Short Inca Trail with Camping: Details
Those who may be pressed for time but yet want to enjoy the wonders of trekking the short Inca Trail may do so with our Short Inca Trail with Camping. With this option, tourists may take in the breathtaking scenery that the Inca route has to offer while also seeing lesser-known Inca locations like Wiñaywayna and Chachabamba. Entering via the Sun Gate, like the Incas did centuries ago, is one of the highlights. A memorable night of camping at our unique location underneath Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is part of the trip. Our talented chef will make meals for you on your trip, and there are special places for you to charge your electronics so you can remain connected even when you’re in the middle of nowhere.
Overview
After an early 4:00 a.m. pickup in Cusco, you will travel to Ollantaytambo via a picturesque journey through the Sacred Valley to begin your experience. From there, you’ll take a train to the entrance to the trail, where your journey starts at kilometer 104.
Your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, an incredible sight at dawn, greets you at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), after hiking through cloud forest and Inca stone trails to the dramatic ruins of Wiñay Wayna. Following your time spent admiring the scenery, you will descend to the citadel, ride the bus to Aguas Calientes (Puente Ruinas), and then take a leisurely stroll to our comfortable campsite. A delicious, filling meal prepared by a skilled chef will be served to you outside.
You’ll return to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, on day two for a personalized guided tour that enlivens the historic stronghold with anecdotes, background information, and personal perspectives.
Highlights: 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- At the Sun Gate, the sun rises: After an amazing trip along old Inca roads, see the first stunning view of Machu Picchu from the famous Inti Punku, which is bathed in golden dawn light.
- Camping in the Andes with Fine Dining: In the middle of the Andes, comfort meets adventure. After a day of hiking, you can relax at a charming campground near Aguas Calientes and enjoy a delicious dinner made by a professional chef.
- Private Tour of Machu Picchu with a Guide: This famous Inca citadel is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. With a dedicated guide, you can learn about its history, spirituality, and mysteries.
Itinerary: Inca Trail 2 day trek with Camping
Day 01: Cusco → Kilometer 104 → Wiñay Wayna → Sun Gate → Camp near Aguas Calientes
Your journey begins before sunrise—with a peaceful 4:00 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Cusco. As the Andes wake up around you, we’ll drive through the stunning Sacred Valley to the historic town of Ollantaytambo (about 1.5 hours). There, you’ll enjoy a light boxed breakfast before boarding the scenic train to Kilometer 104—the official start of your hike.
At the trailhead, you’ll meet your friendly chef and porters, who’ll carry your gear and lunch so you can hike light and free. From here, you’ll walk 11 km (6.8 miles) along one of the most beautiful sections of the original Inca Trail—paved with centuries-old stones and surrounded by lush cloud forest.
You’ll first pass the quiet ruins of Chachabamba, then climb gently through misty forests filled with orchids, hummingbirds, and maybe even a shy viscacha (a rabbit-like relative of the chinchilla!). Keep your eyes open; if you’re lucky, you might see a rare Andean spectacled bear!
The trail leads you to the impressive Wiñay Wayna—an elegant Inca site clinging to the mountainside—before continuing upward to the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Arriving in the late afternoon, you’ll be rewarded with your first sweeping view of Machu Picchu, glowing in the golden light as it stretches across the ridge below.
After enjoying the moment, you’ll descend for about 45 minutes into the upper part of the citadel. You’ll explore key viewpoints along Circuit 01, capturing those iconic photos from multiple angles. Then, it’s time to head out and take a short 20-minute bus ride down to Puente Ruinas (Aguas Calientes), followed by a peaceful 7-minute walk to your campsite.
There, your chef will welcome you with a warm, delicious dinner under the stars. Rest easy in comfortable tents at 1,985 m (6,512 ft), just steps away from the wonder you’ve come to see.
- Hiking distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Elevation gain: +695 m (+2,280 ft)
- Highest point: Sun Gate at 2,720 m (8,923 ft)
- Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner included
- Weather: Warm and humid—pack light, breathable layers!
Day 02: Sunrise at Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes → Return to Cusco
A traditional Andean custom is to bring you hot coca tea in the morning. After you pack your things, enjoy a big breakfast that your chef has carefully made for you. After that, walk to the Aguas Calientes bus station at a leisurely pace for 30 minutes.
