Peru · Trekking

2-Day Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Trek from Cusco via Wiñay Wayna

2 Days Round trip from Cusco Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 See Wiñay Wayna, the most beautiful site on the Inca Trail
02 Witness the Sun Gate and watch the sunset over Machu Picchu
03 Explore Machu Picchu with a guided tour and free time at the site
04 Climb Huayna Picchu with an optional ticket purchase

Take this 2-day trek across the Inca Trail, finishing with a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, and explore some of the best of the ancient Inca capitals. Ideal for travellers with limited time in Cusco, this achievable hike includes other remarkable Inca sites, including the famous Sun Gate, as well as spectacular views such as the sun setting over the maze of Machu Picchu.

After hiking for 3 hours, reach Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) at 2600 m, the most beautiful Incan site on the Inca Trail.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Cusco, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Wiñay Wayna

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Cusco to Ollantaytambo, Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu

Pick up from your accommodation at 4:00 AM and depart for the train station at Ollantaytambo.
Board the 6:10 AM train and enjoy the journey as you follow the Urubamba River until reaching a height of 2000 metres, the starting point of the trek.
Prepare for the trek with a packed lunch and energy drinks, then take a group photo before setting out for the first Inca site.
After an informative tour of the Inca site, begin a gradual ascent as you head for the classic Inca Trail high above. In clear weather, you will enjoy tremendous views of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River, and other surrounding Inca sites.
After hiking for 3 hours, reach Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) at 2600 m, the most beautiful Incan site on the Inca Trail. This wonderful Incan site is one that many people never get to see, and it features an elaborate water fountain, temples, and agricultural terraces that provide a perfect opportunity to learn more about the way of the Incans.
Walk to the Sun Gate, where you will see the picturesque landscape of Machu Picchu below. After taking in these once-in-a-lifetime views and having your photos taken, begin the descent to Machu Picchu for sunset.
After taking photos at Machu Picchu, which is advantageously free of day tourists at this hour, take the bus to Aguas Calientes and check in to your hotel.
Enjoy dinner and retreat for a good night's sleep.

Day 02

Sunrise at Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

Wake up early in the morning to take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu and catch the sunrise.
Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu with your English-speaking guide, then explore the site at your leisure. You may also choose to purchase tickets to Huayna Picchu and climb the mountain, which takes approximately 1.5 hours round trip.
When you are done exploring, take a bus or walk down to Aguas Calientes to eat lunch.
Take the train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, then continue by bus to Cusco, where you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Where this trip takes you

Wiñay Wayna terraces, Sun Gate overlook, Machu Picchu at sunset

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Cusco 4 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

PumaPath T-Shirt
Pick up from your hotel by your tour guide
Transfer to the start of your trek, KM 82
Professional English-speaking Cusco guide
Entrance fee to the Inca Trail National Park
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Archaeological Sanctuary
Happy hour including hot drinks such as mate de coca and locally grown coffee prepared by our cook
Snacks every morning
Oxygen tank and first aid kit
2 or 3-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu
Bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes village
Round-trip bus tickets
Expedition train return to Ollantaytambo, then by bus to Cusco

What's Not Included

Last lunch in Aguas Calientes
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses and others not mentioned above

Know before you go

In order to book your Inca Trail trek, the Peruvian authorities cap the number of Inca Trail trekking permits to 500 per day.
Everyone entering the trail needs a permit, including trekkers, guides, porters, and other support staff.
Permits often sell out several months in advance, so you must book well ahead to secure your place.
When you fill in our booking form, you must provide alternative start dates that are possible for you to begin the trek, and these must be validated.
If your preferred date is sold out, we will use one of these alternative dates for your permit.
Once we purchase your permit from the National Park office, you are 100% confirmed to start on that day, and this date cannot be changed.
Permits are completely non-refundable and non-transferable, so please make sure the date you book is suitable for starting this adventure.
Your permit is linked to your name and passport number.
If you change your passport after booking your Inca Trail trek permit, or if you plan to travel with a different passport, you MUST also bring the passport you used to book your permit, or you will not be able to trek the Inca Trail.
Vegetarian food and specialized diets are available on request.