SHORT INCA TRAIL WITH CAMPING 2 DAYS

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Kilometer 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Puente Ruinas

We will pick you up at 4:00 am from your hotel in Cusco to begin the Inca Trail with camping. We will drive for approximately one and a half hours to Ollantaytambo, where you will enjoy a box breakfast before boarding the train to Kilometer 104, the starting point of the hike. Upon arrival, we will meet our professional chef and porters, who will carry lunch and camping equipment to the campsite.

Today’s hike follows the most spectacular section of the Classic Inca Trail. We will hike approximately 11 km, starting with a visit to the Chachabamba archaeological site. From there, we will ascend along the original stone-paved Inca trail toward the impressive Wiñay Wayna ruins. Along the way, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Andes, diverse flora and fauna, and stunning cloud forest scenery.

After enjoying our picnic lunch, we will continue hiking through lush vegetation, where you may spot orchids, colorful birds, viscachas, and—if we are very lucky—spectacled bears. In the afternoon, we will arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you will get your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu from above.

From the Sun Gate, we will hike for about 45 minutes to reach Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we will explore the upper section of the citadel following Circuit 01, stopping at three scenic viewpoints to capture iconic photographs. Afterward, we will exit the site and take a 20-minute bus ride to Puente Ruinas. From there, it is a short walk to our campsite, where dinner will be served and you will spend the night in comfortable tents at the foot of Machu Picchu.

• Elevation Gain: 695 m / 1,683 ft
• Elevation Loss: 391 m / 820 ft
• Walking Distance: 11 km / 6.83 miles
• Trailhead Elevation: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
• Highest Point: Sun Gate – 2,720 m / 8,923 ft
• Campsite Elevation: 1,985 m / 6,512 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Weather: Hot and humid

Day 2: Puente Ruinas – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

We will wake you up early with hot herbal tea. After breakfast prepared by our professional chef, you will pack your belongings and walk approximately 30 minutes to the bus station. We will then take a 25-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu, arriving at the entrance around 6:00 am.

After showing your passport at the checkpoint, your guide will take you to a strategic viewpoint to witness Machu Picchu at sunrise. You will then enjoy a two-hour guided tour following Circuit 03, visiting the most important areas of the citadel, including the Temple of the Sun, water fountains, royal residence, Sacred Rock, and Temple of the Condor.

After the guided tour, we will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to explore the town and have lunch. In the afternoon, we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transportation to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 7:30 pm.

• Elevation Gain: 93 m / 305 ft
• Elevation Loss: 33 m / 108 ft
• Hiking Distance: 2 km / 1.24 miles
• Highlight: Sunrise at Machu Picchu
• Meals: Breakfast included
• Temperature: Warm and humid

• Included
• Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entrance ticket
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Personal porter (7 kg allowance)
• Professional chef and camping equipment
• All meals as stated in the itinerary
• 4-season tents and foam mattresses
• Train tickets and bus tickets
• Private transportation to and from Cusco
• First-aid kit and emergency oxygen

• Not Included
• Huayna Picchu Mountain ($65 USD)
• Machu Picchu Mountain ($65 USD)
• Lunch on Day 2
• Sleeping bag rental ($5 USD)
• Trekking poles ($5 USD)
• Tips (optional)

IMPORTANT:

A maximum of 250 people per day are allowed to access the short Inca Trail at km. 104; This number includes all support staff such as authorized porters, cooks, and Guides and is most tightly checked; when the short Inca trail reaches its limit of 250 travelers, the Trail is closed off for the day and no further reservations could be made. All the permits to hike must be bought 4 months in advance, if possible.

Updated Regulations for the Inca Trail – Effective May 27, 2025

On May 27, 2025, the Ministry of Culture introduced a significant change in the regulations governing access to Machu Picchu for participants of the 2-day Inca Trail. Under the new policy, permits issued on or after this date will no longer grant full access to the Machu Picchu citadel.

Specifically, hikers completing the 2-day Inca Trail will be permitted to reach the iconic viewpoint commonly used for the classic Machu Picchu photograph and will follow Circuit 1, which traces the outer perimeter of the archaeological complex. Upon completion of this route, visitors will be required to exit the site without entering the central areas of the citadel or exploring its interior structures.

