On this tour you will be able to connect with nature, you will see flora, fauna and Inca archaeological remains. You will have a walk along the Inca trail....
Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu picchu: The Ultimate Andean Adventure
Short on time but refuse to miss the world's most legendary trek? The **Short Inca Trail 2 Days / 1 Night** is your perfect match.
This iconic route allows you to hike an authentic, preserved section of the ancient **Inca Road System (Capac Ñan)** without the need for days of intense camping. You will trek through dramatic cloud forests, discover hidden archaeological gems like *Wiñay Wayna*, and experience the ultimate reward: entering **Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)** just as the Incas did centuries ago.
👉 Ideal for families, couples, and trekkers looking for a moderate challenge with maximum rewards.
📌 Quick Trip Facts?
This 11 km (7-mile) journey takes you through breathtaking cloud forests, ancient Inca checkpoints, and finishes with a triumphant walk through the Sun Gate directly into Machu Picchu
- Total Distance: ~10 km / 6.2 miles
- Ancient Ruins: Visit Chachabamba, Wiñayhuayna, Inti Punku, Machupicchu.
- Max. Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,923 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Best Season: May – September (Dry Season)
- Permits: Strictly Required (Book months ahead)
- Guiding: Mandatory with an Official Operator
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Cusco - KM 104 - Wiñay Wayna - Machu Picchu Sun Gate - Aguas Calientes
- 🚊 Scenic Train Ride: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and transfer you to the station. Board the train toward the **Sacred Valley**, tracing the Urubamba River with breathtaking views of farmland and snow-capped peaks.
- 🥾 Trekking Commencement (KM 104): Disembark at the official checkpoint to begin your hike, instantly immersing yourself in the high-jungle landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.
- 🏛️ Explore Wiñay Wayna Ruins (2,600 m / 8,500 ft): Reach this spectacular Inca site after a 3-hour hike. Marvel at its ancient water fountains, sacred temples, and dramatic agricultural terraces. Here, you will enjoy a premium, energizing **gourmet box lunch**.
- 🌅 Gateway of the Sun (Inti Punku): Your physical effort pays off as you reach the summit. Catch your **first panoramic view of Machu Picchu** under the golden afternoon light, long after most day-trippers have left.
- 🚌 Rest in Aguas Calientes: Take the eco-bus down to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Enjoy a delicious included dinner at a top-rated local restaurant before a restful night at your hotel.
The Grand Finale: Machu Picchu Guided Tour - HuaynaPicchu - Cusco
- ✨ Early Morning Citadel Entry: Board the early shuttle bus to experience the mystical morning energy of **Machu Picchu**, perfect for capturing the ultimate photos with optimal lighting.
- 🗣️ 2-Hour Premium Guided Tour: A certified local expert guide will lead you through the main circuits, temples, and palaces, revealing the authentic history and engineering genius of the Incas.
- ⛰️ Huayna Picchu Mountain (Optional): If you booked your permits in advance, this is your time to climb the famous peak for a thrilling, bird's-eye perspective of the entire citadel.
- 🛍️ Free Afternoon in the Town: Head back down to Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch on your own, browse the local artisan markets, or relax in the hot springs.
- 🚘 Seamless Return to Cusco: Board the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo station. Our private transport will be waiting at the platform to drive you directly back to your hotel doorstep in Cusco.
Note: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days + LLACTAPATA TREK is one of the most popular hiking routes in Peru...
Short 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The perfect, fast-track trekking experience following a preserved section of the original Inca road network. Hike through stunning cloud forests and ancient ruins to enter the Machu Picchu Citadel via the legendary Sun Gate on Day 1.
Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 Trailhead – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes
Your Short Inca Trail adventure begins with an early morning hotel pickup in Cusco at 4:00 AM. We embark on a comfortable private transfer to the Ollantaytambo station in the Sacred Valley. From there, we board a scenic train for a 2-hour ride along the rushing Urubamba River to Km 104, the official government checkpoint. Here, we present original passports and permits before crossing the suspension bridge to begin our trek.
The hike starts with a visit to the archaeological site of Chachabamba before climbing stone steps for approximately 4 hours through pristine cloud forest terrain. We reach the stunning terraced complex of Wiñay Wayna ("Forever Young" at 2,680 meters / 8,792 feet), considered the most impressive site on the entire trail, where we enjoy an energizing box lunch. Continuing along the path, we reach Inti Punku (The Sun Gate) for your first breathtaking, panoramic afternoon view of the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel. After capturing photos without the usual morning crowds, we take a side trail to board the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu Pueblo) for an included dinner and overnight stay at our hostel.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Citadel Tour – Optional Huayna Picchu – Cusco
The grand finale begins with an early breakfast at the hostel before heading to the bus station. We board the morning shuttle bus for a 25-minute winding ride up to the main checkpoint of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary to enter as it opens. Your professional, licensed guide will lead an immersive 2-hour historical walking tour through the stone circuits, sharing the deep architectural secrets, sacred plazas, and temple engineering of the Incas.
