SHORT INKA TRAIL
2-Days Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu. An Unforgettable Experience
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Star -Cusco
End - Cusco
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DURATION
2 Days - 1 Nigth
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LANGUAGES
English/Espanish
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DIFFICULTY
⚫⚫〇〇〇
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CANCELATION
Not Canceled
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Comments
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
TOP
SELLER
SHORT INKA TRAIL
2 DAYS
Machupicchu
From
$ 615 USD per person
Based on 4 People
STYLE / Active
Experience the best of the Short Inka Trail
Start at km 104 and embark on a thrilling 12 km hike along a historic trail to the stunning Machu Picchu, an ancient architectural masterpiece. Suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced hikers, this trek is a fantastic experience for families, friends or anyone looking to explore the area’s rich history and stunning natural beauty. During the trek, you will immerse yourself in the architectural ingenuity of the Inca civilization and pass through important archaeological sites such as Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. At the end of the trail, you will reach Inti Punku (Sun’s Gate), where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Here, an expert guide will reveal the fascinating stories and secrets of this iconic ancient city.
Enjoy unparalleled comfort and convenience with our door-to-door service. Your journey begins with a complimentary hotel pick-up from our professional team, ensuring you have a stress-free experience. At the end of the hike, we provide you with safe and comfortable transport back to your hotel, completing your adventure with ease. From permit management to ticketing, we handle every detail of your trip so you can focus on your experience. Our goal is to provide you with a hassle-free, unforgettable journey that fully immerses you in the wonders of the Short Inca Trail and the legendary Machu Picchu. Book your adventure today and experience the magic of this historic hike!.
When to visit
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dic |
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr |
May | Jun | Jul | Agu |
Sep | Oct | Nov | Dic |
- Best time to visit
- Good time to visit
- Average time to visit
How To Visit Machu Picchu 2 Day Inca Trail
The two-day Inca Trail allows you to explore Machu Picchu in two days. On the first day after completing the trail, you will visit the upper areas of Machu Picchu, including iconic sites such as the Classic Lookout, the Guardian’s House, and the Agricultural Terraces. This visit usually lasts between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours depending on your arrival time (usually between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM) as the attraction closes at 5:00 PM After this short tour, you will board a bus to Aguas Calientes for your overnight stay in a Hotel. The next day, you will return to Machu Picchu to explore the main citadel, which includes temples, plazas, Inca houses, and other important parts. This includes a 2 to 2.5 hour guided tour to help you understand the history and significance of the site. You can also hike to Huayna Picchu (advance reservations required) for stunning views. After your visit, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes and then take the train back to Cusco.
Daily Departures
The 2-day Inca Trail tour departs daily year-round, except in February when the trail is closed for maintenance. There are daily departures during the other months. To check availability, please contact us, so you can view available dates, we highly recommend to book in advance to get the 2-day Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu ticket, both of which are included in the tour price. Don’t miss out – book your place today and get ready for an unforgettable experience!.
2-Day Inca Trail Door-to-Door Service
This 2-day Inca Trail tour includes convenient door-to-door service. The tour begins with a pick-up from your Cusco hotel at approximately 4:00 AM and returns you to your Cusco hotel at approximately 7:00 PM Everything you need for this tour is included to ensure an unforgettable experience. We also offer transfers from locations in the Sacred Valley including Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Calca and Pisac. If you need this service, simply request it at the time of booking.
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PERU VIVA
Tripadvisor Traveler Rating
◉◉◉◉◉ 150 reviews
Tripadvisor Ranking
#160 of 1589 Outdoor Activities in Cusco
Recent Traveler Reviews
“Unforgettable trip”
“Great tour”
“Colorful mountains with great guide”
Read reviews | Write a review
DAY 1
Cusco – Ollantaytambo Train Station – KM 104 – Inca Trail Hiking To Machu Picchu
- Early morning pickup in Cusco: Your adventure begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 3:45am and 4:15am. We also offer pick up and drop off in the Sacred Valley.
Traveling to Ollantaytambo Station: It will take you 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach Ollantaytambo Train Station. This scenic ride at dawn will take you through beautiful landscapes. - Train to km 104: Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo station, you will board the train that usually leaves at 6:40 a.m., to km 104. Meet your guide and start the hike: At km 104, you will meet your guide who will lead you on the hike. Before leaving, go to the Inca Trail Control Point to present the permit and ticket issued by your Machu Picchu booking company Peru Viva.
- Hike to Wiñaywayna: After crossing the Inca Trail Control Point, you will begin your hike, climbing steadily from 2,000 to 2,700 meters in approximately 3 hours. This route takes you to the famous archaeological site of Wiñaywayna Explore and have lunch at Wiñaywayna: you will have plenty of time to explore this impressive Inca site. Your guide will explain its history and significance in detail. break for lunch.
- Hike to Intipunku (Sun’s Gate): After lunch, you will continue your 2-hour hike along a flat trail to Intipunku, or the Sun’s Gate. This famous spot offers stunning views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding landscape.
