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Lake Titicaca tour 2 days / 1 night
Pick-Up & Start Time:
04:30 – 05:00 am (Puno Bus Terminal)
Hotel pick-up available if located in downtown Puno.
Return Time:
Around 3:30 pm at Puno Main Square (Plaza de Armas).
Discover the magic of Lake Titicaca on a 2-day cultural adventure visiting the floating islands of Uros, the peaceful island of Amantani, and the traditional island of Taquile.
Navigate across the highest navigable lake in the world, share authentic experiences with local families, enjoy countryside-style meals, and spend the night with a host family on Amantani under a breathtaking star-filled sky.
This immersive experience connects you with Andean traditions, ancestral knowledge, and stunning natural landscapes.
Early morning pick-up from the bus terminal or your hotel in central Puno.
From the port of Puno, we board a motorboat and navigate toward the famous Uros Floating Islands, built entirely from totora reeds. Here, you’ll learn about their ancestral construction techniques and daily lifestyle.
We then continue by boat to Amantani Island, where local families warmly welcome you into their homes.
After a traditional countryside lunch, you will hike to the highest point of the island, the ceremonial temple of Pacha Tata, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Lake Titicaca and a spectacular sunset.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner prepared by your host family. Later, you’ll participate in a small folkloric gathering, wearing traditional clothing and experiencing local music and dance.
Overnight stay with a local host family in Amantani.
Puno Port: 3,830 m (12,566 ft)
Uros Islands: 3,810 m (12,500 ft)
Amantani Island: 3,817 m (12,522 ft)
Meals included: Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast with your host family, we navigate toward Taquile Island.
Upon arrival, we begin a scenic walk to the main square. Taquile is famous for its traditional textile art, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
You will learn about their weaving techniques and social traditions while enjoying panoramic views of the lake.
After a countryside lunch, we descend to the port and return by boat to Puno, arriving around 3:30 – 4:00 pm.
Taquile Island: 3,950 m (12,959 ft)
Puno: 3,810 m (12,500 ft)
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Lake Titicaca sits at high altitude. We recommend spending at least one day acclimatizing in Puno before the tour.
Bring altitude sickness medication if needed.
The itinerary may vary slightly depending on weather conditions or community decisions.
Booking with Happy Gringo Tours is easy! Simply click the “Book Now” button, choose your desired departure date, fill in the required traveler information, and pay the $250 deposit by credit or debit card. Once your Inca Trail permits are confirmed, we’ll send you a detailed confirmation email.
During the booking process, you can also select optional upgrades like Huayna Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain, Vistadome Train, or Walking Sticks. Due to limited availability, mountain hikes and train upgrades must be booked together with your Inca Trail reservation.
The remaining balance can be paid in cash (USD or soles) at our office one day before your departure.
You may also pay via PayPal (7% fee) or credit card (5% fee) at least one week before your tour.
Students aged 11 to 17 receive a $25 USD discount. A valid student card and passport copy must be sent at the time of booking. The student must be under 18 on the date of the hike.
Yes, your Machu Picchu entry ticket is included in the Short Inca Trail package.
Our itinerary includes two circuits for a complete Machu Picchu experience. On Day 1, you’ll arrive via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and explore Circuit 1 (Upper Terrace) for the iconic panoramic view. On Day 2, you’ll return to explore Circuit 3 (Royal Route) — the inner citadel with temples, terraces, and ceremonial areas.
Yes! You may safely store your luggage at our Cusco office or at your hotel. We recommend bringing only what you need for the two days on the trail.
Unfortunately, once permits are issued, the Peruvian government does not allow date changes or refunds. Only passport number updates are permitted.
We usually visit early — starting at 6:00 a.m. — to enjoy the sunrise and avoid crowds.
If you add Huayna Picchu, your entry will be scheduled between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. after your guided tour. The hike takes about 2.5 hours round-trip. For Machu Picchu Mountain, entry is from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and takes about 3 hours. Both must be reserved at the time of booking, as spaces are very limited.
Yes! You must carry your original passport (the same one used for your permit). It will be checked at the trail entrance, Machu Picchu, and before boarding the train.
If you’ve renewed your passport, send us both the old and new copies so we can update your permit.
