Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days | 1 Night.

2 Days / 1 Night
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Tour Overview

The Short Inca Trail 2 Days | 1 Night is the perfect alternative for travelers who want the full Inca Trail experience without camping. You will hike the last leg of the ancient path, starting at Km 104. This is the only tour that allows you to arrive at Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate (Intipunku) in the afternoon, offering a unique panoramic view. Ideal for those with limited time who love adventure, history, and the comfort of a hotel at night.

Meals Included: 1 Breakfast, 1 Box Lunch, 1 Dinner.

2 Days / 1 Night
PRICE FROM $567,00 per person
Places to visit: Machu Picchu
Trip starts in: Hotel, Airbnb, or specific location in Cusco.
Physical Level: Moderate
Travel Style: Mixed
Group Size: 5 to 12 People
Total Distance: 20 km
Meals Included: 1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)
Departures: Daily Departures
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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Day 1

Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 4:00 a.m. (depending on your hotel location) and drive to the Ollantaytambo train station. If your hotel is located in the Sacred Valley or Ollantaytambo, the pick-up could be around 5.30 a.m.

From Cusco, it’s a 1-hour 30-minute bus drive to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where we will board the first trains and travel along the Urubamba River until we arrive at km 104 – Chachabamba (located in the cloud forest). We will head straight to the checkpoint at Chachabamba to start your Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu. Please note that you will need the original passport to pass the checkpoint and have time to prepare for the hike, use the restrooms, and warm up.

Our first stop is the beautiful Inca site of Chachabamba, where your tour guide will introduce you to Inca history and Machu Picchu. After exploring the site, we will hike along an ancient Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

The first section of the Short Inca Trail is a gradual uphill hike for 4 hours until we arrive at Wiñaywayna (the place that never gets old); this is one of the most beautiful Inca sites on the Classic Inca Trail. We will take some time to explore this stunning archaeological site while enjoying spectacular views of the Andes. A packed lunch and refreshments will be provided; once fed and energized, we will continue our hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) to catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu Citadel – a truly unforgettable sight. We will arrive at Sun Gate around 3 to 4 p.m. when the crowds from Machu Picchu have left, allowing you to enjoy this place with few people.

Next, it’s another one-hour downhill hike from the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu, with breathtaking views. We will arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon and have the unique opportunity to experience the citadel almost empty. This day is the perfect photo opportunity! Then, take the bus to Aguas Calientes, have dinner in a local restaurant, and spend the night in a hotel.

Dinner is served in top-rated restaurants in the town, and your hotel is also located on exclusive sites with a private bathroom, hot showers, WiFi, and beautiful views.

Day 2
Day 2

Day 2: Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco

On our final day of the Short Inca Trail tour, we will get up very early to prepare for the highlight of the trek, visiting Machu Picchu – the Lost City of the Incas. Breakfast will be served in the hotel, and we will board the first buses to Machu Picchu. Arriving as the sky brightens, we will visit the city’s incredible views. You can watch the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu on a clear day.

Your guide will take you on a 2 to 3-hour comprehensive tour of the city before leaving you in Machu Picchu to explore or climb either Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Montaña (tickets must be booked as far in advance as possible and not Included).

Explore the most remarkable places of Machu Picchu with a private tour guide, visit the temples, palaces, and farming terraces, and learn the history of Machu Picchu.

Optional: After the Machu Picchu tour, you can hike down to Aguas Calientes using the Hiram Bingham original trail; on the way, you can visit the Machu Picchu Museum and the butterfly station and enjoy the fantastic views.

Your tour guide will explain how to take the bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). You will have time to explore the town, choose the restaurant of your preference, and buy souvenirs in the local market; later in the afternoon, you will board the Expedition trains and bus back to Cusco. GUIDING CUSCO Team will meet you off the train and return you safely to your hotel. The arrival time to Cusco is around 7:30 p.m.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included

  • Briefing: The night before your trip at your hotel/office.
  • Transfers: Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off.
  • Guide: Professional English-speaking Tour Guide.
  • Permits: Official Entrance Tickets to the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
  • Transportation:
    • Train to Km 104 (Expedition Service).
    • Return Train (Expedition Service).
    • Bus: Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Day 1).
    • Bus: Round trip Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu (Day 2).
  • Accommodation: 1 Night in a standard Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Private room, hot shower, Wi-Fi).
  • Meals: 1 Box Lunch (Day 1), 1 Dinner (Day 1), 1 Breakfast (Day 2).
  • Safety: First aid kit and oxygen bottle.

Not Included

  • Breakfast on Day 1, Lunch on Day 2.
  • Upgrades: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike (Requires extra ticket).
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Tips: Optional but appreciated.

Packing List

To make your trip as comfortable as possible, we recommend bringing the following items:

Essentials & Documents

Local money

Local money

Medical kit

Medical kit

Passport

Passport

Sunscreen

Sunscreen

Water

Water

Clothing & Footwear

Cap and hat

Cap and hat

Tennis and boots

Tennis and boots

Waterproof

Waterproof

Waterproof jacket

Waterproof jacket

Equipment & Gear

Camera and cell phone

Camera and cell phone

Portable charger

Portable charger

Small backpack

Small backpack

Sunglasses

Sunglasses

Recommended Extras

Gel alcohol

Gel alcohol

Lanches snacks

Lanches snacks

Lip balm

Lip balm

Travel Tips & Recommendations

Essential Travel Info

Please read these recommendations carefully to prepare for your trip.

Bring a small daypack (20-30L), rain poncho, sun protection, insect repellent (crucial for Km 104), and your original passport.

Optional Upgrades

Customize Your Experience

Enhance your trip with these optional upgrades available upon request.

Vistadome Train.

* Prices and availability are subject to change. Please contact us to confirm.

Book This Tour

Price per person $567.00
$567.00 x 1 Guest(s)
Total: $567.00

Secure Booking. No payment required yet.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hikes?

Yes, you can add these extra hikes, provided there is availability. These tickets are limited and sell out quickly, so they must be reserved at least 4 months in advance.

Does the tour include Porters?

No, this is a short trek and does not require porters or camping gear. You only need to carry a small daypack (20-30L) with your water, snacks, sunblock, and rain jacket. Your main luggage stays in Cusco or can be sent to the hotel in Aguas Calientes (by train) if arranged.

What happens if my train is delayed or there are weather changes?

As a responsible travel agency, we prioritize passenger safety. We coordinate alternative transfers and adjust logistics in case of delays or strikes to ensure you complete your trip safely.

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