2 days and 1 night Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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2 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

Unlike the crowded day trips, our 2-day Short Inca Trail offers the perfect balance of adventure and comfort. You’ll hike along the original Inca stone steps, explore hidden gems like Wiñay Wayna and Chachabamba, and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, a privilege reserved for Inca Trail trekkers. With smaller groups, expert local guides, and a night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, you’ll enjoy both the thrill of the trail and the luxury of rest. This itinerary lets you experience the magic of Machu Picchu at sunrise with fewer crowds, creating memories that last a lifetime.

What's Included

3-star hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (1 night)
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
Safety briefing, first aid kit, oxygen supply
Hotel pickup & drop-off in Cusco
Round-trip bus tickets to Machu Picchu
Professional licensed guide
Inca Trail permit & Machu Picchu entrance
Travel insurance
Personal expenses and souvenir

Meeting and pickup

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

Panaka Travel also offer early morning pick-ups from Airbnbs and other locations within Cusco’s Historic Center (around 4:00 a.m.) and the Sacred Valley, including Urubamba and Ollantaytambo (around 5:00 a.m.).

Itinerary

Duration: 2 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

    7 stops
  • 1
    Cusco

    Your adventure begins at 04:00 AM with a hotel pickup in Cusco. You’ll travel by private vehicle through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo train station, enjoying stunning morning views of the Andes along the way.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Ollantaytambo

    At 06:10 AM, board the train that takes you on a scenic ride along the Urubamba River, passing farmlands and snow-capped mountains before arriving at Km 104.

    Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Arriving at Km 104 around 07:30 AM, you’ll begin your trek with a guided visit to Chachabamba ruins, a fascinating Inca site featuring ceremonial terraces and ancient temples.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Winay Wayna

    At 08:00 AM, begin your three-hour uphill hike along the original Inca stone steps, surrounded by cloud forest, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. Around 11:00 AM, arrive at the breathtaking Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”) ruins, famous for its elegant terraces and ceremonial fountains. Here, your guide will explain its history, and you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at noon with panoramic valley views before continuing your trek.

    3 hours • Admission ticket included
  • 5
    Inti Punku Sun Gate

    The iconic gateway overlooking Machu Picchu. Enjoy your first panoramic view of the citadel and surrounding mountains, perfect for photos

    45 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 6
    Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

    Descend into Machu Picchu terraces around 03:45 PM. Capture iconic photos before taking the shuttle bus at 04:30 PM down to Aguas Calientes.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 7
    Aguas Calientes

    Arrive at 05:30 PM for hotel check-in and rest. At 07:00 PM, enjoy a gourmet dinner at Indio Feliz Restaurant, before overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

    Admission ticket free
    • Day 2

    Day 2: Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco

    3 stops
  • 8
    Machu Picchu

    On Day 2, take the early bus at 05:30 AM to Machu Picchu. At 06:00 AM, witness sunrise and enjoy a 2–3 hour guided tour of the citadel.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Aguas Calientes

    Return to Aguas Calientes at 11:30 AM for free time and lunch on your own.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 10
    Cusco

    Board the train at 02:30 PM back to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours). Arrive at 04:00 PM and continue by private transfer to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 06:00 PM.

    2 minutes • Admission ticket free

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
Supplied by Panaka Travel

Tags

Hiking Tours
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Overnight Tours
Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Car Tours
Small Group
Adventure Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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