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Short Inca Trail hike 2 days

Inca Trail

Short Inca Trail hike 2 days

Our 2-day Short Inca Trail is the perfect alternative for travelers who are short on time or prefer a less demanding trek than the traditional 4-day Classic Inca Trail.

Editorial rating: 5/5
US$ 565
Price from
1 Day
Duration
2700 msnm
Maximum altitude
Max 8
Maximum group size
Easy
Difficulty
Cusco
Starting point
English & Spanish
Languages
Pre-booking
Availability
March - January
Season

Overview

Our 2-day Short Inca Trail is the perfect alternative for travelers who are short on time or prefer a less demanding trek than the traditional 4-day Classic Inca Trail. This condensed route features breathtaking scenery, rich biodiversity, and a visit to one of the most stunning archaeological sites along the trail: Wiñay Wayna ("Forever Young").

In just one day of hiking, you’ll experience the most iconic highlights of the Inca Trail, covering a total of 12 km (7.4 miles).

What makes this experience even more special is that you’ll get to explore Machu Picchu twice once in the afternoon and again the following morning allowing you to witness the citadel in different lighting and atmospheres for a truly unforgettable experience.

Guided experienceLicensed guide experienced in trekking and fluent in English

Group sizeMax 8

Personal attentionAsk our team about your travel plans.

Your itineraryExplore the route and arrangements for your journey below.

Tour Highlights

Camina por el legendario Camino Inca con paisajes andinos únicos

Experiencia de 1 Day

Incluye pick-up at your hotel the morning of your trek

Incluye private transportation from your

hotel to the train station

Incluye pre-tour briefing

Detailed Itinerary

1DAY 1: Cusco – Kilometer 104 – Wiñay wayna – Sun Gate – 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.

  • Meals included: Box Lunch, dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
  • 3* Accommodation: Hotel Tara Machu Pcchu
  • 4* Accommodation: El Mapi or Tierra Viva
  • Walking Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
  • Maximun Altitude: 2700.00 m.a.s.l.
  • Difficulty: moderate

2DAY 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.

We recommend starting your day very early for several reasons: to take the first bus up to Machu Picchu then witness the breathtaking sunrise at Machu Picchu, embark on a walking tour with your private guide to explore the site with fewer visitors, and avoid long lines to enter Machu Picchu. Your guide will then lead you through a walking tour of the Machu Picchu Inca city.
Upon entering the Inca citadel, our clients will enjoy a private walking tour lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes, exploring the most remarkable places within this wonder. Subsequently, there will be some free time to visit interesting locations such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (we recommend booking these tickets at least 2 months in advance).
After completing the tour, our clients will board a bus to Aguas Calientes, where they can enjoy lunch before catching the train, according to the pre-arranged schedule, to Ollantaytambo train station. From there, our private transportation will pick you up and return you to Cusco city directly to your hotel, concluding our services.

  • Meals: Only Breakfast included.
  • Temperature: Warm and humid.
  • Aguas Calientes elevation: 2040 m / 6692 ft, 
  • Machu Picchu Elevation: 2430 m/ 7972 ft.

What’s Included?

  • Pick-up at your hotel the morning of your trek
  • Private transportation from your hotel to the train station
  • Pre-tour briefing
  • Permits for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and entrance to Machu Picchu.
  • 3-ride bus tickets: one valid on the first day and two on the second day.
  • Licensed guide experienced in trekking and fluent in English
  • Private guided tour in Machu Picchu
  • Round-trip train tickets: Ollantaytambo to Km 104, and Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo.
  • Hotel in aguas calientes 3 stars (hot shower, bathroom, private room and breakfast included)
  • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
  • Taxes

What’s Not Included?

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD – This needs to be booked in advance and please let us know
  • First breakfast (Usually served at your hotel) and last lunch at Aguas Calientes – There are a lot of restaurants at the town.
  • Tips for your staff (tips are optional but greatly appreciated)

Frequently asked questions

WELCOME TO CUSCO

You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and we drive you to your hotel, please send us the information about flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek or tour. Look out for our representative holding an NOMAD IN PERU logo at the arrival terminal. It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!

THE BRIEFING

We use to visit at your hotel from at 6pm or 7pm or if you prefer during the day, please you could send us an email with details to get your briefing time Will be ready any time for our clients.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO BOOK THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL?

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:


STEP TWO, we require an initial payment 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!

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.  

Plan your journey

Published prices and conditions
PRICES
The Short Inca Trail service is available only by group service (from 2 persons). Then, we need minimum 2 persons to open this service for you.

Group Price per PersonGroup Servise:US$ 565.00
Private Service: US$ 645.00 

.Reservation price: USD $ 250 per person
.Balance ( cusco): commonly paid in cusco after the briefing.

 Trekking Grupal vs. Privado: ¿Cuál es la diferencia?

  • Excursión en grupo: Dependiendo del número de personas en su reserva, otros viajeros podrían unirse a su grupo para formar un grupo más grande. 

  • Excursión privada: Si elige una excursión privada, la experiencia será exclusivamente para usted y sus acompañantes. No se unirán más participantes a su grupo, independientemente del número de personas en su reserva. Disfrutará de una experiencia más personalizada con su propio guía y equipo de trekking. 


*All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $25 USD.

*Private treks, single trekker, custom treks and packages, large groups, and packages welcome! Please email us to customize.

Packing recommendations
PACKING LIST FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU TREK

.Original Passport ( the same you have used for booking your trek)

.Good daypack (25 to 30L)

.Water 1 to 2 liters of wáter

.Hiking backpack a medium size

.Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support

.Hiking poles (if you do not have one, you can rent it from us)

.Polar or sweater for early mornings and evenings

.Rain jacket

.Sun hat

.Sunscreen

.Insect repellent

.Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit

.Camera

.Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

.Toilet paper

.Personal medications

.Hand sanitizer

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