2 Days Inca Trail | Short Inca Trail Hike (With Hotel)

PRICE FROM

$ 580
$ 480.00 USD

price per person in group service

2 Days Inca Trail | Short Inca Trail Hike (With Hotel)
2 Days Inca Trail | Short Inca Trail Hike (With Hotel)
2 Days Inca Trail | Short Inca Trail Hike (With Hotel)
2 Days Inca Trail | Short Inca Trail Hike (With Hotel)
2 Days Inca Trail | Short Inca Trail Hike (With Hotel)
2 Days Inca Trail | Short Inca Trail Hike (With Hotel)
2 Days Inca Trail | Short Inca Trail Hike (With Hotel)
2 Days Inca Trail | Short Inca Trail Hike (With Hotel)
2 Days Inca Trail | Short Inca Trail Hike (With Hotel)
2 Days Inca Trail | Short Inca Trail Hike (With Hotel)

2 Days Inca Trail (With hotel)

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.

Cusco I Ollantaytambo I km 104 I Chachabamba I Wiñayhuayna I Sungate I Machu Picchu I Aguas Calientes I Cusco
Duration of the trip:

| 2 Days 1 Night | With Hotel

Total Distance

13 km / 8 miles

Physical Level:

Intermediate

Altitude:

8,924 ft (2,720 m)

Type of Tour:

Trekking in Nature and Culture

Group SIze:

02 ppl Min - 08ppl Max

2 Days Inca Trail | Short Inca Trail Hike

The 2 Days 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.

2 Days Inca Trail Hike:

The short Inca Trail 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 days 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 days 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.

Short Inca Trail Hike Summary:

  • TOUR NAME: Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu with Hotel at Aguas Calientes
  • BRIEFING: There will be a briefing (Informative Meeting) at 17:00 PM at Our Quechuas Expeditions office in Cusco. During this session, you’ll meet your guide and the other members of your trekking group. The guide will share essential information.
  • PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH GUIDE: Scolted Guide From Cusco to Km 104 Inca Trail Trailhead (Our Guide will come and Pick you up from your Hotel in Cusco or Sacred Valley)
  • 100% LOCAL COMPANY: fully licensed Salkantay Trek Tour Operator, Highly Recommended! Check out our reviews on Trip Advisor & Youtube what our Passengers say about us
  • GROUP SIZE: 02 People Minimum (04 – 06 Average) and 08 People Maximum
  • STARTING POINT: Pick-up from Cusco & Sacred Valley Hotel/Airbnb. From 4:30 am to 5:00 am
  • ENDING POINT: Drop-off in Cusco at Hotel/Airbnb
  • DEPARTURE: Daily (Based on Availability) INCA TRAIL SPACES By Clicking Here. If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as large group service). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in cusco.
  • HIKING DISTANCE: 17km /8miles
  • PHYSICAL LEVEL: Level 2. Inca Trail Requires some physical preparation and we also recommend to Aclimatize 2 days before we begin the inca trail
  • ALTITUDE: Highiest Point. Inti Punku (Sun Gate) 2,720 m/8923 ft. and Aguas Calientes Hotel Lowest Point 1,900 m/ 6233 ft.
  • TRANSPORTATION: Private Van/Bus to Ollantaytambo & Expedition Train at 6:40am to Km 104 (Trailhead) as well as Expedition Train Back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo Between 13:00pm to 20:30pm (Subjet to Availability) and Bus back From Ollantaytambo to Cusco
  • ACCOMMODATIONS: 1 Night in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Twin Bed room, 3 Beds room, 4 Bed room) Upon Request
  • MEALS: 1 breakfast, 1 Box Lunch, 1 dinner (Vegetarian, Vegan and Free Gluten with NO extra cost, Upon Request)
  • SHORT INCA TRAIL & MACHU PICCHU: Inca Trail Permits & Machu Picchu entrance fee Included.

2 Days Short Inca Trail Tour Itinerary Overview

  • Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Kilometer 104 (Chachabamba) – Winayhuayna – Sungate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
  • Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

2 Days Inca Trail Highlights

  • Hike the original Inca Trail and reach Machu Picchu by the Sungate.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Inca sites of the Inca Trail (Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna).
  • Perform a small ritual for the Andean gods and learn about Inca religion.
  • Enjoy our friendly customer service and experienced guides.
  • Eat delicious Peruvian cuisine (Novo-Andean).
  • Hike through different types of landscapes and scenery, such as cloud forests, highlands, grassy hills, and Andean valleys.
  • Explore Machu Picchu and its surroundings with knowledgeable and experienced guides.

