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Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu | Small Group Tour
The Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu covers about 12 km (7.5 miles), starting at Kilometer 104 and following a scenic section of the original Inca Trail. The route passes through cloud forests, ancient stone paths, and notable Inca sites, including Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna.
This 2-day trek is an excellent alternative to the Classic 4-day route, offering a shorter and more comfortable hiking experience without missing the highlights of the original trail. Travelers hike in small groups with expert local guides and spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes instead of camping.
This tour is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the Inca Trail in less time while still enjoying one of the most beautiful and rewarding routes to Machu Picchu. The adventure ends with a memorable walk through Inti Punku, the famous Sun Gate, where you’ll see your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu framed by the Andes Mountains.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Packing List
- Prices
- FAQS
Highlights of the 2-Day Inca Trail Trek
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Hike one of the most iconic sections of the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
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Visit impressive Inca sites along the route, including Wiñay Wayna and Chachabamba.
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Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), just as the Incas did centuries ago.
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Hike in small groups led by experienced local guides for a more personal and supported experience.
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Enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch by our professional trekking chef along the trail.
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Hike with a light daypack while we deliver your duffle bag directly to your hotel in Aguas Calientes for a more comfortable trek.
2-Day Inca Trail Hike, starting at $520 per person
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Small group tours (max 8 travelers) for a more personalized experience
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Daily departures subject to permit availability
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Short Inca Trail 2-Day Tour Overview
Discover the Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu, a scenic hike along original Inca pathways through cloud forests, mountain landscapes, and ancient archaeological sites. This guided 2-day adventure starts at KM 104 and follows a beautiful section of the Inca Trail before arriving at Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Perfect for travelers who want to experience the original Inca Trail without committing to the Classic 4-day trek, this shorter route combines history, nature, and a comfortable hiking experience with expert local guides, small groups, and a hotel stay in Aguas Calientes rather than camping.
Tour Details & Key Information
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Tour Name: Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu | Small Group Tour
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Duration: 2 days / 1 night
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Distance: Approximately 12 km (7.5 miles)
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Difficulty Level: Moderate – suitable for travelers with average fitness
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Maximum Altitude: 2,720 m (8,923 ft)
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Starting Point: Km 104 (official checkpoint)
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End Point: Machu Picchu
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Highlights: Wiñay Wayna ruins, cloud forest, and Sun Gate views
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Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
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Group Size: Max 8 travelers
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Availability: Subject to Short Inca Trail permit availability
How Difficult is the 2-Day Inca Trail Trek?
This 2-day Inca Trail trek is considered a moderate hike. The trail begins at KM 104 at about 2,100 m (6,890 ft) and gradually climbs to Wiñay Wayna at around 2,650 m (8,694 ft). Hikers gain about 550 meters in elevation during the first section.
The initial uphill section is the most challenging part of the trek. After reaching Wiñay Wayna, the trail becomes easier and more gradual as hikers continue toward the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu.
This route is suitable for travelers with average fitness, first-time hikers, and active families looking for a rewarding hiking experience in the Andes.
Distance & Hiking Time
The 2-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu covers about 12 km (7.5 miles). On the first day, hikers spend 6 to 6.5 hours on the trail at a comfortable tourist pace. They take several breaks to enjoy the scenery, rest, and explore archaeological sites.
The route starts at KM 104 and follows original Inca stone pathways through cloud forest landscapes before reaching the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where hikers enjoy their first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
Why Travelers Love This Route
Many travelers want to experience the original Inca Trail but prefer a shorter, less demanding hike than the Classic 4-day trek. Others have limited time in Peru and seek a route that still offers the iconic experience of walking into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
This scenic 2-day hike combines beautiful landscapes, authentic Inca sites, and the unique experience of arriving at Machu Picchu on foot. This is exclusive to Inca Trail hikers.
Best Time to Hike the Inca Trail
The 2-day Short Inca Trail trek is open from March 1 to January 31. The trail closes in February each year for maintenance.
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May to September (Dry Season): These months are the best time for hiking, with clear skies, dry weather, and great mountain views.
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Shoulder Season (April & October): During these months, you’ll find fewer crowds and good hiking conditions, though there may be some rain showers.
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November to April (Rainy Season): The rainy season makes the landscape greener and more vibrant, but rain is common, especially in the afternoons. If you bring good rain gear, you can still have a great experience.
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February: The trail is officially closed for maintenance.
Permits & Availability
Only 250 permits are issued daily for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, including guides and support staff. Permits often sell out quickly, particularly during the dry season. Check Real-Time Availability.
