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.
Hike one of the most iconic sections of the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Visit impressive Inca sites along the route, including Wiñay Wayna and Chachabamba.
Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), just as the Incas did centuries ago.
Hike in small groups led by experienced local guides for a more personal and supported experience.
Enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch by our professional trekking chef along the trail.
Hike with a light daypack while we deliver your duffle bag directly to your hotel in Aguas Calientes for a more comfortable trek.
Small group tours (max 8 travelers) for a more personalized experience
Daily departures subject to permit availability
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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 Name: Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu | Small Group Tour
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Distance: Approximately 12 km (7.5 miles)
Difficulty Level: Moderate – suitable for travelers with average fitness
Maximum Altitude: 2,720 m (8,923 ft)
Starting Point: Km 104 (official checkpoint)
End Point: Machu Picchu
Highlights: Wiñay Wayna ruins, cloud forest, and Sun Gate views
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Group Size: Max 8 travelers
Availability: Subject to Short Inca Trail permit availability
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.
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.
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.
May to September (Dry Season): These months are the best time for hiking, with clear skies, dry weather, and great mountain views.
Shoulder Season (April & October): During these months, you’ll find fewer crowds and good hiking conditions, though there may be some rain showers.
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.
February: The trail is officially closed for maintenance.
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 2 Day Short Inca Trail 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.
We are an officially licensed Inca Trail tour operator based in Cusco.
We offer small-group tours so you can enjoy a more personal experience.
Our experienced local trekking guides have extensive knowledge of the route.
We provide comfortable hotel accommodations in Aguas Calientes.
All permits, transportation, and logistics are fully organized for you.
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.
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.
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.
Bringing the right equipment will ensure your 2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is comfortable and enjoyable. Since Andean weather changes quickly, dress in layers and pack only essentials.
You don’t have to carry all your luggage on the trail. Our extra porter service gives you a duffel bag for the things you’ll need in Aguas Calientes and for your visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
You will have three luggage options to make your trek easier:
During the hike, carry only a small backpack with essential items for the trail.
We recommend a 20–25 liter daypack with:
Always keep your passport, money, medications, and valuables with you.
We provide a duffel bag during the pre-trek briefing as part of our extra porter service.
Use the duffel bag to pack clothes and personal items needed for:
Our team will transport your duffel bag to Aguas Calientes and deliver it to your hotel.
Do not place your passport, money, medications, or valuable electronics in the duffel bag. Keep these items in your daypack at all times.
You do not need to bring your main suitcase or large luggage on the trek.
If you are returning to the same hotel in Cusco after your Machu Picchu trip, you can leave your extra luggage at your hotel. Most hotels in Cusco offer complimentary luggage storage for their guests.
Alternatively, you may leave your luggage with Qoricancha Expeditions. We offer secure storage for your belongings while you are away.
If you use our storage service, just hand your luggage to your guide at pick-up. We’ll keep it safe and return it to you when you get back from Machu Picchu, then drop you off at your hotel in Cusco with your luggage.
In summary: Carry essentials in your daypack, pack clothes for Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu in the duffel bag, and store your main luggage safely in Cusco.
Weather can change throughout the day, so dressing in layers is recommended.
We suggest packing:
Footwear
Important: Break in your hiking shoes before your trip. New shoes on the trail may cause blisters.
Sun & Weather Protection
The Andean sun is strong, even when it feels cool. We recommend packing:
Optional but Useful Items
These items are optional but can enhance your comfort:
Important Documents
Before leaving Cusco, ensure you have:
The weather on the Short Inca Trail can change fast. You might get sunshine, heat, wind, clouds, and rain all in one day.
That’s why we strongly suggest wearing layers and keeping your rain jacket or poncho easy to reach in your daypack.
Pack light and keep it simple. You do not need to carry all your luggage on the Short Inca Trail. Our extra porter service lets you leave your main luggage in Cusco while we transport your duffel bag to Aguas Calientes.
This allows you to focus on what matters most: enjoying the trail, the Andean scenery, and your arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Small Group Tour: Maximum 8 participants
US$520 per person
A minimum of 2 participants is required to operate the group tour.
For a personalized experience, you may book the 2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu as a private tour. This option offers a flexible itinerary, dedicated guide, and private transportation for your group.
Number of Travelers Price per Person
| 2–3 people |
US$700
|
| 4–5 people |
US$650
|
| 6 people |
US$600
|
| 7+ people |
US$550
|
When you book the 2-Day Inca Trail with Qoricancha Expeditions, we secure your official Inca Trail permits, subject to availability.
We also arrange your transportation, accommodation, meals, train tickets, and other details so you can have a safe, comfortable, and stress-free trip to Machu Picchu.
As Inca Trail permits are limited and may sell out quickly, we recommend booking early, particularly if you have specific travel dates.
Would you like to make your return trip even more special?
You can ask to upgrade to the Vistadome Observatory train for your return from Aguas Calientes, if available and for an extra cost.
Planning your 2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
If you have questions or wish to check permit availability for your preferred dates, our team is available to assist you throughout the booking process.
WhatsApp: +51 981 345 935
Email: info@qoricanchaexpeditions.com
Reserve your preferred hiking date and begin planning your Machu Picchu adventure with Qoricancha Expeditions.
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