Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days
TRIP SUMMARY
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days Overview
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days is ideal for travelers who want to hike an authentic section of the Inca Trail without completing a longer camping trek. It combines one full day of hiking, important archaeological sites and a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
The journey begins with transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and a scenic train ride to KM 104. From there, you will hike through the cloud forest, visiting Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna before reaching Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, for your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
After the hike, you will spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes. On the second day, a professional guide will accompany you through the Machu Picchu circuit assigned to your entrance ticket and explain the history, architecture and cultural importance of the citadel, which forms part of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This tour is recommended for travelers with limited time or those who prefer to avoid camping. For a longer trekking experience, you can also explore our Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days. Kantu Peru Tours coordinates the permits, trains, transportation, hotel, meals and entrance tickets required for the journey.
Why Choose Kantu Peru Tours?
Kantu Peru Tours coordinates the permits, transportation, train reservations, hotel, meals and entrance tickets required for the Short Inca Trail in one organized service. This reduces the risk of booking incompatible train schedules, permits or Machu Picchu entrance times.
You will travel with a professional guide and receive assistance from a Cusco-based operations team before, during and after the trek. Emergency oxygen and a first-aid kit are carried as part of the operation.
As a direct local operator, Kantu Peru Tours can provide clear information about availability, itinerary changes and the circuit assigned to your Machu Picchu ticket.
Itinerary
Your 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco. You will travel to the Ollantaytambo train station and board the train toward KM 104, the starting point of the hike.
After presenting your passport and Inca Trail permit at the control point, you will cross the bridge over the Vilcanota River and visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba. Your guide will explain the historical importance of this site before beginning the ascent through the cloud forest.
The trail continues toward Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail. Its agricultural terraces, ceremonial areas and mountain setting make it one of the principal highlights of the experience.
After exploring Wiñay Wayna and enjoying your box lunch, you will continue toward Inti Punku. From the Sun Gate, weather permitting, you will have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
You will then follow the authorized route toward the exit area and take the tourist bus to Aguas Calientes. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be provided at your selected hotel.
Hiking information
- Hiking distance: Approximately 10.5 km / 6.5 miles.
- Hiking time: Approximately 5–6 hours.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Maximum elevation: Approximately 2,720 m / 8,924 ft.
- Meals: Box lunch and dinner.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will take the tourist bus to Machu Picchu. Your professional guide will accompany you along the circuit assigned to your entrance ticket and explain the history, architecture and cultural importance of the Inca citadel.
The exact sectors visited depend on the official Machu Picchu circuit confirmed with your reservation. For this reason, the page should not promise access to specific temples or viewpoints unless they are included in the booked route.
After the guided visit, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes. You will have time to purchase lunch before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, a Kantu Peru Tours representative will meet you and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Tour information
- Guided visit: Approximately 2–2.5 hours.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Meals: Breakfast.
- Machu Picchu elevation: Approximately 2,430 m / 7,972 ft.
Included
- Transfer Cusco - train station of Ollantaytambo.
- Professional Guide (English and Spanish).
- Assistant guide (groups larger than 8 passengers).
- EXPEDITION Train Ticket: Ollantaytambo – KM 104.
- Entrance ticket for the Inca Trail.
- Entrance ticket for Machu Picchu.
- 3 stars hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- 01 breakfast, 01 dinner and 01 lunch (box lunch).
- Bus Tickets: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes.
- EXPEDITION Train Ticket: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- First aid Kit.
- Oxygen.
- Agency Services
Not Included
- Walking sticks (10.00 USD)
- Water and snack
- Phone calls
- Any other service not mentioned
- Travel insurance
- Tips
OPTIONAL
Entrance ticket for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: an additional USD 75.00 per person (Needs to be booked several months in advance).
Recommendations
- Bring your passport or identity document (DNI) (the same with which the reservation was made).
- Wear trekking shoes.
- Bring waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Bring warm jacket
- Wear T-shirts (quick dry)
- Wear comfortable trekking pants, shorts
- Bring hat and gloves
- Bring extra cash (Soles).
- Bring a small backpack, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
- Bring your camera and extra batteries.
- It is only allowed to carry 7 kilos of luggage on the train.
- Book your tickets to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in advance.
- Bring personal medications
- Bring a bottle of water and snacks.
- Bring toiletries amd hand sanitizer.
- Bring flashlight with extra batteries.
Prices
| Group Service | Price | Click to Book |
|---|---|---|
| Price per Person | ||
| Regular Service | $590.00 USD | BOOK NOW |
Frequently Asked Questions
The Short Inca Trail has a moderate difficulty level. It includes several hours of uphill hiking, uneven stone paths and Inca stairways. Good general fitness and previous acclimatization are recommended.
The official Route 5 from KM 104 is approximately 10.5 kilometers or 6.5 miles. The main hike normally takes between five and six hours.
The main trek takes place on Day 1. Day 2 is dedicated to the guided Machu Picchu visit and the return journey to Cusco.
No. This itinerary includes one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. Travelers who prefer not to camp can still experience an authentic section of the Inca Trail.
The highest section is approximately 2,720 meters or 8,924 feet above sea level. The route is lower than several sections of the Classic Inca Trail, but acclimatization is still recommended.
The route passes through Inti Punku, known as the Sun Gate, before continuing toward Machu Picchu. Visibility depends on weather conditions and official access regulations.
The circuit depends on the ticket available and confirmed when the reservation is made. Kantu Peru Tours will inform travelers which circuit has been assigned before the tour.
No. The Inca Trail network normally closes throughout February for annual conservation, environmental recovery and infrastructure maintenance.
May through October generally offers drier conditions. The route can also be visited during the rainy season, except in February, but travelers should expect rain, clouds and slippery sections.
Yes. Access to the KM 104 route is controlled, and the corresponding entrance permit must be arranged before the trek. The permit is issued using the traveler’s passport information.
Inca Trail permits are personal. Travelers should send accurate passport information when booking and notify Kantu Peru Tours immediately if their passport will be renewed before the trip.
Travelers should carry only a small daypack. The main luggage can normally remain at the hotel in Cusco or be stored with Kantu Peru Tours after confirming the storage arrangements.
Final
Experience the final section of the legendary Inca Trail, explore Wiñay Wayna and reach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Permits, train tickets and Machu Picchu entrances are subject to availability. Send us your preferred travel date and passport information so our Cusco-based team can verify availability and organize your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days.
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