Short Inca Trail 2 Days
Altitude Max.
2720 m.s.n.m.
Distance
12 km/7.4 miles
Difficulty
Difficult
Season
2026
Short Inca Trail 2 Days
Our Short Inca Trail 2 days is a wonderful option for those who don’t have time or desire to hike the full length of the classical 4-day Inca Trail. With beautiful landscape, a great variety of flora and fauna on display, and a visit to the Inca Trail’s most beautiful archeological site Wiñay Wayna (For Ever Young), you enjoy all the best bits of the Inca Trail condensed into a one-day walk. Covering a distance of just 10km / 6.3 miles. In addition, you will visit Machu Picchu 2 times so you will have afternoon and morning pictures.
Short Inca Trail Hike Overview
- Duration: The Short Inca Trail takes 2 days and 1 night. On Day 1, you hike the trail. On Day 2, you visit Machu Picchu with your guide.
- Difficulty: It is a moderate hike. The first day takes about 6–7 hours and includes some steep sections and stone steps. On the second day, you enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Distance: You will hike about 11 km (6.8 miles) on the first day.
- Highest Altitude: The highest point is Intipunku (the Sun Gate) at 2,720 m (8,923 ft).
- Accommodation: You will sleep in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town), usually Tara Machu Picchu.
- Permits: A Short Inca Trail permit is required and must be booked early. Only 250 permits are available each day.
- Closed Period: The Short Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance.
- Route: The trek starts at Km 104. Along the way, you visit Chachabamba, the beautiful Wiñay Wayna ruins, and finish at the Sun Gate with your first view of Machu Picchu—just like the Incas did long ago.
Why Should You Hike Inca Trail 2 Day Trek With American Trekking?
- We are a Reliable Tour Company: We are a practical, punctual, reliable Travel company. Check out our reviews on trip advisor.
- Picnic Lunch: We are the only company who provide Picnic on the short Inca trail.
- Small groups: 2 to 8 people maximum. This fact sets us apart from other travel companies that take bigger groups.
- Tourist train for your Guide: Our guide will pick you up from cusco and drive to Ollantataymbo and he/She will be in same train together with you from Ollantaytambo to km 104(The Trailhead).
- Satellite Phones: Our guides always have satellite phones at all times for emergencies and non-emergencies.
- Hotel to Hotel Service: We will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Cusco. We will never leave you stranded before or after our short Inca Trail tour!
- 100% Local Company: American Trekking is A 100% locally owned Travel Company and fully licensed Inca Trail operator.
- Porter: We include porters who will carry your lunch until Wiñaywayna, so you will hike light.
- Highly Trained Guides: Our Tour Guides pride themselves on being up-to-date and have a comprehensive program of continual professional development.
- Early Return: Your return train ticket is at 14:55 or 15:20 from Aguas Calientes. Therefore you arrive in Cusco early so you will sleep enough to do any tour the next day.
- We don’t share the service with other operators: We assure our clients that we will not cancel your your Inca Trail due to low sign-ups or limited participation on the departure date. These commitments provide our travelers with the confidence and peace of mind that their travel plans are secured and guaranteed.
- We Pay on Time: At American Trekking, our porters, guides, driver, and cooks receive their salaries as soon as they finish their job.
We will leave Cusco at 04:00 am to start our Inca Trail 2 day hike. We drive for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to Ollantaytambo where we have our Breakfast, then take our train until kilometer 104(Trailhead). Our trek today takes us along the most wonderful stretch of the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days. We’ll visit beautiful Inca sites, see a variety of flora and fauna and get to take in the stunning panoramas of the Andes.
Our hike begins in the km 104 and works it’s way up along a paved Inca trail to the archeological site of Winay Wayna. After visiting Wiñay Wayna, we will have our picnic with an amazing view of the Mountain. After enjoying our meal. we’ll hike through the lush and green cloud forest that covers the mountain and get to see a wide variety of plants, flowers, orchids, and birds along the way.
After a full day of hiking, you will arrive at the Sun Gate, where you will enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu stretching across the mountain ridge below. From this viewpoint, you will continue hiking for approximately 45 minutes, following Circuit 1 (Route 1 – Sun Gate). Upon arrival, you will explore the upper terraces, the ideal location to capture the iconic postcard photograph of Machu Picchu. Your professional guide will provide a brief introduction to the site before exiting the citadel.
