Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: 2-Day Adventure with Night in Aguas Calientes
5.0
267 Ratings
Embark on a 2-day adventure on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Explore archaeological sites, hike through stunning landscapes, and enter the lost city via the famous Sun Gate.
Duration: 2 days
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Cusco – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

Winay Wayna - We collect you from your Cusco hotel early in the morning and then transfer you in our van to the train station at Ollantaytambo.
Our train journey lasts about an hour before making an unscheduled stop at KM 104, the trailhead of the Inca Trail and the start of our hike.
Passing through the Inca Trail checkpoint we immediately see our first archaeological center, Chachabamba. These ruins were one of the last shelters used by the Inca pilgrims before they reached Machu Picchu.
After some hours we arrive at Wiñay Wayna. Named after an orchid and meaning “Forever Young” in Quechua the site provides incredible views far across the Sacred Valley.
Once the tour is complete we continue our hike for another 1-2 hours on a relatively flat section of trail. At around 4:00 pm we will reach the Sun Gate.
Intipunku provides our first views of the magnificent Machu Picchu.
Arriving in Aguas Calientes we will take you to check in at your hotel.
Dinner will be in a local restaurants in town.

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Machu Picchu - The hotel will prepare an early breakfast for you before we meet to take a very early bus (5:30 am) along the winding road to Machu Picchu. As we climb gradually to the sacred city we should be lucky enough to see the magnificent sunrise over the Andes.
All of our guides are experts and enthusiasts in the history and legends of Machu Picchu, and so the 2-hour tour of the site will really bring the city to life for you. Of course, there will be plenty of time to take photos, of the city….and of the wild Llamas roaming the terraces!
If you have elected to climb Huayna Picchu mountain, you will begin the hike at 10 AM (Huayna Picchu is not included in the trek price).
If you are not climbing the mountain you will have some time to explore Machu Picchu before you return to Aguas Calientes.
Upon arrival in AC we board the expedition train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo we will transfer you in our van to your Cusco hotel.

What's Included
  • Tour guide
  • One night in a B&B in Aguas Calientes
  • Meals included: Lunch and Dinner
  • Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Day 1)
  • Round trip train tickets
What's Not Included
  • Hiking poles (can be rented from us)
  • Tips
  • Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on day 2 (US $24).
Additional Information

