Short Itinerary
- Day 1 – Cusco → Km 104 → Aguas Calientes:
Pick up 4:00 a.m.; drive to Ollantaytambo (breakfast included); train to Km 104; 12 km hike via Chachabamba & Wiñay Wayna; picnic lunch; continue through cloud forest to Sun Gate; descend to Guard House; bus to Aguas Calientes (~5:00 p.m.); hotel check-in & dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Max Altitude: 2,700 m. Weather: Hot & humid. - Day 2 – Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Ollantaytambo → Cusco:
Early bus for sunrise; ~2.5-hr private guided tour; optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (pre-book); bus to town; Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo; private transfer to Cusco hotel. Meals: Breakfast only. Elevations: Aguas Calientes 2,040 m; Machu Picchu 2,430 m. Temperature: Warm & humid.
ITINERARY
SHORT INCA TRAIL TOUR – 2 DAYS
DAY 1: Cusco – Kilometer 104 – Aguas Calientes
We’ll begin our 2-day Inca Trail adventure with an early departure from Cusco at 4:00 a.m. After a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Ollantaytambo, we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast (included) before boarding the train to Kilometer 104, the official starting point of our trek.
Today’s hike takes us along one of the most picturesque sections of the Classic 4-day Inca Trail. As we make our way through the stunning Andean landscape, we’ll explore ancient Inca sites, walk among vibrant native flora and fauna, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
The 12 km (7.4 mile) trek begins in the Sacred Valley and gradually ascends along a well-preserved stone path to the remarkable site of Wiñay Wayna one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Inca ruins on the trail. Here, we’ll pause for a scenic picnic lunch with sweeping views of the Andes.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue our hike through lush cloud forest, rich in orchids, hummingbirds, and other native wildlife. With a bit of luck, we may even spot a viscacha (a rabbit-like chinchilla) or the elusive Spectacled Bear, South America’s only native bear species.
Later in the day, we’ll reach the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll catch your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, illuminated by the golden afternoon light an unforgettable and less-crowded moment ideal for photos. From there, we’ll hike another 45 minutes down to the Guard House, the perfect vantage point for capturing the classic postcard shot of the citadel.
We’ll then exit the site and take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, arriving around 5:00 p.m. Your guide will accompany you to your hotel for check-in. You’ll have free time before dinner an excellent opportunity to unwind at the local hot springs if you wish. After dinner, we’ll return to the hotel to rest and prepare for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu.
- Walking Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles (6- hrs)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
- Maximum Altitude: 2,700 m a.s.l.
- Weather: Hot and humid
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
We recommend starting your day very early for several reasons: take the first bus up to Machu Picchu, witness the breathtaking sunrise, embark on a walking tour with your private guide to explore the site with fewer visitors, and avoid long entry lines.
Upon entering the Inca citadel, enjoy a private walking tour (~2 hours 30 minutes) through the most remarkable places within this wonder. Subsequently, there will be some free time to visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (we recommend booking these tickets at least 2 months in advance).
After completing the tour, board a bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Later, catch the Vistadome Train (360° view) to Ollantaytambo according to the pre-arranged schedule. From there, our private transportation will return you to your hotel in Cusco, concluding our services.
- Temperature: Warm and humid
- Meals: Breakfast only
- Aguas Calientes elevation: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft (overnight town)
- Included
- Hotel pick up (DOOR-to-DOOR service)
- Private transportation from your hotel to the train station
- Permits for the Short Inca Trail and entrance to Machu Picchu
- 3 bus tickets: Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes (Day 1), Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu (morning Day 2), Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes (afternoon Day 2)
- Licensed trekking guide fluent in English
- Private guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Train tickets: Ollantaytambo → Km 104 and return Vistadome (Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo) with private van connection to Cusco
- Admission tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Archaeological site
- 3★ Hotel in Aguas Calientes (private room, bathroom, hot shower, breakfast included). Upgrades to 4★/5★ on request
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
- Daypack cover
- Taxes
- Not Included
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
- First breakfast (usually at your hotel) & last lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Optional hotel upgrades
- Tips for your staff (optional but appreciated)
PRICE
Prices for Short Inca Trail – Private and Group Service.
