Live the short Inca Trail experience and hike the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This iconic route follows ancient Inca pathways through stunning Andean landscapes, sacred Inca ruins, and cloud forests, offering an unforgettable hike to Machu Picchu in just two days. The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (2 days) begins with a scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Chachabamba, the official trailhead.…
Live the short Inca Trail experience and hike the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
This iconic route follows ancient Inca pathways through stunning Andean landscapes, sacred Inca ruins, and cloud forests, offering an unforgettable hike to Machu Picchu in just two days.
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (2 days) begins with a scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Chachabamba, the official trailhead. From here, you’ll start a rewarding Inca Trail hike of approximately 16 km, passing impressive archaeological sites before reaching the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) on Day 1, where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu late in the afternoon, with fewer visitors around.
After an overnight camping experience, you’ll return on Day 2 to fully visit Machu Picchu on a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Depending on availability, you may also choose to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, using your official Machu Picchu tickets for an even deeper adventure.
Led by expert local guides, this Inca Trail tour blends history, culture, and nature. With over 12 years of experience, Southern Peru Explorers is a certified local operator based in Cusco, specializing in authentic trekking experiences that connect you with the spirit of the Andes. This trek is the perfect alternative to the classic Inca Trail, ideal for travelers seeking a shorter yet meaningful trek to Machu Picchu.
The 2-day short Inca Trail is perfect if you are short on time but still want to see the Inca Trail, enjoy a first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, and complete a meaningful tour to Machu Picchu.…
The 2-day short Inca Trail is perfect if you are short on time but still want to see the Inca Trail, enjoy a first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, and complete a meaningful tour to Machu Picchu. It’s a great alternative to the 1-day short Inca Trail or longer routes like the Inca Jungle, offering a balanced adventure that combines trekking, culture, and comfort.
Daily trail breakdown, key milestones, altitudes, and campsites.
In the early morning hours, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco in our private transport and leave to Ollantaytambo. Here we will take the train towards Km 104, the starting point of the hike.
Once we arrive at Km 104, we will meet our guide and will start what is considered as one of the most exciting parts of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This hike will be done following an authentic path, which includes visiting important historical sites of Inca such as Chachabamba and the remarkable Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, where you will learn more about Inca history and architecture before stopping for lunch.
The hike continues leading us to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you will catch a glimpse of Machu Picchu. The view from here is simply amazing and we will try to catch your first view of Machu Picchu when the site is less crowded. Seeing the changing light on Machu Picchu and the opportunity to have an amazing sunset at Machu Picchu will make this moment memorable.
Once we enter the site area, we will go by bus to Puente Ruinas, where our hike for today ends near Machu Picchu. Today you will sleep in tents surrounded by lush jungle vegetation. Tomorrow you will visit Machu Picchu in full detail, with the option of hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (depending on availability and entrance ticket to Machu Picchu).
We’ll wake up very early, about 4:30 am, to have breakfast prior starting our walk back from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. This way, we will be able to reach Machu Picchu and enter it with your official entrance ticket. This will conclude your unique Short Inca Trail experience.
Within the Machu Picchu archaeological citadel, an experienced guide will show you around, visiting the most important sectors of Machu Picchu in a comprehensive guided tour. During the guided tour, which takes about 2.5 hours, you will discover the history, architecture, and sacredness of the Machu Picchu Citadel. In the process of this tour of Machu Picchu, you will have the opportunity to admire some of the beautiful views of the site.
Then, you will be free to explore other sectors of Machu Picchu or photograph it and – if pre-booked – climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain, the majestic mountain overlooking Machu Picchu. This hike requires permits, so we will help you get them in advance as permits are limited.
Later, we’ll descend by bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) and have lunch at one of the many restaurants there. Then, we’ll return by train to Ollantaytambo and take you by private transport back to Cusco, arriving directly to your hotel.
It’s the perfect conclusion for an amazing journey like the Inca Trail 2 Days, which is ideal for those in a hurry, who still want to hike the Short Inca Trail, discover Machu Picchu, and feel the magic of Inca Trail trekking, without the 4-day Inca Trail trek.
Complete transparency for all equipment, meals, transport, and admissions.
