Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the ideal choice for travelers who want an authentic Inca Trail experience in a limited timeframe. This 2-day route perfectly combines adventure, nature, and culture. Furthermore, the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu allows you to hike through original stone paths and reach the Sun Gate without the need to camp. Therefore, you can enjoy the thrill of the trek while spending the night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes.

ℹ️ General Information

• Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night.

• Price: $519.00 USD (Shared service).

• Distance: 13 km / 8 miles hike.

• Difficulty: Moderate.

• UNESCO Site: Discover more about the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu heritage.

⭐ Highlights of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

• Enter the citadel through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for a breathtaking first view.

• Explore the stunning Wiñay Wayna archaeological site nestled in the cloud forest.

• Hike through a section of the original Inca road network.

• Enjoy a relaxing night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes town.

• Benefit from professional bilingual guides and high-quality service.

📌 Tip: Permits for the Short Inca Trail are limited and sell out quickly. Book early to secure your spot and enjoy one of the most iconic hikes to Machu Picchu!

🗺️ Itinerary: Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2-Day Pack

Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes

• 04:00 AM: Pick up and transfer to the train station in Ollantaytambo.

• 10:00 AM: Begin the hike at Km 104 and explore the Chachabamba ruins.

• 01:00 PM: Visit the impressive terraces of Wiñay Wayna and enjoy a box lunch.

• 04:00 PM: Arrive at the Sun Gate for a panoramic view of Machu Picchu.

• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in a 2-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Day 2: Machu Picchu Sanctuary – Cusco

• Morning: Early bus to the citadel for a professional guided tour (Circuit 1 + additional circuit included).

• Afternoon: Free time to explore or hike Huayna Picchu (Optional).

• Evening: Return train to Ollantaytambo and final transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

For more information about our pricing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@coclatours.com — we’d love to hear from you and help you plan your next adventure!

✅ What is Included

• Pre-tour briefing and assistance.

• All transfers from Cusco to the trailhead and back.

• Expedition Train Tickets: Ollantaytambo – Km 104 / Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.

• Official permits for the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (2 entries).

• Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish).

• Meals: 1 box lunch, 1 dinner (Day 1), and breakfast at the hotel (Day 2).

• 1 night of accommodation in a 2-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.

❌ Not Included

• Trekking poles (Available for rent at $20.00).

• Entry to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (+$80.00 USD).

• Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch on Day 2.

Optional Services (Upgrades)

To customize your experience and make your journey more comfortable, you can request the following optional services for an additional cost:

• Hotel upgrade: Request a 3★ or 4★ hotel for an additional cost.
• Extra tickets: Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
• Private transfers: From Cusco upon request.
• Vistadome panoramic train upgrade upon request at the moment of booking

🔔 Note: All optional services must be requested in advance and are subject to availability, especially during high season (May–September).

🎒 What to bring

• Passport: Original valid passport (Mandatory for checkpoint entry).

• Daypack: A small backpack (15 to 25 liters) for essentials.

• Footwear: Broken-in hiking shoes or boots.

• Clothing: Light layers, a waterproof jacket, and warm clothes for the night.

• Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

• Health: Strong insect repellent and a reusable water bottle.

💡 Expert Recommendations

1. Book in Advance: Permits for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu sell out quickly. Consequently, we recommend booking 3 to 4 months ahead.

2. 2025 Regulations: New rules limit new bookings to Circuit 1. However, Cocla Tours secures an additional circuit (2 or 3) whenever available to ensure a complete visit.

3. Comfort Upgrade: If you prefer better lodging, ask for our 3-star hotel upgrade starting at $45.00 USD.

4. Hydration: The high jungle is humid. Therefore, carry at least 2 liters of water for the first day’s hike.

❓ FAQ – Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

1. Can I do this trek without a guide? No. Access to the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is strictly regulated, and a licensed guide is mandatory.

2. Are there porters for this route? Usually, hikers carry their own daypacks since it is only a one-day hike. However, personal porters can be requested at an extra cost.