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The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a unique way to experience one of Peru’s most famous hikes in 2 days (1 day for the hike and a day for Machu Picchu). This 2-day trek allows you to hike the last part of the original 4-day Inca Trail while enjoying incredible mountain views, beautiful archaeological sites, and arriving directly at Machu Picchu through the Gate of the Sun.
On this 2-day hike to Machu Picchu, you will explore important Inca sites, such as Chachabamba, Sun Gate, and Wiñay Wayna (translated as “forever young”), known for its impressive terraces, water fountains, and well-preserved constructions. Along the trail, you will enjoy a combination of natural beauty and ancient history that makes this trail one of the most rewarding and unique experiences in Peru.
We have been organizing this trek for over 15 years, and our clients have found this hike even more incredible than expected. As you bask in stunning views, ancient Inca ruins, the historic trail, and our expert guides in the field have been key to making this trip memorable. An expert team of professional guides, knowledge of the trail, and logistics speak for themselves.
One of the highlights of the Short Inca Trail 2 days is arriving at Machu Picchu through the Gate of the Sun in the afternoon, a moment reserved only for Inca Trail hikers. You will also have the chance to visit Machu Picchu twice: once in the afternoon on your arrival day (on this tour, you will gaze out at the classic panoramic views from the upper terraces/circuit 1) and again the following morning, with a guided tour.
After the first day of hiking, you will spend the night in a cozy and comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes Town, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. And that evening, you will have plenty of restaurant options for dinner in the town.
The Short Inca Trail 2 days is rated a moderate hike and is suitable for travelers with a reasonable level of fitness; it is also important to be healthy. It typically includes permits, entrance tickets, train tickets, private transportation, hotel, and a professional guide.
We operate this tour on a semi-private (very small groups) and private basis to ensure a better and more intimate experience. Prices for the Short Inca Trail 2 days usually range from $750 to $1200, depending on the season, availability, train type, and hotel type.
This hike was designed and is officially operated by Peru Summit Adventures, a 100% local tour operator based in Cusco.
Traveling with us you are making a big difference in favor of the environment, our Short Inca Trail 2 Days is rated as eco-friendly trips to ensure that fragile ecosystems are protected and maintained for future human generations, also maintain ecosystem and environment integrity through considering a sustainable and ethical business model. Making genuine and sustainable itineraries often translates to real costs, with a host of responsible travel practices that underpin our prices.
Upgraded Comfort
UPGRADED COMFORT: Premium or Comfort trips are led by Peru Summit Adventures experts, an experienced crew at your side, or top trip leaders/guides, and tap into private local experts' resources to allow for in-depth exploration and special access to unique sites that only the local leaders/guides know. Itineraries are carefully crafted and fully planned, with plenty of free time to roam. Camping gears are high-end and accommodations are high-end or best available. Ground transportation and most meals (especially in hikes) and activities are included in the trip price.
MODERATE: Designed for travelers who have some experience in hiking and have a regular physical condition. Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our day-hikes adventures.
Hiking, Archaeology & Cultural Adventures
While we expect the tour will run as the itinerary describes to Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu. Participants should accept that there is the possibility of changes, being necessary liable to local conditions, eg, strikes, natural disasters, these changes might be at the discretion of your travel company.
Cozy and lovely hotels.
Min 2 ppl, Max 8 ppl
Minimum of 02 people is needed to depart. Family groups, couple travelers, friends, or even if you’re a SOLO traveler, you are welcome to our trips. Price is per person, which is based on two people who might share a room/tent. The itinerary is described and based on shared services as well as semi-private service; however, if you are looking for a private service, that would be upon request.
YES, to protect the historical Inca trail, the number of people allowed to hike the Short Inca Trail each day is limited to 250. That is why you should reserve your space as soon as possible. Spaces can be filled up three to four months in advance. Spaces fill more quickly in the high tourist season, from May to September.
