General Description

Tour Highlights

Short Inca Trail at a Glance

Day 1: Cusco — Inca Trail – Machu Picchu (13 km, 7 hrs)

• Pick up from your hotel
• Train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 (Chachabamba)
• Visit Wiñay Wayna
• Lunch in the afternoon
• Visit the Sun Gate
• Explore the site via Circuit 1
• Descend by bus to Aguas calientes

Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu — Return to Cusco

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Bus to Machupicchu entrance
• Guided tour in Machupicchu citadel
• Climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability/only if you requested it in advance).
• Train back to Ollantaytambo
• Private transportation to Cusco

Why book with tour?

• Experience the Legendary Inca Trail in Just 2 Days
• Enter Machu Picchu Like the Incas Did
• Comfort Meets Adventure
• Small Groups, Better Experience
• Expert Local Guides
• Travel with a 100% Local Operator

Full Itinerary: Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

🚐 Early Morning Hotel Pickup (04:00 AM)

Your 2 Day Inca Trail Hike from Cusco begins when our team picks you up directly from your hotel in Cusco and transfers you to the train station in Ollantaytambo.

🚆 Train Journey to Km 104 (Chachabamba)

From Ollantaytambo, we board the train, and after approximately one hour, we arrive at Km 104 (Chachabamba)—the official starting point of the famous Short Inca Trail hike. Here, after presenting your original passport at the checkpoint.

🥾 Hike the Original Inca Trail to Wiñay Wayna

Over approximately 4 hours, you’ll follow the same ancient path. Your destination is Wiñay Wayna. Its agricultural terraces, temples, and panoramic views make it one of the true highlights of this 2 day Inca Trail tour.

🍽 Picnic Lunch in the Andes

After exploring Wiñay Wayna, we pause to enjoy a delicious gourmet picnic lunch freshly prepared by our culinary team.

🌄 Arrival at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)

The final one-hour section leads to the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Arriving in the late afternoon—usually between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM—means fewer crowds, softer golden light, and one of the most magical panoramic views.

🏛 First Entrance to Machu Picchu

We descend for approximately one hour toward the upper viewpoints of Machu Picchu, where you will enter the sanctuary through Circuit 1, ideal for panoramic photos and your first intimate connection with the citadel.

🏨 Overnight in Aguas Calientes

Later, we take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night at a hotel.

 Day 1 Summary

• Walking Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
• Hiking Time: Approximately 7 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft (Sun Gate)
• Meals: Lunch, dinner
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Guided tour in Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

Included

• Pre-tour briefing conducted the day before
• Professional tour guide
• Train tickets to Km 104 and Ollantaytambo
• Bus ticket from Machupicchu to town (Day 1)
• Round-trip bus tickets for the sanctuary (Day 2)
• Permits for the Inca Trail
• Machupicchu entrance tickets
• One night in a hotel at Aguas Calientes
• Outdoor lunch on the first day
• Dinner at a restaurant on Day 1

Not Included

• Lunch on the second day
• Tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
• Personal travel insurance
• Trekking poles
• Tips
• Hotel in Cusco

Upgrades for an extra cost

• Option to upgrade to Panoramic train (only one way – return train).
• Huayna Picchu Mountain (2‑hour and half round‑trip hike).
• Machu Picchu Mountain (3‑hour round‑trip hike).
• Trekking poles

Suggested Packing List – Inca Trail 2 days

Unlike the Classic 4-day trek, this 2 day Inca Trail tour is designed for travelers who want comfort and efficiency. You only need to carry a light daypack during the hike. No heavy backpacks, no unnecessary weight—just the essentials for enjoying the trail to the fullest.

🎯 Essentials You Must Bring

These are the most important items for your 2 day trek to Machu Picchu and should never be forgotten.

• ✔ Original Physical Passport
• ✔ Rain Poncho or Waterproof Jacket
• ✔ Reusable Water Bottle or Hydration Pack
• ✔ Sun Protection
• ✔ Cash in Peruvian Soles
• ✔ Portable Charger (Power Bank)
• ✔ Personal Toiletries

 What to Wear on the Trail

You will pass through different microclimates—from cool early mornings to warm sunny afternoons—so breathable, quick-drying clothing is highly recommended.

