Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days
Inca Trail

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days

Group Size
Up to 16
Max Altitude
2,780 m.a.s.l
Type Service
Group
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
2 Days / 1 Night

The 2-Day Short Inca Trail is the perfect alternative for travelers who wish to experience the magic of the Inca Trail with limited time. This fascinating adventure begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a transfer to Ollantaytambo and a train journey to Kilometer 104 (2,250 masl), the starting point of this extraordinary route. Along the way, you will first visit the Chachabamba archaeological complex (2,270 masl), a perfect introduction to Inca architecture. Afterwards, you will ascend to the majestic Wiñayhuayna (2,650 masl), considered one of the greatest jewels of the Inca Trail due to its impressive terraces and structures. Without a doubt, the most anticipated moment is the arrival at Inti Punku or the Sun Gate (2,780 masl), from where you will have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu (2,400 masl). To end the day, you will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes (2,050 masl), where you can rest at your hotel and prepare for the full exploration of Machu Picchu the following day.

Overview

Overview

  1. Day 01

    Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu Pueblo

    • •Starting Altitude: 2,100 m | Maximum Altitude: 2,720 m
    • •Distance: ~12 km (6-7 hours of hiking)

    Description:

    • •Early transfer from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to the Ollantaytambo train station.
    • •Train journey to Km 104, where the hike begins.
    • •Ascent to the beautiful Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, one of the most impressive on the Inca Trail.
    • •Final hike to Inti Punku (The Sun Gate), the point offering the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
    • •Bus descent to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
    • •Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
    • •Difficulty Level: Moderate
  2. Day 02

    Day 2: Machu Picchu – Guided Tour – Return to Cusco

    Description:

    • •Very early bus ride from the town up to the Machu Picchu entrance.
    • •Guided tour (approximately 2 hours) of the citadel, with time for photos and independent exploration.
    • •Option (with additional ticket) to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
    • •Return by bus to Aguas Calientes, then train to Ollantaytambo, and private vehicle or van transfer to Cusco.
    • •Difficulty Level: Easy
Itinerary

Itinerary

  • 1

    Start of the Short 2-Day Inca Trail Adventure

    The Short 2-Day Inca Trail trek begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco.

    First, our transport will take you to Ollantaytambo, where we will board the train to Kilometer 104 (2,250 m / 7,382 ft), the starting point of our hike.

    Once at Kilometer 104, we will begin our hike. The first site to visit is the Chachabamba archaeological complex (2,270 m / 7,448 ft), where you will learn more about Inca architecture and history. Then, following an ancient Inca path, we will ascend to the imposing Wiñayhuayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), one of the most impressive structures on the Inca Trail due to its agricultural terraces and panoramic views.

    Later, you will experience one of the most exciting moments of the 2-Day Inca Trail: reaching Inti Punku or the Sun Gate (2,780 m / 9,121 ft). From this point, you will appreciate for the first time the grandeur of Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft), with a privileged view over the Inca citadel.

    At the end of the hike, we will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes (2,050 m / 6,726 ft), where you will have dinner to replenish your energy and rest in a comfortable hotel for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu.

    Technical Details of the Day:

    • Starting Point (Km 104): 2,250 m / 7,382 ft
    • Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
    • Trekking Time: 6 to 7 hours approx.
    • Difficulty: Moderate
    • Climate: Humid
    • Meals Included: Box lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
    • Altitude Key Points:
    • Chachabamba: 2,270 m / 7,448 ft
    • Wiñayhuayna: 2,650 m / 8,694 ft
    • Inti Punku: 2,780 m / 9,121 ft
    • Machu Picchu: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft
    • Aguas Calientes: 2,050 m / 6,726 ft
  • 2

    The Triumphant Arrival at Machu Picchu

    After an early breakfast, we will make the most of our 2-Day Inca Trail by taking the first bus to the machu picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft). This schedule will allow us to appreciate and enjoy the Inca sanctuary in the beautiful morning light and with fewer visitors.

    Once at Machu Picchu, we will take a guided tour that will reveal the architectural, astronomical, and historical secrets of this world wonder. We will see the main enclosures, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the agricultural and urban sectors.

    After the guided tour, you will have free time to take photos and continue exploring on your own. If you wish, you can take an additional hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Please note that these hikes require a prior reservation due to high demand and limited capacity.

    To conclude the experience, we will meet again in Aguas Calientes. Here, you will have the option to enjoy lunch (not included) before boarding the return train to Ollantaytambo. Finally, our private transport will take you back to Cusco, concluding this unforgettable adventure that combines nature, history, and the majesty of Inca culture.

    Technical Details for Day 2:

    • Climate in Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu: Warm and humid, with mosquitoes present.
    • Meal Included: Breakfast at your hotel
    • Touring Time: 3 to 4 hours
    • Difficulty: Easy
    • Altitude Key Points:
    • Aguas Calientes Town: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
    • Machu Picchu Citadel: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
    • Huayna Picchu Mountain: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
    • Machu Picchu Mountain: 3,082 m / 10,112 ft
Included

Included

Tour Includes

  • ✓Transportation from Cusco to Ollanta to Cusco
  • ✓Professional guide service in English/Spanish (language available upon request)
  • ✓Guided tours of Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, and Choquesuysuy
  • ✓Guided tour of Machu Picchu on the second day.
  • ✓Meals (1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner)
  • ✓Train ticket to km 104 (tour starting point).
  • ✓Entrance fees for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
  • ✓First aid bag and oxygen tank
  • ✓Consettur tourist bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (2)
  • ✓Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco, subject to availability.
  • ✓1 night in Aguas Calientes – hotel with breakfast.
  • ✓Does Not Include
  • ✓Domestic or international airfare.
  • ✓Services not detailed in the program.
  • ✓Lunch in Aguas Calientes (Day 2).
  • ✓The third Desettur bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (you can walk there, which takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can purchase a ticket for US$12.00 per person).
  • ✓Additional nights due to inclement weather

What To Bring?

  • ×A backpack and a raincoat.
  • ×Sufficient clothing for both cold and hot weather (as the weather can be cold and humid, your wet clothes won’t be able to dry overnight).
  • ×Waterproof jacket and pants.
  • ×Hiking shoes.
  • ×Sandals and bikini (for bathing in the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
  • ×Sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, a bottle of water, and toilet paper.
  • ×Camera
  • ×Flashlight and extra batteries.
  • ×Snacks: chocolates, cereal bars, berries and dried fruit, etc. Original passport, original student ID (if admitted).
  • ×Extra cash in soles.

Contact Us:

  • !info@dreamy.tours
  • !reserve@dreamy.tours
FAQ

FAQ

Yes, children over 8 years old can do it without any problem. It’s a good entry point for family trekking. It is recommended that they are used to walking and are accompanied by an adult.

No, the Inca Trail permit can only be processed by an authorized tourism agency. The Peruvian government does not sell tickets directly to individual tourists. Therefore, you must book with an agency that includes the official permit for you. If someone offers you “just the permit,” be wary: it doesn’t exist.

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.

Price

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 info@dreamy.tours, 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

Maps

Maps

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