Short Inca Trail  to Machu Picchu 2 Days

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Day Hike

Cusco Inca Trail Machu Picchu

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Nights

Max Size: 2 People

Physical rating: Moderate

OVERVIEW

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 day hike is a renowned hiking trail that was used by Inca Pilgrims to reach the Sacred Citadel. The first day includes visiting Chachabamba, Wiay Wayna, and Intipunku, where you witness the Seventh Wonder of the World. The second day offers a guided tour of Machu Picchu, followed by a train service through the Sacred Valley and a return to your hotel. This one-day hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the lost city of the Incas twice, making it an ideal photo opportunity.

Short Inca Trail: Overview

  • Day 1: Cusco – Chachabamba 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
  • Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Starting Altitude – 2,170 m / 7,170 ft
Highest Altitude – 2,720 m / 8,920 ft
Walking Distance – 13 km / 8 miles

2-Day Inca Trail : Pre-trek briefing:

We provide a full pre-trek briefing at you hotel in Cusco. This gives you the chance to ask questions about the Hiking tours itinerary.

Briefings are generally scheduled at night 2 days before your 2 days start. If your trek begins on a Monday then the briefing will be scheduled for the Saturday before. Please consider this when booking your travel plans to Cusco, ensuring you arrive in time for the briefing.

Short Inca Trail – Highlight

  • A wonderful mountain scenery
  • The mysterious cloud forest
  • Flora & Wildlife
  • Visiting awesome ruins ( Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, Sun Gate)
  • Hiking the famous Short Inca Trail
  • Machupicchu the magical Inca site

Machu Picchu, located in the Andes, is an iconic representation of the architectural prowess of the Inca Empire. It’s strongly advised to start with the short Inca hikes to Machu Picchu for those seeking a more focused and intense experience. Allow us to show you around Machu Picchu on a breathtaking two-day walk so you can catch an overview of this renowned natural attraction.

A Brief Overview of the Short Inca Trail

Take an adventure to Machu Picchu on the Short Inca Trail and experience a voyage beyond time. This condensed version of the well-known Inca Trail provides a practical and stunning approach for those with short periods. The Machu Picchu 2-day hike ensures you experience Machu Picchu’s enchantment without losing the essentials of the conventional Inca Trail, which takes four days.

The Perfect Blend of Adventure and Accessibility

The short Inca trail to Machu Picchu is an excellent choice for both experienced and new hikers since it offers accessibility and excitement. A well-kept track will allow you to experience the rich history of the Inca culture while passing through verdant meadows, historic ruins, and breathtaking panoramas.
Machu Picchu 2-Day Hike Itinerary

Day 1: Start of the Adventure

Take a beautiful train trip from Cusco to the entrance to start your adventure. The trail begins with a visit to the Chachabamba archaeological site and then climbs to the stunning Winay Wayna, an Inca ruin set on a mountainside. When you reach the Sun Gate as the sun sets, the famous complete vista of Machu Picchu will welcome you.

Day 2: Unveiling Machu Picchu’s Secrets

The light shines on the ancient base as you awaken. Your tour guide will take you through some of the less-seen parts of Machu Picchu while educating you about its mysteries and background. Admire the precision of Inca engineering as you explore the agricultural rooftops, the Temple of the Sun, and the Intihuatana stone. Go down to Aguas Calientes to wrap out your tour, from where you can catch a train back to Cusco.

Why Choose the Short Inca Trail?

  • Time-Efficient: The two-day walk provides a concentrated but comprehensive experience, making it ideal for anyone with limited time.
  • Accessible Adventure: The well-kept track guarantees a pleasant yet exciting trip for hikers of all ability levels.
  • Inhaling deep Views: Experience breathtaking scenery, historic ruins, and the magnificence of Machu Picchu in a shorter amount of time.

Practical Tips for the Short Inca Trail

  • Pack Light: Only bring necessities to make the hike easier.
  • Hydrate and Snack: Water and food will keep you energetic as you manage the trail’s turns and turns.
  • Sturdy Footwear: To traverse various terrains, select hiking boots that are both comfortable and sturdy.

Take a short yet spectacular trip up the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to see the wonders of an ancient civilization. Experience adventure, nature, and history as you take Machu Picchu’s 2-day hike with stunning scenery.

