2 Days Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Cuzco to Ollantaytambo to KM 104, Trek to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), Transfer to Aguas Calientes  (L/D)

Accommodation pick-up at 4:00 am and transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station for the journey to KM 104, the beginning point of our trek. A 4-hour hike uphill will bring us to the archaeological site of Wiñayhuayna (2,700m) where our professional guide will explain the culture and history of the site. A well deserved lunch will be served after another short 10-minute hike. In the afternoon we will continue hiking to reach the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) where we will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the majestic Machu Picchu citadel. A tourist-class bus will transfer the group to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) where we will spend the night. 

Inclusions: Accommodation pickup, Bus Cuzco - Ollantaytambo, Train Ollantaytambo - Km 104, Bus Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes, 1N Aguas Calientes 3* Hotel, Meals 1L/1D.

Day 2:  Depart Aguas Calientes to Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cuzco  (B)

Take a tourist-class bus back up to Machu Picchu first thing in the morning for a guided tour with a professional bilingual guide who will explain the history and culture of Machu Picchu. If you desire to hike Huayna Picchu or return to the Inti Punku, you will have free time to do so. Wander around the site at your leisure after the tour to take photos and absorb the magical vibes of this miraculous mountain top citadel. Return to Aguas Calientes by tourist-class bus. In the town you will find internet cafes, cafes with board games and cards, plenty of shops and places to relax. Visit the local marketplace right next to the train tracks where you can shop until the train whistle blows signaling your return to Ollantaytambo. Take the bus back to Cuzco and get dropped off late in the day at the Plaza San Francisco. Please make your own way to the accommodation of your choice.

• DESCRIPTION OF MACHU PICCHU GUIDED SITE VISIT: The one and only, the most spectacular (and not to mention most popular) archaeological site in all of South America.  Your guide will take you on a 2-hour tour of Machu Picchu walking you through the most important sites and covering the history of the place (if you haven't already heard it all during the Inca Trail Trek).  Then you will have free time to explore on your own and take pictures at your leisure.  
• Take an OPTIONAL hike up the steep peak named Huayna Picchu, which is located inside the Machu Picchu archaeological site. This sometimes muddy peak takes about 45 - 60 minutes to hike up and awards you with unforgettable views of Machu Picchu from a coveted perspective. Keep in mind that if you want to take this optional hike, you must now purchase your ticket at least 2 weeks in advance for an additional cost in order to get one of the 400 passes (200 people are allowed up at 7:00am and 200 more at 10:00am).  Trekkers arriving from the Inca Trail will only arrive on time for the 10:00am trek.  Most trekkers are usually too tired to do this extra trek, but true adventurers shouldn’t miss out! Please send us an email directly to request this extra ticket.

Inclusions: Round trip Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu, Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo, Bus Ollantaytambo - Cuzco, 2-Hour Machu Picchu Guided Visit, Meal 1B.

• Pre-departure briefing
• Cuzco Accommodation Pick-Up
• Round Trip Bus Cuzco - Ollantaytambo
• Train Ollantaytambo - KM 104 (starting point of trek) 
• Tourist Bus Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes on Day 1
• Round Trip Tourist Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu on Day 2
• Train Transfer Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
• Professional Bilingual Guide on trek & Machu Picchu tour
• 1-night 3* Hotel Accommodation at Aguas Calientes
• Meals: Box Lunch & Dinner on Day 1, Box Breakfast on Day 2
• Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Entrance Fees
• Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 4

• Airport Pick-Up/Drop-Off (please make your own way)
• Day 1 Breakfast, Day 2 Lunch and Dinner
• Bottled Water
• Trekking Poles
• Guide for bus and train transfers (these portions are on your own) 
• Optional Huayna Picchu Trek (200 soles) must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance
• Optional Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (200 soles) must be booked at least 1 week in advance
• Accommodation in Cuzco 
• Tips (Please remember that tipping is 100% optional and depends entirely on the service you received. It is customary to give tips in Latin America, however it is NOT mandatory. If you do wish to give a tip these are our recommended guidelines.) 
• Guides: 20-30 soles per guide per trekker 
• *Prices for optional activities are subject to change at any time without prior notice. Please confirm these prices before departing on the trek. 

Physical rating: You must have a high level of fitness to take part in this trek. You will be walking at high altitudes every day and it will be physically demanding.  In the months leading up to your trek, try walking with your daypack, climbing long staircases and add a couple of bricks to it for real training. Undertake regular aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming or cycling. The more preparation you have done in advance, the more you will enjoy it.

Suggested Packing List: Backpack (10 - 15 liters), sleeping bag (if desired-- sheets & blankets are provided), hiking poles, rain pants, plastic rain poncho, trekking boots, sandals/flip flops, thermals (socks, t-shirts, sweater), windbreaker, hiking trousers, shorts, wool hat/beanie, gloves, sun hat, sun block, sunglasses, flashlight/torch, camera (with extra batteries & memory card), personal medications, reusable water bottle, water purification tablets, toiletries (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toilet paper, towel).

Food Budget: Please expect to spend at least 20 USD per day on food and beverages. Please note that food costs will vary depending on the number of portions consumed, location and availability.

Gratuity: Tipping is by no means mandatory, but is customary. For a job well done, we recommend tipping 10% to your guide, porter, and driver.

First Aid: All guides for this tour have completed first aid training.