Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: The Best 2-Day Trek
Most visitors arrive at Machu Picchu by bus. You’ll arrive the way the Incas intended — on foot, through cloud forest and stone stairways carved into the mountainside, ending at the
Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for your first, unobstructed view of the citadel below.
The Short Inca Trail (also known as the
2-Day Inca Trail) follows the same original stone path, the same archaeological sites, and the same legendary entrance as the classic 4-day trek — condensed into two days, with no camping required and a moderate difficulty level suited to most reasonably active travelers.
Why Hike the Short Inca Trail Instead of Taking the Train Directly?
|
Short Inca Trail (2 Days) |
Train + Bus to Machu Picchu |
Classic Inca Trail (4 Days) |
| Enters through the Sun Gate |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
| Visits Wiñay Wayna ruins |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
| Walks original Inca stone path |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
| Camping required |
❌ No |
❌ No |
✅ Yes (3 nights) |
| Hiking distance |
12 km (7.5 mi) |
None |
42 km (26 mi) |
| Difficulty |
Moderate |
None |
Challenging |
| Physical training needed |
Light |
None |
Significant |
| Machu Picchu entries included |
2 (Sun Gate + main circuit) |
1 |
1–2 |
| Permit required |
✅ Yes (limited) |
❌ No |
✅ Yes (limited) |
| Typical price range |
$ |
$ |
$$$ |
If you want the emotional payoff of hiking into Machu Picchu without
four days of camping, high-altitude passes, and cold nights on the trail — the Short Inca Trail is the version built for you.
What Makes This Tour Different
- Original Inca-built stone trail, not a modern path or road
- Exclusive entrance through the Sun Gate — a route only Inca Trail permit holders can access
- Visit to Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive and least-crowded archaeological sites on the trail
- First panoramic view of Machu Picchu from above, before descending into the citadel
- The classic «postcard» photo from the Sun Gate viewpoint
- Two visits to Machu Picchu — arriving on foot from the Sun Gate, then again on a guided circuit through the main citadel
- Small, close-knit groups for a more personal experience than large bus tours
- Licensed local operator, permitted directly by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco → Ollantaytambo → Chachabamba → Wiñay Wayna → Sun Gate → Aguas Calientes
Your guide picks you up at your Cusco hotel at 4:00 am and takes you to Ollantaytambo, where you board the PeruRail train to KM 104. After the permit and passport check at the control point, you begin with a visit to the Chachabamba ruins. From there, the 12 km hike to Machu Picchu starts (6–7 hours in total). The first stretch is a climb of about 3 hours through cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna (also called Wiñayhuayna), one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the Inca Trail, often nicknamed «Mini Machu Picchu.» Here you stop for a 30-minute lunch break.
After lunch, the original Inca path becomes much gentler as it leads to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, where you get your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. From the Sun Gate, you walk down for about 40 minutes to Circuit 1, the classic viewpoint for the postcard photos of the citadel.
After enjoying the views and taking your photos, you leave Machu Picchu and take the 25-minute bus down to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), where you spend the night in a hotel included in your package.
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Hiking time: 6–7 hours
- Highest elevation: 2,700 m (8,858 ft)
- Lowest elevation: 2,100 m (6,890 ft)
- Lunch: Organic box lunch on the trail
Day 2: Machu Picchu Guided Tour → Return to Cusco
After breakfast, you take the bus up to Machu Picchu at 6:30, or 7:00 am, minutes. Your licensed local guide leads a 2.5-hour tour of the citadel, covering its history, architecture, and main sectors. You then have free time to explore independently before your return train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco, arriving around 6:30 pm.
Travelers who’d like to add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain can do so — see the FAQ below for details.
Tour Details at a Glance
| Detail |
Information |
| Duration |
2 Days / 1 Night |
| Hiking Distance |
12 km (7.5 miles) |
| Hiking Time |
6–7 hours total |
| Difficulty |
Moderate |
| Starting Point |
KM 104 |
| Ending Point |
Machu Picchu |
| Group Size |
Small groups |
| Guide |
Professional licensed local guide |
| Hotel |
Included (1 night, Aguas Calientes) |
| Meals |
Included |
| Train |
Included (round-trip) |
What’s Included in Your $550 Package
Our all-inclusive rate of
$550 per person is built so there are no surprise costs after you’ve booked. Here’s exactly what’s covered:
- Short Inca Trail permit (government-issued, non-transferable)
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Round-trip train tickets
- Ground transportation (Cusco ⇄ KM 104, Aguas Calientes ⇄ Cusco)
- One night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Door-to-door service from your Cusco hotel
Availability: Why You Should Book Early
The Peruvian government limits the entire Inca Trail network — including the Short Inca Trail — to roughly
250 permits per day, shared across every licensed operator in the country. Permits are tied to your passport and cannot be transferred or reissued once purchased. During peak dry season (
May–September), permits routinely sell out 3–5 months in advance. Shoulder season months (April, October) sell out faster than most travelers expect, and even low season (November–March) can book out for popular dates. The trail closes entirely every February for annual maintenance, and no permits are issued that month.
