

Important Notes for Your Inca Trail Tour:

1. Inca Trail Regulations:

The rules and regulations governing the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are subject to change. Before starting your tour, familiarize yourself with the booking policies and guidelines, which are available on our website under "Inca Trail Rules."

2. Machu Picchu Regulations

Accurate passport details are required at the time of booking confirmation for your Inca Trail tour.

New regulations at Machu Picchu require visitors to follow specific circuits to help manage site traffic. Your Inca Trail permit includes entry to Machu Picchu via Circuit 1-B (Panoramic). The 2-Day Inca Trail camping also includes an additional ticket to Machu Picchu.

We will do our best to keep groups together. However, members of the same Inca Trail group may visit Machu Picchu on different circuits. Nevertheless, you will fully experience the beauty and grandeur of this wonder of the world.

3. Inca Trail Maintenance

Each February, parts of the Inca Trail may close for scheduled maintenance. Unexpected closures may also occur due to weather, strikes, or other conditions. During these periods, your tour will include an alternative trek.

4. Porters

To support porter welfare, we strictly adhere to Inca Trail regulations regarding weight limits during your Inca Trail tour. Porters may carry no more than 6 kg (13 lbs) of your personal belongings (7 kg (15 lbs) on other treks), including your sleeping bag, clothing, and toiletries.

We recommend using lightweight, travel-sized items and minimizing electronics. Any extra luggage can be safely stored in Cusco, but you should keep your valuables with you during the trek.

If your trekking guide and support team provide excellent service, tipping is appreciated. Please refer to the Tipping Guidelines section for suggestions.

5. Wet Season Precautions

During the wet season (January to April), heavy rains may affect campsites along the Inca Trail. To ensure your safety and the success of your tour, itinerary changes may be made locally as needed.

6. Acclimatization for the Trek

Since your trek begins in Cusco, it is strongly recommended that you rest and acclimate upon arrival to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

7. Group Dynamics

Please note that not all participants on your Inca Trail tour will choose to hike the trail. Some may cancel at the last minute, while others may prefer to spend additional time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. These travelers can reconnect with the group at Machu Picchu for the guided tour.

During treks and activities, you may be grouped with travelers who booked through Inca Trail Machu or our travel partners.

8. Luggage Storage

The day before the trek, it’s important to prepare your duffel bag for the Inca Trail hike. If you have excess baggage, you can store it at your hotel or at our office in Cusco.

9. Accommodation Pick-Up

Pick-up times for your Inca Trail tour will be provided during the pre-tour briefing with your guide or sent via WhatsApp by one of our representatives.

10. Wi-Fi Availability

Please note that Wi-Fi access and movile service will be extremely limited during the trek.

All of our Inca Trail camping tours to Machu Picchu include a professional tour guide who will lead and support your group. Our Inca Trail guides specialize in trekking, nature, and cultural interpretation. They are university-trained professionals with extensive experience guiding tours along the Inca Trail. Before starting your two-day Inca Trail camping adventure, your guide will recommend sites you can visit.

For the short Inca Trail camping experience, we also provide a trekking cook who prepares nutritious and delicious Andean meals with fresh, natural ingredients. Our cooks are trained in proper food handling, hygiene, and safety standards to ensure a healthy trekking experience.

Our dedicated porters will set up your tent, organize your personal equipment, and place it inside before you arrive. For the short Inca Trail camping trip, our porters carry dining equipment from kilometer 104 to Wiñay Wayna for your lunch. They will then continue to the Puente Ruinas campsite where your duffel bag and all of your Inca Trail camping gear will be ready for a comfortable night under the stars.

Additionally, Inca Trail Machu provides a trip representative to ensure your two-day Inca Trail camping experience runs smoothly and according to plan. Our representative stays in constant communication with your guide, cook, and porters. In case of emergencies, such as strikes or unexpected weather conditions, they will contact you to coordinate any necessary changes or alternative travel arrangements.

To facilitate communication, our representative will request your WhatsApp contact number. If you don't already use WhatsApp, we recommend downloading it. This allows us to communicate with you quickly in case of an emergency or to fulfill any requests during your camping journey on the Inca Trail.

