If you are looking for a majestic trek that takes you through sights and sites but do not have time for the complete four-day excursion, then the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is perfect for you. This route is an ideal option for those who want to experience the Inca Trail Cusco to Machu Picchu journey in a shorter timeframe.
The two-day version of the Inca Trail hike is filled with history, nature, and adventure as you descend on the world-renowned Machu Picchu after trekking through magnificent views and fascinating archaeological sites.
The Short Inca Trail is an exceptional option for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the wonder of the Inca Trail without committing to the physical and time demands of the classic four-day trek. This condensed version of the trail offers a perfect balance of history, culture, and adventure, making it an ideal choice for those with limited time or who prefer a less strenuous journey.
By choosing the 2 days Inca Trail, you can still experience the breathtaking beauty of the Andes, explore ancient archaeological sites, and arrive at Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate, all while enjoying a more manageable and accessible trekking experience.
The Short hike to Machu Picchu offers a unique combination of adventure, history, and natural beauty, all packed into a shorter timeframe. This trek is ideal for those seeking to experience the essence of the Inca civilization while enjoying the thrill of hiking through some of Peru’s most stunning landscapes.
The Short Inca Trail combines both historical exploration and breathtaking natural scenery, creating a truly enriching experience.
For those who want to experience the magic of the Inca Trail but find the traditional 4-day trek physically challenging, the Inca Trail 2 day trek is an excellent alternative.
It’s a perfect balance of adventure and comfort for those with limited time or energy.
One of the highlights of the Inca Trail is the opportunity to arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), an experience that adds a layer of authenticity and magic to your journey.
For those seeking a deeper, spiritual connection to Machu Picchu, the Short Inca Trail is the way to go.
A key advantage of the 2 days Inca Trail is the opportunity to hike with a licensed guide who provides valuable insights into the Inca civilization and the local ecosystem.
The guided trek adds an educational element, transforming the hike into an adventure through time and culture.
The 2-day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu is perfect for those with limited time but still eager to explore the incredible history and beauty of Machu Picchu.
For travelers with limited time, the Short Inca Trail offers a well-rounded, memorable adventure.
The Short Inca Trail is also family-friendly, making it a great option for travelers with children or older adults.
Whether you’re hiking with young children or older adults, the 2-Day Inca Trail Trek is an adventure that everyone can enjoy.
Opting for the 2 Day Inca Trail also supports responsible and sustainable travel practices, ensuring that your visit to this ancient site has a positive impact.
Choosing the Short 2-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu ensures that your adventure contributes to the sustainability of this treasured destination.
The Short Inca Trail is a perfect blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty, offering travelers the chance to experience the iconic Inca Trail Cusco to Machu Picchu in just two days. This itinerary is designed for those who want to immerse themselves in the wonders of the Andes without committing to the longer, more strenuous four-day trek. Below is a detailed breakdown of your two-day journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu and back.
Your journey starts early in the morning. Between 3:45 and 4:15 a.m., a driver will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco, the gateway to the Inca Trail 2-day trek. The driver will transport you to the train station in Ollantaytambo. For those staying in the Sacred Valley, pickups can be arranged from there as well.
The drive from Cusco to Ollantaytambo takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. During this scenic drive, you’ll see beautiful landscapes and the sunrise breaking over the mountains. This tranquil journey prepares you for the excitement ahead.
Upon arriving at the Ollantaytambo train station, you’ll board the train heading towards Km 104, which is the starting point of your hike. Trains typically depart around 6:40 a.m. The train ride itself offers fantastic views of the valley, rivers, and mountains, which adds to the anticipation of your trek.
When you reach Km 104, your guide will be waiting to greet you. This is where the Inca Trail 2 days really begins. You’ll also go through the Inca Trail checkpoint, where your permits and tickets will be verified. The checkpoint ensures that only authorized trekkers can continue on the trail.
After passing the checkpoint, you’ll start your hike on the Inca Trail 2-day trek. The initial section of the hike is a steady climb from 2,000 meters to 2,700 meters. The hike will take approximately 3 hours, and you’ll pass through lush cloud forests and stunning natural landscapes along the way. The first significant stop on this section of the short hike to Machu Picchu is Wiñaywayna.
Wiñaywayna is one of the most significant archaeological sites on the Inca Trail 2-day trek. It is known for its impressive terracing and ceremonial structures. Upon reaching Wiñaywayna, you’ll take time to explore the site with your guide, who will explain its fascinating history and importance to the ancient Inca civilization.
