Short Inca Trail 2 days – hotel

Overview of the Premium Short Inca Trail Tour

The Short Inca Trail 2 days to Machu Picchu is a unique opportunity for those who may not have enough time to hike the entire Inca Trail. This trek combines highlights from the
Classic 4-day Inca Trail with some of the most beautiful Inca ruins in the dense cloud forest. You will enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Intipunku) late in the afternoon, with the unique chance to see the citadel almost empty.

The Short Inca Trail is perfect for families with children, as there is only one day of hiking and the second day is dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu. This tour allows you to arrive at Machu Picchu twice through the Sun Gate.

Places we visit: You will have a guided tour of Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, the Sun Gate, and Machu Picchu. Arriving at Machu Picchu in the afternoon through the Sun Gate is one of the most amazing experiences, offering your first and best panoramic view of Machu Picchu with the sunset.

Tour guides: Our tour guides are fluent in English and experts in Peruvian history, flora, and fauna. You will receive detailed information at each Inca site and in Machu Picchu.

Hotels: We work with top-rated 3-star hotels in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) such as Susanna Inn, Intipunku, and Waman Hotel; you can upgrade your hotel or book your own if you prefer.

Meals: We provide a box lunch prepared with fresh local products; dinner is served in a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other diets are available on request.

Trains: We include panoramic trains (Vistadome or 360°) on the return journey. You will travel to Km 104 on the Expedition or Voyager train, and on the second day return on panoramic trains with comfortable seats and wide windows to enjoy the fantastic landscapes.

Highlights of the Short Inca Trail Trek

• Book with Confidence and Flexibility and change travel dates with no fees
• Arrive at Machu Picchu twice at exclusive hours.
• Come back to Cusco on the panoramic trains (
  Vistadome or
  360°).
• Support social projects that help the education of local children
• Small-group tours for a more personalized service.

Tour Details

• Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
• Duration: 2 days / 1 night
• Depart: From Cusco or the Sacred Valley
• Destination: Machu Picchu
• Considered: Moderate
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel
• Type: Adventure – Cultural

Itinerary – Short Inca Trail 2 Days

Day-by-Day Summary

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Machu Picchu (16 km, approx. 8 hrs)
Start in Cusco around 4:00 am to drive to Ollantaytambo, take the first trains to Km 104, hike for about 7 hours to Machu Picchu, and arrive in the afternoon through the Sun Gate to enjoy Machu Picchu almost empty. Later, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Dinner in a local restaurant, and spend the night in a hotel (Susanna Inn, Intipunku, or similar).

Day 2: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of the Incas) – Cusco (3 hrs guided tour)
On the last day, wake up early in the hotel. After breakfast, take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to explore the citadel on a 2–3 hour guided tour. After exploring Machu Picchu, you will board the panoramic train back to Cusco and arrive around 7:30 pm at your hotel.

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:00 am (depending on the location) and drive to Ollantaytambo. If your hotel is in the Sacred Valley or Ollantaytambo, pick-up could be around 5:30 am. For all travelers hiking the Short Inca Trail, we recommend staying the night before somewhere close to the train station in Ollantaytambo; you can save about 1.5 hours of travel from Cusco.

From Cusco it’s a 1.5-hour bus drive to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where we will board the train and travel along the Urubamba River until we arrive at Km 104 – Chachabamba (located in the cloud forest). We will head straight to the checkpoint at Chachabamba to start your Short Inca Trail trek. Please note that you will need your original passport to pass through the checkpoint. There will be time to prepare for the hike, use restrooms, and warm up.

Our first stop is the beautiful Inca ruin of Chachabamba, where your tour guide will introduce you to Inca history and the Inca Trail. After exploring this site, we hike along an ancient Inca Trail abandoned in the 16th century.

The first section is a gradual uphill hike for about 4 hours until we arrive at Wiñaywayna (“the place that never gets old”), one of the most beautiful Inca sites on the Inca Trail. We will take time to explore this stunning archaeological complex while enjoying spectacular views of the Andes.

A packed lunch and refreshments will be provided. Once fed and energized, we continue the hike to the Sun Gate to catch your first glimpse of the Lost City of the Incas – a truly unforgettable sight. We arrive at the Sun Gate around 3:00–4:00 pm, when most crowds from Machu Picchu have left, allowing you to enjoy this place with few people.

From the Sun Gate, it’s another 1-hour downhill walk to Machu Picchu, with breathtaking views. We arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon and have the unique opportunity to experience the city almost empty – perfect for photos. Afterward, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, have dinner in a local restaurant, and spend the night in a 3-star hotel.

Dinner is served in top-rated restaurants, and your hotel includes a private bathroom, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and nice views.

• Highest altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
• Distance: 15 km / 8 miles
• Duration: ~8 hours
• Meals: Lunch, snacks, and dinner
• Accommodation: Susanna Inn (or similar)
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

On our final day of the Short Inca Trail tour, we wake up very early to visit Machu Picchu – the Lost City of the Incas. Breakfast will be served at the hotel; then we go to take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu at around 5:30 am. Arriving as the sky brightens, we walk up to viewpoints with incredible vistas of the city. On clear days, you can witness a spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu.