It is important to clarify that this new restriction applies only to permits issued on or after May 27, 2025. Travelers who secured their permits prior to this date will still have access to the complete site, including Circuit 3, which allows entry into the main citadel.

In response to this regulatory adjustment, and in an effort to preserve the full Machu Picchu experience for our clients, we will be implementing an alternative solution. For all affected travelers, we will purchase an additional entry ticket that includes access to Circuit 3. This will ensure that our guests can enjoy both the classic panoramic viewpoint and a comprehensive tour of the interior ruins within the main citadel.

THINGS TO KNOW

• This Machu Picchu 2-day with camping is not recommended for travelers with back problems
• You will have a tour guide during your short Inca trail and on the Machu Picchu tour.
• Daily departures with a group of 2 or more.
• No departures in February due to trail maintenance.
• There is no access to a wheelchair.
• Don’t forget the essentials: Original passport, and personal medications.
• This short Inca Trail with camping will have a maximum of 8 travelers

STRIKES

Strikes and roadblocks are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our short Inca trail with camping and rail service to and from Machu Picchu. We will do our best that your hike to Machu Picchu continues as planned with some changes.

If the strike happens on the first day of your short Inca Trail with camping, we will take you to Aguas Calientes the night before your departure date. You will spend the night in Aguas Calientes in a hotel which will be at your expense. And the next day, you will hike an extra 1 hour and a half to Km 104 where your 2-day Inca Trail with camping starts.

If the strike happens the day that you finish your 2-day 1 night Inca Trail. We will send our vans from Cusco to Hidrolectrica. So you will need to hike extra 2 hours from Aguas Calientes to Hydroelectric. Then we will drive 7 hours to Cusco. We will drop you off at your hotel around 11:00 pm.

Another option we have is if the strike happens on the second day. We will visit Machu Picchu in the afternoon of the first day after hiking the short Inca Trail. So you will take the train at 09:00 pm back to Cusco the same that you start your Inca Trail 2 days with camping. Of course, we will charge as Inca Trail 1 day.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We really recommend you get travel insurance because if you cancel your two-day Machu Picchu with camping at the last minute it can reimburse you for your pre-paid, non-refundable short Inca Trail permit. Also when you get sick or hurt while you are far away from home, it can reimburse you for care following a covered medical emergency while traveling.

SHORT INCA TRAIL WEATHER

The weather is unpredictable in the Andes. The dry season in short Inca Trail is from April to October and the rainy season is from November through March, but this does not stop rain from falling in the dry season or the sun from coming out in the rainy season so just be prepared. No matter what season you are hiking the short Inca Trail with camping, make sure that you get rain gear such as a rain jacket, rain pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. You might experience 4 seasons in only one day too. So you must be prepared. Layers are the key since they are easy to adapt to different temperature changes.

RETURNING FROM MACHU PICHU TO CUSCO.

Returning from Machu Picchu to Cusco needs a lot of logistics. But it is already organized by us.

Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, you will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes for about 30 minutes. Buses run every 15 minutes. Then Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station. Our guide will give you your train tickets. Make sure to get to the train station 30 minutes earlier.

• The estimated time on the train is 1 hour and a half from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• The estimated time on the train is 3 hours and a half from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.

Once at the train station, our transfer will wait for you with Pureq Travel logo. He/She will then transfer you back to Cusco and then to your hotel.

• The estimated time from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is 1 hour and a half.
• The estimated time from Poroy to Cusco is 40 minutes.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

During the short Inca trail 2 days with camping, solo travelers will be paired to share a tent with another traveler of the same sex and couples will have a room to themselves.

HOW TO BOOK INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS WITH CAMPING WITH PUREQ TRAVEL?

In order to book your Inca Trail 2 days with camping with us, click on the BOOK NOW button above, then select the day of your departure, then, fill out all your personal information of each participant and the last step is the payment of your deposit of $150 per person. Once we receive your deposit, we will send you a confirmation of your trip

Also, you will find on our booking form some extras such as Huayna Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu, walking sticks, and a sleeping bag. For the Huaya Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, you need to book in advance because those tickets run out in advance like the Inca Trail permits. The walking sticks and sleeping bag, you can book one day before your departure at our office. We have plenty of them to rent.

