Short Inca Trail With Camping 2 Days
Altitude Max.
2720 m.s.n.m.
Distance
12 km/7.4 miles
Difficulty
Difficult
Season
2026
Short Inca Trail With Camping 2 Days
Our Short Inca Trail with camping is designed for those who may be short on time but still wish to experience the magic of hiking the short Inca Trail. This option allows visitors to explore less-visited Inca sites such as Wiñaywayna and Chachabamba, while also soaking in the stunning landscapes that the Inca trail offers. One of the highlights is entering through the Sun Gate, just as the Incas did centuries ago. The journey includes an unforgettable night of camping at our exclusive site located below Machu Picchu—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. During your trek, you will enjoy fresh, expertly prepared meals by our skilled chef, and there are designated areas where you can charge your devices, ensuring you stay connected even in the heart of nature.
Join us for our unforgettable 2-day Short Inca Trail with camping. Your adventure begins with a 4:00 a.m. pickup from Cusco, followed by a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll board the train to kilometer 104—the starting point of the trek. From there, we hike to the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna before continuing on to the iconic Sun Gate, offering the first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu. After descending to the ruins, we take a bus to Puente Ruinas and enjoy a short walk to our campsite. There, a delicious dinner prepared by our professional chef awaits. On the second day, you will explore the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World—accompanied by a private guide for a deeply enriching experience
Why should you hike the Inca trail 2 days with Camping with American Trekking?
- We are a practical, punctual, reliable Travel company, welcoming individuals or groups. Check out our reviews on trip advisor.
- We include porters who will carry your lunch, so you will hike light.
- You will ride the same train with your guide until the short Inca trail trailhead.
- We don’t share the service with other travel companies.
- Small groups of 2 to 8 people maximum. This fact sets us apart from other travel companies that bring bigger groups.
- American Trekking is A 100% locally owned Travel Company and fully licensed Inca Trail operator.
- Our Tour Guides pride themselves on being up-to-date and have a comprehensive program of continual professional development. We love showing what a fascinating and amazing Inca trail is.
- Your return train ticket is at 02:55 pm from Aguas Calientes. Therefore you arrive to Cusco early so you will sleep enough to do any tour the next day.
We will pick you up at 04:00 am from Cusco to start the Inca Trail with camping. We drive for about an hour and a half until Ollantaytambo town where will have boxbreakfast then board our train until kilometer 104(Starting point of the hike). Once we disembark the train, we will meet our chef and porters who will carry our lunch and extra belongings to the campsite
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. We will hike 11km of the trail. Our hike begins with a visit to Chachabama ruins and then works its way up along a paved Inca trail to the archeological site of Winay Wayna before continuing to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). We will have our Picnic lunch. 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. We might see some larger mammals such as Viscachas (rabbit-like Chinchillas) and Spectacled Bears (if we are very lucky).
After a full day of hiking, we will arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the afternoon, where we’ll get our first glimpse of Machu Picchu stretched out on the mountain ridge below. From the Sun Gate, we’ll continue hiking for about 45 minutes to reach Machu Picchu. Once there, we’ll explore the upper part of the site following Circuit 01 and take the iconic photos of Machu Picchu from three viewpoints. Afterward, we’ll head to the exit and take a 20-minute bus ride to Puente Ruinas. From there, it’s a 7-minute walk to our campsite, where we’ll have dinner and spend the night in our tents.
- Elevation Gain: 695 m / 1683 ft.
- Elevation Loose: 391 m / 820 feet.
- Highlights: hiking the original Inca Trail, Visit Wiñaywayna ruins, you will see the sunset over Machu Picchu, camping at the foot of Machu Picchu
- Walking Distance: 11 km / 6.83 miles
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner Included
- Trailhead Elevation: 2,000 m / 6561 ft.
- Highest point: the top elevation is Sun Gate 2,720 m/8923 ft.
- The campiste Elevation: 1,985 m/ 6512 ft.
- Weather: Hot and humid
We will wake you up early with a hot tea, after that you will have time to pack your belongings then you will enjoy the delicious breakfast prepared by our professional chef. After enjoying our delicious meal, we will walk to the bus station for about 30 minutes. Then we will take the bus to machu picchu for about 25 minutes. Of course, our guide will be there all the time to head your way.
