The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was an unforgettable experience, blending physical challenge with breathtaking beauty and rich history. The trek itself is tough, especially on Day 2 with its steep climbs, but the stunning views and ancient Inca ruins along the way make every step worth it. The trail is well-maintained, and the guides are knowledgeable, providing fascinating insights into Inca culture. Reaching the Sun Gate on the last day, with Machu Picchu emerging through the mist, was a surreal moment. It felt like a true accomplishment. The journey is tough but rewarding, and standing at Machu Picchu’s gates makes it all worth it. Highly recommend for anyone looking for adventure and history!

Unforgettable 2-Day Inca Trail Experience – A Perfect Short Trek to Machu Picchu! I recently completed the 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu through Viator, and it was an absolutely incredible experience from start to finish. This trek is perfect for those who want a taste of the famous Inca Trail but don’t have the time (or endurance) for the full 4-day hike. The booking process through Viator was seamless. I received clear instructions well in advance, including what to pack, permit details, and train schedules. Our tour operator was communicative and ensured everything was well-coordinated. We were picked up early from our hotel in Cusco and transferred to the train station in Ollantaytambo. The scenic train ride was breathtaking, offering stunning views of the Sacred Valley and towering Andes Mountains. We disembarked at KM 104, where our adventure began. The hike itself was challenging but rewarding. The trail took us through lush cloud forests, ancient ruins, and sections of original Inca pathways. A highlight was visiting Wiñay Wayna, an incredible archaeological site with terraced ruins overlooking the Urubamba River. After about 6-7 hours of hiking, we reached the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) just before sunset. The first glimpse of Machu Picchu from above was truly magical – a breathtaking moment I’ll never forget! We then descended to Aguas Calientes, where we checked into a comfortable hotel and enjoyed a well-deserved dinner. The next morning, we woke up early to catch the sunrise at Machu Picchu. Our guide provided an informative 2-hour tour, explaining the history, architecture, and significance of this Wonder of the World. The site was less crowded in the early hours, allowing for fantastic photos and a peaceful experience. After exploring, we took the bus back to Aguas Calientes, had lunch, and boarded the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a van transfer to Cusco. Everything was well-organized, making the journey smooth and stress-free. This 2-day trek is perfect for travelers who want a balance of adventure and comfort. The hike is challenging but doable for most fitness levels. The guides were knowledgeable, the logistics were handled seamlessly, and the experience of hiking into Machu Picchu rather than taking a train was incomparable. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Peru and Machu Picchu. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that exceeded all expectations and Inca Trail Specialist company did a great job!

March 22-29, 2024. Communication prior to trek was via What’s App text messaging or phone calls. The Happy Gringos company answered all our questions promptly and guided our preparations before our travel date. The Salkantay and Inca Trek 7D/6N is not for the faint of hearts but we made it through the toughest elevation at Frozen Inca’s Pass around 16495’. The Happy Gringos provided rental which we took advantage of at cost of $238 US (2 person) including 1) sleeping bag (comes with sleeping pad 1.5 “); Sleeping air pad 2-3”); and Hiking poles (aluminum). During the camping adventure, The sleeping pad unraveled at the seams causing an uneven bulging effect. The mummy type sleeping bag fits snug for a man of 6’1” weighing 185 lb and comfortable for lady of 5’6” 115 lb. The business coordinator was made aware of the rental and non rental concerns for future travelers which were not a big concern. For a private trek, a couple traveling required a crew of 8 including 6 supply porters (1 chef; 1 chef assistant; 4 equipment handlers); 1 guide; and 1 horseman with 4 horses (2-3 days). The food provided was varied every day for B/L/Dinner and was surprisingly well organized. Our guide, Franklin A. was AMAZING, funny, and very knowledgeable who help get us through some elevation sickness symptoms (headaches, nausea and vomiting). For future treks like this we will bring 1) meclizine ( non drowsy to prevent motion sickness, nausea, vomiting for long bus ride); 2) Pepcid/Zantac/corticosteroid cream (non drowsy local allergic and itch reactions from mosquito bites); 3) DIOMAX Rx (elevation symptoms). Personally, I took chlorophyll drops every day with my powder green drink and I truly think it prepped me for the elevation along with the coco tea each morning. It was when I was inactive (during sleep) that my headaches were most noticeable starting at elevation above 15,000’. There was 2 days of full rain of 7.