 

ITINERARY

In the morning, at 4,30, the travellers will be picked up from their hotels in Cusco and transported for 1 hour and a half to the train station at Ollantaytambo; the train ride is approx. 1 hour and a half to arrive at km 104, the beginning of a 1-day hike to Machu Picchu. After crossing the checkpoint, we will start hiking uphill for about 3 hours through the beautiful cloud forest until we reach the beautiful site of Wiaywayna. This is an impressive site mixed with an agricultural centre with numerous terraces, a religious sector, and an urban sector. We will be able to explore this charming and marvellous Inca complex, which is definitely one of the highlights, and afterwards we will eat our box lunch.

The second part of this short trek to Machu Picchu is easier. We will hike towards the Gate of the Sun and Machupicchu; at our arrival, we will take pictures from the upper part of the ruin. We then drive down to Aguas Calientes town to stay at the hotel.

  • Starting Altitude – 2,170 m / 7,170 ft
  • Highest Altitude – 2,720 m / 8,920 ft
  • Walking Distance – 13 km / 8 miles
  • Meals – Box lunch, Dinner

 

The full Machu Picchu experience starts with an early breakfast at your hotel. You’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site, and it’s not something you’ll want to miss! Your guide will give you a guided tour of Machu Picchu, which takes about two hours. You will see many of the most important highlights of the Machu Picchu Citadel.

After your guided tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing, or a visit to the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m., following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow, and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Winay Wayna from the train if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00 p.m.

  • Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel

Included/Excluded

Included

  • Transfer to the train station of Ollantaytambo
  • Train tickets round trip in expedition class
  • Box lunch
  • Entrance fee
  • Bus ticket up and down to Machupicchu.
  • Expert guide for our Machu Picchu short trek
  • Hotel accommodation **
  • Dinner in Aguas Calientes.
  • Transfer back from Ollanta to Cusco hotel

Excluded

  • Entrance fee to Wayna Picchu (75.00 US additional per person)
  • Meals not described in the itinerary
  • Transfers in/ out to the airport of Cusco.
  • Any kind of drinks.
  • Tips (transfer, guide).
  • Breakfast in the first day morning and Lunch after Machupicchu.
  • Entrance fee to the Hot springs.

Packing List

Packing List for Short Inca Trail Hke

  • Short Inca Trail Packing List
  • ​​Original passport (and *International Student card (ISIC) if applicable)
  • Travel Insurance is essential
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
  • Warm jacket
  • Hat and gloves
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable trousers
  • Sun hat
  • Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
  • Insect repellent
  • Water (only until lunch time on day 1)
  • Toiletries and hand sanitizer.
  • Personal medication
  • Camera
  • Torch with spare batteries (headlamps are useful)
  • Optional items to take:
  • Shorts
  • Walking stick (with rubber tip)
  • Plasters and bandages
  • Sandals
  • Extra money
  • Bathing suit (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes. * Optional)
$ 410.00

You might also like

Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 5 Days

Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 5 Days

2 Days / 1 Nights 2 People
This Lares trek & Short Inca Trail 3 days of Hiking on the Lares mountain Trail through the remote communities living in the mount...
Sacred Valley Tour and Machu Pichu 2 Days

1 Day Hike To Machu Picchu

2 Days / 1 Nights 2 People
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the stuff of legends. One of the world most famous hiking trails in the planet.
 Inca Trail Hike

Short Inca Trail with Camping

2 Days / 1 Nights 2 People
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the stuff of legends. One of the world most famous hiking trails in the planet.

WHY BOOK WITH US?

EXPERT GUIDES

Our local bilingual tour guides are fully trained and experienced in many different hikes to Machu Picchu. They are among the best in the industry!

SMALL GROUPS & BIG ADVENTURES

Travelling with us will always feel like being with friends - we ensure our passengers leave with lifelong unforgettable memories of exciting experiences!

OUR EXPERIENCE

With over fifteen years experience in a range of tours to Machu Picchu, our team knows how to deliver a successful expedition that’s right for you.

FANTASTIC MEALS

We cater for all diets (eg. Vegetarian, gluten free etc.) and provide nutritious and balanced food on the trail that leaves you satisfied and ready to hike.

CAMPING EQUIPMENT

We use top quality equipment from well known brands that specialize in hiking and mountain expeditions for your comfort to facilitate enjoyable hiking and good sleep.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

We are a sustainable tour operator that protects our land and environment to preserve it for future generations. In addition, we work with the local communities on various social projects.