Embark on a 2-day Machu Picchu hike via the Short Inca Trail. Enjoy scenic train rides, historic trails, and breathtaking views. Perfect for tight itineraries.
Embark on a 2-day Machu Picchu hike via the Short Inca Trail. Enjoy scenic train rides, historic trails, and breathtaking views. Perfect for tight itineraries.
- Cusco - Begin your 2-day Inca Trail journey with an early morning 4:00 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Cusco. As you depart, you’ll pass through the historic center of Cusco, including the renowned Plaza de Armas, still serene in the early hours. The journey continues through the Sacred Valley, offering views of traditional villages and Andean…
- Cusco - Begin your 2-day Inca Trail journey with an early morning 4:00 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Cusco. As you depart, you’ll pass through the historic center of Cusco, including the renowned Plaza de Armas, still serene in the early hours. The journey continues through the Sacred Valley, offering views of traditional villages and Andean landscapes en route to the Ollantaytambo train station, where the Inca Trail adventure officially begins.
- Ollantaytambo - Upon reaching Ollantaytambo, board the train departing at 6:10 a.m. towards Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. As the train leaves the station, enjoy views of the impressive stone fortifications of Ollantaytambo and the majestic snow-capped Mount Veronica (5,700 m / 18,700 ft). This scenic 1 hour and 15-minute journey follows the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing through charming Andean villages and expansive cornfields cultivated since Inca times. As the train progresses, the landscape dramatically shifts from high Andean valleys and ancient terraces to the lush cloud forest marking the start of the Amazon Basin. This beautiful train ride sets the stage for your unforgettable Inca Trail hike at Km 104.
- Km 104 Station - At Km 104, disembark from the train to begin your Short Inca Trail adventure. After crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River, present your passport to enter the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary and start your hike with a guided visit to Chachabamba, an ancient Inca site dedicated to water and purification rituals, known as the Temple of Water.
From there, the trail gradually ascends through lush Andean cloud forest filled with orchids, bromeliads, and hummingbirds. After approximately three hours of hiking, you’ll reach Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive and well-preserved Inca sites on the route. This stunning complex features agricultural terraces, stone stairways, and ceremonial buildings overlooking the Sacred Valley.
This section of the Inca Trail perfectly blends nature, history, and adventure — an unforgettable experience before reaching the Sun Gate and your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.
- Winay Wayna - At Wiñay Wayna, explore one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Inca sites along the trail. This stunning archaeological complex features a series of agricultural terraces, stone stairways, and ceremonial buildings perched on a steep mountainside, offering breathtaking views of the valley below. After exploring the site and learning about its fascinating history, enjoy your box lunch near the Wiñay Wayna campsite, a resting spot for trekkers on the classic 4-day Inca Trail. Refreshed and energized, continue your hike toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) — the final stretch before your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu.
- Intipunku - From Wiñay Wayna, the trail continues with gentle ups and downs, making it easier than the first section. As you approach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), face the final steep ascent known as the “Gringo Killers” — a set of about 50 stone steps that will test your endurance one last time. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the remarkable Sun Gate — an unforgettable moment that makes every step worthwhile. This hike from Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate takes about one hour of a gentle and scenic walk through lush mountain landscapes.
- Machu Picchu - From the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the trail descends gradually toward Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. As you approach, the view of the ancient citadel becomes increasingly impressive — terraces, temples, and stone walls appearing through the mist.
Exclusive Platform for Inca Trail Hikers:
Enjoy privileged access to a special viewpoint reserved only for Inca Trail hikers, offering unparalleled panoramic views of Machu Picchu and its surrounding mountains.
This final descent takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, with time to pause, take photos, and appreciate the incredible scenery before reaching the site itself.
- Machu Picchu - On the second day, return early to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of this magnificent Inca citadel — one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. An expert guide will lead you through its most important temples, terraces, and ceremonial areas, sharing the history and mysteries of this incredible archaeological site. The guided visit lasts about 2.5 hours, with time for photos and personal exploration.
After the tour, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and then board the train and bus back to Cusco, Ollantaytambo, or Urubamba, depending on your travel plans. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable 2-day Inca Trail experience.

- Round-trip train: Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Pre-trek briefing (required, one day before your hike, tell us your hotel in Cusco)
- Admission Ticket to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu Archaeological site
- Round-trip transport: Cusco hotel – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- Professional English-speaking guide for the Inca Trail…
- Round-trip train: Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Pre-trek briefing (required, one day before your hike, tell us your hotel in Cusco)
- Admission Ticket to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu Archaeological site
- Round-trip transport: Cusco hotel – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- Professional English-speaking guide for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu tour
- A pair of Trekking Poles with rubber tips
- Bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu (round-trip on day 2, one-way on day 1)
- Door-to-door pick-up/drop-off service
- 1 box lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast
- One night accommodation in a nice, clean and cozy hostel in Aguas Calientes (double occupation)
- Gratuities for your tour guide
- Meals: breakfast (day 1) and lunch (day 2).
- Drinks at dinner on your own
- Gratuities for your tour guide
- Meals: breakfast (day 1) and lunch (day 2).
- Drinks at dinner on your own
Join our exciting tour and experience a unique transformation of nature as you travel on a scenic train ride from the majestic mountains to the lush Amazon jungle, at the beginning of the Amazon River. Walk through the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail to the Sun Gate, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of Machu Picchu from a…
Join our exciting tour and experience a unique transformation of nature as you travel on a scenic train ride from the majestic mountains to the lush Amazon jungle, at the beginning of the Amazon River. Walk through the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail to the Sun Gate, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of Machu Picchu from a different angle. Then, capture the classic photo at this iconic Inca site. This tour is perfect for those who want to experience Machu Picchu in a short amount of time. It’s relaxed and designed especially for those with a tight itinerary. Our mountain guides are highly trained to ensure your adventure is safe and memorable.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.