ITAN Adventure

Short Inca Trail 2 Days With Hotel

2 Days from US $ 477.00

Short Inca Trail 2 Days With Hotel

2 Days from US $ 477.00
Cusco, Ollantaytambo, 104 kms, Chachabamba, Wiñay Huayna, Sun Gate, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes
ITAN Adventure
Physical Level
Challenging
ITAN Adventure
Trip Style
Hiking
ITAN Adventure
Max Altitude
3,500 meters
ITAN Adventure
Group Size
min 2 persons

Got just two days but dying to walk the legendary Inca Trail? This jam-packed adventure serves up ancient ruins, cloud forests, and two magical visits to Machu Picchu—all without camping! Sleep in a comfy hotel, skip the crowds, and soak in those bucket-list views.

This 2-day trek mixes hiking, epic views, and Inca history. You’ll walk through cloud forests, check out ruins like Wiñay Huayna, and enter Machu Picchu twice—once in the afternoon (with fewer crowds!) and again at sunrise. Perfect if you’re short on time but want the classic Inca Trail vibe. Sleep in a comfy hotel in Aguas Calientes instead of camping.

Highlights

  • Touch real Inca history: Wander through Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna—ruins so pretty, they’ll ruin you for other archaeology sites.
  • Enter Machu Picchu like royalty through the Sun Gate (just like the Incas did 500 years ago!).
  • Sunrise at Machu Picchu: See the Lost City glow golden—twice! Afternoon light and dawn magic.
  • No heavy lifting: Porters carry lunch, you carry the camera.
  • Skip the crowds: Tiny groups (2-8 people) = more llama selfies, less waiting.

Trip Details

  • Group Size: Up to 8 people
  • Max Altitude: 2,730m (8,957ft)
  • Service Type: Group or Private
  • Transport: Hiking, Bus, Train
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Itinerary

DAY 1:

CUSCO → KM104 → WIÑAY WAYNA → SUN GATE → MACHU PICCHU → AGUAS CALIENTES

Start Early, Adventure Hard!

  • Your guide grabs you from your Cusco hotel at 4 AM. Yeah, it’s early, but coffee helps. Drive 2 hours to Ollantaytambo in a private van—nap if you want.
  • At 6:10 AM, hop on the train to KM104 (2,000m/6,560ft). Munch on your packed breakfast (buy it beforehand!) as you ride past farms and mountains.
  • KM104 Start: Cross a footbridge over the Urubamba River, show your passport, and explore Chachabamba—your first Inca site. The trail climbs gently for 1.5 hours. Expect humidity, bugs, and maybe rain—it’s the jungle, folks!
  • Waterfall Break: After a steeper 1.5-hour hike, hit a cascading waterfall. Snap pics, then tackle the short climb to Wiñay Huayna (2,600m/8,530ft). These ruins are half-buried in jungle—your guide spills the tea on their history.
  • Lunch Spot: Eat a big lunch (tell us about allergies when booking!) near Wiñay Huayna’s terraces. Look for orchids and parrots!
  • Final Push to Machu Picchu: Walk a flat(ish) path to the Sun Gate. The last stretch? Infamous “Gringo Killer” stairs—steep, but worth it. At Inti Punku (Sun Gate), Machu Picchu pops into view. Take it in—this is THE moment.
  • Machu Picchu Visit: Descend for photos at the Guard House (classic postcard angle). By afternoon, crowds thin out—golden hour pics FTW! Bus down to Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel (3★ or 4★), eat dinner, and crash.

Meals: Box lunch + dinner |

Hike: 12km/7.5mi (~6 hours) |

Sleep: Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu (3★) or El Mapi (4★)
Pro Tip: Leave a 5kg bag at Ollantaytambo station—it’ll meet you in Aguas Calientes.