• ✔ Hiking Shoes
• ✔ Trekking Socks
• ✔ Breathable T-Shirts
• ✔ Quick-Dry Trekking Pants
• ✔ Comfortable Underwear & Base Layers
• ✔ Light Fleece or Mid-Layer

What to Carry in Your Daypack

Your backpack for Machu Picchu must stay within the official size limit: 40 x 35 x 20 cm. Pack only what you need for Day 1 and leave non-essential items for your hotel bag.

• ✔ Windproof / Waterproof Outer Layer
• ✔ Insect Repellent
• ✔ Light Snacks
• ✔ Walking Poles
• ✔ Personal Medication
• ✔ Small Towel or Wipes
• ✔ Passport + Entry Tickets

👉🏻 Optional Rental

Trekking Poles Rental: Perfect for improving stability and reducing impact on knees during uphill and downhill sections.

 Pro Travel Tip

The best packing strategy for this trip is simple: Carry less, enjoy more.

The lighter your backpack, the more energy you’ll have to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and the magical arrival through the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

Practical Information: The Inca Trail 2 days to Machu Picchu

Planning your trip should feel exciting—not stressful. This guide covers all the essential details you need, so you can arrive prepared, confident, and ready to fully enjoy one of the most unforgettable trekking experiences in Peru.

 Permits & Passport

Access to the Inca Trail is strictly controlled by the Peruvian government, and spaces are limited every day. Your entrance permit is personal, non-transferable, and directly linked to your passport information.

• Passport Details Must Match Exactly
• Original Physical Passport Is Mandatory
• Advance Booking Is Highly Recommended
• Trail Closure in February

By default, the inca trail permits has included the Circuit 1 and Circuit 3 in Machu picchu citadel.

📌Altitude, Fitness & Health

You do not need to be an expert hiker, but a reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy the experience much more.

Elevation Details

• Aguas Calientes: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft
• Sun Gate (Inti Punku): 2,708 m / 8,885 ft

Acclimatization Tips

We strongly recommend spending at least 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the trek. This helps your body adjust to the altitude and reduces the chances of altitude sickness.

🌦️Weather on the Inca trail

The cloud forest section of the Inca Trail is beautiful—but unpredictable. You may experience sunshine, wind, fog, and rain all in the same day. Because of this, smart layering is the best strategy for your 2 day trek to Machu Picchu.

🎒Luggage Information

Your main suitcase should remain in Cusco—either at your hotel or in our secure storage. We recommend carrying only a small daypack for the hike and sending up to 5 kg (11 lb) of personal belongings to your hotel in Aguas Calientes by train.

✨Final Travel Advice

The best way to enjoy the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is simple: Arrive rested, travel light, and stay present.

1. Is altitude sickness a problem on the short inca trail?

The maximum altitude is approximately 2,708 m / 8,885 ft at the Sun Gate, which is lower than many other Cusco treks. However, we still recommend spending at least 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting to properly acclimatize.

2. Can you pick me up from the Sacred Valley?

Yes. Starting from Ollantaytambo or Urubamba is actually a great idea as it allows for a slightly later pickup (around 5:00 a.m.) and less time on the road.

3. Is the Short Inca Trail better than visiting Machu Picchu by train only?

If you want adventure, nature, and the authentic feeling of arriving at Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), then yes—the Short Inca Trail hike offers a much deeper and more memorable experience than the standard train-only visit.

4. Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Yes, but these are optional add-ons and require advance booking because permits are very limited. If you want to include Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we recommend reserving several weeks or months in advance.

5. Are trekking poles necessary?

They are highly recommended for the steep stone steps. They must have rubber tips. You can rent them from us if you don’t have your own.

6. How difficult is the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The 2 Day Inca Trail Hike from Cusco is considered a moderate trek. You will hike approximately 13 km (8 miles) on Day 1, including uphill sections, stone stairs, and uneven terrain. It is suitable for travelers with a reasonable fitness level, even if you are not an experienced hiker.

7. Are there restrooms on the path?

Yes, basic toilets are located at the start (Km 104) and near Wiñay Wayna. Carry some coins and your own toilet paper/sanitizer.

8. What about phone signals?

Service is very poor or non-existent on the trail. You will find Wi-Fi at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.