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Short Inca Trail 2 Days

5.0 Based on 386 Reviews
Trip Length: 2 Days
From
USD 499
per person
2 Days
Duration
Hike
Usually 8-12 participants
Min 2 Persons
Maximum group size
16 - 99 years
Age range for participants
English
Guide language
Challenging
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness.

If you’re short on time but still want to experience the energy of the Qhapacñan (Inca Trail) and catch a glimpse of Machu Picchu from the heights of the Sun Gate, the 2-day Inca Trail Trek is perfect for you.

You’ll trek along 12 kilometers of this alternative Inca trail, where you’ll uncover archaeological remains, dense forests, waterfalls, and native flora and fauna. Unlike the crowded 4-day trek, the Short Inca Trail 2 Days offers a more tranquil experience in nature.

Starting Point and Route:

The trek begins at the ruins of Cochabamba, where you’ll start on a 3-hour uphill hike to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna. From there, it’s another two hours to Machu Picchu. After soaking in the breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, you’ll descend to the remote town of Aguas Calientes to rest and recharge before your guided tour of Machu Picchu on Day 2.

Option for One-Day Trek:

If you’re tight on time and in good physical condition, you can also opt to complete the entire trek in a single day. This allows you to explore Machu Picchu on the same day as your trek.

Additional Activities:

For those interested, you have the option to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Be sure to book these in advance and check availability.

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2 Days offers a condensed yet rewarding adventure, allowing you to experience the beauty of Machu Picchu and its surroundings even with limited time.

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Highlights

  • Ideal for Time-Constrained Travelers: This trip is a fantastic option for those with limited time, offering an immersive Inca Trail experience without the need for a multi-day commitment.
  • Short Inca Trail Hike: The journey includes a one-day hike on the Inca Trail, providing a taste of the famous trek and its stunning scenery.
  • Exploring Machu Picchu Inca City: The following day is dedicated to exploring the iconic site of Machu Picchu, allowing ample time to soak in its history and grandeur.
  • Visit Wiñay Wayna Inca Site: Along the trail, you’ll experience the ancient ruins of Wiñay Wayna, a fascinating archaeological site with terraced hills and intricate stonework.
  • Hike Through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku): The hike culminates at the Sun Gate, or Inti Punku, offering a breathtaking entry into Machu Picchu with panoramic views.
  • Easier Permit Availability: Unlike the 4-day Inca Trail, permits for the Short Inca Trail are typically available and rarely sell out, making it a more accessible option.
Overview

Trip Details

Short Inca Trail 2 Days Details

  • Activities: Trekking Adventure
  • Difficulty Level: 3 out of 5
  • Maximum Altitude: 3,700 masl / 12,139 ft
  • Minimum Altitude: 3,000 masl / 9,843 ft
  • Hiking Distance: 10 Km / 6.2 Miles
  • Sites to Visit: Wiñay Wayna, Inti Punku, Machu Picchu
  • Tour Type: Classic Tour
  • Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
  • Walking Time: Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch en route)
  • Walk and Terrain: Walk, canter on open roads, some steep ascending
At a glance

Trip Summary

ITINERARY SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

Day 1: Cusco – Wiñaywayna – Aguas Calientes

  • 3:45 A.M. Pick up from the hotel
  • 4:00 A.M. Departure by car from Cusco – Train station (Ollantaytambo)
  • 6:10 A.M. Travel by train to Km 104
  • 7:30 A.M. Walk of Km 104 to Wiñayhuayna
  • 11:45 A.M. Rest, Visit and Box Lunch
  • 14:00 P.M. Walk to Machu Picchu by circuit 1
  • 15:00 P.M. Descent by bus to Aguas Calientes 25 min.
  •  P.M. overnight in a Hotel

Day 2: Machu Picchu – Cusco

  • 5:00 A.M. Breakfast
  • 5:30 A.M. Go up by bus to Machu Picchu 25 minutes approx.
  • 6:00 Sunrise at Machu Picchu.
  • 7:00 A.M. Guided tour in Machu Picchu 2 hrs. approx by circuit 3
  • 11:00 P.M. Return to Aguas Calientes by walking
  • PM. Return by train to Ollantaytambo
  • PM. Transfer by car, Ollantaytambo – Cusco
  • PM. Arrival in Cusco and transfer to the hotel
Daily Schedule

Itinerary

DAY 1

Cusco - Wiñaywayna - Aguas Calientes

AM we will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco to transfer you to the train station in Ollantaytambo where you will board the train for approximately 1 hour 10 min until Km 104, the starting point of our trek. Upon arrival we will meet the guide and cross the bridge that is on the Urubamba River to reach the control point where we must show our documents of entry and corresponding identification.