The first bus leave at 5:30 am from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, so you will be at the entrance at 6 am. Again, you will show your Passport at the checkpoint and then enter Machu Picchu. Our guide will take you to the strategic point from where you see Macchu Picchu in its splendor and you will experience how the sunlight hit the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. After taking the best pictures, we will have 2 hours of guided tour in the citadel following the Circuit 03 in which you will visit the most imporant places such, temple of the sun, wáter fountain, the house of the royalty, sacred rock, temple of the condor, etc. After the explanation, you will come back to the exit and take a bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes which takes 30 minutes. Once you are in Aguas Calientes, you will have time to explore the town and have lunch until 14:25 pm then take the train to Ollantaytambo at 14:55 or 15:20. You will arrive at Ollantaytambo around 17:00 and our driver will take to Cusco so we will drop you off in your hotel 19:30 roughly.
If you’ve booked an extra hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, your guide will help you get to the starting point and explain how to reach these places. Your guide will also give you the ticket for the bus back to Aguas Calientes town. The trail to these mountains is easy to follow and clearly marked. Remember, you will be hiking to these mountains on your own. If you want a guide for the hike, there will be an additional cost. Contact us if you’d like a quote for this service.
- Elevation Gain: 93 m / 305 ft.
- Elevation Loose: 33 m / 108 feet.
- Hiking Distance: 2km / 1.24 miles.
- 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.
Included
- A personal porter to carry your 7 kg of your personal belongings
- Pick up and drop off at your hotel.
- Trail ticket of 06:10 am from Ollantaytambo to km 104 (the starting point of the walk).
- English-speaking guide with conduct radio communication.
- Foam mattresses.
- Professional chef
- Kitchen equipment.
- Dining tent with chairs and tables.
- Portable environmental biodegradable toilet (The Pett).
- Meal service at the campsites (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 snack). With options for vegetarians, gluten-free, lactose Intolerance and any food allergy.
- 4 season Tents for two people (tent with capacity for 3 people used as doubles – Kayla Doite).
- Porter service. As detailed in the table authorized by the Ministry of Culture. (To carry our camping equipment and food) we never overload our porters and they have the proper equipment.
- Inca Trail Permits and Machu Picchu ticket.
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on day 01.
- Round trip bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and viceversa on day 02.
- Satellite phone.
- Return Expeditions train ticket back (14:55 Hrs.) To Ollantaytambo.
- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.
- Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit.
- Pre-departure Inca Trail briefing, presented by the tour guides at 6:00 pm at the office a day before.
- Wake-up tea. Hot herbal tea is brought to your tent on the second day.
- A duffle bag, where you put your 7 kg / 14 pounds of personal items per person (personal cares, personal items, and sleeping bag are within this 7 kg / 14 pounds).
- We provide hot water bins to help our clients clean and feel good at night.
- Rain Poncho to cover you in the rain.
- Two-hour guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Boiled water to fill in your water bottles or Camelback (your chef will provide clean water after each meal)
- Day pack cover to keep you dry your belongings.
Not Included
- Huayna Picchu Moutain: It is $65USD
- Machu Picchu Mountain:It is $65 USD
- Vistadome:
- Vistadome Only returned: $50
- Sleeping Bag: It is $5
- Walking Sticks: It is $5
- Lunch – Day 2.
- Tips (optional).
IMPORTANT:
A maximum of 250 people per day are allowed to access the short Inca Trail at km. 104; This number includes all support staff such as authorized porters, cooks, and Guides and is most tightly checked; when the short Inca trail reaches its limit of 250 travelers, the Trail is closed off for the day and no further reservations could be made. All the permits to hike must be bought 4 months in advance, if possible.
Updated Regulations for the Inca Trail – Effective May 27, 2025
On May 27, 2025, the Ministry of Culture introduced a significant change in the regulations governing access to Machu Picchu for participants of the 2-day Inca Trail. Under the new policy, permits issued on or after this date will no longer grant full access to the Machu Picchu citadel.
Specifically, hikers completing the 2-day Inca Trail will be permitted to reach the iconic viewpoint commonly used for the classic Machu Picchu photograph and will follow Circuit 1, which traces the outer perimeter of the archaeological complex. Upon completion of this route, visitors will be required to exit the site without entering the central areas of the citadel or exploring its interior structures.
It is important to clarify that this new restriction applies only to permits issued on or after May 27, 2025. Travelers who secured their permits prior to this date will still have access to the complete site, including Circuit 3, which allows entry into the main citadel.
