On our Short Inca Trail with Hotel – 2 Days tour, we’ll make sure you live one of the best experiences of your life. Enjoy top-quality services, including a luxury or standard hotel, exquisite meals, and a highly trained team that will make you feel right at home.
Don’t wait any longer—discover the impressive Inca ruins along the trail and connect with Peru’s ancient history.
Visit archaeological sites that can only be reached on foot, and immerse yourself in the stunning Andean mountain scenery and lush vegetation of the cloud forest.
Yes, you’ll face some challenges along the way—but the reward is beyond words: stepping through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and witnessing your first breathtaking view of mystical Machu Picchu.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Peru, the Inca Trail is the perfect way to reach this magical destination.
The 2-day Short Inca Trail with Hotel takes you along the most beautiful section of the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, featuring the stunning archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna.
Upon arrival at the ruins, enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing the hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll catch your first magical glimpse of the Lost City of the Incas – Machu Picchu.
Afterward, you’ll head down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll enjoy a well-deserved dinner at one of the town’s best restaurants before a restful night in your hotel.
Note: We highly recommend booking a centrally located hotel in Aguas Calientes. Many Airbnb locations are difficult to find, and our transportation services may not have access. Please contact us before booking so we can confirm whether your accommodation is accessible.
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
We’ll pick you up from your hotel around 4:00 am, then drive to Ollantaytambo to catch the train to Km 104, the starting point of the Inca Trail. After a delicious breakfast prepared by our chef, you’ll begin the hike, which takes approximately 6 to 7 hours.
Along the way, you’ll explore several Inca sites and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate in the late afternoon—when it’s much quieter. After a short visit, we head to Aguas Calientes to spend the night.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We’ll wake you up early to take the bus to Machu Picchu. After breakfast, your guide will lead you through the main buildings, temples, and plazas of this awe-inspiring site.
After the guided tour, you may choose to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional and not included in the price).
In the afternoon, 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, explore fascinating archaeological sites, and witness your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.
Your adventure begins early in the morning. We’ll pick you up from Cusco at 4:00 am or from Ollantaytambo at 5:30 am and head to the train station to catch one of the first trains to the Inca Trail. The ride takes about 1.5 hours, and we’ll stop at Chachabamba (Km 104), the official starting point of your hike. Please have your original passport ready to enter the Inca Trail checkpoint.
At Km 104 (2,000 m / 6,560 ft), we’ll begin our hike. Make sure you’re prepared with everything you need! We’ll provide snacks and take a group photo before visiting our first archaeological site.
After a briefing and tour of the site, we’ll start hiking along the Inca Trail. If the weather is clear, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River, and other surrounding Inca sites.
After about 3 hours of hiking, we’ll reach one of the most beautiful Inca sites on the trail: Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”), located at 2,600 m / 8,500 ft. Here, you’ll explore water fountains, sacred temples, agricultural terraces, and gain insights into Inca engineering and culture.
This site sits near the edge of a cliff, surrounded by majestic mountains. Just a few minutes from here is the campsite for those doing the Classic Inca Trail.
Here, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared hot lunch cooked by our chef. You can refill your water bottle and take some time to rest before continuing.
From Wiñay Wayna, we’ll hike toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll be rewarded with your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
One of the great benefits of this trek is that you’ll arrive at Machu Picchu in the late afternoon, when most travelers have already left—giving you the site almost to yourself.
After some time to enjoy the views and take photos, we’ll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel, and then head to Indio Feliz Restaurant (included), considered the best place to dine in town.
After dinner, we recommend going to bed early to make the most of your visit the next day.
Note: This hiking route is the same as the 2-Day Inca Trail with Camping.
Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Hiking Time: 6 to 7 hours
Maximum Altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Highlight of the day: Wander through the ancient stone streets of Machu Picchu and imagine what life was like centuries ago.
Today marks the grand finale of your epic journey—a visit to the New Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu.
After an early breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, we’ll take the bus up to the archaeological site, aiming to arrive before the crowds. This way, you’ll enjoy the soft morning light as it touches the ancient stones.
You can store your larger belongings at the hotel and bring only a small daypack with your essentials. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes.
Once at Machu Picchu, your guide will take you to the best scenic spot for sunrise photos (weather permitting), followed by a 2.5-hour guided tour through the main buildings, temples, plazas, and pathways.
You’ll learn about the architecture, history, and spirituality of the Inca Empire from your expert guide.
If you’ve booked one of the additional hikes, you can now ascend:
After exploring every corner of this magical place, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes around noon for lunch (not included) at a restaurant of your choice.
Later, around 2:00 pm, we’ll head to the train station to catch the panoramic train to Ollantaytambo, where our private vehicle will be waiting to bring you back to Cusco. You’ll arrive at your hotel around 7:30 pm.
Now it’s time to rest your legs after this life-changing 2-day trek. We’re sure you’ll never forget this unforgettable adventure on the Inca Trail.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Machu Picchu Citadel Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 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 specify what is included and not included in every itinerary listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but we kindly ask that you pay close attention to the details so you don’t miss anything.
