Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Inca Trail Hike from Km 104 to Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate, and Machu Picchu

And your journey begins early, as we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 am. We’ll drive you to Ollantaytambo train station, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The scenic train ride will take about an hour, offering stunning views of the Vilcanota River and the towering Andean mountains. You’ll disembark at Km 104, the start point of our Inca Trail hike.

Chachabamba - A Hidden Inca Treasure

Before starting the hike, we’ll cross the Urubamba River and pass through the control checkpoint, where your Inca Trail permit will be checked. Shortly afterward, we’ll visit Chachabamba, an often-overlooked yet beautiful Inca archaeological site. This sacred site once played a crucial role in religious ceremonies and includes fascinating water channels and fountains, showcasing Incan engineering.

The Hike to Wiñay Wayna - A Journey Back in Time

Besides our hike officially begins with a gradual upward trek that takes about 3.5 hours. The trail offers breathtaking views of the cloud forest and surrounding valleys. Eventually, we’ll reach Wiñay Wayna, which means “Forever Young” in Quechua. This awe-inspiring Inca complex features agricultural terraces, a ceremonial area, and an urban sector, highlighting the brilliant architectural techniques of the Incas. After a guided tour of Wiñay Wayna, we’ll take a well-deserved break to enjoy a boxed lunch, replenishing our energy for the final stretch of the hike.

Sun Gate (Inti Punku) - Your First Glimpse of Machu Picchu

Next, we continue hiking for an additional hour until we reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Here, you’ll get your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu from above an unforgettable moment for every traveler. After taking in the magnificent panorama, we’ll descend for about 40 minutes to the Inca citadel itself, where we’ll wrap up the day’s trek.

Finally, we’ll board a bus for a 30-minute ride down to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), where you can check in at your accommodation. Spend the rest of the day exploring the town, visiting local restaurants, and preparing for the next day’s adventure.

• Total distance: 13 km (8.08 miles)
• Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
• Altitude gain: 600 meters

Overnight: Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

Day 2: Machu Picchu Guided Tour - Cusco

Then after breakfast at your hotel, we’ll meet between 6:30 am and 7:00 am and head to the bus station for a 30-minute ride up to Machu Picchu. As you pass through the entrance gates, prepare for a guided experience through one of the most iconic ancient cities in the world.

Explore the Mysteries of Machu Picchu

Anayway your expert guide will lead you through the lower circuits of Machu Picchu, giving you detailed insight into the significance of its most famous landmarks, including the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana (Sun Dial), and ceremonial terraces. You’ll learn about the sacred nature of the citadel, the importance of agriculture, and how the Inca civilization thrived in this mountainous region. Although this guided visit focuses on Circuit 3, which covers the lower part of Machu Picchu, you’ll still experience the essence of this mystical site. If you want the classic postcard photo with the full panorama of Machu Picchu, we highly recommend booking an additional ticket for Circuit 1 or 2 in advance.

Return to Aguas Calientes and Back to Cusco

After the tour, we’ll return to Ollantaytambo for lunch (not included) and take some extra time to shop for souvenirs or relax before heading to the train station. We’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 6:00 pm.

Important Notes:

• Circuit 3 in Machu Picchu focuses on the lower areas and does not include the classic photo spot. If you want the iconic view of Machu Picchu, consider purchasing an additional ticket for Circuit 1 or 2.
• For the most complete Machu Picchu experience, it’s recommended to book in advance, as permits are limited.

This 2-day tour offers a perfect balance of adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery, allowing you to hike the Inca Trail, visit Machu Picchu, and return to Cusco without feeling rushed.

Itinerary

Complete 2-Day Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Tour Itinerary

This 2-day tour is perfect for travelers seeking to experience a shorter version of the Inca Trail, combined with an expert-guided exploration of Machu Picchu.

Day 1: Inca Trail Hike from Km 104 to Machu Picchu

• Pick-up from Cusco: Early morning pick-up at 4:00 am from your hotel in Cusco.
• Train ride to Km 104: Enjoy a scenic train journey through the Sacred Valley to the Inca Trail starting point at Km 104.
• Chachabamba Inca Site: Brief tour of Chachabamba, an often-overlooked Inca site with water channels and ceremonial significance.
• Wiñay Wayna: After a 3.5-hour hike, reach the stunning Inca terraces of Wiñay Wayna, where we’ll take a break and have a boxed lunch.
• Sun Gate (Inti Punku): Hike an additional hour to the Sun Gate, where you’ll catch your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
• Bus to Aguas Calientes: Descend to the citadel and take a bus to Aguas Calientes for a free evening.

Day 2: Machu Picchu Guided Tour

• Hotel pick-up: Early morning bus ride to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
• Guided tour: Explore the lower circuits of Machu Picchu (Circuit 3) and key landmarks such as the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, and the ceremonial terraces.
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes: Enjoy some time for lunch (not included) and shopping before catching the train.
• Return to Cusco: Scenic train ride back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to your Cusco hotel.

Why This Tour is Special?

• Experience the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu in just two days, perfect for those with limited time.
• Hike to Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate, providing breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
• A seamless combination of adventure and culture, with expert guidance along the way.

This itinerary offers a perfect balance of cultural exploration and scenic hiking, allowing you to experience the best of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu in just two days.

Includes / Does not Include

Included

• Hotel pick up and drop off (door to door service)
• 1 Night hotel with private bathrooms and breakfast included (at your selected hotel in Twin/Double - Single - Triple rooms)
• Boxed Lunch (Day 1)
• One day Inca Trail hike
• Machupicchu guided tour
• Roundtrip train tickets (at your selected train class) Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
• Bus tickets (Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes)
• Admission ticket to the Inca Trail
• Professional English-speaking tour guide
• Overland transportation for all transfers during the 2-day program
• 1 Bottle of Water
• Airport pick up (up to request)

Not Included:

• International and domestic air tickets
• Waynapicchu admission ticket US$ 65, it must be requested at the time of your booking and will be provided if available
• One-way Vistadome train upgrade US$ 55
• Meals (Lunch, Dinner)
• Travel insurance (Highly recommended)
• Additional and personal expenses (laundry, telephone calls, snacks)
• Gratuity (optional)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS