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Short inca trail 2 days, is an excellent choice for those wishing to experience the beauty and wonder of Machu Picchu reach the Inca Trail, but have less time or physical ability to do a longer hike. On the first day we took a lovely Wiñay the archaeological complex of Wayna walk, then follow the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. After spending the night in Aguas Calientes, we have every second to explore Machu Picchu.
This two-day tour is designed for those who wish to hike a section of the classic Inca Trail but have limited time. It combines a manageable day of hiking with a full visit to Machu Picchu. The trip includes travel by train through the Sacred Valley to the starting point, a guided walk along the final stretch of the Inca path, and an overnight stay in the town at the base of Machu Picchu.
On the first day, the journey begins with a train ride to KM 104, the official start of the Short Inca Trail. From there, you will hike for several hours to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna. The trail continues through mountain scenery to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you will get your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. At the end of the day, you will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes to rest for the night.
The second day is dedicated to Machu Picchu. After an early breakfast, you will take a bus up to the sanctuary for a guided tour. The guide will explain the history and function of the main structures and temples of the Inca city. Following the tour, you will have time to look around on your own before taking the train back to Cusco in the afternoon.
We take the early train from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to Km 104, where we enter the trail. Our hike continues gently upward approximately four hours until we reach the beautifully situated Inca complex of Wiñay Wayna. Sub-tropical flora and fauna surround us as we continue 2 hours to the Sun Gate, from where we see Machu Picchu. We walk down past the majestic ruins, and then take the bus to Aguas Calientes to spend a relaxing night.
After an early morning rise and breakfast, we take the short bus ride up to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, where we will visit the amazing architecture and mysterious temples left by the Incas. A professional, English-speaking guide will help us understand the sophisticated ideas and technology of this highly-advanced culture. Once the official tour is completed, we will have plenty of time to explore the Sanctuary on our own before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon.
Not Included:
This tour is designed for small groups to ensure a personalized experience. We also offer private tours tailored for larger groups or those seeking an exclusive adventure. Contact us for a customized price and itinerary.
The price per person is:
A deposit of $200 USD per person is required to reserve your spot.1 The remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco via credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us for other payment options.
A discount of $30 USD applies to travelers under 17 and university students under 25. To receive the discount, students must submit a valid university ID at the time of booking. The ID must include your name, photo, university name, and a valid expiration date.2 ISIC cards are not accepted. The discount is automatically applied for children, but students should email us at info@trexperienceperu.com with a copy of their ID. If your ID is rejected, you will be charged the adult rate.
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About the Short Inca Trail This trail is the final segment of the world-famous Inca Trail. It allows visitors to enter Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the traditional entrance for Inca pilgrims. The route offers a mix of archaeological sites and natural scenery within the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary.
Preparing for Your Tour
On the Trail
Key Sites
Yes, a government-issued permit is required to hike any part of the Inca Trail, including this short version. These permits are limited and must be booked several weeks or months in advance, especially during the high season.
The trek is considered moderate. It involves about 6 hours of hiking on the first day on a well-established trail with some uphill sections. It does not reach the high altitudes of the Classic Inca Trail, making it suitable for most people with a standard level of fitness.
Accommodation is in a standard hotel or hostel in Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu town). The rooms are typically basic but clean, with private bathrooms and hot water. Breakfast on the second day is included.
No. You only need to carry a small daypack for your personal items for the day, such as water, sunscreen, snacks, a rain jacket, and your camera. Your main luggage will stay at your hotel in Cusco.
A packed lunch is provided for the first day of hiking. Breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes on the second day is also included. You are responsible for your own breakfast on Day 1 and lunch on Day 2.
Climbing Huayna Picchu is an optional activity and not included in the standard tour. It requires a separate entrance ticket that must be booked far in advance, as permits are very limited. You should coordinate this with your tour operator when booking.
There is no official age restriction. However, all participants must be in good enough physical health to walk for approximately 6 hours. It is generally suitable for children over 10 years old who are used to walking.
The dry season, from April to October, is generally the best time to hike. This period offers more stable, sunny weather. The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance every year during the month of February.
Yes. After the 2-hour guided tour on the second day, you will have additional free time to walk around the main areas of the sanctuary before you need to take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for your train.
You will leave your main suitcase or travel bag in secure storage at your hotel in Cusco. You only need to pack a small overnight bag or daypack for the 2-day trip
Andes Path Peru is a locally-owned and operated family travel agency and tour operator based in Cusco, built on many years of first-hand trekking experience. As a 100% Cusqueñian company with no external shareholders, we are deeply rooted in our community.
Our vision as a local company is to craft small, customized tours and treks that are exclusively operated by our team of local professionals. We are dedicated to providing a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.
We take great pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. We consider our staff to be our extended family and ensure they receive fair wages for their hard work. We are incredibly proud of our team! Without their dedication, we couldn’t offer the exceptional service and create the lifetime experiences our clients cherish.
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To provide a more customized experience for our guests, Andes Path Peru has a strict policy of limiting our groups to a maximum of 8 people. This commitment to small group sizes is a key factor that distinguishes us from other companies that operate with much larger tour groups.
We are incredibly proud of our guides! They are consummate professionals who are fluent in English. They possess a deep knowledge of and a true passion for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are committed to continuous professional and personal growth, constantly researching to ensure you receive accurate and recognized information about Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun-loving, engaging, and highly educated. Each guide holds a university degree in a relevant field such as Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Trekking with Andes Path Peru is a life-changing journey. We offer a fully portered experience where your comfort and enjoyment are our highest priorities. We are dedicated to making sure you have the best possible holiday in Peru, allowing you to interact with local people, explore breathtaking sites, and rediscover remote ancient Inca towns. Our porters will carry your gear, prepare delicious meals, set up your tents in quiet locations away from crowded campsites, and take care of you, allowing you to simply sit back and relax.
We provide the following equipment to our porters at no cost: a jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffel bags, a canteen, a supportive girdle to protect their backs, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All of our porters are hired from isolated communities, giving them the opportunity to improve their economic situation and help support their children’s education. We ensure that every one of our porters is treated like family!
The quality of our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our top-of-the-line equipment truly makes Andes Path Peru stand out from the competition. For all of our adventure hikes, we include the following:
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