Short Inca Trail 2 Days /1 Night
Visit the 2-day Short Inca Trail and explore the citadel of Machu Picchu. This Inca attraction is an impressive cultural spectacle where you can observe Inca ruins, exotic mountains, lush vegetation and extraordinary ecological varieties. The Short I... read complete
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- 4:00 am: Time to head to the Short Inca Trail! Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, followed by the drive to the Ollantaytambo train station.
- 6:10 am: Board the Expedition train for the ride along the Sacred Valley.
- 7:20 am (approx.): Arrive at Km 104 (2,100 m / 6,927 ft) and start the hike, following the Urubamba River through the cloud forest.
- 10:20 am: After a steady 3-hour climb, reach the remote archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,747 ft), with sweeping views of the Urubamba canyon.
- 11:30 am: Continue along the ancient trail toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku, 2,730 m / 9,007 ft), the original Inca entrance to Machu Picchu.
- 1:00 pm: Arrive at the Sun Gate for your first full view of Machu Picchu in the distance.
- 2:00 pm: Descend into the citadel, taking in its mystical atmosphere as you approach.
- 3:30 pm: Bus down to Aguas Calientes.
- Evening: Check-in and overnight stay at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- 5:00 am: Early start to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu.
- 5:30 am: Bus ride up, arriving in time to take in the sunrise over the citadel.
- 6:30 am: Guided tour of Machu Picchu with your official guide, around 2 hours, covering the main sectors and history of the site.
- 8:30 am: Free time to explore on your own — the main square, the Temple of the Sun, and the terraced staircases with their panoramic views.
- 12:00 pm: Descend to Aguas Calientes. Lunch on your own.
- 2:55 pm: Board the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo.
- Evening: Private transfer from Ollantaytambo directly to your hotel in Cusco.
Distance: approx. 13 km / 8 mi | Difficulty: Moderate | Highest point: Sun Gate, 2,730 m / 9,007 ft | Meals: Box lunch and dinner Day 1; breakfast Day 2
Inclusions
What’s Included
Transportation
- Hotel pick-up in Cusco and transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station.
- Round-trip train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Km 104.
- Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Private transfer from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco.
Accommodation
- 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Meals
- Box lunch and dinner on Day 1.
- Breakfast on Day 2.
Permits & Entrance Fees
- Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
Guiding
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) for the hike and the guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Equipment
- First aid kit, carried by the guide.
What’s Not Included
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 2 — left open so you can choose your own spot.
- Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu Mountain tickets — bookable as an optional add-on, subject to availability, at an extra cost.
- Vistadome train upgrade — available for the return journey at an added cost, if you’d rather skip the standard Expedition train.
- Tips for guide and staff — always appreciated, entirely at your discretion.
- Travel insurance — recommended, but arranged independently.
- Personal expenses — bottled water, souvenirs, snacks, etc.
- Extra porter service, if you need help carrying personal items beyond your daypack — available on request, weight limit applies.
FAQS
How difficult is the 2-day Short Inca Trail?
It’s a moderate hike with several uphill sections, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. You’ll hike from KM 104 to Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate before descending to Aguas Calientes.
Do I need a permit for the 2-day Short Inca Trail?
Yes. The route follows the Inca Trail, so an official permit is required. We take care of the permit and arrangements for you.
Where does the 2-day Inca Trail start?
The hike begins at KM 104, which you reach by train from Ollantaytambo. From there, you’ll walk toward Wiñay Wayna and continue to the Sun Gate.
Will I enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate?
Yes. One of the highlights of the trek is reaching the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll get your first views of Machu Picchu before descending to Aguas Calientes for the night.
Where do I stay on the first night?
You’ll spend the night in Aguas Calientes at a 3-star hotel. Dinner is included on Day 1, and breakfast is provided the following morning.
When do I visit Machu Picchu?
You’ll visit Machu Picchu early on Day 2. After taking the morning bus from Aguas Calientes, your guide will lead you through the archaeological site for approximately two hours.
Can I do the 2-day Inca Trail if I’m short on time?
Yes. This route is ideal for travelers who want to experience the Inca Trail and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate without committing to the longer 4-day trek.
What should I bring on the hike?
- Original passport (it has to be the same one you used to book your trip)
- A good backpack – the smaller, the better
- Personal medication
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
Can I hike the 2-day Inca Trail without a guide?
No. A registered guide is required on the Inca Trail, including the 2-day route. Your guide will accompany you during the trek and provide the guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Why Choose Us Velflor Travel
All of our English speaking local guides are passionate about their country and will accompany you from the moment you arrive in your destination, throughout your escorted tour and right until your departing flight home.
Go off the beaten track. Our award-winning, licensed local guides provide incredible insights and insider tips, passionately bringing alive unique and exclusive experiences for you.
Discover our enchanting world your way. Our experts completely customize your private tour to match your interests and preferences through their comprehensive knowledge of each destination.
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Your dedicated and personal trip coordinator is available around-the-clock throughout your trip to accommodate requests, take care of the details, and handle any unforeseen situations.
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