Hiking the 2 day Inca Trail tour, you will go through a section of the Classic Inca Trail, enjoying beautiful Andean scenery and impressive Inca constructions. Admire the Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu twice: at Sunset and Sunrise with plenty of time to explore on the 2nd day of the Inca trek tour.
This Short Inca Trail hike takes 5-6 hours from Chachabamba to Wiñaywayna Inca site, to the Sun gate, and finally down to Machu Picchu itself arriving late afternoon to enjoy the sunset and the scenic views. Finally, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes town to stay overnight in a cozy hotel. The following day, early wakeup to enjoy the sunrise in Machu Picchu and a guided tour of the main temples, astronomical observatories, and quarries, constructed by the Incas in this mystical enigmatic Andean scenery!!!
This trail is the best option for your Machu Picchu 2 day hike!!
Sustainable Tourism: Inca Trail Machu is very keen and happy to promote and practice sustainable tourism by being eco-friendly and supporting local communities
Physical Activity: 2-Moderate to Difficult - Some points are high
Style Type: Trekking/Hiking, Natural, Cultural, Adventurous
Service Level: All Inclusive & Quality service
Age Requirement: 4+ Please note: all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tour Operator: Inca Trail Machu since 2007
Inca Trail Permits: It is included the Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu Tickets, It very important to separate permit in advance, this is same process for the 4 day Inca Trail and is generally available with little notice.
Staff: Professional Tour Guide and an Inca Trail Machu representative who visits you at your hotel to briefs you about the trail.
Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x lunch, 1x dinner, and 1x Snack bag.
Accommodation: 1 Hotel in Machu Picchu.
Transportation: Transportation by private vehicle, 1x train round trip (standard class).
Altitude: From 2100m (6900ft.) to 2730m (8,792ft.) Walking Distance: 10km / 6.3 miles Season: Opened March through January. Closed February for maintenance |
Day 01: Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Km 104 (Headtrail of the Short Inca Trail) - Aguas Calientes
Day 02: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Hiking the 2 day Inca Trail with professional guide |
Guided tour of Machu Picchu |
Guided tour of the Wiñay Wayna archeological center |
Discover the flora and fauna of the 2 day Inca Trail tour |
We offer daily departures on the Inca Trail (excluding February when the trail is closed), our hikes is 100% guaranteed departure. You can book this trek, wo day before starting the hike, but in high season we strongly recommended to book your 2 day Inca Trail at least 2 months in advance as permits can quickly sell out.
If you would like to book the Short Inca Trail, click in 2 Day Inca Trail Book Online or contact with us for check the availability. Please complete your information required and send us. This information is very important for your Inca Trail permits.
If you want to stay in the camping, we can recommend to visit the Short Inca Trail with Camping
2 day Inca Trail tour starts when our driver pick you up at your hotel in Cusco and take you to the Ollantaytambo train station for your 2 hours train ride to the starting point of your trip. After registering at the Chachabamba park ranger station we will start hiking the inca trail up 2-3 hours to the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna through a mixture of cacti vegetation and cloud forest. Before reaching the best short inca trail, the Inca real will reveal itself to you through striking sightings of Choque Suysuy, Wiñay Wayna and Intipata. Refresh yourself at the local waterfall before reaching the ruins of Wiñay Wayna. Enjoy the sunset at the sungate before entering in Machu picchu where afterwards we descends to Aguas Calientes, walking slowly and enjoying the beautiful sceneray to spend the night in a hotel.
Estimated trekking time: 8 hours
Trekking distance: 15 km
Max. elevation: 2,700 m
Min. elevation: 2,100 m
Difficulty: Moderate
We start early with a comforting breakfast and then get ready to go to the Citadel of Machu Picchu. Here we have two options: get on bus or walk. The trek to Machu Picchu is 1 hour and 30 minutes, the first 30 minutes of flat walk to the Ruinas bridge and then up through the properly signposted stands.
We explore this enigmatic and mysterious city for approximately 2 hours in a guided tour. You will visit the most impressive places like the Royal Mausoleum, the temple of the 3 windows, the main temple, the Sacred Square , the famous Intihuatana where the wise Incas moored the sun on the winter solstice in June, stairways, squares, fountains, etc. After the guided tour you will have a free time of 5-6 hours, to take pictures, or visit "Huayna Picchu" or Young Mountain which has only 400 spaces, divided into two groups: first group (07:00 am - 08: 00 am), second group (10:00 am - 11:00 am). Then you will go down to the town of Aguas Calientes, either by bus or walking according to your choice. In the evening we will take a train to Ollantaytambo where our driver will wait to take us back to Cusco City.
Meal budget: Please take USD 20-30 for meals not included on the second day.
Solo Traveller: If you like a single room for this trek, please choose the "Solo Traveller" option during your booking.
Transportation: All your transportation is included in this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel in Cusco around 4:30 a.m. - 5:30 a.m. (unless you are staying in Ollantaytambo) and brought to Ollantaytambo, to take a train to km 104, the starting point of the trek.