Since 2014 and since the very first day of our operation, Peru Summit Adventures has been blazing new trails, new ways of experiencing in Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu. Our trailblazing is just one reason we are a uniquely qualified local company to ensure you have a trip of a lifetime.
At 3:45 AM, our private guide will come to your hotel in Cusco City to pick you up and drive for about 2 hours to reach the train station of Ollantaytambo, the reason to start earlier is to start the hike ahead of the crowds and have the trail just for ourselves and to have enough time along the trail. The scheduled train for this 2-day Short Inca Trail is at 6:10 AM (Expedition Class Train).
From Ollantaytambo to the trailhead (KM 104), you will have a train ride for 1 hour and 30 minutes, the railway follows the banks of the roaring Urubamba River, you will scan amazing views of the Urubamba mountain range, Incan ruins, and as you go farther and farther you will reach the high jungle (very lush forest), it’s how we will reach the trailhead where the train will stop briefly to get out, once at the checkpoint of KM 104, we will register ourselves and for this, you MUST bring your original passport as the rangers will review all information on the permits and passports.
After the checkpoint, we will begin our hike towards Machu Picchu for about 7 hours, right after the trailhead we will arrive at the first Incan site, which is a small archaeological site whose name is Chachabamba, this is an Inca site from the 15th century that features great constructions in rocks that most likely were religious constructions and others as dwellings for people who lived here where our Trek Guide will deliver great history lesson.
After enjoying the history of the Incas at the first Inca site, we will continue walking gradually uphill enjoying the spectacular landscape until reaching the Wiñaywayna Incan Temple whose meaning is “forever young” where you will have an opportunity to learn more about the Inca civilization.
This section of the trail to Wiñaywayna is very scenic, you will soak up great vistas of the Urubamba Mountain Range in further directions, the lush Urubamba Valley with the roaring river, and the trail goes through slope parts of the mountain that makes the hike more challenging and interesting.
Wiñaywayna is the most beautiful Inca site along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and this place makes justice for it as the site has outstanding constructions, temples, water fountains, terraces, and dwellings, all of these constructions overlooking or oriented to the main mountains around.
Walking about 5 minutes from Wiñaywayna, we will arrive at the official campsite for the 4-day Inca Trail hikers where we will have our lunch box (packed lunch) and have a break before heading out to Machu Picchu.
From Wiñaywayna, we will keep hiking for 1 hour to reach Sun Gate, this part of the trail is mostly flatter and the trail goes through the forest, as you approach Machu Picchu, the anticipation builds as you arrive at the astounding Sun Gate. Here, you will be rewarded with your first glimpse of the unique and Sacred Citadel of the Incas, perched among the tall Andes mountains like an otherworldly construction, of course, this a perfect moment to get your best snapshots, this place is very touching and exciting for most hikers since the iconic citadel of the Incas is finally uncovered after hiking for several hours.
From the Sun Gate, we will still hike for 1 more hour to Machu Picchu, this part of the trail is a gentle downhill. Once we arrive at Machu Picchu, we will reach the main viewpoint from where we will have the classic views of this wonder of the world (as seen in the magazines) because the afternoon is usually with fewer people, the visit to this lookout point is a must since the following day you are not going back to this place, otherwise, you will visit the middle part of the citadel. We will then take the bus to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes town) where we will have an overnight stay at a hotel.
Only packed lunch
Moderate
12 Km/ 7.45 Miles
6 - 7 hours
2,150 m/ 7,052 ft.
2,150 m/ 7,052 ft.
2,650 m/ 8,692 ft.
May-Sept Mostly Sunny/ Oct-April Unpredictable.
Today a nutritious breakfast will make us ready at the hotel for our tour of Machu Picchu, after breakfast and picking you up from the hotel, we will walk to the bus station to take the bus back to Machu Picchu, once at Machu Picchu, we will visit the middle and lower part of this citadel because the Inca Trail ticket allows us to visit this part of Machu Picchu (Circuit 3, see the circuit map here) where our guide will deliver great information of this unique site and you will take plenty of time to enjoy the views and take amazing pictures.