You will take an early bus (around 5:30 a.m.) to Machu Picchu and get there just as the gates open at 6:00 a.m. With your passport in hand and your guide by your side, you’ll enter the citadel as the first rays of sun hit the peaks. This will make the stone temples look truly magical.
Your 2-hour guided tour follows Circuit 03 and shows you the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Residence, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and the old fountains that used to bring water to the city. Your guide will tell you stories that give the stones meaning, not just facts.
You will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes after the tour. It takes 30 minutes. Before your train leaves, you’ll have some free time to explore the lovely town, eat lunch at a local café, or shop for handmade gifts.
After that, we:
- Depart Aguas Calientes at 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m.
- Arrive in Ollantaytambo around 5:00 p.m.
- Private transfer back to Cusco, with hotel drop-off by 7:30 p.m.
Information:
- Hiking in Machu Picchu: ~2 km (1.2 miles)
- Elevation gain: +93 m (+305 ft)
- Meals: Breakfast included
- Aguas Calientes elevation: 2,040 m (6,692 ft)
- Weather: Warm and humid—sunscreen and water are your best friends!
Included: Two Day Machu Picchu trek with Camping
1. Personal Porter (7 kg / 15 lbs limit)
One porter will carry your personal bag (up to 7 kg). This bag can include your sleeping bag, clothes, toiletries, and other small items you need for two days.
2. Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco early in the morning and bring you back to your hotel at the end of the tour. No extra transport needed.
3. Train Ticket to the Trail Start
Your train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104 (leaving at 6:10 a.m.) is included. This is where your hike begins.
4. English-Speaking Guide with Radio
Your guide speaks clear English and knows the history, nature, and safety rules of the trail. They also carry a radio to stay in contact with our team.
5. Foam Sleeping Mattress
You will sleep on a thick, comfortable foam pad inside your tent—so the ground feels soft and you rest well.
6. Professional Chef and All Meals
Our chef prepares:
- 2 breakfasts
- 1 lunch
- 1 dinner
- 1 afternoon snack
We offer meals for vegetarians, vegans, and people with gluten, lactose, or other food allergies. Just tell us your needs when you book.
7. Dining Tent with Tables and Chairs
At camp, you’ll eat in a clean, covered tent with real tables and chairs—so you can relax while enjoying your meals.
8. Clean, Portable Toilet (Eco-Friendly)
We bring a private, hygienic, biodegradable toilet system (“The Pett”) so you have a clean and respectful place to go—without harming nature.
9. Quality 4-Season Tents
You will sleep in strong, waterproof tents made for mountain weather. Tents are for two people, but we use larger 3-person tents as doubles for extra space and comfort.
10. Fair and Safe Porter Support
Our porters carry only camping gear, food, and kitchen items—and never more than allowed by Peruvian law. They wear proper uniforms, have good equipment, and are treated with full respect and fair pay.
11. All Required Permits and Entry Tickets
We include your official Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance ticket. These are hard to get, but we reserve them for you in advance.
12. Bus Tickets: Machu Picchu
↔ Aguas Calientes
- Day 1: Bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes after your hike.
- Day 2: Round-trip bus from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu (for sunrise) and back after your tour.
13. Return Train Ticket
Your train ticket from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo (leaving at 2:55 p.m.) is included.
14. Private Transfer Back to Cusco
After your train arrives in Ollantaytambo (~5:00 p.m.), a private vehicle will take you directly to your hotel in Cusco (arriving around 7:30 p.m.).
15. Safety Equipment
Every group carries:
- A satellite phone (for emergency calls in remote areas)
- An oxygen bottle
- A full first aid kit
16. Pre-Tour Meeting (6:00 p.m., Day Before)
The night before your hike, your guide will meet you at our office to explain the plan, answer your questions, and give you your duffel bag. This helps you feel ready and calm.
17. Morning Herbal Tea at Camp
On Day 2, a hot cup of coca or herbal tea will be brought to your tent at sunrise—to help you wake up gently in the mountains.
18. Duffel Bag for Your Gear
We give you a strong, waterproof bag to pack your 7 kg of personal items. Your sleeping bag and small essentials go inside this bag.
19. Warm Water for Washing
At camp, we provide warm water in basins so you can wash your face and hands in the evening—helping you feel clean and refreshed.
