Short Inca Trail 2 days

We will be passing by the hotel at approximately 5:00 a.m. towards the Poroy or Ollantaytambo train station, depending on space availability on the train, which will take us to Km 104 where we will begin our walk in a subtropical jungle landscape.

We will visit the archaeological group of Chachabamba (2150 m.a.n.m) and in approximately 3 hours of walking we will reach Wiñaywayna, an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, then we will climb to Intipunku, “Gate of the Sun”, during the 1-hour walking route along a flat stone road and a panoramic view of the mountains, a point where we can enjoy the first view of the majestic “Machupicchu” and Inti Punku.

Soon we will arrive at “the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu” and then we will take the bus to get to Aguas Calientes to spend the night.

That day we will have the opportunity to take lots of photos from the upper part, where the classic photo is located.

Duration of the walk is approximately 6 to 7 hours, accommodation will be overnight in previously selected accommodation, taking advantage of the rest of the day to enjoy the Hot Springs in the town of Águas Calientes.

IMPORTANT ADVICE

After a hearty breakfast and the recommended coca tea, we suggest that you just take a light backpack (25L) to trek the first day. (Include money, light clothing, travel documents, camera, repellent, sunhat, sunscreen and personal hygiene products). Your trip will be more comfortable for doing so. The rest of your baggage can remain at your Cusco hotel as you will be returning there tomorrow.

Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Meals included: Box lunch, dinner

Schedule

• 03:50 – Transfer from Sueños del Inka Hotel to the bus station in Cusco.
• 04:20 – Bus departure from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
• 06:10 – Check-in at Ollantaytambo train station.
• 06:40 – Departure on INCA RAIL VOYAGER train.
• 08:00 – Arrival at Km 104.
• 12:00 – Arrival at Wiñayhuayna.
• 15:00 – Arrival at Intipunku (Sun Gate).
• 16:30 – Arrival at Machu Picchu.
• Overnight: Hostal Machupicchu Inn.

In the morning, according to the scheduled time, our guide will pick you up at your hotel to go to the bus station where you will climb 400m along a winding path for 20min to reach the incredible wonder of the world “The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu”, also known as “The Lost City of the Incas”. Upon arriving at the Machu Picchu citadel with our guide, we will pass through the entrance and begin the tour of the entire citadel.

For around 1h30m we will visit the main places in Machu Picchu.

We will return to the town of Aguas Calientes in the afternoon, where you will have free time to enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants (lunch not included). After lunch, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo (depending on train departure time availability). The return will follow the same route as the outbound one. When you arrive in Ollantaytambo, our train representative will be waiting to take you to the bus to finally go to your hotel in Cusco.

IMPORTANT ADVICE

Before you go up to Machu Picchu, we recommend that you leave your light backpack at the hotel in Aguas Calientes and only take water, (please remember that Machu Picchu is a plastic free zone so plastic water bottles will be confiscated on entry). Passport, cash, entrance ticket, sunhat sunscreen and insect repellent. When you head back down to Aguas calientes, you can collect your overnight bag from the hotel. If time allows, we recommend a visit to the Chávez Ballón Museum, the museum of Machu Picchu. There is a free entrance after midday and you simply need to show your passport. We should also take into account that there is usually a queue for the shuttle bus, to and from Machu Picchu. There is also usually a queue for the train back to Ollantaytambo also, so we will need to allow plenty of time in each case. Your guide will be there to orientate you in the best possible manner.

Overnight: Hotel in Cusco (own expense)

Meals: Breakfast

Schedule

• 07:00 – Guided tour of Circuit 1 – Designed Royalty Route (approx. duration: 2.5 hours).
• 11:00 – Return to Aguas Calientes.
• 14:00 – Check-in at Aguas Calientes train station.
• 14:30 – Departure on INCA RAIL VOYAGER BIMODAL train.
• 15:50 – Arrival at Ollantaytambo station.
• 16:20 – Bus transfer to Cusco.
• 18:30 – Arrival in Cusco and transfer to the hotel.

The Short Inca Trail is considered moderate. Most of the hiking takes place on Day 1 and includes stone steps, uphill sections and several hours of walking. Although it is significantly shorter than the Classic Inca Trail, a reasonable level of fitness is still recommended.

The hiking section is approximately 12 km and normally takes around 6 to 7 hours depending on the group’s pace, weather and trail conditions. The route includes archaeological sites and several stops before reaching Inti Punku and Machu Picchu.

No. Unlike the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail, the Short Inca Trail does not require camping. After completing the hike on Day 1, travelers descend to Aguas Calientes and spend the night in a hotel.

Yes. The Short Inca Trail is part of the protected Inca Trail network and requires an official permit. Permits are limited and tied to the traveler’s passport information, so advance booking is strongly recommended. The official Route 5 capacity was increased to 250 users per day under the 2025 regulation.

Yes. The Short Inca Trail reaches Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate, before continuing toward Machu Picchu. This is one of the main differences between hiking the Inca Trail and arriving directly by train and bus. The official route connects Wiñay Wayna, Inti Punku and the Machu Picchu area.

We recommend taking only a light daypack with the essentials for the hike and overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. Your main luggage can remain securely stored at your hotel in Cusco until you return.

Yes. On Day 1, the Inca Trail leads toward Machu Picchu through Inti Punku before you continue to Aguas Calientes. On Day 2, you return to Machu Picchu for the scheduled guided visit according to the route and entry time included in your reservation.

The 2-Day Short Inca Trail covers a shorter section of the historic route and does not require camping. The 4-Day Classic Inca Trail is approximately 43–46 km long, crosses higher mountain passes and includes three nights of camping. Both routes include archaeological sites and lead toward Machu Picchu, but the physical demands and overall experience are different.