Ultimate 2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

You will have a briefing the night before your trek at 6:30 PM. It will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes long. If you are unable to make it, please coordinate another time with a member of the Expeditions office team. You will receive your duffel bags during the briefing.

For the 2-day Inca Trail Trek with hotel, a briefing is not included. Our office staff will review all the details during your check-in time.

Local Expers are one of the few companies that will pick you up directly from your hotel. If your hotel is located in the center of Cusco city, we will coordinate a pickup time based on a time that your guide will discuss during the briefing. Depending on traffic conditions and previous pickups, pickup times may vary between 30 – 45 minutes.

It is important to note that smaller hotels and Airbnbs are often located on streets that cars can´t pass through. They also are frequently on hillsides with long steep climbs, making it difficult to carry luggage. We highly recommend that you book accommodations with better access. You can check our hotel list for comfortable accommodations with easy access to pick up and drop off.

When leaving Machu Picchu, you will take a 25-minute bus ride from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes village. Buses are first come first serve and run all day. From there, you will take a train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, depending on your itinerary. You will be given your train tickets during the briefing. Make sure you arrive at the platform 30 minutes ahead of time.

Once you arrive at the train station, look for a man wearing green with a Visit Machu Picchu sign. He will then drive you to San Francisco square, Cusco. The van ride from Ollantaytambo to nearby San Francisco square takes 2 hours, while the van ride from Poroy to nearby San Francisco square takes 30 minutes.

Once you arrive nearby San Francisco square, you will separate into separate pre-paid taxis and driven back to your hotel.

Machu Picchu now has two different time windows for visits: morning or afternoon. Your entrance ticket will be valid for only one session. The morning session is from 6 AM to 12 PM, and the afternoon session is from 12 PM to 5:30 PM. However, if you have tickets to hike Huayna picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will have some extra time until 2:30 PM.

Machu Picchu is a beautiful site, and many people enjoy hiking one of the mountains next to the ruins after their tour.

Huaynapicchu is the most popular mountain, and it often sells out quickly, so it is best to book in advance. The hike takes around 45 minutes to reach the top and another 45 minutes to come back down. Tickets are sold in time sessions, and you can choose between the first session from 7-8 AM or the second session from 10-11 AM. We usually book the second session so that you can enjoy your tour with your guide first. You will do this hike on your own, but your guide will show you where to start.

Machu Picchu Mountain is a bit longer and less popular than Huaynapicchu. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach the top and another 1.5 hours to come back down. Again, there are two time windows for this hike, from 7-8 AM and 9-10 AM, and we usually purchase the second time window.

If you are doing a 4 or 7-day Inca Trail trek, you will have to book Huaynapicchu Mountain for the second day of your visit to Machu Picchu. If you are doing the 2-day Inca Trail trek, you will have to book Machu Picchu Mountain for the second day of your visit to Machu Picchu.

Make sure to tell your guide about any health conditions or concerns that you have. Though our guides are not medical professionals, they have first aid training. You are responsible for assessing whether a tour is suitable for you. We recommend consulting with your physician to confirm your fitness for travel, participation in planned activities, and vaccinations or medical precautions you may need. If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, we will help you coordinate a visit to Machu Picchu by train.

When you book a group tour, be aware that everyone has different hiking skills and ages. Your guide will work with the group to ensure everyone has a good time. If necessary, the guide will make modifications to the tour to fit the group’s needs.

Strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt tours. We will do everything we can to ensure your trek continues as planned, but tours might need to be canceled under certain circumstances. Your safety is our top priority.

You are responsible for your items throughout the tour. Remember to be diligent about where you leave your things, and do not leave anything unintended during your hike.

Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. We recommend tipping porters and chefs between 50 and 200 soles depending on the trek. For the guide, it’s more personal and should be decided based on your relationship with them. You can tip with U.S. dollars, Peruvian soles, or even your credit card.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended, as adventure travel includes more risk than the average trip. We can help recommend an agent to walk you through this type of insurance if needed.

The weather in Cusco is unpredictable. Even during the dry season from April through October, it can still rain. Bring rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Layers are key to adjusting to different temperature changes. Prepare for the evening’s cold temperatures with a warm packable down jacket.

Altitude sickness is a concern when traveling to high elevations. Spend at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes to help your body adjust to the lower amount of oxygen in the air.

To avoid altitude sickness in Cusco, it is recommended to take things slowly and allow your body time to adjust to the altitude. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and coffee, which can dehydrate you. Coca tea can be helpful in preventing altitude sickness and is a traditional remedy used in the region. 

Additionally, avoid smoking and sleeping pills, which can make it harder for your body to get the oxygen it needs. If you’re planning to take medication to prevent altitude sickness, it’s recommended to start taking it a couple of days before you reach high altitude and continue taking it while you’re there. 

Remember, the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race, so go slow and enjoy the journey. If you do experience any symptoms of altitude sickness, let your guide know right away as they are trained to help you through it.

To get to Cusco, you can take a plane or a bus. The airport in Cusco is only for domestic flights, so international travelers must first fly to Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is on the same day with the same airline, you must pick up your bags in Lima and then check them back in.

The best way to get to Cusco is by plane, and there are many airlines to choose from. LATAM has the most options, but it’s usually the most expensive and flights may be delayed or canceled due to the high altitude of Cusco and the weather. If you’re coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno, taking a bus is a good option, although the trip can be long, especially from Lima. Buses in Peru are comfortable and well-maintained, but the trip from Lima will take about 20 hours or more.