About this experience
This is the short version of the Traditional Inca Trail, It is for people who doesn't have enough time or good physical conditions.
This route to Machu Picchu begins at Km 104, where you can reach it by taking the train from Ollantaytambo.
This is a trekking of 14 km that take you along the beautifull andean and jungle landscapes, visiting the incredibles archaeological sites on the way and finishing in Machu Picchu by the sungate. Later allow you spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
The second day you will visit Machu Picchu properly with the tour guide and then return to Cusco by train and then by car.
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.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Travelers should have a high 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
- 1 Buffet breakfast (Day 2)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- 1 Box lunch (Day 1)
- Accredited professional guide for adventure travels.
- 1 Night Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Transportation from your hotel to the train station in Ollantaytambo.
- Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Not included
- Meals not described in inclusions.
- Tips, snacks, etc
Itinerary and highlights
DAY 1: CUSCO - SHORT INCA TRAIL - MACHUPICCHU
04:30 AM we will pick up you from the hotel in Cusco to take you to Ollantaytabo train station, where you will take the train to the Km 104, starting point of our trek. From the archaeological site of "Chachabamba" (2250 masl) we climb in about two and a half hours into the fascinating archaeological site of "Wiñaywayna" (2650 masl) where we will enjoy our tasty box lunch. In the afternoon we follow the semi-tropical forest to the "Intipunku" (the Sun Gate) where we can enjoy the first panoramic view of the majestic "Machu Picchu". From here we descend to Machu Picchu citadel and then take the bus to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu town, and comfortably spend the night at the selected hotel in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 2: MACHUPICCHU - CUSCO
This day You will wake up very early and after breakfast we board the first bus 5:30 am, You will make a 30 minute journey reaching Machu Picchu at 6:00 am and appreciate the majestic sunrise on Machu Picchu (According to the weather conditions and season). Then You will visit Machu Picchu with the tour guide, visiting the most important places like the Inti Watana, the Temple of the Condor, the main square, the sacred rock and others,
At an appropriate time You descend from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town.
In the afternoon you’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our staff is waiting to take you to the city of Cusco. Aproximately time to arrive to Cusco 07:00 to 09:00 PM
Meeting and pickup information
- Let us know the address of your accomodation, we can pick up travelers from the sacred valley also
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- LIBERTREK PERU TRAVEL
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
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?
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
Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.










