About this experience
The Short Inca Trail 2-Day Trek offers a captivating journey along a scenic 12 km (7.5 miles) stretch of the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Experience cloud forests and ancient stone paths, visiting remarkable Inca sites like Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. This trek is ideal for travelers seeking a shorter adventure without compromising the iconic experience of the Inca Trail. Spend a comfortable night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes and conclude your hike with a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, just as the Incas did.
- Hike one of the most iconic sections of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Visit impressive Inca sites along the trail, including Wiñay Wayna.
- Enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch by a professional chef on the trek.
- Small group sizes (max 8) ensure a personalized experience with expert guides.
At a glance
- Duration: 48 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 48 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Local guides to help you plan
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Guide
Plan the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with practical guidance on permits, the Km 82 route, timing, published access rates, and booking decisions.
Choosing the Right Train to Machu Picchu
PeruRail or IncaRail, Vistadome or Expedition, Ollantaytambo or Poroy. The trade-offs nobody explains until you're already at the station.
Machu Picchu Day Trip From Cusco
A Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco is possible, but it requires advance entry tickets, carefully matched transport, and a very early start. Use this practical guide to choose a circuit, build a realistic schedule, compar
What is included
- Expedition tourist-class round-trip train tickets
- Fully guided Machu Picchu and Inca Trail experience
- Duffle bag for your personal belongings, allowing you to hike with only a small daypack
- Experienced English-speaking professional guide
- One-night accommodation at a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Lunch
- Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance fees (Circuit 1 & 3)
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Chef-prepared picnic lunch on the trekking day
- Three-way bus tickets between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes
- All transportation: from Cusco to the train station and return to Cusco on Day 2
Not included
- Breakfast on day 1 and Lunch on day 2
- Travel insurance (optional but highly recommended)
- Tips for your guide, chef, and support staff (optional)
- Personal expenses
Itinerary and highlights
See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- We will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and drop you off there after the tour. When you make your booking, or at least two days before the hike, please let us know the name and location of your hotel so that our guide and driver can pick you up directly from there.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Qoricancha Expeditions
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for travelers with fear of heights or high altitudes.
- Not recommended for travelers allergic to mosquito bites.
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
When you make your booking, or at least two days before the hike, please let us know the name and location of your hotel so that our guide and driver can pick you up directly from there.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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