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Machu Picchu: 2-Day Inca Trail Hike & Panoramic Train Return

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1/19

Duration2d

GroupUp to 16

LanguagesEN · ES

PickupAt your hotel

Short Inca Trail hike with sunset views, sunrise entry and panoramic train ride back to Cusco

You’ll hike ancient Inca trails from Km 104 to Machu Picchu with a local guide, catching sunset at the Sun Gate and peaceful sunrise entry next morning. Enjoy fresh meals along the way, rest overnight in Aguas Calientes, then relax on the panoramic Vistadome train back to Cusco—leaving you with memories that linger long after your boots are off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu

Hotel pick-up in Cusco early morning
Train ride to Km 104 along Urubamba River
Check in at trailhead and picnic breakfast
Visit Chachabamba Inca site
Uphill hike through cloud forest
Explore Wiñay Wayna and enjoy lunch
Hike to Sun Gate for Machu Picchu view
Walk down and tour Machu Picchu Circuit 1
Bus down to Aguas Calientes and dinner
Overnight in 3-star hotel

Day 2 — Machu Picchu sunrise and return

Breakfast at hotel and early bus to Machu Picchu
Sunrise view and guided Machu Picchu tour
Free time or optional Huayna Picchu hike
Bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch
Vistadome train ride back to Cusco
Escort from Ollantaytambo station to hotel
Drop-off at Cusco hotel in evening

The Experience

Ever wondered if the first glimpse of Machu Picchu would feel as big as everyone says? I did—until we rounded that last bend at Intipunku, the Sun Gate. Our guide, Julia, had us pause for a breath (or maybe she just saw I was lagging behind), and there it was—Machu Picchu spread out below in the softest afternoon light. It wasn’t empty, but it felt like we’d stumbled onto something secret anyway. The air smelled a bit mossy after the morning rain, and someone nearby was peeling an orange—funny what you remember.

The day had started way before sunrise in Cusco with a quick pickup and sleepy faces all around. The train ride to Km 104 was quiet except for bursts of chatter when we spotted waterfalls or llamas out the window. At the trailhead, Julia checked our passports (I nearly lost mine in my backpack mess), then breakfasted us on warm bread and fruit. Chachabamba was our first stop—stone walls still damp from mist—and then came hours of climbing through cloud forest. There were moments I thought I’d never get my boots dry again, but Wiñaywayna appeared just when my legs were about done. Lunch tasted better than it should have; maybe that’s just what happens after four hours uphill.

I didn’t expect Machu Picchu to be so quiet by late afternoon. We wandered through Circuit 1 with barely anyone else around—just the sound of wind and Julia’s stories about temples and terraces. Dinner in Aguas Calientes was loud with laughter (and clinking glasses) at a local spot where nobody seemed to mind muddy shoes. The hotel bed felt like sinking into clouds after all that walking.

Next morning: up before dawn for another bus ride up the mountain. If you’re lucky with weather (we mostly were), sunrise over Machu Picchu is gold spilling over stone—it’s hard to describe without sounding dramatic, but yeah, it got me. Julia led us through hidden corners and answered every question patiently—even when I asked twice about those mysterious water channels. Afterward there was time to wander solo or just sit quietly on a terrace—I did both. The Vistadome train back to Cusco felt almost too comfortable after all that hiking; watching the Sacred Valley slip by out those big windows made me wish I could rewind parts of the day.

What’s included

Your journey includes early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco or Sacred Valley towns, entry tickets for both the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu itself, all safety equipment needed for trekking (even satellite phone), freshly prepared meals throughout—including lunch on the trail and dinner in Aguas Calientes—a night’s stay in a cozy 3-star hotel with breakfast provided, guided tours at each site with plenty of stories shared along the way, round-trip bus service between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu gates both days, plus luggage storage if you need it before departure. You’ll finish your adventure relaxing aboard the Vistadome panoramic train as you head back toward Cusco for drop-off at your hotel that evening.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by TreXperience