Short Inca Trail 2 Days

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Duration

2 Days

Departures

From March to December

Difficulty

Challenging

Age

Ages 7 and up

Short Inca Trail 2 Days: The Ultimate Quick Hike to Machu Picchu

The Short Inca Trail 2 days and 1 night is the top-rated trek for travelers who want to experience the historic pilgrimage to Machu Picchu but have limited time. If your travel itinerary is tight, this express route delivers the highlights of the classic trek in a manageable, fast-paced format.

This unique 2-day trek takes you through stunning cloud forests, ancient Inca ruins, and diverse mountain ecosystems. You will spend the first night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). The following morning, you will enter the lost city of the Incas early to beat the large crowds.

With our premium all-inclusive service, logistics are completely handled. Don’t miss out on this bucket-list Peruvian adventure!

Lugar de Salida:To be confirmed / Lugar de Retorno:To be confirmed / Hora de Salida:To be confirmed / Hora de Retorno:To be confirmed

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco | KM 104 - Chachabamba - Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate (Inti Punku) - Aguas Calientes

Hike ancient trails and step back into Inca history.

We begin with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We drive to Ollantaytambo to board the train to KM 104, the official trailhead of the Short Inca Trail.

From KM 104, your uphill hike begins, surrounded by lush vegetation and dramatic Andes peaks. Along the route, your expert guide will lead you through key archeological sites, including Chachabamba and the spectacular, terraced citadel of Wiñay Wayna.

The highlight of the day is reaching the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the afternoon. This is where you get your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu when the day-tripper crowds have already left. After capturing your postcard photos, you will take a short shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant and a restful night at your hotel.

Meals: Snacks, Box Lunch, and Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Distance: 9 km / 5.59 miles.
Duration: 5 to 6 hours.
Elevations: Starting (2,100 m) | Minimum (2,040 m) | Maximum (2,720 m).

Inclusions

Included:

Official Permits & Entry Fees: Government-issued Short Inca Trail hiking permits. Note: Permits are strictly non-refundable, non-transferable, and tied to your passport number.
Machu Picchu Entry (Day 1): Circuit 1 – Route 1-C (Upper terrace access for the classic panoramic postcard view).
Machu Picchu Entry (Day 2): Circuit 3 – Route 3-B (Lower imperial sector, exploring temples and royal enclosures).
Safety & Guiding: Pre-trip briefing, professional bilingual tour guide, and first-aid kit with oxygen.
Accommodation: 1 night at a selected hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Meals: Day 1 (Box lunch & dinner), Day 2 (Breakfast), trek snacks, fresh water, and an eco-friendly cloth snack bag.
Full Ground & Rail Transportation:
- Transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo station (Day 1).
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 trailhead (Day 1).
- Round-trip shuttle bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu (Day 2).
- Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 2).
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo back to your Cusco hotel (Day 2).

Not included:

Extra Mountain Permits (Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu / Huchuy Picchu): Priced between US$ 50 and US$ 60. These must be booked 2 to 3 months in advance.
Bus ticket down from Machu Picchu on Day 1: From the ruins to Aguas Calientes (you can hike down for free or purchase a $12 ticket on-site).
Meals not specified: Day 1 Breakfast, Day 2 Lunch and Dinner.
Travel Insurance (strongly recommended).
Tips for the guiding staff.

We recommend to bring

Pack everything inside a medium-sized daypack (15 to 25 liters). Large luggage cannot be taken on the trek or the train:

Documents: Original physical passport (required at the trail checkpoints).
Cash: Peruvian Soles (PEN) for tips and local purchases.
Trek Clothing: Hiking pants, long-sleeve moisture-wicking shirts, fleece jacket, waterproof jacket/windbreaker, and a rain poncho.
Footwear: Broken-in hiking boots (waterproof preferred) and sandals/light shoes for the hotel.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), UV sunglasses, and a sun hat.
Health & Personal Care: Insect repellent, personal medication, and basic toiletries.
Trek Gear: Trekking poles with rubber tips, reusable water bottle (or Camelback), power bank, camera, and energy snacks.
Extras: Swimsuit and towel (if you plan to visit the Aguas Calientes hot springs).

Important Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book the 2-day Short Inca Trail?
- You should book at least 2 to 3 months in advance.The Peruvian government limits trail permits strictly to preserve the path, and they sell out very fast, especially during the dry season (May to September).
What fitness level is required for this 2-day hike?
- The difficulty is moderate. While it is easier than the 4-day trek, you will still hike 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) on mountain terrain on Day 1. We highly recommend spending at least 2 days acclimatizing in Cusco before starting the trek.
Can I change my trek date or transfer my permit to someone else?
- No. Under Peruvian Ministry of Culture regulations, all Inca Trail permits are 100% non-refundable, non-transferable, and date-specific. Name or date changes are strictly prohibited.
Does the tour automatically include the Huayna Picchu climb?
- No, it does not. Huayna Picchu requires a separate ticket that operates under a different circuit. If you want to hike it, you must request it during your booking process, subject to availability.