The Inca Trail Machu Tour Operator will provide double tents. Our tents are the four-season Doite XL brand. Although the tents have a three-person capacity, only two trek participants will share each one. This way, we can offer you more space and comfort. For solo travelers, we provide a tent with a capacity of two people. After each trek, we carefully inspect and maintain our tents to ensure they are in excellent condition.

Inca Trail Machu will also provide you with a clean feather sleeping bag, a sheet, an air mattress with a cover, and an inflatable pillow with a cover. At every campsite, our porters will put your equipment inside your tent. When you arrive at camp, you’ll find all your gear ready and waiting inside.

All the high-season / low-season trade-offs are here. Winter (June through August) means drier weather and easier traveling, but it´s prime vacation time for those in the northern hemisphere. Prices and visitor numbers drop dramaticalle during the summer rainy season (October through April). For near-ideal weather and manageable crowds, consider a spring or fall trip.

In January and february the weather could most likely wreak havoc with your travel plans. But it´s also the time when you can enjoy Machu Picchu without the crowds. Mudslides are an occasional problem when visiting during the October-April rainy season. It´s rate, but visitors have been stranded at Machu Picchu or between Aguas Calientes and Cusco if the slides block the way., but usually only very briefly.

More Information: Machu Picchu weather by month

• Original passport, 
• Original ISIC (an international student card if applicable) 
• Travel insurance, 
• Money in cash, 
• A small rucksack,
• Rain gear (a rain-jacket and a waterproof trousers), 
• Resistible footwear, waterproof trekking shoes are recommended, 
• Sandals (for a higher comfort while at a campsite),
• Warm clothes such as a jacket, a fleece (thermal clothing is also recommended for cold nights during camping), 
• Hat or a cap (to protect you against the Sun, rain as well as cold), 
• Sun cream or sun block, 
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body, 
• Insect repellent – recommended minimum is 20% DEET (please note that no malaria cases have been reported during this trip!), 
• Camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed quickly under cold conditions), 
• Flashlight/headlamp + batteries, 
• Handkerchiefs and toilet paper, 
• Small towel and toiletries, 
• Sufficient reserve of underwear, 
• Swimsuit (to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes), 
• Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.) 

Please note: we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. The recommendation of taken own snack applies only for customers who like a specific snack that might not be in our menu. Bottled water for the first morning and a water bottle to be refill every morning of the Machu Picchu 2 day hike. 

Where is located the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, between Cuzco, Capital of the ancient Inca Empire, and the citadel of Machu Picchu. The alternation of mountains and valleys along the walk offers incredible and diversified landscapes.

 

Altitudes

During 2 day Inca trail hike we will find the following altitudes:

• "Ollantaytambo" at 2,972 m.a.s.l.
• "Km 104" at 2,100 m.a.s.l.
• "Hot Springs" at 2,040 m.a.s.l.
• "Machu Picchu" at 2 700 m.a.s.l.

How many kilometers is walked and how many hours do we walk per day?

During the hike you will just walk the first day from km 104 to Chachabamba for 3hrs. Then, we will move to Wiñay Wayna. At the end, we will arrive to "Hot Springs". The entire trek is 12 km long, and the trekking time is for 5 hours.

 

 

What does "Machu Picchu" mean?

"Machu Picchu" means 'Old Mountain' in the indigenous Quechua language. "Machu Picchu", the lost city of the Incas, is an unprecedented historical, natural and architectural complex, a tourist destination that has earned the category of inescapable.

 

How difficult is the Machu Picchu 2 day hike?

The 2 day Inca trail hike is considered an intermediate level trek. Since it does not include rock climbing, or hiking on snow, isn´t required previous experience. The most difficult part comes the second day, when we climb a number of stairs and start from 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) to climb to more than 4000 meters (13,123 feet) walking through a small space, later things become more easy as the road continues downhill. Keep in mind that you will carry your personal items, which may include clothing, camera, water, camp equipment, etc; which may add difficulty to the trek because of the weight. 

