Highlights

1. Camp at the Foot of Machu Picchu on this Exclusive Short 2-Day Inca Trail Hike

   Alpaca Expeditions is the ONLY operator that offers a camping 2 Day Inca Trail tour. One very unique difference between Alpaca Expeditions and other tour operators is that we have an exclusive campsite for the Inca Trail 2 day Hike that is at the foot of Machu Picchu. No other company offers this! (We also offer the 2 Day Inca Trail with Hotel.)

   In the morning you’ll awake to fresh air and hot coffee and tea provided by your Alpaca Expeditions team. Our renowned chef will be hard at work cooking a fresh breakfast while you enjoy your morning at the campsite.

2. Hike One Day, Explore Machu Picchu the Next.

   Short on Time or Not an Experienced Hiker? 

   This short Inca trail hike includes one fantastic day of hiking with the second day dedicated completely to touring the ruins of Machu Picchu. This hiking package is perfect if you want to experience a day of hiking the Inca but have limited time, or are not as experienced at challenging hikes.

3. Visit 4 Incan Archeological Parks, in addition to Machu Picchu

   One of the reasons this hike is on many people’s bucket list is because of the sites along the way. You’ll have the once in a lifetime chance to visit archeological parks such as Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate or Intipunku. The path itself is also brimming with natural beauty. You’ll be surrounded by the amazing flora and fauna the cloud forest of Peru has to offer. All along the way you will find orchids, different types of flowers and many different types of birds. This day of hiking will be a challenging one, but something you will be able to conquer with our team’s help.

   A Full Day of Inca Trail Hiking

   If you pick the short Inca Trail 2 day hike, you’ll start your hike at Km. 104. In order to get to this trailhead, we will need to catch a train very early in the morning from the Ollantaytambo train station. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco, or the Sacred Valley, to make our way to the station and start your adventure. Once we arrive at the trail head, you will enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast provided by our amazing trekking chef. While you are partaking in the local cuisine, we will set everything up in preparation to begin your hike towards Machu Picchu.

   Your Private Campsite: Incredible Views, Hot Showers, Skilled Chefs
   Alpaca Expeditions’ campsite is located 10 minutes away from Puente Ruinas and has all the accommodations you will need from already set up tents to hot water showers and a dining room for you to enjoy your freshly prepared dinner with your team. Our campsite is very close to Aguas Calientes and has a breathtaking view of the mountains and the Andean sky. Sleeping under the Peruvian stars is something you won’t soon forget. You’ll want to take this opportunity to camp with us if you are a camping lover.

4. Expert Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

   Hot, Fresh Peruvian Breakfast, Pack Up Camp and go to Machu Picchu!

   In the morning you’ll awake to the fresh air and hot coffee and tea provided to your Alpaca Expeditions’ team. Then we’ll have our renowned chef hard at work cooking your fresh breakfast while you enjoy your morning at the campsite.

   Once breakfast is over, you’ll hike to Aguas Calientes and the bus station for the bus ride to Machu Picchu. Get ready for an extraordinary, fully guided tour of one of the 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu! A once in a lifetime experience – are you ready?

5. Itinerary Overview

   Day 1: Inca Trail – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu (Walking Distance: 15 km / 8 miles)

   Day 2: Machu Picchu! (You’ll be back in Cusco around 8:30 PM)

6. Special Offers

   Add Rainbow Mountain: $150 US

   Along with enjoying the Inca Trail 2 days trek, you can add to your enjoyment a full day hike to the amazing Rainbow mountain at a very special rate. You can do this hike either before or after your Inca Trail adventure. You just need to arrange the details with Alpaca Expeditions’ sales team.

