Short Inca Trail 2-Day Trek: The Best Peru Trek Experience to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Cusco to Ollantaytambo; Inca Trail Short Trek and Walks

Morning pick-up from Cusco and travel to Ollantaytambo, from where we catch the train through picturesque scenery to KM 104, which is the beginning point of the Inca Trail. After clearing the checkpoint, we meet our porters and start an enjoyable day hike on the Inca Trail.
The hiking route involves a continuous climb to the marvelous Inca ruin Wiñay Wayna, which is followed by a box lunch, after which we will continue walking to the Sun Gate and have our first view of Machu Picchu. We enter the ruins of Machu Picchu and take the bus to Aguas Calientes for the night.

FACTS AND STATISTICS

• Hiking Duration: 8 hours (10 km / 6.2 miles)
• Highest Altitude: 2,730 m / 8,792 ft
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate
• Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
• Lodging: Accommodation at Aguas Calientes

Day 2: From Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu; Back to Cusco by Train

This day we get up at about 4:30 am to have breakfast prior to going from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. You will be going on a 2.5-hour guided tour to visit Machu Picchu and learn about the history and culture of Andes as well as the original Inca city. It is the best part of 2-day short Inca Trail, which will give you a full Inca Trail experience suitable for those who are in limited time.

Then you will have some free time to explore the citadel of Machu Picchu, take pictures, or even climb Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain (depending on Machu Picchu advanced booking and permits). After this fantastic visit to Machu Picchu you will return back by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time to have lunch. Then you will take the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transportation back to your hotel in Cusco.

FACTS & FIGURES

• Duration: 4 hours (including Machu Picchu visit)
• Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
• Max altitude: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft
• Meal: Breakfast at hotel
• Transportation: Bus and train to Ollantaytambo

Recommended Packing List: 2-Day Short Inca Trail

This hike involves a whole day of hiking, followed by the night in the town of Aguas Calientes, so your approach should be “light but prepared.” You require a small daypack (25-30L), since your primary luggage will either remain in your hotel in Cusco or will be transferred directly to the train station, depending on your operator’s logistics.

Compulsory Documents

• Your Original Passport: It is the most critical item as you won’t be able to access the KM 104 checkpoint and Machu Picchu without it. If you renewed your passport after making a booking, you have to bring both passports with you.
• Soles Cash: Most small stores along the route or in town do not accept payments by card. You will require it for buying bottles of water and using toilets at the entrance to Machu Picchu.
• Travel Insurance: Its paper or electronic version containing the policy number and emergency phone line.

Dressing and Footwear

• Hiking Footwear: You will require good boots or high-quality trail running shoes due to the steep steps made of stone that may become slippery when damp.
• Moisture-Wicking Layers: Two shirts made of synthetic material or merino wool as they dry fast from sweat or rain, unlike cotton clothes that stay wet and cold.
• Trekking Pants That Can Be Converted to Shorts: They are great because mornings are usually cold; however, the temperature rises quite considerably when you go down into the cloud forest zone.
• Waterproof Clothing: Either light waterproof jacket or plastic poncho, as it often rains unpredictably in this region irrespective of the time of year.
• Dry and Clean Clothes for Dinner: A set of clothes to change to after trekking and to visit the hotel and restaurant in Aguas Calientes.

Gear and Accessories

• Daypack with Rain Cover: Even a “water-resistant” bag needs a rain cover during a downpour to protect your electronics and dry clothes.
• Hydration System: You need at least 2 liters of water for the first day’s hike. Reusable bottles are preferred as plastic disposables are discouraged at the sanctuary.
• Trekking Poles with Rubber Tips: These are highly recommended for the descent from the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu to reduce the impact on your knees. Metal tips are prohibited to protect the Inca stones.
• Protection from the Elements: High-protection polarized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. The mountain sun is much stronger due to the altitude and thin atmosphere.

Health and Personal Care

• Toiletries: Since you are staying in a hotel, bring only the basics: toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant.
• Insect Repellent: The mosquitoes at Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes are small (“no-see-ums”) but have a very itchy bite.
• Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Apply frequently. The combination of wind and high-altitude sun can cause severe burns quickly.
• Personal Medical Kit: Include blister pads (moleskin), hand sanitizer, ibuprofen for altitude headaches, and any personal prescriptions.

How to Book Your Short Inca Trail (2 Days) to Machu Picchu

Booking of the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu involves advance booking since permits are limited and can be sold out even months in advance.

To book your permit, follow the below steps:

1.Select Travel Date

Choose your preferred travel date and get in touch with us for confirmation of availability.

2.Confirm Inca Trail Permit Availability

This hike involves a whole day of hiking, followed by the night in the town of Aguas Calientes, so your approach should be “light but prepared.” You require a small daypack (25-30L), since your primary luggage will either remain in your hotel in Cusco or will be transferred directly to the train station, depending on your operator’s logistics.

3. Send Passenger Details

To confirm your booking, we will need the following information from you:

• Full name (as printed in the passport)
• Passport number
• Nationality
• Date of Birth

Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 2026 – Pricing

Group Service (2026 Season)

• Adult: $550 USD per person
• Student: $530 USD per person (valid student ID required – conditions apply)

Optional Extras

Take your trekking experience to another level with these extras:

• Trekking poles (set): $20 USD
• Hiking up to Huayna Picchu: $75 USD

Hotel Options

Included in your package is a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). You’ll be spending the night in this hotel after the completion of your trek.

You can also opt for a 4-star or 5-star hotel for added comfort.

By staying the night, you get the chance to:

• Get some rest after the trek
• Explore the town
• See Machu Picchu once again the next day with ample time and less crowds

Important Tips

• Day 2 will see you back at Machu Picchu. Your ticket includes Circuit 3 which refers to the lower section of Machu Picchu.
• We would recommend that you take the optional hike to Huayna Picchu since it gives you access to:
  • More parts of Machu Picchu
  • Panoramic views