The Inca Trail circuit is located approximately 70 kilometers (around 43 miles) northeast of Cusco, nestled within the lush Cloud Forest region. This scenic area is part of the Machu Picchu District in the Province of Urubamba. The trail begins at Km 104.- Chachabamba Control Point, on the left bank of the Urubamba River. The journey takes you through diverse landscapes, from dense forests filled with exotic flora and fauna to ancient Inca ruins of Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, and Sun Gate (Inti Punku), which offers your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail, built in the 1400s and connecting the Sacred Valley, Wiñaywayna, and Machu Picchu, was an important trade and religious path that moved people, goods, and culture around the Inca Empire.

The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu were left behind and forgotten when the Spaniards conquered the Inca empire in the 16th century. They were hidden by the thick jungle and time. Hiram Bingham, an American traveler, found Machu Picchu again in 1911, and many years later, Peruvian archaeologists found the Inca route and Wiñaywayna.

Today, the Peruvian government protects this historical site by allowing only 250 walkers per day to use the trail. This protects the cultural sites and the natural environment so that people can enjoy their beauty and historical importance without harming the environment.

The weather on the Inca Trail is quite variable, with hot days and cool nights, and the possibility of showers at any time. It's important to pack appropriate clothing and rain gear to stay comfortable throughout your hike. The best time to hike this section of the Inca Trail is from April to October, as this is when rainfall is at its lowest.

Temperatures typically range from 10 to 25°C (50 to 77°F). Due to its location in the cloud forest, rain can occur unexpectedly, and the trail is often shrouded in clouds. Being prepared for these conditions will help ensure an enjoyable trekking experience.

The Inca Trail short trek begins at km 104 and passes through Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna before reaching the Sun Gate and, finally, Machu Picchu. The total distance covered is 13 kilometers (8 miles), and it is typically completed in about 7 hours of hiking.

Despite its shorter length, the Inca Trail 2-day is moderately challenging, featuring steep sections and numerous stairs. However, the effort is rewarded with stunning views and the immense satisfaction of completing this epic journey.

Wildlife along the Inca Trail is surprisingly diverse. Many types of plants and flowers grow wild along the trail. The variety of plants along the road makes it look even better and gives you a lot to experience on your hike. These are some of the most popular flowers and plants you might see:

• The Aguaymanto, or Peruvian Cherry, is a small, bright fruit that often grows wild next to the path. It's not only beautiful to look at but also a tasty treat known for its sweetness and sourness.
• Alstroemeria, also known as the Peruvian lily, is a flower that grows in South America. It adds splashes of color to the scenery. You can often see tiny, lily-like alstroemeria flowers growing next to the trail, adding to the beauty of the view.
• Bromeliads are bright plants that grow in the tropical jungles of South America. Along the Inca Trail, bromeliads often grow on trees. Their bright colors stand out against the lush green background. They are beautiful to look at because of their odd shapes and bright colors.
• Cattleya Orchids: Cattleya orchids are one of the most famous flowers in South America. They are hard to find but very beautiful when you do. Orchids are known for their big, fragrant flowers, which represent the foreign beauty of the area's plants.
• Hibiscus: This plant usually grows in warm areas because its flowers are brightly colored and shaped like trumpets. Hibiscus plants sometimes bloom near streams or rivers along the Inca Trail, adding splashes of color to the calm water scenes.

Plenty of animals live along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, giving hikers the chance to see many interesting animals in their native environments. These are some of the interesting species you might see:

• The Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus), also called the Andean bear, is the only bear species that lives in South America. It can be easily recognized by the white marks around its eyes that look like glasses. You might be lucky enough to see one of these bears looking for food, but they are usually shy and hard to find.
• Rupicola peruviana, the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock: The bright bird is the state bird of Peru, and its red-orange feathers and fan-shaped crest make it stand out. The male's complicated breeding dance is beautiful to watch. You can often find these birds in the cloud forest.
• The Andean Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata) is a small rodent-like animal known for being quick and agile. It is often seen quickly moving through the bushes to find plants, fruits, and seeds.
• Vizcacha (Lagidium peruanum) is a type of chinchilla that looks like a rabbit and has a long, bushy tail. It lives in rocky places along the trail and is busiest in the early morning and late afternoon.
• Dwarf Brocket Deer (Mazama chunyi): This small type of deer is hard to find and is only seen in the woody parts of the trail. Hikers are lucky to see it sometimes because it is shy and blends in with its surroundings.
• Butterflies: Many kinds of bright butterflies fly through the air, adding to the peaceful atmosphere of the trail.
• Spiders and Other Insects: Spiders and other arthropods are part of the diverse insect life, and they all play important roles in the environment.
• Snakes and Lizards: The trail's diverse wildlife includes snakes and lizards relaxing in the sun or slithering through the plants.
• Llamas: Llamas are an important part of the Inca road and Machu Picchu. You can often see them grazing along the road and at the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. These tamed animals are not only famous, but they also show how people used to live in the Andes.

