INCA
Moderate to difficult
Classic Inca Trail
4 days / 3 nights · Dead Woman's Pass 4,215 m · tents · Machu Picchu at sunrise
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2 days / 1 night · 12 kmShort Inca Trail.
The best of the Inca Trail in a single day, with a hotel night and Machu Picchu the next day.
Duration2D / 1N
Max. altitude2,720 m
DifficultyModerate
FromUSD 510
The route
What the experience is like
The Inca Trail 2 days is the way to walk to Machu Picchu if you are short on time: you start at Km 104, climb to Wiñay Wayna, enter through the Sun Gate and sleep in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Ideal if you have few days or prefer not to camp. You start at Km 104, climb to Wiñay Wayna and enter Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate, like the Inca pilgrims. You sleep in a hotel and the next day you tour the citadel at an easy pace.
Inca Trail 2 days: who it is for
The short Inca Trail is ideal if you don't want to camp or walk for four days. Inca Trail permits are personal and limited: book early and you will have more date options. If you prefer the full route, see the 4-day Inca Trail.
Entry through the Inti Punku
The classic view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.
Wiñay Wayna
One of the most beautiful complexes along the whole route.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
A hot shower and a bed after hiking.
Two visits
You see Machu Picchu in the afternoon and again, guided, the next day.
Itinerary
- Day 1 · 12 km · 7 h · 2,720 m
Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu
Early train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104. Visit to Chachabamba, climb to Wiñay Wayna and lunch. Arrival at Inti Punku in the afternoon and bus descent to Aguas Calientes. Night in a hotel.
- Day 2 · Guided visit · 2 h
Machu Picchu – Cusco
Early bus to Machu Picchu for the guided visit. Free time and return train to Ollantaytambo with transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
All set to walk
Included
- Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Professional bilingual guide
- Outbound train (Km 104) and return
- Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Cusco transfers
- Box lunch on day 1 and breakfast on day 2
- 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Not included
- Dinner on day 1
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ticket
- Train upgrades (Vistadome or Hiram Bingham)
- Tips
What you will see
Frequently asked questions
Before you go
Does it also need a permit?
Yes, the Short Inca Trail uses the same permit system and also sells out in high season.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, for children aged 8 and over used to walking. There are sections of steep stairways.
How much luggage can I take on the train?
Trains allow one bag or backpack of up to 5 kg per person. You can leave your suitcase at your hotel in Cusco and take only what you need for one night.
Guides for this tour
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Ready for the Short Inca Trail?
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