Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Short Inca Trail

Destination:

Type of trip:

Duration:

2 Days / 1 Night

Why Thousands of Travelers Choose

The Short Inca Trail (2 Days) is perfect if you want the magic of the Inca Trail in less time. The hike begins at Km 104 (Chachabamba) near the railway to Aguas Calientes and follows the final, most scenic section of the classic route. You’ll pass the spectacular archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna before arriving at Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), then continue to Machu Picchu—a breathtaking first look at the citadel from above.
On Day 2, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed guided visit to Machu Picchu, with time to fully appreciate its history and views. This trek can only be done with an authorized operator, and the tour includes everything you need: hotel, meals, guide, tickets, and train transport.

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Itinerary

ITINERARIO DÍA A DÍA
DÍA 1

Early in the morning, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there, you’ll board a scenic train ride (about 1 hour) to Km 104, where your adventure begins.

At the checkpoint, you’ll need to show your passport/ID to enter the Inca Trail. We’ll start with a visit to Chachabamba, an important archaeological site hidden in the lush cloud forest. Then we begin the hike, ascending stone stairways surrounded by waterfalls, dense vegetation, and beautiful native orchids.

After approximately 4 hours of hiking, we arrive at the impressive site of Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft)—one of the most spectacular ruins on the Inca Trail. After exploring the terraces and temples, we continue to the Wiñay Wayna control point, where we’ll enjoy our boxed lunch.

The second part of the trail takes about 2 hours, following ancient stone paths, stairs, and traditional tambos (Inca rest stops) until we reach Inti Punku – the Sun Gate (2,720 m / 8,924 ft). During Inca times, this was the main entrance and control point to Machu Picchu. From here, you’ll enjoy your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valley—an unforgettable moment.

After taking in the views, we descend for about 1 hour to Machu Picchu, stopping at a viewpoint platform for iconic photos. Then we take the shared bus down to Aguas Calientes (2,160 m / 7,087 ft) (about 25 minutes) and check in to your hotel for one night.

Day 1 Includes:

  • Breakfast

  • Box lunch

  • Shared bus up & down (Machu Picchu)

  • 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes

  • Inca Trail permits / entrance tickets

DÍA 2

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we get ready to visit Machu Picchu with fresh energy and more time to explore.

The bus ride up takes about 35 minutes, with beautiful views of the mountains surrounding the sanctuary. Once inside Machu Picchu, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2.5 hours, learning the history, mysteries, and engineering behind this world wonder with your professional guide.

After the tour, we take the shared bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch, explore the town, or shop for souvenirs.

In the afternoon, you’ll board the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will be waiting to take you privately back to Cusco and your hotel.

Day 2 Includes:

  • Breakfast

  • Shared bus up & down (Machu Picchu)

  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket

  • Return train to Ollantaytambo

  • Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco

Includes

  • Hotel pick-up

  • Transport to the trail start by bus + train

  • Box lunch on Day 1

  • Breakfast on Day 2 at the tourist hotel

  • Professional English-speaking guide

  • 1-night hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

  • Shuttle bus up and down to Machu Picchu (Days 1 & 2)

  • First-aid kit

  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket

  • Return bus + train to Cusco

  • Snacks and water

Not Included

Walking sticks

What i need to carry

  • Original passport.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Raincoat.
  • Warm jacket.
  • Sun hat.
  • Hiking boots.

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$650 USD
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