Please Note:

  • We can do this trek on any day of your choice as long as we have a minimum of two hikers. All departures are 100% GUARANTEED once bookings are confirmed.
  • The availability of permits is subject to those issued by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.

DAY 1
Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Km 104 - Wiñay Wayna - Sungate - Aguas Calientes+

DAY 2
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo – Cusco+

2 Days Inca Trail Included:

TOURIST TRANSPORTATION:

  • Private Tourist Transportation for all our Quechua Expeditions groups from Cusco to Ollantaytambo on the first day and from Ollantaytambo to your accommodation in Cusco for the second day of your tour.

EXPEDITIONS TRAIN TICKET ROUND TRIP:

  • Tourist train on Expeditions Service from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 (starting point of the trek) on the first day and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo on the second day.

BUS TICKET UP AND DOWN

  • CONSETTUR bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes for the first day and from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu for the second day.

PROFESSIONAL GUIDES:

  • Professional bilingual guide (English to Spanish) who will accompany you and your guide on the days of your tour.
  • All our guides work for us only. All of them speak English fluently, and in case of more than 8 passengers, your group will have a second guide.

ACCOMMODATION

  • 01 night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.

MEALS

  • 1 box lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast.
  • Our vegetarian or gluten free menu has no additional cost (please let us know at the time of booking).

EMERGENCY KIT

  • First aid kit (our guide will have access to one while accompanying you). All our guides are trained every year in first aid.
  • Emergency oxygen bottle (our guide will have access to one while trekking on the first day of your tour).

BRIEFING:

  • For all our treks, this orientation is one day before at 17:00 in our main office located in the city of Cusco at Pasaje Pumacchupan 196, Hotel Maria Bonita.

2 Days Inca Trail doesnt included:

  • Breakfast – Day 1
  • Lunch and dinner – Day 2
  • Tips (optional)
  • Travel and health insurance (bring copies with you please): Quechuas Expeditions highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance and emergency medical expense insurance.

2 Days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Prices for 2025)

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$480

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 $580

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:

-Huayna Picchu Mountain: USD 90 Based on Availability (Let us know at the time of booking).

-Machu Picchu Mountain: USD 90 Based on Availability (Let us know at time of booking)

-Upgrade to Vistadome Train (First Class Train) (Includes Private Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco) USD 70

-Extra night in Aguas Calientes, USD 30 per person (room with two beds, room with three beds, and room with four beds with a shower and private bathroom).

-One night in Cusco in our Quechua Guesthouse: from USD 30 per person/double room (before the tour/trek or after the tour/trek)

RENTALS:

-Hiking poles (Dimond black) Rubber tips included: USD 15 for the whole trip

-Daypack 20- 30 liters (rain cover included): USD 20 for the whole trip

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DISCOUNTS:

(to apply discounts. Please send us an email at info@quechuasexpeditions.com).

UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD

-The student discount is USD 30.00 per person.

-The discount is only for students under 25 years old, and they must send a photo of their original student card to info@quechuasexpeditions.com.

-For children under 17 years old, the discount is automatic.

-Groups of 5 or more students have an additional discount of 10 USD per person. It is only necessary to book the trek together at the same time.

2 Days Inca Trail Packing List:

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:

  • Original passport (and a few copies) If you have changed passports, bring a couple of copies of the one you used to buy the Inca Trail permit.
  • Travel insurance is essential (and a few copies).
  • Cash in US$ and credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
  • Camera and memory cards
  • Rechargeable batteries and adapters
  • Reading/writing material
  • Binoculars
  • Backpack holster
  • Pocket knife
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Toiletries (biodegradable)
  • Water bottle
  • Repelente de insectos (para mosquitos) Un mínimo del 25% de DEET también se puede comprar en Cusco.
  • Medicación personal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Short Inca Trail (2 days) to Machu Picchu:

General Information:

What is the Short Inca Trail? The Short Inca Trail 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.

How long is the Short Inca Trail? 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.

What is the difficulty level of the Short Inca Trail? The Short Inca Trail is moderate in difficulty, with some uphill and downhill sections but less demanding than the full 4-day trek.

