2-Day Short Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu
The Short Inca Trail is a breathtaking 12 km hiking route that leads to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — Machu Picchu. This route offers spectacular views of lush mountain slopes and passes through original Inca paths surrounded by abundant flora and fauna. Unlike the classic 4-day Inca Trail, this hike involves a lower altitude and begins at a different starting point. However, after reaching the incredible archaeological site of Wiñaywayna, hikers follow the same iconic trail that leads to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
This 2-day hike offers a deeply meaningful experience unlike any other trail. You’ll explore a unique landscape, visit remarkable Inca sites, and enjoy the magical sensation of entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. It’s also an ideal option during the rainy season (November to March), as it allows travelers to visit Machu Picchu twice in a single journey.
Highlights of the 2-Day Short Inca Trail Tour
- Stunning mountain scenery
- Lush cloud forests
- Local flora and fauna
- Explore Inca sites: Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna
- Hike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Visit the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu
Language
English, Spanish
Altitude
5200 m.a.s.l. (meters above sea level)
Transportation
Tourist vehicle (round trip from Cusco)
Difficulty
Moderate to challenging
Itinerario
Early in the morning, travelers will be picked up from their hotel in Cusco and transferred to the Ollantaytambo train station (about 1.5 hours by vehicle). From there, you’ll take the train for approximately 1.5 hours to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail.
After passing the checkpoint, the uphill hike begins through a scenic cloud forest, taking about 3 hours to reach the Wiñaywayna archaeological site — an amazing blend of agricultural terraces, a religious center, and urban constructions. You’ll have time to explore this impressive complex before enjoying a packed lunch.
The second part of the hike is gentler and leads to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From there, you’ll have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. After enjoying the view, descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night at a local hotel.
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Meals Included: Box lunch
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Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will accompany you by bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour. You’ll visit key areas such as:
- Agricultural sector
- Temple of the Sun
- Royal Palace
- Temple of the Three Windows
- Sacred Rock
- Main Square
- Water fountains and storage areas
After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore or take an optional hike (Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain — if tickets were purchased in advance).
In the afternoon, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch. Later, board the train to Ollantaytambo (about 1 hour 40 minutes), where you’ll be picked up and transferred back to your hotel in Cusco.
Incluye
- Transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station
- Round-trip Expedition Class train tickets
- Box lunch on Day 1
- Entry tickets to archaeological sites
- Bus tickets to/from Machu Picchu
- Professional bilingual guide
- Hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
No incluye
- Entrance to Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport transfers in Cusco
- Beverages
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Lunch on Day 2
- Dinners
- Entrance to hot springs in Aguas Calientes
- Personal expenses
Recomendación
- Original passport or ISIC card (if booked as a student)
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Cash in soles or USD
- Small backpack with essentials
- 1 liter of water
- Trekking poles with rubber tips
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Waterproof rain poncho
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Note: Spaces for the Short Inca Trail are limited. Book in advance to secure your 2-day hiking permit to Machu Picchu.
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