Why Book With Inca Trail Classic Peru
- Local, Licensed, and Accountable. Inca Trail Classic Peru is a 100% locally owned Peruvian company, licensed and authorized by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture to operate on the Inca Trail. As an indigenous-owned operator based in Cusco, we run every departure ourselves — no subcontracting your trek out to a third party you’ve never heard of.
- Guides Who Know This Trail. Our guides are professional, licensed, first-aid trained, and grew up in the communities surrounding the trail they lead you through. That local knowledge shows up in the details — the stories behind each ruin, the best light for photos at the Sun Gate, the pace that keeps a group together without rushing the experience.
- Small Groups, Real Attention. We keep departures small so your guide can actually guide — answering questions, adjusting pace, and making sure nobody gets left behind on the climbs.
- Responsible, Community-Based Tourism. We hire and pay local guides and support staff fairly, and a portion of every booking supports the communities along the trail who make this experience possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Short Inca Trail difficult? It’s rated moderate. You’ll cover 12 km (7.5 miles) over 6–7 hours, including some steep, uneven stone stairways. It’s more demanding than a casual walk but significantly shorter and less strenuous than the 4-day Classic Inca Trail.
- Can beginners hike it? Yes. Most travelers with a reasonable baseline fitness level — someone who walks or exercises regularly — can complete it comfortably. No technical hiking or climbing experience is needed.
- Is hiking experience required? No prior trekking experience is required, though being comfortable walking for several hours on uneven terrain will make the day more enjoyable.
- How many permits are available each day? The Peruvian government limits the entire Inca Trail network to roughly 250 permits per day (including guides and porters), shared across all licensed operators.
- Can children do it? Yes, children are welcome on this trek. Given the terrain and duration, it’s best suited to kids who are comfortable with several hours of walking.
- Can seniors do it? Yes — many travelers in their 60s and 70s complete the Short Inca Trail successfully. A reasonable fitness level and comfort with stairs matter more than age itself.
- What should I pack? Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes, layered clothing, rain gear, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, cash for tips and snacks, and your original passport (required at permit checkpoints — copies are not accepted).
- Is it worth it? For travelers who want the emotional and physical experience of hiking into Machu Picchu — without the four-day commitment of the Classic Inca Trail — this is widely considered the best-value way to do it.
- Can I visit Huayna Picchu afterward? Yes, but Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain require separate tickets purchased well in advance, as they sell out even faster than standard Machu Picchu entry. Ask us about adding this to your booking.
- Is there a risk of altitude sickness? Cusco sits at 3,400 m (11,150 ft), higher than the trail itself. We recommend spending at least 1–2 days acclimatizing in Cusco before starting the hike.
- Can I hike in December? Yes, December is within the operating season (the trail is closed only in February). Expect a higher chance of afternoon rain since it falls in Peru’s wet season.
- Are permits refundable? No. Inca Trail Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable once issued by the government, regardless of the reason for cancellation.
- Can I store luggage? Yes. Most Cusco hotels and our team can help arrange luggage storage for the duration of your trek, so you only carry what you need on the trail.
- What train service is included? Your package includes round-trip standard tourist-class train service between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.
- Do I need trekking poles? They’re optional but recommended, especially for the descent sections, which can be steep on uneven stone steps.
Related Guides
- Inca Trail Permits: How to Book and What to Know
- Inca Trail Circuits Explained: Circuit 1 vs. Circuit 2
- Wiñay Wayna: The Hidden Archaeological Site on the Inca Trail
- The Sun Gate (Inti Punku): History and What to Expect
- What to Pack for the Inca Trail: Complete Checklist
- Best Time to Hike the Inca Trail: Month-by-Month Guide
- Inca Trail Availability: How Far in Advance to Book
- Machu Picchu Circuits Compared: Which One Should You Choose?
Ready to Walk the Original Inca Trail?
The Short Inca Trail isn’t just a shortcut to Machu Picchu — it’s a two-day journey through cloud forest, Inca stonework, and one of the most rewarding arrivals in South America. With only 250 permits issued per day across the entire trail network, dates for the dry season (May–September) can sell out months ahead.
Pre-Trek Briefing: What Happens the Day Before Your Hike
The night before your trek, our professional guide will meet you at your hotel in Cusco for a pre-trek briefing. This short orientation session covers everything you need to know before setting out on the Short Inca Trail, including:
- A full overview of the route, key landmarks, and what to expect at each stage of the hike
- The rules and regulations for visiting Machu Picchu, so you know exactly what’s allowed once you arrive
- A final packing checklist and answers to any last-minute questions
- Confirmation of your pickup time and meeting point for the next morning
This briefing typically takes place at your hotel one day prior to departure, and it’s included at no extra cost as part of your booking. It’s also your chance to meet your guide in person and ask anything you didn’t find on this page.
