Luxury Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 2D/1N
Expedition Overview
Embark on an exquisite journey with our premium Short Inca Trail, curated for discerning adventurers who want to experience the magic of the Andes without sacrificing comfort. This compact, 2-day itinerary offers a luxurious exploration at an unhurried pace. You will hike the spectacular final section of the Inca Trail, passing the ruins of Wiñay Wayna and entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Your experience is elevated with VIP services, including a night at a 5-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, gourmet dining, and a majestic return to Cusco aboard the exclusive Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes
Your luxury experience begins with a private transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station. You'll board the panoramic Vistadome train to KM 104, where your hike begins. After crossing a suspension bridge, we explore the Chachabamba ruins. We then hike upwards through lush cloud forests on original stone steps until we reach the majestic Wiñay Wayna archaeological site. Here, we'll stop to enjoy a gourmet box lunch. In the late afternoon, we arrive at the Sun Gate (Intipunku) for your first breathtaking, crowd-free view of Machu Picchu. We take a bus down to Aguas Calientes and check into your 5-star hotel, where you can relax in a hot bath before an exquisite a la carte dinner. • Trekking Distance: 13 km / 8 miles • Estimated Time: 6 hours • Starting Altitude: 2,100m / 6,890ft • Highest Altitude: 2,720m / 8,920ft • Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,040m / 6,692ft
Day 2: Machu Picchu VIP Tour – Hiram Bingham Train – Cusco
After a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel, we take the bus up to Machu Picchu. Your private expert guide will lead you on an immersive, 3-hour VIP tour of the citadel, explaining the fascinating history and architecture of the Incas at a relaxed pace. After the tour, we head to the exclusive Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (located right outside the ruins) for afternoon tea. In the late afternoon, the grand finale of your trip begins: you will board the ultra-luxurious Hiram Bingham train. Enjoy live traditional music, cocktails in the observation car, and a 3-course gourmet dinner paired with fine wines as you travel back to Cusco in style. • Trekking Distance: Exploration of Machu Picchu • Estimated Time: 3 hours guided tour • Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,400m / 7,874ft
Guaranteed departure dates, official DIRCETUR entrance permits, and zero intermediary commission fees when you reserve directly with our Cusco headquarters.
✅ What is Included
- ✓Pre-trek briefing in your hotel with a welcome drink
- ✓Private transportation in a luxury SUV to Ollantaytambo
- ✓Panoramic Vistadome Train to KM 104 (Trailhead)
- ✓Professional, High-End Bilingual Private Guide
- ✓Official Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Permits (Circuit 2)
- ✓Gourmet box lunch prepared by a private chef
- ✓One night at a 5-star luxury hotel (Sumaq or Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo)
- ✓A la carte dinner at the hotel's award-winning restaurant
- ✓Buffet breakfast at the hotel
- ✓Round-trip Consettur bus tickets for Machu Picchu
- ✓Exclusive 3-hour private guided tour of the citadel
- ✓Afternoon tea at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
- ✓Luxury Hiram Bingham Train return to Poroy/Cusco (includes 3-course dinner, open bar, and live music)
- ✓Private transfer from the Poroy station to your hotel
✕ Not Included
- —Hiking poles (Available for rent)
- —Huayna Picchu Mountain permit ($75 extra)
- —Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
- —Tips for your guide and staff
- —First day breakfast
Need Custom Itineraries or Private Dates?
Speak instantly with our experienced mountaineering coordinators in Cusco for immediate itinerary customization and permit verification.