The best season is April to October, during the dry months. The trail is busier from May to August. The rainy season (Nov–Mar) is still possible, but waterproof gear is essential.
The trek is rated moderate to challenging, with gradual ascents and stairs. A basic level of fitness is recommended.
We typically book the 06:10 a.m. train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 on Day 1, and the 2:55 p.m. train for the return to Cusco, arriving around 6:30 p.m.
Of course! If you prefer to book your own hotel, we’ll reduce $40 per person from the total price. Just let us know your hotel name so we can coordinate your drop-off.
No pets are allowed on the Inca Trail or at Machu Picchu, except for certified guide dogs with proper permits.
Since March 2022, single-use plastic bottles are banned on the Inca Trail. Bring a reusable bottle or hydration pack to refill along the way.
There’s no specific weight limit for your personal backpack. Porters, however, are limited to 20 kg each and carry only boxed lunches, not personal belongings.
On Day 1, groups usually reach the Sun Gate at 2:00 p.m., then hike 45 minutes to Machu Picchu, arriving around 3:00 p.m. before taking the bus to Aguas Calientes.
Arrive at least 2 days before your trek to acclimate to the altitude, especially if you’re coming from sea level.
Cusco: 3,500 m / 11,482 ft
Km 104 (start): 2,170 m / 7,120 ft
Highest point: 2,708 m / 8,884 ft
Machu Picchu: 2,431 m / 7,973 ft
Aguas Calientes: 2,042 m / 6,693 ft
The Short Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance and safety.
Porters are included in our Short Inca Trail 2 day with the hotel. However, they only carry your box lunch, not your belongings. If you want to hire a personal porter, the Price will be $50 per porter. Note: Porters are not allowed all the way to Machu Picchu. They will only go to Wiñayywayna campsite then they go straight to Aguas Calientes where they will leave your belongings.
No. The Short Inca Trail can only be done with a licensed tour operator and an authorized guide. Independent hiking is not permitted.
Yes! If you stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, your pick-up will be about 1.5 hours later than the Cusco pick-up — perfect for a bit of extra sleep.
There’s no official age limit, but we recommend a minimum age of 7 years old due to steep sections of the trail.
Each review from our users is important to continue growing and offering the best service to each of our clients. Our priority will always be that you enjoy your trip to the fullest while our professional team works to fulfill it.
EXCELLENT Based on 849 reviews Posted on Venture35340513175Verified Lista de cubos Machu Picchu Mauro y Rubén eran increíbles! Los mejores fotógrafos también esta experiencia fue mágica y animo a todos a hacer esta experienciaPosted on Jowhara JVerified Ruben and Maura, incredible duo! Ruben and Maura were incredible tour guides. Kind and warm. They went in depth with the history of Machu Picchu and took lovely pictures for us.Posted on Mikaela DVerified The best tour guides Mauro and Ruben were such amazing guides and photographers. They made the tour so enjoyable and my pictures are fantasticPosted on Serdem_tr@yahoo.comVerified Beklediğimizden daha güzel oldu Mauro muhteşem manzaraya inanılmaz keyif ve lezzet kattı. Tur’un başından itibaren ailem diye hitap etti ve her sorumuza çok güzel cevaplar vererek kültürel bir ziyafet çekmemizi sağladı. Manzara muhteşemdi ve sizi adeta yaşanan o dönemlere çekiyordu. Teşekkürler Mauro.Posted on Enue IVerified Excelente experiencia, excelente guía The place is magical, our guide explains everything very good and is an amazing photgrapher. Excellent experience, I recommend it.Posted on Renata FVerified Best day in Peru Great tour! Mauro is the best guide and photographer!! We were lucky on the weather also. Happy gringo tolo care of everything.Posted on Scott LVerified Machu Picchu Tour Jorge was an incredible guide. The right balance of sharing information (he had an incredible depth) and giving a great tour. Highly recommend!!Posted on João MVerified Increíble caminata a Machu Picchu Originalmente reservamos el camino inka a Machu Picchu, pero terminamos haciendo la caminata de Lares en su lugar y tuvimos suerte! ¡Qué gran experiencia, poder disfrutar de la maravillosa Cordillera de los Andes con un guía tan conocedor y amable, ese fue Maurito! No podría haber pedido una mejor manera de ver una de las maravillas del mundo.