Luxury Short Inca Trail: Iconic 2-Day Hike to Machu Picchu.
Hike the iconic Inca Trail in style with our Luxury Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It´s the perfect choice for travelers seeking a shorter trekking experience without compromising comfort. This exclusive adventure with Qoricancha Expeditions blends natural beauty, ancient history, and premium service, guiding you through the majestic Andes and into the heart of the Lost City of the Incas.
Along the route, you’ll explore timeless archaeological sites once used for ceremonial rituals and agricultural control, including Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, testaments to the engineering mastery of the Inca Empire. Your experience culminates at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the historic entrance used by Inca pilgrims and royal messengers, offering your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu.
What Makes This Luxury Inca Trail Tour Unique?
Premium Comfort: Carefully selected boutique accommodations and soft bedding ensure restful sleep after your hike.
Gourmet Peruvian Cuisine: Enjoy expertly prepared meals made with fresh, local ingredients.
Expert Guides: Travel with specialist, English-speaking guides who bring Inca history and culture to life.
Seamless Service: From transfers and entrance tickets to porter support, every detail is taken care of.
Small Group Intimacy: Personalized attention with groups of 2–6 people ensures a relaxed and meaningful experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, this luxury trek delivers the perfect balance of elegance and adventure.
Book the Experience of a Lifetime
If you dream of walking the Inca Trail and arriving at Machu Picchu in comfort and style, the Luxury 2-Day Inca Trailis your answer. Join Qoricancha Expeditions for a once-in-a-lifetime journey that’s as inspiring as it is indulgent.
Book today and take your first step toward an unforgettable Peruvian adventure.
Travel and enjoy our Luxury Short Inca Trail with Qoricancha Expeditions
Experience an unforgettable adventure on our Luxury 2-Day Inca Trail, perfect for travelers who wish to enjoy the magic of the Inca Trail while indulging in premium comfort. This exclusive trek combines breathtaking scenery, gourmet cuisine, and world-class service.
Highlights of our Luxury Short Inca Trail 2-Day
This luxurious journey offers the ideal blend of adventure, luxury, and cultural immersion, making it a truly memorable experience.
Day 1: Trekking to Machu Picchu
- Scenic Train Ride: Start your adventure aboard the Vistadome train, enjoying panoramic Andean views on your way to the trailhead.
- Trekking Through Nature: Hike through stunning landscapes and ancient ruins, surrounded by lush vegetation.
- Gourmet Lunch: Enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch with incredible views, a perfect energy boost.
- Sun Gate Arrival: Reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate) and catch your first unforgettable glimpse of Machu Picchu.
- Luxury Stay: Unwind at Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel, one of Aguas Calientes’ finest, offering a high-quality care after your hike.
Day 2: Exploring Machu Picchu
- Guided Tour: Start the day early with a guided tour of Machu Picchu, learning about its architecture and Incan history.
- Morning Exploration: Capture breathtaking views in the soft morning light and marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Lunch at Indio Feliz: Delight in a gourmet lunch at the renowned Indio Feliz restaurant, famous for its fusion of Andean and international cuisine.
- Panoramic Train Journey: Return to Cusco aboard the Vistadome Panoramic Train, enjoying spectacular views along the way.
Why Choose Our Luxury Inca Trail Experience?
Comfort: Enjoy high-end amenities, gourmet meals, and cozy accommodations.
Expert Guides: Travel with expert, English-speaking guides who bring Inca history to life.
Small Group Format: Personalized attention with a maximum of 6 travelers per group.
This Luxury 2-Day Inca Trail promises a journey filled with beauty, history, and exclusive comfort.
Availability
We offer daily departures for the Luxury 2-Day Inca Trail, with a minimum of 2 hikers required. This flexibility lets you choose your perfect travel date.
Check real-time Inca Trail permit availability to plan and secure your ideal trekking date.
Book now with Qoricancha Expeditions and make your dream journey to Machu Picchu a luxurious reality!