Your guide will take you on a 2–3 hour comprehensive tour of the citadel before leaving you with time to explore or climb either
Huayna Picchu or
Montaña Machu Picchu (tickets must be booked well in advance).
Our guides are Machu Picchu experts and can take you on additional short walks, such as the Inca Bridge.

You will explore temples, palaces, and terraces, and learn about the history and importance of Machu Picchu.

Optional: After the guided tour, you can hike down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes using the original Hiram Bingham trail. On the way, you can visit the Machu Picchu museum and butterfly station.

Your tour guide will explain how to take the bus down from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). You will have time to explore the town, choose a restaurant, and buy souvenirs in the local market. Later in the afternoon, you will board the panoramic trains (Vistadome or 360°) and then a bus back to Cusco. Our team will meet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel. Arrival time is around 7:30 pm.

• Highest altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
• Duration: 3–4 hours guided tour in Machu Picchu
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Difficulty: Easy

What’s Included

• Safety briefing the day before the tour at 6:00 pm in our office.
• Pick-up from your hotel on the morning of the tour.
• All transportation during the duration of the tour.
• Professional tour guides.
• One night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• 1 box lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast.
• Entrance tickets to the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
• Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (day 1).
• Round trip buses to Machu Picchu on day 2.
• Train to Km 104 (Expedition or Voyager).
• Panoramic train back to Cusco (Vistadome or 360°).
• Drop-off at your hotel in Cusco.
• All taxes and booking fees included.

Not Included

• First breakfast and last day lunch.
• Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
• Tips for your staff.

Optional Hikes after the Machu Picchu Tour

Huayna Picchu Mountain –
This ticket costs $75 per person. You can climb after the Machu Picchu tour; it takes about 2 hours roundtrip and must be booked far in advance.

Montaña Machu Picchu –
Also called Machu Picchu Mountain, this is the highest mountain in the area and the climb takes almost 3 hours. The cost is $75 per person.

Packing List for the Short Inca Trail (2 Days)

What You Need to Take

During the Short Inca Trail, there are no porters to carry your belongings, so you should pack as light as possible. We recommend a good-quality daypack that is light and comfortable. Due to local regulations, your backpack should not exceed 25 L. Larger packs cannot be taken into Machu Picchu and must be stored outside the gates.

• Valid, original passport (a copy will not be accepted).
• Valid student card (if you booked as a student).
• Hiking boots suitable for the Short Inca Trail.
• A good quality daypack (light, small, and comfortable).
• Water storage for at least 2 liters (camel bag or water bottles).
• One t-shirt and one pair of hiking pants/trousers (wicking fabric is best).
• A change of clothes for walking around Machu Picchu.
• Toiletries, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Rain gear and warm layers.

Other Useful Items

• Hat and sunglasses.
• Hand sanitizer, toilet paper.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Personal medication.
• Band-aids, moleskin.
• Camera and extra batteries.
• Additional snacks, power bars, and chocolate.
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips.
• Swimsuit for hot springs in Aguas Calientes (optional).

Inca Trail 2 Days – FAQs

What is the Inca Trail 2 days tour?

The Classic Inca Trail (26 miles / 42 km) takes 4 days and 3 nights. If you don’t have enough time or prefer a shorter trek but still want to experience the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, the Short Version is the perfect option.

The Short Inca Trail starts at Km 104 (Chachabamba). You will follow an ancient Inca Trail through the cloud forest, visit Wiñaywayna, and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate in the afternoon, joining the last part of the Classic Inca Trail.

Where does the Inca Trail 2 days start?

The world-famous Classic Inca Trail is located in the Urubamba Province, Cusco – Peru, and starts at Km 82 of the railroad to Machu Picchu. The shorter 2-day version starts at Km 104 (Chachabamba). This route is considered the royal Inca Trail and is believed to have been used by the royal panacas during the Inca period.

How long is the Inca Trail 2 days?

The Short Inca Trail 2 days / 1 night covers a total distance of about 16 km (9.9 miles). You will hike for about 7–8 hours on the first day, then visit Machu Picchu on the second day.

What is the average altitude of the Short Inca Trail?

• Cusco city: 3,399 m / 11,151 ft.
• Start of the Short Inca Trail (Km 104): 2,170 m / 7,120 ft.
• Average altitude on the trail: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft.
• Highest point (Sun Gate): 2,708 m / 8,884 ft.
• Machu Picchu: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft.
• Aguas Calientes: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft.

When is the best time to hike the Short Inca Trail?

Weather in the cloud forest is unpredictable, so you should always be prepared for sun, rain, wind, and cold. The best months to hike the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu are generally April to October.

• The driest months are May, June, July, and August – also the busiest.
• The rainy season runs from November to March, but there can still be full weeks without rain.
• The Inca Trail is closed in February every year due to heavy rains and maintenance.

