2-Day Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu from Cusco

You reach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate as day visitors leave, not arrive.

A 2-day guided hike from Cusco that covers the scenic final section of the Inca Trail, starting at kilometer 104 and ending at Machu Picchu's Sun Gate. The trek includes stops at Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna ruins, a night in Aguas Calientes, and a full second day exploring Machu Picchu with over five hours of free time after the guided tour. Entry tickets, train and bus transport, meals, and a professional guide in English or Spanish are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Train and hike to Machu Picchu

• Pick up and train to km 104
• Check-in at main checkpoint
• Visit Chachabamba archaeological site
• Hike to Wiñayhuayna and lunch
• Continue trek to Machu Picchu via Sun Gate
• Bus to Aguas Calientes and hotel check-in

Day 2: Guided tour and return

• Early bus to Machu Picchu
• 2-hour guided Machu Picchu tour
• Independent exploration and optional climbs
• Bus back to Aguas Calientes
• Train to Ollantaytambo
• Private car transfer to hotel

The experience

The trek begins with an early morning train ride from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to kilometer 104, where the Inca Trail checkpoint sits. After check-in, your guide leads you uphill through changing landscape, from canyon to cloud forest, stopping first at Chachabamba, an ancient archaeological site where your guide explains its history and significance. The trail continues to Wiñaywayna, another Inca ruin perched on the mountainside, where you'll eat a box lunch before the final two-hour push toward Machu Picchu.

Your arrival at Machu Picchu comes through the Sun Gate as the sun sets and most day visitors have already departed. This timing means you see the citadel in a quieter state, ideal for photographs and first exploration before heading down to Aguas Calientes by bus for the night. Day two starts early from your hotel to beat the crowds. A two-hour guided tour covers the temples, terraces, palaces, and the Incan sundial, then you have over five hours to explore on your own: time enough to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you book those tickets in advance, or wander to the Incan Bridge. After lunch in Aguas Calientes, you board a train back to Ollantaytambo and a private car returns you to Cusco.

What’s included

• Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
• round-trip train transport from Cusco to kilometer 104 and back from Ollantaytambo.
• round-trip bus transport to and from Machu Picchu.
• lunch and dinner on day one, breakfast on day two.
• one night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• a professional guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 04:30

AgesAdult (7 to 75 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Peru Hikers

Is this one for you?Two days is the minimum to experience both the hike and Machu Picchu itself without rushing. The timing leaves your first day open until the afternoon train departure and your second day free after lunch, so you can fit other Cusco activities before or after the trek.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What's included in the 2-day Inca Trail hike from Cusco?

Entry to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu; round-trip train and bus transport from Cusco; lunch and dinner on day one, breakfast on day two; a night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes; a professional guide in English or Spanish; and hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco.

When do I actually see Machu Picchu on this tour?

You first arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate on day one at sunset, after hiking from kilometer 104. Day two is dedicated to Machu Picchu itself: a guided tour in the early morning, then over five hours of independent exploration before returning to Aguas Calientes.

How much hiking is involved on the first day?

The hike covers the final section of the Inca Trail, starting at kilometer 104 and ending at Machu Picchu. You'll stop at Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna ruins along the way, with the final stretch to the Sun Gate taking roughly two hours after lunch.

Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain during the tour?

Yes, you have over five hours of free time on day two after the guided tour. Climbing either mountain is possible, but you must book those tickets in advance separately, as they are not included in the tour.

How far in advance should I book this tour?

The operator strongly recommends booking at least five months ahead, as Inca Trail permits are limited and sell out quickly, especially during high season.