20. Rain Poncho and Daypack Cover
You’ll receive a lightweight rain poncho (yours to keep) and a cover for your small daypack—so your things stay dry if it rains.
21. Safe Drinking Water
After each meal, your chef will offer boiled and cooled water to refill your bottle or hydration pack—so you stay hydrated with clean water, no plastic needed.
22. Guided Tour of Machu Picchu (2 Hours)
On Day 2, your guide will take you on a 2-hour walking tour of Machu Picchu, visiting key sites like the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Residence, the Sacred Rock, and more—with clear, meaningful explanations.
Not Included: Short Inca Trail 2 Days with Camping
- Lunch second day
- Tips (optional)
Optional add-on:
Want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain? Your guide will help you get to the trailhead and explain the route (both are well-marked and take about 1.5–2 hours round-trip). These hikes are done independently, but if you’d like a guide to join you, just let us know—we’re happy to arrange it for an additional fee.
- Huayna Picchu: $65
- Machu Picchu Mountain: $65
If you want to return to Cusco in style, you should take the Vistadome train, where you will enjoy beautiful views of the Cusco Valley.
Only Return – Vistadome Train: $50
IMPORTANT INFORMATION about 2 days Inca Trail
Only 250 people per day are allowed to start the Short Inca Trail at Kilometer 104. This number includes everyone: trekkers, guides, cooks, and porters. The Peruvian government strictly controls this limit to protect the trail and its surroundings.
Once the daily limit is reached, the trail is closed for that day, and no more permits can be issued—no exceptions.
As a result, permits sell out quickly, especially during the busiest time of year. We highly recommend booking your tour at least four months in advance to secure your spot. The path may already be packed on the day you want it to be if you wait too long.
Physical Difficulty
This trek is moderate. You should be in good health and able to walk 4–6 hours on uneven terrain with some uphill and downhill sections. The highest point is the Sun Gate at 2,720 m (8,923 ft). We recommend light training (like walking or stair climbing) a few weeks before your trip.
Best Time to Go
The dry season (April to October) offers the clearest skies and most stable weather. The rainy season (November to March) is quieter and lush—but trails can be slippery. We operate year-round with proper gear provided.
Altitude & Health
Cusco sits at 3,400 m (11,150 ft). We recommend arriving 2–3 days early to adjust. Drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals or alcohol the first days, and consider coca tea or altitude medication if advised by your doctor. Our guides are trained to recognize and respond to altitude symptoms.
2 days Inca Trail hike with Camping: Recomendations
- Pack light—but Smart: Stick to the 7 kg (15 lbs) limit for your duffel bag. Focus on essentials: quick-dry clothing, warm layers, rain jacket, good socks, and basic toiletries. Leave heavy books, extra shoes, or fancy outfits at your hotel.
- Bring your original passport—no exceptions: You’ll need it for the train, the Inca Trail checkpoint, and Machu Picchu entrance. The name must match your booking exactly. If you renewed your passport recently, bring both the old and new ones.
- Use a reusable water bottle: We provide clean boiled water at every meal—just bring a 1.5–2 L bottle or hydration pack. This keeps you hydrated and helps reduce plastic waste on the trail.
- Protect yourself from sun and rain: The Andes sun is strong, even on cloudy days. Pack sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Also, carry a light rain jacket—even in dry season, mountain weather can change fast.
- Wear broken-in hiking shoes: Blisters ruin treks. Use shoes or boots you’ve already walked in—never new ones! Trail runners with good grip work well for this route.
- Train your legs—gently: In the weeks before your trip, take daily walks (30–60 minutes), use stairs instead of elevators, or go on short hikes if you can. Strong legs make the trail much more enjoyable!
FAQs: Short Inca Trail with Camping
Can I leave my main luggage somewhere while I’m trekking?
Yes! You can safely store your large suitcase or backpack at our office or at your Cusco hotel—whichever is easier for you. Just bring the essentials for two days in your 7 kg duffel bag.
Do you offer student or child discounts?
Yes! According to Peruvian rules:
- 18–25 years old: $40 USD discount
- 11–17 years old: $30 USD discount
- University students 18+ must show a valid student ID (with photo, name, and expiry date)
To get the discount, please send a clear copy of your passport and student card when you book (email: info@abexpeditions.com).
