Short Inca Trail 2-Days to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Cusco | Km 104 | Wiñaywayna | Inti Punku | Machu Picchu | Aguas Calientes

1. Cusco

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4 am (depending on location) and head to Ollantaytambo. If your hotel is located in the Sacred Valley, pickup could be around 5.30 am. For all travelers traveling the Short Inca Trail, we recommend staying the day before somewhere close to the train station in Ollantaytambo; This way, you can save 1.5 hours of travel time from Cusco. We pick you up from any hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.

From Cusco, the trip will be 1 hour and 30 minutes to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where we will board the trains and travel along the Urubamba River until we reach km 104 – Chachabamba. We will go directly to the checkpoint in Chachabamba to begin the 2-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Please note that you will need the original passport to pass through the checkpoint. You will have time to prepare, use the bathrooms, and warm up for the hike.

2. Chachabamba

Our first stop is a beautiful archaeological site called Chachabamba, where your guide will give you an introduction to Inca history and the Inca Trail. After exploring the beautiful Inca Site, we will walk along an ancient Inca Trail abandoned in the 16th century along with Machu Picchu.

3. Wiñaywayna

The first section of the short Inca Trail is a trail with a gradual incline for 4 hours until reaching Wiñaywayna; This is one of the most beautiful Inca sites on the Inca Trail. At this point, we will take time to explore this impressive archaeological site while enjoying the spectacular views of the Andes. Snacks and organic packed lunches will be provided; Then, we will continue our walk to Sun Gate or Inti Punku to get our first glimpse of the Lost City of the Incas, a truly unforgettable sight. We arrived at Sun Gate around 3 to 4 pm heading to Machu Picchu; This will allow you to enjoy this place with few people around.

4. Machu Picchu

Next, it’s another one-hour downhill hike from the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu, with breathtaking views. We will arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon and have the unique opportunity to experience the citadel almost empty. This day is the perfect photo opportunity! Then take the bus to Aguas Calientes, have dinner in a local restaurant, and spend the night in a 3-star hotel.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, settle into your hotel, and the time of your dinner will be coordinated, which will be included, thus taking advantage of the moment to finalize details of your guided tour of Machu Picchu the next day.

• MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 2700 m / 8858 ft
• DURATION: 8 hours
• WALKING DISTANCE: 15 km / 8 miles
• ACCOMMODATION: Jaya Machu Picchu or Inti Punku Machu Picchu hotel and Suites (or similar)
• DIFFICULTY: Moderate

Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu (Lost City of the Incas) | Return to Cusco

1. Historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu

After breakfast at your hotel in the morning, we will take a bus with your guide to the mysterious city of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, we will ascend with incredible views of the city along the way. On a clear day, you will be able to contemplate the spectacular view over Machu Picchu, a truly unforgettable sight.

Your guide will lead you on a comprehensive 2 to 3-hour tour of the city before leaving you at Machu Picchu to explore on your own or to climb Wayna Picchu (tickets must be reserved many months in advance, request with an optional payment of 60 USD per person). Explore the most important sites of Machu Picchu with an exclusive private tour guide, visit temples, palaces, agricultural terraces, and learn about the history of Machu Picchu.

Your tour guide will explain how to take the Machu Picchu bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). You will have time to explore the city, choose your preferred restaurant, shop for souvenirs at the local market, and later.

At the specified time on your ticket, we board the train that will take us to Ollantaytambo train station.

2. Ollantaytambo

Upon arrival at the train station in Ollantaytambo, our transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cuzco. Estimated arrival time 6.30pm.

• MEALS: Breakfast at the hotel
• DIFFICULTY: Easy
• WALKING DISTANCE: 6 km / 3 miles
• DURATION: 2-3 hour tour in Machu Picchu
• MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 2700 m / 8858 ft