Day 1 of the Luxury Inca Trail 2 Days: A Journey to Machu Picchu
The adventure begins early with a 4:30 a.m. pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. From there, we’ll drive for approximately one and a half hour to the Ollantaytambo train station, where a delicious breakfast will be waiting. After your meal, you’ll board the Vistadome train at 7:05 a.m. for a scenic onehour and 20-minute ride to Kilometer 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail.
Upon arrival, you’ll present your original passport and have the option to receive the official trail stamp. Once the entry formalities are complete, your hike begins. The trail starts with a gentle ascent leading to Chachabamba, an Inca archaeological site believed to have served administrative and religious functions for travelers heading toward Machu Picchu. Here, your specialist guide will provide an insightful introduction to the site’s history and significance.
The trail continues with a steady uphill climb of about three and a half hours. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breaks to rest, enjoy snacks, and take in the spectacular Andean scenery. As the path transitions into lush cloud forest, you may spot orchids, bromeliads, hummingbirds, and other native species that thrive in this unique ecosystem.
Your next major stop is the remarkable Inca site Wiñay Wayna, which translates to “Forever Young” in Quechua. Often compared to a smaller version of Machu Picchu, this site features sweeping agricultural terraces, finely crafted stone structures, and sacred ceremonial areas. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour followed by a gourmet lunch prepared by our expert trekking chef.
After lunch, a pleasant one-hour walk leads to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the historic entrance used by Inca pilgrims approaching Machu Picchu. We typically arrive around 2:00 p.m., an ideal time to admire the afternoon light over the citadel. Weather permitting, you may even witness a stunning sunset from this iconic viewpoint. From the Sun Gate, a gentle one-hour descent takes you to the upper terraces of Machu Picchu.
This final stretch offers sweeping panoramic views of the entire citadel, giving you time to absorb the majesty of this 15th-century Inca masterpiece and capture unforgettable photos. After enjoying the vistas, you’ll board a bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night.
Accommodation: Inkaterra Pueblo or Sumac Hotel
Tickets: Included
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch and Dinner
Day 2 of the Luxury Inca Trail 2 Days: Explore Machu Picchu & optional Huayna Picchu.
The second day marks the most significant day of your journey. After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, your guide will meet you and accompany you to the bus station. From there, you’ll board one of the early buses heading to the Machu Picchu citadel. Upon arrival, your expertly guided tour begins, leading you through the most important and captivating areas of this ancient sanctuary.
During your visit, you’ll walk among temples, ceremonial plazas, terraces, water channels, and beautifully preserved stone pathways. Your experienced guide will share fascinating insights into the history of Machu Picchu, believed to have been built in the mid-15th century under the reign of Inca Pachacutec. You’ll learn about its strategic location, architectural ingenuity, and its likely role as a royal estate and sacred ceremonial center for Inca nobility. Your guide will also shed light on the mysteries that continue to intrigue historians and archaeologists to this day.
If you’ve arranged to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain, please confirm this during the booking process, as permits are limited. Tickets cost $75 per person, and the hike takes approximately 2 hours round-trip, offering spectacular aerial views of the entire citadel from its summit.
Once your guided tour concludes, you’ll enjoy a gourmet lunch at the renowned Sanctuary Lodge, known for its exceptional cuisine and its privileged location just steps from the entrance to Machu Picchu. After lunch, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to relax, shop, or explore the town at your leisure.
In the afternoon, you’ll board the Vistadome Observatory train, departing at 3:20 p.m. This elegant train offers large panoramic windows and a comfortable viewing carriage, allowing you to enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Sacred Valley as you travel back to the Poroy station. Upon arrival, a private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Cusco. You can expect to arrive around 8:30 p.m., marking the end of an unforgettable journey.
Accommodation: Not included.
Tickets: Includes.
Meals: breakfast and lunch.
Essential Packing List for the Luxury Short Inca Trail 2-Day to Machu Picchu
Essential Documents and Items:
Original Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your Peru entry date. Required for Inca Trail permits and travel checkpoints.
Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended to cover cancellations, delays, and medical emergencies.
Clothing:
Quick-Dry Hiking Pants: Comfortable and fast-drying.
Hiking Shorts (Optional): Ideal for warm weather sections of the trail.
