Short Inca Trail – 2 Days
Step onto the ancient paths of the Incas to Machu Picchu with the 2-Day Short Inca Trail, an ideal option for travelers who want to hike part of the original Inca Trail, visit unique archaeological sites, and reach Machu Picchu in a more active way, without doing a multi-day trek.
On the first day, we will travel from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Km 104, the starting point of the hike. From there, you will begin a scenic route that combines history, nature, and beautiful views of the valley. Along the way, you will visit Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful archaeological sites along the Inca Trail. Then, you will continue to the Sun Gate, where you will have your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu. Afterward, you will descend to Aguas Calientes to spend the night in a hotel. The next day, you will visit Machu Picchu with your guide before returning by train to Ollantaytambo and then back to Cusco.
This hike is perfect for active travelers who want to experience the Inca Trail in less time. You do not need to be an expert trekker, but good physical condition is important, as the route includes uphill sections, Inca stairs, and several hours of hiking.
- Tour type: Hiking, nature, history, archaeology, and Machu Picchu.
- Ideal for: Active travelers, couples, friends, families with older children, and those who want to experience the Inca Trail in a shorter version.
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night.
- Start and end point: Cusco / Cusco.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Hiking distance: Approximately 12 km / 7.5 mi on the first day.
- Maximum altitude: Approximately 2,720 m / 8,924 ft in the Wiñay Wayna area.
- Accommodation: 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, according to the confirmed category.
- Languages: English and Spanish.
- Meals included: According to the confirmed program.
- Season: Available year-round, subject to permit availability and weather conditions.
- Permits: An official Inca Trail permit is required. Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance.
Tour Highlights
- Hike a section of the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Visit Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, two important archaeological sites along the route.
- Arrive at the Sun Gate / Inti Punku and enjoy your first view of Machu Picchu.
- Spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Visit Machu Picchu the next day with a professional guide.
- Enjoy a trekking experience without the need to camp.
- Travel by train along one of the most scenic routes in the Sacred Valley.
- Ideal for travelers with limited time who want a more active experience.
- Enjoy support and organization throughout the tour.
Why You’ll Love This Experience
This tour is a great option if you want to hike along the original Inca Trail but do not have enough time for the classic 4-day route. In just two days, you can enjoy a hike full of history, Andean landscapes, and important archaeological sites before reaching Machu Picchu.
One of the most special moments of the tour is arriving at the Sun Gate, also known as Inti Punku. This was the entrance used by ancient travelers arriving at Machu Picchu, and today it remains one of the most beautiful ways to see the citadel for the first time.
The route also allows you to visit Wiñay Wayna, an impressive archaeological site built on the mountainside. Its terraces, stone steps, and views of the valley make it one of the most memorable stops along the trail.
What Makes This Tour Special
What makes the Short Inca Trail special is that it combines the best of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu in a short, well-organized, and complete experience. It is not just a hike to a famous destination; it is a route filled with history, nature, and a direct connection to ancient Inca paths.
During the hike, you will walk along original trails, visit archaeological sites that are not seen on the traditional train tours, and reach Machu Picchu in a more meaningful way. It is also a great alternative for travelers who want a trekking experience but prefer sleeping in a hotel in Aguas Calientes instead of camping. This allows you to enjoy the hike during the day and rest more comfortably at night.
Best Time to Do the Tour
The Short Inca Trail can be done year-round, except when there are official closures or operational restrictions. The best season is usually from April to October, during the dry season, when there is a better chance of clear skies and better hiking conditions.
From November to March, during the rainy season, the route can also be done, but it is important to come prepared with a waterproof jacket or rain poncho. During this season, the landscapes are usually greener, although the trails may be wet. In any season, the weather can change quickly. We recommend dressing in layers and being prepared for sun, rain, humidity, and temperature changes throughout the day.
Who This Tour Is Best For
This tour is ideal for active travelers who want to enjoy a hiking experience to Machu Picchu, but on a shorter route than the classic Inca Trail. It is perfect for those who enjoy walking, taking photos, visiting archaeological sites, and having a different experience before visiting the citadel. You do not need to be a professional hiker, but you should feel comfortable walking for several hours.
The route is not technical, but it does include uphill sections, Inca steps, and moderate-altitude areas. It is also a good option for couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who are used to walking. We recommend spending at least one or two days in Cusco before the tour to acclimate better.
Included
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
- Tourist transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
- Train to Km 104, the starting point of the hike.
- Official Short Inca Trail permit, subject to availability.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu, subject to availability and confirmed circuit.
- Professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
- Guided visit to Chachabamba.
- Guided visit to Wiñay Wayna.
- Visit to the Sun Gate / Inti Punku.
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on Day 1.
- 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, according to the confirmed category.
- Round-trip bus for the Machu Picchu visit on Day 2.
