→ Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: 2-Day Adventure from Cusco

Discover the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu in 2 Days

Experience the 2-day Short Inca Trail, a meticulously designed adventure that compresses the magic of Peru's legendary Inca Trail into an accessible 12-kilometer journey. This remarkable trek through the Urubamba Valley offers adventurers with limited time an unparalleled opportunity to explore ancient pathways, immersing themselves in breathtaking landscapes and rich historical terrain while culminating in the Machu Picchu.

Traversing through spectacular wilderness, the Short Inca Trail unveils extraordinary highlights, including the historic Wiñayhuayna, the mystical Inti Punku "Sun Gate", and the iconic Guardian's House, which presents a viewpoint of Machu Picchu. Our community-focused and officially authorized agency provides daily departures for this Inca Trail 2-day experience, though early booking is essential due to strict visitor limitations, ensuring an intimate and authentic exploration of one of the world's most magnificent archaeological routes.

Day 01: Cusco | Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba, Km 104 – Wiñaywayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Day 02: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu | Cusco

Itinerary

Day 1 | Inca Trail

Hike from Km 104 (Chachabamba) to Sun Gate – Machu Picchu

Early Start (4:00 AM)
Your adventure begins before dawn! Your guide will pick you up from your Cusco hotel (or a prearranged meeting point). We’ll drive to Ollantaytambo to catch the 6:10 AM train through the Sacred Valley’s stunning landscapes.

Train Ride & Trailhead (Km 104 - Chachabamba)
At 7:00 AM, we arrive at the Inca Trail checkpoint (Chachabamba, 2,150m / 6,927ft). After presenting your passport, we’ll start our hike through lush cloud forests toward Wiñayhuayna, an awe-inspiring Inca site perched at 2,650m (8,747ft).

Sun Gate & Machu Picchu Reveal
After a hearty lunch, we’ll trek another 2 hours to Intipunku (Sun Gate, 2,730m / 9,007ft). Here, you’ll witness your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu—a moment you’ll never forget!

Machu Picchu Exploration Circuit 1
We’ll enter through the Guardian’s House for iconic photos and a guided tour of the citadel. Your guide will share the secrets of Inca engineering, history, and mysteries as you explore.

Evening in Aguas Calientes
After the tour, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Check in to your hotel, enjoy a delicious dinner, and relax after an unforgettable day!

Meals: Box Lunch / Dinner
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Total distance: 12km / 7.5 mi
Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours
Start elevation: 2,720 m. / 8,924 ft.
Maximum altitude: 2,720 m. / 8,924 ft.
Accomodation: Hotel, Machu Picchu Town

Day 2 | Inca Trail

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

On this final day, we will have breakfast at 5:00 am and proceed to our bus at the Aguas Calientes station. Taking a bus to the city of Machu Picchu Inca, you will need to show your passport, entrance ticket, and student card if you have one. Your guide will then lead you through Machu Picchu's surroundings and the various important sites, ruins, and temples between 8:00 and 10:00.

If you have your entrance ticket to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain (2 hours round trip) or Machu Picchu mountain (3 hours round trip).

Additionally, you'll have free time to engage in the following activities on your own (not included in the price):

Climb up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain* for breathtaking views from above.
Another optional activity in Aguas Calientes might include visiting the new local museum or indulging in a relaxing bath in the hot springs.

After enjoying the magnificent Inca city, you'll use your included bus ticket to descend to Aguas Calientes. Then, you'll board the "Expeditions" train back to Ollantaytambo, where a bus will be waiting to take you to Cusco. This marks the end of your journey.

The typical departure time from Aguas Calientes is at 02:55 PM (subject to availability and may vary). You can adjust your train schedule to arrive in Cusco earlier or later, depending on your planned activities, with prior coordination.

Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated walking time: 1.5 hours
Maximum altitude: 2,430 m. / 6,693 ft.
*Note: "Machu Picchu mountain" refers to the peak opposite the main Machu Picchu site.

What's Included?

Pre-tour information: You will meet your Inca Trail guide at our offices (or another agreed-upon location) around 18:00 hours for an informative session about the tour.
Tourist transportation "Cusco - Ollantaytambo" (round trip).
"Expeditions" tourist train to Km 104, Chachabamba.
"Expeditions" tourist train Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
03 Consettur bus to the return the Machu Picchu archaeological site (descent, ascent and descent).
Highly qualified professional English and Spanish-speaking guide on the Inca Trail.
Highly qualified professional English and Spanish-speaking guide at the Archeological site of Machu Picchu.
Entrance ticket to the short Inca Trail.
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu included with Inca Trail (Guardian's House - Circuit 1).
Additional entrance to Machu Picchu on the 2nd day (Circuit 2 or 3, depending on availability).
2*Hotel in Aguas Calientes, with all the services needed: hot water, private bathroom, Wi-Fi and breakfast.
1 breakfast (hotel), 1 box lunch, 1 dinner (Options: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.).
First aid kit and oxygen tank. (Our guides are highly trained in first aid and mountain rescue, with a comprehensive plan for care, ground evacuations, and air evacuations.)
24-Hour Customer Service: We offer a 24-hour telephone service to facilitate communication with our agents before your trek.
Free Luggage Storage: We provide complimentary luggage storage at our offices in Cusco. You can leave your luggage before starting your tour (exclusive to our passengers).

