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Experience the best of the Inca Trail in just 2 days with this unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu. This Short Inca Trail tour is perfect for travelers who want to hike the original Inca path while enjoying one of the most iconic routes in Peru.
On Day 1, hike from Km 104 through cloud forest, visiting Chachabamba and the stunning Wiñay Wayna. The highlight comes at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.
After an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, Day 2 is dedicated to a guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring its most important areas and history.
You may also choose to upgrade your return journey to a panoramic train for an even more scenic experience.
Duration: 2 days
Highlights: Inca Trail, Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate, Machu Picchu
Includes: Train, bus, guide, entrance tickets
Difficulty: Moderate
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is included only for hotels located in Cusco’s historic center. If you are staying outside this area (Airbnb, San Blas hills, Sacred Valley, etc.), a nearby meeting point will be assigned. Please be ready in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. The guide will call you by name upon arrival.
You have to be in this point at least 10 min before the pick up time. The guide will be with a list collecting all travelers.
We will be finishing at your hotel in Cusco or city center.
Itinerary
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1Cusco
Your adventure begins early in Cusco, pick up from your hotel with a transfer to Ollantaytambo train station,
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
2Ollantaytambo
In this point you will board your train to Km 104 (Chachabamba), the starting point of the Short Inca Trail.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Explore the archaeological site of Chachabamba, located at the beginning of the Short Inca Trail. This ceremonial Inca site features water channels and stone structures, offering a first glimpse into Inca engineering and history.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Winay Wayna
After a scenic 3 to 4-hour hike from Chachabamba along the original Inca Trail, you will reach Wiñay Wayna, one of the most stunning archaeological sites on the route. Surrounded by lush cloud forest, this remarkable complex showcases impressive agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and breathtaking views over the Sacred Valley.
4 minutes • Admission ticket included -
5Intipuncu
After visiting Wiñay Wayna, continue hiking for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours along the Inca Trail until you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you will enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. At this point, you will visit only the upper panoramic section of Machu Picchu, perfect for photos and to appreciate the site from above. Afterward, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
6Machu Picchu
After the hike, the reward is truly unforgettable — Machu Picchu awaits you. Surrounded by majestic mountains, this ancient Inca citadel reveals itself in a breathtaking setting, making every step of the journey absolutely worth it. At this point, you will visit only the upper panoramic section of Machu Picchu, perfect for photos and to appreciate the site from above. Afterward, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
7Aguas Calientes
After your arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will settle into your hotel where you will spend the night. A dinner will be arranged by our team, allowing you to relax and enjoy the evening. Take this time to rest and recharge, as the most exciting part of your journey, your visit to Machu Picchu , awaits the next day.
12 hours • Admission ticket free -
8Machu Picchu
On this second day of your Inca Trail experience, you will take the bus up to Machu Picchu and explore the citadel following Circuit 3. During a guided tour of approximately 2.5 hours, you will walk through the lower part of the site, discovering its hidden corners, fascinating history, and unique atmosphere. After the incredible journey of the previous day, this is your moment to truly connect with Machu Picchu, surrounded by its magical energy and breathtaking scenery. After the visit, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes. You will also have the option to include an additional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, depending on availability.
Admission ticket free -
9Machu Picchu
After your guided visit to Machu Picchu (Circuit 1), you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. From there, you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo and continue by private transport to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
3 hours • Admission ticket free -
10Cusco
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, your private transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Short Inca Trail (Chachabamba & Wiñay Wayna) – Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Guided Tour & Scenic Train Return
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
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Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 3 full days before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 3 full days before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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