The Short Inca Trail with camping to Machu Picchu is the perfect option for travelers searching for a short adventure. Hike along the ancient Inca Trail, reach the Sun Gate (Intipunku), and camp below Machu Picchu Mountain. Enjoy a Glamping experience with walk-in tents, camping cots, sleeping bags, hot showers, and panoramic trains to return. Available every day with a minimum of 2 participants.
Short Inca Trail 2 Days with camping
The 2-Day Short Inca Trail is your bet if you have limited time but still want to enjoy the best of the Inca Trail. Not only will you visit the trail's most important attractions, but you will also get to enjoy the camping experience. During the trip, you will arrive at Machu Picchu twice, at sunset and sunrise, and explore fascinating Inca sites like Wiñaywayna with some of the most stunning natural sights.
This adventure can either start in Cusco or Ollantaytambo, and hiking will only take 6-7 hours along part of the Classic Inca Trail. You will arrive at Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate (Intipunku) to get the first and most extraordinary views of the whole Inca Trail. Camping will be right on the foot of Machu Picchu next to the Urubamba River; you will be spoiled with hot showers, a meal prepared by our talented chef, and a comfortable night's sleep in walk-in tents and camping cots.
Early the next morning, you will beat the crowds and visit Machu Picchu accompanied by our expert TreXperience guide. The porters' team will handle all camping equipment, so you don't have to worry about a thing!
Highlights:
- Enjoy the Short Inca Trail with a Glamping Experience.
- Arrive at Machu Picchu twice (sunset and sunrise).
- Witness dramatic Andean peaks as you hike through the lush green Cloud Forest.
- Visit the stunning archeological sites of Chachabamba and Wiñayhuayna
- Return on the panoramic trains (Vistadome or 360° train)
Short Inca Trail Camping at a Glance:
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Machu Picchu (10km, 7 hrs)
Pick up from your hotel around 4.00 am, and drive to Ollantaytambo to board the first trains to Km 104, the beginning of the Short Inca Trail with camping. After a delicious breakfast prepared by your chef, you will start hiking for around 6 to 7 hours until you arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon. Along the way, you will visit different Inca sites, such as the Sun Gate (Intipunku), and see Machu Picchu almost empty in the afternoon—glamping experience right below Machu Picchu Mountain and near the Vilcanota (Urubamba River).
Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu (The Lost City of The Incas) (4 hrs)
Wake up early with coffee in your tent, enjoy a breakfast prepared by our chef, and take the bus to Machu Picchu. You will explore the famous buildings, plazas, and streets with your guide and take the optional hikes to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (different from Machu Picchu Citadel and not included). Later, take the panoramic Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo and the bus back to Cusco. Finish at your hotel around 7:30 p.m.
Included:
- Safety briefing the day before the tour
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- All transportation during the tour
- Professional Tour Guide
- Train to Km 104 (Expedition or Voyager)
- Return on the panoramic Vistadome Train or 360°
- Round trip bus to Machu Picchu
- Entry tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- 1-night glamping accommodation
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Walk-in tents, camping cots
- Sleeping bag, sleeping pad
- Picnic meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner)
- Satellite phones, first-aid kit, oxygen supply
Not Included:
- Last day lunch after the Machu Picchu tour
- Entry to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Entry to Machu Picchu Mountain
- Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
Extra hikes after Machu Picchu Tour:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – USD 68 per person
You can hike this mountain after the Machu Picchu tour, which takes 2 hours round-trip. You need to book far in advance.
- Montaña Machu Picchu – USD 68 per person
Machu Picchu Mountain is the highest mountain, and climbing it takes almost 3 hours.
Full itinerary of the Inca Trail 2 Days with camping
Day 1: Cusco – Km104 – Machu Picchu – Puente Ruinas
Start your adventure in Cusco (4:00 am) or Ollantaytambo (5:30 am) and drive to the train station to board the first train to the Inca Trail. The train ride starts in Ollantaytambo and takes 1.5 hours until you arrive at Chachabamba, the beginning of the Inca Trail, also called Km 104. Upon arrival, you must show the original passport to enter the Short Inca Trail.