After a 15-minute walk, we will arrive at the archaeological center of Chachabamba (2250 m.s.n.m) and Choquesuysuy that are hidden in the forest where we will walk arround and we will have the explanation of our guide, then we will continue our trek through stairways from where we will be able to observe our big valley next to its waterfalls and its different types of orchids. After 4 hours of walking we arrive at Wiñay Wayna (2650 m.s.n.m). On the way we also have beautiful views of the Urubamba river.

The name of Wiñaywayna comes from a beautiful orchid that abounds in this area and that its meaning in Spanish is Forever young in the lower part will observe a number of circular terraces where the Incas cultivated their different agricultural products, here also we will find the Temple of the arch Iris also known as Temple of Fertility, the tour in this place will take us about 1 hour and then taste our Box Lunch to replenish the lost energy and continue until we reach the control of Wiñaywayna.

In the afternoon we continue walking for about 2 more hours crossing stone stairs and tambos (rest places) until arriving at Inti Punku or Sun Gate (2720 m.s.n.m) from where we can observe the citadel of Machu Picchu (circuit 1) with the afternoon sun we will descend for about 30 min to the world wonder Machu Picchu World (2490 m), finally we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes or Machupicchu Pueblo (2160 m) the journey lasts 25 min, here we will spend the night in a hotel, is very tired can go to the hot springs that is located 5 min from the village, the cost of admission to this place is 15 soles.

Night Hotel in Aguas Calientes

This day we will wake up very early and after breakfast we will board the first bus (5:30 am) to climb to Machu Picchu (2490 m) where if the weather favors we can observe the sunrise, where we will also have a guided tour to the majestic city of the Incas for approximately 2 hours followed by a free time to visit it and take photos on their own. In the afternoon we will board the bus back to Aguas Calientes where you will find different restaurants to choose your favorite food, finally we take the train back to Ollantaytambo and the transportation that will bring us to Cusco and its respective transfer to your hotel.

End of services

Our Private Service

For the private option, please consider the following details:

  • Minimum Occupancy: A minimum of 2 people is required to make a booking
  • Customized Services: With the private option, you have the flexibility to customize your services according to your preferences. You can book with flexibility, tailoring the experience to your needs.
What's Included

Inclusions

Included

  • Pick up from the Hotel in Cusco
  • Transfer Cusco- train station Ollanta
  • Train ticket Ollanta – km 104.
  • Entrance Ticket to the short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
  • Food (1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner).
  • Bus tickets Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu
  • 01 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes (double room)
  • Professional guide throughout the course (English – Spanish)
  • Return train ticket Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
  • Transportation Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
  • Transfer to the hotel.

No included

  • Lunch on the last day, after the guided visit to Machupicchu
  • Tickets for hot springs in Aguas Calientes

Choose Your PeruRail Train Experience

Discover the perfect journey to Machu Picchu. From comfortable adventure to ultimate luxury, the choice is yours.

Classic Vistadome Train (Peru Rail)

The Classic Vistadome Train (Peru Rail): A different way to enjoy your trip to Machu Picchu. Their cars have a panoramic view that will allow you to enjoy the wonderful landscape along the route. You will enjoy an informative audio, music and dances from the region, also enjoy a fashion show of Alpaca clothing and a snack based on Andean ingredients.

Upgrade your experience with the Traditional Vistadome Class Train for an additional $70 USD per person round trip (or $40 USD for one way).

