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● Group Service · Maximum 10 travelers
Walk the Short Inca Trail from Km 104 through Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate. Stay overnight in Aguas Calientes, then explore Machu Picchu on Day 2 before returning to Cusco.
Availability and final arrangements are confirmed by Inkayni before booking.
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THE JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
This 2-day tour of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is designed for those who are looking for a shorter and more accessible experience, without compromising on the beauty and excitement of the trail The 02-day Short Inca Trail to Machupicchu is the perfect choice for those travelers who are…
Enjoy the 2-day Inca Trail, a reduced but fantastic version of the classic way to Machu Picchu!
Explore Inca archaeological sites like Chachabamba, Wiñayhuayna, and Machu Picchu on your way!
Start your adventure from Cusco or the Sacred Valley and take the train from Ollantaytambo!
Get off at Kilometer 104 and get ready to trek towards the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary!
2 days · Group Service: This 2-day tour of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is designed for those who are looking for a shorter and more accessible experience, without compromising on the beauty and excitement of the trail The 02-day Short Inca Trail to Machupicchu is…
Compare all treks ↗About Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days
We offer daily departures to the Short Inca Trail (excluding February when the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance). Most importantly, remember that you must book the Inca trail ‘Capac ñan’ 5 or 4 months in advance.
Overview Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Walking distance: 10km / 6.21 miles
Starting Elevation: 3350 m. / 10990 ft
Highest Elevation: 2730 m. / 8956 ft
DIA 2: MACHU PICCHU
Starting Elevation: 2050 m. / 6561 ft
Highest Elevation: 2400 m. / 7873 ft
VALLEYS. HIGH PASSES. LOCAL STORIES.
Explore the mountain journey day by day, discover the route’s stops and enlarge the original maps.
Altitude-correlated route · Horizontal spacing is schematic. Not for navigation.
The same stops, on the same elevation scale.
Highest shown refers to plotted trip stops, including transfers, not necessarily the hiking high point. Heights use published metre values. Curves and spacing illustrate reference points, not measured GPS terrain or distance. Dotted: travel mode unconfirmed. Dashed: transfer. Solid: walking.
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DAY 1 · ORIGINAL ROUTE MAP
DAY 2 · ORIGINAL ROUTE MAP
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The route and overnight arrangements follow your confirmed departure. Explore each day, enlarge its photographs and read the complete original description.
YOUR JOURNEY, STAGE BY STAGE
DAY 1 OF 2
First, we will depart from your hotel in Cusco in our transport to begin the adventure of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
First, we will depart from your hotel in Cusco in our transport to begin the adventure of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We will then head to Ollantaytambo town in the Sacred Valley. Afterward, a train will take us to our starting point, the 104 km Chachabamba. Meanwhile, our adventure will begin on the banks of the Urubamba River. After a slow ascent, we will arrive at the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in the area of Wiñay Wayna. After that, we will continue to the “Puerta del Sol” (Inti Punku) and later to Machu Picchu citadel.
Also, along our journey through the Jungle, we will cross its lush and verdant landscapes. For example, cloud forests cover the entire mountain range. Likewise, we will appreciate an immense variety of plants, flowers, and birds along the Inca trail route. On the other hand, we can see some mammals like the vizcachas (rabbits similar to chinchillas) and the spectacled bear (if we are lucky).
Therefore, after a full day of walking, we will reach the Puerta del Sol (Inti Punku). Here, we will get our first views of Machu Picchu citadel. In the same line, the light at this time of day is ideal for taking pictures. Above all, taking advantage of the small number of tourists in the morning hours.
Afterward, we will descend from the Sungate and continue on the beautiful paved path to Machu Picchu. But only to the famous «Mirador» at the top of the citadel. Finally, from here we will descend to Aguas Calientes town. We are located in the valley of the lower to make our check-in at the hotel and for dinner.
DAY 2 OF 2
Also, after having woken up very early, we will take the first bus to Machu Picchu to start the second day of the tour 02 days Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Also, after having woken up very early, we will take the first bus to Machu Picchu to start the second day of the tour 02 days Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. To enter the site in the first turn of visits on this 2-day tour of the Inca Trail. We will certainly have a guided tour of approximately 2 hours «in situ». During this, we will learn about the Incas and visit the most important areas of the citadel of Machu Picchu.
