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48 hours
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Discover the 2-Day Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
Experience the beauty and history of the Short Inca Trail on this 2-day adventure. Explore stunning Inca sites like Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna, hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), and enjoy the magic of Machu Picchu.
On the first day, you'll witness a breathtaking sunset at Machu Picchu with few people around, giving you a rare and peaceful experience.
On the second day, arrive early to catch the unforgettable sunrise over the ancient city. This adventure is available every day and includes the panoramic Vistadome train for a scenic and comfortable ride back.
Why You’ll Love This Tour:
• Travel with a trusted local tour operator who knows the Inca Trail inside and out
• Hike a section of the Classic Inca Trail and reach Machu Picchu in just 1 day
• Enjoy exclusive, less-crowded hours at Machu Picchu, both at sunset and sunrise
• Return in style on the panoramic Vistadome or 360° train, offering incredible views
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
All transportation during the duration of the trek
Panoramic trains to return (Vistadome or 360°)
1 night 3-star hotel in Agua Calientes
Lunch
Dinner
Professional highly trained mountain tour guides
Bus up and down from Machu Picchu
Safety briefing the day before the tour at 6:00 pm in our Office
Pick up from your hotel in the morning of the tour
Entrance ticket to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Trekking poles (can be rent from us)
Last day lunch.
Huayna Picchu Mountain (need to be booked in advance)
Montaña (need to be booked in advance)
3-start Hotel Included
LUNCH
Lunch
Picnic Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
at a Local restaurant
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Picnic Breakfast
Ollantaytambo
Your adventure starts early with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Cusco around 4:00 a.m. (or 5:30 a.m. if you’re staying closer to Ollantaytambo). After a scenic 1.5-hour drive through the Sacred Valley, you’ll arrive at Ollantaytambo train station, ready to begin your journey. If you want to make things easier, consider staying in Ollantaytambo the night before so you’re already nearby.
Next, board the Expedition train and enjoy a beautiful ride along the Urubamba River, surrounded by lush mountains and valleys. After about 1.5 hours, we’ll arrive at Km 104, where the adventure begins. First, we’ll check in at the trailhead with your passport, then enjoy a delicious picnic breakfast prepared by our talented chefs. After breakfast, we’ll visit the first Inca site, Chachabamba, before starting the hike towards Machu Picchu.
Winay Wayna
Our trek begins with a gradual 4-hour uphill hike along ancient Inca trails. The journey takes us to Wiñay Wayna, one of the most stunning Inca sites, meaning “forever young.” This hidden gem offers incredible views of the Andes and a rich history. After exploring, you’ll enjoy a fresh lunch prepared by our expert trekking chefs, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, before we continue hiking.
After lunch, we’ll hike towards the famous Sun Gate, or Intipunku, where you’ll catch your first magical glimpse of Machu Picchu. This is one of the most unforgettable moments, especially in the afternoon when the site is less crowded. The view from the Sun Gate offers a stunning panorama of the Machu Picchu citadel, giving you the perfect opportunity for those once-in-a-lifetime photos.
Machu Picchu
From the Sun Gate, we’ll descend for about an hour, arriving at the scenic viewpoints of Machu Picchu. By this time, the crowds will have thinned, giving you a chance to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and capture amazing photos in the soft afternoon light.
Aguas Calientes
After a magical afternoon visit to Machu Picchu, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Here, you can relax and unwind. Dinner will be served at one of the town’s top-rated restaurants, and you’ll spend the night in a cozy 3-star hotel with private bathrooms, hot showers, WiFi, and beautiful views—perfect for resting after a full day of adventure.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
At the hotel
Aguas Calientes
Start your day early with the excitement of visiting Machu Picchu – the famous Lost City of the Incas. After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head out to catch the first buses to Machu Picchu at 5:30 a.m., making sure you arrive just as the day begins.
Machu Picchu
If the weather is clear, you’ll have the chance to witness a breathtaking sunrise over Machu Picchu – a truly unforgettable experience. Your guide will take you on a 2 to 3-hour tour, showing you the most incredible temples, palaces, and terraces while sharing fascinating stories about the city’s history. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own or choose an additional hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña (don’t forget to book your tickets in advance!). When you're ready, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the Panoramic train for
Relax and enjoy the incredible views as you ride the Vistadome Panoramic Train back to Cusco. The large windows offer stunning sights of the Sacred Valley, allowing you to soak in the scenery as you unwind from your adventure.
Ollantaytambo
The TreXperience team will be waiting for you at the Ollantaytambo train station and will safely escort you back to your hotel.
Cusco
Your amazing journey concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Cusco around 7:00 p.m., giving you the evening to relax after an incredible adventure.
Pickup included
1,539 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A D,
May 7, 2025
- Viator
The 2 days on the Inca trail and in Machu Picchu exceeded all expectations and hopes for the experience. Just the right level of physical challenge to give a sense of achievement. Brilliantly organised from start to finish, Willian and Pepe made sure that we were in all the right places at the right times. Willian gave an insight, not only to the history of the site and surrounding lands, but how the ancient beliefs and culture of his ancestors influence local life today. Helped by having great fellow adventurers it was a wonderful experience.
Mouna E,
Apr 26, 2025
- Viator
Great 2 day trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Our guides Frank and Jose Luis took very good care of us. Hiking with the group created a great dynamic. I started the hike alone and completed it with 11 new friends! A lot of sites to see along the way. The guides shared good information with us. The food was also really good. Quick tips: I visited during April, make sure to have layers. The same day can go from raining in the korning to very sunny. Carry small snacks, water, sunscreen, mosquito spray
Laura C,
Apr 24, 2025
- Viator
Incredible and unforgettable once in a lifetime experience - thank you to Edy and Romario for being the best tour guides ever. Edy and Romario were wonderful guides, full of knowledge, kindness and patience. We were super lucky with the weather and had a beautiful (but challenging) hike on the first day. The second day we went to Machu Picchu and saw the mist slowly disappear to reveal the ancient city. Edy was very enigmatic and knowledgeable and we are very grateful for everything we learned. We are also happy to support a tour company that was founded by two porters and continues to provide support to local communities. We had an amazing time and would highly encourage anyone to do this wonderful experience!!
Thomas P,
Mar 21, 2025
- Viator
Heavy rain and landslides meant that our 2-day Inca Trail experience was cancelled, as the government closed the trail - instead, we were offered the combined Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour, which we thoroughly enjoyed. The company handled this situation well and Jennifer was an excellent tour guide - she was friendly, kind and full of interesting information about the places we visited. She also made sure we kept to a tight schedule to catch our train up to Aguas Calientes. The train situation and buses up to Machu Picchu were a little chaotic, and I really appreciated having Jennifer on hand to guide us - I would not have wanted to navigate that unaided.
Tyler S,
Mar 3, 2025
- Viator
This trip was once in a lifetime. The Inca trail was closed because if the rain, but they adjusted right away and still gave us a great experience. Frank was an incredible tour guide who made everything a blast. Food and lodging was great. They even helped get us to the airport afterwards
Operated by TreXperience