Everything you need to know about Hiking The 2 day Trek Machu Picchu

The 2-day trek to Machu Picchu travels 12 kilometers in 2 days until Machu Picchu is reached. The tour already includes what is necessary to support the weight of the days of walking. However, tourists should bring extra luggage for the trip. This includes personal items, batteries, water, a sleeping bag, a camera, and more.

Trail Details: The fast Inca Trail is a 10 km (6.2 mile) trek that starts at km 104 on the railway line from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The trail passes through beautiful Andean landscapes, lush forests, and ancient Inca ruins. It ends at the famous Sun Gate, which looks over Machu Picchu.

2-day trek to the Inca City Permits: Like the longer Inca Trail, the Full Day Inca Trail requires a permit to hike. These limited permits must be obtained in advance through a licensed tour operator.

Difficulty: While the 2-day trek to Machu Picchu is shorter than the classic four-day trek, it still involves steep climbs and high altitudes, so good physical condition is essential. The hike takes about 6 hours and reaches a maximum elevation of 2,720 m (8,920 ft).

Inca Trail and the Lost Inca City Guided Tours:

• If you want to learn about the history and culture, consider a guided tour. We recommend the Premium Inca Trail.
• Many tour operators offer guided tours, which include transportation, permits, and meals.

What to Bring for the 2-Day Trek to Machu Picchu: Hikers should wear comfortable shoes. Bring a backpack with snacks and water. Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and rain gear.

Machu Picchu: After hikers reach the Sun Gate, they go down to Machu Picchu. There, they can explore the ruins and learn about the Inca Empire’s history. It’s recommended that they spend at least a few hours exploring Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco.

What does the 2-day trek to Machu Picchu include?

The Inca Trail is a hiking route protected by the Peruvian State, so we can only do it with a tour that includes the following:

• Transportation: Most tour operators include transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station and from the Aguas Calientes train station to Machu Picchu.
• Train Ride: The fast Inca Trail full day from Ollantaytambo starts at km 104 on the railway line from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The train ride from Ollantaytambo to km 104 offers stunning views of the Andean mountains and the Urubamba River.
• Entrance Fee: Hiking requires a permit, which includes the entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
• Machu Picchu Guided Tour: Most tour operators offer a guided 2-Day Express Inca Trail tour led by a knowledgeable guide who provides information about the area’s history and culture.
• Meals and Snacks: Tour operators provide meals and snacks during the trek, including a box lunch and water.
• Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets: After completing the trek, hikers will enter Machu Picchu, explore the ruins, and learn about the Inca Empire.

It’s essential to check with your tour operator to see what’s included in the 2-day trek to Machu Picchu package and what additional expenses you may need to cover, such as personal items like hiking gear and souvenirs.

What does it not include?

• The Inca Trail, like any other hiking tour in Cusco, does not include the following:
• Sleeping bags.
• Walking sticks.
• Snacks.
• Rehydrating.
• Personal articles.

How many kilos of luggage should be taken for the 2-day trek to Machu Picchu?

The maximum luggage weight is 7 kg (15 lbs) per person, including your sleeping bag and personal items. This weight limit is strictly enforced to protect the environment and ensure hiker safety. Packing light is recommended; bring only essential items for the trek, such as extra clothes, toiletries, and personal medication.

You can store excess luggage in your Cusco hotel or Machu Picchu Pueblo storage facility. However, you must check with your tour operator whether they have any specific luggage requirements for the Express Inca Trail in South America.

Considering the route’s difficulty, the mountainous roads it travels on, and the same duration, we recommend luggage weighing no more than 5 kilos.

Carrying more than 5 kilos can make the most challenging walk sections even more difficult. Likewise, it can cause back pain.

What must be contained in this luggage in a backpack suitable for walking (waterproof, spacious, and fitting nicely on the back)?

When packing for a full-day Inca Trail, bring a spacious, waterproof backpack that fits comfortably on your back. Here are some critical items to consider packing in your bag:

• Water: Bring at least 2 liters per person to stay hydrated during the trek.
• Snacks: Pack energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit to keep your energy up during the hike.
• Layers: The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, fleece, and a hat.
• Sun protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Comfortable footwear: Wear sturdy, broken-in hiking shoes.
• Camera: Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery along the trail.
• Personal items: Pack toiletries, medication, and any other items.

Remember to pack light and bring only essential items, as the luggage weight limit is strictly enforced. It’s also a good idea to check with your tour operator for any specific packing requirements for hiking a Trail.

How do you organize the travel backpack for the 2-day trek to Machu Picchu?

The backpack should hold at least 15-20 liters of water and spare clothes. Having a raincoat cover the pack or using a bag inside is recommended. Check that the mountain equipment meets the following characteristics:

It’s just comfortable to wear.

• A chest and waist strap will help distribute the weight.
• Have side pockets for small items.
• Have ties and straps to store clothes or other items.
• You can hire an extra porter for extra luggage. This option involves an additional cost over the tour price and varies depending on your hired tourism agency.