The schedule depends on the availability of train tickets, this is the most common schedule we reserve for your trek:
Train | Departure from Ollantaytambo | Arrival to km 104 |
Expedition 81 | 6:10 | 7:00 |
Expedition 83 | 7:45 | 8:45 |
The Voyager | 7:20 | 8:20 |
The train back from Aguas Calientes is included. This is Expedition class but can be upgraded for $65 per person. Once you arrive at he train station, you will be brought back to your hotel in Cusco.
Train | Departure from Aguas Calientes | Arrival to Ollantaytambo | Arrival to Cusco |
Expedition 84 | 18:20 | 20:05 | 22:00 |
Expedition 86 | 20:50 | 22:50 | 23:30 |
The Voyager | 19:00 | 20:41 | 22:30 |
The Voyager | 20:20 | 21:59 | 23:00 |
Your bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes in second day is also included. You can buy extra bus tickets if you feel tired from Aguas calientes to Machu Picchu and back (USD 12 one way; USD 24 round trip)
Professional Guides:All of our guides studied English and tourism. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional, and will ensure you are safe and happy.
Permits: As soon as we receive your details and a deposit, we will purchase your permits. These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They can’t be changed, once confirmed. Only your passport number is allowed to be updated. The permit includes an entrance to Machu Picchu.
Food: You will be provided with a snack the first day to enjoy along the hike. You will also enjoy a dinner in Aguas Calientes town and breakfast the next morning. Lunch the last day is not included.
Water: A bottle of water of 500 mL is included in the box lunch. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth.
First Aid:Every guide has received training in first aid from a physician. Your tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. We will get you off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible, if needed, and ensure you get directly to a clinic for treatment.
Accomodation: We spend a night in small locally owned hotel with private bathrooms and breakfast facilities (Double or Matrimonial room). All of the hotels we use in Aguas Calientes are located within walking distance of the train stations.If you would like to upgrade your accommodation or you have your own reservation for a hotel in Aguas Calientes, the discount is U$ 20 per person (Double or Single room).
The Hotel use in Machu Picchu is: Susana Inn Hotel
We recommend the early booking of single supplements and of pre/post-tour accommodation. Single accommodation can be arranged for a supplement, subject to availability. Please request this at the time of booking.
These following hotels are used to accommodate you during your tour:
As you see, there are several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices:
Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45 minute hike to the top. While this hike is done on your own, your guide will direct you to where this hike begins. This is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you with an advance notice. The Huayna Picchu ticket is $80 per person.
Machu Picchu mountain is the other mountain that stands above the Machu Picchu ruins. It offers even more stunning views than Huayna Picchu, but takes an hour and a half to reach the top. This is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you. This ticket is $80 per person.
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Machu Picchu Mountain |
If you want to upgrade your Machu Picchu train tickets:
All our tours include the Expeditions (Tourist) Train. This train is normally booked at 4:22 p.m., leaving Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome train is an upgraded train, that offers slightly larger seats, windows and even some entertainment. Normally the Vistadome train is booked for 4:43 p.m. and travels to Poroy, a train station closer to Cusco. While this is an upgraded fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel. This train is $65 per person.
This train is normally booked at 4:12 p.m., leaving Aguas Calientes. The 360° train is an upgraded train, that offers an entertainment app on board which will allow you to learn more about the train journey and the Inca civilization, taller panoramic windows and an observation outdoor carriage including a bar. Normally the 360° train is booked for 4:12 p.m. and travels to Poroy, a train station closer to Cusco. While this is an upgraded fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel. This train is $65 per person.
If you want to reserve the Inca Trail. We require your passport information such as full name, passport number, nationality and date of birthday.
Once arrived the head trail, the park rangers will require your Inca Trail permit and your original passport. They will compare your personal information, but in case you send the wrong information, you can´t enter to the Inca Trail and you will need to pay the new entrance fee to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (U$ 100).
Can I use the old passport to reserve the permit and then change it with new passport?
Yes, it is posssible, but it is very important to bring a copy of your old passport. When you will enter to the Inca Trail, you should present your current passport and a copy of your old passport.
Students with a valid UNIVERSITY Student card (You must be No older than 25 YO) can have a USD 20 discount (please scan and email the card).
Important: On your request we can book this trip as a Private Service.
Maximum Group size for the Short Inca Trail: 8 people per group. A group of up to 8 participants receives 1 Guide, a group over 8 persons receives 2 Guides.
Of course weather on Inca Trail is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December – just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, please make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.
Inca trail involve many micro-climates and you will need to be prepared for changing weather on Inca Trail. Layers are always key as they are easy to adjust to the different temperatures. And evenings will always be cold, so please be prepared with a warm, winter-weight jacket.
Weather on Inca Trail during May to September is perfect for hiking, temperatures range from 20-35ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 10-20ºC during the day if it´s not sunny and 5-15ºC at night in the Aguas Calientes town or Puente Ruinas campsite. At Wiñaywayna and Machu Picchu are lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.