This was the first multiday and international hiking I had done. Everything was a bit new to me so factor that into how you interpret the review. 1 - preparation : we had open communication via WhatsApp with the provider. Information was relatively clear and helpful. The full details of the itinerary was a bit slow to be sent (the briefing the day before in our hotel) but that was only a minor inconvenience. I would recommend bringing your own equipment as it is expensive to rent and will not fit you as well as what you can tailor to your size/preference. We did rent to reduce travel weight and regretted it a bit. Poles were fine, sleeping bag a bit small and air pad a bit thin. The tent that was provided was a bit small as well but as it is carried the entire seven days I can understand trying to save some weight (I am 6’ 2”). 2 - expedition : one word - amazing. We were able to tailor our trip based on how we were doing and started with humantay lake which I would recommend. We had to back track a little the first night but after that we went to the frozen inca pass which also was amazing with glaciers and amazing views. It was around this time that we started having issues with altitude and started to worry a bit. The crew accommodated us and reassured us and got us a horse so we could ensure we made the trek. Salkantay overall was quiet and amazing. When we started the Inca trail portion we were fully acclimated and ready. Also besides the first camp ground the rest were really special. Inca trail flew by and provided another different experience. We in fact were so ready we wanted to spend an extra day at Machu pichhu and again were accomodated. We ended up spending one night in Aguas calientes (amazing city) and a full day at the ruins. 3 - accommodations : discussed some things in preparation already but let me say the food was also amazing. Again first day did not have a true lunch or a provided breakfast but dinner on the first night was an indication of how things were going to be. Four dish meals somehow prepared on a two burner camp stove with only pots. Every day and every meal was different. Some days with custom teas or juices. Soups for lunch, porridges and eggs for breakfast, meats and veggies for dinner. Examples of amazing things: passion fruit tea, shuffle with broccoli, flan, tuna in sweet potatoes, etc. I am no Peruvian food expert so don’t know the names but it was all so good (and each day unique). Props to chef Dennis and his assistant Eddie. Most items were made from scratch as well aka lots of chopping and this after portering our stuff all day. 4 - Tour guide : another amazing experience here we had Franklin who was so attentive for all seven days. I felt bad that he had to be on his game all the time but he would just laugh it off. Another truly great part of the entire experience Overall too much to write, in a short summary an experience of a lifetime you will not regret

We reserved the Machu Picchu day Trip from Cusco with Panoramic train with Inca Trail Specialist company. We had a memorable tour experience. Therefore, we want to share this amazing experience where we met very friendly people, specially oír tour guide Marco at Machu Picchu who gave us a significant guided tour at Machu Picchu Citadel. The pick up always were on time, the bus was clean and the driver was very kind. The tour company is highly recommended for visiting Machu Picchu and they were very flexible to change oír tour to Machu Picchu! Thanks for all your support!

Everywhere you look is like a postcard! George was an incredible guide, very friendly and knowledgeable. It’s a long day, but completely worth it!

Lifetime Experience! We booked the tour with months in advance with Inca Trail Specialist, we had an amazing journey to Machu Picchu and the train was so beautiful with panoramic views. The company gave us a lifetime vacation in Peru. Thanks for everything our guide Ruben.

The 2-day hiking to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu was excellent . The pickup in the hotel was on time also the drop off was in our hotel. The box lunch was very healthy, the trail was beautiful and paved with stones. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable who gave us a lot information of the Incas. We strongly recommend!

It's the best experience I've ever experienced Thanks to this travel agency. They are super attentive, responsible and travel is the best. I will make this company my drawer agency. 100% recommended

The tour was great! Our guide came on time to pick up, the car was very clean, the train tour was amazing, beautiful views on the Inca Trail, the hotel Intipunku at Aguas Calientes was super nice and our guide Juan was very friendly and funny. Everything was very good organized, Thanks Juan and the company!

The trail was beautiful with amazing landscapes along the hike to Machu Picchu. Box lunch very nice, tour very friendly and infomative, and the hotel Intipunku super good. Definetely, we recommend the company is specilazed to do Inca treks to Machu Picchu. Thanks for everything Inca Trail Specialists.

Inca Trail Specialist did an excellent job of covering all of the details of my daughter and my 2 day trek on September 21st and 22nd for what we felt was an affordable price. Our Andean guide, Mauro, spoke English well and was informative in explaining historical, cultural and spiritual aspects of the ancient native people. We were inspired and awestruck by the the beauty of this hiking! Highly recommend Mauro to hike Machu Picchu!

The 2 day trek to Machu Picchu was impressive, we 16 kilometers from km104 to Aguas Calientes. We had nice views because we were lucky with the climate. Our guide Henry was very helpful and happy. The box lunch of quinoa and vegetables was excellent. The hotel Rummipuncu was nice hotel; higlhy highly recomend this travel agency for Inca Trail hike specially with Henry.

This experience must be share with travelers who want to hike the 2 day Inca Taail to Machu Picchu. We were lockdown with the pandemic at home and we wanted to travel again! We contacted with Inca Trail Specialist who is a locally owned company, we had a great great service all of them that we met were very professional. The quinoa box lunch was very delicious, our guide MAURO was very good guide who dominated very well English and our hotel Intipunku at Machu nPicchu pueblo was excellent. Highly recommend this agency and Mauro.

We did not have enough time to hike the classic inca trail and we reserved the 1 day inca trail from cusco. Everything was great, the box lunch, the train beautiful and our guide very friendly. Pehaps in the future we will get back to hike with you again! Thanks for the great service...Mauro