The Short Inca Trail is a two-day trek that offers an incredible blend of history, nature, and adventure, making it the perfect option for those with limited time but a strong desire to experience the magic of Machu Picchu. This shorter version of the classic Inca Trail follows an ancient stone path used by the Incas, passing through breathtaking landscapes, cloud forests, archaeological sites, and culminating at the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where trekkers are rewarded with their first awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu. Ideal for adventure seekers and history lovers, the Short Inca Trail is a challenging yet accessible hike, offering a unique way to enter the legendary Lost City of the Incas.
- Tour Location: Cusco, Peru, with places of historical interest such as the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail, the majestic Machu Picchu.
- Type of Tour: Enjoy for a couple of days the historic sanctuary of Machupicchu and the Inca Trail section of 2 days.
- Total walking distance: 11 KM / 6.8 miles.
- Suitable for: passengers who enjoy hiking and are in reasonably good physical shape.
- Difficulty: moderately challenging hike.
- Considerations: Authorization is required for the Inca Trail. All entrance tickets are included.
Travel Options for Your
Interested in the Short Inca Trail 2 Days / 1 Night? Here are more unforgettable journeys you might enjoy:
- Classic Inca Trail 4 Days / 3 Nights: The full Inca Trail experience, perfect for adventure seekers wanting the complete trek to Machu Picchu.
- Cusco, Sacred Valley and Inca Trail Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights: A well balanced itinerary with scenic hikes and cultural highlights.
- Maras Moray Tour: Discover ancient Inca engineering and traditional salt harvesting in one unique tour.
- Sacred Valley Tour: A must-see day tour packed with archaeological wonders and breathtaking views.
- Cusco City Tour: Explore the heart of the former Inca Empire with a guided visit through its top landmarks.
Advantages of the Short Inca Trail 2 Days / 1 Night
- Time-efficient: Ideal for travelers with limited time, offering a condensed yet immersive Inca Trail experience.
- Scenic route: The trail passes through diverse landscapes, including cloud forests, waterfalls, and archaeological sites like Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna.
- First view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate: Arriving at Inti Punku provides a unique and rewarding perspective of the citadel.
- Moderate difficulty: Suitable for hikers in reasonably good physical condition, without the need for extensive trekking experience.
- Cultural immersion: Opportunity to learn about Inca history and architecture through guided tours of significant sites along the trail.
- Accommodation in Aguas Calientes: Comfortable lodging allows for rest before the Machu Picchu visit the following day.
Considerations Before Taking the Short Inca Trail
- Permit requirements: Limited daily permits necessitate advance booking, especially during peak seasons.
- Altitude acclimatization: Spending a few days in Cusco prior to the trek is recommended to adjust to the elevation and minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
- Physical demands: The trail includes ascents, descents, and uneven terrain; appropriate footwear and a moderate fitness level are essential.
- Weather variability: Conditions can change rapidly; packing rain gear and sun protection is advisable.
- Mandatory guide: Regulations require all trekkers to be accompanied by a licensed guide throughout the journey.
- Limited facilities: Basic amenities along the trail mean that personal items like toilet paper and hand sanitizer should be carried.
- Additional costs: Optional activities, such as visiting the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes or hiking Huayna Picchu, may incur extra fees and require separate bookings.
Day 1 Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
This day will start early in the morning with pick up from your accommodation in Cusco at approximately 04:20 AM. Then, we will head to the train station to catch the 06:10 AM train to the town of Aguas Calientes. The train route follows the Urubamba River, offering spectacular views of nearby farmland, snow-capped mountains and the mighty Urubamba River. The train ride will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and will take us directly to the trailhead, commonly known as KM 104, located at 2,150 meters above sea level (7, 052 Ft).
Once at the trailhead, we will have time to prepare for the day’s hike. Here, you will meet your porters who will provide you with a snack and water during the hike. Be sure to bring your original passport, because this is the first checkpoint along the Inca Trail. After that, you will visit the first Inca site, called Chachabamba, the first Inca checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail, therefore, you will have a brief guided tour to understand its importance. In addition, we will take a moment for a group photo.
After visiting the archaeological site, the hike gradually ascends to join the Classic Inca Trail, offering stunning views of Machu Picchu Mountain, the Urubamba River, and nearby Inca sites. Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls, perfect for a refreshing break. The trail includes flat sections, short ascents, descents, and narrow steps, but nothing dangerous. After 3 hours of hiking, you’ll reach Wiñay Wayna (2,650 masl / 8,692 ft), the most beautiful Inca site on the trail, featuring impressive terraces, shrines, water sources, and breathtaking mountain scenery.
From Wiñay Wayna, we will continue walking for 10 more minutes to make a stop at the camp of the same name to recharge and our porter will be happy to bring lunch. After a short nap, we will continue with the hike.
From this point, the hike becomes easier, passing through a lush forest typical of the high jungle area, which leads us to the Sun Gate, from where you will have an impressive and picturesque view of Machu Picchu. Here, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding sights before continuing our descent to Machu Picchu and the town of Aguas Calientes. A great advantage of this hike is the time we arrive at Machu Picchu, as most of the other travelers will have already gone home by that time. This will leave the views of Machu Picchu almost empty.
From Machu Picchu we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes and head to your hotel. After resting for a while we will meet as a group and head to one of the best restaurants in Aguas Calientes. After dinner we recommend going to bed early to make the most of the next day.
Included:
- Private guide
- Expedition service by train
- Porter during the trek
- Entrance fees: Included
- Bus Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes Town
- Lodging: 3 star hotel
- Meals: Breakfast (at the hotel), lunch and dinner.
- Not included:
- Some expenses
Tips
Day 2 Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Start your day early with breakfast and take one of the first buses (from 5:30 AM) to Machu Picchu. The hotel will store your luggage, so you only need a small backpack with essentials. The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes about 30 minutes.
Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, enjoy the sunrise and stunning scenery as your guide takes you on a 2.5-hour tour through the main sectors of the citadel, sharing insights about Inca history and culture. If you’ve booked an additional hike, like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, your guide will direct you to the entrance.
Begin your return to Aguas Calientes at least 2 hours before your train departure. Your guide will confirm the schedule. The train to Ollantaytambo takes 2 hours, where our staff will meet you for a private transfer to Cusco (2-hour drive), concluding the service at your hotel.
Options:
Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain are additional treks available once inside Machu Picchu. Either additional hike can be done after your guided tour at Machu Picchu and must be arranged in advance. Both treks are subject to availability and have an additional cost of USD $75 per person.
Included:
- Private guide
- Bus tickets: round trip
- Meals: Breakfast (at the hotel)
- Entrance fees: Included
- Train back to Ollantaytambo.
- Private transportation Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Lodging: 3 star hotel.
Not included:
- Lunch
- Tips
- Some expenses