Afterward, you will take a bus to Aguas Calientes, arriving at around 5:00 PM. Your guide will assist with hotel check-in, after which you will have free time to relax, including the option to visit the hot springs. Following dinner, you will return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Details
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- Elevation Gain: 695 m / 1683 ft.
- Elevation Loose: 391 m / 820 feet.
- Highlights: hike original Inca Trail, visit Wiñaywayna ruins.
- Walking Distance: 11 km / 6.83 miles
- Trailhead Elevation: 2,000 m / 6561 ft.
- Highest point: 2,720 m/8923 ft.
- Weather: Hot and humid.
The second day is the highlight of the trip: visiting Machu Picchu. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel, and together you’ll walk to the bus station to catch the first bus at 5:30 AM. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes to reach Machu Picchu.
At the entrance, you’ll show your passport and Machu Picchu tickets at the checkpoint. Once inside, your guide will lead you to one of the best spots to take a photo of the citadel. After that, you’ll explore Machu Picchu by following Circuit 03(route 3B – designed royal route) . For about 2 to 3 hours, your guide will show you key landmarks such as the Temple of the Sun, the Inca Houses, the water fountains, agricultural terraces, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and the storehouse.
After the tour, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Once you’ve eaten, your guide will take you to the train station for your ride back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a driver will pick you up and take you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving at around 7:30 PM.
If you book an extra hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, our guide will help you find the trailhead and explain all the details and safety tips. The guide will also give you the bus ticket to return to Aguas Calientes. The trail to these mountains is a single, well-marked path. Keep in mind that you will do this extra hike on your own. If you want a guide for the hike, there will be an additional charge. Let us know if you need one by sending us a message.
Details
- Highlight: Visit Machu Picchu early in the morning, and enjoy the sunrise over the Citadel.
- Temperature: Warm and humid.
- Meals: Only Breakfast included.
- Aguas Calientes elevation: 2040 m / 6692 ft, we will sleep in this town.
- Machu Picchu Elevation: 2430 m/ 7972 ft.
Included
- Professional Guide: At American Trekking, our guides are highly knowledgeable about the history, geology, and archaeology of the Peruvian region.
- Three-Star Hotel: We work with Tara Machu Picchu Hotel, and if they are fully booked, we arrange accommodations at another three-star hotel.
- Briefing: The night before your hike (usually at 6:00 PM), you’ll attend a briefing at our office with our guide and other hikers in your group. Hotel of 3 stars: After hiking over 7 hours, you need confortable hotel. We book Tara Machu Picchu or similar with 3 stars.
- Satellite Phone: Our guides always have a satellite phone on hand, allowing them to contact hospitals, doctors, and coordinate emergency rescues if needed.
- Pick-Up And Drop-Off At Your Hotel: Pick-Up And Drop-Off At Your Hotel: We will pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco to start your Inca Trail. After your hike, we will drop you off in your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco.
- Private Transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo: Once we pick you up, our drivers will then transport you in our private American Trekking van to Ollantaytambo.
- Picnic Tent With Chairs And Tables: We will provide you with a large dining tent, along with chairs and a table where you will enjoy your lunch.
- 2 Breakfasts: The first breakfast you will have in Ollantaytambo. And the second breakfast the hotel will provide you before you go to Machu Picchu.
- Picnic Lunch: We are the exclusive provider of picnics, allowing you to enjoy your meal amidst the breathtaking scenery of the short Inca Trail. Our picnic offerings include a range of dishes, such as a protein choice, salads, various sides, and delightful desserts. Additionally, we cater to dietary preferences and restrictions, offering alternatives for vegetarians, gluten-free options, lactose-free choices, and accommodations for other food allergies.
- Dinner: We will provide a dinner in a Restaurant in Aguas Calientes town.
- Inca Trail Permit: The cost of the Inca Trail covers the admission fee for the shorter Inca Trail route, along with access to the different Inca sites we’ll encounter during the journey.
- Machu Picchu Ticket: With this ticket you visit Machu Picchu with your own private guided tour.
- 3 Bus Tickets: On the first day after completing the hike, you’ll board a bus to Calientes. Then, the following day, you’ll ride the bus to Machu Picchu. After the tour concludes in Machu Picchu, you’ll need to catch a bus back to Aguas Calientes.
