Machu Picchu 2-Day Hike Review: Is It Worth It?

So, you’re maybe thinking about doing a 2-day hike to Machu Picchu, are you? Well, it’s certainly something, and there’s quite a bit to keep in mind before you actually go. I’m here to talk about the reality, that is the full experience, of taking this abbreviated version of the classic Inca Trail, to assist you to determine if it’s something that matches you, or that maybe matches your travel style and really what you’re seeking from your time in Peru. To be straight, the two-day hike is indeed a popular alternative for people that perhaps don’t have the time for the usual four-day trek, or for anyone who really just likes to experience a portion of the famous Inca Trail. Now, get comfy, so you are set to get a deeper look into my own take on it, and all the details so that you can start preparing.

What to Anticipate on Your 2-Day Hike

That is, prior to even lacing up your boots, having an actual picture of what your two days look like can seriously adjust your expectation game. The 2-day hike really often goes kind of like this. Now, you typically kick things off by grabbing a train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley up to Km 104 – yeah, it really is called that! At this location, too it’s where the trek genuinely gets going. The first day usually centers on moving up. Like seriously hiking up. It will take you through beautiful scenery, by way of places, that is the stunning Wiñay Wayna ruins, before that path eventually takes you all the way to the Sun Gate, or Inti Punku in the local language. Right from here you catch your first glance of Machu Picchu itself, especially during the late afternoon. Instead of moving down to the site though, the day will wrap up with going to Aguas Calientes, the little town directly below Machu Picchu, for an evening in a hotel and to possibly take a warm shower – so good!

The following day might start really very early – trust me on that. Basically, you head to Machu Picchu in advance of daybreak to actually watch the sunrise on the ruins and keep clear of most of the daytime crowds. You’ll probably enjoy a guided trip across the site, giving you loads of historical background and local context, and afterward, too it’s normally when you get some time to wander all on your own, check out that picture that you want to grab, before really going back to Aguas Calientes for the train journey returning to Cusco. So, it’s actually quite action-packed, with very little downtime but pretty full of amazing stuff.

The Difficulty Level: Is It Challenging?

Alright, let’s get straight about the workout you are signing up for. That is, the two-day Inca Trail isn’t extremely tough in contrast with a few other hikes; however, still, it shouldn’t be looked at as just a leisurely stroll. Now, consider, very briefly that you will actually be going at a significant altitude, which will usually make everything feel a little harder. Now, the first day really requires a fairly constant climb upward. And trust me it is pretty much uphill nearly all day long. I’d argue that some standard fitness is absolutely a big plus. Anyway, you may well want to spend the weeks prior to getting some more cardio into your fitness program – running, swimming, actually whatever works. Really, what matters most is getting that cardiovascular fitness a little above average. Apart from that, getting used to hiking with a loaded daypack, is something that is not going to hurt.

Do you realize that the trail might be kind of rough in spots, actually? In that you should probably be OK and be steady walking. Oh yeah, so, that altitude – allow me to reemphasize it again. Because the altitude gets pretty significant it can affect you regardless of how fit you maybe are, yet being in shape undoubtedly helps you take it in stride! Very slowly can undoubtedly allow you to to lower that altitude problem and it might enable you to really benefit from the walk itself. Give your body a couple of days for getting acclimatized within Cusco or possibly another similarly elevated area prior to you beginning your hike. Keeping hydrated may assist tremendously also.

Picking the Right Tour Operator

Actually, your tour provider really will create or break that experience. It is important to actually get out there and shop a little before going with someone! You’ll want someone that actually holds the official Inca Trail license. And do check on these. You may also really want to ensure their classes are usually comparatively limited in size that really helps keep that adventure that more personal thing. The price isn’t usually the main thing you consider; yet bear in mind you mostly get the degree you are paying for. So, see what other travelers say related to their practical knowledge by checking evaluations online; or find references. Does the provider really manage its hikers? Or, what does that package they got involved – that is, what are you going to eat, can porters be included? Understand these small print.

In addition, please check whether your tour group stresses green travel. In Peru I’ve really seen certain suppliers simply toss refuse and discard their mess right on their tracks which really harms those surroundings – be sure whomever you pick won’t let that happen! Any superb operator cares equally about eco responsibility too. I think that by investing that additional amount of time, or potentially bucks too in order to book that respected and trusted supplier makes perfect sense. Trust your gut here: If something about a firm’s website is weird or seems off possibly stay away! All the best!

