2-Day Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu with Guide

Summary

Private Guided Trek: Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Experience

You’ll hike part of the classic Inca Trail with a private guide, see hidden ruins like Wiñay Wayna, and catch rare views of Machu Picchu without big crowds—plus enjoy comfy hotels and all your transport sorted out for you.

What’s the experience like?

It was still dark when we left Cusco—4am is no joke, but the city’s streets were quiet and the air felt cool on my face. Our driver took us through winding roads to Ollantaytambo, where the train waited. The ride itself was something I won’t forget: windows open to misty farmland, the Urubamba River rushing alongside us, and snow-capped peaks peeking through the clouds. By 6:10am, we were rolling toward Km104—the true start of our adventure.

The trek kicked off at 2000 meters above sea level. Our guide handed out packed lunches and energy drinks (the kind you only crave after a few hours of hiking), then snapped a quick group photo before leading us up the trail. The path twisted past orchids and mossy stones; every so often you’d catch a whiff of wet earth or hear a distant bird call echoing across the valley. After about three hours—legs starting to feel it—we reached Wiñay Wayna. It’s quieter than Machu Picchu but just as impressive: ancient terraces clinging to the hillside, water trickling through old stone channels, and barely another soul in sight.

From there, it was a steady climb to Inti Punku—the Sun Gate—at 2720 meters. That first glimpse of Machu Picchu below is hard to describe; late afternoon light made everything glow gold, and for once there weren’t crowds everywhere. We took our time with photos (nobody rushing us), then hiked down as dusk settled in. A short bus ride brought us into Aguas Calientes for the night—a hot shower at the hotel felt like pure luxury after all those miles.

The next morning started early again, but this time with excitement instead of yawns. After breakfast, we caught the bus up to Machu Picchu itself. Our guide spent two hours walking us through temples and terraces—pointing out little details I’d have missed on my own (like how some stones fit so tightly together you can’t slip a coin between them). There was free time afterward; I grabbed a coffee from a tiny café near the station before catching our train back toward Ollantaytambo and finally Cusco. The whole trip ran smoothly—no ticket hassles or big crowds—and seeing Machu Picchu both at sunset and sunrise? Worth every step.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Inca Trail Trek to Aguas Calientes

• You will be picked up from your hotel at 4:00am
• Train from Ollantaytambo to Km104 at 6:10am
• Begin trek at Km104 along the Urubamba River
• Visit Wiñay Wayna Incan site
• Hike to Sun Gate for Machu Picchu views
• Descend to Machu Picchu for sunset
• Bus to Aguas Calientes and overnight in hotel

Day 2 — Machu Picchu Tour and Return

• Bus to Machu Picchu ruins
• 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Return by train to Ollantaytambo
• Bus transfer back to Cusco

Top questions

Is this trek suitable for beginners?

This route is considered moderate—you’ll need decent fitness since it’s about 15km over uneven ground in warm, humid weather. If you’re used to walking or hiking for several hours at home, you should be fine.

Are tickets for Machu Picchu guaranteed?

Machu Picchu tickets depend on availability from Peru’s Ministry of Culture. If tickets aren’t available for your dates or preferred circuit, you’ll get a full refund.

What’s included in the price?

Your tour covers transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (and back), train tickets, entrance fees for both Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (subject to availability), hotel in Aguas Calientes with hot shower, meals (packed lunch day one, dinner day one, breakfast day two), bus rides up/down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, plus a private professional guide throughout.

Can I do this tour if I have health issues?

This trek isn’t recommended if you’re pregnant or have spinal/cardiovascular problems—it does require moderate physical effort at altitude.

What’s included

You get round-trip transport from Cusco—including trains and buses—hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes with hot showers, all main meals (packed lunch on day one; dinner; breakfast on day two), entrance fees for both Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (as long as tickets are available), plus your own private professional guide who knows these trails inside out.