After your exploration of Wiñaywayna, you’ll enjoy a packed lunch. The lunch is provided by your guide and should be carried with you on the hike. There’s a small area near Wiñaywayna where you can enjoy the meal while soaking in the surrounding beauty.
After lunch, you’ll continue your trek with a 2-hour hike to Intipunku (also known as the Sun Gate). This is one of the most famous viewpoints along the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days. As you hike towards Intipunku, you’ll pass through Inca stone paths and see the landscape open up before you.
The view from Intipunku is truly spectacular. From here, you get your first sight of Machu Picchu in the distance. This is the iconic view that many people see in photos. The Sun Gate is an ancient Inca entrance to the Machu Picchu site, and standing here provides a true sense of what life must have been like for the Inca people.
After soaking in the view from the Sun Gate, you’ll descend towards Machu Picchu. This is a 45-minute descent, and it is the final leg of your first day on the 2-day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu. The descent can be steep at times, but the trail is well-maintained, and your guide will help you navigate any tricky areas.
Upon reaching Machu Picchu, you’ll head to the upper part of the site for those iconic photo opportunities. The classic shot with Waynapicchu Mountain in the background is a must! You’ll spend about 1 hour exploring the area with your guide, who will explain the significance of the Guardian’s House, the agricultural terraces, and other key features of the site.
This visit is only a brief introduction, as your official tour of Machu Picchu will happen the following day.
Once you’re done exploring the upper area of Machu Picchu, you’ll take a bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes. This 30-minute bus ride is included in your tour. Aguas Calientes is the nearest town to Machu Picchu, and you’ll stay here overnight before returning to Machu Picchu the next day.
After arriving in Aguas Calientes, you’ll check into a hotel for the night. Here, you can rest and freshen up after a long day of hiking. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, where you can try traditional Peruvian dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and quinoa soup. It’s also a great time to relax and discuss the plans for the following day with your guide.
On the second day, your guide will meet you in the morning, and you’ll have breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast, you’ll take a bus from Aguas Calientes back to Machu Picchu. This bus ride is included in your package and offers another great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the area.
Once you arrive at Machu Picchu, your guide will take you on a detailed tour of the site. You’ll explore the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and other key features of the city. Your guide will provide in-depth explanations about the history and significance of these incredible structures, giving you a deeper understanding of Inca culture and their architectural genius.
After your guided tour, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes and take a train back to Ollantaytambo. Depending on availability, the train ride back will either be at 2:20 p.m. or 2:55 p.m. Once you arrive in Ollantaytambo, a driver will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
The drive from Ollantaytambo to Cusco will take about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Once you arrive, your journey concludes, and you’ll have the chance to relax and reflect on your unforgettable experience hiking the Inca Trail 2 Days Trek to Machu Picchu
Limited permits are available for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; therefore, it’s recommended to reserve 3-6 months ahead of time, especially in the peak months of May to September.
Absolutely, it is a perfect option for people who don’t usually hike. This moderately difficult hike is around 10 km (6 miles) on the first day.
A permit is required. It is best to book between three to six months in advance.
The two-day trek takes you through the last part of the Inca Trail, while the four-day hike includes more portions of the trail to walk on and additional nights of camping out.
In Aguas Calientes, you will spend the night in a comfortable hotel, where you will rest well before starting your new adventure at the mysterious Machu Picchu.
Absolutely! Bypassing the train means missing the view from the clouds over the hidden ruins and getting to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate instead of the busy entrance.
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a living museum with invaluable history, great adventure, and beautiful scenery. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a tourist looking for something different, this two-day hike on the Inca Trail is a great way to appreciate the marvels of the Inca civilization with a short trek.
If you are prepared to set out on this amazing adventure, reserve your 2-day Inca Trail pass now and visit Machu Picchu in a whole new way !
An unforgettable group experience! Our guide was fantastic, and the views along the trail were breathtaking.
An amazing adventure for families! The guides were patient and made the journey enjoyable for everyone, including our kids.
Our group had an incredible experience. The trail was well-paced, and reaching Machu Picchu was the ultimate reward!
A fantastic experience for families! We were well taken care of, and the trek was unforgettable.
We loved every second of it! Hiking together and seeing Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate was unforgettable
