Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night

This tour offers a guided day hike combined with a day tour to Machu Picchu (2 days – 1 night). Beginning at KM104 on the Inca Trail, you’ll journey into the heart of the majestic Andes while enjoying breathtaking mountain vistas. It’s an ideal trek for discovering ancient Incan ruins and immersing yourself in the region’s unique flora and fauna. The Short Inca Trail culminates at Machu Picchu, one of the world’s wonders, before a 25‑minute bus ride brings you to the town of Aguas Calientes.

After completing the hike on Day 1, you’ll unwind in a comfortable hotel room pre‐booked by our team and enjoy dinner at one of the top Peruvian restaurants in town, Indio Feliz—sharing stories of the day’s adventures and building excitement for what’s to come.

On Day 2, a knowledgeable guide will lead you on an in-depth tour of Machu Picchu, enriching your experience with insights into Incan culture and history.

With all transfers and tickets arranged in advance, this tour seamlessly combines an authentic Peruvian hiking adventure with a captivating visit to Machu Picchu—making it the perfect Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu experience.

Highlights

• Guided hike led by passionate local experts with extensive experience on the Inca Trail and at Machu Picchu
• Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes
• Explore the original Inca Trail and visit significant Incan sites along the way
• Enter the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate
• Conclude your journey with a scenic train ride back to Cusco
• Savor authentic Peruvian cuisine at Indio Feliz restaurant

• Tour type: Historical, guided, train ride, trekking, lodge-based
• Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles)
• Duration: 2 days / 1 night (Short Inca Trail 2 days – one day hike and one day Machu Picchu tour)
• Lowest elevation: 2150 m (7,053 ft)
• Highest elevation: 2670 m (8,759 ft)
• Difficulty level (1 to 10): 6–7 (10 being the most challenging)

Group size: We keep our hiking groups small—averaging 2 to 8 participants—to ensure personalized service and a high-quality experience.

Imagine trekking along a serene trail without large crowds, or exploring remote wilderness with only a few fellow adventurers. We believe that small groups create more meaningful encounters with nature.

Accommodation: This tour includes one night at Hatun Inti Classic in Aguas Calientes, with double occupancy. Solo travelers can request a single room.

Our Guides: At Peru Trails, our experienced guides are professionally trained to ensure your journey is both informative and safe.

Location: The trek begins in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, based on your preference. We recommend spending time in Cusco or the Sacred Valley prior to the hike for proper acclimatization, though the trail’s lower altitude makes it accessible year-round.

Departures: Your tour departs on the date you choose. For any questions, contact us 24/7 via WhatsApp at +51 987467790 or email us at info@perutrails.com.

Pre-Trip Meeting

At Peru Trails, we believe in answering all your last-minute questions—whether it’s about the itinerary, the challenges, or what to pack—before your adventure begins. Your guide will meet you at your Cusco hotel at 5:30 p.m. the evening prior to the hike for a complete pre-trek briefing.

Day 1: Train Ride to KM104

To make the most of the daylight and ensure a timely arrival at Machu Picchu, we’ll pick you up from your Cusco hotel early in the morning (the exact time will be confirmed during the pre-hike meeting). After a 1.5‑hour drive to Ollantaytambo’s train station, you’ll board a train to the trailhead at KM104. Enjoy unique views as the train winds along the valley floor—passing snow‑capped peaks, misty cloud forests, and traditional Andean villages.

Upon arrival at KM104, the trail leads directly onto the Short Inca Trail, leaving the bustle of the train station behind and immersing you in the serene Andean landscape.

The trek begins with a moderate 3‑hour ascent to the Incan ruins of Wiñaywayna, renowned as the most beautiful ruin along the trail. Your guide will set a comfortable pace for the group, pausing for breaks and sharing detailed history about the site. Around noon, enjoy a boxed lunch prepared especially for the hike.

The afternoon continues with a few more hours on the trail, gradually building anticipation as you approach Inti Punku—the “Sun Gate.” Here, you’ll be greeted with your first stunning view of Machu Picchu, a sight that is both humbling and unforgettable. The Short Inca Trail then concludes with a 40‑minute downhill trek to the entrance of Machu Picchu, followed by a 25‑minute bus ride to Aguas Calientes, a town rich in local charm.

Quick Facts

• Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
• Walking time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
• Lowest elevation: 2150 m (7,053 ft)
• Highest elevation: 2670 m (8,759 ft)
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Machu Picchu Tour and Return to Cusco

Day 2 starts early with a buffet breakfast at 5 a.m., followed by a 25‑minute bus ride to Machu Picchu. Once there, you’ll embark on an engaging 2‑hour tour of this iconic site. Your guide will lead you along routes that avoid the largest crowds, ensuring plenty of opportunities for memorable photos and fascinating insights.

After exploring Machu Picchu, return by bus to Aguas Calientes to collect your bags. Later, around 3 p.m., board a train from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo for a 1.5‑hour journey. A representative will then transfer you to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, giving you time to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past two days.

Why Choose Peru Trails

• Peru Trails designs tailor-made treks and tours to suit your interests.
• We are dedicated to delivering world‑class tours with exceptional customer service.
• Based in Cusco, Peru, we are a locally owned company with extensive experience in the travel industry.
• Our team boasts decades of first‑hand experience in Peruvian tourism.
• Our staff speaks English, Spanish, and Quechua (the language of the Incas).
• Our guides are professionally trained in Incan history, local culture, wilderness first aid, and regional flora and fauna.
• We are committed to environmental protection.
• We support local communities through fair labor practices and initiatives that benefit porters and their families.
• We honor the native communities that have safeguarded the lands you explore.
• A portion of our income is dedicated to educational programs for the children of porters.
• Our itineraries are carefully crafted to meet your needs, ranging from 1 to 15 days.
• At Peru Trails, we organize worry‑free trips so you can fully immerse yourself in the adventure.

Small Group Specialists

Our tours are perfect for adventurers of all ages—whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, as a couple, or with family. We keep our groups small (typically 2 to 8 people) to ensure flexibility and a personalized experience. Imagine exploring without waiting in long lines or being part of a large crowd—our small groups let you truly connect with the journey.