After your tour, if you have the permit and/or entrance tickets, you can climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. As a result, in the afternoon we will take the train that will take us back to Ollantaytambo. Then, we continue in a van to return to Cusco City. This way, we will have ended with our tour of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
These additional published figures have not been reconciled with the route references. Confirm them with Inkayni before travel.
Min. Elevation: 2730 m / 8956 ft
Highest Elevation: 3350 m/ 10,990 ft
Campsite Elevation: 2050 m / 6,571 ft
Walking Distance: 10km / 6.21 miles
Walking time: 6 hours
Min. Elevation: 2050 m / 6,571 ft
Walking Distance: 2 km / 1.24 miles
Walking time: 2 hours
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SEE EXACTLY WHAT YOU GET
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YOUR TOUR / Guides & organization
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YOUR TOUR / Accommodation & sleep
3 Star Hotel in Aguas Calientes

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YOUR TOUR / Meals
1 Breakfast, 1 Boxed Lunch, 1 Dinner. If you have a dietary request (vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free, allergies, etc.), please let us know

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YOUR TOUR / Tickets & visits
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YOUR TOUR / Transport & journey
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YOUR TOUR / Trail support & equipment
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Rentals and personal expenses are separate from included services. Review exactly what is included ↗
AN INKAYNI FILM
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MORE ABOUT THE JOURNEY
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Know the support on your journey. First aid kit Oxygen bottle
Explore your inclusionsBEFORE YOU BOOK
Published services for this specific product. Confirm your final quote before payment.
SEPARATE FROM YOUR TOUR
Rentals & personal extrasRequest current rental prices and optional services with your quote. Additional tickets and arrangements are subject to availability.
DATES & AVAILABILITY
Choose your preferred departure date, group size and flexibility. Inkayni confirms Short Inca Trail permits and group operation before confirming your booking.
Request calendar · Dates are subject to permit availability and group confirmation.
Choose and confirm the same departure date in WeTravel before payment.
Have flexible dates? Share nearby dates or your preferred month. The team will check which departure can work for your party.
View Inca Trail permit calendar ↗Departures can operate any day except February, with a minimum of 2 hikers and available permits. Pick-up in Cusco is approximately 4:30–5:30 am; confirm your exact time at the briefing.
YOUR TOUR OPTIONS
Published rates per person. Group departures: maximum 10 travelers.
Group service · 2 or More People · US$539 per person
OUR GROUP SIZE:
Above all, We offer small groups, not more than 10 people for the short inca trail.
DISCOUNTS:
Group of 5 or more: US$25.00: Must be booked all together
Under 18 years old: US$25.00: Please send us a copy of the passport at the booking time
Student Discount (Maximum Age 25 years old): US$25.00 Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. In addition, for those using a university student card to receive the discount, we need to see a copy of the card at booking. Similarly, for those booking children 17-years-old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at booking time. Please send all to info@inkayniperutours.com. More Information about STUDENT CARD
Rates are references, not live availability. Confirm final arrangements before payment.
Optional extras
Small comforts. Entirely your choice.
US$70
US$60
US$85
ARRIVE PREPARED
Use the packing guidance published for this tour and confirm final requirements at your briefing. Separate personal or rented items from included services.
YOUR PACKING CHECKLIST
These are packing recommendations from the source, including personal and rental items. Inclusion status is determined by the tour’s Included section, not by this checklist.
BEFORE YOU COMMIT
What to know before booking and what to expect along the way.
Check your date ↗The Inca Trail 2 days is a shorter and less demanding experience compared to the classic version of the Inca Trail but still offers a memorable experience. During the first day, you will enjoy a walk from kilometer 104 to the Puerta del Sol, passing through archaeological sites such as Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. The second day is dedicated to carefully exploring the citadel, with options to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking views.
The main one between the Short Trail and the other versions of the Inca Trail lies in the duration and intensity of the hike. The Inca Trail is shorter, covering about 12 kilometers on the first day and focusing on Machu Picchu on the second day. Instead, the classic Inca Trail spans 43 kilometers, offers a more gradual experience, explores more archaeological sites, and provides a deeper experience.