The Short Inca Trail is available by private service (from 1 person) and group service (from 2 persons). Minimum 1 person to open this service.
| Group Size | Price (USD per person) |
|---|---|
| 1 person (Private) | 550.00 |
| 2 people | 530.00 |
| 3 people | 500.00 |
| 4+ people | 490.00 (best price!) |
Max Group Size: 8
Reservation price (deposit): USD $250 per person
Balance (Cusco): Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing
*All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $25 USD. Private treks, single trekker, custom treks, large groups, and packages welcome email us to customize.
IMPORTANT INFO
WELCOME TO CUSCO
You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and driven to your hotel. Please send flight details at least 14 days before your trek or tour. Look for our representative holding a NOMAD IN PERU logo at the arrivals terminal. This can be arranged for any date that suits you.
THE BRIEFING
We usually visit your hotel at 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. for your briefing. If you prefer daytime, email us your preferred time we’ll be ready anytime for our clients.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO BOOK THE 2 DAYS SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
STEP ONE: To book your Machu Picchu tour, please complete our booking form by clicking on the «BOOK NOW» button on our homepage or simply click here to access the form.
You will need to provide the following personal information exactly as it appears on your passport:
- Gender
- Passport number
- Full name
- Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
- Nationality
STEP TWO: we require an initial payment USD $ 250 equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount, per person.
WHAT ABOUT THE REMAINING BALANCE?
The customer agrees to make an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount, to ensure the date of the service. And the remaining payment will be paid immediately before one or two days of the start of the service in cusco. And ( if you want to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru you can pay in cash in US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in cusco there are many ATMs, or you can do it by this same means.
- Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!
WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR RECEIVING THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
According to our government Laws you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need ISIC cards). For example, if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
- All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $25 USD.
- All students must send a copy of their passport at booking time to get the discount.
- We need a copy at info@nomadinperu.com.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE DATE AFTER PURCHASING THE PERMITS?
Unfortunately, it is not possible. The Peruvian government doesn’t allow us to change once the two-day Inca trail permits have been bought. Short Inca Trail permits are not transferable nor refundable. The only information that the government allows us to change is passport numbers.
- Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I HAVE TO PRESENT MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE TOUR?
Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it should be the same passport you sent us to reserve your Short Inca Trail 2 days permit. Your passport will be checked at the Short Inca trail checkpoint, Machu Picchu, and when you board the train.
HOW IS THE CLIMATE IN CUSCO
The climate in this region is highly unpredictable, often displaying multiple seasons in a single day, so visitors should be prepared for both sun and rain. The best time to hike the Short Inca Trail is from April to October, with the driest months being May through August, though these are also the busiest. The rainy season runs from November to March, and while the 2-day trek is still possible, hikers must bring proper rain gear.
HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN
Huayna Picchu Mountain, located within Machu Picchu Archaeological Park and 300 meters above the citadel, takes about 45 minutes to hike up and down. The mountain features archaeological sites such as the Moon Temple, interconnected trails, steps, tunnels, and natural caves, making the hike highly interesting. It offers a stunning 360-degree view of Machu Picchu, making it one of the park’s top attractions. Advance booking at least three months ahead is recommended to secure a visit.
MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN
This mountain, located within the park, can be reached in about 1 hour 20 minutes of hiking. From the summit, visitors enjoy panoramic views of Machu Picchu, the surrounding valley, the Andes Mountains, and glaciers. Due to growing demand and daily visitor limits, it’s recommended to book tickets at least 2 months in advance. The hike has two schedules: 7:00 – 8:00 AM and 9:00 – 10:00 AM, with a maximum of 200 people per group.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip though not compulsory is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek.
PACKING LIST
Packing List for the Short Inca Trail (2 Days) to Machu Picchu
Consider weather, remoteness, season, distance, and access to villages/transport. If you’re new to day hiking, bring the following:
- Original Passport (same used for booking)
- Good daypack (25–30 L)
- 1–2 liters of water
- Medium hiking backpack (if preferred)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Hiking poles (rentals available)
- Fleece/pullover for early/late hours
- Rain jacket/poncho
- Sun hat & sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Snacks: chocolate/cereal bars, dried fruit
- Camera
- Extra cash for souvenirs, drinks & tips
- Toilet paper
- Personal medications
- Hand sanitizer
