Short Inca Trail, 2 days
Overview
This is the Inca Trail without camping: you walk the most beautiful stretch and sleep in a hotel.
The train drops us at Km 104, beside the Urubamba River. From Chachabamba we climb for about four hours through cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna, the most impressive set of terraces and ceremonial fountains on the whole route.
From there we continue to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, where Machu Picchu first comes into view: the same entrance the Incas used. We descend to the citadel and spend the night in Aguas Calientes.
The next day we go up early by bus for the guided tour of the citadel, with free time afterwards to explore on your own.
What is included
- Pickup at your hotel in Cusco and transfers to the train stations.
- Train Ollantaytambo – Km 104 and Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Inca Trail permit (Km 104).
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Buses Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes and Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
- Meals: 1 box lunch, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast (vegetarian option on request).
- 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes, double room.
Not included
- Breakfast on day one.
- Lunch on day two.
- Tips for the guide and staff.
Day by day itinerary
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01 2,150 m
Day 1 · Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna
Very early pickup, at around 3:50 a.m., and transfer to Ollantaytambo station. The train leaves at 6:10 a.m. and drops us at Km 104 at about 7:00 a.m. We cross the footbridge and start hiking at Chachabamba.
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02 2,730 m
Day 1 · Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate
About four hours climbing through cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna, with its terraces and ceremonial fountains. We continue to Inti Punku for the first view of Machu Picchu and descend to the citadel. Night in Aguas Calientes.
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03 2,430 m
Day 2 · Machu Picchu and return
After breakfast we take the bus up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of about two hours, with free time afterwards. At midday we go down to Aguas Calientes and board the train back, with a final transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Elevation profile
How the route climbs and descends. Each point marks a place along the way and its altitude.
What to bring
- Original passport (required for the permit and entrance)
- Trekking shoes with good grip
- Layered clothing and a waterproof jacket
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water and snacks
- Small daypack
- Camera or phone
Prices by group size
This is a private trip: the more people travel, the less it costs per person.