Base Layers (Top & Bottom): Lightweight for comfort.
T-shirts (2–3): Quick-dry material for daytime trekking.
Waterproof Jacket or Rain Poncho: Crucial due to unpredictable Andean weather.
Fleece or Light Jacket: For cooler mornings and evenings.
Hat or Cap: Wide-brimmed for sun protection.
Gloves & Buff/Scarf: For early morning cold and protection from dust and sun.
Comfortable Hiking Boots: Waterproof, broken-in, with good ankle support.
Camp Shoes or Sandals: Lightweight and relaxing footwear for evenings.
Trekking Gear:
Daypack (20–25L): Small and comfortable to carry essentials during the hike.
Waterproof Backpack Cover: Keeps your gear dry in case of rain.
Hydration System or Water Bottles: Minimum capacity of 2 liters.
Sunscreen (SPF 30+): Essential for high-altitude sun protection.
Lip Balm with SPF: Prevents dryness and sunburn.
Sunglasses: UV protection for intense sun exposure.
Bug Spray: Especially needed in cloud forest areas.
Personal Care Items:
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, travel-sized biodegradable toiletries.
Hand Sanitizer: For clean hands while on the trail.
Wet Wipes: Useful for refreshing yourself without a shower.
Personal Medications: Any required prescriptions and basic first-aid items.
Tissues or Toilet Paper: Not all stops have toilet paper, bring a small supply.
Camera and Electronics:
Camera or Smartphone: To capture breathtaking views and memories.
Extra Batteries or Portable Charger: Batteries drain faster at high altitudes.
Plug Adapter: For Type A and C outlets used in Peru.
Optional Items:
Camera Lens or Accessories: For photography lovers.
Book or Journal: Perfect for relaxing or documenting your journey.
Extra Sunglasses: Useful backup pair.
Handheld Fan or Cooling Towel: Helpful in warmer parts of the trek.
With this well-prepared packing list, you'll be ready to enjoy the Luxury 2-Day Inca Trail with total comfort.
Inclusions for Your Luxury Inca Trail Adventure
Pre-Trek Briefing: Join us at 6:00 PM the night before the tour for an informative briefing to ensure you’re well-prepared for the adventure ahead.
Experienced English-Speaking Guide: Our expert guide will accompany you throughout the journey, sharing in-depth knowledge of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Vistadome Train (Down) & Observatory Train (Return): Travel in comfort aboard the scenic Vistadome train on the way down, and return in luxury on the exclusive Observatory train.
Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel: Enjoy an overnight stay at the luxurious Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel, offering top-notch comfort and amenities.
Gourmet Lunch: Savor a delicious, gourmet lunch prepared by our skilled trekking chef during the trek.
All Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Tickets Included: We take care of all your permits, entrance tickets, and reservations for both the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Private Transportation: Comfortable private transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and back ensures a smooth journey with no hassle.
Excluded
Hotel Accommodation: Before and after the tour.
Gratuities: Tips for your guide and driver are optional.
Insurance: While advisable, it is not mandatory.
Optional Upgrades
Luxury Hiram Bingham Train: Costs $520 per person (available only for the return journey).
Huayna Picchu Ticket: Costs $75 per person and should be booked in advance due to high demand. This hike takes place on the second day of your tour, after your guided visit to Machu Picchu.
Group service (Adults)
$ 1250.00 USD
per person (Min. 2 people)
Why Travel with Qoricancha Expeditions?
Expertise and Excellence: Qoricancha Expeditions is renowned for its commitment to excellence in guiding and customer service. With their experienced team, you’re in the hands of professionals who will ensure a memorable and hassle-free experience.
Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Peru. Qoricancha Expeditions provides expert guides who will share their deep knowledge of the region, offering insights into the ancient Inca civilization and local traditions.
Small Group Advantage: Smaller tour group sizes allow for a more intimate experience, increased interaction with guides, and the opportunity to form connections with fellow travelers.
Memories for a Lifetime: Traveling with Qoricancha Expeditions guarantees not only an unforgettable adventure but also memories that will stay with you forever. It’s a journey that promises to leave you with a profound appreciation for the wonders of Peru.