What's not Included?

Trekking poles are not included but is highly recommend for the hike. You can bring your our or rent from us.
Entrance to additional sites like Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Lunch on the second day.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control, such as natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to passenger health issues (suffering from an illness or health problems), pandemic, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, etc.

Note: If you prefer, you can rent trekking poles, and additional entrance fees and lunch can be arranged on-site.

*Note: "Machu Picchu mountain" refers to the peak opposite the main Machu Picchu site.

Additional Services

Trekking poles. ($15.00 USD)
Economical Lunch in Aguas Calientes, also known as "Machu Picchu town". ($15.00 USD)
Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge. ($45.00 USD)
Huayna Picchu entrance, subject to availability and time slots: 7:00 am / 8:00 am / 9:00 am / 10:00 am ($75.00 USD)
Machu Picchu mountain* entrance, subject to availability and time slots: 8:00 am / 9:00 am ($75.00 USD)
Guided tour for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain*. ($75.00 USD per group)
Upgrade to the Vistadome train. ($50.00 USD)
Upgrade to Vistadome Observatory train Return. ($75.00 USD)
Camping Upon Request. ($50.00 USD)
We can assist you in booking hotels (standard and luxury) throughout Peru.

*Note: "Machu Picchu mountain" refers to the peak opposite the main Machu Picchu site

What to Bring?

Original passport (and valid student ID if applicable).
Hiking boots/shoes.
Waterproof jacket/poncho.
Warm jacket, hat, and gloves.
Short or long-sleeved shirts.
Comfortable pants.
Sun hat.
Sunglasses.
Sunscreen (recommended SPF 35).
Reusable plastic or metal bottles, or a camelback.
Water – you can buy water bottles from local families along the way.
Insect repellent.
Personal medication.
Camera and camcorder.

Extra Items to Bring

Shorts.
Trekking poles (with rubber tips).
Bandages and plaster.
Sandals.
Swimsuit.
Extra money for personal expenses, tips (recommend 200 Peruvian nuevos soles for extra expenses).

PRICES

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days

USD 524.00

DISCOUNTS SHORT INCA TRAIL

18 - 24 years old: We offer a $20 discount per student. To qualify as a student, you must have a valid student identity card and be under 25 years of age at the time of your trip. Scan and email us the copy at the time of booking.
Under 18 years old: We offer a $20 discount per child. (you will need to scan and email us a copy of the passports).

Important information

NOTES

The Itinerary can change according to the Peruvian government, climate and health status of the trekkers.
The train schedule can change according to availability of the train company.
The train that we provide is the expedition train to Ollantaytambo – if someone books a train ticket in the last minute it is not sure that they can come in the same train as the other group.
If you would like to change your train schedule or tickets, you have to pay more for the transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco and for the price change of the train.

LIMITED spaces

YES. To protect the historical trail of the Inkas, the number of people allowed to hike the Inca Trail each day is limited to 250. That is why, you should reserve your space as soon as possible. Spaces can be filled up three to six months in advance. Spaces fill more quickly in the high tourist season, from May to September.

We highly recommended to do your trekking to the Machupicchu or Huaynapicchu Mountains in order to have the most stunning views of the archaeological place(Machupicchu)

HUAYNA PICCHU mountain

Huayna Picchu is one of the mountains that stands next to Machu Picchu and has amazing views from above. This hike is done after your tour with us and takes 45 minutes to reach the top and 45 minutes to came back down. Great oportunity to take lots of photos, because of the incredible views.
The Huayna Picchu Mountain is the one that you will see just behind Machu Picchu on any postcard; the Incas paths hidden alongside the mountain, it may frighten those who have a fear of heights.

For those of you who struggle with heights you may need to know that you will be steps away from hundred foot plummets into an abyss, and in some places the path can be very steep and narrow.

There are times when you need to use security cables to support yourself; it is a challenge for anyone. If you suffer from vertigo or you have a hard time controlling your fear of heights we would recommend taking a different route. You will have to place reservations 6 months before if you would like one of the 400 available tickets to go up to the Huayna Picchu Mountain.

MACHUPICCHU mountain

Machu Picchu Mountain is an unforgettable and lesser-known hike above the Machu Picchu with stunning panoramic view of the valley. Reaching the archaeological place which is only one part of the Machu Picchu experience.

The other one is climbing the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain at 3,050 meters above sea level for dramatic views of the place and lush mountains separated by deep valleys and Urubamba River.

As spectacular as seeing Machu Picchu is, the lost Incas city, tells us just little things if you don’t see them in a perspective with the surrounding mountains. It is when you can appreciate the enormous effort of Incas engineery to built their citys 2,430 meters above sea level without using any metal tools or wheel. Why the city was initially built ?,still remains as mystery.