Inclusions

1. Included

   • Professional Guides: All of Alpaca Expeditions’ guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in the Cusco region, and are committed to teaching others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe and happy.
   • Permits: As soon as we receive your details and deposit, Alpaca Expeditions will purchase your permits (pending availability, check our Inca Trail Availability). These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They can’t be changed once confirmed. Only your passport number is allowed to be updated. The permit includes an entrance to Machu Picchu.
   • Briefing: The night before your trek you’ll come to Alpaca Expeditions’ office for your briefing. You’ll receive your duffel bag that’ll stay with your porters while you hike. This bag should not exceed 7kg/14 lbs. and does need to include your sleeping bag and air mattress.
   • Porters: Alpaca Expeditions’ includes a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag. There is no additional fee for this. You will not have access to your duffel bag until your evening campsite.
   • Transportation: You’ll have transportation included in this trek. You’ll be picked up directly from your hotel around 4 a.m. (unless you are staying in Ollantaytambo) and brought to KM 82 to begin your trek. Also included will be the Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes. You may also upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $75 per person. Once you arrive at the train station, a Alpaca Expeditions member will take you back to your hotel in Cusco. Additionally, your round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu will be included.
   • Equipment: Alpaca Expeditions has the best equipment. We use Eureka Timberline 4 person tents that are shared by only two people. You’ll also have a spacious dining tent to enjoy your meals in.
   • Food: The Alpaca Expeditions chefs cook delicious meals that many previous trekkers have loved. We honor all food restrictions so be sure to add any that you have on your booking form and let your guide know at your briefing. Food is typically all served family-style.
     You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day for the trek along with a happy hour of tea and snacks. A snack will be provided each morning for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on day four. Lunch on the last day is not included.
   • Water: Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, Alpaca Expeditions will supply all the water needed. This water is boiled, filtered, and then cooled before distributing. You must bring personal water bottles and or a camelback. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. You’ll be able to refill your water at each meal.
   • First Aid: Every Alpaca Expeditions guide has received training in first aid from a physician. We conduct mandatory training sessions every February that every Alpaca tour guide must attend. Your tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical situations (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. We’ll get you off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible if needed and ensure you get directly to a clinic for treatment.
     Extras: We believe it’s the attention to small details that separates us from other tour companies. Every Alpaca Expeditions’ trekker receives a small pillow to sleep with, a foam mattress for insulation, a day pack cover to protect their things while hiking, and a rain poncho. We’ll work hard to create your best vacation a reality.
   • Satellite Phones: Alpaca Expeditions’ top priority will always be the safety of our clients and our team. While all our guides are prepared and trained to deal with issues clients may have on the mountain. Being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps everyone feel assured that they are safe. Radios, which all our guides have are limited in how far they can reach. Alpaca Expeditions has added Satellite Phones to every trek as well as a Radio. Every guide will have a fully charged phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to connect us anywhere in the world. And they can be used by our clients for non-emergencies as well. While they’re not cheap to use they’re available just in case you need to check in on the puppy you left at home with grandma.

2. Not Included

   • Rentals
     Every trekker needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but encouraged. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent:
     Sleeping Bag: $15
     Inflatable Air Mattress: $10
     Walking Sticks (Pair): $10
   • Huayna Picchu
     Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You would do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.

Price

1. Price

   We can depart any day of the week as long as permits are available. Please remember permits are only needed for your start date.

2. Group Price

   • $590 per person

3. Private Tours are based on Group Size

   Two trekkers: $1000
   Three trekkers: $900
   Four trekkers: $840
   Five trekkers: $780
   Six trekkers: $720
   Seven trekkers: $650
   Eight, or more Trekkers: $590

4. Student or Under 17 Discount

   $25 off per person

   Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.

   Please send all to info@alpacaexpeditions.com.
   More Information about STUDENT CARD

5. Additional Items

   As seen in our Additional Options, there are several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices:

6. Huayna Picchu

   Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It’s a 45-minute hike to the top. Even when you do this hike on your own your guide will still show you the trail entrance. This trek is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you with advance notice.

   Your tickets will be purchased to coincide with when you need to start the trail. Tickets are either for the First Session from 7-8 AM or Second Session from 10-11 AM. We purchase the Second Session for you to enjoy your tour of Machu Picchu before you begin. This window is only your start time and you may take your time up and down so no rush.

   The ticket is $75 per person.

7. Machu Picchu Mountain

   Machu Picchu mountain is the other mountain that stands above the Machu Picchu ruins. It offers even more stunning views than Huayna Picchu but takes an hour and a half to reach the top. For this trek it’ll be an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you.

   This ticket is $75 per person.

8. Vistadome Train

   All our tours include the Expedition Train. This train is usually booked at 14:55pm. The Vistadome Train is an upgraded train that offers slightly larger seats, windows, and even some entertainment. Usually, the Vistadome train is booked for 15.20pm departure and travels to Ollantaytambo, where an Alpaca driver will meet you and drive you back to the city on our bus, then drop you off at your hotel.
   This train is $75 per person.

9. Availability for the Inca Trail 2-Day

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Travel Info

1. Getting to Cusco

   The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights. All international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.
   The best way to get to Cusco is by air and there are several options in airlines. LAN tends to be the most expensive but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco it tends to be difficult to land and any acclimate weather will stop air traffic. Bus travel is always available and the trip can be long especially from Lima. Buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.

2. Luggage Storage

   Any extra luggage you have with you can be left safely in Cusco at either your hotel or with us at the Alpaca Expeditions’ office while you trek. We’ll store your luggage on the morning of your trek and return it once you are back in Cusco. Make sure your bags have tags on them so they’re easy to locate.

3. Altitude

   As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get oxygen. Over several days at high altitude your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do so if you have more time to acclimate you won’t be bored.

   With altitude sickness you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe please contact our office and we’ll help you get to a doctor.
   Most of the time these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids that bring oxygen into your blood which helps your body avoid altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee because they’ll cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.

