Short Inca Trail 2 Days To Machu Picchu
From US$550 per person
Trip Summary
Total time
2 days / 1 night
Meals included
1 Box Lunch - 1 Dinner - 1 Breackfast
Group size
Up to 10 people
Transportation
Bus and Train
Why Pick This Tour
This is the perfect route if you want the real Inca Trail experience (Qhapaq Ñan) with the bonus of a hotel night in Aguas Calientes. This format lets you see Machu Picchu at two key moments: an emotional first glimpse at the end of your hike on Day 1 (from the Sun Gate) and a full immersion inside the citadel early on the morning of Day 2.
The best part of the tour: Guided tour of Short Inca Trail 2 Days To Machu Picchu
Over View — Inca Trail 2 Days To Machu Picchu
The 2-Day Inca Trail is the ideal choice for travelers who want a historic, challenging hike to the Inca wonder — but in less time. The trekking is packed into Day 1, starting at the famous KM 104. Over 7.5 miles of stone trail, you’ll pass through the vibrant cloud forest and visit the archaeological gem of Wiñay Wayna.
The highlight of the first day is the emotional entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), with a sunset view of the citadel. The package includes comfortable tourist trains, a licensed guide, and basic lodging in town for an ideal second-day visit to the citadel.
Day 1 : Cusco – KM 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate
We’ll start the day with pickup from your hotel in Cusco and head to the Ollantaytambo train station, passing through the Sacred Valley. Once there, we’ll board the Expedition tourist train and travel through the Urubamba River canyon, surrounded by mountains and highland jungle. We’ll get off at Kilometer 104 (KM 104), the official starting point of the 1-Day Inca Trail.
After registering at the checkpoint, we’ll begin our hike with a visit to Chachabamba, an Inca archaeological complex used for water rituals. From there, we’ll climb gently along stone-paved paths of the ancient Qhapaq Ñan, surrounded by cloud forest. Halfway through, we’ll reach Wiñay Wayna — one of the most spectacular archaeological sites on the route, with stunning terraces, ceremonial buildings, and ritual fountains. We’ll take a break here to enjoy our box lunch in a rest area.
Then we’ll continue the final stretch to the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the ceremonial entrance to Machu Picchu. From this sacred spot, you’ll get an unforgettable view of the citadel bathed in afternoon light. After descending to the upper section of Machu Picchu, we’ll reach the iconic Guardian’s House — the perfect spot for that classic postcard photo. Here, our professional guide will share insights about Inca history, engineering, and architecture while walking through the allowed areas. After this visit, we’ll head to the exit to catch the Concetur bus down to Aguas Calientes.
You’ll have free time to explore the town or shop. Then we’ll check into our hotels. After that, we’ll have dinner, and the guide will brief you. After dinner, you’re free to do whatever you want or hit the sack early to save energy for the next day.
Day 2 : Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
We’ll wake up early for breakfast at the hotel. Once you’re fed and ready, depending on our entry time, you’ll have some time to walk around or explore Aguas Calientes. When it’s time, we’ll meet up with the guide at an agreed spot, then head together to the Machu Picchu entrance for our guided tour through different areas depending on the circuit we booked.
Once the guided tour is done, we’ll head to the exit to catch the Concetur bus back down to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have free time to explore the town or shop. Then we’ll head to the train station and board the return train to Ollantaytambo. When we arrive, a tourist shuttle will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. We’ll wrap up the Inca Trail tour by dropping you off at Plaza Regocijo or San Francisco, both near Cusco’s main square.
What’s Included
- Pre-Trip Info Session — Inca Trail Briefing: Pre-trip meeting in Cusco where we go over the Short Inca Trail KM 104 in detail — itinerary, schedules, tips, safety measures, what to bring, and all your questions answered before heading to Machu Picchu.
- Shared Tourist Shuttle Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Cusco: Comfortable, punctual, and safe shared tourist transport between Cusco and Ollantaytambo, round trip.