- Round Trip Expeditions Train Tickets: On the initial day, you’ll catch the train departing at 06:10 from Ollantaytambo to reach km 104. Then, on the following day, your Expedition Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo Train Station will be provided, departing either at 14:55 or 15:20.
- Private Transportation From Ollantaytambo To Cusco: They will take you back to your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco.
- Oxygen Tank: Our tour guides will always carry a tank of oxygen in case of an emergency
- First-Aid Kit: Our guide carry first-aid kits during hikes and can offer assistance if required.
- Rain Poncho: Even if you have good rain gear, heavy rain during some months can still be overwhelming. That’s why we offer a plastic poncho to give you extra protection from the rain.
- Guided Tour Of Machu Picchu: You will explore Machu Picchu with our guide, visiting the most important temples and ruins. This also includes a visit to the unique guardhouse platform.
- Daypack Cover: We’ll also give you a backpack cover that protects your backpack from rain, dust, and dirt.
- Free Storage For Your Extra Belongings: We keep your extra belongings safe during the trek in our secure storage space in Cusco.
Not Included
- Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes town(US$5).
- Tips (optional)
Important:
A maximum of 250 people per day are allowed to access the Inca Trail 2 days at km. 104; This number includes all support staff such as authorized porters, cooks, and tour guides and is most tightly controlled; when the short Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu reaches its limit of 250 travelers, the Trail is closed off for the day and no further reservations could be made; Booking are not held on the Trail and all permits to trek must be bought a year in advance, if possible.
Impotant Considerations
- Pack light: Since porters are not included on the shorter trek, you will carry all your essentials in a daypack. Bring comfortable hiking boots, a rain jacket, layers for changing weather, and a reusable water bottle.
- This Machu Picchu 2-day hike is not recommended for travelers with back problems.
- The first day involves hiking for approximately 6–8 hours, with significant uphill sections. The second day is much easier, focused on the Machu Picchu site.
- Reserve early: Access to the Short Inca Trail is limited to a maximum of 250 permits per day, and availability often becomes scarce during the high-demand months from April to September. Booking well in advance is strongly recommended to secure your preferred date.
- Daily departures with a group of 2 or more.
- No departures in February due to trail maintenance.
- There is no access to a wheelchair.
- Don’t FORGET THE ESSENTIALS: Original passport, insurance card, personal medications.
- Bring your identification: Travelers are required to present their original passport at the official control point prior to beginning the hike. Ensuring you have this document with you is essential for entry and verification.
Strikes
Strikes and roadblocks are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our short Inca trail to Machu Picchu hike and rail service to and from Machu Picchu. We will do our best that your hike to Machu Picchu continues as planned with some changes.
If the strike happens on the first day of your short Inca Trail tour, we will take you to Aguas Calientes the night before your start date. You will spend the night in a hotel which will be at your expense. And the next day, you will hike an extra 1 hour and a half to Km 104 where your 2-day Inca Trail tour starts.
If the strike happens the day that you finish your 2-day 1-night Inca Trail. We will send our vans to Hidrolectrica. So you will need to hike an extra 2 hours from Aguas Calientes to Hydroelectric. Then we will drive 7 hours to Cusco. We will drop you off at your hotel around 09:00 pm.
Travel Insurance
We recommend you get travel insurance because if you cancel your two-day Machu Picchu hike at the last minute it can reimburse you for your pre-paid, non-refundable short Inca Trail permit. Also when you get sick or hurt while you are far away from home, it can reimburse you for care following a covered medical emergency while traveling.
Short Inca Trail Difficulty
The Short Inca Trail is generally considered moderately difficult. Although it spans only one day of hiking, it includes steep ascents, stone steps, and high altitude, which can make the trek physically demanding for some travelers. Most hikers with a basic level of fitness can complete it comfortably, as the pace is steady and the total walking time averages 6–7 hours. The trail rewards the effort with remarkable scenery, archaeological sites, and a memorable first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.
Short Inca Trail Weather
The weather is unpredictable in the Andes. The dry season in 2 days Inca Trail is from April to October and the rainy season is from November through March, but this does not stop rain from falling in the dry season or the sun from coming out in the rainy season so just be prepared. No matter what season you are hiking the short Inca Trail trek, make sure that you get rain gear such as a rain jacket, rain pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. You might experience 4 seasons in only one day too. So you must be prepared. Layers are the key since they are easy to adapt to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a down jacket since the early morning and evening will be cold.
