Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days

The Short Inca Trail is a shorter version of the traditional Inca Trail, perfect for those with limited time or who prefer a lighter hike. Instead of 4 days, it lasts only 2 days. It starts at kilometer 104, follows part of the original trail built by the Incas, and ends at Machu Picchu. It’s ideal for enjoying the nature, the history, and arriving at the citadel without a very long trek.

This trek lasts exactly 2 days and 1 night. On the first day, you hike about 3 to 4 hours from the starting point (Km 104) to the campsite near Wiñay Wayna. On the second day, you get up early, hike to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), enter Machu Picchu, and take a guided tour. It’s a comfortable pace, without rushing, and perfect for families or people who don’t hike often.

This tour includes everything you need: transportation from your hotel in Cusco, a professional bilingual guide, the official entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast), camping equipment (tents, sleeping pads), a kitchen crew, and assistants. You also have access to bathrooms along the trail and constant help from the team if you need to rest or ride a mule (for an extra cost).

The Inca Trail Short is the English name for the “camino inca corto.” It is exactly the same route: a 2-day hike on the ancient Inca trail, with visits to archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna, and it ends with entering Machu Picchu through the Inti Punku. Many foreign travelers search for it by this name, and it’s an excellent option to experience the magic of the Inca Trail without hiking for 4 days.

Yes, many people do it without being hiking experts. The route is moderate: there are uphill and downhill sections, but you can go slowly. The altitude (up to 2,700 meters / 8,858 feet) can affect you a bit, but since it only lasts 2 days, your body doesn’t suffer as much. The most important thing is to acclimatize in Cusco for 1 or 2 days before the trek and have a positive attitude.

A 2-day Machu Picchu trek is a two-day hike that takes you directly to the Machu Picchu citadel via the Inca Trail. It’s not the classic 4-day trek, but a shorter, more accessible version. It includes a night of camping, meals, a guide, and the entrance to Machu Picchu. It’s ideal if you have limited time but don’t want to miss the experience of arriving on foot.

The Inca Trail permit is handled by your travel agency, because individuals cannot purchase it directly. There are only 200 daily spots for tourists (plus guides and assistants), and they sell out months in advance, especially during the high season (May to September). Therefore, you must book your tour well in advance. We manage your official permit with the Ministry of Culture.

The best time for the Inca Trail is from May to October. It’s the dry season, with sunny days and clear views. This is when the most tourists go, so you must book 4 to 6 months in advance. From November to April there is more rain, but fewer people and greener landscapes. The Short Inca Trail is open all year, except in February when it closes for maintenance.

The essentials are: comfortable clothing in layers (t-shirt, fleece, waterproof jacket), trekking shoes, a small backpack, a hat, sunscreen, water (1.5–2 liters), snacks, a flashlight, toilet paper, a personal first-aid kit, and your documents. We also recommend trekking poles, a sleeping bag (some agencies rent them), and a trash bag. Everything else (tent, food, guide) is included in the tour.

Wiñay Wayna Machu Picchu is a stunning Inca archaeological complex located very close to the Short Inca Trail. It has perfectly constructed terraces, water channels, and ceremonial buildings. Many consider it a “miniature version” of Machu Picchu. We visit it on the afternoon of the first day, before camping. It’s a magical place, full of energy and with beautiful views.

Inti Punku, which means “Sun Gate,” is the highest point on the Short Inca Trail. From there, you see Machu Picchu in all its splendor for the first time, surrounded by mountains and clouds. It is one of the most exciting moments of the trip. The Incas used it as a viewpoint and control point for entering the citadel. Arriving here at sunrise is an unforgettable experience.

Yes, it is very safe if you go with a professional agency. Our guides are trained in first aid, we carry emergency oxygen, and we know the trail well. There are bathrooms at the campsite and official checkpoints. Furthermore, if you feel unwell, you can ride a mule (for an extra cost). The most important thing is to go slowly and listen to your body.

Yes, there are 2-day tours from Cusco to Machu Picchu that do not include hiking. On those, you take the train directly from Ollantaytambo or Poroy, spend the night in Aguas Calientes, and the next day you visit Machu Picchu. But if you want to experience the adventure of hiking the Inca trail, the Short Inca Trail is the best 2-day option with trekking.

During the trek, you eat meals prepared by our cooks. Lunch is a buffet with options like soup, rice, pasta, meat, vegetables, and fruit. Dinner and breakfast are also complete and nutritious. All food is fresh and cooked at the campsite. If you are vegetarian, vegan, or have allergies, let us know in advance and we will prepare it without any problem.

Yes, there are bathrooms at the campsite and at some points along the trail, like at Wiñay Wayna. They are basic public bathrooms, but clean. There are no showers, but we provide wet towels. It is recommended to bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as sometimes there isn’t any available.