Short Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco | KM 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes

Pick up from your hotel for a transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station. Board the train to KM 104, where the hike begins. Trek uphill through the cloud forest to the impressive Wiñay Wayna ruins for a nutritious lunch. Continue to Intipunku (The Sun Gate) for your first spectacular view of Machu Picchu. Finally, descend to the bus stop and travel to Aguas Calientes for dinner and a comfortable night in a 3-star hotel.

• Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Meals: Bag lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu Citadel – Cusco

After an early breakfast, take the bus up to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Enjoy a professional guided tour of the citadel’s temples, terraces, and urban sectors. You will have time to explore the site further on your own before heading back to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, return to Cusco by train and private transfer.

• Meals: Breakfast

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco- Km 104- Machu Picchu:

Early morning we will pick you up from your hotel and take you in a private bus ride to ollantaytambo Train Station, about 1½ hour outside of Cusco. The train ride through the picturesque Urubamba Canon last 1 hour to Km 104, from here the trail hike begins gently upward for approximately four hours quite steep climbing -1000 ft. (300 meters) approx. Hiking poles are not as useful because this trail is mostly stones laid down on path. very warm with great breeze, Rainforest part is very nice with beautiful waterfall, until we reach the beautifully situated Inca complex, WiñayWayna, where we stop to eat a nutritious and plentiful bag lunch. Sub-tropical flora and fauna surround us as we continue 1½ hours more to the Sun Gate, from where we will get our first glimpses of Machu Picchu. We walk down the mountain towards the bus stop, passing the majestic ruins for now, to take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to spend a relaxing night in a comfortable 3 star hotel.

• Meals provided: Bag Lunch
• Distance: 12 Kilometers/7.5 Miles

Day 2: Machu Picchu- Cusco:

After an early morning rise and a healthy breakfast, we take the 30 minute bus ride up to the Machu Picchu complex, where we will tour the amazing site with its spectacular architecture and mysterious temples, which were left behind by the Incas. A professional, English-speaking guide will help us understand the sophisticated ideas and technology of this highly-advanced culture as we make our way around the immense ruins. Once the official tour is completed, we will have plenty of time to explore the Sanctuary on our own before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon.

Meals provided: Breakfast

Inclusions & Exclusions: Short Inca Trail (2 Days)

What is Included:

• Transportation: Private transfer from your Cusco hotel to Ollantaytambo station and return transfer from the station back to your hotel.
• Train Tickets: Round-trip train service (Expedition Service) between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes / KM 104.
• Professional Guide: A professional, bilingual (English/Spanish) expert guide for the trail and the Machu Picchu tour.
• Permits & Fees: All necessary Inca Trail permits and the entrance fee to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
• Accommodation: One night’s stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (based on double/triple occupancy).
• Meals: * Day 1: Nutritious bag lunch and a high-quality dinner at the renowned Indio Feliz restaurant.
• Day 2: Healthy breakfast provided at your hotel.
• Bus Tickets: Round-trip bus transfers between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu citadel.

What is Not Included:

• Gratuities: Tips for the guide and support staff.
• Final Meal: Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the second day after the tour.
• Optional Upgrades: Vistadome train service upgrade (available for an additional $75 per person).
• Personal Expenses: Room upgrades or single-room supplements at the hotel.

FAQs: Short Inca Trail (2 Days / 1 Night)

Is camping required on this version of the Inca Trail?

No. This 2-day trek is designed for those who want to experience the trail without multiple days of camping. You will spend the night in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, allowing you to visit Machu Picchu refreshed the next morning.

How difficult is the hike on the first day?

The trek starts at KM 104 and involves approximately four hours of steep climbing (about 300 meters/1,000 ft). The total distance is 12 km (7.5 miles). While challenging, it is much shorter than the classic 4-day route.

Should I bring hiking poles for this trek?

Actually, hiking poles are not as useful on this specific trail because the path consists mostly of ancient stones laid down by the Incas. The terrain is stable, but the stone surface can make poles less effective than on dirt paths.

What meals are included in the price?

On Day 1, you will receive a nutritious bag lunch for the trail and a high-quality dinner at Indio Feliz, one of the best restaurants in Aguas Calientes. On Day 2, breakfast is provided at your hotel. Please note that lunch on the final day is not included.

Can I start the trek on any day?

Yes! We can depart any day of the week, provided that the government permits for the Inca Trail are available for your chosen date. Since permits are limited, we recommend booking well in advance.