Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night

5.0
(143 reviews)
Cusco, Peru

2 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 5 more

Short on time? This express 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu covers the key sites but in a less strenuous hike. Explore the sites of Chachabamba, see the terraces of Wiñay Wayna, and be the few ones to cross the Sun Gate. You will kick off the next day with a full guided tour of Machu Picchu Citadel as you learn about the history of the Incas. All along with a striking Andean backdrop and the luscious upper rainforest.

• Join a small-group tour with a high-rated Guide
• Spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Access Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate or Inti Punku
• Take the scenic round trip train ride to Km 104 and Ollantaytambo

What's Included

Small-group tour for up to 10 people
Lunch
Train ride to KM 104
Dinner
Breakfast
Private transfer from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
Permits and ticket for the inca trail
Round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Day 2).
Panoramic train ride back to Ollantaytambo
Entry to Machu Picchu (Circuit 1C and 3B)
Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb) for your gear
Licensed Tour Guide
Briefing session the day before the tour
Water and snacks (Day 1)
Medical Kit, Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and a first-aid kit available at all times
1 night in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Breakfast on day 1, Lunch and Dinner on day 2
Optional return bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (paid directly to the bus operator, on site)
Tips (Optional)
Travel Insurance (recommended)
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Others no mentioned

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco.
We pick up all travelers from their hotels between 04:00 and 04:30 am.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Cusco - KM 104 - Chachabamba - Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate (Inti Punku) - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes

    7 stops
  • 1
    Cusco

    Your adventure begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 4:00 a.m.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Ollantaytambo

    You’ll travel to Ollantaytambo to board the train that takes you to KM 104, the starting point of your hike.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    After a brief orientation and receiving your box lunch, you’ll begin the trek with a visit to the archaeological site of Chachabamba, an ancient Inca checkpoint

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Winay Wayna

    You’ll then ascend along a trail surrounded by lush vegetation until you reach Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful complexes on the Inca Trail.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 5

    After a well-deserved lunch and short rest, you’ll continue toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Machu Picchu

    Take in the breathtaking sunset scenery in a serene and magical atmosphere before boarding the bus to Aguas Calientes

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 7
    Aguas Calientes

    In Aguas Calientes, a comforting dinner and a comfortable night's rest at your hotel await you.

    10 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo - Cusco

    4 stops
  • 8
    Aguas Calientes

    Today you will experience the highlight of your trip: visiting the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Early in the morning, you’ll take the bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of the sanctuary, arriving just in time to watch the first rays of sunlight illuminate the ancient ruins with a golden glow.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Machu Picchu

    Enjoy a 1.5-hour guided tour through the main temples, terraces, and viewpoints while your guide reveals the secrets of this Wonder of the World. If you wish, you may hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (with prior reservation) for unbeatable panoramic views of the citadel and the surrounding landscape.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 10
    Ollantaytambo

    After exploring, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and some time to relax before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 11
    Cusco

    From there, a private vehicle will drive you back to your hotel in Cusco, closing your unforgettable Inca Trail adventure on a perfect note.

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
  • It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
  • Spots at Machu Picchu sell out quickly. Book this trip at least three months in advance to secure spaces.
Supplied by Salkantay Trekking
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Tags

Hiking Tours
Overnight Tours
Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Audio Guides
Rail Tours
Archaeology Tours
Small Group
Adventure Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 143 143 reviews
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