Short Inca Trail; Best Short Hike to Machu Picchu
2 days - 1 night
Up to 8 people
Moderate – challenging
4215 m.s.n.m
Trek, adventure
With the Best Short Hike to Machu Picchu, hike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and arrive by-foot and delight in the pleasure of seeing the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu Twice!
Nestle into your rhythmic train journey, hugging the gushing Urubamba River whilst admiring the magical and exhilarating ambience of the stunning Urubamba Valley and the captivating white peaks piercing the azure sky.
The journey starts at the iconic KM104 and passes through architecturally inspiring foot bridges and archeological sites that evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue. Be awe-struck by the grandeur of the shimmering snow covered peaks that envelope you. The cascading waterfalls and pristine water streams meander their way through the valley, breathing life into everything in this secluded part of nature. Witness the lush tropical vegetation with its vibrant colors, delicate textures, and intoxicating fragrances and explore all the extraordinary ecological varieties on offer. Culminating your journey, traverse through the Sun Gate for the most panoramic spectacular view of the impressive city of Machu Picchu and the imposing mountain peaks that surround it.
The 2-day Inca Trail is a shorter and not as popular version of the bucket list dream of the 4-day Inca Trail. However, you can look forward to a magical experience full of history, discovery, unparalleled views and exploration.
***Its ideal for families with small children, travelers on a tight schedule, people not particularly keen on trekking for multiple days or those that prefer to sleep in a comfortable hotel bed rather than a tent.
***However, we still recommend that you be well prepared and healthy prior to starting the trek. This is a non-camping trip, and the hike is available for all ages with an adventurous spirit.
Day 1 Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Start in Cusco around 4:00 am and drive to Ollantaytambo to take our train to Km104. After crossing a picturesque foot bridge over the Urubamba River, our 7 hour hike to Machu Picchu begins.
Our first highlight is the archeological site of Chachabamba, an impressive site surrounded by lush green mountains and sits at an elevation of (2 132m/6 995ft). It was used as a religious site for the worship of water and a place of refuge before entering Machu Picchu.
After 3 or so hours of hiking, we come across a serene waterfall and adjacent to it, on a steep slope is the surprisingly well preserved site of Wiñay Wayna. It was named after an orchid that grows abundantly on the trail, a Quechua word meaning «forever young». The site is located at (3 600m/11 811 feet) in the cloud forest, with mist constantly moving in and out.
Later, we stop at the campsite of Wiñay Wayna to enjoy our box lunch before continuing on to the dreamy site of Sun Gate or “Inti Punku” in Quechua. This is the point where you will get your first comprehensive view of the citadel. As you walk through, the great citadel of Machu Picchu stretches before you in all its glory surrounded by a vast, breathtaking and green landscape. It truly does feel like you´ve been transported to another time.
To end the day, we take a shuttle bus to the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) to spend the night in a middle tier hotel. Together, we head out into the cobbled streets for a delectable dinner before calling it a night.
- Meals: Lunch and dinner
- Hotel – Aguas Calientes
- Difficulty – moderate/challenging
Day 2 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
The last day is completely set aside for your enjoyment of the citadel. The day starts at the crack of dawn, when we heard out to catch the first bus to Machu Picchu. On arrival, we are welcomed by the sun rise over citadel, illuminating its intricate stonework and majestic peaks of the surrounding Andes Mountains.
Then, enjoy a 2 hour guided tour of the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. Explore the ancient temples and plazas and learn more about the history and culture of the Incas.
Take more time by yourself to see as much as possible. If you have booked an additional hike of the mountains like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, than your extra hike is not guided and can be enjoyed at your leisure.
Once we´ve had our fill of the archeological site we go back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. On arrival, our private transport awaits to take us back to Cusco, scheduled to arrive around 7:00pm.
What is included in the Short Inca Trail?
- Pre-trek briefing
- Meals
- Medical kit & oxygen bottle
- Private transportation from your hotel to the train station
- Permits for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and entrance to Machu Picchu.
- 3 Bus tickets: from Machu Pichu down to Aguas Calientes, the next morning from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu, and the afternoon return down to Aguas Calientes
- Licensed guide experienced in trekking and fluent in English
- Private guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo to KM104 – Ollantaytambo with private van connection to Cusco
- Admission tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Archaeological site.
- 3* One night accommodation in Aguas Calientes (hot shower, bathroom, private room and breakfast included)
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
- Taxes
What is not included in the Short Inca Trail?
- Hotel before/after the trek
- 1st breakfast and last lunch after Machu Picchu
- Hiking poles
- Medical and travel insurance
- Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu
- Flights
- Additional costs or delays beyond our control
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
- First breakfast (Usually served at your hotel) and last lunch at Aguas Calientes
- OPTIONAL UPGRADES: Hotel
- VISTADOME Trains – $67
- Tips for your staff (Sam Travel Peru staff receive a fair payment immediately after they end their trip, tips are optional but greatly appreciated)
Price
GROUP SERVICE PRICE
- $650 USD per person
***** Single supplement USD $40 for 3*** (other 3* upgrades $60 USD) Hotel, US$110 for 4**** hotel like el Mapi or $75 USD for 4**** hotel like Tierra Viva superior room
PRIVATE SERVICE PRICE
- Price for 6-8 trekkers: 650 USD per person
- Price for 3-5 trekkers: 690 USD per person
- Price for 2 trekkers: 750 USD per person
Optional Extras & Upgrades
We offer you the opportunity to personalize your trek and make your experience more comfortable through our Optional Extras and Upgrades. All options are available during the reservation process; please ask your sales consultant for more information.
