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Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days

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2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
Availability : Closed in February
CUSCO - AGUAS CALIENTES
MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
Min Age : 6+
Max People : 2 - 10
OVERVIEWITINERARYINCLUSIONSPRICEPHOTOSBOOK NOW

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days

Discover Machu Picchu on foot with a two-day journey along one of the most memorable sections of the historic Inca Trail. This experience is a good option for travellers who want to walk through ancient archaeological sites, explore the Andean cloud forest and reach Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate without spending several nights camping.

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins at KM 104, where the walking route follows original stone pathways through the mountains. Along the way, you will visit Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna before continuing towards Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate. From here, the first view of Machu Picchu opens across the mountains.

The journey includes one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, giving you time to rest before returning to Machu Picchu for a guided visit on the following morning. With transport, train tickets, accommodation and a professional guide arranged as part of the package, you can concentrate on enjoying the journey.

Short Inca Trail Tour Overview

This two-day trek combines a day of hiking with a guided visit to Machu Picchu. Rather than camping along the route, you spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Tour details

  • Duration: 2 days / 1 night
  • Hiking route: KM 104 to Machu Picchu via Wiñay Wayna and Inti Punku
  • Approximate hiking time: 6–7 hours on Day 1
  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, depending on fitness and hiking experience
  • Starting point: KM 104, reached by train
  • Main archaeological sites: Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu
  • Availability: March to January; the Inca Trail closes in February

2-Day Short Inca Trail Tour Overview

This 2 day short Inca trail hike takes you along a historic section of the Inca Trail through the Andean mountains and lush cloud forest. It offers an opportunity to discover Inca history, enjoy beautiful natural scenery, and experience the iconic approach to Machu Picchu.

Tour Details

  • Tour Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
  • Hiking Distance: Approximately 12 km (7.5 miles)
  • Hiking Time: Approximately 6–7 hours
  • Maximum Elevation: Approximately 2,720 m (8,920 ft)
  • Accommodation: 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Tour Type: Guided hiking tour
  • Destination: Machu Picchu, Peru

Why Choose Our Short Inca Trail Tour?

The appeal of this route is that it gives you time to experience the trail itself, rather than travelling directly to Machu Picchu by train.

Walk an original section of the Inca Trail

The hike follows stone pathways built by the Incas. You will pass through changing landscapes, from archaeological remains to sections of humid mountain forest.

Visit important archaeological sites

Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna are two of the main stops along the route. Your guide can explain their architecture, terraces, water channels and possible ceremonial importance.

Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate

Inti Punku provides the first major viewpoint of Machu Picchu for hikers arriving along this route. Reaching it on foot is a memorable part of the journey.

Stay in a hotel instead of camping

After the first day’s hike, you travel to Aguas Calientes for an overnight hotel stay. This makes the experience suitable for travellers who prefer not to carry camping equipment or sleep in tents.

Explore Machu Picchu with a guide

The following morning is dedicated to a guided visit of the archaeological sanctuary, subject to the entrance ticket and assigned circuit.

Who Is This 2-Day Hike Best For?

This itinerary can work well for travellers who want an active experience but have limited time in Peru.

It may suit:

  • Couples looking to combine hiking and sightseeing.
  • Families with older children who are comfortable walking for several hours.
  • Visitors who want to experience the Inca Trail without a multi-day camping trek.
  • Travellers who enjoy history, archaeology and mountain landscapes.
  • People who prefer a hotel stay rather than overnight camping.

The route includes uphill and downhill sections, uneven stone paths and changes in altitude. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Travellers should also allow time in Cusco to adjust to the altitude before beginning the hike.

2-Day Short Inca Trail Itinerary

DAY 1:Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes

Your 2 day short Inca Trail hike begins with an early hotel pick-up in Cusco, usually around 4:00 AM. You will travel by private vehicle to Ollantaytambo railway station, where you board the train towards KM 104.

The train journey follows the Urubamba Valley, passing mountain slopes and small settlements before reaching the trail’s starting point.

After arriving at KM 104, you will register at the Inca Trail checkpoint. Keep your original passport ready, as it is required for the permit and identity checks.

Chachabamba archaeological site

One of the first places you visit is Chachabamba, an archaeological complex near the trail entrance. Take time to look at its stone structures and water channels while your guide explains what is known about the site and its place along the Inca route.

Hiking towards Wiñay Wayna

From Chachabamba, the trail climbs gradually through the cloud forest. The path includes stone steps and uneven sections, with views of the surrounding mountains and the Urubamba River valley.

As you gain elevation, the vegetation changes and you may notice orchids, ferns and other plants that grow in this humid environment.

After several hours of walking, you reach Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the Short Inca Trail. Its agricultural terraces follow the steep mountainside, while its buildings and water channels show the careful planning used by Inca builders.

Your guide will introduce the main features of the complex before you take a break and enjoy your box lunch.

Continue to Inti Punku (Sun Gate)

After lunch, continue along the trail towards Inti Punku. The final section brings you to the Sun Gate, a historic entrance associated with the Inca road network.

From this viewpoint, you can see Machu Picchu set among the surrounding green mountains. Take some time to enjoy the view and photograph the landscape before continuing according to the authorised visitor route.

You will then travel down to Aguas Calientes by the arranged transport and check into your hotel.

