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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
Maximum Altitude: 2,700 m a.s.l.
Weather: Hot and humid
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)
Machu Picchu elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- 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.
Can I Store My Luggage?
Yes. During the Cusco–Machu Picchu tour your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel (free). Please don’t pack anything you need during the hike.
How to Book the Short Inca Trail (2 Days)
FIRST: Fill out our booking form (BOOK NOW) with each participant’s details (exactly as on passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- Full name
- Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND: Pay the initial deposit of USD $250 per person.
What About the Balance?
The remaining balance is due 1–2 days before departure in Cusco. To avoid high card fees in Peru, you may pay cash (USD or PEN). ATMs are plentiful in Cusco. You may also pay using the same method as your deposit.
Student Discount
By government rules, you must be under 18 at the time of your trek/tour to qualify (students 18+ need ISIC per original text). All students 11–17 receive a $25 USD discount. Email a copy of your passport at booking: info@nomadinperu.com.
ISIC Card Discount
An ISIC card can receive a US$25 discount. Apply at https://www.isic.org/ and send a copy of your valid card at booking to info@nomadinperu.com.
Can I Change the Date After Permits Are Bought?
No. The government does not allow date changes once Short Inca Trail permits are issued. Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable. Only passport numbers can be updated. Deposits are non-refundable if you cancel.
Do I Need My Original Passport?
Yes. Bring the same passport used for your permit. It will be checked at the Short Inca Trail checkpoint, at Machu Picchu, and for the train.
Climate in Cusco
Weather can vary widely in a single day. Best season: April–October (dry), with May–August the driest and busiest. November–March is wet season—trekking is possible with proper rain gear.
Food on the 2-Day Hike
- Day 1: Box breakfast included; picnic lunch at Wiñay Wayna; dinner in Aguas Calientes.
- Day 2: Hotel breakfast included; last lunch not included (many restaurant options in town).
Huayna Picchu Mountain
~45 minutes up/down from inside the park; features Inca remains like the Moon Temple and tunnels. Offers a 360° view over the citadel. Book ~3 months in advance due to limited spaces.
Machu Picchu Mountain
~1:20 hrs hike to the summit with sweeping panoramas of the valley and surrounding Andes. Book at least 2 months in advance. Time slots: 07:00–08:00 or 09:00–10:00; limit 200 people per group.
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