Altitude
The highest point reached on this route is the Sun Gate, situated at approximately 2,720 meters (8,924 feet). Although this elevation is lower than the highest pass on the classic 4-day Inca Trail, it is still advisable to spend one or two days in Cusco (3,399 m / 11,152 ft) beforehand to ensure proper acclimatization.
Updating Passport Numbers
If you are renewing your passport, go ahead and email us a copy of your old passport to book your Machu Picchu 2 day hike permits. If you no longer have your old passport, any government-issued ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Once you receive your new passport. Please email us a copy of your new passport ASAP to change the information on your permit.
Returning From Machu Pichu To Cusco
Returning from Machu Picchu to Cusco needs a lot of logistics. But it is already organized by us.
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, you will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes for about 30 minutes. Buses run every 15 minutes. Then Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station. Our guide will give you your train tickets. Make sure to get to the train station 30 minutes earlier.
- The estimated time on the train is 1 hour and a half from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- The estimated time on the train is 3 hours and a half from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.
Once at the train station, our transfer will wait for you with American Trekking logo. He/She will then transfer you back to Cusco and then to your hotel.
- The estimated time from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is 1 hour and a half.
- The estimated time from Poroy to Cusco is 40 minutes.
Accommodation Options
During the short Inca trail 2 days, solo travelers will be paired to share a hotel room with another traveler of the same sex and couples will have a room to themselves.
Pre-Departure Briefing
There is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cusco Office one day before your departure to the Inca trail 2 days at 7 pm. You will meet your tour guide and He will give you detailed information about your hike, a list of what to bring, rental equipment, or questions in general. Our office is located at Marquez Street 250, Second Floor. Office 03. Cuzco, Peru.
In order to book your Inca Trail 2 days with us, click on the BOOK NOW button, then select the day of your departure, then, fill out all your personal information of each participant and the last step is the payment. You can pay us with your credit card or debit. Send us only the deposit of $150.
On the booking platform, you will also find the extras. The Huayna Picchu Mountain, the Vistadome train, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Walking Sticks. You have to book the Huayna Picchu, Vistadome and Machu Picchu together with your 2 days Inca Trail, because they run out quickly like Inca Trail Permits. However, you can rent walking sticks in Cusco 1 day before your trip.
When your Inca trail permits are in our hands, we will send you a confirmation that everything is 100% organized. All start dates, once confirmed, are guaranteed.
Yes, a waiting list is available for the 2-day Inca Trail. In certain situations, additional permits may become available shortly before the departure date, typically within 2 to 3 days before the hike starts. This usually happens when travelers cancel their trips due to altitude sickness after arriving in Cusco, flight delays or cancellations, or other unexpected circumstances.
When these cancellations occur, the number of required porters may also decrease, which can occasionally free up a small number of permits. As a result, it is sometimes possible to secure a last-minute space, depending on availability.
During our 2-day Inca Trail hike, you will explore two circuit: Circuit 1 (Upper Terrace Route) and Circuit 3 (Royal Route). On the first day, you will arrive at the Sungate and hike straight to Machu Picchu, entering through the upper area via Circuit 1. From the upper terrace, you can take the famous photo of Machu Picchu. After exiting the site, you will return the next day to follow Circuit 3, which takes you through the most important temples and structures of this ancient city. This carefully planned itinerary allows you to fully appreciate the beauty and history of Machu Picchu from different viewpoints.
The outstanding balance can be made in cash one day earlier your trip in USD or soles or if you prefer PayPal at least one week prior to your trip(a 7% service fee applies). Also, you can pay us with a Credit card (a 5% service fee applies). Please let us know what you prefer. Cash payment MUST be paid 1 day prior to your trip.
Unfortunately, it is not possible. The Peruvian government doesn’t allow us to change once the two-day Inca trail permits have been bought. Short Inca Trail permits are not transferable nor refundable. The only information that the government allows us to change is passport numbers.
For our travelers hiking the Inca Trail 2-day trek, we always aim to reserve the 9:00–10:00 a.m. Huayna Picchu time slot whenever it is available.
On the second day, you will arrive at Machu Picchu at 6:00 a.m. You will then enjoy a guided tour of the citadel from 6:00 to 8:30 a.m. After the tour, you will enter Huayna Picchu at 9:00 a.m. The hike takes approximately 2.5 hours, finishing around 12:00 p.m.