An orientation and briefing session is provided the day prior to departure, including a review of the itinerary, packing instructions, weather conditions, and safety procedures. Orientations are normally done at the Southern Peru Explorers office in Cusco, or alternatively at your hotel.
Our expert local guides are enthusiastic about the history, culture, and traditions of the Andes. Multilingual (including English) guides provide professional leadership, supervision, cultural interpretation, and personal service throughout your Short Inca Trail journey.
As an Inca Trail Licensed Operator, Southern Peru Explorers is able to purchase the permits needed for the Original Inca Trail trek. Your permit is purchased in your name, for a specific date as required by the Peruvian government. Once acquired, your permit is non-transferrable.
The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is included in your trip package. During Day 1 you will do the upper circuit (Circuit 01) in Machu Picchu, which provides the postcard-like views of Machu Picchu.
Have a wonderful lunch in the midst of the beautiful mountain views in the amazing Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, which is an amazing highlight of the Short Inca Trail.
Camping gear used by Southern Peru Explorers is of a top-notch quality. We provide spacious Eureka Timberline 4-person tents used by only two people. We also provide dining tent with table and chairs where you can comfortably relax after hiking and enjoy your meals.
You will receive a private porter that will carry your duffel bag along the trek for free. Please keep in mind that you won’t be able to use your duffel bag until you reach the campsite at Puente Ruinas in the evening.
Tasty and nutritive meals cooked by our professional trekking chefs are consistently praised by previous participants. The company is happy to take into account any food preferences and restrictions; just notify about it when filling out the booking form and remind your guide at the briefing. Meals are typically served family style. They usually include:
During the entire trek from the first lunch till the last breakfast we provide all necessary drinking water which is boiled, filtered, and cooled. You need to bring reusable bottles or CamelBak hydration pack to fill in with water; it is recommended to have 3 liters of water capacity. Water refills are offered at every meal.
Included train tickets will take you from Ollantaytambo to KM 104, the official start of the Short Inca Trail, to begin your trekking experience in the beautiful surroundings of the cloud forests, mountains, and interesting Inca sites on the way to Machu Picchu.
The second day of your tour includes the return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Take pleasure from enjoying scenic views of the Sacred Valley along the way and then use the private transportation of Southern Peru Explorers to reach Cusco.
The tourist shuttle bus tickets are included for traveling between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes. After the guided tour of Machu Picchu, you will take a comfortable 20-minute ride back to town. Shuttle buses for going up and down are included for Day 2.
All ground transportation is included for your comfort. Southern Peru Explorers will transport you from hotel to Ollantaytambo via train on the first day and will provide you with transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco after the last day of your tour.
Luggage storage for tourists is offered free of charge at the Southern Peru Explorers' office in Cusco while you are trekking. You can leave unnecessary baggage at our office, so you could go light on the trekking route.
Your health is our priority. The guides are experienced in the field of first aid and have a full medical kit with them, including emergency oxygen. They are ready to react professionally to any possible situation on the way.
Recommended gear and apparel checklist from our mountain guides.
This tour is a perfect blend of a technical trek and a cultural visit. While hiking from Km 104, you will be exposed to intense mountain sun and the humidity of the high jungle cloud forest. Camping at Puente Ruinas places you in a warmer climate than Cusco, but with high humidity.
Note from Southern Peru Explorers: Remember that Machu Picchu Archaeological Park regulations prohibit single-use plastics. We recommend bringing metal bottles or reusable "camelbaks."
4 photos from this tour.
In the early morning hours, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco in our private transport and leave to Ollantaytambo.
Then, we’ll return by train to Ollantaytambo and take you by private transport back to Cusco, arriving directly to your hotel.
An orientation and briefing session is provided the day prior to departure, including a review of the itinerary, packing instructions, weather conditions, and safety procedures.
Today you will sleep in tents surrounded by lush jungle vegetation.
Food will be healthy, nutrition-rich and well-balanced. They help to keep up good energy level during the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. If any special requirements are known in advance, we try to fit them. There will be carbohydrates, proteins, fruits and vegetables that suit perfectly for the 2 days hike to Machu Picchu.
The best months are April through October, since the climate is more stable and conducive to a trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It is the busiest season, and hence it requires more planning in advance. During this season, you will get great visibility, dry trails, and unforgettable experiences, such as viewing Machu Picchu from above.