In response to this regulatory adjustment, and in an effort to preserve the full Machu Picchu experience for our clients, we will be implementing an alternative solution. For all affected travelers, we will purchase an additional entry ticket that includes access to Circuit 3. This will ensure that our guests can enjoy both the classic panoramic viewpoint and a comprehensive tour of the interior ruins within the main citadel.
THINGS TO KNOW
- This Machu Picchu 2-day with camping is not recommended for travelers with back problems
- You will have a tour guide during your short Inca trail and on the Machu Picchu tour.
- 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, and personal medications.
- This short Inca Trail with camping will have a maximum of 8 travelers
STRIKES
Strikes and roadblocks are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our short Inca trail with camping 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 with camping, we will take you to Aguas Calientes the night before your departure date. You will spend the night in Aguas Calientes 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 with camping starts.
If the strike happens the day that you finish your 2-day 1 night Inca Trail. We will send our vans from Cusco to Hidrolectrica. So you will need to hike 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 11:00 pm.
Another option we have is if the strike happens on the second day. We will visit Machu Picchu in the afternoon of the first day after hiking the short Inca Trail. So you will take the train at 09:00 pm back to Cusco the same that you start your Inca Trail 2 days with camping. Of course, we will charge as Inca Trail 1 day.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We really recommend you get travel insurance because if you cancel your two-day Machu Picchu with camping 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 WEATHER
The weather is unpredictable in the Andes. The dry season in short 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 with camping, 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.
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 with camping, solo travelers will be paired to share a tent 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 at 6 pm. You will meet your guide and He/She will explain to 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, Inti Killa Gallery, Second Floor. Office 03. Cusco, Peru.
TIPPING
Tipping is becoming very common on Inca Trail Trail 2 days. On the second day in the morning, we will say goodbye to our amazing porters and chefs. This is the time that you will give a tip to all of them, please. Anything extra is always really appreciated. Please know that tipping is not Mandatory and that you should never feel forced into this.
Usually, our customers pool their tipping money together for the chef and porters. For your tour guide, you tip after your guided tour at Machu Picchu. You decide the amount of money based on your experience with them. Soles is better for Our Porters and Chefs. Guides can receive U.S. dollars or Soles without any problem.
- Tips could be for our porters: 20 – 50 soles per porter.
- Tips could be for our Cooks: 50 – 80 soles per cook.
GROUP SERVICE
Our Inca Trail 2 days with camping group are made up of all different types of people, with many trekking skills and ages. Once you book a group service, you agree that some people may be slower or faster than you. Each of you will go at your own pace for the trek, and our tour guide will work with the group to spend time with everybody.
SHORT INCA TRAIL CAMPSITE
The campsite used for the Short Inca Trail 2 Days with Camping is quite different from the one used on the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days. Unlike the traditional four-day route, where travelers camp in designated areas along the Inca Trail surrounded by open natural spaces, the short version does not have official or designated campsites managed by the government. For this reason, each authorized tour company arranges accommodation by renting private land from local families who offer their property for use as a campsite.
It is also important to note that the campsite for the Short Inca Trail is not located directly on the Inca Trail itself. Instead, it is situated near the base of Machu Picchu, close to the Puente Ruinas area. After visiting Machu Picchu, hikers can reach the campsite either by hiking approximately 40 minutes downhill or by taking a short bus ride that stops near the entrance to the campsite.
In order to book your Inca Trail 2 days with camping with us, click on the BOOK NOW button above, then select the day of your departure, then, fill out all your personal information of each participant and the last step is the payment of your deposit of $150 per person. Once we receive your deposit, we will send you a confirmation of your trip
Also, you will find on our booking form some extras such as Huayna Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu, walking sticks, and a sleeping bag. For the Huaya Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, you need to book in advance because those tickets run out in advance like the Inca Trail permits. The walking sticks and sleeping bag, you can book one day before your departure at our office. We have plenty of them to rent.
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! During the 2 days Inca trail hike with camping, you can store your luggage at our storage or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please bring what you will only need during your Short Inca Trail with camping to Machu Picchu.
The outstanding balance can be made in cash 2 days earlier your trip in USD or soles. 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 2 days prior to your trip.
This hike is classified as moderate-difficult, it’s recommended to be in good physical condition.
