Tour Details
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2Days is a shorter version of the famous Classic Inca Trail 4 days, and it’s a great option for those who don’t have much time as well as for travelers whose fitness level or age makes a longer trek challenging—but who don’t want to miss a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For this trip we will use the train as transportation—it is the only option to reach KM 104—and then we hike to the archaeological complex of Wiñayhuayna, continuing to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) at 2,650 m.a.s.l., where we can enjoy an impressive sunset, and then continue to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hotel.
In the morning we will head to the citadel of Machu Picchu, where we will enjoy sunrise at this fantastic place before the arrival of people coming by train.
We will take our time to get all the information about Machu Picchu with our guide (approx. 2 ½ hours), and finally we will return to the town of Aguas Calientes and in the afternoon take the tourist train to Ollantaytambo. Afterwards our vehicle will take you to your accommodations in Cusco.
What’s included?
- ✅ In the morning we will pick you up from the hotel according to the train departure time.
- ✅ Transfer to the Ollantaytambo station.
- ✅ One-way train ticket in Expedition class from Ollantaytambo to Km104.
- ✅ Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- ✅ Authorized professional guide
- ✅ 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes with breakfast.
- ✅ 1 lunch (box lunch), 1 dinner, and 1 breakfast.
- ✅ Bus up and down from Machu Picchu
- ✅ Return train ticket Expedition or Voyager back to Ollantaytambo
- ✅ Transfer by van from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
What’s not included?
- ⛔ Breakfast on day 1 and lunch on day 2
- ⛔ Visit to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes
- ⛔ Tips
Important Recommendations
It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before to acclimatize to the altitude. Bring comfortable walking clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.- ➡️ Bring original passport “With expiration date no less than 7 months”
- ➡️ ISIC or student card if applicable (must be sent at the time of booking).
- ➡️ Hiking boots and sandals (very important).
- ➡️ Trekking poles (can be rented from the agency).
- ➡️ Headlamp (very important).
- ➡️ Camera and spare batteries.
- ➡️ Sunscreen / hat and sunglasses.
- ➡️ Personal medical kit.
- ➡️ Insect repellent.
- ➡️ Rain gear: a good rain jacket and rain pants and a plastic rain poncho.
- ➡️ Toilet paper.
- ➡️ Small towel.
- ➡️ Extra money for drinks and tips, souvenirs, etc. (soles or dollars).
- ➡️ Swimsuit for the hot springs (optional).
- ➡️ Water bottle (recommended 1 liter).
Meeting point: Pick-up from your hotel or coordinated meeting point in Cusco’s historic center.
Tour itinerary: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Wiñaywayna – Intipunku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.
Important: This 2-day tour combines the Short Inca Trail experience with a guided visit to Machu Picchu, including a hike through archaeological sites and spectacular landscapes before reaching the citadel.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Wiñaywayna – Aguas Calientes
Pick-up at the hotel around 6:00 a.m. to head to the Poroy or Ollantaytambo train station, depending on availability. Train ride to Km 104, the starting point of the hike. Visit the archaeological complex of Chachabamba (2,150 m) and ascend approximately 3 hours to Wiñaywayna, an impressive complex of agricultural terraces, temples, and urban sectors. We then continue to Intipunku, the “Sun Gate,” walking about 1 hour along stone paths with panoramic views. From this point, first view of the majestic city of Machu Picchu. Then we will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes to spend the night. Estimated hiking time: 6 to 7 hours.Maximum altitude: 2,720 m.a.s.l. (Intipunku).
Accommodation: Previously selected hotel.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Early departure to ascend to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise before the large influx of visitors. Guided tour of approximately 2 and a half hours through the main temples and sectors. Option to climb Huayna Picchu (advance reservation required) for panoramic views and visit the Temple of the Moon and the Inca Bridge. Descent to the town of Aguas Calientes to take the return train to Ollantaytambo and then bus transfer to Cusco. Estimated visit time: 5 to 6 hours (including guided tour and free time).Altitude Machu Picchu: 2,430 m.a.s.l.
Photo Gallery
Discover the beauty of the city of Cusco through these images that capture the essence of this unique experience.
Practical Information
Tour Data
- Duration: 2 days and 1 night
- Hiking distance: Approximately 12 km in total
- Maximum altitude: 2,720 meters (Intipunku – Sun Gate)
- Difficulty: Moderate – includes prolonged ascents and descents; good physical condition and prior acclimatization recommended
- Minimum age: From 12 years old
- Maximum group: 16 people
What to Bring
- Original ID or passport
- Light clothing for the day and warm layers for the night
- Windbreaker or rain jacket
- Hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle or hydration system (minimum 1.5 L) + purification tablets/filter
- Comfortable, already broken-in trekking footwear
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (optional)
- Energy snacks (nuts, energy bars, chocolate)
- Swimsuit and small towel (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes, optional)
- Cash (soles) for purchases or extra expenses
- Small daypack for personal items
Health Recommendations
- Arrive in Cusco at least 1–2 days beforehand to acclimatize
- Stay hydrated throughout the hike
- Walk at a steady pace and take breaks when necessary
- Use sunscreen even on cloudy days
- Not recommended for people with severe heart or respiratory issues without medical authorization
- Protect your camera or phone with dry bags in case of rain
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation before 7 days: 50% of total cost
No show: No refund
Frequently Asked Questions
What fitness level do I need?
This Short Inca Trail itinerary is of moderate difficulty. Day 1 involves 6–7 hours of hiking with sections of Inca stairs and elevation changes. Good physical condition and prior acclimatization in Cusco are recommended.
What is the best time to go?
It can be done year-round, with the best conditions in the dry season (May–September). In February the Inca Trail usually closes for maintenance. In the rainy season (December–March) the trail can be wet and slippery.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. The Inca Trail requires an official permit with limited spaces. We recommend booking 4–8 weeks in advance (more for June–August) to secure trains, guide, and entry tickets.
What happens if it rains during the trek?
The tour is not canceled due to rain. Bring a rain poncho or windbreaker/rain jacket and protect your belongings in dry bags. Rain can increase the difficulty on stairs and descents.
Are the tickets included?
Yes, the package includes the Inca Trail permit (Km 104) and entrance to Machu Picchu. Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is optional and must be reserved and paid separately, subject to availability.
Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket necessary?
No. For the Short Inca Trail the Cusco Tourist Ticket is not required; the included tickets are specific to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Can I rent equipment or use trekking poles?
You can rent trekking poles and other items in advance. On the Inca Trail it is mandatory to use rubber tips to avoid damaging the stones. Footwear should be trekking shoes and already broken-in.
What about my luggage?
On Day 1 you only carry a small backpack with water, snacks, and a jacket. Your main luggage can remain at the hotel in Cusco or at the accommodation in Aguas Calientes (as coordinated). Porters are not used in the short-route modality.
Are there water, bathrooms, and signal on the trail?
There are bathrooms at specific points (Km 104 checkpoint, Wiñaywayna, and at Machu Picchu). It is recommended to carry 1.5–2 L of water and/or a hydration system; if you refill, use purification tablets/filter. Cell signal is intermittent during the hike.
Recogida: Desde su hotel en Cusco.
Tour Valle Sagrado: Visita a Chinchero, Maras, Moray y Ollantaytambo (06:20 AM – 4:30 PM).
Viaje en tren: De Ollantaytambo a Aguas Calientes (Duración: 2 horas).
Noche de alojamiento: En Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu). Descubre lo mejor del […]
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