Nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic archaeological wonders in the world. For adventurers and history enthusiasts alike, hiking the Inca Trail to reach this ancient citadel is an experience like no other.
While the traditional 4-day trek is a popular choice, the 2-day version offers a different, yet equally rewarding journey. In this blog, we’ll explore the beauty and adventure of hiking the Machu Picchu Inca Trail in a condensed two-day adventure with Kenko Adventures!
Day 0: Preparation
If you are completing your tour with Kenko Adventures (which I highly recommend) you will receive a call from your guide a few days before your trip. During this time, you will discuss the excursion in great detail. How much water to bring, what layers, how long the hike will take, pickup/drop off time, where you will be staying. Everything and anything to prepare you for the hike of a lifetime.
What to pack:
Depending on when you embark on this journey, you will most likely need:
A Day Pack
Lightweight shirts (short-sleeve, and long sleeve)
Rain Jacket
Hiking Pants/Leggings
Shorts
Extra pair of socks
Proper hiking shoes
Cap/hat
Water – about 3L per person
Sunglasses
Snacks/Energy Bars
Sunscreen
Insect Repellant
Roll of toilet paper
Personal Identification ***** Do not forget this
Trash bag to preserve the nature
Day 1: Journey begins
The adventure begins the moment you wake up! Your driver will pick you up promptly at 6am. After about an hour and half of driving, you will arrive in the town of Ollantaytambo, a charming village that serves as the starting point for the 2-day Inca Trail. Here you can purchase food, coffee, souvenirs, or even a day pack if you forget to pack one (but i hope you don’t).
The driver will have your tickets, lunch, etc and will wait with you until your train departs! You’ll then meet your guide at KM104.
When booking your trip, your train ticket aboard the PeruRail is included. However, if you wish to upgrade to the vistadome to get even more spectacular views, you will need to contact Kenko Adventures. They will then arrange that for you. The Vistadome Observatory does cost $35 extra per person, which is well worth it in my opinion! You get great views, live entertainment, comfortable seating, and snacks!
The live entertainment includes dancers in traditional dress, masks representing animal figures, and a traditional dance native to the highlands of Cusco called Saqra. On top of all that there is live music, a bar service, and a fashion show!
The Snack box includes a quinoa granola bar, quinoa chips, coca candy, and chocolate! Complimentary beverages include water, coffee, coca tea, and herbal tea.
Notes
Note 1: The Coca leaf has always been the sacred plant of the Incas and a part of normal life in the Andean culture. For centuries Coca leaves have been used for a variety of reasons: source of energy, hunger and thirst relief, altitude sickness. And before you ask, yes, the Coca leaf is legal and regulated by the government in Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina.
Note 2: Quinoa is a native crop to Peru. It can grow in places as high as 2,800 to 4,000 meters above sea level, handle very hot and very cold weather, and does not need much rain, making it an important food source in Peru. People rely on it for their meals, and it is a big part of Peru’s food culture to this day.
Back to the Journey
Once you meet your guide at KM104, you will need to show your documents to the park rangers. Your entrance tickets are already included, and your guide will provide the rangers with the tickets. You should also use this time to use the bathroom, and apply sunscreen and insect repellant.
All checked in? Great! Time to hit the Inca trail.
The journey kicks off with a visit to the intriguing archaeological site of Chachabamba. From there, you’ll embark on a moderately challenging ascent through lush, biodiverse terrain. This area boasts an abundance of unique orchids and fern species. After a few hours of hiking, you’ll pause at a serene waterfall. This is the perfect spot for a rest and some well-deserved snacks. The next stop is the remarkable Wiñayhuayna archaeological site, where your guide will shed light on its ancient significance.
Following this, you’ll continue our hike and make our way to the final campsite for those on the 4-day Inca Trail journey. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch, provided by Kenko Adventures.
The upcoming section of the trail offers a somewhat easier path, with a mix of ascents and descents, ultimately leading you to the awe-inspiring Sun Gate. It’s a pivotal moment, offering the first breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the magnificent Machu Picchu Citadel. A sight that truly takes your breath away.
After capturing the moment with photos from the Sun Gate, you’ll trek for another 40 minutes, descending until you arrive at Machu Picchu itself. Here, you’ll have your first chance to explore the iconic citadel. It’s a moment that feels surreal, standing amid such historical grandeur. You’ll even be greeted by llamas!
As the day comes to a close, you’ll bask in the golden hues of the sunset at Machu Picchu, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Then, it’s time to board your bus for a ride to Aguas Calientes town, where you will arrive at your 3-star hotel. All of your luggage will be there waiting for you as well!
Once you’ve cleaned up from your long journey, you will meet your guide for a wonderful dinner! If you’re up for it, enjoy a glass of Pisco Sour, Peru’s national drink! It’s a perfect way to reflect on the day’s adventures and prepare for what awaits on day two of this unforgettable journey.
Logistics:
Hiking distance 12 km
Maximum Altitude 2700.00 m
Day 2:
After finishing Day 1, you and your guide will arrange a time you want to meet the next day to head back to the Machu Picchu Ruins. I recommend you start early in the morning to have the opportunity to enjoy Machu Picchu when there are minimal tourists. On this day you will do a walking tour with your tour guide. This includes a short history of Machu Picchu. After finishing the tour, you will board the bus back to Aguas Calientes where you can enjoy a lunch before you head to the station for your return to Cusco!
Once you arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station, your driver will pick you up and lead you back to Cusco city, directly to your hotel. Depending on when you booked your PeruRail return ticket, you may have some time to grab lunch before departing! And that completes the 2 day Inca Trail!
Summary
The 2-day Inca Trail adventure is a remarkable way to experience the wonder of Machu Picchu. From the breathtaking vistas along the trail to the ancient secrets uncovered at Wiñayhuayna, the thrill of witnessing the Sun Gate’s first view of Machu Picchu, and the serene sunset over this iconic citadel, every moment is etched into memory. This journey through history, nature, and adventure is a testament to the enduring allure of Machu Picchu, ensuring that your memories of this awe-inspiring place will resonate with you for years to come.
Looking for more experiences in Peru? Check out my blog detailing my journey through Lima!