Booking information for this tour.
We are glad that you have chosen our company to experience the wonderful adventure to Machu Picchu! Our company is happy to help you plan a unique vacation in Peru, taking care of all the necessary details and making sure that your trip will be memorable!
Reserving the tour is quite fast and simple and 100% secure. In order to make your reservation, please provide us with the following information. It should match the data from your passport as this information will be needed by the Peruvian authorities in order to provide you with entrance tickets, train reservations, and transportation service.
To organize the logistics, we would like to get some additional information about your accommodation in Cusco in order to arrange pickup points. Please provide the hotel you will stay at during your vacation in Cusco before and after the trek.
Your comfort and safety are very important for us! If you have some restrictions with your diet (vegetarian/vegan, etc.), please inform us about them in advance.
Our payment method is safe, encrypted, and user-friendly. To finalize your reservation, click the following secure payment link and complete the form with your credit/debit card information:
[PAYMENT LINK]
As soon as your payment is successful, we will start organizing all necessary services for your tour including Machu Picchu entrance tickets, train tickets, bus transport and all other services that come in your chosen tour package.
Notice: Tickets to Machu Picchu and train schedules are limited and depend on availability. For this reason, we highly recommend making your payment as soon as possible in order to make sure that you have everything you need.
After the completion of your booking process, we will send you the confirmation email with all necessary information related to your booking, schedules and travel plans. Should you have any questions or require assistance at any point, our staff is always ready to help you.
Answers to the most common questions regarding trail preparation and logistics.
Inca Trail is a network of stone pathways created by the first Incas as their route from Cusco to Machu Picchu. This historic trail features stunning landscapes, significant Incan archaeological sites and rich cultural value. Walking through Inca Trail is a unique way of getting insight into Incan civilization and nature as well. Many people consider it the best way to visit Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Yes. The Inca Trail permits and entrance to Machu Picchu are tightly controlled by the government of Peru. Only certain numbers of visitors are allowed into Machu Picchu each day. We advise booking ahead at least one month in advance during the high season in order to ensure your trail permits and entry to Machu Picchu.
The best months are April through October, since the climate is more stable and conducive to a trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It is the busiest season, and hence it requires more planning in advance. During this season, you will get great visibility, dry trails, and unforgettable experiences, such as viewing Machu Picchu from above.
The trail is considered moderately challenging. The 2-day hike option is perfect if you want to hike the Short Inca Trail without committing to the 4-day Inca Trail. While not technical, it does involve stairs and elevation changes, so basic fitness is recommended for a comfortable Inca Trail experience.
Yes. The trail is well organized and safe when done with a permitted tour operator. All trail permits and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu will be taken care of in an official manner. Trained guides, routes and safety measures are in place for the entire tour of the Inca Trail.
Yes. There are a number of people with no trekking experience who complete the 2 days' trek to Machu Picchu. If you do not have much time or you have not gone hiking before, then the 2 day Inca Trail trek is an excellent choice. Regular exercise before the trip will be very helpful.
Food will be healthy, nutrition-rich and well-balanced. They help to keep up good energy level during the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. If any special requirements are known in advance, we try to fit them. There will be carbohydrates, proteins, fruits and vegetables that suit perfectly for the 2 days hike to Machu Picchu.
Yes. During all tours there will be a visit to Machu Picchu – the last destination of the trek. After the tour you will be able to hike up the Huayna Picchu mountain (in advance).
Yes. We highly recommend at least one hour walk every day, stair climbing and cardio exercises. Being at high altitudes prior to your trip to Machu Picchu will help you a lot.
This is possible only in cases where permits have not been issued. Once the Inca Trail permit has been secured, no refunds are allowed. There may be availability restrictions, and sometimes the Inca Trail closes for maintenance works in February.
There are no rigid restrictions regarding age; however, the trek is not advised for children below the age of 7. Travellers over 60 years old are expected to seek medical advice and be in good health. The shorter Inca Trail trek is more popular among families and senior tourists.
We can arrange private treks for those tourists who prefer a more personalized approach. You will be able to set your own pace and enjoy quiet moments of the journey on the Inca Trail.
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