Short Inca Trail 2 Days All inclusive

We recently undertook the Short IncaTrail with camping, organized by Peru Hike, and I must say it was a fantastic experience.

Let’s start with the fact that we requested a few changes to the standard program as we were starting from a different location and wanted to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes. Even with just a few days’ notice, the company was able to adapt its itinerary and rebook our return ticket to Ollantaytambo with only a minimal additional fee. I truly appreciated their flexibility and willingness to accommodate our specific needs.

Our guide, Abelardo, was truly exceptional in allowing us to immerse ourselves in the local culture and appreciate even the small details that enriched our journey. Although we were fortunate to have a private tour since it was just the four of us, the added value brought by Abelardo was truly significant.

He took the time to stop and show us scenic views we might have otherwise overlooked, pointed out birds that are not easy to spot, and shared his personal experiences and stories about the area. His contribution was fundamental in making this experience even more engaging and memorable.

Machu Picchu is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and it’s definitely something everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. However, being such a unique and iconic location, it is understandably crowded with visitors eager to witness its beauty. Having someone like Abelardo, who could guide us to different perspectives and slightly less crowded spots, made the journey even more enjoyable.

The itinerary begins with an early start on the first day (around 5 AM if departing from Ollantaytambo), followed by approximately six hours of trekking along one of the ancient Inca trails that ascends the side of the mountain. The hike is challenging but very manageable, and the altitude is not as intense as other treks in the area.

We arrived at Machu Picchu around 4 PM, entering through the Sun Gate, where the view was absolutely breathtaking. The experience of having been surrounded by the Andean jungle for so long makes the sight even more rewarding.

The package includes breakfast and lunch, both prepared on-site by the organization’s staff, who move ahead of the group. While the meals were served in simple plastic dishes and cups, given the makeshift kitchen set up in the jungle, the experience was far from ordinary. The table setting and service, despite the rustic conditions, were exceptional, and the quality of the traditional Peruvian dishes, rooted in local, rural cuisine, was awe-inspiring. The combination of hearty, flavorful food with such a breathtaking natural backdrop made the meals a memorable part of the journey.

We opted to spend the night camping, and here opinions within the family diverge a bit. The tents were very comfortable, and the staff even managed to heat some water, allowing those who wished to take a hot shower (!)—a nice touch for such a remote setting. However, the camping location was quite close to the center of Aguas Calientes, in what was essentially a soccer field converted into a campsite.

It’s clear that the location is dictated by local regulations and not by Peru Hike, so I don’t believe there are any alternative options available. Nevertheless, it would have been more magical if the campsite were situated closer to the original Inca ruins. My two daughters and I appreciated the camping experience, but my wife was more hesitant, feeling that the setting detracted from the romantic notion of sleeping in a tent in one of the most awe-inspiring places in the world.

Peru Hike does offer the option to stay in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, so if you’re reading this review and have any doubts about camping, know that you have the alternative of a more conventional accommodation. Personally, while the camping location wasn’t as enchanting as I would have liked—and I, too, would have preferred to stay closer to the Inca site—I understand that this is beyond Peru Hike control and that there aren’t any different options available.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this excursion. Everything was flawlessly organized, and our guide Abelardo truly added something special to an experience that is already incredible on its own. We were genuinely thrilled with the entire journey, and I hope this review conveys our deep satisfaction with choosing this option.

My wife and I did Sacred Valley, 2 day short Inca Trail, and Rainbow Mountain. All were fantastic experiences and exceeded our already high expectations. Specific to our Rainbow Mountain experience, Jamie could not have been a better guild/leader of our Rainbow Mountain Sexy Avocado Team! Thanks to Chef Max and his team for our awesome meals helping to power us up the mountain. 5-star bucket-list experience all around with AE.

An incredible experience on the Inca Trail for 2 days. The views are truly amazing and your guide is always at your side explaining all the Inca history. Highly recommended.

I recommend doing this 2-day Inca Trail hike with Peru Hike if you want a unique, high-quality experience.

We had the best two day tour of the Inca Trail organised by Peru Hike. Lucio and Rosita were knowledgeable and kind guys that we had a lot of fun with and that made our experience super special. Also the lunch cooked by Noemi in the mountains was great! Once in a lifetime experience, would definitely recommend booking your Machu Picchu trip this way!