Following the guided session, you will have free time to absorb the magical energy of the site or challenge yourself to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,720m / 8,923ft) if you booked those restricted permits in advance (a steep 45-minute ascent to the summit). Afterward, you can return to Aguas Calientes via a scenic hike or another quick shuttle bus. After free time for lunch, you will catch your Inca Rail Bimodal Service (scenic train back to Ollantaytambo connecting directly with a dedicated bus) for a seamless return transfer right back to Cusco.
What is Included
- Official government entrance permits to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Citadel.
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) for the entire 2-day Inca Trail experience.
- Initial ground transportation: Cusco directly to Ollantaytambo train station.
- One-way train ticket from Ollantaytambo town to KM 104 (Inca Trail official trailhead).
- 1 Night hostel accommodation in Aguas Calientes town in a comfortable, private room.
- All meals included as scheduled: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner.
-
Full Consettur Bus Package (3 Tickets):
• Day 1: 1 bus service down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town.
• Day 2: 1 bus service up to Machu Picchu, and 1 bus service down back to Aguas Calientes. - Return transportation: Scenic train ticket from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo, plus connecting bus transfer returning straight to Cusco.
What is NOT Included
- The first day's breakfast and the last day's lunch.
- Extra drinks and beverages (bottled water, cold beer, champagne, whiskey, etc.).
- Tips (voluntary gratuities for the professional field staff accompanying you on the original Inca Trail).
- A pair of hiking sticks (Available for rent: US$ 10).
- Entrance permit to HuaynaPicchu Mountain (US$ 70 - Must book months in advance).
- Entrance permit to Machu Picchu Mountain (US$ 70 - Must book months in advance).
What to Pack
Frequently Asked Questions
Join thousands of happy explorers: Find expert answers to the most frequent questions about our Peru tours.
Our Inca Trail Camping Wilderness Accommodations
Experience the ancient Inca road network with high-quality camping equipment set up at the most scenic, officially designated campsites.
Wayllabamba Camp
Nestled in a peaceful Andean valley with a breathtaking frontal view of the snow-capped Veronica Mountain (Wakaywillka). A perfect setting to unplug, connect with nature, and enjoy full outdoor comforts.
- Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
- Accommodation: Premium Camping Facilities
- Max Altitude: 3,150 m / 10,334 ft
- Trekking Time: Approx. 5 Hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Pacaymayo Camp
Located high in the mountains adjacent to the pristine Pacaymayo River. This camp offers striking panoramic views of the Vilcanota mountain range, surrounded by dense high-Andean native vegetation.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
- Accommodation: Premium Camping Facilities
- Campsite Altitude: 3,620 m / 11,876 ft
- Trekking Time: Approx. 7 Hours
- Difficulty: Challenging (Post-Pass)
Wiñaywayna Camp
The final and most spectacular campsite, located just a stone's throw from the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Offers peerless views of the surrounding cloud forest and the adjacent Wiñaywayna archaeological complex.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
- Accommodation: Premium Camping Facilities
- Max Altitude: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft
- Trekking Time: Approx. 5 Hours
- Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
How to Book with Salkantay Trekking Group
Booking your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is simple and straightforward. You can book online from anywhere in the world or in person at our Cusco office. We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred date.
Two Ways to Book
Online: Use our secure platform. Pay via credit/debit card (7% processing fee applies).
In Person: Visit us at Calle Nueva Alta #644 of. A, Cusco - Peru.
Step-by-Step Online Booking Process
- Choose Date & Package: Select your start date, return method (car or train), and traveler category. Choose between paying a $150 USD deposit or the full amount.
- Fill in Details: Provide information for each participant exactly as on passports. Sign digitally and continue.
- Add Extras: Customize with Zipline adventure, or mountain tickets (HuaynaPicchu/Machu Picchu Mtn).
- Travel Insurance: Review and add insurance options for peace of mind.
- Confirmation: Immediate confirmation via email.
Booking Terms & Travel Policies
We believe in full transparency. Please read these terms to book with complete confidence.
1. Deposit: $150 USD non-refundable deposit required to secure your trek, permits, and tickets.
2. Balance: Remaining balance due no later than 48 hours before the tour start.
3. Machu Picchu Tickets: Issued by the Ministry of Culture; strictly non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-modifiable.
4. Cancellation Policy:
- More than 48h before: Loss of $150 deposit.
- Within 48h: 100% of total amount is non-refundable.
5. Train Tickets: Subject to Peru Rail/Inca Rail policies; non-refundable.
6. Passenger Responsibilities: Accuracy of passport info is mandatory. Errors may result in denied entry without refund.
7. Force Majeure: Salkantay Trekking Group reserves the right to modify the itinerary due to weather, strikes, or government restrictions.
8. Risk Assumption: High-altitude trekking involves inherent risks. We limit liability except in cases of proven negligence.
9. Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended for medical emergencies and cancellations.
