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.
Our journey to Machu Picchu begins with the pick-up from your hotel at around 5:00 a.m. by your guide. We will arrive in Ollantaytambo around 6:30 a.m. with a 40-minute break for breakfast and the opportunity to buy souvenirs. Subsequently, we will head towards Piscacucho, known as kilometer 82, where our incredible Inca Trail trek commences. (Breakfast is not included). Around 9:30 a.m., we will reach kilometer 82, the first checkpoint of the Inca Trail, where we need to show our Inca Trail permit, original passports, and student ID (if applicable for a student discount).
At the beginning of the trail (2720 m / 8923 ft), we will cross the Vilcanota River, walking for about 2 hours until we reach Miskay (2690 m / 8825 ft), where we'll enjoy a delicious lunch.
The first day is relatively easy, serving as a warm-up along the flat Inca terrain. There are excellent views of the Inca Fortress 'Willca Raccay' (2750 m / 9022 ft), the vast and incredible Inca site of Llactapata (officially called 'Patallacta'), and the beautiful snow-capped peak of 'Wakay Willca' (5860 m / 19225 ft), known as Veronica. Our first camp is at Wayllabamba (3000 m / 9842 ft). We'll arrive there by 5:00 p.m., enjoying a pleasant dinner prepared by our personal professional chef at 6:30 p.m. After dinner, we'll settle in for the night. Nighttime temperatures hover around 5°C, depending on the month.
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):
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.
*Note: "Machu Picchu mountain" refers to the peak opposite the main Machu Picchu site.
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.
*Note: "Machu Picchu mountain" refers to the peak opposite the main Machu Picchu site
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days | USD 479.00 |
NOTES
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 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.
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.
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Sarah M
December 5, 2025
Percy was a fantastic guide, and the whole hike to Choquequirao was magical. The route was very varied and Percy timed everything perfectly so that we had the best hiking and time to explore the site when we got there. We will be back again!
Arthur S
December 5, 2024
Our hike to Choquequirao was a beautiful experience. Our guide Percy was well informed, kind and very knowledgable. We felt well looked after the entire time (the cups of tea delivered to our tents in the morning were a particular highlight). Even after four days I wasn’t ready to leave.
Miguel A
November 25, 2024
Nos gusto mucho esta agencia de viaje, nos la recomendaron y nos quedamos con una buena experiencia, muy profesionales, todo en tiempo y cumpliendo con lo contratado. Sin duda los recomendamos y volvemos con ellos.
marialaina p
November 23, 2024
We initially tried booking with one of the more popular companies, but they were fully booked. So, we decided to give this smaller company a try—and it turned out to be the best decision! Smaller groups made the experience more intimate, and the guides were incredibly attentive. Here are some examples of why it was a great experience: Percy and Iza, our tour guides, went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and cared for. They paid close attention to our needs, making the entire journey enjoyable and safe. On top of that, the cooks provided by the company were outstanding—creative, skilled, and very considerate. I have a gluten intolerance, and I felt very special because they would make an effort to prepare separate dishes for me. It made me feel truly valued. Despite not exercising much before the Salkantay trek, I was able to complete it thanks to Percy and Iza’s support. They motivated me every step of the way, and I felt safe and cared for throughout. I’m so grateful for their kindness, humor, history about the trek and professionalism. When we go back to Cusco we’re definitely wanting to book here and have Iza/Percy as our guides… if we can . Thanks for making our trip so memorable
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