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers a feasible option for those with time limitations or preference for a less strenuous journey. The trail begins at the 104 Kilometer point of the Machu Picchu railway line, leading to two archeological sites, Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. This hike further presents an opportunity to access the hidden Inca city through the legendary Sun Gate, offering the first view of the ancient ruins to the trekkers. A night’s stay in Aguas Calientes is included before waking up on the second day for a guided tour of Machu Picchu.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(267 Ratings)
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Egktraveler
Apr 9, 2024
Fantastic adventure!! - We had an amazing time and are so happy with Action Peru Treks!! Although we planned to hike the 2D/1N Inca Trail, we changed our plans due to pouring rain (end of March) and sore knees and feet before we even started. However, Roxner and his team had everything all planned out precisely and we had no stress in regards to our travels. From our 4am pickup, tickets arranged on PeruRail, our lovely hotel in Aguas Calientes, our MP tour and our transportation back to Cuscu via train and bus were all stress free as Roxner organized it all!! Our personal guide, Odon, was fantastic and extremely knowledgeable about the history of Machu Picchu and the surrounding areas. He was a great asset to our trip as he was with us for the entire 2 days and came up with a good "Plan B" for us since we canceled our hike. We enjoyed some local hiking around Agua Calientes, visited a butterfly sanctuary, the MP historical museum and soaked in the local thermal springs. Odon gave us a detailed history of MP and was a pure delight to get to know. We would do it all again and highly recommend Odon as your guide and Roxner and team at the Action Peru Treks!
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Brentsj9380kj
Apr 8, 2024
Amazing hike to Machu Pichu. - One of my favourite tours I’ve done around the world. You start an early hike climbing up to the sun gate passing through multiple Inca sites. Once you reach the sun gate and the weather is clear you have an amazing distant view of Machu Picchu before you walk down to the main site where it’s near empty and great time to take photos. The following day after a night at a really nice hotel and restaurant you get a second chance to explore Machu Picchu in more detail. Nilton our guide was Amazing and made the experience that much better! Thank you Nilton!
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Fernando
Apr 2, 2024
Short Inca Trail - 5 stars. Nilton , our guide, was very friendly, knowledgeable, and patient. He was always happy to answer our questions and kindly encouraged breaks during the hike. He carried a book with photos and texts of Peruvian and Incan history to help us understand more details of the sites. He knew all the great photo spots and was always happy to take photos of the group. The hike to Machu Picchu is most likely to be the most memorable hike of my life. The hike had it all. It was mountainous, lush, scenic, hard but not too strenuous , narrow at times but not dangerous, also wasn’t crowded when my group was there in late March. Our hike to the sun gate started off cloudy with a bit of drizzle/rain but miraculously turned sunny once we got close. Our time exploring Machu Picchu was sunny and delightful. The meals provided by the tour were also good. Our box lunches were given to us for us to carry once we got on the train and they were hearty and healthy. The restaurants we went to in Aguas Calientes were also good. The only things I’d change if I were to do this again: -I’d take a little toilet paper (specially if there are women in your group). The bathroom at the beginning had none and the ‘Indian toilet’ halfway through had none either. -I’d choose a better hotel. Ours was so-so and had a slight mix up with the rooms. We originally requested a bed for couples but were given a room with two twin sized beds. When we shared our thoughts/experience with Nilton about the hotel he called the place to square things up.
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K4214xkmichaeln
Mar 31, 2024
Amazing two days at Machu - Nilton was fantastic! The two day trip was a great way to see Inca sites without needing to take 4+ days to do the full hike. Everything was seemless.
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Xochitlv816
Mar 30, 2024
Amazing 2D 1N Short Inca Trail Trek! - We did the Short Inca Trail 2d 1n trek and we could not have asked for a better experience. Action Peru Treks was quick to respond to all of my questions and was very detailed about what to expect leading up to our trip. Our entire trip including transportation, lodging, meals, and entrance tickets were organized by the company which took stress off of us and allowed us to enjoy every moment of this amazing experience. We met with our guide the day prior to our departure which was helpful. Lino, our guide, was simply wonderful! We did not feel rushed during our hike and we were able to take many pictures. I would HIGHLY recommend this experience with Action Peru Treks.
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Jenniferhl4384de
Mar 28, 2024
Fantastic experience! - We did the Short Inca Trail with Lino and had a fantastic experience! Lino was very knowledgeable about the trail and Machu Picchu itself. His charisma and depth of knowledge about Inca history and heritage made the excursion even more enjoyable! He also let us keep our own pace on the trail, which was difficult in a few places with the steep Inca steps! We really felt we received value for money with this experience: the hotel in Aguas Calientes that was included in our booking was lovely and the meals that were included were delicious with huge portions. We would definitely do another trip with Action Trek Peru!!
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Travellingfitfoodie
Mar 28, 2024
2-day hike compared to 4-day in rainy season is better - We were two couples who did the 2-day/1-night Inka Trail in March, which is rainy season. I had done the 4-day classic trail 2 years ago with another company, but I chose ActionPeru Treks this time because they are indigenous and the company is supporting local jobs and keeping money in Peru, rather than American trekking companies. Our guide Lino was very passionate and loved to share his knowledge about the Inkas and the current Quechua people. During rainy season, the 2-day hike was better as we were not in the rain at all, but if we had did the 4-day hike we would have had to hike all morning in the rain and there would be clouds covering Machu Picchu during the early morning time slot, so I am happy we chose the 2-day hike which let us arrive at sun gate around 3:30pm with no clouds in sight and no tourists in the background of our photos. The boxed lunch was surprisingly really good, and it was great that the briefing came to us at our hotel the night before which meant we didn’t have to waste our free day in Cusco finding the office. There was a landslide over the train tracks going there, so Lino negotiated with the train company to get off the train and trek to the trailhead (20 mins), which added to the excitement and adventure. It was also nice to have a hotel to stay in during the night, to shower, and be fresh for photos the next day. The restaurant in Agua Calientes had a lot of different choices with very large portions and the hotel was sufficient for our needs and gave us free water, with strong wifi. It rained all night, so I’m happy I was at a hotel and not in a tent. The only disappointment I had, was that we did the lower circuit of Machu Pichu, which was interesting, but I wish I knew ahead of time when we walked down the day before because I would have taken more photos in the classic spot, but I thought we would have that same angle again the next day, which we didn’t, but it was great to see different angles too. The 2-day hike was also a great option for someone who wants to do the Inka Trail, but doesn’t have time for four days, or their fitness level is lower. There are a lot of stairs but incredible views, and you still are walking along the original Inka trails, there are many routes. The best views are from Winaywayna which you get to in both the 2-day hike and 4-day hike. Highly recommend this company and tour.
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Haleymargaret4
Mar 25, 2024
11/10 Experience!! Exceeded our expectations!! - This adventure exceeded our expectations! It was such a fun experience that I would have no hesitation in recommending to anyone. Our guide, Christian, was amazing! He truly cared about making our hike as enjoyable as possible. The night before the hike he came to our airbnb to walk us through what the next two days would look like, which I really appreciated. Throughout the hike we learned so much about the history and had lots of time to take pictures and take in all of the incredible views. If you’re considering Action Peru Treks for an adventure, do it!
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Jamifofana
Mar 25, 2024
Amazing trip, views and guides! - This hike was beautiful and the views were unreal! Our guide Christian made the experience 10x better! He was extremely knowledgable, kind, and fun. The hike was long but lots of opportunities to stop for photos and breaks. Christian made sure we had lots of viewpoints to choose from for photos. He answered any questions we had and helped the 2 days go smoothly. The overnight accommodations were also great and in a beautiful town. We were able to meet great people along the way and appreciate the history so much more! Couldn't recommend this enough, worth it.
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642alishaa
Mar 28, 2024
Great 2 day trek - We did the 2 day Machu Picchu Short Inca Trail. They took care of every single detail, which made the booking and travel process so easy. Super knowledgeable Guide. Well designed itinerary - day 1 trek was on the more difficult side, but day 2 was nice and easy allowing our bodies to recover. Overall, very happy with the experience!
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