 

Is it possible to do this trek on my own?

If you are an experienced hiker, you may want to do the Inca trail trek on your own, without a tour operator, without a guide, without a carrier, just you and the way. However, that is NOT possible.

Government regulations do not allow it, since 2001 hiking independently on the Inca Trail is prohibited. The regulation states that each hiker must be accompanied by a qualified professional guide. The UGM (Management Unit of Machu Picchu) is the regulatory entity that supervises companies fulfill certain requirements to operate this route. The license of each company is renewed annually, likewise, the list of authorized guides and agencies is published on the official website: www.machupicchu.gob.pe

 

Camping or Hotel during the Machu Picchu 2 day hike

Deciding taking between our 2 day Inca Trail with Camping or the Short Inca Trail Trek is based on choose past the night in a hotel or camping.

If you like the adventure, we recommend to book the 2 day Inca Trail with Camping, because you can spend a night in the subtropical zone and near to the Vilcanota river, enjoying the landscapes and the rich flora and fauna around the Puente Ruinas campsite. In case you want to sleep comfortably, book the Inca Trail trek with hotel. You will have a room with a private bath and you can explore the Aguas Calientes town.

In the 2 day Inca Trail with camping there is a greater contact with nature, greater freedom than in hotels. In these establishments, although you are surrounded by vegetation in their gardens and pools, it is somewhat artificial and customers are subject to a greater degree of social protocol. Also, camping for children is an adventure. Children see their vacations as an "adventure" from the camping remember, the campfire, climbing, camping food, hiking, and much more. Deciding staying at a campsite is such an important part of the vacation experience as hiking, visiting a water park, or going to a natural park.

While camping the bathroom is a tree not a actual bathroom with a toilet and a shower. Hotels have bathroom right in the room with the main supplies like soap, shampoo, towels, and wash cloths. Hotels usually have a continental breakfast waiting for you when you wake up and when camping a homely breakfast. 

 

The Inca Trail trek 2 day involves a walk of 16 km to Machu Picchu, passing through spectacular landscapes of mountains and cloud forest. You’ll also visit Inca archaeological sites along the route, such as Chachabamba, Choquesuysuy and the amazing Winaywayna Complex. Then, of course, you’ll have a full-day tour of Machu Picchu, with plenty of time to explore the site on your own, to take photographs and contemplate this magical place.

This Machu Picchu 2 day hike is preferred by many travelers, because it complements their trek, strengthening the contact with nature and allowing them enjoy a real adventure during their trip.

 

Mainly Diffrences

2 day Inca Trail with camping: Spend a night in the camping with a tent, inflatable sleeping bag. Our cooker will prepare all the food (Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast) and the porters will carry your personal belongings and camping equipment. You need to walk only with your water, jacket, sunblock and daypack.

 

This tour offers you:

• Tents of the brand MOUNTAIN PASS 3XTE designated for 4 seasons. 
• Camping equipment, such as sleeping bag, inflatable mattress (thermarest mattress -an inflatable mattress to sleep more comfortably), pillow, blanket,
• Duffel bag for your clothes, rain poncho and daypack
• All meet according your itinerary (01 Lunch, 01 Breakfast, 01 Dinners)
• Professional chef
• A person will carry your personal belonging 7 kg included clothes and sleeping roll mattress and sleeping bag.

Machu Picchu 2 day hike: Spend a night in the hotel; you will have a private room with bath. Lunch will be served around Wiñay Wayna ruins (Box lunch) and dinner will be in the best restaurant in the town of Aguas Calientes. Breakfast will be enjoyed at your hotel the next morning. You need to carry your clothes along the trail. The second day you can leave your personal belongings in your hotel and you can walk up to Machu Picchu with your water.

 

This tour offers you:

• Accomodation in a Hotel in Machu Picchu
• Box lunch in Wiñaywayna
• Dinner in the restaurant in Aguas Calientes and breakfast in your hotel.
• Professsional guide.
• You will need to carry your personal belonging on the trail