The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu of 2 Days is specifically made for people who are short on time but don’t want to miss out on an unforgettable and incredibly beautiful experience. The Short Inca Trail is a small part of and an easier alternative to the classic Inca trail of 4 days that is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful trekking trails in America, if not even worldwide.
The ancient Inca trails were built during the Inca Empire and therefore exhibit some of the most extraordinary construction techniques that seamlessly merge with the beauty of the landscape, run alongside stunning mountain cliffs, and connect a whole network of archeological ruins.
We designed the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu such that you are able to relish some of the most breathtaking gems, Wiñawayna amongst others, that this World Cultural Heritage has to offer; and that in only just two days. This is the perfect alternative if you don’t have the time to book the 4-Day version, but if you still want to visit the mystical place of Machu Picchu by walking in the footsteps of the ancient Incas.
Prepare yourself for something unforgettable!
 Duration: 2 Days |  Max. Altitude: 2,650 m. / 8,694 ft. |  Accommodation: Hotel |
 Difficulty: Moderate |  Season: March to January |  Covid-19 Biosafety Protocols |
Overview
Day 1: CUSCO – KM. 104 – WIÑAYHUAYNA – AGUAS CALIENTES
- Pickup at your Hotel
- Meals: 1 Lunchbox & 1 Dinner
- Approximate hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi ~6 hrs.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Climate: humid with mosquitoes
- Highest elevation: 2,780 m. / 9,121 ft.
- Sleepover in Aguas Calientes
DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU SANCTUARY – CUSCO
- Meals: 1 Breakfast
- Approximate hiking distance: Visiting Machu Picchu Sanctuary
- Difficulty: Easy
- Climate: humid with mosquitoes
- Highest elevation: 2,400 m. / 7,874 ft.
- Transportation back to Cusco
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – KM. 104 – WIÑAYHUAYNA – AGUAS CALIENTES
Early in the morning we will pick you up at your respective hotel and take you to the train station, where we will catch the train until KM 104 (2,250 m. / 7,382 ft.). There we will take a small break, provide you with a lunchbox that you can eat later during the hike, and then start the Inca Trail hike.
The first archeological site that we will visit is called Chachabamba (2,270 m. / 7,447.5 ft.) where our professional guide will explain to you the historical and cultural importance of the ruins while he is always at your disposal for answering all your questions.
Then we will continue our journey to the peak of the trek, where we will reach the archeological complex of Wiñayhuayna (2,650 m. / 8,694 ft.), which had a very important religious function during the Inca Empire, and its name when translated means “forever young”. You will have enough time to stroll around, take pictures, and soak up all the explanations that our guide will give you.
Finally, we will continue the hike through this enchanting landscape of subtropical mountain range, until we arrive at the Sun Gate also called Inti Punku (2,780 m. / 9120.7 ft.) where you will be able to relish an astounding view onto the archaeological park of Machu Picchu (2,400 m. / 7,874 ft.). We will take a moment to appreciate the view and then make our way down to the town of Aguas Calientes (2,050 m. / 6,725.7 ft.). Here we will have a delicious dinner to recharge our energies before we will spend the night in a hotel.
- Visit Chachabamba (2,270 m. / 7,447.5 ft.)
- Visit Wiñayhuayna (2,650 m. / 8,694 ft.)
- Visit Inti Punku (2,780 m. / 9120.7 ft.)
DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU SANCTUARY – CUSCO
Early in the morning, we will take the first bus to the Machu Picchu Citadel (2,400 m. / 7,874 ft.), where our professional guide with extensive cultural knowledge will guide you through the citadel and explain to you its historical and cultural importance.
Our Tour will provide you with enough time to enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage to the fullest, while we leave you enough free time hereafter, to consider the supplementary option to make an independent visit to Huayna Picchu‘s (2,693 m. / 8,835 ft.) Temple of the Moon.
To finish this unforgettable experience, the whole group will gather together in the village of Aguas Calientes, where we will have some time to cherish the common memories before taking the train back to the city of Cusco.
- Visit Machu Picchu Citadel (2400 m. / 7,874 ft.)
- Optional Visit Huayna Picchu‘s (2693 m. / 8,835 ft.) Temple of the Moon
- Optional Visit to Machu Picchu Mountain (3082 m. / 10,111 ft.)
