Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: 2-Day Trek from Cusco

Itinerary

Hike from Km 104 (Chachabamba) to Sun Gate – Machu Picchu

Early Start (4:00 AM)
Your adventure begins before dawn! Your guide will pick you up from your Cusco hotel (or a prearranged meeting point). We’ll drive to Ollantaytambo to catch the 6:10 AM train through the Sacred Valley’s stunning landscapes.

Train Ride & Trailhead (Km 104 - Chachabamba)
At 7:00 AM, we arrive at the Inca Trail checkpoint (Chachabamba, 2,150m / 6,927ft). After presenting your passport, we’ll start our hike through lush cloud forests toward Wiñayhuayna, an awe-inspiring Inca site perched at 2,650m (8,747ft).

Sun Gate & Machu Picchu Reveal
After a hearty lunch, we’ll trek another 2 hours to Intipunku (Sun Gate, 2,730m / 9,007ft). Here, you’ll witness your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu—a moment you’ll never forget!

Machu Picchu Exploration Circuit 1
We’ll enter through the Guardian’s House for iconic photos and a guided tour of the citadel. Your guide will share the secrets of Inca engineering, history, and mysteries as you explore.

Evening in Aguas Calientes
After the tour, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Check in to your hotel, enjoy a delicious dinner, and relax after an unforgettable day!

• Meals: Box Lunch / Dinner
• Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
• Total distance: 12km / 7.5 mi
• Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours
• Start elevation: 2,720 m. / 8,924 ft.
• Maximum altitude: 2,720 m. / 8,924 ft.
• Accomodation: Hotel, Machu Picchu Town

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

On this final day, we will have breakfast at 5:00 am and proceed to our bus at the Aguas Calientes station. Taking a bus to the city of Machu Picchu Inca, you will need to show your passport, entrance ticket, and student card if you have one. Your guide will then lead you through Machu Picchu's surroundings and the various important sites, ruins, and temples between 8:00 and 10:00.

If you have your entrance ticket to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain (2 hours round trip) or Machu Picchu mountain (3 hours round trip).

Additionally, you'll have free time to engage in the following activities on your own (not included in the price):

• Climb up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain* for breathtaking views from above.
• Another optional activity in Aguas Calientes might include visiting the new local museum or indulging in a relaxing bath in the hot springs.

After enjoying the magnificent Inca city, you'll use your included bus ticket to descend to Aguas Calientes. Then, you'll board the "Expeditions" train back to Ollantaytambo, where a bus will be waiting to take you to Cusco. This marks the end of your journey.

The typical departure time from Aguas Calientes is at 02:55 PM (subject to availability and may vary). You can adjust your train schedule to arrive in Cusco earlier or later, depending on your planned activities, with prior coordination.

• Meals: Breakfast at hotel
• Difficulty: Easy
• Estimated walking time: 1.5 hours
• Maximum altitude: 2,430 m. / 6,693 ft.

• *Note: "Machu Picchu mountain" refers to the peak opposite the main Machu Picchu site.

What's Included?

• Pre-tour information: You will meet your Inca Trail guide at our offices (or another agreed-upon location) around 18:00 hours for an informative session about the tour.
• Tourist transportation "Cusco - Ollantaytambo" (round trip).
• "Expeditions" tourist train to Km 104, Chachabamba.
• "Expeditions" tourist train Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• 03 Consettur bus to the return the Machu Picchu archaeological site (descent, ascent and descent).
• Highly qualified professional English and Spanish-speaking guide on the Inca Trail.
• Highly qualified professional English and Spanish-speaking guide at the Archeological site of Machu Picchu.
• Entrance ticket to the short Inca Trail.
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu included with Inca Trail (Guardian's House - Circuit 1).
• Additional entrance to Machu Picchu on the 2nd day (Circuit 2 or 3, depending on availability).
• 2*Hotel in Aguas Calientes, with all the services needed: hot water, private bathroom, Wi-Fi and breakfast.
• 1 breakfast (hotel), 1 box lunch, 1 dinner (Options: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.).
• First aid kit and oxygen tank. (Our guides are highly trained in first aid and mountain rescue, with a comprehensive plan for care, ground evacuations, and air evacuations.)
• 24-Hour Customer Service: We offer a 24-hour telephone service to facilitate communication with our agents before your trek.
• Free Luggage Storage: We provide complimentary luggage storage at our offices in Cusco. You can leave your luggage before starting your tour (exclusive to our passengers).

What's not Included?

• Trekking poles are not included but is highly recommend for the hike. You can bring your our or rent from us.
• Entrance to additional sites like Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain.
• Lunch on the second day.
• Additional costs or delays beyond our control, such as natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to passenger health issues (suffering from an illness or health problems), pandemic, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, etc.

Note: If you prefer, you can rent trekking poles, and additional entrance fees and lunch can be arranged on-site.

*Note: "Machu Picchu mountain" refers to the peak opposite the main Machu Picchu site.

Additional Services

• Trekking poles. ($15.00 USD)
• Economical Lunch in Aguas Calientes, also known as "Machu Picchu town". ($15.00 USD)
• Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge. ($45.00 USD)
• Huayna Picchu entrance, subject to availability and time slots: 7:00 am / 8:00 am / 9:00 am / 10:00 am ($75.00 USD)
• Machu Picchu mountain* entrance, subject to availability and time slots: 8:00 am / 9:00 am ($75.00 USD)
• Guided tour for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain*. ($75.00 USD per group)
• Upgrade to the Vistadome train. ($50.00 USD)
• Upgrade to Vistadome Observatory train Return. ($75.00 USD)
• Camping Upon Request. ($50.00 USD)
• We can assist you in booking hotels (standard and luxury) throughout Peru.

 

*Note: "Machu Picchu mountain" refers to the peak opposite the main Machu Picchu site

What to Bring?

• Original passport (and valid student ID if applicable).
• Hiking boots/shoes.
• Waterproof jacket/poncho.
• Warm jacket, hat, and gloves.
• Short or long-sleeved shirts.
• Comfortable pants.
• Sun hat.
• Sunglasses.
• Sunscreen (recommended SPF 35).
• Reusable plastic or metal bottles, or a camelback.
• Water – you can buy water bottles from local families along the way.
• Insect repellent.
• Personal medication.
• Camera and camcorder.

Extra Items to Bring

• Shorts.
• Trekking poles (with rubber tips).
• Bandages and plaster.
• Sandals.
• Swimsuit.
• Extra money for personal expenses, tips (recommend 200 Peruvian nuevos soles for extra expenses).

PRICES

• 18 - 24 years old: We offer a $20 discount per student. To qualify as a student, you must have a valid student identity card and be under 25 years of age at the time of your trip. Scan and email us the copy at the time of booking.
• Under 18 years old: We offer a $20 discount per child. (you will need to scan and email us a copy of the passports).

Important information

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: 2-Day Trek from Cusco Map