- Expedition Tourist Trains — Inca Trail KM 104: Expedition-class tourist train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 (start of the hike) and return from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) to Ollantaytambo.
- Licensed Professional Guide — Inca Trail: Full-time certified guide authorized for the Inca Trail, an expert in Inca history, Andean culture, and on-trail support throughout the hike to Machu Picchu.
- Official Inca Trail KM 104 Entrance: Includes the official entry permit for the Short Inca Trail (KM 104), issued by the relevant authorities, subject to availability.
- Machu Picchu Entrance — Circuit 3-B: Entry to the Machu Picchu citadel based on circuit availability, with Circuit 3-B as the target, subject to final confirmation.
- Meals Included:
- 1 box lunch + snacks during the hike
- Dinner in Aguas Calientes (Day 1)
- Vegetarian options available at no extra cost — just let us know ahead of time.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes:
- 1 night in a tourist hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Continental breakfast (Day 2)
- Great for resting up before your second visit to Machu Picchu.
- Tourist Bus to Machu Picchu — Concetur:
- Day 1: Bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Day 2: Round-trip bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- First Aid Kit: Basic first aid kit and emergency oxygen available throughout the KM 104 Inca Trail hike.
What’s Not Included
- Meals Not Specified:
- Breakfast Day 1
- Lunch and Dinner Day 2
- Huayna Picchu Mountain Entrance:
- This ticket is separate from the general Machu Picchu entry.
- Extra cost: $65 USD — subject to availability and limited spots.
- Travel Insurance: Not included. We strongly recommend getting travel insurance for Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail that covers medical assistance, cancellations, or unexpected situations.
Packing List & Tips
I. Must-Haves & Documents
- Essential Documents: Golden rule — bring your original passport or national ID. It’s the only legally accepted document for checkpoint entry on the Inca Trail and at Machu Picchu.
- Ticket Planning: If you’re hoping to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, lock in your ticket months in advance — spots are extremely limited.
- Traveler Protection: We highly recommend getting a travel insurance policy that covers emergency medical care and potential cancellations.
II. Personal Gear for the Trek
- Backpack: Use a day pack, no bigger than 25 liters. Machu Picchu rules prohibit large luggage.
- Clothing: Go with a layering system (think «onion style») so you can quickly adapt to microclimates (from cold mornings to midday heat in the cloud forest).
- Weather Protection: Bring a rain poncho or waterproof jacket (essential November through March), high-SPF sunscreen, and a hat/cap.
- Food & Water: Always carry a reusable water bottle. A box lunch is included, but we recommend packing some light personal snacks too.
- Cash: Have some cash in soles on hand for tips or any last-minute purchases.
III. Rules & The Citadel Experience
- Circuit Rules: The flow inside Machu Picchu is strictly one-way. Going backwards or blocking the circuit path is not allowed.
- Official Restrictions: No drones, large professional tripods, or extendable selfie sticks allowed.
- Food: No eating inside the archaeological complex — only water is permitted.
- Trail Etiquette: Show respect for the heritage: be on time, follow your guide’s directions, and don’t touch structures or stray off the marked Inca path.
Important:
The company is not responsible for denied entry to Machu Picchu due to invalid documentation, such as expired student IDs or expired identity documents.
We recommend reading these policies carefully before confirming your booking. By making your payment, you agree to all terms and conditions.
Extra Tickets (Wayna Picchu, etc.)
If you booked add-on tickets like Wayna Picchu access, keep in mind these tickets are also non-refundable and non-transferable. If you change your date or cancel, they’ll be lost and you’ll need to buy new ones.
Read Before Booking:
Before booking, make sure you’re clear on your travel plans and reservation dates. All Machu Picchu tickets are personal, non-refundable, and non-changeable — any changes mean new costs.
We’re here to help you plan an unforgettable experience!