Expedition Class Train

The Expedition Class Train (Perú Rail) or the Voyager class train (Inca Rail) which have a car decoration inspired by the Inca culture, you can enjoy background music and, in addition, you can access a sales service board and thus have a relaxed and comfortable journey to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

The package includes the Expedition Train (Peru Rail) or the Voyager Class Train (Inca Rail)

Vistadome Observatory Train (Peru Rail)

Vistadome Observatory Train (Peru Rail): Providing you with the experience of a unique journey thanks to its panoramic cars and observatory car that will provide you with an unforgettable and enjoyable experience accompanied by music and live shows, which will make you live an unforgettable trip and Enjoy the experience on board, also enjoy a delicious snack.

Upgrade your experience Vistadome Observatory Train Train for an upgrade fee of $120 USD per person round trip (or $60 USD for one way).

PeruRail Trains Comparison

Feature Expedition Vistadome Observatory Hiram Bingham
Windows Standard Panoramic Full Panoramic (Roof & Walls) Full Panoramic (Roof & Walls) Large Classic Windows
Seating Layout Seats facing each other with table Leather seats, facing each other Leather seats, spacious Plush armchairs, elegant dining tables
Food & Drinks Available for purchase Light snack & non-alcoholic drinks Light snack & non-alcoholic drinks Gourmet Lunch/Dinner & Open Bar
Entertainment Ambient Andean Music Cultural Dance & Fashion Show (Return) Live Music & Cultural Show Live Band in Bar Car
Special Features - - Access to open-air balcony car Includes bus, citadel ticket & guide
Estimated Price (One-way) From $65 USD From $85 USD From $110 USD From $490 USD

What Travelers Say About this Tour

Our clients trust us, and their glowing reviews on TripAdvisor speak for themselves. Discover why so many travelers choose us for unforgettable experiences in Cusco.

G
Gloria Ventseslavova
21/05/2026
We had the best experience, perfect organisation and communication throughout the whole trip. Willie was the best guide!Highly recommend!
J
John H
28/10/2025
Incredible experience. They were very adaptable and responsive. Everything was taken care of. If you are a group looking for a good company to explore Machu Picchu with, look no further!
d
dbeta83
07/09/2025
We recently returned from an incredible trip to Peru, and we owe it all to Tania from Machu Picchu Peru Travels. From start to finish, she was professional, attentive, and deeply knowledgeable about the destination. Every detail from our accommodations and guided tours to transportation and local experiences was perfectly planned. Tania took the time to understand our travel style and preferences, and she created Spotting Sea Lions in Islas de Ballestas in Paracas, dune bashing and sand surfing at the Oasis de Huancachina, hiking Machu Picchu, exploring the Sacred Valley, and riding on ATVs to the Rainbow Mountain. What stood out most was her responsiveness and care, even during the trip. When we had a minor questions while abroad, she replied immediately and ensured everything went smoothly. We couldn’t have asked for a better travel experience and would absolutely recommend Tania and Machu Picchu to anyone planning a trip to Peru!
Choose your package

Pricing Options

At Machu Picchu Peru Travel, we offer personalized Short Inca Trail 2 Days, designed to match your interests and preferences. With expert local guides and customized itineraries, explore the beauty of the Andes. Check out our pricing options for a memorable adventure.

OPTION 1

SHARE SERVICE

$ 499.00 USD

(Enjoy this service with a group between 6 – 10 people)

OPTION 2

PRIVATE SERVICE

$ 599.00 USD

(Enjoy this service only for you and your family – minimun 2 people)

Get in touch

Inquiry now

Ready to experience Machu Picchu? Let our expert team take care of every detail, from entrance tickets and train arrangements to transportation and guidance, so you can focus on enjoying one of the world most breathtaking destinations. With years of experience, personalized assistance, and hundreds of happy travelers every year, we make your visit simple, safe, and unforgettable. Reserve your Machu Picchu tour today and secure your place at Peru’s most iconic wonder before availability runs out.

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If you have any questions or want to customize your experience, our local travel experts are ready to assist you 24/7.

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What Our Passengers Say About Machu Picchu Peru Travel

L
LIU R
20/03/2026
Excellent experience
We had an outstanding experience with Taina at Machu Picchu. He was extremely professional, passionate and knowledgeable about Inca history, culture and the site itself. she adjusted the pace perfectly for our group, answered all our questions patiently, and made the whole tour fascinating and memorable. We couldn’t ask for a better guide and highly recommend him to everyone traveling to Machu Picchu.
Laura T
04/04/2026
Excellent service, I loved the experience thanks to the Agency that made everything possible
lafouk
10/04/2026
Wow, what great service! I’ve been on many tours and few have had the clarity and communication skills that Tania and her team had. From the moment I reached out in interest to the end of the Machu Picchu excursion, Tania was exceptionally clear and helpful, making every step very easy to follow. Planning Machu Picchu on your own is *technically* possible, but it takes a tremendous amount of work to plan with a lot of unknown variables. Booking a tour with Machu Picchu Peru Travel makes it easy for not much more cost, and eases the anxiety of all the unknowns with the complex journey. It is truly a great value for travelers. Now if only I could have Tania organize the rest of life…! :)
D
Dario M
13/04/2026
These days in Lima and Cusco were above and beyond excellence, it was amazing! What I found most interesting was its people! Peruvians are extremely helpful, charming and kind and of course hard workers! I felt save walking around even late at night. It was simply magical Regarding tours and attention they were very puntual, organized and everything was on time! I send a huge shout out to the agency and every single guide that help us through our journey!
N
Nirvana H
16/04/2026
Machu Picchu Peru Travel – Super Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2D/1N Tour I highly recommend booking with Machu Picchu Peru Travel for any of their tours. We did the Super Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu 2D/1N, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. From the very beginning, their level of communication was top tier. Tania was fantastic, clear, quick, and informative even before we booked. She was patient, guided us through the process, and ensured we got the exact circuit we wanted 2B, making everything completely stress-free and well organised. When we arrived in Cusco, she personally met us at our hotel for a detailed briefing, which showed how much she genuinely cared about our experience and ensuring everything went smoothly. Pickup was always on time, and every effort was made to keep the tour running seamlessly. The Sacred Valley tour itself was very enjoyable, with a fluent English-speaking guide who made everything easy to understand and engaging. Later that evening, we boarded the train to Aguas Calientes, where we were met and guided to our hotel. That evening, our guide Ruth visited us for a briefing, she was humble, warm, and very professional. The next day, she accompanied us from the hotel to the bus and then up to Machu Picchu. Being a private tour made the experience feel very personal and insightful. Ruth shared a wealth of knowledge, took her time explaining everything, and even helped us capture some amazing photos. Overall, this tour was 100% worth it-excellent organisation, outstanding guides, and a truly stress-free way to experience Machu Picchu.
N
Nirvan S
16/04/2026
We recently completed the 2-Day Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco with Machu Picchu Peru Travel, and it was one of the best-organized and most enjoyable tours we have ever experienced in Peru. From the very first contact to the final goodbye at our hotel, everything was handled with professionalism, warmth, and genuine care for our experience. Communication was exceptional right from the start. The team was incredibly responsive on WhatsApp, answering all our questions promptly and patiently, even when we had last-minute requests and changes. Their quick replies gave us complete peace of mind as we planned our trip to Peru. The day before our tour, we received a detailed briefing (via WhatsApp and in person) that clearly explained the entire itinerary, what to expect, what to bring, and all the important timings. It was thorough and reassuring, which helped us feel fully prepared and relaxed. What impressed us most was how flexible and accommodating the team was. We had booked different panoramic train rides and specific circuits for Machu Picchu, and they seamlessly adjusted everything to match our preferences without any hassle. Their ability to handle these details smoothly showed just how experienced and client-focused they are. Our English-speaking tour guides were simply fantastic! They were not only extremely knowledgeable about the history, culture, and significance of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, but they were also genuinely friendly, patient, and enthusiastic. They went above and beyond by acting as personal photographers for our group—taking beautiful photos from all the best angles and even suggesting creative shots we would never have thought of. Thanks to them, we now have stunning memories captured