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Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
Our 2 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Hotel perfectly combines adventure, comfort, and exclusive access, ideal for travelers who want the authentic Inca Trail experience without camping.
Unlike standard tours, you’ll enter Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate (Intipunku) at sunset on Day 1, enjoying breathtaking views with fewer crowds. Along the way, hike the most scenic section of the trail and visit important archaeological sites such as Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna, guided by knowledgeable local experts.
This tour includes two Machu Picchu circuits: Circuit 1 on Day 1 for panoramic viewpoints and classic photos, and Circuit 3 on Day 2 for a deeper guided exploration of the temples, plazas, and terraces.
Enjoy added comfort with a 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes, chef prepared picnic meals, and a panoramic Vistadome train on the return. With small groups, full logistics, and enhanced safety equipment, everything is arranged so you can focus on the experience.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We will pick you up early from Cusco’s Main Square at approximately 5:30 a.m. (depending on the train schedule). From there, you’ll travel by private van to the train station in Ollantaytambo. The drive takes about 1.5 hours along scenic mountain roads until reaching Kilometer 104, the starting point of the hike.
Itinerary
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1Ollantaytambo
Early Departure from Cusco to Km 104: The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins early in the morning with hotel pickup from Cusco (around 4:00 a.m.) or from the Sacred Valley (around 5:30 a.m.), depending on your accommodation. To avoid a long transfer early in the morning, we highly recommend staying overnight in Ollantaytambo. From Cusco, the journey to the train station takes approximately 1.5 hours. Once on board, enjoy a scenic train ride along the Urubamba River, surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes, until reaching Km 104, the official starting point of the 2 day Inca Trail hike. Before starting the trek, we will stop for a hearty breakfast to prepare for the adventure. Please remember to bring your original passport, as it is required at the trail checkpoint.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna Archaeological Sites: Our hike begins with a guided visit to Chachabamba, the first important Inca archaeological site along the trail. After exploring the site, we continue with a gradual uphill hike of approximately 4 hours toward Wiñaywayna, considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved complexes on the Inca Trail. At Wiñaywayna, you will explore impressive Inca terraces, ceremonial fountains, and temples while enjoying spectacular mountain views. Surrounded by lush cloud forest, we will enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch by our professional trekking chef, offering a unique dining experience in nature.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
3Inti Punku Sun Gate
Sun Gate (Intipunku) and First View of Machu Picchu: After lunch, we continue hiking toward the legendary Sun Gate (Intipunku), the most iconic viewpoint on the Inca Trail. From here, you will witness your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, perfectly illuminated by the late afternoon sunlight. This magical moment is especially memorable because there are fewer visitors at this time of day, allowing you to fully enjoy the scenery and capture stunning photographs of Machu Picchu from above. From the Sun Gate, we descend for approximately 30 minutes to reach the Machu Picchu citadel.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
4Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu Visit and Overnight in Aguas Calientes Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, you will explore the Circuit 1, known for offering the best panoramic viewpoints of the citadel. This circuit is ideal for capturing iconic postcard photos of Machu Picchu, with fewer crowds and exceptional perspectives. After the visit, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. You will then rest comfortably at a 3 star hotel, featuring a private room, private bathroom, hot shower, and beautiful surroundings.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
5Machu Picchu
Sunrise and Guided Tour of Machu Picchu: Day 2 is fully dedicated to discovering Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas. After an early breakfast at your hotel, we board one of the first buses to the citadel. If weather conditions allow, you will experience a beautiful sunrise over Machu Picchu, as the first light reveals the ancient city surrounded by mountains. Your expert guide will lead a 2–3 hour guided tour through Circuit 3, covering the most important areas of the site. You will explore Inca aqueducts, temples, ceremonial plazas, royal residences, agricultural terraces, and the central sector of Machu Picchu. The tour is conducted at a relaxed pace, allowing you to fully appreciate the history, architecture, and mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3 hours • Admission ticket free -
6Ollantaytambo
Optional Adventures and Alternative Experiences: For travelers looking to enhance their experience, optional hikes to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain are available with advance reservation. These hikes provide spectacular panoramic views and an added sense of adventure. As an alternative, after the guided tour you may return to Aguas Calientes on foot via the historic Hiram Bingham Trail. Along the way, you can visit the Machu Picchu Site Museum, stop at the butterfly sanctuary, or simply enjoy the lush cloud forest scenery.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
7Cusco
Free Time in Aguas Calientes and Return to Cusco: After returning to Aguas Calientes, enjoy free time for lunch, explore the town, or browse the local artisan markets. In the afternoon, we board a panoramic train (Vistadome or 360°) for a scenic journey through the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival at the train station, the TreXperience team will be waiting to transfer you by bus back to your hotel in Cusco, with an estimated arrival time of around 7:30 p.m.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Cusco to Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu to Cusco
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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
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Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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
- Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance ticket
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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