Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu 3D/2N (Start Trek on Day 2)
Tour Overview
Embark on a thrilling adventure to Machu Picchu with an exhilarating trek along the iconic Inca Trail. Immerse yourself in breathtaking Andean landscapes, explore ancient ruins, and connect with Peru's rich cultural heritage. This tour offers a perfect blend of scenic hikes, historical insights, and the awe-inspiring finale of Machu Picchu's majestic sunrise. Ideal for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts alike, this unforgettable journey promises a truly unique and immersive experience in the heart of the Sacred Valley. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cuzco, Peru
Location: Cusco
Arrival Day
Day 2: Cuzco - Aguas Calientes, Peru
Location: Aguas Calientes
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Cuzco to Ollantaytambo to KM 104, Trek to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), Transfer to Aguas Calientes (L/D)
Accommodation pick-up at 3:45 - 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.
Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 3: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cuzco, Peru
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
2 nights Accommodation
1 Night in Hostel in Cuzco
1 Night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes -
Transport
Bus &; train transfers
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
Train transfer Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
Round trip tourist bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu on Day 2 -
Meals
1B / 1L / 1D
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Activities
Active Adventure
Trekking -
Guides
Professional bilingual guide on trek Machu Picchu tour
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Extras
Fee and briefing
Inca Trail permits
Pre-departure briefing
Machu Picchu entrance fees
What's Not Included
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Airport pick-up/drop-off (please make your own way)
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Day 1 breakfast, Day 2 lunch and dinner
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Bottled water
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Trekking poles
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Guide for bus and train transfers (these portions are on your own)
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Tips & Gratuities
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Guides: 20-30 soles per guide per trekker
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Optional Huayna Picchu trek (200 soles) must be booked 1 to 2 months in advance
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Optional Machu Picchu mountain hike (200 soles) must be booked 1 to 2 months in advance
Mode of Transport
Experience seamless travel with bus and train transfers, including a scenic train journey to KM 104 and tourist-class bus rides to and from Machu Picchu.
Accommodation
Enjoy 2 nights of comfortable accommodation, including a hotel stay in Aguas Calientes, ensuring a restful experience after your adventurous days.
Check out our Q&As
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, you can opt for the Huayna Picchu trek or the Machu Picchu mountain hike for an additional cost of 200 soles each, which must be booked 1 to 2 months in advance.
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Is there a guide provided for the entire tour?
A professional bilingual guide is provided for the trek and the Machu Picchu tour. However, there is no guide for the bus and train transfers.
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What is the drop-off point at the end of the tour?
The tour ends with a drop-off at Plaza San Francisco in Cusco. You will need to make your own way to the accommodation of your choice.
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What is the starting point of the trek on Day 2?
The trek starts at KM 104 after a train journey from Ollantaytambo.
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What is the transportation arrangement for the tour?
The tour includes bus and train transfers, including a scenic train journey to KM 104 and tourist-class bus rides to and from Machu Picchu.
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What activities are available on Day 3 at Machu Picchu?
On Day 3, you will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu with a professional bilingual guide. You will also have free time to explore, take photos, and optionally hike Huayna Picchu or return to the Inti Punku.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 2 nights of comfortable accommodation, including a hotel stay in Aguas Calientes.
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What should I do upon arrival in Cusco on Day 1?
Upon arrival in Cusco, you are free to arrive at any time that fits you best. You should reach your accommodation, check in, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
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What can I expect during the trek on Day 2?
You will hike uphill for about 4 hours to reach the archaeological site of Wiñayhuayna, where a professional guide will explain the culture and history of the site. After a short hike and lunch, you will continue to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) for breathtaking views of Machu Picchu.
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Is there an age limit?
No! Most of our bamba travellers fall between the ages of 18 - 35, but everyone is young at heart and welcome to come experience the world with us! If you are between the ages of 18 and 118, we invite you to travel with bamba and have the time of your life! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Most of our trips cater to the adventurous independent traveller. In fact, many of our travellers arrive on their own and quickly find that they easily meet like-minded people along the way at their hostels, on transportation, or during activities.
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Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip, especially when travelling in developing countries. Bamba does not include travel insurance of any type.Your current medical insurance may cover part of your trip, so it is important for you to become familiar with your current coverage. We recommend purchasing additional travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, lost or stolen items and unforeseen cancellations. If you plan to participate in activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, sand-buggy rides, etc please make sure they are included in your policy.
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Free Date Changes
Bamba Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Bamba Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bamba travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Bamba Travel requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bamba travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu 3D/2N (Start Trek on Day 2)
3 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Cusco, Aguas Calientes
Tour operator:
Tour code:
58245
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-90