- Descent to Machu Picchu: After enjoying the view from the Sun Gate, you will take a 45-minute descent to the main ruins of Machu Picchu. Explore Machu Picchu: On arrival at Machu Picchu, head to the top of the site for iconic photo opportunities, including a classic shot with Huayna Picchu in the background.
- Your guide will explain the functions of the Guard House and the terraces. You will be in this area for about 1 hour, and please note that this is your only visit here, as you will be returning to Machu Picchu the next day.
- Departure to Aguas Calientes: After about an hour in the upper area of Machu Picchu, you will leave the site and take a bus to the town of Aguas Calientes. This is a 30-minute ride included in your itinerary and we will drop you off at your hotel when you arrive in Aguas Calientes. Overnight in Aguas Calientes: You will stay at a hotel provided in Aguas Calientes, where you will rest and recharge. Around 8:00 p.m, dinner will be held at a local restaurant, where you will be able to taste a variety of Peruvian dishes. This is also a good time to discuss the next day’s plans with your guide.
Important Notice:
Lunch and dinner are served on the first day of the tour. You will receive a packed lunch from your guide at km 104 before starting the hike. Please note that you must bring your lunch to Wiñaywayna and eat it there. This arrangement is in accordance with Machu Picchu Park regulations, which prohibit cooking on this particular section of the Inca Trail.
Please note that scheduled train times are subject to change and may be up to 30 minutes earlier or later than originally scheduled. This variation is due to our reliance on train company availability. Rest assured that we will inform you in advance of any changes to ensure you have enough time to plan accordingly.
You will arrive at Machu Picchu between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM and enter through the Sun’s Gate (Puerta del Sol), an exclusive privilege for Inca Trail trekkers. Upon arrival, explore the upper areas of the site and take classic photos of the ancient city. If the weather is good, you may even see a stunning sunset over Machu Picchu. You will have approximately 1 hour to enjoy this area, which is famous for its stunning panoramas.
SUMMARY FOR DAY 01:
- Hiking Distance : 12 km / 7 miles.
- Meals Included : Lunch & Dinner.
- Weather : Hot and humid.
- Accommodation : Hotel night in Aguas Calientes.
- Tickets : All tickets required for the journey are included.
DAY 2
Machu Picchu Tour – Return To Cusco
We wake up at 4:30 a.m and eat breakfast at 5:00 a.m. Then we go to the bus station to catch the first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu at 5:30. A drive of about 30 minutes brings us to the main gate to Machu Picchu, which opens at 6:00 a.m. After arriving at Machu Picchu at 6:00 AM, we enter the lower zone of the archaeological site. Your guide will take you on a tour that lasts approximately 2.5 hours. During this time, we will visit the most important ruins of Machu Picchu and have the opportunity to learn everything about this wonder of the world. After the 2.5 hour tour, our guide leaves us and we can explore on our own for about 30 minutes. Remember that the maximum time allowed at Machu Picchu is 3 hours according to the rules of the archaeological park. For visitors who have booked additional tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains, your guide will help you get to these mountains at the scheduled time. Remember, you can only visit one of the mountains, Waynapicchu Mountain is the most recommended. Waynapicchu reservations must be made in advance. The hike to Waynapicchu takes 2 to 2.5 hours, including ascent and descent. Although these mountains do not offer guided tours, they are safe places monitored by cameras and park rangers.
After visiting Machu Picchu, we go back to Aguas Calientes by bus, which takes 30 minutes. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will have free time to explore the town, relax and have lunch if you wish. You will then need to head to the train station to catch the train to Ollantaytambo station, which usually departs at 2:30 PM or 2:55 PM. The train ride takes approximately 1.5 hours. A transfer agent will meet you at Ollantaytambo station with a sign with your name on it to take you back to Cusco – a 2-hour ride that will take you directly to your hotel in Cusco.
- Meals : breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel
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PERU VIVA
Tripadvisor Traveler Rating
◉◉◉◉◉ 150 reviews
Tripadvisor Ranking
#160 of 1589 Outdoor Activities in Cusco
Recent Traveler Reviews
“Unforgettable trip”
“Great tour”
“Colorful mountains with great guide”
Read reviews | Write a review
Included Activities
- Entrance tickets for the hike and Machupicchu
- Local tour guide for the hike and Machupicchu tour
- Train tickets
- private transportation
- 1 night hotel
- Meals as it mentioned in the itinerary.
