Short Inca Trail 2 Days
Description
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the perfect option for travelers who want to experience part of the legendary Inca Trail but have limited time or prefer a shorter and less demanding hike. This trek starts at Km 104 and follows one of the most scenic sections of the original Inca Trail, combining breathtaking natural landscapes with remarkable archaeological sites.
Along the route, you will visit important Inca complexes such as Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, walk through lush cloud forests, and enjoy diverse flora, fauna, and microclimates. The highlight of the trek is reaching the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you will have your first unforgettable panoramic view of Machu Picchu. After spending the night in a comfortable hotel, you will return early the next morning to explore the impressive Inca citadel.
Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
Duartion: 2 days / 1 night
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 2,746 m / 9009 ft
Tour details
Included:
- Hotel pickup in Cusco and transfers to/from the train stations.
- Expedition train: Ollantaytambo – Km 104 (Chachabamba), Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Entrance ticket to the Short Inca Trail (Km 104).
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu – Circuit 3B (Royalty Route).
- Professional bilingual guide (1 guide for groups over 9 people).
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Bus tickets: Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes (Day 1). Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu (Day 2).
- Meals: 1 box lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, Vegetarian options available upon request.
- 1-night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (double room – Hotel Andino Machupicchu).
Not included:
- Breakfast on Day 1.
- Lunch on Day 2.
- Tips for guides and staff.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu
Very early in the morning, pickup from your hotel at 3:50 a.m., followed by transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station. We board the train at 6:10 a.m., traveling along the Urubamba River to Km 104, arriving around 7:00 a.m. where your guide will be waiting.
After crossing a footbridge, we begin the hike at the archaeological site of Chachabamba (2,150 m). Following a guided visit, we start a gradual ascent of approximately 4 hours, enjoying panoramic views of the valley and passing through lush cloud forest.
We continue to the impressive Inca site of Wiñay Wayna, the largest and most beautiful archaeological complex on the Inca Trail, featuring ceremonial fountains, terraces, and stone structures. Afterward, we hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), where you will enjoy your first spectacular view of Machu Picchu.
From there, a final descent of about 45 minutes leads us toward the citadel. We then take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
- Meals: Box lunch, dinner
- Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
After breakfast, we take the bus up to Machu Picchu for a 2-hour guided tour, visiting the most important sectors, temples, plazas, fountains, and agricultural areas of the citadel.
After the guided visit, you will have free time to explore on your own. Around midday, we return to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants (not included).
In the afternoon, we board the train back to Ollantaytambo (subject to availability: 14:55, 15:20, 16:22, etc.), followed by private transportation back to Cusco and transfer to your hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Walking time: 4–5 hours
Recommendations
- Original passport (mandatory).
- Valid student ID (ISIC), if applicable.
- Small daypack only (no large backpacks).
- Water (at least 1 liter).
- Camera.
- Rain jacket or poncho (especially from December to January).
- Basic toiletries.
- Hat or cap for sun protection.
- Sunscreen.
- Insect repellent.
- Comfortable hiking shoes or trekking boots.
- Cash in soles or US dollars (ATMs in Aguas Calientes are limited and more expensive).
Prices
1 person
2 people
3 people
4 people
5 people
6 people
7+ people
Notes: Foreign tourist entrance tickets may be useful for future circuits.
Map
From 710 USD
Short Inca Trail 2 Days
2 Days / 1 Night
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