Breakfast will be served right at the beginning of the hike; your trekking chef will prepare it with fresh local products. Lunch will be served at Wiñaywayna, and dinner will be at the campsite. All meals are picnic-style with different options.
After breakfast, you will visit the Chachabamba Inca site and start hiking the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for about 6-7 hours. Visit the Inca Trail’s most remarkable sites, such as Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, and enjoy the fantastic views and the variety of flora and fauna. You will arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Intipunku) and take the first glimpse of this stunning archeological site. After arriving at Machu Picchu in the afternoon, you will have the chance to see this place with fewer people when everybody is leaving, then take the bus to Puente Ruinas, where your chef and porters will be waiting for dinner and spend the night with our Glamping Experience.
When you arrive at the campsite, the tents will be ready; you can take a refreshing shower, enjoy tea time with your tour guide, have dinner, and sleep in comfortable walk-in tents.
- Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
- Highest Altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
- Accommodation: Glamping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu (Lost City of the Incas)
The most important day of this TreXperience is visiting Machu Picchu. You will wake up in your tent with a cup of coffee, pack your belongings, have a delicious breakfast, and drive the early buses up to Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise. This makes this tour a unique experience; it will allow you to arrive twice at Machu Picchu, 1 for the sunset and 1 for the sunrise the next day.
The guided tour takes about 2 to 3 hours to visit the most important areas, such as temples and palaces; if you have pre-booked tickets, you can also take the optional hikes to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (different from Machu Picchu Citadel, USD 75 each) and get spectacular views from the summits. After the tour, you will be instructed on how to go back by bus down to Aguas Calientes, have lunch (not included), and take the panoramic trains back to Ollantaytambo and Cusco. TreXperience will drop you at your hotel around 7:30 p.m.
- Tour Duration: 2-3 hours in Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Meals: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
Short Inca Trail with Glamping Experience
During the Short Inca Trail 2 days with camping to Machu Picchu, you are responsible for carrying a small backpack with you; you must bring a comfortable daypack to put all the necessary equipment for the day.
We will provide you with a duffle bag where you can put up to 5 kg (11 lb) of your stuff, and this bag goes directly to the campsite.
Essential for the Short Inca Trail
Below is a basic list for all Inca Trail hikers:
- Original passport
- Light and comfortable backpack
- Hiking boots
- 2 liters of water
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Extra Money for tips and souvenirs
What to put in the daypack?
Your backpack must be comfortable for hiking and light. You will carry this bag for around 7 hours and must put all the essentials for the day.
- Original Passport: Original passports are required for this tour; you must show them when boarding the trains, entering the Inca Trail, boarding the buses to Machu Picchu, and entering Machu Picchu citadel. The passport number must match the number you provided at the time of booking; if you have renewed the passport after the booking, please let us know to update the numbers.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, sun hat: Sun protection is essential; you need a sun hat, glasses, and mosquito repellent.
- Rain gear
Despite the season you are hiking, always take proper rain gear with you, rain ponchos and waterproof jackets.
- Extra snacks
We provide a snack during day 1. However, we recommend taking extra chocolates, power bars, granola, and candies for the long day of hiking during the Inca Trail and visiting Machu Picchu.
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips
Taking extra money is very important during this trip; you must buy water and souvenirs, pay for lunch on the second day, or give tips to your staff.
- 2 liters of water in a reusable container
During the Short Inca Trail for 2 days, you must provide 2 liters of water during day 1 and 1 liter during day 2. Single-use plastic bottles are not allowed on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
What to put in the duffle bag?
The duffle bags will be provided during the briefing; you will put all the necessary stuff for the 2-day tour here. The duffle bags will go directly to the campsite, and you will not have access to them during the day.
