Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a scenic and manageable 12 km (7-mile) hike completed in about 6–7 hours. This Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu follows the original Inca stone path, offering breathtaking views of the Andes and the Machu Picchu valley. During the 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, hikers explore impressive sites like Wiñay Wayna before entering Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Perfect for travelers seeking adventure without extreme difficulty, the Short inca trail 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu delivers history, nature, and unforgettable views in just two incredible days.
Why Choose the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
One of the greatest advantages of hiking the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is that it follows the original path of the ancient Incas and takes you directly into the Lost City of the Incas through the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku). This is a magical arrival that most visitors who travel by train never experience.
After passing through the Sun Gate, hikers are rewarded with the first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu. The trail leads directly to Machu Picchu Circuit 1, considered one of the best routes because it offers the famous classic postcard view of the ancient citadel.
This is the exact area where some of the most iconic photographs of Machu Picchu have been captured, including the world-famous images published by National Geographic, showcasing the incredible beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Unlike other circuits, Circuit 1 allows travelers to enjoy the highest viewpoints and capture unforgettable photos of Machu Picchu with the surrounding Andes Mountains in the background.
The 2-Day Short Inca Trail is the perfect choice for travelers looking for an authentic Inca hiking experience, spectacular landscapes, archaeological sites, and the most memorable entrance to Machu
Why short inca trail with Inca Trail classic peru?
Short time to explore the real Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
History on the Inca path, visiting Inca sites such as Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, and the sun gate
Amazing views of the Sacred Valley and the Amazon rainforest.
Typical Andean box lunch.
Local tour guide with experience on the trek to Machu Picchu.
Travel by train to Km 104 to begin the trail.
Straight hike to Machu Picchu.
The classic photos of Machu Picchu.
Tour to visit Machu Picchu.
You can explore Machu Picchu twice: in the afternoon and the next morning
How much does the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu cost?
The costs depend on the type of service you want for this trip to Machu Picchu because there are different prices for this hike . Our price for this 2-day trek is $535 , which is reasonable because we include all the services. Our service is door-to-door, and it includes Machu Picchu entrance tickets, Inca Trail permits , a hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes, transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, round-trip train tickets , and your return to your hotel in Cusco.
Hotel included in Aguas Calientes
Typical box lunch
Train to Km 104
Experienced local tour guide
All entrance tickets included (Inca Trail and Machu Picchu)
Dinner in Aguas Calientes
All transportation included
Availability of 2-Day Inca Trail permits
Only 250 permits per day are issued for the 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and they are strictly controlled by the Peruvian government. Once permits are sold out, there is absolutely no way to access the Inca Trail without one. The 2-Day Inca Trail permits can sell out weeks or even months in advance — especially during high season (May to September). Waiting too long may mean losing your preferred date.
To avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend booking your 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu at least 2–3 months ahead. Do not wait until permits are gone. Contact us now to check real-time availability and secure your spot today
Briefing to short inca trail to Machu picchu
Our Briefing orientation will take place at your hotel one day before in the city of Cusco. Our professional guide will be in chance of providing you with all the details of the short Inca Trail trek . The most important points of the trail will be explained, as well as the rules of Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – KM 104 – Inca Trail – Machu Picchu Town
The pickup will be early in the morning from your hotel in Cusco. Our professional tour guide will meet you and pick you up in our tourist van to head to Ollantaytambo, where we will take the Peru Rail train to the starting point of this Inca Trail. The train ride to Kilometer 104 takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes
Kilometer 104 is a train station located before Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes). This is also the checkpoint for entering the Machu Picchu National Park. From this point, the hiking distance to the Machu Picchu ruins is 12 km (7 miles) along the Inca Trail. The hike offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and a unique perspective of the lush green Machu Picchu valley. Completing this journey with Inca Trail Classic will be an unforgettable adventure—a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Peru
High Elevation: 2700 mt /8,858.278 ft
Low elevation: 2100 mt /6,889,760 ft
Distance to walk: 12 km / 6 miles
Walking time: 7 hours
Weather: warm
Day 2: Aguas Calientes Town – Machu Picchu Inca Ruins – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
The second day of the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is an incredible experience to explore this iconic site. Early in the morning, you will have breakfast at your hotel, and then we will take a van that will bring us directly to the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Upon arrival, before entering the site, we will go through a checkpoint where we will present the necessary documents for entry. Once inside, we will explore the fascinating Incan city.Our guided tour will last approximately 3 hours, allowing us to fully experience the wonders of Machu Picchu, including its palaces, temples, and the sacred Sun Temple. After the tour, we will return to the nearby village for lunch. Later, we will take the return train to Ollantaytambo and then continue by van back to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel.This day is the highlight of the journey, offering the chance to immerse yourself in the magic of Machu Picchu and its breathtaking architecture and history
Machu Picchu Elevation: 2400 mt / 7874.016 ft
Weather: Warm
Walking time: 2/30
Included
INCLUDED IN THIS TREK
Professional Tour Guide who speaks English and Spanish
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Cusco
Transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
Bus Transport – from the town to Machu Picchu inca ruins
Machupichu- Ollantaytamba by train- Cusco by bus
Train ticket
Machu Picchu Tickets
Inca trail ticket
Box lunch on the Inca Trail
3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
Dinner in MachuPicchu Time
Gear That You Need To Bring Me Your Hike
Daypack for carrying your important things to your trek
Sun hat because the day is really hot, sun is burning. thanks to global warming everything is changing
The water bottle. better could be the alumining bottle, this bottle is not pollute our nature or to our pachamama
Hiking shoe. is better to have a good shoe to enjoy the hiking, the inca trail is ancient rocky steps which is going up also going down
Not Include
NOT INCLUDED TO SHORT INCA TRAIL
Lunch second day
Transportation from your hotel to the airport
Breakfast first day
Water for trek
Tip for staff as a guide or porter
Huayna Picchu Mountain $75 USD per person
Machu Picchu Mountain $70 USD per person
Gallery
Price
2-DAY INCA TRAIL PRICES
The price is fully justified, as you will have the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu at two unique moments: the first day in the afternoon and again the following morning. This allows you to enjoy different perspectives, lighting, and experiences in the citadel, making your visit much more complete and unforgettable