2026 Rates — Inca Trail 2 Days
This 2026, we invite you to experience the full 2-Day Inca Trail — one of the most iconic routes to Machu Picchu, perfect for those who want to take their time enjoying the history, Andean landscapes, and archaeological sites of the ancient Inca Empire.
Our Premium package is designed for the international traveler, combining comfort, safety, and high-quality service with a guided hike that connects the Inca legacy with an authentic, well-organized experience.
The route starts at KM 104, covers impressive stretches of the Inca Trail, visits major archaeological sites, and ends with a visit to Machu Picchu — letting you live this experience in a more relaxed and complete way over 2 days / 1 night.
2026 Single Rate
- Adults & Students: $515.00 USD per person
Cancellation Policy — Inca Trail 2 Days
These Cancellation Policies for the 2-Day Inca Trail apply to all bookings made with Viajes Perú. All operations follow current regulations from Peru’s Ministry of Culture and authorized tourism providers. These policies set the terms for cancellations, changes, and no-shows for the 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, ensuring transparency and clarity during the booking process.
- Cancellations by the Traveler
- If you cancel after making full payment, you’ll be refunded the amount paid minus the $200 USD per person deposit, which is non-refundable.
- If you’ve only paid the $200 USD deposit, no refund will be issued, as it covers the official Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu entrance, and train tickets — all non-refundable and non-changeable per Ministry of Culture policies.
- Cancellations Due to Force Majeure
In the event of cancellations caused by circumstances beyond our control, such as strikes, road blockages, natural disasters, or train service suspensions:
⚠️ No refund will be given for the Inca Trail permit or Machu Picchu entrance, as these are part of the non-refundable $200 USD deposit. Inca Trail permits are personal, named, and non-transferable.
- Cancellation Requests
All cancellation requests must be sent by email to: 📧 viajesperureservas@gmail.com — at least 2 weeks before the tour start date.
Your request must include:
- Full name of the traveler
- Scheduled tour date
- Proof of payment
Requests will only be handled during business hours.
- Deposit — Non-Refundable
The $200 USD per person deposit is non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-reusable under any circumstances. It covers the advance purchase of official Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entrance, regulated by Peru’s Ministry of Culture.
- Date Changes
Date changes are possible, however:
- You automatically lose your Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance, since they’re personal, named, and non-transferable.
- The $200 USD deposit is non-refundable.
- A new date requires new permits and a new $200 USD deposit, subject to availability.
Viajes Perú can help you find a new date but cannot guarantee tour confirmation.
- No-Show
If you don’t show up on tour day without prior notice, no refund of any kind will be issued, regardless of the amount paid.
How hard is the 2-Day Inca Trail?
The 2-Day Inca Trail is moderate difficulty. No previous trekking experience needed, but you should be in decent to good physical shape, since it includes Inca stone stairways and several hours of hiking.
Does the 2-Day tour include Machu Picchu?
Yes. The 2-Day Inca Trail tour includes the official Machu Picchu entrance (Circuit 3), based on availability from Peru’s Ministry of Culture.
Do I need a permit for the 2-Day Inca Trail?
Yes. The official Inca Trail permit is mandatory, limited, and personal. That’s why we recommend booking several months in advance.
Where does the 2-Day Inca Trail start and end?
The 2-Day Inca Trail starts at KM 104 and ends at Machu Picchu, with one night of lodging in Aguas Calientes.
What kind of lodging is included?
Includes 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, tourist category or above, depending on the package.
Can I do the Inca Trail without a guide?
No. By official regulation, the Inca Trail can only be done with an authorized agency and professional guide.
What should I bring for the 2-Day Inca Trail?
We recommend:
• Original passport
• Hiking boots with good grip
• Comfortable, layered clothing (weather changes a lot)
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Small backpack
Best time to do the 2-Day Inca Trail?
April through October (dry season). The Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance.
Is the 2-Day Inca Trail okay for all ages
Generally fine for people between 12 and 65 in good health. Check with us first if you have any medical conditions.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 2 to 4 months ahead, especially during peak season (May through September).
