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

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.

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

Top questions

How long is the short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu?

The short Inca Trail covers about 12 km (7 miles) from Km 104 to Machu Picchu over two days.

Is hotel pickup included for this Machu Picchu tour?

Yes, convenient hotel pickup is included from Cusco or Sacred Valley locations like Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.

What meals are provided during the 2-day Inca Trail tour?

You’ll get picnic breakfast at the trailhead, lunch on the trail, dinner in Aguas Calientes, plus breakfast at your hotel on day two.

Do I need my passport for this short Inca Trail hike?

Yes, you must bring your valid passport for check-in at the trailhead and entrance to Machu Picchu.

What kind of accommodation is included in Aguas Calientes?

A comfortable 3-star hotel with private bathroom is included for one night in Aguas Calientes.

Is there a guide during both days of this Machu Picchu trip?

An expert local guide leads your hike on day one and gives an in-depth tour of Machu Picchu on day two.

How do we return from Machu Picchu to Cusco?

You’ll take a scenic Vistadome panoramic train from Aguas Calientes back towards Cusco; transfer back to your hotel is included.

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.