We highly recommend booking your trek 3 to 4 months in advance, especially if you plan to hike between May and September.
At Qoricancha Expeditions, our small-group tours require only two travelers to confirm a departure. Please check your travel dates with our sales team via WhatsApp at +51 981 345 935. If permits are available for your preferred departure date, we will secure them and confirm your trek promptly.
Why Travel with Qoricancha Expeditions?
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We are an officially licensed Inca Trail tour operator based in Cusco.
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We offer small-group tours so you can enjoy a more personal experience.
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Our experienced local trekking guides have extensive knowledge of the route.
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We provide comfortable hotel accommodations in Aguas Calientes.
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All permits, transportation, and logistics are fully organized for you.
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You will receive personalized support before and during your trek.
Our goal is to make your hike to Machu Picchu safe, comfortable, and memorable by offering professional local service and well-organized operations.
Ready to Hike to Machu Picchu?
Join us for one of Peru’s most beautiful and memorable hikes, led by local guides who handle all the details for you.
Permits are limited and can sell out fast, especially in peak season. Get in touch with us to see what’s available and lock in your travel dates.
Day 1: Short Inca Trail Hike to the Sun Gate
Morning Departure: Our trekking tour guide will collect you from your Cusco hotel at 4 a.m., It is a 2-hour drive to the train station in Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, we will take a train to Km 104, where your Inca Trail hike will begin. At Km 104, there is an official checkpoint where National Park rangers check your passport details. You must carry your original passport.
Hike to Wiñay Wayna: The hike begins at the archaeological site of Chachabamba. Then you will continue along the trail through incredible scenery and Inca ruins. Your destination for the day is Wiñay Wayna, another amazing Inca site in the mountains. There will be time for you to explore the ruins and learn about the history, and then you will get lunch.
Hike to Sun Gate (Inti Punku): After visiting Wiñay Wayna, you'll continue your journey along the trail until reaching the Sun Gate, also known as Inti Punku, the location where you will experience your first stunning view of Machu Picchu from above.
Descend to Machu Picchu: From the Sun Gate, you'll then descend into Machu Picchu itself. You'll experience and see the best views to Machu Picchu, the guide will give you a full introduction about the history and significance of this ancient Inca citadel.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes: After your enjoy the best views of Machu Picchu, you'll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, the town situated at the base of Machu Picchu where you'll check into your overnight accommodations. then we will have dinner in one of the nice restaurant in town.
- Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
- Highlights: After crossing the Urubamba River, we explore Chachabamba before ascending to the spectacular Wiñay Wayna ruins. This "Forever Young" site features dramatic agricultural terraces and urban sectors hidden in the cloud forest.
- The Magic Hour: We continue to Inti Punku (The Sun Gate) for your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu at sunset. A view exclusive to Inca Trail hikers.
- Evening: Descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for a celebratory dinner and a restful night at a 3-star boutique hotel.
- Accommodation: Tierra Viva Machu Picchu or a comparable 3-star hotel
- Entrance Tickets: All required tickets included
- Meals: Lunch and dinner provided
Day 2: Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco
The second day is the highlight of your trek, a visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Your day begins early with a 5:00 a.m. wake-up and breakfast at 5:30 a.m. Afterward, your guide will meet you at the hotel, and you’ll walk together to the bus station for the 30-minute ride to the citadel. Be sure to have your original passport and entry ticket ready at the entrance.
Your visit begins on Circuit 3, the route required for all trekkers arriving from the Inca Trail. If you wish to visit Circuit 2, famous for its classic panoramic views, you may add it for an additional $55 per person. In that case, you’ll complete Circuit 3 first and then re-enter with your Circuit 2 ticket. Please confirm this option with your travel advisor when booking.
Your guided tour lasts about 2 hours, taking you through key temples, terraces, and ceremonial areas. Built in the 15th century under the Inca emperor Pachacutec, Machu Picchu showcases the empire’s masterful stonework and deep connection to astronomy and nature.
If you purchased tickets for Huayna Picchu, you’ll enjoy a rewarding 2-hour round-trip hike with elevated views of the citadel. If not, you’ll conclude your guided visit and have a moment to take in the site before exiting.
Machu Picchu is divided into three circuits, each offering different viewpoints, no single route covers the entire site. This system protects the ruins, so be sure you know which circuit is included in your ticket.
In the afternoon, you’ll board the train for a scenic ride back through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, where a driver will meet you for your transfer to Cusco. Expect to arrive around 8:00 p.m.
- Accommodation: Book on your Own.
- Entrance Tickets: All required tickets included
- Meals: Only Breakfast at Hotel.