Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 2D/1N
Expedition Overview
Embark on an adventure of a lifetime and hike the Inca Trail in just 2 days! If you have limited time but you've got unlimited energy, motivation, and desire to go on a journey that transcends the boundaries of ordinary exploration, our Short Inca Trail tour is perfect for you. You'll hike from Km 104, passing the spectacular ruins of Wiñay Wayna, and arrive at Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate for your first iconic view. Discover breathtaking landscapes, listen to stories of conquests, and walk in the footsteps of ancient people.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – KM 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes
Our tour starts at 4:00 am with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We drive to Ollantaytambo and take a 1.5-hour train ride to Kilometer 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. After passing the checkpoint, we visit the magnificent Chachabamba ruins. We then begin a 3-hour ascent on original Inca stone steps, traversing diverse microclimates until we reach a spectacular waterfall and the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). Here, we enjoy our box lunch. We continue for 1-2 hours until we reach Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) around 3:00 pm, where you will get your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu. We take a few photos, walk down to the main entrance, and catch a bus down to Aguas Calientes. You'll check into your hotel, perhaps visit the local hot springs, and enjoy a celebratory dinner at the excellent Indio Feliz restaurant. • Trekking Distance: 13 km / 8 miles • Estimated Time: 6 hours • Starting Altitude: 2,100m / 6,890ft • Highest Altitude: 2,730m / 8,956ft • Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,040m / 6,692ft
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to witness the citadel in the soft morning light. Your expert guide will take you on a comprehensive 2-hour walking tour, exploring the most important temples, palaces, and agricultural terraces. You will learn about the history, architecture, and mysteries of this ancient Inca city. If you purchased permits in advance, you can hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain after the tour. In the afternoon, we take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you will board the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo. Our private transport will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 8:30 pm. • Trekking Distance: Exploration of Machu Picchu • Estimated Time: 2-3 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
- ✓Professional English speaking guide (Additional guide for groups over 8)
- ✓Pre-trek briefing (with a Short Inca Trail map provided)
- ✓Transportation from your hotel to Ollantaytambo train station
- ✓Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 (trailhead)
- ✓Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on day 1
- ✓Round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on day 2
- ✓Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy or Ollantaytambo
- ✓Transport by private car from train station to your hotel in Cusco
- ✓Official Inca Trail and Machu Picchu permits (Circuit 2 included)
- ✓One-night accommodation at a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- ✓1 Box lunch for the hike, 1 dinner at a top restaurant in town
- ✓1 breakfast at the hotel on Day 2
- ✓Private guided walking tour of Machu Picchu
✕ Not Included
- —Hiking poles (can be rented from us)
- —Breakfast on day 1 and lunch on day 2
- —Huayna Picchu Mountain permit
- —Tips for your guide
- —Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
Need Custom Itineraries or Private Dates?
Speak instantly with our experienced mountaineering coordinators in Cusco for immediate itinerary customization and permit verification.