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Discover the magic of the Inca Trail on a two-day adventure that combines breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in ancient Incan culture. This tour offers a perfect balance of hiking and comfort, with an overnight stay at a hotel near Aguas Calientes, ensuring you’re well-rested before exploring the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.
The 2 Days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the ideal alternative if you were unable to secure a permit for the Classic Inca Trail trek. Click to read real traveler reviews about a wonderful and memorable experience.
2 Days 1 Night | With Hotel
13 km / 8 miles
Intermediate
8,924 ft (2,720 m)
Trekking in Nature and Culture
02 ppl Min - 08ppl Max
The 2 Day Inca Trail, popularly known as the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, is one of the famous alternative hikes to Machu Picchu. It takes you through some of the iconic Inca sites and gives you a glimpse into Andean traditions and Peruvian history.
The Classic 4-Day Inca Trail is the most popular route to reach Machu Picchu. However, due to its growing demand and in order to preserve its authenticity, local authorities have introduced permits for the Inca Trail. These permits only allow access to 500 people per day, including porters, guides, cooks, and visitors.
Inca Trail permits usually sell out as soon as they go on sale, six months in advance. Often, people who book at the last minute have no choice and seek an alternative route to make their visit to the lost Incas memorable. We highly recommend doing the 2 days Inca Trail to get an overview of Inca history and Andean traditions.
Why Choose the 2-Day Inca Trail by Quechuas Expeditions?
At Quechuas Expeditions, we are a locally owned and fully licensed Inca Trail tour operator, committed to delivering a reliable, punctual, and personalized travel experience. Whether you’re traveling solo or in a group, you’ll be welcomed with warmth and professionalism — just take a look at our reviews on TripAdvisor.
What makes our 2-day Inca Trail hike unique?
2 Day Inca Trail Hike:
This tour is a relatively easier option. You will not have to hike to high altitudes or camp in remote areas. In fact, families with young children often opt for the 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
The 12-kilometer (7.4-mile) trail to the lost Inca city takes you through three notable Inca sites: Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and Intipunku (Sungate). The route offers amazing views of the snow-capped peaks of the Peruvian Andes. You will walk through the different species of flora and fauna characteristic of the region.
We are a local tourism company. At Quechuas Expeditions, we have a dedicated team of local English-speaking guides for the Inca Trail. They have walked the trail over a hundred times. As locals, they have extensive knowledge about the traditions and history and are also trained in first aid.
Join us as a solo traveler, couple, or small group to follow in the footsteps of the Incas on this short 2 day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.
Please note that although the hike is not as high as the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we strongly recommend that you spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco acclimatizing to avoid altitude sickness.
The best time of year to hike the 2 Days Inca Trail is from March to November, during the dry season.
Summary:
Please Note:
Permits and Inca Trail Entrance Tickets
Machu Picchu Entry Circuits
High Quality Service & Safety
Pre-Departure Briefing
Professional and Experienced Tour Guides
Medical & Emergency Preparedness
Accommodation – Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals Included
Transportation Included – Transfers and Bus Tickets
All transfers are carefully coordinated to ensure smooth and reliable logistics throughout your journey.
Optional Add-On Hikes (Not Included)
Huayna Picchu Mountain
Reservation: Must be booked 2–3 months in advance due to limited availability
Entry Times:
With your 6:00 a.m. Machu Picchu Circuit 2 entrance, you may complete this hike after your guided tour, independently and following your guide’s instructions.
Machu Picchu Mountain
This hike offers wide, less steep trails, making it an excellent option for travelers seeking a moderate yet rewarding climb. The ascent takes approximately 1.5 hours and provides unforgettable panoramic views.
Entry Times:
You may:
Huchuy Picchu Mountain
Huchuy Picchu is a shorter and less demanding alternative to Huayna Picchu. Its gentle trail makes it perfect for travelers seeking a light yet scenic hike with beautiful views of the citadel and surrounding Andes.
Entry Times:
This hike can be completed after your guided Machu Picchu tour.
Important Travel Conditions
Travel Insurance Recommendation
Quechuas Expeditions strongly recommends purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for:
For your safety and peace of mind, please ensure you bring proof of insurance before departure, as proper coverage is essential when traveling in remote mountain regions.
Availability (based on availability): Daily Departures All departures are 100% guaranteed. If you have booked, you are going, we won’t cancel your trip!!!