Sunrise & Goodbyes

  • Up at 5:30 AM for the first bus to Machu Picchu. Sunrise here is magical—don’t skip it! Your guide tours the citadel for 2 hours, hitting temples, terraces, and hidden spots.
  • Free Time: After the tour, wander solo or add Huayna Picchu (book ahead! $75 USD). No guide for this—just your legs and the steep stairs.
  • Return to Cusco: Bus back to Aguas Calientes by noon. Lunch there (try the local trout!), then catch the 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM train to Ollantaytambo. The ride follows the Urubamba River—spot Wiñay Huayna from below! A van takes you to Cusco, arriving by 7 PM.

Meals: Breakfast

Train Upgrade: Vistadome (panoramic windows) for $67 USD

Cool Stuff You’ll See/Do

  • Jungle Vibes: Cloud forests, waterfalls, wild orchids.
  • Wiñay Huayna: Terraced ruins that’ll make you say “how?!”
  • Sun Gate Magic: That first Machu Picchu view? Chills.
  • Two Machu Picchu Visits: Afternoon light + sunrise = all the photos.
  • Train Scenery: Lush valleys, snowy peaks, and Inca farming terraces.

Inclusions

  • Door-to-door pick-up in Cusco.
  • All permits, trains, buses.
  • Bilingual guide (they know plants, ruins, and dad jokes).
  • 1 hotel night in Aguas Calientes (private room, hot shower).
  • Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 box lunch, 1 dinner.
  • First-aid kit + oxygen (just in case).
  • Huayna Picchu Hike: $75 USD (limited spots—book early!).
  • Vistadome Train: $67 USD for fancier seats/snacks.
  • Tips: Guides/drivers appreciate a few soles!
  • Lunch on Day 2: Lots of restaurants in Aguas Calientes (10−15 USD).

Real Talk

  • Altitude: Max 2,730m—easier than longer treks, but take it slow.
  • Weather: Rain happens—pack a poncho! Mornings can be chilly.
  • Machu Picchu Circuits: The 2-day trek uses Circuit 3. Want more? Buy a Circuit 2 ticket for $55 USD.
  • Train Times: Late? No stress—Peruvians are flexible, but don’t push it.

What to Bring

  • PASSPORT! (Original, matching your booking)
  • Layers: Morning freezes, midday bakes. Think fleece + rain jacket.
  • Comfy shoes: Inca stones are not flip-flop friendly.
  • 2L water bottle: Refill stations at lunch.
  • Power bank: Cold drains phones fast.
  • Soles cash: For tips, snacks, and emergency alpaca souvenirs.

About ISIC Card

Valid Student ID for Classic Inca Trail Hike and Machu Picchu

To qualify for the student discount on Inca Trail Permits, travelers must meet the following requirements:

  • Age Limit: Students must be 25 years old or younger at the time of entering the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Those over 25 years old cannot enter as a student.
  • ID Requirements: The student ID must include:
    • The name of the university
    • The student’s name and photo
    • A valid expiration date
  • ISIC CARD: This card type is no longer valid anymore

Invalid Student IDs for the Inca Trail Discount

Student IDs will not be accepted for the discount under the following conditions:

  • The traveler is older than 25
  • The ID is expired
  • The ID does not have an expiration date
  • ISIC cards are not valid for obtaining the student discount for Inca Trail permits.

This information is crucial for travelers seeking to benefit from discounted permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

Why to Choose

Why choose “ITAN Adventure”?

“ITAN Adventure” is a 100% Peruvian-owned tour operator based in Cusco, with extensive experience in hiking, adventure tours, and customized travel packages. As a completely local company, we’re dedicated to providing travelers with authentic, high-quality experiences.

Our vision as a local company is to deliver personalized travel and hiking journeys, managed exclusively by experienced local professionals, with a strong focus on HIGH-QUALITY and PERSONALIZED SERVICE.

We are proud of our reputation as a travel agency that upholds RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE practices benefiting both the environment and local communities.

We treat our team like family and ensure they receive fair wages. We are incredibly proud of each member of our team! Their dedication makes it possible for us to provide the top-notch service that our many travelers appreciate.