Included
TOUR INCLUDES
- High-quality service
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English; other languages only if previously requested)
- Guided visit to Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna and Choquesuysuy (Day 1)
- Guided visit to Machu Picchu Sanctuary (Day 2)
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle
- Transportation
- Roundtrip: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- Train ticket to KM 104 (starting point of the Short Inca Trail hike)
- Roundtrip tourist bus Consettur: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco according to availability
- Accommodation
- 1 Night in 2-star Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Entrance Tickets
- Entrance Fee to the Inca Trail
- Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu Sanctuary
- Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunchbox, and 1 dinner
TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE
- National or international plane tickets
- Services that are not stated in the program
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 2
- Life insurance
- Additional nights due to bad weather
- Personal care items
WHAT TO BRING?
- A backpack.
- rain poncho.
- Sufficient clothing for cold weather and warm weather (if your clothes get wet, it could be hard to dry them overnight due to the wet climate, so take that into consideration).
- Waterproof jacket and pants.
- Trekking shoes.
- Sandals and swimming clothes in case you want to bathe in the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, alcohol gel, and toilet paper.
- Photographic camera
- Fully charged Flashlight.
- Snacks: e.g. chocolates, cereal bars, fruits of the forest and nuts.
- Water (take enough water to drink during the hike on Day 1. For Day 2 remember that plastic bottles are not allowed in Machu Picchu Sanctuary).
- Original passport, and original student card in case you have been admitted access with it.
- Extra money in soles.
CONTACT US:
More Information
What is the Short Inca Trail?
The Inca Trails are ancient pathways that comprise an ample road network that was built during the Tawantinsuyu or the Incan Empire. The network covered all of the Incan Empire’s territory which at its largest reached from what is nowadays the southern borders of Colombia, to western Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, and large portions of Chile. These ancient pathways connected important Inca sites and thus are some of the most outstanding trekking trails in the world.
The Short Inca Trail of 2 days is one of the shortest and easiest treks to Machu Picchu in the Inca Trail network. Unlike the classic Inca Trail which lasts four days, out of which you will be hiking for 3 days and visiting Machu Picchu on the 4th day, you will only do a small part of the trek. Instead, you will hike only one day and visit Machu Picchu on the second day.
This trek is ideal for people who are short on time or prefer a less strenuous hike, but still want to enter Machu Picchu through the famous Sungate or “Inti Punku”, which is after all an incomparable experience.
How difficult is the Inca Trail of 2 Days?
The difficulty of the Short Inca Trail is considered moderate to easy, but it also depends largely on your fitness level and acclimatization.
The first hours of the hike are ascending which can be moderately challenging especially as the altitude may add a strenuous factor. However, after the first climb, the trek gets easier. Nonetheless, hereafter the sections vary in their degree of difficulty.
In any case, it is advisable to acclimatize to the altitudes the days before the hike. We recommend acclimatizing for at least one day in the city of Cusco, eating healthy foods, drinking a lot of water or coca tea, and avoiding alcohol or smoking.
When is the best time to hike the Inca Trail of 2 Days?
In Cusco we have two seasons:
- The rainy season (from November to March).
- The dry season (from April to October).
The best time to do the Short Inca Trail is during the dry season, from April to November as there is a lower chance of rain and generally more sunlight.
During the rainy season, from November to March there is a higher chance of rain and the rain can be very strong. During the peak months of January and especially February extreme rainfalls trigger landslides and avalanches, causing roads to be blocked and trekking can become very dangerous, which is why the Inca Trail is closed in February.
How long is the Inca Trail of 2 Days?
The Inca Trail of 2 Days covers a total distance of approximately 13 km / 8 mi. The first day covers a distance of 12 km / 7.5 mi wherein the estimated hiking time is about 6 hours in a humid and rather hot climate, so beware to take some repellent as there are places with mosquitoes.
The second day consists of visiting Machu Picchu Sanctuary which can vary in time and hiking distance as you have the option to visit Huayna Picchu as well. Generally, we estimate 2 ½ hours for visiting only Machu Picchu and an approximate 6 km / 3.7 mi of the whole visit.
How high is the short Inca Trail?
The maximum elevation of the Inca Trail of 2 days reaches 2,780 m. / 9,120.7 ft. while you start at an altitude of 2,250 m. / 7,381.9 ft., which means that the total elevation gain that you climb up is +530 m. / 1,738.8 ft.
Here is an elevation map of the Short Inca Trail to illustrate the hike:
Can you hike the short Inca Trail without a guide?
No, since June 2002 the Peruvian Ministry of Culture prohibited trekking independently on the Inca Trail. Since then each trekker must be accompanied by a professional, qualified, and licensed guide that was authorized by the Ministry of Culture. There is a list of basic criteria that a travel agency must meet in order to be able to guide the Inca Trail.
