Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours

2-Day Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Trek 3 Days

3 Days / 2 Nights from US $ 0.00
2-Day Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Trek 3 Days
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2-Day Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Trek 3 Days
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2-Day Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Trek 3 Days
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2-Day Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Trek 3 Days
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2-Day Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Trek 3 Days

Ollantaytambo, Km104, Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Rainbow Mountain
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Physical Level
Easy
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Trip Style
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Max Altitude
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Group Size

This tour offers not only the chance to trek the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu but also the opportunity to explore the stunning Rainbow Mountain. Experience the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, where you’ll encounter impressive Inca ruins, expansive mountain vistas, lush subtropical foliage, and remarkable ecological diversity. As you traverse the “Ancient Inca Road” within Machu Picchu National Park, you’ll enter through the Sun Gate, providing unforgettable views of Machu Picchu. The journey will take you through cloud forests and subtropical vegetation. This trek is ideal for those with limited time who want to experience part of the Historic Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu. On the final day, hike to Rainbow Mountain, one of Peru’s most famous destinations known for its colorful sandstone peaks.

Itinerary

DAY 1:

Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu

Our adventure begins early with a 5:30 am pickup from your hotel. At the train station, you’ll receive a lunchbox to add to your daypack. The train departs from Ollantaytambo at 6:10 am, offering over an hour of scenic views and breakfast (not included). You can arrange a picnic breakfast with your hotel or bring your own.

Disembark at Km104, where your trek starts at 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) above sea level. After crossing a picturesque footbridge over the Urubamba River, you’ll show your passport at the checkpoint and visit the first nearby Inca site. The initial climb is gentle, with several viewpoints overlooking the Urubamba River. You’ll pass through various microclimates, including cloud forest, so be prepared for damp conditions or rain at any time of the year. The next part of the trek is a slightly steeper climb, culminating in a beautiful waterfall!

At the base of the waterfall, take time for photos and admire the spectacular Wiñay Wayna, located at 2,600 meters (8,500 feet) above sea level. These impressive Inca ruins are partially concealed by dense jungle. Your guide will provide insights into the ruins and the unique flora and fauna of this microclimate before a short 5-minute walk to your lunch spot.

Following lunch, you’ll enjoy a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate, where your first view of Machu Picchu awaits! The hour-long walk includes gentle inclines and declines, ending with a steep set of stairs carved into bedrock by the Inca. Reaching the Sun Gate offers a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. Spend time savoring the moment and taking photos before descending the last 60 minutes to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you’ll pass a few more significant Inca sites, so take your time to enjoy and learn about these historical places from your guide.

Upon reaching Machu Picchu, you’ll have time for more photos from the viewing platforms above the site (Guard House), capturing iconic images of Machu Picchu. Arriving in the afternoon, as the site begins to clear of tourists, allows for beautiful photos in the softer light. Afterward, take the bus to Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel, enjoy a delicious dinner, and explore the charming town, visit the hot springs, or relax at your hotel after a thrilling day.

Meals Included: Box lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes
Accommodation: 3* Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu
Difficulty: Moderate.
Note: An overnight bag will be left at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent directly to Aguas Calientes.

This is the much-anticipated day! After an early breakfast at your hotel, take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise—a truly extraordinary experience. A guide will lead you on a two-hour tour of Machu Picchu, showcasing many of the citadel’s most important features.

Once you’ve soaked in the remarkable views, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you might have time for shopping, sightseeing, or visiting the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition train will depart for Ollantaytambo at 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, traveling alongside the stunning Urubamba River. As you approach Aguas Calientes, the canyon narrows, and the river reveals beautiful whitewater sections. Look up to see Wiñay Wayna high on the steep canyon wall! At Ollantaytambo, a driver will meet you at the train station to transport you back to your hotel in Cusco, with an expected arrival time of 7:00 pm.

Meals Included: Breakfast at your hotel
Accommodation: 3* Maytaq Wasin or Waman Hotel

Important:

  • If you’ve booked an extra hike up Huayna Picchu, this tour does not include a guide for that portion.
  • On the 2-day Inca Trail, you will be doing Circuit #3, and additional circuits require a separate Machu Picchu entrance fee.
  • You may upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same departure times (2:55 pm or 3:20 pm) for an additional $67 USD.
  • Early train arrangements can be made upon request at the time of booking.
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike availability depends on booking time.