When was the Inca Trail built?

The royal Inca Trail was built during the 15th century by the 9th Inca king, Pachacútec. It was a pilgrimage route to Machu Picchu during the height of the Inca civilization.

Why is the Inca Trail important?

After the trail’s rediscovery in 1915, archaeologists found many Inca temples, religious sites, and administrative centers along the route, such as Llaqtapata, Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, Wiñaywayna, and Intipunku.

The Inca Trail is famous worldwide for its variety of scenery and blend of history, from sacred sites at high altitudes to dramatic mountain and cloud-forest landscapes.

How many days in advance should I arrive in Cusco?

We recommend arriving at least 2 days before your departure date. This gives your body time to adapt to the altitude of Cusco and helps you enjoy the trail more comfortably.

When is the Inca Trail closed?

The Inca Trail is closed during the entire month of February due to heavy rains and maintenance work.

Which Inca Trail tour is the best?

There are three main ways to hike the Inca Trail and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate:

• The Classic Inca Trail (4 days / 3 nights) – the most popular option, with camping throughout.
• The Inca Trail Slow Version (5 days / 4 nights) – 3 nights camping and 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• The Short Inca Trail (2 days) – 1 day hiking the last part of the Inca Trail and the next day visiting Machu Picchu.

Where do I book the Short Inca Trail?

Only authorized, registered tour operators in Cusco (like TreXperience) can book Inca Trail permits. You cannot secure permits on your own, and you are required to travel with a licensed tour guide and support staff.

Food during the Short Inca Trail?

The first breakfast is not included; we depart early from Cusco or the Sacred Valley and recommend requesting a box breakfast from your hotel.

Lunch on the first day is included as a box lunch. Dinner is at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes. Breakfast on the second day is at the hotel. Lunch on the second day is not included; you will have time to eat in town before taking the train back to Cusco.

What do I need to carry for the Short Inca Trail (2 days)?

We can provide a duffle bag to pack clothes for the second day and anything you don’t want to carry on the trail. This bag can be sent by train directly to your hotel in Aguas Calientes and should not exceed 5 kg per person.

You will also need a daypack that stays with you during the hike. Remember there are no porters on this tour – your duffle bag will be waiting in the hotel. In your daypack, carry water, sunscreen, snacks, the box lunch we provide, rain gear, passport, insect repellent, toilet paper, camera, and space for layers you’ll remove as you warm up.

Are porters included in this tour?

Porters are not included in the Short Inca Trail 2 days with hotel accommodation (we use porters on the longer camping versions). We provide duffle bags for this tour, but they are sent directly to your hotel in Aguas Calientes. If you want porters to assist you during the hike, they can be added on request for an extra fee.

How do I choose the right tour company?

There are many tour operators with different prices. It’s important to check carefully what is included. Some companies do not include the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, and offer it as an optional extra. After a long hike, walking down instead of using the bus is not something we recommend.

The average price for the 2-day Short Inca Trail is around 500–550 USD. TreXperience includes transportation from start to end (buses and trains) and is one of the few companies that includes panoramic trains on the way back at no extra cost.

How do I book the Short Inca Trail?

Booking is easy: click the “Book Now” button, select your departure date, fill out the form with the required details (including passport information), and submit the initial payment to reserve your Inca Trail permit. Because of strict government regulations, all Inca Trail bookings must be confirmed manually.

Is the Inca Trail dangerous?

As with any adventure trip, there are always risks involved. Most dangerous situations can be avoided by following your guide’s instructions and being prepared. Our guides are trained to manage altitude, weather changes, and emergency situations.

Can I hike the Inca Trail without a guide?

No. You cannot enter the Inca Trail without a registered tour operator. You must hike with a licensed guide and support staff according to regulations.

Price, Deposit & Student Discount

Price

Price per person: 520 USD

Booking & Payment

Deposit: To book the Short Inca Trail, you need to make an initial payment of 200 USD per person. The remaining balance can be paid online, in installments, or in Cusco with any credit card, with no booking fees.

You can also book this tour as a private service.

Student Discount

Student Discount: All travelers under 17 receive a $40 discount. If you are 25 or under at the time of travel, you can get the $40 discount with a valid
student ID. Please let us know by email so we can provide a discount code.

Covid-19 Measures to Keep You Safe

• Temperature checks for all travelers may be required.
• Face masks required for travelers and staff in public areas when mandated.
• Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff at all times.
• High-traffic areas and equipment sanitized regularly between uses.
• Maximum eight people per group to reduce crowds.
• Printed material such as maps or vouchers will be minimized.
• 100% online payments with no booking fees.
• Flexible bookings during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Why Book with TreXperience

• Travel with a 100% Peruvian local tour operator.
• Panoramic Vistadome or 360° trains included (one-way back to Cusco).
• Fair treatment and proper wages for porters on our longer Inca Trail tours.
• Your trip helps us support social projects in Cusco.
• No booking fees and no credit card fees.