Can I change my trek date after permits are issued?
Unfortunately, no. Inca Trail permits are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be changed once purchased—except for passport number updates. That’s why we recommend booking early and choosing your date carefully.
How difficult is the Short Inca Trail?
It’s a moderate hike—not too hard if you’re in decent shape. You’ll walk about 11 km (7 miles) on Day 1, with some uphill and downhill sections on stone paths. Good walking shoes and light training beforehand make a big difference!
What if I want to climb Huayna Picchu?
Great choice! For 2-day trekkers, we always book the 9:00–10:00 a.m. Huayna Picchu time slot.
Here’s how it works:
- Arrive at Machu Picchu at 6:00 a.m.
- Guided tour from 6:00–8:30 a.m.
- Climb Huayna Picchu from 9:00–11:30 a.m.
- Return to Aguas Calientes by ~12:30 p.m.
- Train departs at 3:20 p.m. (slightly later than standard to give you time)
Tip: Huayna Picchu tickets sell out months in advance—book them at the same time as your Inca Trail permit.
What about Machu Picchu Mountain?
We book the 8:00–9:00 a.m. time slot for this hike.
- Guided Machu Picchu tour: 6:00–8:00 a.m.
- Hike Machu Picchu Mountain: ~8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
- Return to Aguas Calientes by ~12:30 p.m.
- Standard train at 2:55 p.m.
Both hikes are steep but well-marked. Your guide will give you clear instructions.
Is the Machu Picchu entrance ticket included?
Yes! Your Machu Picchu Citadel ticket is fully included.
Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain require separate tickets (available as add-ons).
What time do we enter Machu Picchu?
- On Day 1, we arrive at Machu Picchu around 3:00 p.m. for sunset views and photos.
- On Day 2, we enter at 6:00 a.m. to enjoy the sunrise and avoid crowds.
- But if your group prefers a later start, we can adjust—just let your guide know.
I’m renewing my passport—what should I do?
No problem! Book with your current (old) passport first. Once you get your new one, email us a copy right away so we can update your permit. If you no longer have your old passport, send any official ID with the same name.
What train times do you book?
- Day 1: Train from Ollantaytambo → km 104 at 6:10 a.m.
- Day 2: Return train from Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo at 2:55 p.m.
You’ll be back in Cusco by ~7:30 p.m.—plenty of time to rest or join another tour the next day (like Palcoyo Mountain!).
Can I stay in the Sacred Valley before the trek?
Yes! We can pick you up from Ollantaytambo or Urubamba. Your pickup will be about 1.5 hours after the Cusco departure, so you get to sleep in a bit longer.
Are pets allowed on the trek?
No—pets are not allowed on the Inca Trail or in Machu Picchu. Only certified guide dogs are permitted (with special paperwork).
What kind of water bottle should I bring?
Since March 1, 2022, single-use plastic bottles are banned on the Inca Trail. Please bring a reusable bottle, hydration bladder, or soft water pouch (1.5–2 L capacity). We’ll refill it with clean boiled water at every meal.
Can I camp at Wiñay Wayna instead of Puente Ruinas?
Unfortunately, no. Wiñay Wayna campsite is only for 4-day Inca Trail groups. The 2-day trek uses the Puente Ruinas campsite in Aguas Calientes, as assigned by the government.
Will roosters wake me up early?
Possibly! Our campsite is on land owned by local families who often keep chickens. Roosters may start calling around 4:00–4:30 a.m.
If you’re a light sleeper, we recommend earplugs—or consider our hotel option for a quieter night.
Does the train pass near the campsite?
Yes—but only until 5:30 p.m. The last train runs early, so you won’t hear noise at night. Most trains operate between Aguas Calientes and Ollantaytambo, not near the camp after dark.
When and how do I pay the remaining balance?
The rest of your payment is due two days before your trek. You can pay:
- In cash (USD or Peruvian soles)
- By credit card (a 5% service fee applies)
Please let us know your preferred payment method in advance.
Inca Trail 2 Days 1 Night with Camping, Price for group service: $590 per person.
Special Offers for the two day Inca Trail:
- All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $30 USD.
- Students from 18 to 25 years old can avail themselves of a US$40.00 discount by presenting a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD during the hike.