- Return train to Ollantaytambo.
- Tourist transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Assistance throughout the tour.
Not Included
- Lunch or dinner not specified in the confirmed program.
- Extra drinks and snacks.
- Trekking poles, unless listed as included.
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, unless confirmed as an additional service.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the guide and support staff.
- Travel insurance.
- Services not mentioned in the program.
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes
Your day will start very early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, at approximately 4:00 a.m. Then, we will travel by tourist transportation to the train station in Ollantaytambo. The exact time may vary depending on the train departure and the location of your hotel.
From Ollantaytambo, you will board the train to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail.
Upon arrival at Km 104, we will pass through the official checkpoint and begin the route. The first visit will be Chachabamba, an archaeological site located near the starting point. Your guide will explain the importance of this place and its connection with the Inca Trail.
After visiting Chachabamba, you will continue hiking along an ascending trail surrounded by vegetation, mountains, and valley views. This section requires a steady pace, but we will walk calmly, making stops when needed to rest, drink water, and enjoy the scenery.
Later, you will reach Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive and beautiful archaeological sites along the Inca Trail. Its agricultural terraces, stone stairways, and location on the mountainside make it one of the most special moments of the day. Here, you will have time to rest, take photos, and listen to your guide’s explanation about the history and meaning of the site.
Then, you will continue along the trail toward the Sun Gate, also known as Inti Punku. From this point, you will have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, one of the most exciting experiences of the tour.
After enjoying this special view, we will descend toward the Machu Picchu area to take the bus to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Upon arrival, you will go to your hotel for check-in and rest after the hike. Your guide will give you the necessary information for the Machu Picchu visit the next day, including schedules, meeting point, and recommendations.
Meals: According to the confirmed program.
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Hiking distance: Approximately 12 km / 7.5 mi.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
After breakfast at the hotel, you will take the bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The schedule will depend on the confirmed entrance time for your visit.
You will enter Machu Picchu with your guide for a guided tour according to the confirmed circuit. During the visit, you will explore the most important areas allowed by your ticket and learn about the history, architecture, and meaning of this citadel within the Andean world.
After the guided tour, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. There, you will have time to have lunch on your own or walk around the town before boarding the return train.
At the indicated time, you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo. During the ride, you can rest and enjoy the valley landscapes once again. Upon arrival at the station, our transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
Arrival in Cusco will be in the afternoon or evening, depending on the confirmed train schedule. We will finish the tour with drop-off at your hotel or at a nearby point in the historic center.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Duration: Full day, depending on the Machu Picchu entrance time and confirmed train schedule.
What to Bring
We recommend bringing:
- Original passport.
- Small backpack for the hike.
- Trekking shoes or hiking sneakers with good traction.
- Comfortable clothing for walking.
- Warm layered clothing.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Hat or cap.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Insect repellent.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Personal snacks.
- Camera or phone with enough battery.
- Portable charger.
- Personal medication.
- Toiletries for one night.
- Light change of clothes.
- Cash in Peruvian soles for lunch, dinner, drinks, tips, or personal expenses.
Important: Your original passport is required to enter the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. It must match the information used at the time of booking.
Price
Price from: USD 498 per person.
The price may vary depending on the date, permit availability, hotel category, train type, number of travelers, and type of service.
Private service: Available upon request.
The price will depend on the group size, hotel category, and level of customization required.
Important note: Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu tickets are limited. We recommend booking in advance, especially during high season.
Options to Customize Your Experience
Private Service
Ideal if you want a more personalized experience, to hike at your own pace, and to have more flexibility during the route.
Hotel Upgrade
A hotel upgrade in Aguas Calientes can be quoted, depending on availability and traveler preferences.
Train Upgrade
You may also request an upgrade for the train service, depending on availability and schedules.
Additional Mountain
Depending on availability, you may request the option to add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain on the second day. This option must be booked in advance.
The difficulty is moderate. It is not a technical hike, but it does require good physical condition, as you will walk for several hours on the first day with uphill sections and Inca stairs.
On the first day, you hike approximately 12 km / 7.5 mi, depending on the route and the group’s pace.
Yes. An official permit is required to enter the Inca Trail. Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking in advance.
Yes. On the first day, you will arrive at the Machu Picchu area by hiking through the Sun Gate. The main guided visit to the citadel takes place on the second day.
You will spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, according to the category confirmed in your booking.
Yes, it is usually included, subject to availability and the confirmed circuit. We recommend checking the ticket type at the time of booking.
Yes, as long as you are in good general health and are used to walking for several hours. You do not need to be an expert hiker.
The tour can operate with light or moderate rain. That is why it is important to bring a waterproof jacket or rain poncho. In case of extreme conditions, the guide and operator will evaluate the route for safety.
It may be possible depending on availability. This option must be requested in advance and may have an additional cost.