Short Inca Trail hike 2 days

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Kilometer 104 – Aguas Calientes

Departure from Cusco at 04:00 a.m. toward Ollantaytambo, where breakfast is served before boarding the train to Kilometer 104, the trailhead. The hike follows one of the most scenic sections of the Classic Inca Trail, passing archaeological sites, diverse flora and fauna, and panoramic Andean views.

The hike begins at Km 104, ascending along original Inca stone paths to the Wiñay Wayna archaeological complex. After the visit, enjoy a picnic lunch with mountain views before continuing through lush cloud forest toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where the first view of Machu Picchu awaits.

Continue hiking approximately 45 minutes to Machu Picchu, entering via Circuit 01 (upper section) to take classic panoramic photos. Then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, check into the hotel, and enjoy free time before dinner and overnight.

• 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.

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

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. 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.

• 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.

• Includes
• Professional bilingual guide
• Inca Trail permit (Km 104)
• Machu Picchu entrance ticket
• Round-trip Expedition train tickets
• Private transportation Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
• 2 breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch, 1 dinner
• 3-star hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
• First-aid kit and oxygen tank
• Bus tickets Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
• Satellite phone
• Rain poncho and backpack cover
• Free luggage storage

• Not Included
• Lunch on Day 2
• Entrance to hot springs in Aguas Calientes
• Tips (optional)
• Travel insurance

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.

IMPORTANT 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.

HOW TO BOOK THE SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS WITH PUREQ TRAVEL?

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.

WHAT CIRCUIT WILL I FOLLOW IN MACHU PICCHU AFTER HIKING THE INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS?

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.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Yes! During the 2 days Inca trail hike, you can store your luggage at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.  Please bring what you will only need during your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

WHAT ABOUT THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE?

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.

HOW ABOUT THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

According to Peruvian law, you have to be under 18 years old at the time of your hike to the Inca trail 2 days (if you are 18 or over, you need valid student cards). Below is a sample of a valid student card

• All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $25 USD.

All students have to send a copy of their passport and student card at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at info@pureqtravel.com

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN PURCHASED?

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.

HOW DOES IT WORK IF I BOOK HUAYNA PICCHU?

For our customers who hike the Inca trail 2-day trek, we will always book the 09 – 10 am Schedule for Huayna Picchu Mountain. You will get to Machu Picchu at 6 a.m. 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 a.m. This hike takes around 2 hours 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 at 12:30 pm. You will have time to eat your lunch until 02:50 p.m.

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 tickets run out quickly, so it is better to book the Huayna Picchu together with your 2-day Inca trail hike permits in Advance.