A number of important Inca sites can be found along this tour. Each one gives a different view into the history and culture of this ancient society. Here's a full list of the most important spots along the trail:

• Chachabamba: The walk starts with a stop at Chachabamba, an archaeological site with stone buildings and baths used for ceremonies. The Incas are thought to have used this site as a religious center where they performed ceremonies connected to water. Exploring Chachabamba can teach you a lot about Inca architecture and religious customs.
• Choquesuysuy: Choquesuysuy is an interesting spot that adds to the trail's historical complexity, even though it can only be seen from a distance. Its terraces and buildings can be seen as you walk along the path, giving you an idea of how the Incas farmed.
• One of the best parts of the Inca Trail 2-day is Wiñaywayna, whose name means "Forever Young." There are large farming terraces, ceremonial fountains, and a number of well-preserved buildings at this impressive site. By exploring Wiñaywayna, you can be amazed by how cleverly the Incas built things and how beautifully they designed their landscapes.
• From afar, Intipata is another impressive Inca site that stands out because of its steep farming terraces. In the tough mountain environment, these terraces were used to grow crops. Looking at Intipata from afar shows how good the Incas were at farming and how they could adapt to different settings.
• Sun Gate (Inti Punku): The Sun Gate is the last stop on the Short 2-day Inca Trail, before you get to Machu Picchu. It was a checkpoint for people who wanted to get into the holy city. You can see Machu Picchu for the first time from this point, which makes the walk to the Sun Gate memorable and worthwhile.
• Machu Picchu: The trip ends at the famous Machu Picchu, one of the world's most well-known historical sites. This old city was high in the Andes Mountains and served as a royal palace and a place of worship. When you visit Machu Picchu, you can experience the grandeur and wonder of this UNESCO World Heritage site by wandering through its temples, plazas, and residential areas.

From April to October, when it is dry and sunny and not likely to rain, is the best time to hike the Inca Trail in all its forms. The best months to go hiking and enjoy clear views of the beautiful landscapes and historical sites are during these months.

From November to March, when it rains a lot, hiking has its own special charm. There are fewer people on the trail, and the lush plants and scenery are at their best. To get around easily in the wetter weather, you'll need good rain gear, waterproof clothing, and sturdy hiking boots.

The Peruvian government manages the Inca Trail route. Every year, thousands of people from around the world come to hike this trail, ending with a visit to the magnificent Machu Picchu Citadel. The Inca Trail is a protected area with regulations to minimize its impact. Here are some important rules to be aware of:

• Checkpoints: There are three checkpoints on the Inca Trail short trek tour where you will get a stamp: Km 104, Wiñaywayna, and Machu Picchu. The tour guide presents the Anexo and entry tickets at each checkpoint.
• Number of Visitors: Only 250 people, including tour guides, chefs, and porters, are allowed on the trail daily.
• Entry Times: The trail opens when the first train arrives around 6:20 am. Most groups start after 7:00 am and have all day to hike to Machu Picchu. The latest entry time is 11:00 am to ensure timely arrival at Machu Picchu. The last bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town departs at 5:30 pm.
• Closing Period: In general, the Inca Trail closes in February every year for maintenance and because of the heavy rainy season.
• Age Restrictions: There are no age restrictions, but travelers must be able to hike for about 6 to 7 hours on uneven terrain with steep stairs and narrow paths. Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and those under 6 years old are recommended to have extra help, like a porter.
• Permits: You need to book Inca Trail permits with an authorized tour operator. These permits are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
• Tour Operators: Not all tour agencies in Cusco have licenses to operate on the Inca Trail. Tour companies must obtain authorization from the Peruvian government. TreXperience offers an Inca Trail short trek to Machu Picchu package, including entry tickets, meals, hotels, and panoramic trains.
• Tour Guides: Tour guides need a special license to work on the Inca Trail and must renew it every two years. They must also have First Aid and Mountain Rescue training and know the trail's history and environment.
• Chefs and Porters: Chefs and porters also need training to work on the Inca Trail. Usually, porters and chefs are not included in the short 2-day Inca trail tour, but you can upgrade to include them for a full trekking team.
• Waste Management: You cannot leave any trash on the Inca Trail. You must carry out whatever you bring. Trekking teams bring red bags for plastic and non-biodegradable waste and green bags for biodegradable waste.
• Plastic Bottles: Plastic bottles are not allowed on the entire Inca Trail, including the short one. It's due to littering and environmental harm. Use a reusable container instead.
• Cancellation Policy: Inca Trail permits are nonrefundable and nontransferable. If you need to cancel, you cannot get a refund or transfer your permit to another date or person.
• No Shows: If a traveler does not arrive on the specified date, the permit is considered a no-show, and the cost is lost. This strict policy applies to all tour operators.
• Pets: Pets and exotic animals are not allowed on the Inca Trail in general. Only guide dogs are permitted on the trail and in Machu Picchu.