Inclusions

Included:

  • Briefing with your guide at our office
  • Professional guide for three days
  • Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Km104 and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Inca Trail permits
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu
  • Two nights of hotel accommodation with a private room, bathroom, Wi-Fi, and breakfast (if you choose the package that includes hotels)
  • Meals as outlined in the itinerary
  • Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back
  • Personal assistance
  • Rainbow Mountain trek, including all entrances and meals

Not Included:

  • Hotel upgrades to 4* or 5* hotels
  • Huayna Picchu tickets: $75 USD per person
  • Vistadome upgrade: $67 USD per person (Return trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy/Cusco)
  • Tips for your guide

Additional Information:

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: This optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel does not include a guide. The hike is typically done independently after your Machu Picchu tour. If you prefer a guided trek, please request it in advance, as there is an extra cost for this service.

Added Values for Free:

  • Airport transfer to hotel (Cusco hotels only)
  • Small groups: Up to 8 hikers
  • Early train return to Cusco from Aguas Calientes

What to Bring

For the 2-Day Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Trek, please pack the following:

In Your Daypack for the Short Inca Trail:

  • Original Passport (must match the one used for booking)
  • Small, comfortable daypack
  • Water storage (2-3 liter Camelbak recommended)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Toilet paper
  • Warm jacket (for cold seasons)
  • Waterproof gloves (for rainy seasons)
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Wool hat (for cold seasons)
  • Rain gear (for rainy seasons)
  • Snacks (e.g., chocolate bars, cereal bars, dried fruit)
  • Rain poncho
  • Camera
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips
  • Valuables

In Your Duffel Bag (sent by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes):

  • A change of clothes for visiting Machu Picchu the following day
  • Personal toiletries
  • Personal medications
  • Battery chargers

About ISIC Card

Valid Student ID for Classic Inca Trail Hike and Machu Picchu

To qualify for the student discount on Inca Trail Permits, travelers must meet the following requirements:

  • Age Limit: Students must be 25 years old or younger at the time of entering the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Those over 25 years old cannot enter as a student.
  • ID Requirements: The student ID must include:
    • The name of the university
    • The student’s name and photo
    • A valid expiration date
  • ISIC CARD: This card type is no longer valid anymore

Invalid Student IDs for the Inca Trail Discount

Student IDs will not be accepted for the discount under the following conditions:

  • The traveler is older than 25
  • The ID is expired
  • The ID does not have an expiration date
  • ISIC cards are not valid for obtaining the student discount for Inca Trail permits.

This information is crucial for travelers seeking to benefit from discounted permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

Why to Choose

Why choose “INCA´S EXPEDITIONS”?

“INCAS EXPEDITIONS” is a 100% Peruvian local company and tour operator in Cusco, with many years of experience in hikes, adventure tours, and travel packages. We are a 100% local company.

Our dream as a local company is to offer personalized travel and hiking experiences, operated solely by local professional staff, focusing on a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.

We are proud of our reputation as a travel operating agency, in addition to practicing RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE actions with the environment and local people.

We consider our staff as family and guarantee them a fair salary. We are very proud of our team! Without their support, we could not offer the quality of service that hundreds of our travelers have enjoyed.

At “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we are aware that our reputation and what our passengers say are crucial for our travelers to trust their next vacations; you can check the reviews our travelers leave on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google; in an honest and reliable operator to create your adventure in Peru.

We offer small groups of travelers.

To offer a more personalized service at “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we maintain a limit of 8 people for each of our groups. This distinguishes us from other companies that operate with larger groups.

About our tour guides

We are very proud of our guides. They are experts and professionals, fluent in English. They are experts and knowledgeable about the routes, and they are passionate about Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to their continuous personal and professional development, researching to offer you accurate and recognized theories about Inca and Andean culture. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

About our treatment of Inca Trail porters

Hiking with “INCAS EXPEDITIONS” is an uplifting experience, we prioritize your comfort and enjoyment throughout the hike, and you will have the assistance of our porters. You will interact with local people, explore incredible sites, and rediscover ancient Inca ancestral towns. Our porters carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up our camp tents, and take care of you while you relax.

We provide our porters for free with: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable travel bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All are hired from isolated communities, improving their economic circumstances and supporting the education of their children. We treat all our porters like family!

Our team

Our team (guides, cooks, porters, muleteers) and our equipment make “INCAS EXPEDITIONS” stand out among our competitors. On our adventure hikes, we include:

  • Our tents: Enjoy a good rest in our 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents. Our tents are for 4 people, but only 2 sleep in each, providing space for greater comfort and storage. They have a small vestibule for boots and poles.
  • Our foam mats: Separate and insulate from the ground.
  • Air mattresses: Available for rent for $20 USD.
  • Kitchen and dining tents: Used as a meeting room during meals, ideal for relaxing and chatting.
  • Tables and chairs: In the dining area, adapted to the day’s weather.
  • Travel bags: Provided the night before the trek.
  • Others: Pillows, rain covers for backpacks, survival shirts, and chemical toilets are provided during the trek.

