Inca Trail 2 Day Hike: Details
The 2-day Short Inca Trail is the ideal option for travelers who want to experience the essence of the legendary Inca trail without committing to the four days of the classic trek. Designed for those with limited time—or who simply want a concentrated immersion in the most significant parts of the journey—this itinerary condenses the best of the Inca Trail into an unforgettable day of trekking.
Overview
Along approximately 10 to 12 kilometers of the original trail, you will walk on ancient cobblestones, pass through cloud forests teeming with biodiversity, and visit Inca ruins of great archaeological importance, such as Chachabamba and, above all, Wiñay Wayna—whose Quechua name means “Forever Young”— one of the best-preserved jewels of the Inca Empire.
Highlights: 2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Our itinerary will not only take you to Machu Picchu: it will allow you to experience it as the ancient Inca chaskis did. You will walk along authentic sections of the Inca Trail, visit ruins of great archaeological importance such as Chachabamba and, above all, Wiñay Wayna—an architectural gem, considered by many to be the most beautiful structure on the Inca Trail after Machu Picchu.
- From there, you will continue up ancient cobblestone paths until you reach the Sun Gate (Intipunku), which is the same sacred entrance that the Incas used to enter the sanctuary. At sunset, you will see Machu Picchu for the first time from a distance. It will look like a dream turned to stone as it spreads out over the mountain ridge.
- After exploring the upper part of the archaeological site (Circuit 1), you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will enjoy a memorable dinner at a local restaurant, accompanied by your guide. During the night, you will stay at a three-star hotel to rest comfortably before returning to the sanctuary at dawn.
- The next day, with the golden light of dawn illuminating the temples, you will take a second guided tour of Machu Picchu (Circuit 3), delving into its most emblematic structures: the Temple of the Sun, the ceremonial fountains, the agricultural terraces, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor. During this double immersion—afternoon and morning—you will gain a complete understanding, both visual and spiritual, of one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Itinerary: Inca Trail 2 Days 1 Night
Day 01: Cusco → Kilometer 104 → Wiñay Wayna → Sun Gate → Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes
At 4:00 a.m., we will meet you at your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco. Our guide and driver will be happy to see you. After that, we’ll take a private van ride through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. The trip will take about an hour and a half.
When you get to Ollantaytambo, you’ll have a light breakfast in a cozy restaurant before getting on the Expeditions train to Kilometer 104, where our trek will begin. The train leaves at about 6:10 a.m. During the ride, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Urubamba River while your guide tells you stories about the area.
At Km 104 (Chachabamba), which is 2,170 meters above sea level, we start our hike. Park rangers from the Ministry of Culture will check your passport and permit here. From here, we start to climb steadily along an original Inca trail that is paved with old stones and surrounded by the thick plants of the cloud forest.
We will stop at the ruins of Chachabamba, a small but interesting ceremonial complex, on the way to our main destination for the day: Wiñay Wayna, which is 2,650 meters above sea level. This archaeological site, which means “Forever Young” in Quechua, is one of the best-preserved treasures along the Inca Trail. It has agricultural terraces, ceremonial baths, and temples that are perfectly aligned with the sun.
There, in the shade of the hills and with a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys, you will enjoy our exclusive gourmet picnic: a table set with chairs, tablecloth, and a varied menu that includes protein, fresh salads, artisan breads, fruits, and dessert. We offer vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, and food allergy-friendly options.
After lunch, we continue walking through the cloud forest, an ecosystem full of orchids, bromeliads, hummingbirds, and, with luck, glimpses of viscachas or even the elusive spectacled bear. The trail winds gently until it reaches the highest point of the day: the Sun Gate (Intipunku), at 2,720 meters above sea level.
Here, around 2:00–3:00 p.m., you will have your first complete view of Machu Picchu, lying on the mountain ridge like a city straight out of a myth. This is the same place where Inca pilgrims entered after days of walking.
From the Sun Gate, we descend for about 45 minutes along a well-defined trail to the upper entrance of Machu Picchu. There, we explore the upper area of the sanctuary following Circuit 01, which takes us to the most iconic viewpoints to capture the famous panoramic photo of the site. This circuit is ideal because, in the afternoon, there are fewer tourists and the golden light enhances the beauty of the stones.