Is the Short Inca Trail suitable for beginners? Yes, the Short Inca Trail is suitable for people with a moderate level of fitness and those with basic hiking experience.

Can I hike the Short Inca Trail without a guide? No, just like the classic Inca Trail, the Short Inca Trail also requires a licensed guide due to regulations governing the national park.

What is the best time to hike the Short Inca Trail? The best time to hike the Short Inca Trail is during the dry season, from April to October. The rainy season (November to March) can make the trail slippery and challenging.

How far in advance should I book the Short Inca Trail? You should book the trek 3-6 months in advance, especially during peak seasons (June to September), as permits are limited.

Is there an age limit for hiking the Short Inca Trail? While the Short Inca 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.

How many people are typically in a group on the Short Inca Trail? Groups usually consist of 8-16 people, though it can vary based on the tour operator.

Can I hike the Short Inca Trail if I have no hiking experience? 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.

Booking and Costs:

How do I book the Short Inca Trail? You must book through a licensed tour operator, as permits are required and only a limited number are issued each year.

How much does the Short Inca Trail cost? The cost can vary depending on the tour operator, but it generally ranges from $450 to $600 USD per person for a 2-day trek.

What’s included in the cost of the Short Inca Trail? Typically, the cost includes entrance fees, guided tours, transportation (train or bus), meals, and camping equipment (if applicable).

Are there discounts for children or students? Some operators offer discounts for children or students, but this depends on the tour provider. Be sure to inquire when booking.

What happens if I cancel my Short Inca Trail 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.

Health and Safety:

How do I prepare for altitude sickness on the Short Inca Trail? Acclimatize in Cusco for 2-3 days before your trek, drink plenty of water, and consider taking altitude sickness medication.

What is the altitude of the Short Inca Trail? The highest point of the trail is at 2,730 meters (8,957 feet) at the Sun Gate.

What should I do if I experience symptoms of altitude sickness? Symptoms include dizziness, headaches, and nausea. If you feel unwell, tell your guide immediately, and they will help you descend to a lower altitude.

Is there a risk of food or waterborne illnesses? Most tour operators provide purified water and ensure that meals are prepared hygienically. Carry water purification tablets just in case.

What are the emergency evacuation procedures on the Short Inca Trail? 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.

Packing and Preparation:

What should I pack for the Short Inca Trail? Essential items include comfortable hiking boots, warm clothing (layers), rain gear, sunscreen, a small daypack, a camera, and personal medications.

Do I need to bring a sleeping bag? No, the Short Inca Trail typically doesn’t involve camping, so you’ll stay in a hotel in Aguas Calientes on the second night.

Can I bring a porter to carry my gear? Porters are not typically available on the Short Inca Trail, so you will need to carry your personal items, including a small daypack.

What type of footwear is best for the Short Inca Trail? A good pair of hiking boots with ankle support is recommended, as the trail has some uneven and rocky terrain.

Can I bring a camera or phone on the Short Inca Trail? Yes, you can bring both, but remember that battery life may be limited due to the cold temperatures at higher altitudes.

What type of clothing should I wear for the Short Inca Trail? Wear moisture-wicking base layers, a warm fleece or jacket, a waterproof jacket for rain, and a hat or sun protection gear.

Should I bring my own water or buy it along the way? 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.

Short Inca Trail Trekking Experience:

What does the itinerary of the Short Inca Trail look like?

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.

How long will I hike each day on the Short Inca Trail? On the first day, you will hike for around 6-7 hours, covering about 12 kilometers. The second day is spent exploring Machu Picchu.

How many kilometers do I hike each day?

Day 1: 12 kilometers (7.5 miles)
Day 2: No hiking on the second day, but you will walk around Machu Picchu.

What time do we arrive at Machu Picchu on Day 2? The group usually arrives in the morning, around 7:00-8:00 AM, after an early train ride from Aguas Calientes.

What will I see along the Short Inca Trail? Highlights include ancient Inca ruins like Wiñay Wayna, cloud forests, panoramic views of the Andes, and, of course, Machu Picchu itself.

Are there toilets along the Short Inca Trail? There are toilets at checkpoints and at Machu Picchu, but they can be basic and limited in number.

Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain? If you’re interested in climbing either of these peaks, you must purchase a separate permit, as it is not included in the Short Inca Trail.

What happens after I finish the Short Inca Trail? 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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