   The trek to Machu Picchu is about the journey and is not a race. Even if you’re in the best shape, your body can suffer from altitude sickness if they hike too quickly. Going slowly will give your body time to adjust to the elevation and allow you to enjoy the scenery. Your healthcare provider can prescribe medication that helps prevent altitude sickness. You’ll want to start the medicine two days before you get to high altitude and continue to take it while you are at high altitude. You must remember that this is your holiday and you don’t want to stress out about getting sick. Do everything slowly, drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea. If anything does happen and you unfortunately get sick let your guide know right away. Alpaca Expedition guides are trained to help you get through it.

4. Weather

   The dry season in Cusco, Peru is typically from April through October. However, that doesn’t mean we can predict what the weather will be like during your hike. So, no matter what month you are doing your hike, you need to make sure that you have rain gear. This should include a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.
   You want to be ready for four seasons – regardless of the time of year. Trekking in the Andes means you’re going to experience a lot of microclimates and you’ll need to be prepared. Layers are essential. They’re easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.

5. First Aid

   Every Alpaca Expeditions guide has received training in first aid from a physician. We conduct mandatory training every February and every Alpaca guide attends. When guiding you they’ll have with them a first aid kit for basic medical situations (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen.
   In case something happens and you can no longer complete the trek they’ll figure out the safest and quickest way off the trail and to a clinic. You’ll have a member of the team escort you every step of the way until safely with a doctor. If you feel up to it, we’ll make sure that you still have the chance to visit Machu Picchu and re-connect with your group. This way you can finish your trip traveling by train comfortably.

6. Travel Insurance

   To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Getting travel insurance before you leave home is strongly encouraged and very easy. We work with a great agency in the United States that has helped to make it easy and affordable. What an excellent way to protect yourself while you are visiting Peru.
   If interested in booking through our trusted partner Ahart, Frinzi, & Smith CLICK HERE.

7. Environmental Impact

   Alpaca Expeditions uses biodegradable soap and transports all our garbage back to Cusco. Our porters are trained to look after the trail and pick up any waste from other groups as well. We also use environmentally-friendly portable chemical toilets that allow us to carry waste out. We believe in leaving no footprint behind.

8. Community

   Alpaca Expeditions is proud of the work we do for our community as this is the main focus of our company. We’ve worked with villages directly to help supply them with the needs their families were missing. We’ve supported local schools by giving them computers and books. Alpaca Expeditions also sponsors a teacher at the village where most of our porters come from. This ensures their children have the best opportunity for education.
   Alpaca Expeditions buys all our food from local farmers and markets and serve the freshest ingredients. We provide English classes for all our team including guides, porters, chefs, and drivers. We’re also building a house for our porters so they have a safe and comfortable place to stay before and after our treks
   And twice every year we bring our porters and their families to Machu Picchu. The men and women who work tirelessly have never visited the Lost Citadel of the Incas. So that makes this trip our favorite to-do. It’s an honor to show them this astounding place they work for.

   Alpaca Expeditions is always looking to do more and for partners. Please let us know about your ideas and we’ll work to help.

9. Personal Porter Included

   All of Alpaca Expeditions’ camping treks include porters who are responsible for carrying and setting up all equipment. They’ll additionally carry the duffel bag you receive at your briefing the night before your trek. Each duffel bag can’t exceed 7kg/14lbs and must include your sleeping bag and air mat.

   Alpaca Expeditions gives each porter a proper uniform, salary, and insurance. They are the backbone of our company.

Packing List

1. ESSENTIALS

   • Passport
   • Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
   • Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
   • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
   • Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
   • Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

2. FOR YOUR DUFFEL

   Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.

   • 1 wicking t-shirt, 1 shirt for Machu Picchu (that you want to see in photos
   • 1 hiking pant, 1 short or pants for Machu Picchu
   • 2 sets of undergarments.
   • Hiking socks, regular socks
   • 1 Fleece
   • 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
   • 1 Rain jacket and pants
   • 1 sun hat
   • Headlamp: essential
   • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
   • Comfortable shoes for camp
   • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
   • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
   • Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
   • Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least

3. TOILETRIES

   • Sunscreen
   • Face moisturizer
   • Bug spray
   • Handsanitizer
   • Wet wipes
   • Toothbrush and paste
   • Toiletpaper
   • Personal medication
   • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

Additional Options

1. Huayna Picchu

   Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It’s a 45-minute hike to the top. Even when you do this hike on your own your guide will still show you the trail entrance. This trek is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you with advance notice.

   The ticket is $75 per person.

2. Machu Picchu Mountain

   Machu Picchu mountain is the other mountain that stands above the Machu Picchu ruins. It offers even more stunning views than Huayna Picchu but takes an hour and a half to reach the top. For this trek it’ll be an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you.

   This ticket is $75 per person.

3. Vistadome Train

   All Alpaca Expeditions tours include the Expeditions (Tourist) Train. This train is normally booked at 4:22 p.m., leaving Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome train is an upgraded train that offers slightly larger seats, windows, and even some entertainment. Normally the Vistadome train is booked for 4:43 p.m. and travels to Poroy, a train station closer to Cusco. While this is an upgraded fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel.

   This train is $75 per person.