Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days with Hotel
Our 2 day Short Inca Trail is the shortest possible hike to Machu Picchu that lets you enter the citadel on foot through the historic Sun Gate, no crowded train only entry required.
The full route covers 6 to 8 hours of easy to moderate hiking per day, with built in rest stops, snack breaks and photo opportunities at iconic Inca ruins along the path including Wiñay Wayna.
Unlike standard 1 day Inca trail itineraries that rush you through the route, our 2 day timeline gives you plenty of time to slow down, take in the lush subtropical Andean scenery and learn the full history of the path from your local guide.
Your journey begins with a scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley to the starting point of the trek at Km 104. From there, follow ancient stone paths through lush cloud forest and explore remarkable Inca sites such as Wiñay Wayna. The highlight of the day is reaching the famous Sun Gate, where you will enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu as the ancient Incas once did.
You will visit Machu Picchu twice: first in the afternoon when the site is quieter, and again the next morning for a guided tour of the full circuit. Travel in a small group for a more personal and relaxed experience.
Finish your adventure with a comfortable return to Cusco aboard the panoramic Vistadome Train.
US$ 650 US$ 580 / person
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Short Inca Trail 2 Days / 1 Night
Experience a magical of Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in an adventure of two days. It’s perfect for those who want a quicker yet beautiful trip. Walk stunning paths, explore ruins like Wiñaywayna. Get to Machu Picchu going through Sun Gate and enjoy the amazing lost city.
Why Choose the Short Inca Trail?
The Short Inca Trail is often considered the best option for travelers who want more than a standard visit to Machu Picchu but do not have the time required for the Classic Inca Trail. It combines hiking, archaeological sites, and one of the most memorable entrances to the citadel, all within two days.
Because access to the Inca Trail is regulated by the Peruvian government, permits are limited and can sell out weeks or even months in advance. We recommend booking as early as possible to secure availability for both the trail and Machu Picchu.
- Fully government authorized Short Inca Trail permits included for every guest.
- No mandatory camping enjoy a private clean hotel stay in Aguas Calientes on night one.
- 5 star rated local English speaking guide dedicated to your group the entire trek.
- Private 2 day Inca trail upgrade available for couples families or small friend groups. (Optional)
- Round trip Vistadome panoramic train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes included.
- All entrance fees to Machu Picchu add on permits and mountain access covered.
- No hidden fees no last minute price surges for peak season departures.
Tour Highlights
- Hike a section of the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Enter Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate.
- Visit the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna.
- Experience a scenic train journey through the Sacred Valley.
- Visit Machu Picchu twice during the itinerary.
- Travel in a small group for a more personalized experience.
- Return to Cusco aboard the panoramic Vistadome Train.
This is the shortest possible hike to Machu Picchu that lets you walk the original Inca path all the way to the citadel. You can upgrade any spot on this itinerary to a fully private 2 day Inca trail experience if you prefer to travel only with your own friends, family or partner.
Machu picchu short inca trail
Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Machu Picchu
The day begins by getting to Km 104, Ollantaytambo by train to the start of the trek. Passing through Chachabamba y Wiñayhuayna to finally you’ll get to Machu Picchu. There, you’ll have take to enjoy the view and explore. Then head down to Aguas Calientes and spend the night there.
Day 2: Machu Picchu – Cusco
In the morning, get a guided tour of Machu Picchu. After, go back to Aguas Calientes to take the train to Cusco, concluding your Short Inca Trail experience.
Optional Hikes After the Machu Picchu Tour
After your guided visit to Machu Picchu, you may choose to add one of the following hikes, subject to permit availability:
- Huayna Picchu: $70 per person (about 2 hours round trip). This is the famous peak that rises behind Machu Picchu and offers spectacular views of the citadel.
- Machu Picchu Mountain: $70 per person (about 3 hours round trip). A longer hike with wide panoramic views of the entire sanctuary.
- You can check our full guide for Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain hikes to learn more about the exact difficulty level and what you can expect on the top of both peaks.
Please note that you can choose only one of these hikes, and they take place after your guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Advance booking is required, as permits for both mountains are limited.
