The Inca Trail can be done in 2 days or in 4 days. Both start in Cuzco and finish with the visit to Machu Picchu, then back to Cusco in train. Everything else is different, it's what we compare in this page.
| 2-Day and 4-Day Inca Trails | |
| Summary | Both treks starts in Cuzco, where we pick you up at your hotel. Then we transfer you to the starting point of the corresponding trek. On the last day after the guided tour of Machu Picchu, you go down by bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then leave to Cusco in the afternoon by train and then by bus. |
| Departure point | Cuzco |
| Arrival point of the trek | Machu Picchu (dernier days) |
| Visit of Machu Picchu | |
| Return to Cuzco by train | |
| Availability | Every day of the year except in February, subject to availability |
| 2-Day Inca Trail | 4-Day Inca Trail | |
| Summary | Some Inca ruins to visit, authentic or even spiritual, easy trek, moderate altitude, arrival through the Sun Gate, choice of accommodation, more of a hike than a trek, no porters. | Many Inca ruins to visit, authentic or even spiritual, large crew staff, trekking with camping, arrival at Machu Picchu by the Sun Gate at sunrise. |
| Duration | 2 days | 4 days |
| Price | from US$ 550 to US$ 600 all included except accommodation | from US$ 790 to US$ 810 all included |
| Deposit to book | US$ 230 | US$ 270 |
| Trek departure point | Km 104 | Km 82 |
| Trek arrival point | Aguas Calientes (Day 1) | Machu Picchu (Day 4) |
| Total walking distance Total walking duration Maximal altitude | 7 mi/12km - 6h - 8694 ft/2650m | 28mi/45km - 25h - 13858ft/4224m |
| Difficulty | ||
| Equipment porters | - | Porters |
| Accommodation | Day 1: Campsite or hotel (Aguas Calientes) | Day 1: Campsite Day 2: Campsite Day 3: Campsite |