Trip snapshot

Summary

The Short 2-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is the perfect choice if you don’t have time for the entire Classic Inca Trail. This trek blends highlights of the 4-day Inca Trail with some of the most beautiful Inca sites in the lush cloud forest. Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Intipunku) late in the afternoon and enjoy the rare chance to see Machu Picchu with fewer crowds.

On the first day, you’ll spend a full day hiking to Machu Picchu along the iconic Inca Trail with an expert guide, savoring freshly prepared picnic meals crafted by skilled chefs. On the second day, you’ll explore the best of Machu Picchu with your knowledgeable tour guide.

Ideal for solo travelers, couples, friends, and families, this experience delivers stunning scenery, rich history, and a luxurious return on the panoramic Vistadome trains. With small groups, professional guides, and unforgettable moments, it promises comfort, authenticity, and memories to last a lifetime.

Why it stands out

  • Charla Informativa
  • Cusco - Km 104 - Aguas Calientes
  • Hotel - Machu Picchu Circuito 3 - Retorno en Vistadome

Day by day route

Day 00

Charla Informativa

Nuestro guía le dará un resumen de todo lo que se realizará en el recorrido.

Day 01

Cusco - Km 104 - Aguas Calientes

<p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You will be picked up from your hotel in </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Cusco around 4:00 a.m.</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> (depending on the hotel location) and driven to the </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ollantaytambo train station</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. If your hotel is located in the</span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sacred Valley or near Ollantaytambo, the pick-up could be around 5:30 a.m.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For the </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, it is recommended that you stay the day before somewhere closer to the train station in </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ollantaytambo</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">; this way, you can save 1.5 hours of travel from Cusco. If you participate in a tour like the </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sacred Valley</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> the day before, you can request the drop-off in </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ollantaytambo</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and spend the night in a hotel. TreXperience will pick you up from any location near </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ollantaytambo</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> or </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Cusco</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">From Cusco, it’s a one-hour, 30-minute bus ride to the train station in </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ollantaytambo</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, where we will board the first trains and travel along the Urubamba River until we arrive at </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Km 104—Chachabamba</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> (located in the cloud forest). We will head straight to the checkpoint at </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Chachabamba</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> to start our </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. Please note that you will need your original passport to pass the checkpoint.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Your </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">trekking chef</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> will be waiting with a </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">delicious breakfast</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> to energize you for the epic hike. Our first stop is the beautiful Inca site of</span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Chachabamba</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, where our expert tour guide will introduce you to Inca history and Machu Picchu. After exploring the site, we will hike along an ancient Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for about 7 hours.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The first section of the </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Short Inca Trail</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> is a gradual uphill hike for 4 hours until we arrive at </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wiñaywayna</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> (</span><em style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">the place that never gets old</em><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">); this is one of the most beautiful Inca sites on the </span><a href="https://trexperienceperu.com/inca-trail" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: black;">Classic Inca Trail</a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. We will take some time to explore this stunning archaeological site while enjoying spectacular views of the Andes. Nearby, a freshly prepared</span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> picnic lunch</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> will be provided, made with local products by our expert </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">trekking chefs</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. Once fed and energized, we will continue our hike to the </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sun Gate (Intipunku)</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> to catch our </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">first glimpse of the Machu Picchu Citadel</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> – a truly unforgettable sight. We will arrive at the </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sun Gate </strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">around 3 to 4 p.m. when the crowds from</span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Machu Picchu</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> have left, allowing us to enjoy this place with few people.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Next, we will hike for another hour downhill from the Sun Gate to the </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">viewpoints of Machu Picchu</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, which offer breathtaking views. We will arrive at </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Machu Picchu</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> in the afternoon and have the unique opportunity to see the citadel almost empty—the perfect day for a photo! Then, we will take the bus to </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Aguas Calientes</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, have </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">dinner in a local restaurant</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, and spend the night in a </span><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">3-star hotel</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Dinner will be served in top-rated restaurants in the town. Our hotel is also located on exclusive sites. It has a private bathroom, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and beautiful views.</span></p><ul><li><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Hiking Distance:</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> 13 km / 8 mi</span></li><li><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Duration:</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> 7 hours</span></li><li><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Highest Altitude:</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> 2,700 m / 8,858 ft (Sun Gate)</span></li><li><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meals:</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner</span></li><li><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Accommodation:</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> 3-star hotel</span></li><li><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Difficulty:</strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Moderate</span></li></ul>

Day 02

Hotel - Machu Picchu Circuito 3 - Retorno en Vistadome

<p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">On the final day, we will get up early and prepare for the highlight of the tour: visiting </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Machu Picchu</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">—the Lost City of the Incas. Breakfast will be served in the hotel, and we will board the first buses to Machu Picchu. Arriving as the sky brightens, we will visit the city’s incredible views. On a clear day, we can watch the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu. Our guide will take you on a 2 to 3-hour comprehensive tour of the city. After the tour, you can take an extra hike to either </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Huayna Picchu Mountain</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> or </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Machu Picchu Montaña</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> (tickets must be booked well in advance).</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Optional: After the Machu Picchu tour, you can hike down to </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Aguas Calientes</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> using the Hiram Bingham original trail. On the way, you will visit the Machu Picchu Museum and the butterfly station and enjoy fantastic views.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">After the tour of Machu Picchu, we will take the bus back to </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Aguas Calientes</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> for lunch (Not included). You will have time to explore the town, choose a restaurant of your preference, and buy souvenirs in the local market. Later in the afternoon, you will board the </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Panoramic train</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> (</span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Vistadome</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> or </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">360°</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">) and bus back to Cusco. The </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">TreXperience Team</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> will meet you off the train and return you safely to our hotel. Our arrival time to Cusco is around </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">7:30 p.m.</strong></p><p class="ql-align-justify"></p><ul><li><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Tour Duration:</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> 2-3 hours exploring Machu Picchu</span></li><li><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Machu Picchu Altitude:</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> 2,430 m / 7,972 ft</span></li><li><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Meals:</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> Breakfast (hotel)</span></li><li><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Difficulty:</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> Easy to moderate</span></li></ul>

Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu

2 days / 1 night

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