Why Book with Uros Expeditions
The Short Inca Trail requires careful coordination between permits, train schedules, transportation, accommodations, and access to Machu Picchu. Our team manages every detail so you can focus on the trek itself. With experienced guides, small groups, and a well organized itinerary, we help travelers enjoy one of the most rewarding routes to Machu Picchu while maintaining a comfortable pace throughout the journey.
- Official permits secured for the Short Inca Trail.
- Visit Machu Picchu twice during the itinerary.
- Experienced guides specialized in Inca history and trekking routes.
- Small groups for a more personal experience.
- Scenic return on the Vistadome Train.
- Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes included.
- Carefully coordinated logistics from start to finish.
- Local operator based in Cusco with extensive trekking experience.
2026 and 2027 Short Inca Trail permits sell out 2 to 3 months in advance especially for peak June to August travel dates. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain add on spots are extremely limited reach out to our team directly today to lock in your preferred departure dates before they are fully booked.
Short Inca Trail Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Km 104 – Machu Picchu
Your adventure starts early. A person of our team picks you up at your Cusco hotel. It winds down to Ollantaytambo station. You board a scenic train. Soon you reach Kilometer 104, the official start of the Short Inca Trail.
Your bilingual guide is waiting. The hike kicks off with a quick stop at Chachabamba ruins From there, the trail dips into the cloud forest. Trees drip with moss and the path stays cool under your feet. Before long you step out at:
Wiñay wayna this iconic Inca ruin sits right on the trail before you reach the Sun Gate Inti Punku. This small village ruin is one of the most photographed stops on the entire 2 day route.
The terraces and stonework here always stop people in their tracks. It is easily one of the best stops on the whole hike.
About halfway along, you find a flat spot and open your box lunch. A few minutes to eat and stretch, then you are back on the move. The trail keeps climbing, but nothing too tough. At last you round a corner and hit the Sun Gate. Machu Picchu sits right below you, quiet and huge, the way it has for hundreds of years.
You do not go inside the citadel yet. Instead you hop on the shuttle bus that zigzags down the hill to Aguas Calientes. Dinner is at a small restaurant in town. Later you check into your hotel, something comfortable like the Pisonay Mapi Boutique or another in the same range. The river runs past your window all night.
Day 2: Machu Picchu- Cusco
Start with coffee and bread in the hotel. Catch the Consettur bus outside and ride up the twisting road to Machu Picchu. Pachacuti ordered this place built back in the fourteen hundreds.
A guide waits by the entrance and walks you through the stones. First comes the Temple of the Sun. The walls bend in perfect arcs. Then the Intihuatana sits ahead, a single rock cut to follow the sun. Pass the narrow terraces that held homes and crops. Pause in the wide plazas where ceremonies took place beneath open sky. The guide explains the drainage systems, the angled doorways that resist earthquakes, and the careful placement of every wall to catch water and light. Stories follow of priests, rulers, and daily life in a city that served as temple, palace, and government seat.
When the visit ends, take the bus down the mountain to Aguas Calientes. Eat lunch in a small restaurant or stroll the streets beside the river. Later, find your seat on the train. The cars glide through the valley and stop at Ollantaytambo station. A driver waits to carry you back to Cusco.
The Short Inca Trail ends here, with fresh memories of stonework and sky.
This 2 day Short Inca Trail itinerary is built for travelers who do not have 4 full days to complete the classic full Inca Trail, but still want to experience the magic of hiking the original Inca path to Machu Picchu. We build in extra buffer time for slower hikers photo stops and spontaneous side stops to point out local Andean flora and fauna you will not find on rushed 1 day Inca trail itineraries.
Included/Not Included
Included
- Briefing at your hotel before departure to the trek
- Professional bilingual guide
- 01 hotel night in Machupícchu Town (Pisonay Mapi Hotel Boutique) or similar category
- Box Lunch first day (sandwich, fruit, juice and snacks), Dinner First day/Breakfast second day. (Vegetarian option)
- Transfers from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, round trip.
- Train to Km 104 (Expedition or Voyager)
- Return on the panoramic Vistadome Train
- Entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Entrance to the Inca Trail
- Consettur Bus Ticket on the first day
- Consettur Bus Ticket Round trip second day.
