The Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu is the perfect option for those who want to enjoy the iconic 2-Day Inca Trail Hike without committing to the full multi-day trek. This scenic 11 km route is ideal for all ages and fitness levels, offering a beautiful mix of lush cloud forest, ancient Inca archaeological sites, and stunning mountain views. The adventure culminates with your arrival at Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Led by our expert local guides, you’ll discover remarkable sites like Chachabamba and Wiñayhuayna, observe vibrant orchids and exotic birds, and might even spot the elusive Andean spectacled bear. Enjoy two unforgettable views of Machu Picchu — one at sunset and another at sunrise.
Perfect for:
Travelers with limited time
Families, couples, or friends seeking a moderate adventure
Those who want to enter Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail
OVERVIEW:
Day 1: Cusco – KM 104 – Wiñayhuayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Tour Details
What You Will See and Enjoy on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
It’s not just the Inca Trail; you’ll also pass by a waterfall where you can take photos
Enjoy privileged access to an exclusive platform reserved solely for Inca Trail hikers, offering unparalleled views of Machu Picchu and its surrounding splendor.
✅Reservation Confirmation: Once you confirm your booking and make the initial deposit, we’ll email you a reservation confirmation. This email will include details about what’s included and not included in your tour or trek.
✅Acceptance of Terms: If we don’t hear back from you after sending your confirmation, we’ll assume you’ve accepted all terms and conditions.
Limited Availability – Inquire Now!
Your adventure begins early in the morning with a hotel pick-up in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. Not a late departure — remember, the early bird catches the worm! You’ll travel through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll board a scenic train ride along the Urubamba River. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes gradually giving way to the lush cloud forest as you approach the famous Km 104 – the exclusive access point for Inca Trail hikers.
After crossing the bridge over the river, you’ll pass the official checkpoint and start your trek surrounded by rich flora and ancient stone paths. Your first stop is the archaeological site of Chachabamba (2,170 m / 7,170 ft), once used for ceremonial purposes. As you climb steadily through the forest, discover hidden waterfalls and witness the transition from mountain terrain to the tropical jungle.
After 3 hours of steady ascent, you’ll reach Wiñay Wayna, an impressive Inca site perched on the hillside. This is where you’ll stop for a well-deserved picnic lunch and rest.
The final stretch is a gentle path through the cloud forest leading to the famous Inti Punku (Sun Gate). From here, enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, basking in golden afternoon light—a moment reserved only for Inca Trail trekkers.
After a short descent to the upper terraces, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where a cozy hotel and a delicious dinner await. You’ll also have a briefing with your guide to prepare for the next day’s tour.
Start your day early with breakfast at the hotel before boarding the bus to Machu Picchu. Arrive just as the gates open, giving you a peaceful entry into this wonder of the world.
Enjoy a comprehensive 2.5-hour guided tour through the most iconic areas of the Inca citadel. Learn about Machu Picchu’s fascinating history, its strategic architecture, and the cultural importance of this lost city in the clouds.
If you’ve reserved an extra hike, this is the time to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, both offering spectacular bird’s-eye views of the ruins. These optional hikes must be booked well in advance due to high demand.
After the visit, return by bus to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Our team will be waiting at the station for your private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
Local Guide and Permits:
On day 1:
On day 2:
The “Death Stairs” Adventure
Climb the iconic peak behind Machu Picchu for breathtaking views and hidden Inca ruins.
Only 400 visitors per day are allowed, with morning slots between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
For the Short Inca Trail, we usually reserve the 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. slots, which perfectly match your Machu Picchu visit.
The hike is steep and unguided — not recommended if you have vertigo!
Check availability at tuboleto.cultura.pe; we’ll handle the booking for you.
This stunning peak (3,080 m) offers panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valleys.
Entry is limited to 400 visitors per day, with slots at 7–8 a.m. and 8–9 a.m.
For Inca Trail trekkers, we usually book the 8–9 a.m. slot after your guided tour.
The round trip takes about 3–3.5 hours on original Inca stone steps.
Advance booking is highly recommended. the optional hike is unguided
The Inca Trail includes a standard return train (Expedition or Voyager), but you can upgrade to the Vistadome for a more scenic and comfortable journey.
Enjoy panoramic windows, a glass roof, and onboard entertainment with music and traditional dance.
This upgrade from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo costs $70 USD per person and adds a luxurious finish to your adventure.
Highly recommended for the first day of the hike to help with balance and reduce knee strain on uneven trails.
Note: trekking poles are not allowed inside Machu Picchu or on the additional mountain hikes. You can reserve your walking sticks in advance or rent them at your Cusco hotel after your briefing. Rubber tips are mandatory.
Cold weather in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings, but as soon as the sun rises, the weather becomes sunny and cool. Therefore, tours start from Cusco with the pick-up of passengers from their various hotels very early in the morning when the weather is cold (0°C to 11°C). The tour begins at sunrise at the beginning of the Amazon rainforest a tropical area, with temperatures rising from 11°C to a maximum of 27°C “hot and humid” from the start of the hike at km104 to Machu Picchu.
REMINDERS: It’s possible that any part of the program might change due to circumstances out of our control such as protests, strikes, earthquakes, landslides, rockslides, weather conditions, flight schedules, etc.
We want to make your trip to Peru easy, memorable, and stress-free. Please read this important information before your adventure — it will answer most of your questions about the Inca Trail 2 Days and other hikes with us.
If you can’t attend in person, no problem — we can arrange your briefing via WhatsApp.
If you are staying in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, the briefing will be done via WhatsApp.
Group Service (2 travelers min./12 travelers max.)
Private Service (minimum 2 travelers) All-Inclusive
Private Service Prices (Per Group – Not Per Person) All-Inclusive
If you have a larger group, please email us at info@andesperuexpeditions.com, and we’ll be happy to send you a personalized quote.
Student Price
The student discount is available for all students worldwide, as long as they meet the official requirements established by the Peruvian government. This discount applies only to the purchase of entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.
General Requirements for International Students
Student’s full name
Student’s photo
University name
Requirements for Peruvian Students
How to Request the Student Price
To receive the discount, you must send at the time of booking:
⚠️Important: If you send your student card after booking, you will not be eligible for the discount.
Our prices reflect the quality of the experience and the respect for our local team. By choosing us, your payment ensures fair wages for our Tour Guides, cook, porters, drivers and office staff, supporting sustainable and professional tourism. This way, you enjoy an unforgettable tour while helping tourism truly benefit the people who make it possible.
Friendly Payment
This feedback goes personally to the one and only Hipo!
My cousin and wife + me and my partner booked the short Inca Trail months ago and got Hipo as a tour guide for those 2 intense days.
And the four of us feel incredibly lucky! Hipo was perfectly prepared. The next early morning we started our trip from Cusco to the starting point of our hike. We were all beginners more or less, so we were taking a lot of breaks. Hipo was so patient, motivating and cared for our safety at the same time. He made sure we drank enough water, water, water!
The trekk itself is great for beginners who have a minimum fitness level. It can get tough at some points but Hipo was always there to assist you. No worries!
After hours of hiking you finally get rewarded with a stunning view of the Ruins of the Machu Picchu! It is breathtaking. After this trekk I’m 100% convinced that you would miss out all the information and super interesting history about the Inca and the Ruins! If you want a great guide, HIPO is the one to go for!
You can get a terribly disappointing experience if you just book a circuit without having a really good guide. And you’d miss out so many legends, stories, a private touch of a local and great conversation at night with great food and cheering together with Hipo!
I loved his connection with the nature and his culture. You could feel it through the way he explained not only the history of the Inca and the Machu Picchu but how everything is connected with each other, with mother earth. Such a competent, fun, cool, lovely guy!
Hipo answered all our questions, he is super funny, has a great spirit and just loving every step of every trekk he’s doing.
That’s why we asked him to give us a tour through the Inca Museum in Cusco, too.
He took the time to explain every gallery in detail which was great because we saw how other guides passed us and we’re finished long before us. You feel that Hipo really wants you to understand. Understand the connection, the history, hear great legends and he makes sure that all your questions will be answered.
We are very happy and thankful for this experience in and around Cusco.
Thank you Hipo, you’re a great 5 Star guide!
2D/1N Inca trail – start 104KM, end at sungate and Machu Picchu with overnight at hotel in Aguas Calientes.
5* experience with Hipolito!!! Top notch. 100% recommend.
Hipo and I had been in touch for a few months by whatsapp as I had many questions about what type of Machu Picchu experience was best for me and my girlfriend and he bent over backwards to accommodate all my inquiries. I ended up booking last minute and he still made it happen. He gave us a great price, debriefed us in person in Cusco the day before leaving & sorted out all our travel, food and accommodation needs from cusco to ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back.
The actual hike on day 1 was a bit grueling for me – the gringo killer inca stairs were something – BUT worth every arduous, sweaty step! The experience, views and sense of accomplishment when done are priceless. Hipo accommodated our pace & our needs as we went – stopping for water breaks, snack/lunch and even breaking when I cramped up. Hippo also gave usncomplimentary walking poles and they definitely saved my life.
On day 2, my girlfriend and I were amongst the first to enter Machu Picchu (6AM ticket) and Hipo showed and taught us so much as we made our way through all of M.P. from the upper circuits downward. Hipo is extremely knowledgeable about the area, inca culture and especially M.P.
If thinking of hiking Machu Picchu area, please book with Hipolito!! You will not regret it.
