Short Inka trail to Machupicchu 2 days

  • 5.0
  • Cusco, Perú
  • Easy

Overview

Follow one of the most iconic sections of the Inca Trail, walking along ancient paths that once formed part of an extensive network of over 30,000 kilometers, connecting Cusco with regions across present-day Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, and Colombia.

This 2-day experience combines a scenic train journey, a 7 to 8 hour hike through archaeological sites such as Wiñay Wayna, and a guided visit to Machu Picchu, offering a balanced introduction to history, nature, and culture.

Included

  • Professional English-speaking guide throughout the experience
  • Entrance to the Inca Trail (Day 1) and Machu Picchu (Day 2)
  • Train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104
  • Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Bus tickets Machu Picchu ↔ Aguas Calientes (Day 1 & Day 2)
  • Private transport Cusco ↔ Ollantaytambo train station (Day 1 & Day 2 – round trip)
  • Box lunch on Day 1

Not Included

Hotel accommodation

  • Meals (unless specified)
  • Huaynapicchu
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips (optional)
  • Personal trekking equipment

Hotel accommodation and additional meals can be arranged upon request.

Upgrades

Enhance your journey with carefullyselected experiences:

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain hike
    The iconic peak overlooking Machu Picchu, offering a unique view.
    Steep ascent; recommended for ages 15+. Subject to availability.
  • Hiram Bingham luxury train
    A premium train experience with gourmet dining and live music.
  • Dinner on Day 1 and lunch on Day 2
    Available in Aguas Calientes. Not required for guests staying at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, where meals are included.

HOTEL OPTIONS

We work with a carefully selected portfolio of hotels in Aguas Calientes:

3-star hotels

  • Tierra Viva Machu Picchu
  • El MaPi by Inkaterra

5-star hotels

  • Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
  • Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
  • Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Detailed recommendations and pricing are provided upon request.

Policies

Modifications

  • Depending on the timing of the request, our team will assist you and provide an updated quotation based on the services that allow modifications. Please note that:
  • Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entrance tickets are non-modifiable once issued and must be purchased again in case of any change, as per official regulations.
  • Hotel reservations may be modified up to 32 days prior to travel, in accordance with the provider’s policies. After this period, changes are considered a cancellation.
  • Cancellations made more than 32 days in advance
    No additional charges apply. Only the initial deposit is retained, as it is used to secure permits, entrance tickets, and train services.
  • Cancellations made 32 days or less before departure
    The total cost is non-refundable.

Requeriments

  • A good level of physical condition is recommended, particularly for those unaccustomed to hiking at altitude.This journey involves several hours of walking along original Inca paths, including uphill sections, stone steps, and uneven terrain.

Not Recommended For

  • Young travelers who are not accustomed to long or physically demanding walks.
  • Pregnant travelers or those with limited mobility.
  • Travelers with vertigo or sensitivity to insect bites should consider this carefully.

itinerary

Day 1: Start Hotel pick-up in Cusco or Sacred Valley Your journey begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. Pick-up from the Sacred Valley is available upon request, at an additional cost, and must be arranged in advance.
Transfer to Ollantaytambo Duration: 1 hour and 50 minutes approximately Transfer from Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo.
Train to km 104 – Start of the Inca Trail Duration: 1 hour approximately Board a panoramic train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104, where your 7 to 8 hour hike begins along a 500 year-old Inca trail that once connected Cusco with Machu Picchu.
Chachabamba Archaeological Site Visit: 30 minutes – Entry included Explore Chachabamba, an ancient ceremonial site and your first encounter with the Inca legacy.
Wiñay Wayna Archaeological Site & Lunch Visit: 1 hour – Entry included Discover Wiñay Wayna, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites along the trail. Enjoy your lunch in this extraordinary setting before continuing the final stretch of the hike.
Sun Gate (Inti Punku) Stop: 30 minutes Arrive at the Sun Gate and enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu—a privileged perspective reserved exclusively for those who enter through the Inca Trail.
Machu Picchu (Upper Viewpoint) Stop: 30 minutes Descend for the classic panoramic view—the iconic photo seen in most images of Machu Picchu. This viewpoint is only accessible on Day 1 via the Inca Trail, as the following day you will re-enter through a different circuit.
Aguas Calientes After your visit, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, the town where your hotel is located and where you will spend the night. If staying at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, no descent is required, as the hotel is located at the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Day 2: Hotel pick-up and trasnfer to Machupicchu Your journey begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel. From Aguas Calientes, you will take the bus up to Machu Picchu (30 minutes). If staying at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, you will walk directly to the entrance
Machu Picchu Guided Tour Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours approximately – Entry included Explore Machu Picchu with your expert guide, visiting its most important sectors while learning about its history, architecture, and cultural significance.
Return to Aguas Calientes Duration: 30 minutes After the visit, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you may enjoy lunch before boarding your train.
Train to Ollantaytambo Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes Board the train to Ollantaytambo and enjoy the journey, which may include onboard entertainment such as a traditional show and a fashion display.
Transfer to your hotel in Cusco Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, continue by private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
End of the Journey

Book Now

Planning your experience is simple and seamless

1. Get in touch

Reach out to us through our website, WhatsApp, or email and let us know how you would like to enhance your journey.

2. Share your plans

Our team will review your itinerary and carefully assess how each experience can be incorporated into your program.

3. Receive your proposal

We will confirm availability and present a personalized adjustment to your itinerary, integrating the selected experiences where possible.

4. Secure your experience

Once availability is confirmed, your reservation will be secured. For dining experiences at Central, full payment is required at the time of booking due to limited availability and will be added to your initial deposit.

5. Final confirmation

Every detail will be aligned with your itinerary, and final confirmation will be provided once arrangements are completed.