Short Inca Trail

Treks In Cusco

Spain
0 booked

Duration:2 Days
Language English
Transport: Bus, Train
Accommodation: camp, Hotel
N. Pax: 10

The 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the ideal option for those who want to experience the Inca Trail in a shorter time, while still enjoying its spectacular landscapes and rich history. During this trek, you'll hike along ancient Inca trails surrounded by lush nature and visit impressive archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful complexes on the trail, before arriving at Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate (Intipunku).

Day 1: Cusco - Camino Inca - Machu Picchu (13 km, 7 h)

The Inca Trail begins with an early morning pickup in Cusco for a bus and train ride to kilometer 104 (Chachabamba). There, you’ll enjoy a picnic breakfast prepared on-site by our experienced adventure chefs before starting your trek.
The hike will take you through incredible Inca sites, such as Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, hidden in the cloud forest. Along the way, you’ll stop for a delicious picnic lunch, also prepared by our talented chefs.
After lunch, you’ll continue for another hour to reach the Sun Gate (Intipunku) and get your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu via Circuit 1. Afterward, you’ll head to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night in a comfortable 3-star hotel.

Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu — Return to Cusco

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you’ll take the bus to Machu Picchu to begin a guided tour of the Inca citadel, following Circuit 3. Our experienced guides will help you discover the main points of interest, such as terraces, temples, and palaces, sharing their fascinating history.
After the guided tour, you can participate in additional hikes, such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, which must be booked in advance. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then take the Vistadome scenic train and a bus back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 7:30 p.m.

What’s Included

Safety briefing
Pick up and hotel transfer
Professional tour guide
All transportation during the tour
Train to Km 104 (Expedition or Voyager)
Vistadome panoramic train return
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Day 1)
Round-trip bus to Machu Picchu (Day 2)
Entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu – Circuit 1 (Day 1)
Entrance fees to Machu Picchu – Circuit 3 (Day 2)
1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
Breakfast and picnic lunch on Day 1
1 dinner at a local restaurant (Day 1)
Breakfast at the hotel (Day 2)
Satellite phones, first aid kit, oxygen tank
Free luggage storage

Not Included

Lunch on Day 2
Dinner on Day 2
Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain (optional)
Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain (optional)
Travel insurance

What to Bring:

A valid passport and any other necessary travel documents (e.g., visa)
A small daypack or backpack to carry essentials such as water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, etc.
Comfortable camping gear including a tent (for those who choose to camp), sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc.
Hiking boots with good grip and ankle support; several pairs of hiking socks
Sun hat/cap and sunglasses; a raincoat/jacket
Headlamp or flashlight
Waterproof cover for your backpack
Necessary toiletries and personal items
First aid kit

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 2-Day Short Inca Trail?
It's a shorter version of the famous classic Inca Trail. In just two days, you'll hike a section of the ancient Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, visiting important archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate (Intipunku).
How many kilometers is the Short Inca Trail?
The hike covers approximately 12 to 15 km, usually starting at kilometer 104 of the train line and progressing through cloud forest landscapes and past Inca ruins to Machu Picchu.
Is it necessary to book the 2-day Inca Trail in advance?
Yes. Access is limited to a small number of people per day, and permits sell out quickly, especially during peak season. Therefore, it is recommended to book several months in advance.
Where do we spend the night during the tour?
After the first day's hike and arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, travelers descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, where they spend the night in a hotel before visiting Machu Picchu the following day.
What is the difficulty level of the Short Inca Trail?
The hike is considered moderate, as it includes several hours of trekking along Inca trails and staircases, but it is easier than the classic 4-day Inca Trail.