At the end, we take the bus (included) down to Aguas Calientes, a 25-30 minute ride with spectacular views. We arrive in the village around 5:00 p.m. Your guide will accompany you to check in at your 3-star hotel (usually the Tara Machu Picchu or similar), where you can shower, rest, or, if you wish, visit the local hot springs (entrance fee not included, $5).
Later, we will meet for dinner at a quality local restaurant, where you can share your impressions of the day with your guide and fellow travelers. After dinner, you will return to the hotel to spend the night in Aguas Calientes (2,040 meters above sea level).
Day 02: Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Ollantaytambo → Cusco
The second day starts early. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel around 5:15 a.m. to walk together to the bus station. We take the first bus to Machu Picchu, which leaves at 5:30 a.m. and arrives at the entrance checkpoint around 6:00 a.m.
Once inside the sanctuary (2,430 meters above sea level), we begin our second and most in-depth exploration: Circuit 03, also known as the “Royal Route.” For 2 to 3 hours, your guide will take you through the most significant areas of Machu Picchu:
- Temple of the Sun
- House of the Inca
- Ceremonial fountains
- Agricultural terraces
- Sacred Rock
- Temple of the Condor
- Warehouses (qolqas)
This circuit allows you to understand not only the architecture, but also the worldview, hydraulic engineering, and social organization of the Inca Empire. In addition, you will visit the platform of the Guardian’s House, another perfect spot for photographs.
At the end of the tour (around 8:30–9:00 a.m.), you will have free time to explore on your own, meditate in silence, or, if you booked in advance, begin the ascent to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional activities at an additional cost).
You will return to Aguas Calientes by bus (included) around noon. There, you will have free time to have lunch at one of the many restaurants in town (lunch not included).
Your guide will accompany you to the train station to board your return train, scheduled to depart at 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m. (depending on availability). The journey to Ollantaytambo takes 1 hour and 30 minutes, with panoramic windows framing the sacred valleys.
In Ollantaytambo, our driver will be waiting for you with an AB Expeditions sign. From there, we travel back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 7:30 p.m.
Included: Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days
- Our professional bilingual guides are not only experts in the history, archaeology, and geology of the Inca Trail, but they are also certified in first aid, keep their knowledge up to date, and are passionate, respectful, and have a deep understanding of the Tawantinsuyo.
- Staying in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes: The Tara Machu Picchu Hotel is where we do most of our work. If the hotel is full, we will give you another hotel of the same type, always with breakfast included and modern amenities after a day of hiking.
- Required briefing: The night before the trek, usually at 6:00 p.m. at our office in Cusco, your guide will go over all the details of the trip, answer any questions you have, and check your gear.
- Each group has a satellite phone: All of our guides carry satellite phones, even when there is no emergency, to be completely safe.
- Service from door to door: We will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel or other place to stay in Cusco or the Sacred Valley (Urubamba/Ollantaytambo). We never leave you alone before or after the tour.
- Private transportation between Cusco and Ollantaytambo: Our private vans, driven by experienced drivers, will get you there on time and in comfort.
- A picnic tent (tables and chairs): We put up a full tent with furniture in Wiñay Wayna so you can eat your lunch in comfort and style, surrounded by mountains and ancient ruins.
- Two breakfasts: one in Ollantaytambo before you take the train and another at your hotel in Aguas Calientes before you go back to Machu Picchu.
- A gourmet picnic lunch with protein (chicken, fish, or a vegetarian option), fresh salads, artisan breads, fruit, and dessert. We have options for vegetarians, people who can’t eat gluten, people who can’t eat lactose, and people who have food allergies.
- Dinner at a nice restaurant in Aguas Calientes: The menu is varied, and you’ll talk about your day with your guide while you eat.
- We handle official permits for the Short Inca Trail directly with the Ministry of Culture.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu: You can go to Circuit 01 (the panoramic view) and Circuit 03 (inside the sanctuary), which guarantees a full experience, even with the new rules that went into effect on May 27, 2025.