The tour will be for about 2 hours, 2 hours of enjoying the history and seeing unique spots like temples, granaries, dwellings, terraces, plazas, aqueducts, and the fascinating views that surround this impressive Inca citadel.
If you have booked an extra ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain, you’ll climb up the mountain after the tour; however, spaces are subject to availability. In the unlikely event that Huayna Picchu permits are not available for your tour date, you will climb up Machu Picchu Mountain instead. This hike to the mountain would be unguided.
After having a great time at the Incan emperor’s palace, we’ll take the bus down to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes Town) where we’ll have lunch (not included). In the afternoon we’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo train station, where our driver will be waiting for you to transfer back to your hotel in Cusco City. (this transfer service from the train station to your hotel is included).
Note on Machu Picchu Ticket: Since the Inca trail tickets grant you to visit Circuit 3 (middle part of the citadel), you can purchase an extra ticket only for Machu Picchu, a ticket that allows you to visit the full of Machu Picchu, if so, please refer to your travel expert or travel designer at the moment of inquiry to see the ticket availability, the ticket cost for a regular ticket for Machu Picchu is $65.00 USD.
Only breakfast
Easiest
Short Walks in ruins
2,050 m/ 6,726 ft.
2,400 m/ 7,874 ft.
May-Sept Mostly Sunny/ Oct-April Unpredictable.
Although we do our very best possible to adhere to the schedule above, this itinerary is subject to change for several reasons beyond our control, including strikes, weather, natural disasters, and terrain conditions. On some occasions, these conditions may demand us to deviate from our original schedule, in which case we will provide the best available alternative options. And we’ll make a great experience of it!
Availability:
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is available for new bookings. Please click Continue to proceed with your booking.
| Number of participants | Price per person | Total ($ USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Participant | We have special rates for SOLO travelers. Get started by filling out the inquiry form. | Enquire Now | |
| 2 Participants | $ 1,200.00 | $ 2,400.00 | Enquire Now |
| 3 Participants | $ 1,100.00 | $ 3,300.00 | Enquire Now |
| 4 Participants | $ 1,000.00 | $ 4,000.00 | Enquire Now |
| 5 Participants | $ 900.00 | $ 4,500.00 | Enquire Now |
| 6+ Participants | We have special rates for groups, which are over 6ppl. Get started by filling out the inquiry form. | Enquire Now | |
| # | |
|---|---|
| 1 person (We have special rates for SOLO travelers. Get started by filling out the inquiry form.) | Enquire Now |
| 2 people $ 1,200.00 | Enquire Now |
| 3 people $ 1,100.00 | Enquire Now |
| 4 people $ 1,000.00 | Enquire Now |
| 5 people $ 900.00 | Enquire Now |
| 6+ people (We have special rates for groups, which are over 6ppl. Get started by filling out the inquiry form.) | Enquire Now |
Prices are quoted in US Dollars and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Prices are per person based on SEMI-PRIVATE service; we depart with 2 ppl as a minimum, 8 ppl as maximum, and an average of 4 ppl in a group. This tour is also based on a double twin-bed (matrimonial if requested) or triple occupancy in case of families or friends for hotel rooms, single rooms are subject to a single supplement fee.
Making a choice of your right travel company/ tour operator is the most important decision you will make as you make your plans for a long-anticipated dreamed adventure. At first glance, some companies may seem cheaper. However, when you research a little deeper, you will see why traveling with Peru Summit Adventures assures that you will have the most memorable travel experience possible. In fact, we guarantee it, our TripAdvisor reviews say that.
Making genuine and sustainable itineraries often translate to real costs, with a host of responsible travel practices that underpin our prices, here are the reasons why you should go with us!
