2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco

Two days on the Inca Trail: Wiñay Wayna, the Sun Gate, and a full morning at Machu Picchu

A 2-day guided hike on the Short Inca Trail from Cusco, starting at KM104 instead of the longer route's KM82. You trek through rainforest to Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate on day one, sleep in a 4-star hotel in Machu Picchu town, then spend your second morning exploring the ruins with a professional guide. Entry fees, meals, transport from Cusco, and an English-speaking guide are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Inka Trail short version hike

• Early 4 am hotel pick-up in Cusco
• Train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104
• Begin hike and visit first Inca site
• Hike to Wiñay Wayna and have lunch
• Continue to the Sun Gate viewpoint
• Descend to Machu Picchu ruins
• Bus ride down to Aguas Calientes town

Day 2: Machu Picchu guided tour

• Early breakfast in Aguas Calientes
• Bus ride up to Machu Picchu
• 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Optional Huayna Picchu hike
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Train back to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco hotel

The experience

Your day starts at 4 am with pickup from your Cusco hotel, heading to Ollantaytambo to catch the train alongside the Urubamba River. At KM104, the actual hiking begins: three hours to Wiñay Wayna, one of the most intact Inca sites on the trail, where you'll see intricate water fountains, temples and agricultural terraces while eating lunch prepared by the expedition's chefs. The route then climbs to the Sun Gate, the vantage point where Machu Picchu comes into view, before you descend into the ruins themselves. A bus takes you down to Aguas Calientes in the evening, and you stay overnight in a 4-star hotel in Machu Picchu town.

Day two starts early with breakfast and an uphill bus ride back to Machu Picchu. A professional guide leads a 2-hour tour through the ancient terraces, shrines and structures, explaining the Incan civilization as you walk. After lunch in Aguas Calientes, you board the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo, then your driver returns you to your Cusco hotel. The Huayna Picchu hike is optional on day two if you've booked the ticket in advance.

The Short Inca Trail compresses the experience into two days without cutting the major sites: you hike a full day on the actual trail, sleep at altitude near the ruins, and get a guided exploration of Machu Picchu itself rather than just passing through. All transportation, entry fees, meals and a professional English-speaking guide are arranged. Nothing to book separately except the optional Huayna Picchu climb.

What’s included

• Fully guided hike on the Inca Trail with an expert English or Spanish-speaking guide.
• entry to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
• one night in a 4-star hotel in Machu Picchu town.
• breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• scenic train rides from Ollantaytambo to KM104 and back.
• all transportation from your Cusco hotel.
• a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu on day two.
• first aid kit and oxygen tank on the trail.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 04:00Last departure this season: 31 Jan 2027

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Child (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Alpaca Expeditions

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to hike the Inca Trail in a single day rather than commit to a multi-day trek, starting partway along the route at KM104.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the difference between the Short Inca Trail and the longer 4-day version?

The Short Inca Trail starts at KM104 instead of KM82, cutting out the first day and a half of hiking. You still reach Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate on day one and explore Machu Picchu on day two, but with less total trekking time.

Do I need to be very fit to hike the Short Inca Trail?

The operator recommends at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The hike covers about three hours to Wiñay Wayna with elevation gain, then continues to the Sun Gate. Children are welcome from age 5.

What meals are included in the 2-day tour?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. On day one, lunch is served at Wiñay Wayna after your hike. Breakfast fuels you before the early bus on day two, and lunch happens in Aguas Calientes after your guided tour of Machu Picchu.

What happens if I want to hike Huayna Picchu on day two?

Huayna Picchu is optional and costs $75 per person. You must book the ticket in advance. It's a steep climb from Machu Picchu with panoramic views of the ruins and surrounding landscape from the summit.

Does the price include the train from Ollantaytambo?

Yes. The Vistadome train on the return journey (through January 2027) and all transportation during the tour (from your Cusco hotel to the trailhead, the train rides, and the bus back to Cusco) are included in the price.