Our commitment to social projection

At “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we have always believed in giving back to isolated local communities. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we carry out various social projects and always hire local people.

We are very proud to support our local people. We not only employ them but also support their families, contributing to a holistic approach with our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones.

Pricing

Prices:

  • $577 USD per person (without hotels)
  • $647 USD per person (with 2 nights in 3* hotels)
  • $752 USD per person (with 2 nights in 4* hotels)

Notes:

  • The 2-Day Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Trek is available on any date that suits you (except February, when it is closed for maintenance). Join our group for the best deals.
  • Private service is available for an additional $100 USD per person.
  • All entrance fees are included, and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 people, with a maximum of 8.

Discounts:

  • Ages 18 to 25: $30 USD discount. Please provide a student card with university name, student name, photo, and expiration date. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval.
  • Under 18 years old: $30 USD discount. Please send a copy of your passport at booking.
  • Under 11 years old: $40 USD discount. Please send a copy of your passport at booking.

Extras:

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
  • Vistadome upgrade: $67 USD per person
  • Hotel single supplement for 3*: $40 USD

Huayna Picchu Mountain: This optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel is generally done independently after your Machu Picchu tour. If you wish to have a guided hike, please request it in advance for an additional cost.

 

Aditional information

Important Information:

Briefing: A pre-trek briefing will be held at 6:00 pm the night before your trek at our office, located at Calle Punacchupan 196, office 201 (second floor)

  • Luggage Storage: You can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel during the Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Package.
  • Booking: To book the 2-Day Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Trek Package, complete our booking form by clicking on “BOOK NOW” on our homepage or follow this link.

Please provide the following details for each participant:

    • Full name (as per passport)
    • Gender
    • Passport number
    • Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
    • Nationality

A deposit of $200 USD per person is required to secure your Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu entrance, and train ticket. You can make the deposit via VISA or PAYPAL by using the icons on our homepage or booking page, or here.

  • Balance Payment: To avoid high credit card fees, you can pay in cash at our office in Cusco (US dollars or Peruvian soles). Alternatively, pay online via VISA or PAYPAL with a 5.5% service fee. For PAYPAL payments, use our email address: incasexpeditions@gmail.com.
  • Student Discounts: For the student discount, you must be under 18 at the time of your trek or tour. University students need a valid ID card with a photo, university name, and expiration date. The discount structure is as follows:
    • Ages 11 to 17: $30 USD discount
    • Ages 2 to 11: $40 USD discount
    • Ages 0 to 2: Free

Send a copy of the passport and student ID (for university students) to info@incasexpeditions.com to qualify for the discount.

  • Changing Departure Dates: Once Inca Trail tickets are purchased, changes to departure dates are not permitted by the government. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Please note, the deposit is non-refundable if you cancel your 2-Day Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Trek Package.

 

 

Do I Need My Original Passport?

Yes, you must bring your original passport. It is crucial that the passport number matches the one used for booking your Machu Picchu entrance, train tickets, and other reservations. Park rangers will check your passport when you enter Machu Picchu, and the train company will also verify it before boarding.

If you are renewing your passport or changing your name, please send us your old passport information to secure your permit. We can update it once you receive your new passport or updated name for a fee of $25 per person. We need copies of both your old and new passports to process the change. Ensure you keep a copy of your old passport before making any changes.

If you prefer not to pay this fee, bring both your old and new passports to Peru. You can enter Peru with your new passport but must present both passports to enter Machu Picchu or board the train. Failure to show both passports will result in denied entry to Machu Picchu or the train. The authorities are very strict about this!

What Is the Weather Like on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Trek?

The weather is highly unpredictable. We recommend packing a warm jacket for the early morning and a rain poncho in case of rain showers.

Tipping

While tipping is not mandatory, it is greatly appreciated if you are satisfied with the services provided. Although tipping may not be customary in your country, it is an important aspect of the tourism industry in many INCA EXPEDITIONS destinations. Tips inspire excellent service and reflect your appreciation for the quality and length of the tour. Feel free to tip according to your perception of the service received.

Are You Sustainable?

Yes, we are committed to being a sustainable and responsible tourism operator. We adhere to universal tourism principles, including environmental protection and benefiting local communities while respecting their culture and religion. Our staff are trained to understand and respect the local environment and people.

Incas Expeditions

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