- Three bus tickets:
- Going down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Day 1)
- Climb from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Day 2)
- Going down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes after the morning visit on Day 2
- Train tickets for a round trip (Expeditions):
- From Ollantaytambo to Km 104 (leaving at 6:10 a.m.)
- Return: Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (leaving at 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m.)
- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco: After the train ride, our driver will be waiting for you and will take you straight to your hotel.
- An oxygen tank is always on hand in case someone gets sick from being at a high altitude.
- First aid kit: Our guides know how to help right away.
- Rain poncho: This was given to you at the start of the trek to help protect your own gear.
- A full guided tour of Machu Picchu, including the most important temples and the famous Guardian’s House platform for the classic photo.
- Waterproof backpack cover: This will keep your bags safe from rain, dust, and humidity in the cloud forest.
- Free luggage storage: You can leave your big suitcase with us in our safe office in Cusco for free.
Not Included: shortest hike to machu picchu
To avoid any surprises on the Inca Trail 2 Days trek itinerary, here is a list of what is not included in the price:
- Entrance fee to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: $5 (optional, but recommended to relax your muscles after trekking).
- Tips: These are completely voluntary and reflect your satisfaction with the service.
- Lunch on the second day: You will have free time in Aguas Calientes to choose the restaurant you prefer.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: short inca trail 2 days to machu picchu
One of the rules we must be aware of is that only 250 people are allowed to enter per day, including porters, cooks, guides, and support staff. Knowing this, if we want to do the two-day short Inca Trail at Km 104, we must book one year in advance for the high season. Once the limit is reached, no more reservations are allowed for this wonderful tour.
THINGS TO BE AWARE OF:
- People with back pain should refrain from doing this short Inca Trail for the sake of their health.
- The guide will be with you the entire time, from departure, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu, guiding and orienting you to have one of the best experiences.
- Our departures are daily, the only requirement is: the group must have 2 or more people.
- February is closed for maintenance, and no departures are scheduled.
- The 2-day Inca Trail is not wheelchair accessible.
ESSENTIALS TO REMEMBER: Don’t forget to bring the following:
- Don’t forget your original passport, which you used to make the reservation.
- Your health insurance card.
- Personal medications.
AB Expeditions has always been known for organizing groups of no more than 8 people.
Two Day Inca Trail: Recomendations
Make a reservation ahead of time (3–6 months during peak season)
There are only 250 daily permits available, including staff, and they sell out quickly, especially from May to September. You can only get a few tickets to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, and you have to book them at the same time as the tour.
Get to Cusco at least two days before
It is very important to get used to it. Cusco is 3,400 meters above sea level, and even though the trek starts at a lower altitude, your body will need time to adjust. For the first 48 hours, drink coca tea, stay hydrated, and don’t drink alcohol.
Only bring a small backpack (25–30 L)
You can store your big bags for free at our office in Cusco. You only need the basics for two days: clothes in layers, trekking shoes, a reusable bottle, your documents, and your toiletries.
Use a bottle that can be used more than once (single-use plastic is not allowed).
Since March 2022, you can’t bring single-use plastic bottles on the Inca Trail or to Machu Picchu. Bring a blister pack, a CamelBak, or a steel bottle. There are places along the way where you can fill up your water.
Don’t forget your original passport.
You must present it at three points: at the checkpoint at Km 104, when entering Machu Picchu, and when boarding the train. It must be the exact same document you used when booking.
Get your body ready by walking before.
The path goes up and down a lot, has steep stairs, and is slippery in some places. Walk on hills or stairs at least 3 to 4 weeks before the event, and bring a light backpack if you can.
Choose between Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain—not both
You can only climb one of the two mountains due to time constraints.
- Huayna Picchu: for people who aren’t afraid of heights, it’s steeper and has famous views. It takes 2.5 hours.
- Machu Picchu Mountain: longer but not as steep, 3.5 hours, for people who want to be alone and see a lot of things at once.
Go to the meeting at 6:00 p.m. in Cusco. (Briefing)
You have to do this. You will meet your guide there, check your gear, get your trekking kit (poncho, backpack cover), and ask any last-minute questions. Marqués 250, 2nd floor, Office 03 is the address for the office.
