The Short Inca Trail with Camping (2 Days / 1 Night) includes approximately six hours of hiking along the world-famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This trek begins with a four-hour uphill hike on the first day.
With this camping option, you’ll enjoy an exclusive overnight experience at our private campsite, reserved only for Tunqui Expeditions hikers. The campsite features:
Would you prefer a more comfortable night in a hotel on this 2-day adventure?
Check out our 2-Day Short Inca Trail with Hotel option.
This gradual hike leads you to the breathtaking Wiñay Wayna ruins, where you’ll stop for lunch. From there, you’ll continue for about one more hour to reach the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll enjoy your first awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu.
This 2-day adventure along the famous Inca Trail includes approximately six hours of hiking on the first day. It’s the perfect short version of the classic trail, ideal for those with limited time who still want the full experience.
Begin your trek with a four-hour uphill hike toward Wiñay Wayna, a stunning archaeological site and a perfect spot for lunch in the open air.
From there, hike one more hour to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll catch your first unforgettable glimpse of Machu Picchu.
Afterward, head down to our exclusive campsite near the town of Aguas Calientes. Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by your trekking chef, then rest under the stars.
The next morning, you’ll visit Machu Picchu for a guided tour of this magnificent Inca citadel.
We’ll pick you up at your hotel around 4:00 AM, then transfer to Ollantaytambo to board the train to Km 104, the starting point of the Inca Trail.
After a hearty breakfast prepared by our chef, you’ll begin a 6 to 7-hour hike, visiting several Inca sites along the way.
You’ll pass through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the afternoon and enjoy Machu Picchu almost empty—a rare and magical experience.
We’ll camp just below Machu Picchu Mountain, near the Vilcanota River, in a peaceful and private location.
Wake up early with a cup of coffee in your tent, then enjoy breakfast before taking the bus up to Machu Picchu.
Your guide will lead a comprehensive tour through the citadel’s most important buildings, plazas, and temples.
After the tour, you can optionally hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (not included; must be booked in advance).
Later, take the panoramic train back to Cusco, where you’ll arrive at your hotel around 7:30 PM.
Highlight of the day: Take in stunning landscapes, visit Inca archaeological sites, and enjoy your first magical view of Machu Picchu.
Your adventure begins early in the morning. We’ll pick you up in Cusco at 4:00 am or Ollantaytambo at 5:30 am, then head to the train station to board one of the first trains to the Inca Trail starting point at Km 104 (Chachabamba). The train ride takes around 1.5 hours.
At the trailhead, you’ll need to present your original passport (no copies accepted) to enter the Inca Trail.
Our trekking chef will be waiting to serve you a fresh breakfast before starting the hike.
Afterward, you’ll begin the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, hiking for approximately 6 to 7 hours. Along the way, you’ll visit the remarkable Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna archaeological sites. At Wiñay Wayna, enjoy a hot, freshly cooked buffet lunch, refill your water bottle, and relax before continuing the trek.
Then, you’ll ascend to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll catch your first stunning view of Machu Picchu in the quiet afternoon, when most tourists have already left.
From there, you’ll take the bus down to Puente Ruinas, where your chef and porters will be waiting to welcome you to your private campsite.
Your tent will be set up and ready. You’ll enjoy a refreshing hot shower, tea time with your guide, and a delicious buffet dinner before relaxing in your cozy tent for the night.
Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Hiking Time: 6 to 7 hours
Maximum Altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
Campsite Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks
Accommodation: Campsite
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Highlight of the day: Enter the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu, and explore its ancient temples and impressive architecture.
This is the most important day of your adventure—the visit to Machu Picchu.
We’ll wake you early with a cup of hot coffee in your tent, followed by a nutritious breakfast. Then, take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, arriving in time to witness the sunrise over the citadel.
This experience is truly unique, as it allows you to see Machu Picchu twice—once at sunset on Day 1 and again at sunrise on Day 2.
You’ll enjoy a 2 to 3-hour guided tour, exploring the most important sites: temples, plazas, terraces, and palaces. After the tour, if you’ve booked in advance, you’ll have the option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (note: separate from the citadel and not included).
Later, your guide will assist you in taking the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch (not included) before boarding your panoramic train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport back to Cusco.
You’ll arrive at your hotel around 7:30 pm.