VERY IMPORTANT:;We strongly suggest staying at high altitude (above 3000 metres - in Cusco or another high altitude city) for 1 to 2 days (minimum) before undertaking the trip. This is in order to minimize the effects of possible altitude sickness. Also, you can help your body acclimatize by drinking plenty of liquids, adding a bit more sugar to your drinks, eating food rich in carbohydrates, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol and drinking coca (ancient traditional leaf) tea. Diamox can also be helpful - please ask your doctor about this.
When 2 day Inca Trail tour operators speak to you, of what degree of difficulty, you have this or that walk, do not hesitate to give it medium, moderate or high, referring to the technical difficulty of course. But in reality, the 2 day Inca Trail difficulty, of each walk is in each one.
In the end, 2 day Inca Trail tour operators agree that the 2 day Inca Trail difficulty is moderate. The entire route to the wonderful short Inca trail requires moderate and difficult physical effort because the entire route is not easily accessible, due to the height of the route (2600 masl to 4000 masl) and the constant ascents and descents in the journey, the 2 day Inca Trail difficulty is greater. In addition to this effort is worth the unique and unforgettable experience that will live in this great route of pure indescribable adventure only with words, to necessarily know you have to live them. Do not let the 2 day Inca Trail difficulty prevent you from reaching the majestic Machu Picchu, with a good acclimatization before the trip, you can make this walk without any problem.
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.
Is important to list extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips in your Inca Trail packing list.
The Inca Trail is a walking adventure that has as destination the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. There are two routes: Classic Inca Trail of 4 days and the Short Inca Trail of 2 days. While the Classic is more popular and more promoted, the short route also offers an unforgettable experience with less effort. Here we try to explain you the Inca Trail 2 day vs 4 day.
Inca Trail 2 day | Inca Trail 4 day | |
Duration | 2 Days / 1 Night | 4 Days / 3 Nights |
Start / End Locations | Piscacucho at Kilometer 82 / Machu Picchu citadel | Chachabamba at kilometer 104 / Machu Picchu citadel |
Distance walked | 15 km / 9.32 miles | 43 km / 23.72 miles |
Attractions to visit |
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Maximum Altitudes | Abra Warmiwañusqa (Dead Woman´s Pass) at 4,200 metres (12,630 ft) | Inti Punku at 2,700 metres (8,858 ft) |
Accomodation | Camping (3 nights) | Hotel in Aguas Calientes |
Difficulty | Moderate - challenging | Easy - Moderate |
Good for | Those who enjoy hiking and have a moderate physical level | Moderate Physicist |
Permit required | Inca Trail permit | Inca Trail permit |
How much time in advance to book |
5 or 6 months before Note: If you plan to hike the Inca Trail in May, June, or July; you should book it 7 or 8 months in advance. |
A month before |
The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.
The best way to get to Cusco is by air and there are several options in airlines. LAN tends to be the most expensive, but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land and any acclimate weather will stop air traffic. Bus travel is always available and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.
If you have extra luggage, can be left safely in Cusco at either your hotel or with us at the Inca Trail Machu store luggage. We will grab from you the morning of your trek and return once you are back in Cusco. If you decided to left it in our store luggage, in the morning our driver will pick your luggage and he will leave it at our office to be safe 2 days and when you return to Cusco, we will leave your luggage at your hotel.
FORCE MAJEURE: This is any event that Inca Trail Machu could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. This covers events such as war or threat, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, disease, disaster or adverse weather conditions, fire or all similar events beyond our control. In this case, we will not accept liability and reserves the right to change, postpone or even cancel the trip (this is the last option of course!).
In the event of a protest/strike, which is not uncommon in Cusco, it may be necessary to leave a day or even 2 days earlier than scheduled so that we are able to comply with other services.
Risks: By booking any of our adventure trips (Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Salkantay, Ausangate, Choquekirao, Lares, Vilcabamba, Ausangate, Cachicata trek etc.) you assume the risks associated with them. For these Inca Trail Machu accepts no responsibility.
Travel Insurance: We strongly advise you to take out travel insurance that covers accidents, medical expenses and emergency repatriation, including rescue and air ambulance. We also recommend that it covers cancellations and loss of luggage.
Sending your Personal Details for Booking: Your passport number and other information must be valid. Please advise if you change your passport number after booking the tour (especially for booking the classic Inca Trail as if we do not make a change in your official details, you may not be permitted to do the trek). Please is important that the information that you send need to be exactly as appear in your passport.
Student rate: In order to obtain this discount you must have a valid University student card (Maximum age 25 YO) . It is important you scan and e-mail this to us at the time of booking and that it is valid on the date you are booked on the Inca Trail/alternative trek (you will need to show the real University upon your arrival here in Cusco and in Machu Picchu).
Payment of the deposit can be made through following options:
Credit and debit cards: Once you booked your Short Inca Trail, our sales department will send an email with the link payment ASAP.
Western Union, or Bank transfer.
To secure a reservation of a tour package, it is necessary to make a pre-payment of: 50% of TOTAL package cost, the balance must be paid 1 or 2 nights before your tour during the briefing.
Cancellations: