Experience Peru’s breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine while exploring the mystical Andes and enchanting Amazon jungles.
The attraction of this trail is that it is only a few hours walk up a grassy hillside to Wiñay Wayna and a couple of hours further to Machu Picchu making it ideal for trekkers wanting to experience at least a part of the Inca Trail but haven’t got the time (or energy) to complete the full 4 day trek.
The trek begins at kilometer 104 (104 kilometers along the railway from Cusco to Aguas Calientes). The local train will stop only for a few minutes at Km 104 so be prepared to jump off quickly.
The trail heads down to the river where you’ll find a checkpoint; a gate that guards the bridge over the River Vilcanota. Here you have to pay your entrance fee of $25 which includes entrance to Machu Picchu as well.
On the other side of the river the trail heads off to the right towards the ruins of Chachabamba. These ruins, discovered in 1940, are located on the old Inca road that ran along the southern bank of the Urubamba river. The style of buildings and stonework suggest that this was an important religious site, as well as having the secondary function as a gate house guarding this entrance to Machu Picchu.
From Chachabamba the Inca Trail goes south and climbs the hillside, entering some woods and crossing a small stream. The path then turns west and continues uphill leaving the woods for open grassland. The path is clearly marked.
After about 2 hours after leaving Chachabamba, the path at last descends into a forest and much needed shade. Within minutes you’ll reach a beautiful waterfall, and soon after leave the forest to arrive at the foot of the superb ruins of Wiñay Wayna.
To get to the Trekker Hostal, climb up the stairway to the urban area of the terraces, following the stairs off to the right. You then pass a series of Inca baths and follow the trail right to the Hostal. It’s a 15-20 minute walk.
You will probably find yourself at the Trekkers Hostal for about 2 pm. You then have to decide whether to stop here for the night (camping or in the hostal) or continue on to Machu Picchu.
Provided you’re still feeling fit we recommend carrying on to Machu Picchu. It’s only another 1½ hours along an easy to follow trek. Even allowing for plenty of breaks and lunch you should arrive at the ruins by 4pm. You’ll find the ruins very quiet since most people have left to return on the train. The last bus back to Aguas Calientes is at 5pm so you won’t have enough time for a tour of the ruins but you can stay the night in Aguas Calientes and return the next morning on the first bus up to ruins (6:30am). Provided you’ve kept your entrance ticket, entrance is half price the second time ($5) and you get to see Machu Picchu again before all the crowds arrive on the train at about 9am. You can join a guided tour for little as $4 per person.
If you return to Aguas Calientes for noon you’ll have plenty of time for lunch and to visit the thermal springs before returning on the train to Cusco.
Many tour operators have groups leaving everyday for the short Inca Trail. The majority however stay the night a Wiñay Wayna before continuing on to Machu Picchu the second day. The tour may include a night in beds in the hostal, sleeping on the floor in the hostal or camping out so always check exactly what is included first.
For small groups of between 4 and 8 persons expect to pay between $480 and US$520 per person for a basic service.
The tour should include:- Hotel collection and transfer to station, boxed lunch, guide (English speaking), accommodation (hostal or tent).
Services generally not included:- Return transport on train (As from 1 October 2000 it is prohibited for tourists to travel in the local train. The cheapest return ticket on the Expedition service costs US$75, Vistadome service US$120, entrance fees (US$80), all meals apart from 1 boxed lunch. Evening meal can be bought at the Trekkers Hostal. Bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes ($12), Entrance to thermal springs, tips, porters to carry any of your bags, sleeping bag.
Short Inca Trail Highlights
DAY 1:Cusco – KM 104 – Wiñayhuayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu
DAY 2:Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Start of the Trek: Begin your adventure early with a 4 am pickup from your Cusco hotel. Enjoy a comfortable ride to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll have a packed lunch and board the train at 6:10 am.
Train Ride: Enjoy breakfast and scenery on the train for over an hour before arriving at Km104, the starting point of your trek. Cross the Urubamba River and show your passport at the checkpoint.
Hike: The initial gentle climb offers expansive views of the Urubamba River. Expect variable weather, including potential rain. After a steeper section, reward yourself with the view of a beautiful waterfall.
Wiñayhuayna: Explore these incredible Inca ruins, partially hidden by jungle. Learn about the area’s rich history and diverse ecosystem from your guide.
Lunch: Enjoy a gourmet lunch and relax at the campsite.
Sun Gate: After lunch, take a mostly flat path to the Sun Gate. Experience your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. Capture the moment with photos and explore additional Inca sites along the way.
Machu Picchu: Arrive in the afternoon for stunning photos of the site. Transfer to your hotel in Aguas Calientes for dinner and rest.
Meals Included: Box lunch, dinner in Aguas Calientes.
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Time: Approximately 6 hours
Accommodations: 3* Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu or similar; 4* El Mapi or Tierra Viva Machu Picchu upgrade (superior room)
Difficulty: Moderate
Note: You may leave an overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo train station for transfer to Aguas Calientes (up to 5 kg per person).
Meals Included: Breakfast at your hotel.
Optional: Huayna Picchu hike (requires separate booking and extra cost).
What’s Included
What’s Not Included
Important Notes
Best Price The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on most days. A minimum of two people is required to book.
Hotel Options:
Extras:
Discounts:
Note: The 2-day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available year-round except for February when it’s closed for maintenance. This trek includes entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate and exploring Inca ruins like Wiñay Wayna.
Free Added Values:
Packing List for the Short Inca Trail:
To qualify for the student discount on Inca Trail Permits, travelers must meet the following requirements:
Student IDs will not be accepted for the discount under the following conditions:
This information is crucial for travelers seeking to benefit from discounted permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
“INCAS EXPEDITIONS” is a 100% Peruvian local company and tour operator in Cusco, with many years of experience in hikes, adventure tours, and travel packages. We are a 100% local company.
Our dream as a local company is to offer personalized travel and hiking experiences, operated solely by local professional staff, focusing on a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.
We are proud of our reputation as a travel operating agency, in addition to practicing RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE actions with the environment and local people.
We consider our staff as family and guarantee them a fair salary. We are very proud of our team! Without their support, we could not offer the quality of service that hundreds of our travelers have enjoyed.
At “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we are aware that our reputation and what our passengers say are crucial for our travelers to trust their next vacations; you can check the reviews our travelers leave on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google; in an honest and reliable operator to create your adventure in Peru.
To offer a more personalized service at “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we maintain a limit of 8 people for each of our groups. This distinguishes us from other companies that operate with larger groups.
We are very proud of our guides. They are experts and professionals, fluent in English. They are experts and knowledgeable about the routes, and they are passionate about Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to their continuous personal and professional development, researching to offer you accurate and recognized theories about Inca and Andean culture. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Hiking with “INCAS EXPEDITIONS” is an uplifting experience, we prioritize your comfort and enjoyment throughout the hike, and you will have the assistance of our porters. You will interact with local people, explore incredible sites, and rediscover ancient Inca ancestral towns. Our porters carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up our camp tents, and take care of you while you relax.
We provide our porters for free with: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable travel bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All are hired from isolated communities, improving their economic circumstances and supporting the education of their children. We treat all our porters like family!
Our team (guides, cooks, porters, muleteers) and our equipment make “INCAS EXPEDITIONS” stand out among our competitors. On our adventure hikes, we include:
At “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we have always believed in giving back to isolated local communities. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we carry out various social projects and always hire local people.
We are very proud to support our local people. We not only employ them but also support their families, contributing to a holistic approach with our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones.
PRICING & AVAILABILITY FOR THE 4-DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek is available on any date that suits you, provided we have a minimum of 2 hikers.
