Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days
A 2-day short Inca Trail from Km 104 to Machu Picchu: hike about 14 km (8.7 mi) past Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, sleep in a hotel in Aguas Calientes and return to Machu Picchu the next morning for a 2-hour guided tour.
About this Expedition
Pristine Biodiversity
Immersion in primary forest trails and macaw or tapir clay licks with privileged viewing.
Native Guides
Bilingual guides from the native communities of Manu and Tambopata, with spotting scopes and binoculars.
Logistics and Lodges
Private transport and boats, a cook on the trip and nights in rainforest lodges.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
We pick you up at your hotel at 4:00 a.m. and drive you to the train station in Ollantaytambo. A scenic train ride of about 2 hours takes you to Km 104 (2,100 m / 6,890 ft), where the short Inca Trail begins.
Our first stop is the Inca site of Chachabamba (2,250 m / 7,380 ft), where farm products were gathered to be taken to Machu Picchu. From there a moderate climb of about 2.5 to 3 hours takes you to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,690 ft), with views of the Urubamba River canyon and the orchids of the cloud forest along the way. We stop to visit this Inca site and have a box lunch.
After lunch we follow the ancient path to the Sun Gate, Inti Punku (2,730 m / 8,960 ft), where you get your first view of Machu Picchu. We walk down to the citadel and take the bus to Aguas Calientes, arriving at around 6:00 p.m. You spend the night in a hotel with a private room, private bathroom and hot shower.
Meals: box lunch and dinner. Accommodation: hotel in Aguas Calientes. Distance: about 14 km (8.7 mi). Difficulty: moderate.
Day 02: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
After breakfast at the hotel we take the first bus up at 5:30 a.m., a ride of about 25 minutes, for the chance to see sunrise over Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,875 ft).
Your guide leads a tour of about 2 hours through the citadel: the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Intihuatana sundial, the Temple of the Three Windows, houses, storehouses and the urban sector with its narrow passages, surrounded by farming terraces.
After the tour you have free time on your own. You can walk to the Sun Gate (no extra charge) or visit the Inca Bridge. Optional extras, not included: hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (booked in advance, subject to availability) and, in Aguas Calientes, the local museum or the hot springs (entrance fees apply).
When you are ready, go down to Aguas Calientes (the bus down is not included; you can also walk down in about 1 hour), have lunch on your own and board the Expedition train at 4:30 p.m. to Ollantaytambo. Our private van then drives you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving at around 8:00 p.m.
Meals: breakfast. Difficulty: easy.
Included & Not Included Services
What this trip includes
- Briefing the day before departure
- Hotel pickup in Cusco and private transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Private transfer from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco
- Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance tickets
- Professional English-speaking guide experienced in trekking
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu (about 2 hours)
- Bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on day 1 and bus up to Machu Picchu on day 2
- Pickup at your Aguas Calientes hotel for the Machu Picchu tour
- One night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (private room, private bathroom, hot shower, breakfast)
- Meals: 1 box lunch, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast
- First-aid kit with emergency oxygen
- Taxes
Not included in the price
- Breakfast on day 1, and lunch and dinner on day 2
- Bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on day 2 (you can also walk down in about 1 hour)
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike: optional extra, subject to availability; ask for the price when booking
- Vistadome train upgrade (return to Poroy, Cusco): optional extra; ask for the price when booking
- Optional hotel upgrade in Aguas Calientes
- Tips for the guide and staff (optional)
What to Bring / Packing Tips
- Trekking shoes and sandals
- Warm clothing
- Waterproof clothing (poncho)
- Sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Water bottles
- Swimsuit and towel
- Personal snacks
- This itinerary is general information; the day before departure your guide gives you a detailed briefing at your hotel or at our office.
- Minimum of 2 people to depart.
- You can choose your departure day, subject to availability.
Questions about this tour
How long is the hike on the short Inca Trail?
About 14 km (8.7 mi) on day 1, from Km 104 to Machu Picchu via Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate. The climb to Wiñay Wayna takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and is rated moderate.
Do I see Machu Picchu twice?
Yes. You see it from the Sun Gate and walk down to the citadel at the end of day 1, then return by bus early on day 2 for a guided tour of about 2 hours.
Where do I sleep?
In a hotel in Aguas Calientes, in a private room with private bathroom and hot shower. Breakfast is included.
Are the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance tickets included?
Yes, along with the Expedition train, the transfers and the guided tour. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is an optional extra, subject to availability.
Which meals are included?
A box lunch and dinner on day 1 and breakfast on day 2. Breakfast on day 1 and lunch and dinner on day 2 are not included.
Other Recommended Expeditions
Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
Manu Wildlife Tour 5 Days: Tapir and Parrot Clay Licks
Travel to Peru 10 Days: Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and Colca Canyon