Meals: Box lunch and dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
Hiking time: Approximately 6–7 hours

DAY 2:Aguas Calientes – Guided Visit to Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

After breakfast at your hotel, take the bus from Aguas Calientes up to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

Today is dedicated to exploring the archaeological sanctuary with your professional guide. During the visit, you will learn about the city’s architecture, agricultural terraces, temples and water systems, as well as the role Machu Picchu played during the Inca period.

Depending on your assigned entrance circuit, the guided visit may include views or access to important areas such as the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, the agricultural terraces and other ceremonial structures.

Your guide will also explain how the mountain setting, stone construction and water management shaped this remarkable site.

After the visit, return by bus to Aguas Calientes. You will have some free time for lunch before boarding your return train to Ollantaytambo. A private vehicle will then take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Not included on Day 2
Return transport: Train to Ollantaytambo and private transfer to Cusco

What's Included in the 2-Day Short Inca Trail Package?

Your Short Inca Trail tour includes the main services needed for the two-day journey:

  • Professional English-speaking licensed tour guide.
  • Assistant guide for groups of more than 9 hikers, according to the tour arrangement.
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco or Ollantaytambo, as arranged.
  • Private transport to and from the train stations.
  • Round-trip Expedition train tickets.
  • Short Inca Trail entrance permit.
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket, according to the booked itinerary.
  • Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
  • One night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
  • One box lunch, one dinner and one breakfast.
  • First-aid kit and emergency oxygen.
  • Guided visit to Machu Picchu.
What's Not Included?

The following services are not included in the standard package:

  • Entrance ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain.
  • Entrance ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain.
  • Lunch on Day 2.
  • Personal expenses and additional purchases.
  • Tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff.
  • Travel insurance.
What to Bring for the Short Inca Trail?

A little preparation makes the hiking day more comfortable. We recommend packing a small daypack with the following items:

  • Original passport used for your booking.
  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots.
  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
  • Lightweight trekking trousers and comfortable shirts.
  • Warm layer for cooler conditions.
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Personal medication and basic toiletries.
  • Camera or mobile phone.
  • Small daypack suitable for the Machu Picchu entry rules.
  • Student card, if applicable for a student discount.

Weather can change quickly along the trail, so carrying rain protection is useful even during the drier months.

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days – Prices & Discounts

We offer group and private options for travellers who want to complete the Machu Picchu 2 day hike with transport, accommodation and a guided experience arranged in advance.

Current starting prices shown on the tour listing:

  • Group tour (minimum 2 hikers): From US$535 per person.
  • Private family tour: From US$580 per person.
  • Solo traveller: US$700.

Available discounts

  • Student discount: US$20 off with a valid ISIC card.
  • Under-18 discount: US$20 off with a passport copy.
Optional Upgrades
  • Walking poles: US$5.
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: US$75, subject to permit availability.
  • Machu Picchu Mountain: US$75, subject to permit availability.
  • Vistadome train upgrade: US$60.
  • Additional night in Aguas Calientes: Price depends on the hotel selected.

Prices and optional services should be confirmed at the time of booking.

Photos
  • Hikers holding an Andean Path Travel banner at the Winay Wayna terraces
  • Couple at the Machu Picchu viewpoint with Huayna Picchu peak behind
  • Hiker resting above the Urubamba canyon beside the Winay Wayna terraces
  • Small group of trekkers at a misty Machu Picchu viewpoint
  • Machu Picchu main plaza and Huayna Picchu seen on the guided tour
  • Andean Path Travel guide with arms raised above a misty Machu Picchu
  • Hiker resting beside a cloud forest waterfall on the Short Inca Trail
  • Traveller with arms raised at the Winay Wayna Inca terraces
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Why Travel with Andean Path Travel?

We are a local tour operator based in Cusco, and our team works with travellers who want to discover the region through its history, landscapes and local culture.

Our guides share their knowledge of the Inca sites and the surrounding environment throughout the journey. We keep group sizes limited according to the tour arrangements and coordinate transport, train connections and accommodation so that travellers know what to expect at each stage.

We also support responsible tourism through our Footprints Project, which has helped provide warm jackets to children attending schools in high-altitude communities.

From the first pick-up in Cusco to the return journey after visiting Machu Picchu, our team is there to help make the trip organised and enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1What makes Andean Path Travel different from other tour companies?

Andean Path Travel is a locally owned company in Cusco that offers authentic experiences led by friendly local guides. We keep our group sizes small for personalized attention and prioritize fair treatment of our staff, including porters and chefs, ensuring your travel supports the community positively.

2Do I need to book tours in advance?

Absolutely! If you’re looking to hike the Classic Inca Trail, be aware that permits are limited and often sell out months in advance. To secure your spot, especially during peak season (May–September), it’s best to book early.

3Are meals and accommodation included on this 2 day hike to Machu Picchu?

Yes, and because this is the hotel-based Short Inca Trail there is no camping gear to worry about. Your 2 days hike to Machu Picchu includes 1 box lunch on the trail, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast prepared by our professional chefs, plus a night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets are catered for with advance notice.

4Do you accommodate special dietary needs?

Of course! We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs with advance notice. Our chefs are dedicated to creating tasty and nutritious meals just for you!

5Is acclimatization necessary before starting a 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

We recommend spending 2 to 3 days in Cusco before starting any high-altitude trek. This allows your body to adjust to the altitude, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience. Plus, there’s plenty to explore in Cusco!

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