The 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is perfect for those who don’t have much time to do the traditional 4-day Inca Trail. This 2 day Inca Trail hike is just as beautiful as the traditional trek as you will also visit the Inca ruins in the dense Winay Wayna cloud forest. You will arrive at the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the afternoon when it is not crowded.
This 2 day Inca Trail Hike is perfect for all types of travelers as it does not require perfect physical conditions as the 4 day Inca Trail, you can do it as a couple, group of friends, with children, etc as the hike itself will be only 1 day, day 2 is completely exploring Machu Picchu.
We are a 100% Peruvian agency specialized in small groups with experienced guides for all our tours and treks to Machu Picchu, and we have the best prices of the market because we do not subcontract, we are a direct tour operato. Guarantee a magical and headache-free trip with our team.
Tour plan
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo / Train to Km 104 – Inca trail to Machu Picchu
Day 2: Visit Machu Picchu – Cusco
Included
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4 am. If your hotel is in the Sacred Valley, we will pick you up at 5 am. Then we will drive to Ollantaytambo for the night.
At 5:30 am, our tour guide will give you a box lunch to carry in your backpack, then we approach to the train station to board the train to kilometer 104.
After about an hour, we get off the train where the Short 2 day Inca Trail hike begins (2,000m/6,560 feet above sea level). Here you must show your passport at the checkpoint to start the hike. The first hour and a half is uphill with several shelters along the way to rest and to appreciate the views of the Urubamba River Valley. The we will go to the spectacular Inca site of Wiñay Wayna (2,600 m/8,500 ft above sea level). Your guide will inform you about the history and function of this stunning and interesting place.
After lunch, rest and use of the restrooms, we will continue our 2 day Inca Trail hike, (mostly a flat way) to the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku). There are a few steep stairs, just a few meters before we arrive at this destination. When arriving to the Inti Punku, The Gate of the Sun, we will have our first incredible view of Machu Picchu.
After a well-deserved rest, and enjoying the views, the last part of the hiking begins, heading down to Machu Picchu Park.
Along the way we will see amazing landscapes of mountains, plentiful vegetation, and a couple of Inca sites with more and more breathtaking views of Machu Picchu as we get closer.
When we arrive to Machu Picchu, you will have plenty of free time to take pictures and appreciate the sunset over Machu Picchu and the mountains.
Finally, we will board a bus from the Machu Picchu Park to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will overnight in a hotel. Also, our dinner will be in a Tourist Restaurant, and after this, it is free time for you.
To make the Tour to Machu Picchu perfect on this Short 2 day Inca Trail hike, we start early, at 5:00 am to avoid finding large groups of tourists along the way and enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the mountains of Machu Picchu.
We take bus to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu (about 25 minutes) and see some mountainous features and breathtaking views.
By this time, we start the guided tour in Machu Picchu. For about two hours, our professional tour guide will talk about Peruvian History, so we can learn about the functions of each place visited in the archaeological park, always following the new regulations of the Government.
After the guided tour, if you have booked a ticket for the Huayna Picchu mountain, you should start your additional hiking at that time. When finished, you will return to the town of Aguas Calientes by bus (included) for lunch at a local restaurant (not included).
Then you will have free time to explore the town of Aguas Calientes before departing by train to the town of Ollantaytambo. The train leaves at 3:20 pm and check in is half an hour before is ready to leave. This trip lasts 1.45 hrs. along the Vilcanota river on his way to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco city.
End of the Short 2 day Inca Trail hike.
Prices in shared service
Category and room type ↓ | Hotels Included ↓ | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Without Hotel $ …,00 per person | In this price, you will have to book the hotels by your self. | |||
Economic ***
| Cusco: -Rojas Inn, Maytaq Wasin or Similar Águas Calientes: -Retama Inn, Hatun Samay or Similar | |||
Tourist ***
| Cusco: -San Agustin Internacional, Tierra Viva Standar or Similar Águas Calientes: -Tara Hotel, Waman Inn or Similar | |||
Superior ****
| Cusco: -San Agustin Dorado o Plaza, Casa Andina or Similar Águas Calientes: -Casa Andina, Ferre Mapi, Tierra Viva or Similar | |||
Premium ****
| Cusco: -Sonesta Hotel, Xima Hotel or Similar Águas Calientes: – Jaya, Hatun Inti or Similar | |||
Luxury *****
| Cusco: -Marriot, Belmond, Libertador Águas Calientes: -Sumaq Hotel, Inka Terra. |
Discount:
There is a two-day version for people who can not do the classic 4-day trek due to lack of time or lack of physical conditions, this 2-day tour also passes through wonderful places and enters Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
this version of the Inca Trail 2 days has a total distance of 16 kilometers, 10 miles. the trail mainly includes steep stretches mostly the first stretch until lunch time, then it is almost flat with short and slight climbs.
The price will always depend on the type of service you are looking for, whether in shared, private and what category of hotel you want. you can see the prices listed above with their characteristics.
The inca trail for tourism we have different versions of 5 days, 4 days and 2 days. it is the same route used by the Incas in those times.
The Short Inca Trail is classified as being of moderate difficulty. It is 16 kilometers long (10 miles) and has an elevation gain of 600 meters. The trail includes several steep uphill stretches mainly in the first section until lunch and some stairs, but in general it is in good condition and is not as difficult and strenuous as the 4-day trail. Most people can complete it without problems.
Of course, as in any hike, there is always some risk. Be well prepared for the hike by bringing water, necessary snacks, and proper hiking shoes. Also, be conscious of your environment and don’t take any unnecessary risks.