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Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
The Short Inca Trail 2-Day Trek offers a captivating journey along a scenic 12 km (7.5 miles) stretch of the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Experience cloud forests and ancient stone paths, visiting remarkable Inca sites like Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. This trek is ideal for travelers seeking a shorter adventure without compromising the iconic experience of the Inca Trail. Spend a comfortable night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes and conclude your hike with a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, just as the Incas did.
- Hike one of the most iconic sections of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Visit impressive Inca sites along the trail, including Wiñay Wayna.
- Enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch by a professional chef on the trek.
- Small group sizes (max 8) ensure a personalized experience with expert guides.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and drop you off there after the tour.
When you make your booking, or at least two days before the hike, please let us know the name and location of your hotel so that our guide and driver can pick you up directly from there.
Itinerary
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1Inca Trail
Your adventure starts with a 4:00 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Enjoy a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo, then board a train to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail (bring your original passport). Hike through the cloud forest, explore the impressive Inca sites of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. Continue to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) for your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu, an unforgettable experience exclusive to Inca Trail hikers. Descend to the citadel for the best viewpoints and an introduction from your expert guide before taking the bus to Aguas Calientes. End the day with dinner and an overnight stay at a comfortable 3-star hotel. The hike covers 12 km (7.5 miles) in about 6–7 hours. Includes all entrance tickets, train, bus, lunch, dinner, hotel accommodation, and a professional English-speaking guide. Small groups ensure a more personal experience.
7 hours • Admission ticket included -
2Machu Picchu
On your second day, you’ll visit Machu Picchu, a highlight of your trip and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Begin with an early breakfast at your hotel, then meet your guide and take the bus to the citadel. Be sure to bring your original passport and entrance ticket. You’ll follow Circuit 3, the official route for travelers coming from the Short Inca Trail. This path takes you through the lower part of Machu Picchu, where you’ll see agricultural terraces, ceremonial spaces, and impressive examples of Inca architecture. Your guide will share the history and purpose of this ancient site. After the tour, take some time to enjoy the scenery before returning by bus to Aguas Calientes. Later in the afternoon, you’ll board a scenic train through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. From there, your driver will take you back to Cusco, where you’ll arrive around 7:30 p.m.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Hike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Guided Tour, Scenic Return to Cusco
Additional info
- 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
- Not recommended for travelers with fear of heights or high altitudes.
- Not recommended for travelers allergic to mosquito bites.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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