Some elements may vary depending on the program, so please read carefully before booking.
We cater to vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary needs at no extra charge. Please let us know in your booking form and remind your guide during the briefing.
We believe it’s the small details that set us apart. Every hiker receives:
All government taxes and trekking permit fees are included in our prices. No hidden fees.
Although less tangible, the following points are just as important and reflect our core values:
Most trekkers could not complete these treks without the help of porters. They are the backbone of our company. Our founder, Silvio Tunqui, began as a porter himself and knows their needs intimately.
We are committed to offering:
We are proud of our 300+ porters and grateful for their dedication.
We also run 4 trips per year for our porters and their families to experience Machu Picchu as guests—not just as workers. For many, it’s their first time entering the historic sanctuary their ancestors helped build.
Since 2022, we’ve proudly included female guides, chefs, and porters. While the numbers aren’t yet 50/50, we’re working toward full equality across our team.
We go above and beyond to be eco-conscious.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we want your trip to Peru to be as memorable and stress-free as possible. Here you’ll find answers to all your most common questions in one place. Please read the following information carefully—it will help you understand our services better and ensure a smooth experience.
Have a question we haven’t answered here?
Feel free to contact us, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
It’s very important to be well-acclimatized to the altitude before starting any trek. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before your trek begins to allow your body to adjust and avoid altitude sickness.
If you’ve already been to another high-altitude area in Peru before Cusco, we still suggest spending at least one full day in Cusco to rest, recover from travel, and enjoy the sights before starting your trek.
Suggested activities before your trek:
All pre-trek briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or at your hotel) at 5:00 PM the night before your trek. The briefing lasts approximately 30–45 minutes.
If you can’t attend, please coordinate another time via email, phone, or by visiting our office.
If you have an outstanding balance, it must be paid at least 2 days before your trek. Otherwise, your reservation may not be confirmed.
We greatly appreciate if you can pay the balance in cash (USD or Peruvian soles) at our Cusco office. ATMs along Avenida El Sol dispense both currencies. You can also pay via credit/debit card or PayPal (online or in person), but note that a 5% service fee applies via Niubiz or PayPal.
We do not accept checks or traveler’s checks.
You’ll receive a duffel bag during your pre-trek briefing. Porters will carry it along the trail and deliver it to your camp.
Size: 60 x 24 x 22 cm / 23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in
Maximum weight: 7 kg / 15.4 lbs, including sleeping bag, pad, clothing, and personal items.
Absolutely!
You can store your main luggage safely at our office or your hotel (most hotels offer luggage storage) at no additional cost.
However, please do not store valuables in your suitcase. Keep items like credit cards, electronics, and passports in your hotel safe. Request a detailed receipt, as insurance companies may require proof of value in case of loss.
For added security, seal valuables (like credit cards) in a signed envelope before storing them.
Tunqui Expeditions offers hotel pick-up within the Historic Center of Cusco.
Your guide will confirm your pick-up time during the briefing. Please note that pick-up time may vary by 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
Cusco is a historic city with narrow, cobblestone streets. Some hotels or Airbnbs are located on steep hills or pedestrian-only streets, which may make luggage transfers difficult.
We highly recommend choosing accommodation with easy vehicle access.
Group tours bring together people from different backgrounds, ages, and fitness levels.
By joining a group, you agree that some hikers may be faster or slower than others, and everyone is encouraged to hike at their own pace.
If the group wishes to modify the itinerary, the guide will decide, in consultation with the group, whether the change is feasible.
The return from Machu Picchu requires some logistics, but don’t worry—we handle everything!
Strikes and protests are relatively common in Peru and may disrupt transportation or tours.
Roads and train tracks can be blocked. We always try to maintain your itinerary as planned, even if it means departing the night before.
In extreme cases, tours may be canceled. If changes or cancellations are necessary, our Operations Team will coordinate with you directly.
Your safety is our top priority, and we will make decisions accordingly.
Please take care of your belongings during the trip.
You are responsible for your personal items at all times—whether in transport, tents, or restaurants.
Double-check your space before leaving any area to ensure you haven’t left anything behind.
Here’s a complete list of what to bring for your 2-day Inca Trail adventure. Keep in mind that weather in the Andes can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for both sun and rain, cold and heat.
Available year-round, from January to December
We operate this itinerary every day of the week, all year long. This is a guaranteed small-group tour with departures starting from only 2 people.
Note: PayPal charges a 5% transaction fee that clients are asked to cover, as it is related to the use of their secure payment service. This fee only applies to online deposits—the remaining balance can be paid in cash (USD or PEN) in Cusco with no additional fees.
Enhance your adventure in Peru with any of these tour extensions:
You can rent or add extra items to your trip for more comfort:
Personalize your experience with the following add-ons:
Once your booking is confirmed, the price is 100% guaranteed.
No changes or increases will apply, regardless of circumstances.
Before booking, we recommend reading all the important tour information to be fully informed.
info@tunquiexpeditions.com