This is why we prioritize high-quality service and work each year diligently to renew our authorization by complying with all the necessary official criteria.
Do you need a permit to hike the Inca Trail?
Yes, you need a permit to do the Inca Trail, but don’t worry, we will get you the permit so that you don’t have to worry about anything.
Each day there are 250 permits available for the Short Inca Trail. The short and classic Inca Trails are the most strictly controlled trekking trails in Peru, this is due to their popularity and the fact that they are already more than 500 years old. Thus, in order to protect this marvelous ancient road, the Peruvian government imposed strict regulations to control access to the trail and protect its condition and environment.
Luckily we are an authorized travel agency that each year renews the license to be able to offer you the best guides for the Inca Trail.
How far in advance to book the short Inca Trail?
The tickets for the Inca Trail of 2 Days are not that difficult to get, unlike the classic 4-Day version. We recommend making your reservations at least a couple of weeks in advance. For the months of May, June, and July we recommend booking your trek at least a month before.
How to prepare for the Short Inca Trail hike? Acclimate and altitude sickness
It is generally good to have a certain fitness level, but the Short Inca Trail is not as strenuous as the 4-Day version. If you are moderately fit and healthy you should be able to do it, however, you need to acclimatize to the altitudes!
We recommend acclimatizing for at least one day in the city of Cusco. For this purpose, we can offer you various city tours in Cusco out of which we especially recommend the easier ones such as the Cusco City Tour, Maras and Moray Tour, and the Sacred Valley Tour.
Furthermore, we recommend eating healthy, avoiding fatty foods, and drinking a lot of water or Coca-tea. Please avoid drinking alcohol or smoking, especially on the days before the hike.
Nonetheless, altitude sickness can happen even to the fittest, thus here are the most common symptoms so that you can recognize it: headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, shortened breath, and difficulty with coordination. As long as the symptoms are relatively mild, we recommend using Coca leaves as a way to treat the symptoms. You can chew them or drink them as tea.
In any case, acclimatize your body and take it easy!
What to pack for the Inca Trail of 2 Days?
- A backpack.
- rain poncho.
- Sufficient clothing for cold weather and warm weather (if your clothes get wet, it could be hard to dry them overnight due to the wet climate, so take that into consideration).
- Waterproof jacket and pants.
- Trekking shoes.
- Sandals and swimming clothes in case you want to bathe in the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, alcohol gel, and toilet paper.
- Photographic camera
- Fully charged Flashlight.
- Snacks: e.g. chocolates, cereal bars, fruits of the forest, and nuts.
- Water (take enough water to drink during the hike on Day 1. For Day 2 remember that plastic bottles are not allowed in Machu Picchu Sanctuary)
- Original passport, and original student card in case you have been admitted access with it.
- Extra money in soles.
Price
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIKE THE INCA TRAIL OF 2 DAYS?
We have price alternatives that accommodate all budgets, prices per person, expressed in US Dollars.
Make your quotes and reservations by email [email protected], you can also communicate with one of our sales executives at the telephones detailed below, we will be happy to assist you.
Phone – WhatsApp: +51 969 787 221
Phone – WhatsApp: +51 986 994 218
HOW TO BOOK THE TOUR?
To start the reservation process, please send us the following information:
- Name and surname:
- Passport number:
- Nationality:
- Date of Birth:
- Phone:
- Very important – We need the address and information about the hotel that you are staying at, in the city of Cusco, to be able to pick you up at the time when the tour starts.
To confirm reservations it is required to pay 50% in advance and the other 50% can be paid upon arrival at your destination.
PAYMENT METHODS
- IZIPAY
- PAYPAL
- WESTER UNION
- MONEYGRAM
- TRANSFER TO OUR BANK ACCOUNT PERU
GENERAL CONDITIONS
- All rates for our Peru Packages are expressed in US dollars (subject to currency exchange rates) and are priced per person
- The rates for Peruvians only include VAT
- All our rates are subject to availability and circumstances
- Children under 2 years and 11 months are considered INF (babies) and are not permitted on this tour
- Children from 3 to 10 years and 11 months are considered DCC (child) and thus eligible for special rates and obliged to share the room with their parents
- Children over 11 years old are considered adults
- Minors must travel with an identity document
- Rates do not apply to holidays, Easter, long weekends, national holidays, Christmas, or New Year
Map
Short Inca Trail map
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