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Short 2 day Trek |
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General Trek Info |
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Introduction
to the Short Inca trail
This trek is often known as "the two day Inca Trail", "the Sacred Inca Trail" or the "Camino Real de los Incas".
The trek starts at Km104 (104 kilometres along the railway from Cusco) and involves a four hour walk uphill to Wiñay Wayna and a couple of hours further to Machu Picchu making it ideal for trekkers wanting to experience at least a part of the Inca Trail but haven't got the time (or energy) to complete the full 4 day trek.
As with the 4 day version of the Inca
Trail, regulations introduced in 2002 have prevented individuals from doing
the trek solo. The majority of the new
regulations apply for the 2 day trek. You must now employ the services of a
professional guide or trek as part of an organized tour group (see section on Cusco
Tour Operators)
In the past trekkers have always been able to spend the first night of the trek at the basic hostal located at Wiñay Wayna. However due to many complaints about the standard and cleanliness of this hostal the hostal was closed at the end of 2004. This means that trekkers must now continue their trek all the way to Machu Picchu and spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. Groups then return to Machu Picchu for a guided tour on the second day.
This
itinerary is rated moderate and should only be undertaken by people who are
fairly fit and take regular exercise. The trek starts at 2100m (KM104) and
climbs to 2700m (Wiñay Wayna) before descending to 2400m (Machu Picchu). Since
the trek is carried out at a much lower altitude than the Classic 4 day Inca
Trail trek you do not need to worry about acclimatization as much, although many
people still find themselves short of breath when arriving at Wiñay Wayna so
this trek should certainly not be considered an easy option.
Apart from the waterfalls just before Wiñay Wayna there are no other places to refill your water bottle up (purify before drinking). Therefore it is recommended that you start the trek with at least 1.5 litres of water.
This route is open in February when the Classic 4 day Inca Trail is closed.
Many tour operators in Cusco offer this service throughout the year.
Trek Prices
For a basic pooled service (maximum 16 persons) expect to pay between $200 and US$250 per person.
A typical tour usually includes: Hotel collection and transfer to station, return transport on train, boxed lunch on day 1, professional guide (English speaking), accommodation in basic hostal in Aguas Calientes including breakfast, entrance fees of 142 Peruvian Soles (about US$51 for adults). Students and children under 15 years old pay 122 Peruvian Soles (about US$44).
Services that are generally not included: Breakfast and evening meal on the first day and midday meal on the second day, Bus between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes (Three bus rides required at $6 each way), Entrance to thermal springs, tips.
Spaces are limited on the trail so ensure that you make a reservation at least 4 or 5 months in advance (April - September). During the low season (December - March) it may still be possible simply to turn up in Cusco 5 or 6 days in advance and find a space but this is becoming more and more difficult. Making a booking 2 or 3 months in advance is recommended.
>> continue to typical 2 day Inca Trail trek itinerary