When your Inca trail permits are in our hands, we will send you a confirmation that everything is 100% organized. All start dates, once confirmed, are guaranteed.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Yes! During the 2 days Inca trail hike with camping, you can store your luggage at our storage or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.  Please bring what you will only need during your Short Inca Trail with camping to Machu Picchu.

WHAT ABOUT THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE?

The outstanding balance can be made in cash 2 days earlier your trip in USD or soles. Also, you can pay us with a Credit card (a 5% service fee applies).  Please let us know what you prefer. Cash payment MUST be paid 2 days prior to your trip.

HOW ABOUT THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

According to Peruvian law, you have to be under 18 years old at the time of your hike to the Inca trail 2 days with camping (if you are 18 or over, you need valid student cards). Below is a sample of a valid student card

• All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $30 USD.
• For children from 2 to 11 years old, a discount is $40 USD.

All students have to send a copy of their passport and student card at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at info@pureqtravel.com

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN PURCHASED?

Unfortunately, it is not possible. The Peruvian government doesn’t allow us to change once the two-day Inca trail with camping permits has been bought. Inca Trail permits are not transferable nor refundable. The only information that the government allows us to change is passport numbers.

HOW HARD IS THE SHORT INCA TRAIL?

This hike is classified as moderate-difficult, it’s recommended to be in good physical condition.

HOW DOES IT WORK IF I BOOK HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN?

For our customers who hike the Inca trail 2-day trek with camping, we will always book the 09 – 10 am Schedule for Huayna Picchu Mountain. You will get to Machu Picchu at 6 am on the second day. So you will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel from 06 until 08:30 am. Then you will enter Huayna Picchu at 09:00 am. This hike takes around 2 hour and a half roughly. Therefore You will finish this hike at 12:00 roughly. Then you will take the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes which takes around 30 minutes. So you will be in Aguas Calientes 12:30 pm. You will have time to eat your lunch until 02:50 pm.

When you hike Huayna Picchu Mountain, we always book the 15:20 train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Therefore you will get back to Cusco around 19:30.

Note: The 09 am and 10 am Huayna Picchu ticket runs out quickly, so it is better to book the Huayna Picchu together with your 2-day Inca trail permits in Advance.

HOW DOES IT WORK IF I BOOK MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN?

In case you book the Machu Picchu Mountain, we book the Schedule of 08 – 09 am. So you will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel from 6  to 8 am then you need to exit Machu Picchu, use the toilet, and reenter Machu Picchu then you need to walk for 10 minutes until the Machu Picchu Mountain checkpoint. You will access the Mountain at 8:45 am. This hike takes 3 hours roughly so you will be back in Machu Pichu at 12 pm then you will take the bus to Aguas Calientes which takes 30 minutes. You will be in Aguas Calientes around 12:30 then you will have time to explore the town and have lunch until 14:25 pm.

IS THE MACHU PICCHU TICKET INCLUDED IN INCA TRAIL 2 TREK WITH CAMPING?

Yes, it is Included Machu Picchu Citadel ticket. But not the Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket. 

IS THERE ANY SPECIFIC SCHEDULE TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU WHEN I HIKE INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS WITH CAMPING?

There is no specific Schedule. With those tickets, you can visit any time of the day. We take our groups on the first Schedule at 06 am because you beat the crowd and see the sun rise over the Inca site. However, if the group decides to go later then we can take you later.

DO I NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS WITH CAMPING TO MACHU PICCHU?

Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it should be the same passport you sent us to book your Short Inca Trail permit. Your passport will be checked at the Short Inca trail checkpoint, Machu Picchu, and when you take the train.

UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS

If you are renewing your passport, go ahead and email us a copy of your old passport to reserve your short Inca trail permits. If you don’t have your old Passport anymore, any government issue ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same of your passport. Once you obtain your new passport. Please email us a copy of your new passport ASAP to change the information on your permit.

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE OF MY TRAIN TICKET?

We usually book the 06:10 am schedule from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104 on day 1 and the return train ticket is at 02:55 pm so you get to Cusco at 06:30 pm and you have enough time to sleep and do any tour the next day, like Palcoyo Mountain.