Cusco 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: My Detailed Review

Okay, so you’re thinking of hiking a portion of the Inca Trail but maybe don’t have time for the super well known classic four-day trek? I mean, I get that. The 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with a hotel stay is, in a way, kind of a great option, and I recently did it, and so I wanted to provide what you might call a comprehensive, first-hand review for anyone looking into this seriously cool alternative.

What is the 2-Day Inca Trail Anyway?

So, what’s the buzz about this 2-day trek, anyway? Basically, it offers you a compressed version of the famous Inca Trail, hitting some seriously choice segments, including the Sun Gate, that’s very well known as Inti Punku, while letting you comfortably overnight in a hotel near Machu Picchu instead of camping. You, too, will trek portions of the original Inca paving stones! We’re talking seriously incredible scenery, cloud forests, and an absolutely gorgeous introduction to Inca history. Actually, it’s ideal for those a bit short on time but still very keen to experience some walking the historic Inca Trail before reaching Machu Picchu.

Booking Your Tour: Things to Keep in Mind

You know, finding the correct tour operator, that, too, is an important initial step. Permits for the Inca Trail, even just for 2 days, are limited and honestly, they sell out quickly, especially during peak season which is usually from like June to August. As a matter of fact, book months in advance—honestly, I am saying like three to six months. Actually, research different agencies; in some respects, read those reviews, and just compare what they offer and at what cost. Really make sure they’re officially licensed, that they also promote sustainable tourism, and also treat their porters properly – I mean, at the end of the day this makes a massive difference. In that case, clarify what’s included in the price, especially the entrance fee to Machu Picchu, bus tickets, the hotel, and meals, obviously. Basically, confirm if the company provides porters and their maximum carrying weight so you too won’t have a terrible burden of your backpack. Just remember you have to take all your belongings because this trail only includes 1 porter with a limited amount of weight just for the necessities, you have to hire an extra porter to carry the extra things.

Day 1: Hiking from Km 104 to Aguas Calientes

Anyway, the adventure kicks off seriously early! Very early morning pickup from your Cusco hotel, then it’s a transfer to the Sacred Valley, where we’d hop on a train to Km 104, that’s the starting point of the hike. As I was saying, the initial stretch takes you to the fascinating Inca site of Chachabamba. Afterwards, the trail begins to ascend – it gets rather steep at times, so basically be prepared to sweat a bit. Usually, your guide will provide a ton of info about the history and significance of the places that you pass. So, just picture cloud forests, Inca ruins popping into view, and seriously great views pretty much the whole day.

Around the afternoon, there’s Inti Punku that, actually, presents you with that postcard-worthy first glimpse of Machu Picchu — you will be glad of all your effort to be there. The hiking pace is rather moderate and gives tons of opportunities to stop for photos and also, just a chance to catch your breath. Anyway, as the day winds down, we took a train from Aguas Calientes. I am saying it’s the town at the bottom of Machu Picchu and checked into the hotel, which allows for some rest, which is something really appreciated after a full day on your feet. Actually, take advantage of a solid shower and some recharge before dinner and a solid night’s sleep. Okay, so tomorrow’s going to be a early start for Machu Picchu itself.

Day 2: Exploring Machu Picchu

You know, rising early is rather unavoidable – that is, to make the absolute most of Machu Picchu. Very take a very early bus up to the entrance, the idea is that you arrive as one of the first groups so, in a way, you can experience the spot before the big crowds hit. As a matter of fact, I spent most of the day just walking and checking out all the main sights: The Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, the Intihuatana Stone, those classic places you must see, so to speak. The guide actually provided insights into the history, that, too, helped bring the spot to life, though actually walking around on your own gives you a completely distinct sense of Machu Picchu’s vibe.

If that’s the case and you still have time and also energy, you could hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, just to gain slightly higher vantage points for completely incredible panoramic views. Anyway, as the afternoon hit, I took that bus back to Aguas Calientes, then that train back to Ollantaytambo, where that bus transfer awaited to take me all the way back to Cusco. Basically, a long travel day after an unbelievable experience.

Choosing a Hotel near Machu Picchu

When choosing a hotel in Aguas Calientes it’s, to be honest, important to consider certain variables for a more well rounded visit. Firstly, I looked for hotels very, very close to the bus station, actually meaning those that allow prompt entry to Machu Picchu early the next day. Then, look for reviews, and very look to find rooms offering great ways of sleeping with comfortable beds to recharge from the walking and make sure you can sleep with noise (as there’s an insane number of tourists going thru town. Another key element may actually be to assess if breakfast included or not and actually consider a hotel featuring a good breakfast spread, actually providing all the energies you need to go thru all the tours of Machu Picchu. Very hotels typically vary and therefore researching properly, it might be worth of value in the end. Also, I am saying ensure hotels offering places to store luggage whilst climbing. Finally, consider hotels offering places that actually suit diverse traveler’s requests whilst guaranteeing that their stay would also allow a pleasant memory.

Packing Essentials for the 2-Day Hike

Okay, packing the right stuff can actually make or break your trekking experience. Here are some very helpful things: A somewhat small backpack – keep it rather lightweight so you also can walk. Comfortable hiking shoes, those, in a way, are vital. Rain gear; the cloud forest weather could be quite unpredictable and be ready for a wide variety of temperatures. Plenty of water, also, snacks, like you might wanna pack those too. High SPF sunscreen plus a hat for sun protection – I am saying that the sun at that altitude? It can actually be intense! So too are insect repellent — those bugs could be annoying. And obviously a camera – those, in some respects, are for those incredible shots and to capture them forever.

Is the 2-Day Inca Trail Right for You?

Anyway, the 2-Day Inca Trail could just be brilliant option for anyone wanting a taste of the full trail. To be honest, if you’ve not enough time but are still dreaming of walking to the Sun Gate; if that’s the case this tour could be actually just right. Actually, think of this too: While not simple, this trek actually requires an adequate level of fitness since it is walking but honestly, I am saying not something overly strenuous, though – if you’re somewhat active, actually you’ll generally be pretty well. So too, if your hotel accommodation plus somewhat shorter treks, they are highly preferable in contrast for camping. In that case and if you, as well, want to avoid that major Inca Trail crowds, it could be actually the correct strategy to pursue with lower tourist influx at given date and season. This tour allows insight with historical value with just enough contact whilst getting on the top location ever created from humanity.

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