Once the hike is complete, you will take the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, which takes about 30 minutes. You will arrive around 12:30 p.m., giving you enough time to enjoy lunch before your train departure at 2:25 p.m.
If the 9:00 a.m. Huayna Picchu schedule is sold out, we will reserve the 7:00–8:00 a.m. time slot instead. In this case, your guided tour of Machu Picchu will run from 6:00 to 7:30 a.m., meaning you will miss approximately 30% of the guided tour of the citadel.
Important note: Huayna Picchu tickets for the 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. schedules sell out very quickly. For this reason, we strongly recommend booking Huayna Picchu tickets in advance, together with your 2-day Inca Trail permits.
Trail-tested essentials for your adventure.
- Passport: You must bring your physical passport. It will be checked at the Chachabamba checkpoint and when boarding the train. Make sure it’s the same passport you used to book your Short Inca Trail permits.
- Student Card: If you booked the Short Inca Trail as a student, you need to bring your physical student card.
- Backpack: A 25-liter backpack is recommended. You can bring a smaller or larger one as there are no restrictions on the Inca Trail. However, if your backpack is larger when visiting Machu Picchu, you’ll need to store it in a locker, for which you’ll need to pay 5 soles. The locker is safe.
- CamelBak or Water Bottle: You’ll need a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the trail. Bring a reusable water bottle because single-use plastic bottles are prohibited.
- Water: It’s recommended to bring at least 2 liters of water per person.
- First Aid Kit: It’s always a good idea to have your own first aid kit. Although our guides carry one, they are not allowed to prescribe you any medicine.
- Outfit for Machu Picchu: Since you’ll want to keep photos of Machu Picchu forever, it would be a good idea to bring an extra set of clothes for the trip.
- Swimsuit (Optional): Some travelers visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes, but they are not highly recommended as they can be crowded.
- Sun Hat: The first part of the trail is exposed to the sun, so you’ll need protection.
- Sandals: After the trek, you can switch to sandals for comfort.
- Power Bank: Since there are many beautiful spots to take pictures and videos, bring a power bank in case your phone’s battery runs out.
- Towel (Optional): The hotel will provide a towel, but you can bring your own if you prefer.
- Trekking Shoes: It’s highly recommended to wear trekking shoes because the trail is rocky and can be slippery when wet.
- Sunglasses: It’s often sunny on the Short Inca Trail.
- Sunblock: The sun’s rays are very strong in the Andes, so bring sunscreen.
- Insect Repellent: The entire trail is in a rainforest area, so there will be many mosquitoes the whole year, especially more in August and September.
- Hiking Poles with Rubber Tips: If you’re not used to hiking, walking sticks can be very helpful, especially if you have knee problems.
- Snacks: Although snacks are provided, if you tend to eat frequently, you might want to bring your own, like energy bars, cookies, or candy.
- Electrolytes (Optional): If you need an energy boost during the hike, electrolytes can help.
- Hand Sanitizer: In some parts of the trail, there might not be water available to clean your hands, so hand sanitizer is essential.
- Toilet Paper: The toilets at the Wiñaywayna campsite and some trailheads may not have toilet paper, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
- Long-Sleeve Shirt: Lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirts are recommended for sun protection and cooler mornings or evenings.
- Fleece Jacket or Pullover: A warm, lightweight fleece is essential for cooler temperatures, especially in the mornings and evenings.
- Trekking Pants: Trekking pants are recommended because they dry quickly, unlike jeans, which can cause you to get cold if it rains.
- T-shirts: Bring at least two t-shirts to change into, as you will likely sweat a lot during the hike.
- Rain Jacket: Due to global warming, it can rain at any time of the year, so it’s highly recommended to bring a raincoat.
- Camera or Cellphone: There are many beautiful places to take photos along the Short Inca Trail and at Machu Picchu.
- Money: If you forget something, you can buy it in Ollantaytambo, but they only accept cash. It’s better to bring Peruvian soles because the exchange rate for US dollars is not favorable.
- Moleskin: In case you get blisters, moleskin can help treat them.
- Extra Hiking Socks: You’ll need at least two pairs of socks—one for the first day and another for visiting Machu Picchu.
- Immigration Card: When checking into a hotel in Aguas Calientes, you’ll need to show your immigration card, which you receive on the plane when entering Peru.
- Binoculars (Optional): If you enjoy birdwatching, bring binoculars, as there are many types of birds in the area.