How to Book?
Send us all your personal information, as well as a first deposit of USD 200.00, and the final balance will be paid once you are in Cusco.
Group Service: Price per person: US$580
You will be joined in a group formed by people coming from different countries/nationalities: From 4 people up to 8 people (maximum)
Private Service: Price per person: US $680
Recommended for honeymooners, families with children, and groups of friends (two people minimum).
If you are a group of 02, we leave (it doesn’t matter if you have paid as a group service). We NEVER pass our people to another operator, as most agencies do here in Cusco.
UPGRADES:
RENTALS:
DISCOUNTS:
(to apply discounts. Please send us an email at info@quechuasexpeditions.com).
UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but due to the higher altitude of the Andes, the temperature can be quite cold, especially at night. We recommend using a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good-sized backpack between 20 and 30 liters is also essential.
List of things you must bring:
Still haven’t decided on the best 2-day Inca Trail tour? We’re sharing frequently asked questions from our satisfied customers who have already visited the trail to Machu Picchu.
The tour is a 2-day trek that takes you through a portion of the famous Inca Trail, allowing you to reach Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.
The trek covers about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles), usually completed in one full day of hiking, and the second day is spent exploring Machu Picchu.
Is moderate in difficulty, with some uphill and downhill sections but less demanding than the full 4-day trek.
Yes, this trail is suitable for people with a moderate level of fitness and those with basic hiking experience.
No, just like the classic Inca Trail, this tour also requires a licensed guide due to regulations governing the national park.
The best time to hike the trail is during the dry season, from April to October. The rainy season (November to March) can make the trail slippery and challenging.
You should book the trek 3-6 months in advance, especially during peak seasons (June to September), as permits are limited.
While the 2 day Short trail is easier than the full 4-day trek, there’s still an age limit of 12-70 years, though exceptions may apply depending on fitness levels.
Groups usually consist of 8-16 people, though it can vary based on the tour operator.
If you’re in good health and relatively fit, you can hike the Short Inca Trail, but prior hiking experience will make the trek easier.
Some operators offer discounts for children or students, but this depends on the tour provider. Be sure to inquire when booking.
Cancellation policies vary by tour operator, but most have strict policies due to the high demand for permits. You may lose part of your deposit or full payment if you cancel last-minute.
Acclimatize in Cusco for 2-3 days before your trek, drink plenty of water, and consider taking altitude sickness medication.
The highest point of the trail is at 2,730 meters (8,957 feet) at the Sun Gate.
Symptoms include dizziness, headaches, and nausea. If you feel unwell, tell your guide immediately, and they will help you descend to a lower altitude.
Most tour operators provide purified water and ensure that meals are prepared hygienically. Carry water purification tablets just in case.
If you become seriously ill or injured, your guide will arrange for evacuation to Aguas Calientes, where you can take a train back to Cusco.
Essential items include comfortable hiking boots, warm clothing (layers), rain gear, sunscreen, a small daypack, a camera, and personal medications.
No, the 2 days Inca trail typically doesn’t involve camping, so you’ll stay in a hotel in Aguas Calientes on the second night.
A good pair of hiking boots with ankle support is recommended, as the trail has some uneven and rocky terrain.
Yes, you can bring both, but remember that battery life may be limited due to the cold temperatures at higher altitudes.
Wear moisture-wicking base layers, a warm fleece or jacket, a waterproof jacket for rain, and a hat or sun protection gear.
It’s best to bring your own water and consider carrying water purification tablets or a filter, especially if you’re uncertain about the availability along the trail.
Day 1: Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104, hike to Wiñay Wayna, and camp or continue to Aguas Calientes.
Day 2: Visit Machu Picchu early in the morning for a guided tour and enjoy some free time before returning to Cusco.
The group usually arrives in the morning, around 7:00-8:00 AM, after an early train ride from Aguas Calientes.
Highlights include ancient Inca ruins like Wiñay Wayna, cloud forests, panoramic views of the Andes, and, of course, Machu Picchu itself.
There are toilets at checkpoints and at Machu Picchu, but they can be basic and limited in number.
If you’re interested in climbing either of these peaks, you must purchase a separate permit, as it is not included in the tour.
After visiting Machu Picchu, you’ll take a train back to Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes, and then transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
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