Besides, Machu Picchu offers one of the world’s most spellbinding travel experiences. But it’s also a world-renowned destination, and touring the site in a big group with multitudes of tourists shoving for photos, and competing to hear the guide, your once in a lifetime visit to this World Heritage Site may lose its magic. Our Machu Picchu Trips are scheduled with an average of just four travelers, allowing for a deeper exploration of the lost city of the Incas, with our Local Experts / Tour Leaders.
We are very confident the quality of our Short Inca Trail 2 days will get your expectations and that you will savor the best possible of cultural travel experience, nature travel experience, and adventure travel experience if you are dissatisfied, we’ll happily give you credit for an extra trip or for a future journey. It’s, to our knowledge, the best guarantee in the travel business.
Probably you will see that most of the tour operators mention it on their websites that are local tour companies, however, if you research a little deeper you will find out that’s not true, they might be although half of the operation is done from here and another half abroad, they even have NorthAmerican phone number or European phone numbers, which is a clue to find out, we are not against the foreigner companies or half foreign companies, what we are against is that they lie.
In Cusco exist just few truly local tour operators. If you did not know, foreign companies come to Peru to get rich without paying a General Sales Tax or Tax Contribution to our country. If you did not know that, according to the United Nations, for every US $100 spent on a tour in a developing country or foreign travel companies, only $5 stays in the local economy. Normally, almost all of the money flows back to large companies operating outside the destination countries. As we are a local family enterprise, we guarantee that your travel expenditures will support the local economy, and improve the lives of Peruvians through contributing to general sales tax.
Be a responsible traveller! Let’s make this world a better place for everyone and for everyone that lives in it! The natural environments that we travel to are fragile and abundant with beautiful culture and traditions that are often reliant on tourism. We have a responsibility as travelers to minimize the impact of our presence, protect what is delicate, and leave a positive influence everywhere we can.
As a locally owned and based Peruvian tour company, we integrate these practices into our in-country operations we are aiming for a style of travel that makes the world a better place for everyone, and for everyone that lives in it. Since our very first days as a tour operator, responsible business has been at the heart of what we do. Peru Summit Adventures is committed not just to treading lightly, but to making a real difference by helping and investing in local communities, education initiatives, environmental conservation projects. These values are not more than just words, they are ingrained in the culture and philosophy of our crew, daily operations of Peru Summit Adventures trips, and at our office too.
No hidden fees or middlemen, as a local tour operator to Short Inca Trail 2 Days Hike to Machu Picchu, at Peru Summit Adventures we ensure you an exclusive guarantee that clearly says that we will meet the high expectations we set forth on our website or promotional materials because this tour is operated exclusively by us.
The perfect custom-made private tours, adventure tours, or expeditions don’t just happen. It takes a team of talented, knowledgeable, passionate, and experienced professionals to bring it all together and possible. Our team of Peru Summit Adventures Leaders is comprised of local trip veterans, seasoned tour veterans with rich backgrounds on history, archaeology, culture, cuisine, geology, biology, and more.
With the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the travel industry, our Trip Leaders safely deliver your trip-of-a-lifetime to maximize your Peru journeys and adventures every step of the way. Our Tour/Trek Leaders have worked extensively in the Peru isolated mountains, archaeological sites, hiking the Inca Trail (at least 150 times), Amazon jungle, and being at Machu Picchu for over 400 times at least, this guarantees your trip a unique and memorable experience.
Hotels: We select carefully our hotels in each destination all over the country. And we select our accommodations for how well they represent the distinctive character of the destination you’re in. Some of these rooms and cabanas draw their inspiration from history and others from the views they offer. What’s consistent, however, is that we stand by each and every one of these for what they’ll add to your experience.
We have created a custom comprehensive listing of Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu and Peru, Machu Picchu, and Peru travel books for this trip. Our reading list Peru is custom-designed to complement specific Peru Summit destinations. We feature a handpicked selection of travel guides, maps, literature, books on art, cuisine, nature, and culture, designed to help you get more out of your travels to Machu Picchu & Peru.
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