Equipment Available for Rent
- Walking stick. Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
Service Upgrades
- Aguas Calientes Hotel Upgrade
- If you’d like more flexibility in your return travel to Cusco, consider upgrading to the Vistadome train (Executive Class). This upgrade must be requested at time of booking.
| Why Private? | Why small group service? |
| Exclusivity: Private tours offer a more exclusive experience, since you will be accompanied by a guide exclusively dedicated to your group. Flexibility: You will have more flexibility regarding the start dates and duration of the trek. You can customize the itinerary according to your interests and needs. Personalized Pace: You can walk at your own pace and stop whenever you want to enjoy the views or rest. Personalized Services: Private tours often offer more personalized services, such as private chefs, exclusive porters, and high-quality meals. | Shared Cost: Small group tours are usually cheaper than private tours, as costs are shared between participants. Social Experience: It is a great way to meet other people with similar interests. You can share the experience with other travelers. Fixed Departure Date: Small group tours have scheduled departure dates, so you must adapt to those available dates. Specialized Guides: Although you will not have an exclusive guide, small group guides are experts on the route and will provide valuable information. |
HOW TO BOOK THE SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU TREK?
FIRST, to book your 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our home page or click here – BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase a Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu permit without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.O.B. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the 1 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You can make your deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbol on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbol on our booking page.
Packing List for the Short Inca Trail 2 days tour
During the Short Inca Trail, remember there will be no porters to help you carry your belongings, so you should try and pack as light as possible. A light backpack is the key to feeling great and enjoy this amazing hike. You also have to carry your own box lunch.
We recommend you bring a good quality daypack that is light and comfortable. It is important to note that due to local regulations, your backpack should not exceed 25L. All larger packs can not be taken into Machu Picchu; you must store them outside the gates for a fee.
If you require a personal porter, this can be requested when booking for an extra charge. However, it is not necessary because it is possible to send any extra luggage* straight to Aguas Calientes by train.
*extra luggage can only be carry on size – large backpacks or suitcases are not allowed on the train
What do you need to take for the Short Inca Trail 2 days?
- Original passport (a copy will not be accepted), passports must be valid for 6 months beyond the date the traveler will enter Peru (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both).
- Valid Student Card (if you booked as a student), the original student card must be issued by the university up to the age of 25, containing the following: university information, personal information of the student, photo of the student, and a valid date no greater than December 31 of the current year.
- Hiking boots for the Short Inca trail, you’ll need to ensure comfortable shoes/flip-flops or Sturdy Hiking boots.
- A good quality daypack, lightweight and comfortable, with enough room to carry water, snacks, and a few other essentials (if not waterproof bring waterproof backpack cover or a poncho that will cover your backpack)
- Water storage for at least 2 liters; either a camel bag or water bottle(s); 1-liter water bottles work very well, 2 of them to have the 2 liters recommended. Plastic disposable bottles are prohibited in Machu Picchu; make sure you have reusable containers.
- 2 t-shirts (wicking t-shirts work best) and one pair of hiking pants/trousers
- A change of clothes for walking around Machu Picchu
- Toiletries, sunscreen, lip balm, and bug spray
- Rain gear and warm layers
Others for the Short Inca Trail
- Sun protection (Hat, bandana, and sunglasses)
- Long-sleeved shirts to prevent sunburn
- Hand sanitizer, Toilet paper
- Plenty of socks
- Toothbrush and paste
- Personal medication
- Band-aids, moleskin
- Camera, extra batteries for Machu Picchu
- Additional snacks, power bars, chocolates, dry fruits
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips during the Short Inca Trail
- Swimsuit for hot springs in Machu Picchu Pueblo (optional)
FAQs
The Short Inca Trail generally lasts 2 days and 1 night. It begins at kilometer 104 of the railway and ends at Machu Picchu.
The Short Inca Trail covers approximately 11 kilometers of walking on the first day and 4 kilometers on the second day.
Yes, a permit is required to do the Short Inca Trail. You must obtain it in advance, as the number of daily permits is limited.
The best time to do the Short Inca Trail is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. The months of June and July are especially popular.
Yes, the second day of the Short Inca Trail includes a visit to Machu Picchu. Hikers usually arrive at the citadel early in the morning to enjoy the views before the crowds.
You should bring appropriate hiking clothing and footwear, a backpack, water, sunscreen, insect repellent, a waterproof layer, and other hiking essentials. Check with your tour operator for a complete list of what you should bring.
Hikers usually spend the night in the town of Aguas Calientes, which is near Machu Picchu. There you will find a variety of accommodation options.
No, the permit to climb Huayna Picchu is not included in the Short Inca Trail. You must purchase an additional permit if you wish to do so.
The starting point of the Short Inca Trail is kilometer 104 of the railway, which is accessible by train from Ollantaytambo.
No, the Short Inca Trail requires hikers to be accompanied by an authorized guide. Tour operators usually organize this service as part of the package.
Day Highlights Short Inca Trail 2 Days
Chachabamba
Ancient network of stone channels and ceremonial center of worship and worship of the deities of nature
Included Experience
Wiñay Wayna
Wiñay Wayna, ancient Inca citadel where we can appreciate the agricultural terraces, temples and Inca buildings.
Inti punku
Archaeological site where you can enjoy the beauty of the Andes, and a panoramic view of the lost citadel of the Incas Machu Picchu
Included Experience
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, wonder of the world
It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! It’s time to explore the wonderful lost citadel of the Incas
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