No Included
- Water
Recommendations
- Comfortable clothes for hiking
- Small backpack with personal items; Extra changes of clothes, bottle of water, sunscreen, insect repellent and rain poncho.
Packing list Short Inca Trail
- Clothing
- Moisture-wicking hiking clothes
- Warm layer
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Hiking pants
- Hat and hiking socks
- Broken-in hiking boots or trail shoes
- Gear
- 20–30L daypack
- Water bottle or hydration reservoir
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent
- Rain poncho
- Phone or camera
- Documents
- Original passport
- Inca Trail permit
- Machu Picchu ticket
- Health
- Personal medications
- Blister care supplies
Short Inca Trail Prices
Our group tour service is designed for travelers who want to enjoy an authentic and social experience while exploring the destination. You will join a small group of like-minded travelers, allowing you to share the journey, meet new people, and create memorable moments together.
The service includes professional, English-speaking guides who will accompany the group throughout the tour, providing detailed information, cultural insights, and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Please note that group tours follow a set itinerary, and flexibility is limited compared to private services. However, this allows for a well-organized, efficient, and cost-effective experience.
This option is ideal for travelers looking for a balance between quality service, cultural immersion, and affordability.
- 1 persona 860 USD
- 2 personas 670 USD
- 3 personas 640 USD
- 4 personas 620 USD
- 5 personas 610 USD
- 6 personas 600 USD
- 7+ personas BEST VALUE 580 USD
Experience the Short Inca Trail with a service reserved exclusively for you and your group. From the beginning of the journey to your visit to Machu Picchu, all arrangements are tailored to provide a more personal and comfortable experience, with a professional guide dedicated entirely to your party.
Enjoy the freedom to hike at your own pace without having to follow the rhythm of a larger group. Take extra time for photos, rest stops, and exploring the archaeological sites along the trail while receiving personalized attention throughout the journey to Machu Picchu.
Reservation Payment
- A deposit of 50% per person is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance can be paid online before your trip or in our Cusco office using a credit card, or bank transfer. If you require a different payment method, please contact us and we will be happy to assist.
- To process permits and entrance tickets, we require the following information for each traveler: full name exactly as shown on the passport, passport number, nationality, date of birth, and passport expiration date. Please ensure all details are accurate, as changes may incur additional fees or affect permit availability.
Student & Child Discount
- A US$20 discount is available for children under 17 years old and students under 25 years old. Child discounts are applied automatically at the time of booking.
- Students must provide a valid university ID card showing:
- the student’s name
- photograph
- university name
- valid expiration date.
Expired student IDs and ISIC cards are not accepted. To receive the discount, please send a copy of your student ID when making your reservation.
If the document does not meet the requirements established by the Peruvian authorities, the standard adult rate will apply. For assistance, contact us at info@urosexpeditions.com
Short Inca Trail with Machu Picchu Trains and Hotels
Experience the Short Inca Trail with comfort and quality. We work with carefully selected hotels to ensure a pleasant stay, and your return journey is aboard the panoramic Vistadome Train, offering spectacular views of the Sacred Valley. Enjoy the perfect combination of adventure, history, and comfort on your way to Machu Picchu.
Trains to Machu Picchu
All the trains heading to Aguas Calientes the little town right at the foot of Machu Picchu leave from the Ollantaytambo station in the Sacred Valley.
It is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Cusco to get to the station.
Just a heads-up: there are no roads that go all the way to Aguas Calientes, so the train is really the only motorized way to get there.
Trains included in this package:
| Segment | Train | Direction |
| Ollantaytambo to Km 104 | Peru Rail Expedition | Outbound — Day 1 |
| Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo | Peru Rail Vistadome | Return — Day 2 |
Train classes available:
- Peru Rail Expedition: standard service; comfortable seats, scenic windows, reliable schedule
- Peru Rail Vistadome: panoramic windows on sides and ceiling; wider seats; the preferred return option included in this package
- Vistadome Observatory: open-roof premium observation carriage; available as an upgrade at +$45 USD for the return journey only
Train schedules are set by Peru Rail and confirmed at your pre-departure briefing. All tickets are pre-booked and included in your package. No separate purchase is required.