The short Inca Trail starts at kilometer 104 of the railway that goes from Cusco to Machu Picchu, exactly in Chachabamba. This adventure culminates in the citadel of Machu Picchu, a global wonder of the modern world. Remember the Inca Trail 2 days with Inkayni Peru Tours, which starts and ends at your hotel within Cusco City.
The difficulty level of the short Inca Trail is mild. This hike, spanning a shorter distance compared to other versions of the Inca Trail, is still accessible to most hikers.
Check the availability of the Inca Trail permits with our sales agents for the desired date. Confirm availability and make the booking through our homepage (Inkayni Peru Tour). Complete the online form with your details and the number of travelers. Make your booking with only 40% of the total amount, using as payment means: VISA, Master Card, American Express, or Paypal.
Before making a deposit, it is crucial to contact our sales agents to verify the availability of the Inca Trail on the ideal date of your trip. Once availability is confirmed for the requested date, it is essential to deposit 40% of the total amount of the trekking to ensure your trip. You can make these deposits by credit or debit card, bank transfer, Western Union, and PayPal. After completing the payment, you will receive a booking confirmation via email at the address provided during the booking process. Settlement of the remaining balance: The remaining balance must be paid upon arrival in Cusco, either in US dollars or in Peruvian soles, preferably in cash. Once your booking for the Inca Trail has been confirmed, we will provide you with the necessary details to deposit for your trip. It is important to remember that this deposit is not refundable or transferable, as it is used to acquire the entry permit to the Inca Trail and secure the reserved space. Once purchased, no changes are allowed in the booking (dates, names, details, etc.).
Although the 2-day Inca Trail is less demanding than the longer versions, it still requires a reasonable physical condition to fully enjoy the experience. The trek involves uneven terrain, steps, and elevation changes.
Yes, along the short Inca Trail, specifically at strategic points, you will find toilets available. These points include kilometer 104, which marks the beginning of the hike and has control of the Ministry of Culture, as well as Wiñay Huayna, Machu Picchu, and at the end Aguas Calientes town. These services ensure that hikers have access to sanitary facilities during their journey.
It is essential to note that once the initial payment for the Inca Trail has been made, the amount cannot be refunded or transferred. This deposit is used to get the permit for trekking and guarantees the spot of your booking on the requested date.
The permits of the Inca Trail are not transferable or refundable in any case. Once a permit is issued, it cannot be transferred to another person.
This is not possible. Once you have made your booking and entered your data in the system, you cannot change the information.
The remaining balance must be paid in cash (either in US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our facilities in Cusco, with a minimum of 48 hours before your trekking begins.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to make modifications to the tickets after obtaining the permits or tickets due to government restrictions. It is therefore essential to ensure the correct selection of dates when booking. It should be noted that, upon receiving your form and deposit, we manage the permits immediately, since in many cases the spaces are limited.
The best season to make the Inca Trail 2 days is during the dry season, which covers April to October. During these months, climatic conditions are more stable, with less likelihood of rainfall and warmer temperatures.
There are no governmental restrictions regarding the age limit for performing the Inca Trail for 2 days. However, as a responsible Tourism Agency, we will only accept bookings for children aged 7 and over if parents assume full responsibility for them during the trek.
Of course, the Inca Trail 2 Days is a shorter version of the Inca Trail 4 days. Despite its shorter duration, it offers the unique and special opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the road and reach Machu Picchu. This tour stands out for allowing the participants to enjoy the view of the Machu Picchu lake on two different occasions: the first when passing the guardian’s house on the way to Aguas Calientes and the second during the guided visit to the citadel.
To ensure optimal adaptation to altitude and minimize the symptoms of altitude sickness (soroche), it is recommended to spend at least 2 days in Cusco City before starting your adventure on the Inca Trail. This additional period will allow you to gradually acclimate to the mountainous elevation of the imposing Andes.
Of course! No additional costs! When making your booking, please inform us of any dietary needs or requirements, including allergies. We can also attend lactose-intolerant or gluten-intolerant diets. We cannot accept people with severe or life-threatening allergic reactions.