Packing Essentials: What to Bring

Now, speaking of gearing up, packing light is indeed wise however also ensuring that you actually have all you will actually need is really important, too. You actually want comfy and worn-in hiking footwear and wool hiking socks, certainly not cotton kinds – actually trust me. Also layering can easily be ideal: moisture-wicking tops, possibly that fleece coating for colder weather conditions with a water resistant jacket just in case. That is because you really are prepared for simply nearly all the weather conditions in the hills. Additionally you actually require insect repellent which features DEET along with sunscreen to actually block away intense radiation also sunhats; in my opinion you need a big broad one! And do not overlook basic medications or even any emergency first aid kits either.

Now bring perhaps simply that tiny daypack – anything larger would weigh a whole lot while moving. You should add in plenty of mineral water to prevent getting dehydrated out there in warm temperatures! Consider getting purification tablets actually in cases that that water sources get dry! What regarding snacks: possibly energy bars actually, trail mix, really dry fruits because these deliver sustainable push? Ultimately please do bring cameras simply because of this specific amazing scenery actually!

Photographing Machu Picchu: Capturing the Perfect Shot

That said, getting some photographs of Machu Picchu seriously ranks way up on most visitors’ wish list – myself being one. Okay, I have now been going crazy considering that light impacts which photos you take. During earlier times, sunrises mostly illuminate this ancient Inca fortress actually; you could actually witness magnificent shadows around surrounding mountain peaks that will appear in those amazing landscapes of yours! Midday means there’s less heavy light for which information would not wash out. With settings using that wonderful golden light one has that benefit. Take different positions. Have a little explore about – simply no matter where individuals tend to stand near there’s commonly anything original available just nearby.

To be sure, ensure that those human aspects add to any pictures too actually! It adds size and level; as well those dressed into native outfit, actually; make pictures more authentic possibly – or only display some others actually! Take care to watch people that capture this location: those happy embraces along with their excited looks upon achieving Machu Picchu usually offer such real and emotive subjects actually. Get ready with more capacity concerning this camera gear while moving along due it fills quick.

Respecting the Site: Cultural Sensitivity

Machu Picchu is definitely very, extremely important both historically with so much symbolism so always go over all those visitor guides including those laws before you walk directly onto place! That says not making the walls that’s been kept by just such historical web site. Not leaving refuse behind on mountains and always protecting every natural situation is really an individual’s task – every site continues to get more polluted thanks human travellers always, it would be so beneficial if that we tried taking those measures, really okay? Not taking sticks (regardless if people’re broken ones)! I have got guides saying, “Not allow these”. This implies only staying around that is a lot designated areas plus not disturbing fauna either vegetation about.

Please when you communicate alongside individuals who act surrounding – through park associates and also guides or other villagers living in town right around Machu Picchu – practice deference & attentiveness to your traditions. It really will be pleasant to discover terms across native Quechua which in turn will always be received appreciatively with locals and help you communicate more positively alongside those folks we engage with regarding vacation trips.

• Be aware: that visiting is incredibly worthy; also simply being kind adds richness!
• Always handle that spot mindfully to support guarding them both in upcoming generation

Machu Picchu definitely presents much over pretty background scenes; basically, those activities really permit people across a significant link along earlier background regarding the human family group.

Is the 2-Day Hike Worth It? My Final Thoughts

Thus, is the two-day Machu Picchu trek extremely worth all this expense? I actually trust really. I consider because really to the individuals perhaps strapped on hours but perhaps do actually wants to actually test part around that Inca walk this particular choice genuinely can be actually hard towards topping just since just briefly will provide us something great while allowing yourself directly involved into incredible scenes actually . Should indeed your thing ends for lengthy, intense physical training across a more compact plan it has to tick off a lot with such containers also!

That says that if you were genuinely into this very comfortable way with travelling perhaps don’t expect just which wonderful remote background and also tranquility around prolonged expeditions considering things remain just a small busy & it is all that has to offer over all but those merits usually definitely outweighs such tiny negatives providing which memorable trips regarding those which tend not to expect giving up luxurious stuff.