For our customers who hike the Inca trail 2-day trek with camping, we will always book the 09 – 10 am Schedule for Huayna Picchu Mountain. You will get to Machu Picchu at 6 am on the second day. So you will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel from 06 until 08:30 am. Then you will enter Huayna Picchu at 09:00 am. This hike takes around 2 hour and a half roughly. Therefore You will finish this hike at 12:00 roughly. Then you will take the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes which takes around 30 minutes. So you will be in Aguas Calientes 12:30 pm. You will have time to eat your lunch until 02:50 pm.
When you hike Huayna Picchu Mountain, we always book the 15:20 train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Therefore you will get back to Cusco around 19:30.
Note: The 09 am and 10 am Huayna Picchu ticket runs out quickly, so it is better to book the Huayna Picchu together with your 2-day Inca trail permits in Advance.
In case you book the Machu Picchu Mountain, we book the Schedule of 08 – 09 am. So you will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel from 6 to 8 am then you need to exit Machu Picchu, use the toilet, and reenter Machu Picchu then you need to walk for 10 minutes until the Machu Picchu Mountain checkpoint. You will access the Mountain at 8:45 am. This hike takes 3 hours roughly so you will be back in Machu Pichu at 12 pm then you will take the bus to Aguas Calientes which takes 30 minutes. You will be in Aguas Calientes around 12:30 then you will have time to explore the town and have lunch until 14:25 pm.
Yes, it is Included Machu Picchu Citadel ticket. But not the Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket.
Trail-tested essentials for your adventure.
- Passport: Bring your physical passport. It will be checked at the Chachabamba checkpoint and when boarding the train. It must be the same passport you used to book your short Inca trail permits.
- Student Card: If you booked as a student, bring your physical student card.
- Backpack: A 25-liter backpack is recommended, but you can bring a smaller or larger one. However, if it’s bigger than allowed at Machu Picchu, you’ll need to store it in a locker for a 5 soles.
- Water Bottle: You need a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the trail, as single-use bottles are prohibited.
- Water: Carry at least 2 liters of water per person.
- First Aid Kit: It’s a good idea to have your own first aid kit. The guides will have one but cannot prescribe medication.
- Outfit for Machu Picchu: Consider bringing a change of clothes for photos at Machu Picchu.
- Sun Hat: The first part of the trail is exposed to the sun, so bring a hat for protection.
- Sandals: After the hike, you can switch to sandals for comfort.
- Power Bank: Bring a power bank to ensure your phone stays charged for photos and videos.
- Trekking Shoes: Trekking shoes are highly recommended due to paved trails and potentially slippery trails.
- Sunglasses: It’s usually sunny on the short Inca trail.
- Sun Block: The sun’s radiation is strong in the Andes, so bring sunscreen.
- Insect Repellent: The trail is in a rainforest, so there will be mosquitoes the whole year, especially more in August and September.
- Hiking Poles with Rubber Tips: If you’re not used to hiking or have knee problems, walking sticks can be helpful.
- Snacks: Although snacks are provided, bring extra if you need to eat frequently, like energy bars or candies.
- Electrolytes (Optional): If you need an energy boost, electrolytes can help.
- Hand Sanitizer: In some areas, you may need to use nature as a toilet, so hand sanitizer will be useful.
- Toilet Paper: Toilets on the trail may not have toilet paper, so it’s good to bring your own.
- Long-Sleeve Shirt: Lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirts are good for sun protection and layering.
- Fleece Jacket or Pullover: A warm fleece is important for cooler temperatures in the mornings or evenings.
- Trekking Pants: Trekking pants dry faster than jeans if it rains, helping you avoid getting cold.
- T-Shirt: Bring at least two t-shirts to change into since the trail is hot, and you’ll likely sweat.
- Rain Jacket: Weather can be unpredictable, so always bring a raincoat even in dry season.
- Camera or Cell Phone: There are amazing photo opportunities along the trail and at Machu Picchu.
- Money: Bring some soles (Peruvian currency) in case you need to buy something, as credit cards may not be accepted in Ollantaytambo.
- Moleskin: Useful for treating blisters.
- Camping Pillow: A small camping pillow can make sleeping more comfortable.
- Extra Hiking Socks: You’ll need at least two pairs—one for the first day and another for visiting Machu Picchu.
- Binoculars (Optional): If you’re a birdwatcher, bring binoculars to spot various bird species.