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes sits at approximately 2,040 m / 6,693 ft, built along the canyon floor at the base of Machu Picchu. It is the only town with access to the sanctuary and the only place to sleep on this route.
Standard accommodation included:
Pisonay Mapi Hotel Boutique – centrally located, standard rooms with hot water, within walking distance of the train station and the Consettur bus stop
Hotel upgrades available at booking:
| Hotel | Train | Direction |
| Hatun Samay | 3 stars | +$20 USD |
| Santuario | 3 stars | +$25 USD |
| Hatun Inti Classic | Superior | +$30 USD |
| Additional options | Various | Consult reservations |
Hotel availability at all categories is subject to the same seasonal demand constraints as Inca Trail permits. Confirm your preferred upgrade at the time of booking.
Machu Picchu Circuit Options
- Circuit 1-C – Sun Gate (Intipunku) Route
This circuit follows the original access route used by Short Inca Trail hikers. It includes access to both the lower and upper viewpoints, providing elevated perspectives of Machu Picchu. The hikes continues toward Intipunku (Sun Gate), offering many panoramic views of the entire citadel.
Recommended for hikers focused on panoramic observation and scenic viewpoints rather than detailed exploration of the urban sector.
- Circuit 3-B – Lower Sector / Urban Area
This circuit provides access to the lower sector (urban and ceremonial) sector of Machu Picchu. It includes key archaeological structures such as the Temple of the Sun, Twelve Niches, Temple of the Condor, and the Water Mirrors.
Recommended for visitors interested in architectural, cultural, and historical features within the core of the site.
Travel Info
A little about the history of the Inca Trail
The Incas built the Tawantinsuyu empire that translates to four regions joined as one. From a valley near Cusco they spread across western South America in under a century. Roads made it possible. These roads formed the Qhapaq Ñan. Stone paths, rope bridges, and way stations linked the land. The Short Inca Trail is part of that network. You walk the same stones past old farms and small temples. Five hundred permits go out each day. Book months. The lasts six hours and you sleep in Aguas Calientes. Next morning a guide shows you around Machu Picchu with some history about the place.
Short Inca Trail Permits, Passports & Booking Confirmation
The Short Inca Trail requires a government-issued trekking permit, which is limited and often sells out weeks or even months in advance. To secure your permit, we must book it using the exact passport details of each traveler. For this reason, it is important that the passport you bring to Peru is the same one used during the reservation.
Your passport will be checked several times during the journey, including at the train station and at the entrance of Machu Picchu. Once your permit and Machu Picchu entry are confirmed, you will receive a confirmation with the final itinerary, train schedules, and meeting details for the start of your adventure. Inca Trail permits
Altitude, Fitness & Health on the Short Inca Trail
The Short Inca Trail is considered a moderate hike, suitable for most travelers who enjoy walking and outdoor activities. The trail reaches an elevation of approximately 2,700 meters (8,860 feet) above sea level. Although this is lower than many other treks in the Andes, altitude can still affect some visitors.
To help your body adjust, we recommend spending at least 1–2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the trek. Staying hydrated, eating light meals, and avoiding alcohol during your first days in the Andes can also help reduce the chance of altitude discomfort.
Weather on the Short Inca Trail & What to Wear
The trail passes through a beautiful cloud forest ecosystem, where the weather can change quickly. Mornings can be cool, midday temperatures can be warm, and occasional rain showers are possible at any time of the year.
Because of these changing conditions, the best approach is to dress in layers. Bring a light waterproof jacket, comfortable hiking clothes, sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection. Even during the dry season, having rain protection is always recommended.
Short Inca Trail Pickup, Train Travel & Tour Timing
Your adventure begins early in the morning with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. From there, you will travel to the train station and enjoy a scenic journey through the Sacred Valley to Km 104, the starting point of the trek.
During the hike, you will explore impressive archaeological sites such as Wiñay Wayna before reaching the famous Sun Gate, where you will see your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. Afterward, you will descend to Aguas Calientes for the night. The next morning, you return to Machu Picchu for a guided tour before taking the train back to Cusco.
