Do you want to book the 2 day Inca path Peru? First, you should know that the Short Inca Trail is an easier hike than the classic version and starts in the Vilcanota River valley, specifically at kilometer 104. It is important to remember that, as with all official routes, specific permits are required, so you must book your Inca Trail tours in advance.
This route includes a 16 km hike to the citadel, crossing spectacular mountain landscapes and cloud forest. You will also visit Inca archaeological sites like Chachabamba and the amazing Winaywayna complex, located at 2,700 meters of altitude, famous for its agricultural terraces and ritual channels. Finally, on day 2 you will enjoy a complete tour of Machu Picchu with expert guides and time to contemplate this magical place.
But, before visiting the Inca citadel and after arriving in Aguas Calientes, a question arises regarding where to spend the night: Camping or hotel? Which one to choose? If you are looking for a true adventure tour in Peru, we recommend the camping option. You will be able to spend a night in the subtropical zone, near the Vilcanota River, and enjoy the flora and fauna at the Puente Ruinas campsite. If you prefer to sleep with more comfort, you can choose the hotel version, where you will have a room with a private bathroom and the chance to explore the town of Aguas Calientes.

Aguas Calientes Peru
About the 2 day Inca Trail
Is it for me? This version of the Peru Inca Trail is accessible for travelers of different ages and does not demand the physical condition of a professional athlete. The main day consists of a 5 to 6-hour hike that leads you toward the town of Aguas Calientes or to the Puente Ruinas campsite. After the first 3 to 4 hours of gentle ascent, you reach the Wiñaywayna complex, considered by many the most beautiful and surprising archaeological site on the entire route.
Details of this Hike:
- Difficulty: Although it is shorter than the classic route, this itinerary is considered moderate. It is recommended that participants exercise regularly to enjoy the journey without excessive exhaustion, as the path includes sections of original Inca stairs.
- Transport: The service usually includes private transport from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo station. From there, you board the tourist train (Expedition Class or similar) to kilometer 104, the exact point where the adventure begins. The return at the end of the tour is also by train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
What is difference between camping and hotel on the 2 day Inca Trail.
When choosing the 2-day Inca Trail tour, the decision between camping or staying in a hotel will completely change the atmosphere of your trip. Here are the key differences:
Option 01: Camping
This is the ideal choice for those looking for an authentic adventure tour in Peru.
- Experience: You will spend the night at a campsite under the stars, equipped with a tent and a good quality inflatable sleeping bag.
- Services: You will have porters who will carry the camping equipment and your personal belongings, and a professional cook in charge of preparing fresh food (lunch, dinner, and breakfast).
- Load: You only need to walk with a light backpack containing water, a jacket for the changing weather, and sunscreen.
Option 02: Hotel
This is the preferred option for those who want to recover their energy in a bed after the hike.
- Experience: You will stay in a hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will enjoy a private room with a bathroom and hot shower.
- Food: Lunch on the first day is served at the Wiñaywayna ruins (box lunch system), while dinner is enjoyed in one of the restaurants in town. Breakfast is served directly at the hotel.
- Logistics: You must carry your clothes for the trail in your backpack. The main advantage is that, on the second day, you can leave your belongings at the hotel reception and go up to Machu Picchu carrying only water and the essentials.
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Inca Trail with Camping - Highlights
- Our tents are of the brand MOUNTAIN PASS 3XTE designated for 4 seasons. We provide with 3 person capacity tents; however, just 2 trek participants use it! In this way, we provide you more space and comfort
- It is all-inclusive camping equipment, such as sleeping bag, inflatable mattress (thermarest mattress -an inflatable mattress to sleep more comfortably), pillow, blanket,
- Duffel bag for your clothes, rain poncho and daypack
- All meet according your itinerary (01 Lunch, 01 Breakfast, 01 Dinners)
- Our cook will prepare your lunch in Wiñaywayna, the dinner and breakfast, you have in the campsite of the Puente ruinas
- Professional Guide and Professional chef
- Extra porter: Our porter will carry your personal belonging 7 kg included clothes and sleeping roll mattress and sleeping bag
- Snack every morning and afternoon tea.
- We pick you up from your hotel between 5:00 am.
- Tourist train EXPEDITION round trip to Machu Picchu, you can choose your train return to Cusco - early or late (14:55 pm or 18:20)
- Private tourist transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. Our driver will drop-off in your hotel
- Guided tour of the Machu Picchu and Inca Trail
- Tierras Vivas is tour operator guaranteed. the minimun is 2 people and maximun 8 people.
Inca Trail with Hotel - Highlights
- Accomodation: Hotel in Machu Picchu
- Meals: 01 Box lunch, 01 Dinner and 01 Brekfasts
- Our guide will provide the box lunch in Wiñaywayna
- Dinner in the restaurant in Aguas Calientes and breakfast in your hotel.
- We pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am
- Professsional guide.
- You will need to carry your personal belonging on the trail
- Tourist train service EXPEDITION round trip to Machu Picchu, you can choose your train return to Cusco - early or late (14:55 - 18:20)
- Tourist trasnportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. The driver will drop-off near to the main square.
2 day inca trail prices
2 Day Inca Trail Tour with Hotel U$ 535 per person
2 Day Inca Trail with Camping U$ 618 per person
Hiking tours to Machu Picchu
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
When is the best time to hike to Machu Picchu?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2026 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.