perfectly. The entire tour ran like clockwork. The transportation was comfortable and safe, the pacing was ideal (never rushed, but never boring), and the contingency plans they had in place for weather, altitude, or any unexpected situations made us feel truly well taken care of. Everything was thought through so we could simply relax and enjoy the magic of the Sacred Valley and the wonder of Machu Picchu. If you’re planning a trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu, I cannot recommend Machu Picchu Peru Travel highly enough. Their attention to detail, excellent communication, flexible approach, and warm, professional guides made our 2-day Sacred Valley tour an unforgettable highlight of our Peru adventure. Thank you to the entire team—you made our dream trip even more special! We will definitely be booking with you again on our next visit to Peru. Highly recommended – 10/10!
E
Eduardo R
02/05/2026
Excelente experiencia de viaje, las personas de la agencia brindan un servicio impecable, sin duda muy recomendable 10/10
S
Saga A
06/05/2026
Tania was an amazing person to book this with! She was always attentive, I even called her at 2am because our shuttle hadn’t arrived and she pick up the phone, and shortly after the shuttle was there. I really enjoyed my experience in Machu Pichu and Tania made it better!
N
NILTON JESUS B
13/05/2026
¡Experiencia increíble con Machu Picchu Peru Travel! Organizaron nuestro viaje de 7 días por Perú de manera impecable: todo perfectamente coordinado, desde los traslados hasta los tours. Gracias a su apoyo y dedicación, pudimos disfrutar al máximo cada destino sin preocuparnos por nada. 100% recomendados para quienes quieran descubrir Perú sin problemas
Gloria V
21/05/2026
We had the best experience, perfect organisation and communication throughout the whole trip. Willie was the best guide! Highly recommend!
S
Silviya S
21/05/2026
Outstanding experience with our Guide Willy! Everything was so organized, easy to understand and navigate. Highly recommend for private tours of two, which we did! It makes exploring Peru so much easier and enjoyable!
L
Louissa M
24/05/2026
They are the best operators to book with! Tania the owner is amazing she cares so much and makes the experience so personal and unique! She even gave us small alpaca souvenirs. Throughout the trip she made sure we were always okay and ensured every detailed. We met the night before the tour in cusco and she gave us a briefing which was soo useful!! Recommend 100%!
Diego M
25/05/2026
We have rarely encountered such a professional agency, concerned with the smallest details, making our stay in Cusco extraordinary. Tania made our trip a dream.
R
Road60708355780
03/06/2026
We had an excellent experience on our Machu Picchu day tour and would highly recommend this company. A special thank you to Tania, who was absolutely fantastic throughout the entire process. She was incredibly friendly, responsive, and helpful from the moment we started planning our trip. We had a few changes and requests along the way, and Tania was always accommodating, making sure everything was organised perfectly and that our itinerary would work smoothly. Her communication was excellent, and she gave us confidence that everything was under control. All of our transportation, train tickets, and logistics were arranged flawlessly, allowing us to enjoy the experience without any stress. Our guide at Machu Picchu was also wonderful. She was knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about the history of the site. Thank you to Tania and the entire team for making our Machu Picchu experience so memorable!
l
lucecita F
09/06/2026
Super friendly, excellent service, reliable staff, attentive to detail, punctual. They never left me alone, and there was always good communication. I traveled alone but was always accompanied by the guidance of each process of the tour. I loved it, and especially the very good prices 🩷🙏🏽 excellent packages.
Our Promise

The Machu Picchu Peru Travel Experience

At Machu Picchu Peru Travel, it’s our people who make the real difference. Our dedicated travel experts hand-craft the perfect journey for every traveler, backed by award-winning customer service. We are real people helping real people, standing beside you every step of the way to ensure your adventure is unforgettable.

Our Values

Why to Choose Machu Picchu Peru Travel

We are committed to delivering authentic, sustainable, and high-quality experiences. From our expertly trained local guides to our premium camping equipment and transparent pricing, we prioritize your safety, comfort, and the preservation of our Andean heritage.

Best Food on the Treks

Best Food on the Treks

Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is one of the most popular destinations for adventure treks in South America

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Peruvian Local Guides

Peruvian Local Guides

The Inca Trail is a world-renowned hiking trail that leads to the iconic Machu Picchu in Peru. The trail is a combination of ancient paths.

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Machu Picchu is a stunning 15th-century Inca ruin located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is considered one of the top destinations.

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