Short Inca Trail Daypack, Luggage Storage & Packing Plan
Since this is a 2-day trek, you only need to carry a small daypack with the essentials. Recommended items include water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a rain jacket, camera, and a change of clothes for the evening.
Your main luggage can remain safely stored at your hotel in Cusco, as you will spend the night in Aguas Calientes and return to Cusco the following day.
Meals, Water & Dietary Needs on the Short Inca Trail
During the hike, you will enjoy freshly prepared meals and snacks designed to keep you energized throughout the day. Guides usually carry extra water and snacks to make sure everyone stays comfortable during the trek.
If you have dietary restrictions, allergies, or follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, please inform us when booking so we can make the necessary arrangements. We aim to ensure that every traveler enjoys a pleasant and worry-free experience.
Machu Picchu Entry Rules & Optional Hikes After the Short Inca Trail
Visits to Machu Picchu are organized through designated visitor circuits, which help protect the archaeological site while allowing travelers to explore its most important areas. During the guided tour on the second day, your guide will explain the history, architecture, and cultural significance of this extraordinary Inca citadel.
For travelers seeking an additional challenge, it is possible to reserve an optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These hikes offer spectacular panoramic views but require advance permits, which are limited each day.
Short Inca Trail Safety Rules & What Not to Bring
Machu Picchu is a protected historical sanctuary, and certain rules help preserve this incredible place. Large backpacks, drones, tripods, and professional filming equipment are not permitted without special authorization. Walking sticks are allowed only if they have rubber tips to protect the stone paths.
For safety and conservation reasons, visitors must stay on marked paths and follow the instructions of their guide at all times. By respecting these rules, we help ensure that this extraordinary site remains preserved for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
During the Inca Empire, their territory extended across six modern countries. Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, even a slice of Colombia. They built different paths that connected everything and named it Qhapaq Ñan. Over thirty thousand kilometers of road. Stone in the highlands. Rope bridges over rivers. Rest stops every day’s walk.
The Inca Trail is a historic footpath that leads straight to Machu Picchu. It follows part of the old Qhapaq Ñan.
It is important to know that you have to walk between 5 and 7 hours a day. You don’t have to be a great athlete, but you do need endurance. The humidity and altitude can make the climb a little more complicated. It is best to train with your hiking boots and your backpack with some weight.But don’t worry, even the most inexperienced hikers arrive at the camps before nightfall and the guide always walks with the last person.
The highest point of the best 2-day Inca Trail tour is Warmiwanusqa, at 4200 m.a.s.l. We arrive there on the second day of the trail, after 4 hours of uphill hiking, which is the -most difficult part of the 2-day short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, then we descend to the Pacaymayo River to reach the Runkurakay site at 3924 m.a.s.l. From here it is a gradual descent.
Of course, it is your responsibility to inform the agency in advance of any health-related problems before booking the Inca Trail (allergies, heart problems, etc.). Guides always carry a first aid kit, including oxygen, and are trained to respond quickly. It is very rare that a person has to be evacuated, but if necessary, the team will take you back to Cusco.
Tipping is never mandatory in Inca Trail 2 day trek and is at your discretion, but it is highly recommended. They work very hard to make your trip easier and offer you an unforgettable experience. Furthermore, they come from humble families in the area and the tip they receive really makes a big difference.
Yes, it is absolutely necessary to book the short Inca Trail 2 days several months in advance, both in high and low season.
It is subject to strict quotas: 500 people in total (including guides and porters), so there are only 300 spots for travelers. As trekking is very popular, these few spots fill up quickly.
The porters carry tents, food and cooking equipment. You will have to bring your personal belongings, as well as the sleeping bag (provided by the agency). You will only have to bring what you need during the day (camera, water, sun cream, etc.). Large pieces of luggage (suitcases) will stay in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. The vast majority of hotels will take care of your luggage without any problem during the tour to Machu Picchu, but if not, your agency can take care of it.
Yes, there are several toilets with running water have been placed along the 2-day Inca Trail, including the main camps.
Depending on there service you chose, a private service (1 up to 8 people) or a group service (up to 16 people).
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