Hike from Km 104 to Machu Picchu through Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and the Sun Gate, then spend the night in Aguas Calientes. This Short Inca Trail 2 Days tour pairs one full day on the trail with a guided visit to Machu Picchu the following morning.
You’ll walk approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) on Day 1, with uphill stone steps, cloud forest paths, and stops at Inca archaeological sites. After the hike, dinner and a 3-star hotel give you a place to rest before returning to the citadel. Qoricancha Expeditions offers small groups of up to eight travelers, with private departures also available.
This trip suits travelers who want to reach Machu Picchu on foot and sleep in a hotel after the hike. Allow for a full day of walking on uneven stone paths and steps, followed by a separate guided visit to the archaeological site the next morning.
The shorter schedule makes the route easier to fit into a Peru itinerary, but it still requires stamina. It covers part of the Inca Trail rather than the full Classic route.
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
The Short Inca Trail is a moderate hike with sustained uphill sections, uneven steps, and descents. The route begins at approximately 2,100 m (6,890 ft) and climbs toward Wiñay Wayna at around 2,650 m (8,694 ft). The initial ascent is one of the more demanding stretches.
Plan for about 6–7 hours on the trail on Day 1, including sightseeing and breaks. Comfortable walking shoes and preparation for several hours of stair climbing will make the day more manageable. A shorter itinerary still calls for realistic expectations about your fitness and walking pace.
Your Short Inca Trail tour includes one night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. The published itinerary lists Inti Punko Machu Picchu or a comparable hotel, with breakfast before your Day 2 visit.
For a hotel upgrade, ask about the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel or Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel options listed for this trip. Upgrades carry an additional cost and depend on availability.
The main hike covers approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) on Day 1. Allow around 6–7 hours on the trail, including breaks and visits to the archaeological sites. Day 2 includes walking during the guided Machu Picchu visit, followed by the train and road journey back to Cusco.
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 Short Inca Trail 2 Day trek 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: After visiting Chachabamba, begin the uphill walk through the cloud forest toward Wiñay Wayna. Your guide will explain the sites along the route, with breaks to rest and take in the landscape. Visit Wiñay Wayna’s terraces and stone buildings before stopping for lunch and continuing toward the Sun Gate.
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.
The standard package includes a guided visit on Circuit 3. If you would also like to visit Circuit 2, an additional ticket can be requested for USD 55 per person, subject to availability. Tell us when booking so we can check how the extra visit fits with your entrance and return train times.
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.
7 kg Porter Service: Hike Lighter. Enjoy your hike with just a small daypack. Our personal porter will carry up to 7 kg of your belongings, letting you hike lighter and focus on the experience.
At your hotel briefing at 6:00 PM the night before your hike, we will give you a duffle bag. Pack the clothes and personal items you need for your night in Aguas Calientes and the next day. Your porter will carry the duffle bag while you hike, so you only need to bring essentials like water, snacks, rain gear, and personal items.
For a dedicated luxury itinerary, view our Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 Days tour.
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.
The small-group tour costs USD 520 per person, with a maximum of eight travelers. A minimum of two participants is required to operate a shared departure. For a private Short Inca Trail tour, choose the rate that matches your party size.
| Service | Travelers | Published price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Small group | Departure minimum of 2; maximum of 8 | USD 520 |
| Private | 2–3 | USD 700 |
| Private | 4–5 | USD 650 |
| Private | 6 | USD 600 |
| Private | 7 or more | USD 550 |
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
|
| Optional service | Published additional price |
|---|---|
| Vistadome Observatory on the return journey | USD 85 per person |
| Hiram Bingham on the return journey | USD 520 per person |
| Huayna Picchu entrance | USD 75 per person |
| Additional Circuit 2 ticket | USD 55 per person — confirm current operation and scheduling |
| Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo or Sumaq hotel upgrade | Request a quote |
Start by sending your preferred hiking date and number of travelers so we can check permit availability. Tell us whether you would like to join a small group or book a private departure.
For the standard tour, a non-refundable deposit of USD 200 per person is required. You’ll need to provide your full name as shown on your passport, nationality, date of birth, and passport number for the reservation.
Your booking is confirmed when you receive written confirmation from Qoricancha Expeditions. The remaining balance is due one day before the tour begins. Review the payment charges and cancellation conditions before paying.
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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