The short 2 day inca trail goes through 13 kilometers of beautiful but difficult land. Along the trail, there are no medical facilities or doctors, so it's important to be careful and do what your tour guide says. The following steps are taken to make sure our guests are safe and sound:

• Experienced Tour Guides: We only hire tour guides with extensive experience and training.
• Safety Gear: We provide a First Aid kit, oxygen tank, and satellite phones.
• Checkpoints: The Inca Trail has checkpoints to monitor hikers and ensure their safety. Checkpoints are at km 104, Wiñaywayna, and Machu Picchu.
• Emergency plan: Park guards working at each checkpoint can help in an emergency and give advice. Our guides know what to do in an emergency and can quickly call for help if they need to.
• Briefing Before the Hike: We do a full briefing before we start the hike. This briefing describes what to expect on the trail, rules for staying safe, and hiking tips.
• Health Warnings: All hikers should get a medical check-up before the trip to lower their chance of getting sick. This is very important for people who already have health problems.
• Altitude sickness: Before starting the hike, you should spend at least two days getting used to the air in Cusco.
• Responsible Hiking: To avoid accidents, stay on marked paths, bring reusable water bottles, and take all trash with you.
• Being ready for bad weather: Hikers should be ready for a variety of weather conditions, such as rain, sun, and cool temperatures.
• Small group tours: We organize small groups; every 8 travelers will get 1 guide. Our guides can keep a close eye on each walker and help them when they need it.
• Speed: We hike at a reasonable pace so that people of all fitness levels can enjoy the hike without getting too tired.

The Inca Trail 2 day to Machu Picchu is a one-of-a-kind chance to see the amazing sights at this historic place. It's important to follow a code of behavior to make sure your trip is safe, fun, and polite. Here is an in-depth look at the rules for how to behave on the Inca Trail:

• Follow the rules to keep yourself and others safe and protect the nature.
• Don't leave trash: Take all of your trash with you and throw it away properly.
• Keep archaeological places safe: Do not climb on, touch, or damage any ruins.
• Show respect to other walkers and locals: Respectfully keep your space and be kind.
• Follow the marked paths: Stay on marked paths to protect the environment.
• Carry out everything you bring in to protect the beauty of the trail.
• Ready yourself: Bring things you'll need, like water, snacks, and the right clothes.
• Respect wildlife: Keep your distance from animals and don't bother them.
• Help environmentally friendly actions: Buy eco-friendly items and shop at neighborhood stores.
• Have fun and value the experience: Enjoy the wildlife and learn about the history of the trail.

Some things can't be brought on this tour to keep hikers safe, protect the environment, and keep the historical places in good shape. Here is a full list of things and acts that are not allowed:

• Animals (except guide dogs): Only guide dogs are allowed to protect the area's wildlife and keep the trail clean.
• Alcohol and illegal drugs: These are not allowed to keep people from making bad decisions and getting into crashes.
• Weapons (including guns, knives, and other types of weapons) are not allowed to keep everyone safe.
• Materials that can explode or catch fire: Banned because they pose a high risk of fire and explosion.
• For privacy and traffic reasons, big tripods, drones, and professional video gear are not allowed. You need a special pass to bring these things in.
• To protect the fragile historical sites, you are not allowed to touch or climb on the ruins.
• Large backpacks are not allowed in Machu Picchu. Instead, bring only the things you need in a small daypack.

The 2-day Inca Trail with 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 (Camping experience). This tour also includes private chefs and porters to ensure you have a lifetime experience.

The campsite is at Puente Ruinas, next to the Urubamba River and right below Machu Picchu.

TreXperience is one of the few companies that provides a camping experience, including the following equipment:

• Comfortable tents
• Sleeping bags, sleeping pads
• Dining tents, kitchen tent
• Tables, chairs

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

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.

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).

The Inca Trail is closed every February for repair and the heavy rainy season.

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.

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.

You cannot access the Inca Trail if you do not use a licensed travel agency. Always go with your guide along the Inca Trail.