Discover the 2-Day Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
Journey along the 2-day Short Inca Trail, exploring Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna arriving at the Sun Gate for a unique sunset view of Machu Picchu with fewer crowds, return at sunrise for a peaceful tour, and finish with a panoramic Vistadome train ride for a comfortable and scenic way back.
Why You’ll Love This Tour:
• Travel with a trusted local tour operator, experts in Inca Trail
• Experience Machu Picchu at two times (sunset & sunrise views)
• Explore remarkable Inca sites including Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, and Intipunku.
• Enjoy freshly prepared meals on the trail crafted by professional chefs.
• Relax after your hike with a comfortable stay in a 3-star Aguas Calientes hotel.
• Return to Cusco on vistadome panoramic train.
We also offer early morning pickups from Airbnbs and other locations within Cusco’s Historic Center (around 4:00 a.m.) and the Sacred Valley: Urubamba and Ollantaytambo (around 5:00 a.m.). Just enter your address or hotel name in the search bar to check availability.
Your adventure starts early with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Cusco around 4:00 a.m. (or 5:30 a.m. if you’re staying closer to Ollantaytambo). At Ollantaytambo train station we will board the train and travel along the Urubamba River, passing picturesque valleys and mountain landscapes.
After about 1.5 hours, we’ll arrive at Km 104, where the adventure begins. First, we’ll check in at the trailhead with your passport, then enjoy a delicious picnic breakfast prepared by our talented chefs.
After breakfast, the trek starts with a visit to Chachabamba, a well-preserved Inca site featuring ceremonial structures and water channels. Continue on an uphill path surrounded by lush cloud forest, listening to the sounds of birds and passing waterfalls along the way.
Our trek begins with a gradual 4-hour uphill hike along ancient Inca trails. The journey takes us to Wiñay Wayna, one of the most stunning Inca sites, meaning “forever young.” This hidden gem offers incredible views of the Andes and a rich history. After exploring, you’ll enjoy a fresh lunch prepared by our expert trekking chefs, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, before we continue hiking.
After lunch, we’ll hike towards the famous Sun Gate or Intipunku, where you’ll catch your first magical glimpse of Machu Picchu. This is one of the most unforgettable moments, especially in the afternoon when the site is less crowded. The view from the Sun Gate offers a stunning panorama of the Machu Picchu citadel, giving you the perfect opportunity for those once-in-a-lifetime photos.
Walk down to Machu Picchu and follow Circuit 1, visiting its most iconic viewpoints. By this time, the crowds will have thinned, giving you a chance to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and capture amazing photos in the soft afternoon light.
Descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you'll savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Then unwind for the night in a cozy 3-star hotel featuring private bathrooms.
Start your day early with the excitement of visiting Machu Picchu – the famous Lost City of the Incas. After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head out to catch the first buses to Machu Picchu, making sure you arrive just as the day begins.
If the weather is clear, you’ll have the chance to witness a breathtaking sunrise over Machu Picchu, a truly unforgettable experience. Your guide will take you on a 2 to 3-hour tour, showing you the most incredible temples, palaces and terraces while sharing fascinating stories about the city’s history. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own or choose an additional hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña (don’t forget to book your tickets in advance!). When you're ready, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding your train.
Relax and enjoy the incredible views as you ride the Vistadome Panoramic train back to Cusco. The large windows offer stunning sights of the Sacred Valley, allowing you to soak in the scenery as you unwind from your adventure.
The TreXperience team will be waiting for you at the Ollantaytambo train station and will safely escort you back to your hotel.
Your amazing journey concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Cusco around 7:30 p.m., giving you the evening to relax after an incredible adventure.
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All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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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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