Tour Duration in Machu Picchu: 2 to 3 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast
Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
Huayna Picchu Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
Machu Picchu Mountain Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
Difficulty Level: Easy
At Tunqui Expeditions, we clearly outline what’s included and not included in every itinerary on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please read the details carefully to avoid any surprises.
Some services may vary depending on the program, so we recommend reviewing everything before booking.
All equipment is carried by our team of porters.
From the first lunch onward, we provide filtered, boiled, and cooled drinking water at every meal.
Please bring a 2-liter capacity (CamelBak or water bottles).
Our incredible porters carry:
You’ll have a dedicated personal porter for your duffel bag.
All applicable taxes and permit fees are included in the price.
No hidden charges.
Please note that weather is beyond our control, so flexibility and a positive attitude are always helpful.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we want your trip to Peru to be as memorable and stress-free as possible. In this section, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about traveling with us.
Please read the information carefully—it will help you prepare for your adventure.
Have a question that’s not answered here? Contact us, and we’ll respond as soon as possible!
It’s very important to be well-acclimatized before starting a trek. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days in advance to adapt to the altitude and avoid potential issues during the hike.
Even if you’ve already visited other high-altitude places in Peru, we still recommend spending at least one full day in Cusco to rest, recover from travel, and enjoy the city.
Suggested pre-trek activities:
All briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or at your hotel) at 5:00 PM, the evening before your tour starts. These meetings last about 30 to 45 minutes.
If you’re unable to attend, you must coordinate a different time via email, phone, or in person at our office.
If you still have a pending balance, it must be paid at least 2 days before your tour. Otherwise, your booking may not be confirmed.
We prefer that the remaining balance be paid in cash (USD or Peruvian soles) at our Cusco office.
There are many ATMs along Avenida El Sol that dispense both currencies.
Alternatively, you can pay using credit/debit card or PayPal (online or in person), but please note:
Niubiz and PayPal charge a 5% service fee, which is the client’s responsibility.
We do not accept checks or traveler’s checks.
You’ll receive a duffel bag during your pre-trek briefing.
Our porters will carry it for you along the route and deliver it to each campsite.
Duffel bag size: 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in)
Maximum weight: 7 kg / 15.4 lb (including sleeping bag and sleeping pad)
Absolutely!
You can leave your main luggage at our office (organized during the briefing or by email) or at your hotel—free of charge.
For safety, please do not leave valuables in your suitcase. Store items like electronics or documents in the hotel safe, and request a detailed receipt.
For added security, place credit cards in a sealed and signed envelope.
We offer pick-up from hotels within the Historic Center of Cusco.
Your guide will confirm the pick-up time at the briefing. Please note:
Pick-up times may vary by 30–45 minutes due to traffic.
Cusco is a historic city with narrow, cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on hills or pedestrian-only streets, which makes it difficult to access with luggage.
We strongly recommend choosing accommodation with good vehicle access.
Group tours include people of different ages and fitness levels.
By joining a group, you accept that some participants may walk faster or slower than you.
Everyone is encouraged to hike at their own pace.
If the group wishes to change the itinerary, the guide will consult everyone and make the final decision.
Returning from Machu Picchu involves several steps, but don’t worry—we handle everything!
Strikes and protests are common in Peru and can disrupt transportation. Roads and train tracks may be blocked.
If necessary, we may reschedule your departure for the night before your tour to avoid delays.
In extreme cases, tours may be canceled. Our Operations Team will contact you directly if changes occur.
Your safety is our top priority—we will act accordingly.
Please keep track of your belongings.
Always double-check before leaving buses, campsites, or restaurants.
You are fully responsible for your personal items during the tour.
To ensure you’re fully prepared for your adventure, we’ve compiled this essential packing list. The weather in the Andes can change quickly, so come prepared for sun, rain, and cold.
Our porters will carry up to 7 kg (15.4 lbs) of your personal items in your duffel bag, including your sleeping bag and air mat (together weighing approx. 3.5 kg).
Available year-round – January to December
We operate this itinerary every day of the week throughout the entire season.
This small-group tour is guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 people.
You can enhance your Peru adventure with the following experiences:
You may add the following rental equipment to your booking:
Enhance your experience with these extras:
Once your reservation is confirmed, your price is 100% guaranteed, no matter the circumstances.
Before booking, please read all our important tour information to ensure you’re fully informed.
To receive this discount, you must provide a clear copy or photo of a valid passport at the time of booking. The passport must not expire before or during the travel dates.
Please send it to:
info@tunquiexpeditions.com