Meals
1breakfasts, 1 lunches, 1 Dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Train
Accommodation
Hotel (1 nights)
Excluded
- International Flights
- Airport taxes
- Any visas required
- Services not mentioned in the itinerary
- Late check out at hotels
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Tips for tour leader , local guides , drivers , bellboys and at the restaurants
- Expenditure of personal nature
- Personal Insurance
- Optional act
Optional activities
- Huaynapicchu Mountain
- Machupicchu Mountain
- Hot springs
- Rainbow Mountain
- Humantay Lake
- Zip Line and Via Ferrata
- Biking around the Sacred Valley
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PERU VIVA
Tripadvisor Traveler Rating
◉◉◉◉◉ 150 reviews
Tripadvisor Ranking
#160 of 1589 Outdoor Activities in Cusco
Recent Traveler Reviews
“Unforgettable trip”
“Great tour”
“Colorful mountains with great guide”
Read reviews | Write a review
For Hiking in Peru
The recommendation of this list is based on the previous comments of our customers, especially if you intend to do the Inca Trail, Please consider the suggestions we give you here, but feel free to pack as you wish and consider that the weather may be different depending on the period of the year you want to travel and its different microclimates that it has for the different geographical regions.
- Passport
You must bring your passport, a photocopy is not enough.
It is very important that your passport matches the information you provided us when booking this trip (please keep it in a plastic bag in case of rain)
- Walking poles:
Trekking poles are not required, it is a personal choice. We recommend renting them before your hike briefing for around $10 per person, so you can avoid the hassle of carrying them for the rest of your trip.
- Daypack:
A daypack with easy access to a water bottle (outside pocket) or a daypack with a built-in water bladder.
The bag should be large enough to hold a few things you need for the day (hat, water, camera, snacks, raincoat, etc).
- Water bottle:
You should bring at least 2 liters of water per day when hiking. Depending on whether you have a hydration bladder in your bag, we recommend bringing two (1 liter) bottles along the way that can be filled with boiled water, as they are provided daily.
- Waterproof, abrasion-resistant walking boots:
Good, comfortable shoes are essential.
No matter what you wear on your feet, comfort is the most important thing. It is very important to make sure your boots are durable and lightweight.
Ankle support and waterproof are recommended, but if you already have comfortable, grippy boots, don’t rush out and buy new ones – you’re better off with your old pair!
- Layering:
(e.g. zip-up pants, jacket, T-shirt).
- Snacks:
Chocolate, potato chips, cookies, energy bars. Snacks are provided during the hike, but you can bring an extra one or two just in case.
If you have dietary requirements, it is recommended that you bring suitable snacks from home.
We provide breakfast, lunch and dinner, but for safety reasons it is advisable to bring snacks.
- Plastic bag
Keep your belongings and clothes dry (wrap everything in a plastic bag).
toilet paper:
Most importantly! There are also small plastic bags or zip lock bags for trash, which are then thrown into the main trash bag provided by the mover. Please don’t throw toilet paper on the floor!
- Extras
Headlamp or standard flashlight (flashlight).
(very important) and spare batteries.
Insecticide with tropical strength.
Antibacterial hand gel.
Flip flops/sandals.If you want to shower and walk around camp after a long day of hiking.
Earplugs: If your tent «roommate» snores.
![]()
PERU VIVA
Tripadvisor Traveler Rating
◉◉◉◉◉ 150 reviews
Tripadvisor Ranking
#160 of 1589 Outdoor Activities in Cusco
Recent Traveler Reviews
“Unforgettable trip”
“Great tour”
“Colorful mountains with great guide”
Read reviews | Write a review
VISIT OUR
INSTAGRAM
We are delighted to share these photographs of our travels on INSTAGRAM, as it serves as a wonderful way to showcase the beauty and diversity of the places we visit.
Important Notes
- Passport details are required at the time of booking. The passport you travel with must match the reservation details you provided us. This will be used to request your Inca Trail permit or entrance to Machupicchu, and if any information does not match your passport, the authorities will deny you entry. Delays in providing this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
- Permits for the Inca Trail are sold by request only. Once a deposit has been paid and passport details have been provided, we will strive to obtain a permit for you. If permits for the Inca Trail are not available at the time of booking, you can choose to hike the Quarry Trail instead or travel to Machu Picchu by train.
- An individual supplement is offered if you prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement is subject to availability. Please speak with your booking agent for more information.
- If this trip starts in Peru and get into La Paz (Bolivia). Make sure to obtain your corresponding visas in advance , Please make sure you checked if your nationality require or contact your agent for assistance.
- As you can choose different ways of reaching Machu Picchu (Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train), there is a small chance you may be the only traveller on your selected option.
- All our trip are leading by a Tour Leader, an experienced local guide who will be in charge of taking the responsibility of the trip so you can relax and enjoy the trip. Your Tour Leader will provide more information on what the group options are at the welcome meeting.
Additional information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Additional Trip Information will provide you a detailed of what do you need, visa info, how to get to your hotel, travel Insurance – pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure.
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A maximum experience with a minimum impact.
Traveling responsibly is a win-win situation for you, the communities, and the places you visit.
When we travel, we spend our vacations at someone else’s house. Our vacations may have an effect on their environments, cultures, economies, and lifestyles. Respecting people and places is the right thing to do, and it opens up possibilities for a more authentic journey.
However, it can benefit the locals and provide you with far more enjoyable and pleasant vacations. In this way, we take care of our environment, where we just take out our experiences and leave our footprints. to leave the world safe so we can continue to live in harmony with the rest of the world.