Short Inca Trail – 2 Days
- Duration
- 2 days / 1 night
- Difficulty
- Moderate to Challenging
- Altitude
- 2,720 m / 8924 ft
- Group Size
- 12 people aprox.
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.
- Reply within 24 hours
- Flexible cancellation
- Locally operated in cusco, Peru
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Short Inca Trail difficult?
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.
How far do you hike on the Short Inca Trail?
On the first day, you hike approximately 12 km / 7.5 mi, depending on the route and the group’s pace.
Do I need a permit for this tour?
Yes. An official permit is required to enter the Inca Trail. Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking in advance.
Do we arrive at Machu Picchu by hiking?
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.
Where do we spend the night?
You will spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, according to the category confirmed in your booking.
Is the Machu Picchu entrance included?
Yes, it is usually included, subject to availability and the confirmed circuit. We recommend checking the ticket type at the time of booking.
Can I do this tour if I do not have trekking experience?
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.
What happens if it rains?
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.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
It may be possible depending on availability. This option must be requested in advance and may have an additional cost.
