Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu is a popular alternative to the classic four-day Inca Trail. This is an easier option as it involves no camping or high-altitude climbs. 2 Day Inca Trail hike is popular among families and travelers wanting to make the most of their visit to Machu Picchu in a short time.
On this Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days, you will be hiking 12 kilometers, retracing the footsteps of the Incas on the 500 years old trail. The trail is dotted with stunning archaeological sites and distinct flora and fauna.
Inca Trail 2 Days begins with a gradual and an easy uphill hike from the trailhead at Km 104. You will be hiking through three prominent Inca Sites before entering Machu Picchu through Sungate.
You will feel more relaxed as we will be having plenty of time to soak in the views along the way. Our experienced local travel expert will be giving you an immersive guided tour of the sites we visit.
We will be relishing a traditional packed lunch as a part of the package. In Aguas Calientes, we will be accommodating you in a comfortable ensuite hotel room for the night. The second day is dedicated completely to exploring Machu Picchu citadel with our local guide.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
0400 AM
Your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu experience begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We will be driving you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Ollantaytambo. You will be boarding the tourist train for an hour and 45 minutes trip to Km.104.
2 Day Inca Trail hike’s trailhead, Km 104 is named after its distance from Cusco en route to Machu Picchu. The train ride from Ollantaytambo to the trailhead offers views from snowcapped Andean peaks to cloud forests.
We will be reaching the trailhead by 10:00 AM. Our crew will assist you in passing through the security control where your passport will be verified against the permit.
We will be crossing a bridge here before beginning our hike to the first archaeological complex on the trail, Chachabamba (2150m/7053ft).
Chachabamba is home to a stone altar. The Incas used this place to worship Inti (Sun) and Apus (Mountain Peak). Locals here continue to honor these entities as their ancestors.
Our guide will be giving you detailed information on this and will demonstrate the way the rituals are practiced.
After an immersive tour of the complex, we will be hiking further up for four hours to Wiñay Wayna archaeological complex.
In Quechua, the term Wiñay Wayna means forever young. It nestles at 2650 meters/8694ft) above sea level. It is a beautiful Inca complex. Our local expert will be sharing some interesting information about the complex and give you an insight into its history.
After the tour, we will be stopping at the campsite here for lunch.
After lunch, we will be hiking for an hour through the lush cloud forest to Inti Punku (Sungate). You will get the first view of Machu Picchu citadel from here. We will be having a brief stop here as our guide will be explaining the history of the complex. You will have plenty of time to click photos and contemplate the pristine views.
We will then hike down the hill, towards Machu Picchu citadel and exit the complex. We will then take a 25 minutes bus down to Aguas Calientes. Here we will be accommodating you in an ensuite hotel room for the night.
You will be having the evening to yourself so you can make the most of your time by visiting the natural hot springs after which Aguas Calientes gets its name.
Your epic day of the Inca Trail 2-Day tour begins with an early morning bus transfer from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. The 25 minutes ride will take you to the entrance of the iconic Inca citadel and one of the new world wonders, Machu Picchu.
As the trouncing sun would clear the blanket of clouds and unveil the citadel, we will begin the guided tour of the complex. On this two hours tour, we will be visiting the prime sites in the complex.
We will give you a tour of the remains of the royal quarters, Inca temples, ceremonial sites, and more.
After the tour, you will have plenty of time to contemplate the astounding views. If you have booked to climb Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain, our tour guide will direct you to the respective trail head.
After soaking in the awe-inspiring views, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes town. You will have some free time here to explore the town. If desired, you can stop for lunch at one of the local restaurants (not included in the price).
Later in the evening, we will be taking the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo. Our representative will be meeting you here on arrival and will be driving you back to Cusco. We will be reaching Cusco by 09:00 PM.
Incredible diversity and impressive landscapes, thank you Explore Peru Treks for the best experience!
