Machu Picchu: Short Inca Trail Hike & Guided Tour 2D/1N

Summary

Short Inca Trail hike with Sun Gate entry and Machu Picchu tour

You’ll wake up before dawn in Cusco for a hotel pickup and train ride to KM104, then hike the Short Inca Trail with a local guide past Wiñay Wayna to reach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Explore ancient ruins, stay overnight in Aguas Calientes, and return for an early guided tour before heading back—an experience that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You brought coca leaves?” our guide, Julia, grinned at my friend as we shuffled out of the van near Ollantaytambo. It was barely light—my brain still foggy—but there was this weird thrill in the air. The train hugged the river, windows fogged from our breath and the cold outside. I kept trying to spot ruins through the mist but mostly saw flashes of green and water. At KM104, Julia handed out snacks (“Don’t eat all your chocolate now!”) and we started hiking. The stone steps felt damp under my boots, and every so often you’d hear birds you couldn’t see. We stopped at Wiñay Wayna after what felt like ages (it was maybe three hours?), where lunch was waiting—rice, chicken, something with corn that I still crave. Julia explained how Incas built terraces for farming; I tried to imagine living here with just that view and those clouds rolling past.

The last climb to the Sun Gate was quieter—everyone kind of lost in their own head or just catching their breath. Then suddenly there it was: Machu Picchu below us, way smaller than I expected but somehow more real because of it. We all just stood there for a minute, nobody talking except one guy who whispered “Wow” (and then apologized for being cliché). Walking down into Machu Picchu itself felt surreal after seeing it in so many photos. Julia pointed out little details—like how some stones fit together so tight you can’t slide paper between them—and told stories about people who lived here. By late afternoon we took the bus down to Aguas Calientes; my legs were jelly but dinner tasted better than any meal I’ve had in weeks.

The next morning we got up early again (not gonna lie, I almost skipped breakfast), caught one of the first buses back up for our guided tour of Machu Picchu before most crowds arrived. There’s something about that early light on the stones—sort of gold and soft—that makes everything feel ancient but alive at the same time. If you want to hike Huayna Picchu too, you need to book ahead (I didn’t, but a couple from our group did and said it’s worth it if you’re not afraid of heights). After wandering around shrines and terraces for two hours, we headed back down for lunch in town before catching the train home. Still can’t believe how much happened in just two days—you know?

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
• Start hiking and visit first Inca site
• Hike three hours to Wiñay Wayna
• Lunch at Wiñay Wayna
• Continue to the Sun Gate viewpoint
• Descend to Machu Picchu ruins
• Bus down to Aguas Calientes town

Day 2 — Machu Picchu guided tour

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

Top questions

How long is the Short Inca Trail hike from KM104 to Machu Picchu?

The hike from KM104 to Machu Picchu takes about six hours including stops at Wiñay Wayna and lunch.

Is hotel pickup included from Cusco?

Yes, early morning hotel pickup in Cusco is included at around 4 am.

Do I need to book Huayna Picchu tickets in advance?

Yes, Huayna Picchu tickets must be purchased ahead of time for an extra fee.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch on day one, dinner in Aguas Calientes, breakfast on day two, and another lunch are included.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll spend one night at a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).

Is this suitable for people with limited fitness?

No, travelers should have at least moderate fitness due to hiking altitude and terrain.

Are entry fees to Machu Picchu included?

All entry fees for both the Inca Trail segment and Machu Picchu are included.

Is there a local guide throughout?

A professional English-speaking guide leads both days including on the trail and inside Machu Picchu.

What’s included

Your trip covers hotel pickup from Cusco before sunrise, all transportation by train and bus between Cusco, Ollantaytambo, KM104, Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu itself; full entry fees for both the Short Inca Trail section and Machu Picchu; all meals including freshly prepared lunch on the trail plus dinner and breakfast at your 3-star hotel; an expert English-speaking local guide throughout; first aid kit with oxygen tank; plus drop-off back at your Cusco hotel when it’s over.