GROUP SERVICE
• ADULT PRICE: $450 USD per person (Duffel Bag + (4Kilos-8Pounds) Personal Porter included in the price)
• STUDENT PRICE: $420 USD discount per person for groups of 5 or more
PRIVATE SERVICE (Upon Request)
• $560 USD per person (2 to 3 persons)
• $520USD per person (4 to 6 persons)
• $480 USD per person (7 to 8 persons)
DISCOUNTS
• 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD (student Valid card required, including university name, student name, photo, expiration date)
• Under 18 years old: $30 USD (copy of passport required)
• Under 11 years old: $40 USD (copy of passport required)
• $20 USD discount per person for groups of 5 or more
Important Information About the Trek:
Student Discount Eligibility:
Permit Changes:
Passport Requirement:
Weather:
Group Size:
Hotel Transfers:
Vistadome Train Upgrade:
Tipping:
Sustainability:
The Short Inca Trail is a shorter version of the famous Inca Trail, designed for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the Inca paths but have less time. This Inca Trail 2 Days adventure still includes breathtaking views and ends with a visit to Machu Picchu. It’s perfect for people who want a taste of the hike without committing to the longer treks. The 2-Day Machu Picchu Hike offers a quicker but still unforgettable journey through ancient trails and ruins.
When it comes to the Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu, you’ll find many options. Most tours include one day of hiking and one day to explore Machu Picchu. Some tours also offer stops at other ruins along the way. Machu Picchu Expeditions is a great option, as they offer well-organized tours with knowledgeable guides. Their Inca Trail 2 Days package ensures you get the most out of your time on the trail.
The weather on the Short Inca Trail can be unpredictable. Mornings might start off cool and cloudy, but as you hike through the day, it could warm up quickly. In some parts, you may experience rain, especially during certain seasons. The temperature drops as you approach Machu Picchu, so be prepared for cool air. Pack for both warm and cool conditions.
For the Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu, it’s important to pack light but smart. You’ll need comfortable hiking shoes, a jacket for colder temperatures, and rain gear just in case. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are important because the sun can be strong, even on a short hike. Snacks and water are also key to keeping your energy up throughout the trek.
Choosing Machu Picchu Expeditions for your 2-Day Machu Picchu Hike is a good idea. They provide excellent service, knowledgeable guides, and make sure everything is taken care of, so you can focus on enjoying the experience. Their tours are well-planned and include all the details like transport, meals, and accommodation. You can trust them to make your journey smooth and memorable.
Even though the Short Inca Trail is only two days, it’s important to prepare. Spend at least a day or two in Cusco before your hike to adjust to the altitude. Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy physical activities in the days leading up to the hike. Make sure you’re in good shape because even a shorter hike like this can still be physically demanding.
The Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu is generally priced between $400 and $600, depending on the tour company and what’s included. Many tours offer transportation, meals, and entrance fees to Machu Picchu, but it’s important to check the details. Some tours may offer more luxurious options, which can increase the price.
When choosing a travel agency for the Inca Trail 2 Days, it’s important to read reviews and ask questions about what’s included. Look for agencies with experienced guides, good safety records, and clear communication. Machu Picchu Expeditions is a trusted name in the area and offers a well-rounded experience for those wanting to do the Short Inca Trail.
The Short Inca Trail is not as physically demanding as the longer version, but it still requires a good level of fitness. People with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor before attempting the hike. There are age limits for certain tours, so check with your tour company to ensure you meet the requirements. The trail can be steep in parts, so be prepared for a moderate challenge.
After completing the 2-Day Machu Picchu Hike, you’ll need tickets to enter Machu Picchu. Most tour packages include the tickets, but it’s important to confirm with your tour provider. Tickets to Machu Picchu can sell out, especially during high season, so make sure they are arranged ahead of time. Machu Picchu Expeditions takes care of this for you, so you don’t have to worry.
Tour guides are an important part of the Short Inca Trail experience. They not only help you navigate the trail but also provide fascinating information about the history and culture of the Incas. Guides from Machu Picchu Expeditions are knowledgeable, friendly, and always ready to answer any questions you may have. Their expertise makes the journey even more enjoyable.
The Short Inca Trail has a moderate altitude, with the highest point being around 8,700 feet above sea level. While not as high as other treks, it’s still important to be prepared for the effects of altitude. The trail gradually descends as you approach Machu Picchu, which sits at around 7,970 feet. The change in altitude is mild compared to the longer trails, but it’s still good to take it slow and stay hydrated.