10. Conduct & Claims: Respectful behavior is expected. Claims must be raised within 3 days of tour completion.
11. Legal: Governed by Peruvian law, with jurisdiction in Cusco.
About this activity
- Option 1: Llaqta Machupicchu / Circuit 2 – Route 2-A: Photo | Video
- Option 2: Circuit 2 – Route 2-B: Photo | Video
- Option 3: Circuit 1 – Route 1-B: Photo | Video
- Option 4: Circuit 3 – Route 3-B: Photo | Video
- Option 5: Circuit 1 – Route 1-A: Photo | Video
- Option 6: Circuit 3 – Route 3-A: Photo | Video
If Option 1 is important, book 4 months in advance. Check real-time availability: Official Website
What if there's no availability? Don't worry, we have other options to get your tickets.
Already have a ticket? We will give you a US$ 40 discount.
Tour Highlights
- Dual-Entry Machu Picchu Experience: Visit the citadel twice—first for the iconic panoramic view from the Sun Gate on Day 1, and again for a deep-dive guided tour of the main archaeological sectors on Day 2.
- Seamless Cusco Logistics: Hassle-free travel with private hotel pickup in Cusco, professional train transfers to KM 104, and comfortable return transport from Ollantaytambo.
- Expert Local Guidance: Our professional, bilingual guides specialize in the Short Inca Trail, ensuring you uncover the history of Wiñay Wayna and the sacred Inca road network safely.
- All-Inclusive Comfort: Forget the stress of planning. We secure all official government permits, park entries, bus tickets, and provide hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes for a seamless trek.
- Authentic Andean Exploration: Hike the original stone paths of the Inca Empire, crossing the cloud forest to reach the legendary Inti Punku—the Sun Gate—with spectacular views of the Vilcanota River.
Hike itinerary
Want to experience the magic of the Inca Trail but don't have four days to hike? The **2-Day Short Inca Trail** is the perfect alternative. This approximately 11-kilometer (6.8-mile) hike through the majestic Peruvian Andes combines nature, history, and the mysticism of the ancient Incas on a fully accessible yet rewarding route.
Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes
Stats: 11km (6.8 miles) | 6 Hours | Moderate
Day 2: The Reward – Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Cusco
Stats: 2 Hours Exploration | Easy | Bimodal Return Service ...
Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes
Stats: 11km (6.8 miles) | 6 Hours | Moderate
Day 2: The Reward – Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Cusco
Stats: 2 Hours Exploration | Easy | Bimodal Return Service
What is Included & NOT Included?
What is Included
- Official entrance permits and tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Citadel.
- Detailed pre-departure briefing 1 day before the tour at the office.
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) for the entire 2-day Inca Trail experience.
- Initial ground transportation: Cusco directly to Ollantaytambo train station.
- One-way train ticket from Ollantaytambo town to KM 104 (Inca Trail official trailhead).
- 1 Night hostel accommodation in Aguas Calientes town in a comfortable, private room.
- All meals included as scheduled: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner.
-
Full Consettur Bus Package (3 Tickets):
• Day 1: 1 bus service down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town.
• Day 2: 1 bus service up to Machu Picchu, and 1 bus service down back to Aguas Calientes. - Return transportation: Scenic train ticket from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo, plus connecting bus transfer returning straight to Cusco.
What is NOT Included
- The first day's breakfast and the last day's lunch.
- Extra drinks and beverages (bottled water, cold beer, champagne, whiskey, etc.).
- Tips (voluntary gratuities for the professional field staff accompanying you on the original Inca Trail).
- A pair of hiking sticks (Available for rent: US$ 10).
- Entrance permit to Huayna Picchu Mountain (US$ 70 - Must book months in advance).
- Entrance permit to Machu Picchu Mountain (US$ 70 - Must book months in advance).
Important information
What to pack
- Original passport (Mandatory for trail checkpoints; must be valid for at least 6 months).
- Daypack (30 liters or more) to comfortably carry your personal gear
- Reliable rain jacket or heavy-duty rain poncho.
- Properly worn-in hiking shoes or trekking boots....
- Lantern
- Towel + toilet paper
- Personal medications
- Sunscreen – Glasses – Hat
- Mosquito repellent for inka trail
- Chocolate candy snacks
- Photographic camera
- Extra money inka trails
Not allowed
- Littering or damaging archaeological sites.
- Hiking sticks without rubber tips.
Before traveling
- Please enter your contact number correctly (including your country code) and confirm that you have an active WhatsApp number for coordination
- You will receive a booking confirmation within 24 hours, subject to government permit availability.
- Crucial note: Your tour is 100% confirmed only after our team manually secures your official government permits.
-
Passport details for each participant are strictly required at the time of booking:
- Full name as it appears exactly in your passport.
- Passport number
- Expiration date
- Nationality / Country
- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dietary options are available upon request at no extra cost.
- Travelers should possess at least a moderate level of physical fitness and be properly acclimatized to Cusco's altitude before starting the trek.
Other suggestions for trekking
Cusco: 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with accommodation
Cusco: Amazing Salkantay Trek 4 Days and Train
From Cusco: Short Inca Trail 2 days to Machu Picchu
5-Day Hiking Route along the Inca Trail + Salkantay Trekking
Classic Inca Trail Luxury Edition: Private Service
Inca Trail Express with return by Vistadome Train
Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail Combo Challenge