Yes, it is recommended to use trekking poles during the short Inca Trail. These poles offer additional support when walking on varied and steep terrain, reducing joint tension and improving balance. In case you do not have poles for the Inca Trail, we offer the option to rent them for an additional cost of USD 15.00.
Although it is not a mandatory requirement, it is advisable to have travel insurance that provides coverage in case of contingencies. This measure exclusively benefits our hikers.
Unlike the classic Inca Trail, the short route per day has an availability of 250 revenues.
You must acclimate in Cusco City at least two days before starting the Inca Trail. For this reason, we suggest you consider the following tours: City Tour Cusco: Explore the city with an afternoon guided tour. Sacred Valley + Chinchero Tour: If you plan to stay in Ollantaytambo, we will organize your pick-up at this place, previously coordinating with our travel agents to facilitate the start of your journey on the Inca Trail. Southern Valley Tour: Explore the route south of Cusco while acclimating to the altitude of the Andes.
It is extremely essential, as there may be last-minute purchases. Therefore, it is suggested to have money in Peruvian soles, thus facilitating the purchase process.
It is not possible. Tickets to Huayna Picchu must be purchased a minimum of 4 months in advance, due to the daily limitation of available spaces. On the other hand, to climb to Huchuy Picchu, the purchase can be made 3 months in advance. It is better to purchase these tickets with Inkayni Peru Tours, to ensure your place in any of these two additional routes.
Yes, during the tour there are opportunities to interact with local communities, and on lucky occasions, we might even learn some words in Quechua.
If you will find a telephone signal in the following points: Wiñay Wayna Machu Picchu Town Machu Pichu Citadel
The duration of the 2-day Inca Trail tour will involve approximately 6 hours of walking.
If you want to improve your train travel experience when returning from the Inca Trail, you have the option to choose the Vistadome train from Peru Rail, with an additional cost of USD 45.00. For detailed information about this option, we recommend you contact our sales agents. Note: The main distinction between the Vistadome train and the Expedition lies in service and comfort. The Vistadome offers a more complete service, including comfort, complimentary snacks, a live dance show, and a fashion show with alpaca baby clothes.
Of course, both Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes are places where you can buy food and souvenirs. Also, remember by making your purchases you are contributing to the local economy. It is important to note that from km 104 to Aguas Calientes you will not find stalls selling food or souvenirs.
When you are in Cusco City or the Sacred Valley of the Incas, be sure to arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the start of the trekking to allow proper acclimatization.
We require all customers to arrive in Cusco at least 48 hours before the start of their trek, although 03 nights earlier is ideal. You must pay your remaining balance two days before you depart for your trip. This will also ensure you can acclimate to the altitude to start your walk comfortably. Please note your remaining balance must be paid in cash at our office.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS WITH A DATE
$ 539 USD Per Person
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BEFORE YOU COMMIT
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PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE
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YOUR TOUR
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COMPARE ROUTES
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PREPARATION
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Read more ↗Inkayni Peru Tours is a local tour operator exceptionally recommended by its clients, guidebooks, forums, and others. Our principal objective is to provide the best service, achieve the maximum satisfaction of our customers, and assume the responsibility as guardians of Nature in all our undertakings.
Experienced and Professional Team: Get assistance and support from our team, a group of specialists highly qualified to organize your trek to Machu Picchu.
Eco-friendly Local Tour Operator: We respect and protect the environment and the local communities that we visit. We use biodegradable products, recycle waste, support local businesses, and donate to social projects.
Door-To-Door Service: Pick-up and drop-off are included at no additional cost from your hotel or Airbnb located mainly in the surrounding area of the Historic Center of Cusco.
Delicious Andean Fusion Food: During your expedition to Machu Picchu, taste delicious foods prepared by our highly recommended chefs for this kind of experience to Machu Picchu. If you have any dietary request or allergy let us know.
Inkayni Peru Tours offers DAILY DEPARTURES for the Classic Inca Trail, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers. In short, we can travel any day of the week as long as permits are available from the government. Most importantly, remember that permissions are only required for your START DATE. Therefore, first, check the availability of the Inca Trail: Inca Trail Availability.
Published details contain inconsistent short-trail distance/elevation statements (overview, itinerary route details and FAQs).
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YOUR JOURNEY. YOUR NEXT CHAPTER.
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