- Comfortable shoes or sandals for the campsite
- Comfortable shoes for hiking: hiking boots are not extremely necessary but are preferred. Take some light shoes or sandals for the campsite.
- Warm clothing for the early morning
The weather in Cusco and Ollantaytambo is cold early in the morning and late at night; the temperature in the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu is warmer: make sure you have clothes for all types of weather, including rain gear.
- Light, comfortable hiking clothing
Hiking pants must be light and comfortable for the warm weather of the Inca Trail; long-sleeved t-shirts work better.
- Swimsuit for hot springs in Aguas Calientes (optional)
A bathing suit is optional for Aguas Calientes; there are hot springs in the upper of the town, but you need to go by yourself, and there is an extra fee to pay.
Price for the Short Inca Trail with camping
Price per person:
- From US$ 540 - Adults
- From US$ 500 - Children and students
To book the Inca Trail 2-day hike with camping, you need to make an initial payment of US$ 200 per person; the remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco.
This tour needs 2 people minimum per booking; if you are a solo traveler, please contact us to verify group availability.
Student Discount:
- US$ 40 off per person
All travelers under 17 will have a $40 discount. If you are 25 years old or under when traveling, you can get the discount with your Student ID. Please send us an email to receive a code for the discount.
Valid Student ID for Inca Trail and Machu Picchu:
To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:
- 25 years or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu. Older than 25 can not enter as a student
- The ID must have the Name of the university, name, and photo of the student
- The ID must have a valid expiration date
Invalid Student IDs:
Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:
- Traveler is older than 25
- Expired ID
- Student Id without expiration date
- ISIC cards are not valid.
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Inca Trail 2 Days FAQs
What is the 2-day Inca Trail with Camping?
The Inca Trail 2-day camping follows the same route as the tour with a hotel; the main difference is that you will be camping with our comfortable equipment near Aguas Calientes (Glamping experience). This tour also includes private chefs and porters to ensure you have a lifetime experience.
Where is the 2-Day Inca Trail campsite located?
The campsite is at Puente Ruinas, next to the Urubamba River and right below Machu Picchu.
What type of Camping equipment is included?
TreXperience is one of the few companies that provides a Glamping experience, including the following equipment:
- Comfortable Walk-in tents
- Camping cots
- Sleeping bags, sleeping pads
- Dining tents, kitchen tent
- Tables, chairs
- Hot showers
Hiking staff included
During this trek, you will have.
- 1 Tour guide for groups of up to 8 participants
- 1 expert trekking chef, sous chef
- Porters, depending on the number of travelers
How long is the Inca Trail 2 days?
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 2-day, one-night excursion covering a total distance of 10 kilometers or 6.2 miles; you will hike for around 6 to 7 hours to reach Machu Picchu.
When is the best time of the year to hike the Short Inca Trail with camping?
The best time to take this tour during the dry season is between April and October. During this period, the weather is typically steady, and the possibility of precipitation is low. However, less popular during the rainy season.
However, fewer travelers might be to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail if you hike the Short Inca Train in the rainy season (November, December, January, and March).
When does the Inca Trail close?
The Inca Trail is closed every February for repair and the heavy rainy season.
What about food on the Short Inca Trail with camping?
Our trekking chef will prepare the first breakfast, lunch, and dinner on day 1. Also, breakfast on the second day will be served at the campsite before you visit Machu Picchu.
Are the porters Included on the Short Inca Trail with Camping?
The Short Inca Trail includes porters and cooks for camping. Porters are provided to transport the duffel bags and all camping equipment.
How to book the Inca Trail with camping?
TreXperience makes it simple to book the Inca Trail; click the BOOK NOW button, choose your departure date, fill out the form with all the necessary information, including passport information, and then submit the first deposit to book the Inca Trail.
Due to the Peruvian government's stringent permit booking requirement, all Inca Trail bookings must be manually verified.
Can I trek the Inca Trail on my own?
You cannot access the Inca Trail if you do not use a licensed travel agency. Always go with your guide along the Inca Trail.