At “ITAN Adventure,” we understand that our reputation and the feedback from our travelers are essential for gaining the trust of future adventurers. You can check out honest reviews from our guests on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google to see why we’re a reliable choice for creating your Peruvian adventure.

Small Group Travel

To ensure a more personalized experience at “ITAN Adventure,” we keep our group sizes to a maximum of 8 travelers. This approach allows us to offer a tailored experience, unlike companies that operate with larger groups.

About Our Tour Guides

Our guides are our pride. They’re highly knowledgeable and professional, fluent in English, and deeply passionate about Inca culture and history. Each guide is committed to ongoing personal and professional development, allowing them to share accurate insights and fascinating theories about Andean heritage. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with backgrounds in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

Our Inca Trail Porters

Hiking with “ITAN Adventure” ensures a fulfilling experience. Our porters are here to make your journey comfortable and memorable. They carry your equipment, prepare meals, set up camps, and attend to your needs so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. Along the way, you’ll connect with local people, explore stunning sites, and discover historic Inca villages.

We provide our porters with essential equipment at no cost: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. Our porters come from remote communities, and by hiring them, we help improve their economic conditions and support their children’s education. We treat our porters like family!

Our Team and Equipment

Our team—guides, cooks, porters, muleteers—and our equipment make “ITAN Adventure” stand out from the competition. During our hikes, we provide:

  • Our Tents: We use 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents, designed for four but used by two for extra comfort and storage. They include a small vestibule for boots and poles.
  • Foam Mats: Insulate you from the ground for added warmth.
  • Air Mattresses: Available to rent for $20 USD.
  • Kitchen and Dining Tents: Serve as a common area during meals, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
  • Tables and Chairs: Set up in the dining area, adapted for varying weather.
  • Travel Bags: Provided the night before the trek.
  • Additional Items: We offer pillows, rain covers for backpacks, survival shirts, and portable toilets during the trek.

Our Commitment to Social Responsibility

“ITAN Adventure” is committed to giving back to isolated communities. We support social projects and prioritize hiring local staff.

We are proud to support local communities not only by providing employment but also by offering assistance to their families. This holistic approach benefits our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones, strengthening our connection to the local heritage.

Pricing

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: 2-DAY SHORT INCA TRAIL ADVENTURE TO MACHU PICCHU
Secure your spot year-round! Trips require just two participants to confirm a booking.


PACKAGE PRICING

PackagePrice Per PersonNotes
Basic (No Hotel)$457 USDIdeal for independent travelers.
Standard 3★ (Ferre Hotel)$477 USDIncludes breakfast & amenities.
Custom 3★ UpgradeBy RequestAdditional options available.
Premium 4★$577 USDEl Mapi / Tierra Viva (availability-based).

Single Room Supplements

  • 3★ Hotels: 40USD(Ferre)/60 USD (other 3★)
  • 4★ Hotels: 110USD(ElMapi)/75 USD (Tierra Viva Superior)

ADD-ONS

  • Huayna Picchu Hike: $75 USD/person (self-guided; add a guide for extra cost).
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade: $67 USD/person (return journey only).
  • Solo Traveler Fee: $40 USD/night at Ferre Hotel.
  • Duffel Bag Service: 5kg/11lbs luggage transfer to Aguas Calientes hotel (for extended stays).

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS

  • Ages 18–25: $30 USD off (submit valid student ID with university details, photo, and expiry date).
  • Under 18: $30 USD off (provide passport copy at booking).
  • Under 11: $40 USD off (passport copy required).

Note: The Short Inca Trail operates year-round except during February maintenance. Trek through the Sun Gate and explore Wiñay Wayna ruins!


INCLUDED BENEFITS

  • Intimate Groups: Limited to 8 travelers (avg. 4–6 people).
  • Flexible Return: Afternoon train departs Aguas Calientes at 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM. Private transfer to Cusco arrives by 7:00 PM.
  • Comfort Stay: 3★/4★ hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom, hot showers, breakfast, and Wi-Fi.

Secure your journey today and walk the ancient path to Machu Picchu

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