Purchase travel insurance with medical coverage
Permits can’t be returned, and the trail is in a remote area. Insurance covers emergencies, evacuations, and cancellations that you didn’t see coming.
FAQs: 2 Day Trek to Machu Picchu
How do I book the 2-day Short Inca Trail?
Booking is easy and secure. Click on “Book Now” and you will be redirected to WhatsApp, where our sales staff will be happy to assist you. You can add upgrades such as Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Vistadome train, or trekking poles.
Important: Tickets to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain sell out weeks or months in advance. Reserve them at the same time as your main tour.
Is it mandatory to bring your original passport?
Yes. You must present your physical passport at three points:
- At the checkpoint at Km 104 (Chachabamba)
- When entering Machu Picchu
- When boarding the return train The document must be exactly the same as the one you sent at the time of booking.
If you have renewed your passport, please let us know immediately so we can update your permit.
Which Machu Picchu circuits do I visit on this tour?
Our itinerary includes two full visits:
- Day 1 (afternoon): Circuit 01 (Upper Terrace Route) → ideal for the iconic panoramic photo.
- Day 2 (morning): Circuit 03 (Royal Route) → access to the interior of the sanctuary: Temple of the Sun, Ceremonial Fountains, Sacred Rock, Temple of the Condor, etc.
Key update (as of May 27, 2025): The new Short Inca Trail permits no longer include Circuit 03. We purchase additional tickets to guarantee you full access. If you book with us, you won’t miss a single temple.
Can I store my luggage during the trek?
Yes. We offer free and secure storage at our office in Cusco. Just bring a light backpack (25–30 L) with the essentials for the two days.
When and how do I pay the remaining balance?
The balance can be paid:
In cash (soles or dollars), one day before the tour at our office in Cusco.
By PayPal (with a 7% commission), at least one week in advance.
By credit card (5% commission), also in advance.
Cash payments must be made the night before, during the briefing.
Is there a student discount?
Yes. Applies to:
Under 18 years old: US$25 discount (only with passport).
Over 18 years old: must present a valid international university card (with photo, name, barcode, and expiration date). Send a copy of your passport and card to info@abexpeditions.com when booking.
Can I change the departure date after purchasing the permit?
No. Inca Trail permits are personal, non-transferable, and non-refundable. The Peruvian government does not allow date changes once permits have been issued. You can only update your passport number if you have renewed your document.
What if I book Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
- Huayna Picchu: Hours 10:00–11:00 a.m. After the guided tour of Machu Picchu (6:00–8:30 a.m.), you will have time to climb. It lasts 2–2.5 hours.
- Machu Picchu Mountain: Hours 9:00–10:00 a.m. After the visit (6:00–8:00 a.m.), you re-enter the sanctuary to begin the ascent. It lasts 3–3.5 hours.
You can only choose one of the two mountains. Both require advance booking.
Is the entrance fee to Machu Picchu included?
Yes. We include both entrance fees: one for Circuit 01 (Day 1) and another for Circuit 03 (Day 2), even under the new 2026 regulations.
What time do we visit Machu Picchu?
We enter at 6:00 a.m. on the second day to avoid crowds and enjoy the sunrise over the sanctuary. This schedule is fixed for all our groups.
What is the level of difficulty of the Short Inca Trail?
It is classified as moderate to difficult. It requires good physical condition, as it includes constant ascents, steep stairways, and slippery sections during the rainy season. We recommend training with previous hikes.
Can I do the Inca Trail 2 days without a guide?
No. By law, all trekking on the Inca Trail must be done with an authorized agency and a certified guide. Independent access is not permitted.
What is the train schedule?
- Outbound (Day 1): Expeditions train at 6:10 a.m. from Ollantaytambo to Km 104.
- Return (Day 2): Expeditions Train 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m. from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Arrival in Cusco: around 7:30 p.m.
Can I stay in the Sacred Valley before the tour?
Yes. We will pick you up in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba. Departure will be 1.5 hours later than from Cusco, allowing you to sleep in longer.
Can I book my own hotel in Aguas Calientes?
Yes. If you do, we will deduct US$40 per person from the total price. Just let us know the name of the hotel so our guide can take you there.
Are pets allowed?
No. Animals are not allowed on the Inca Trail or at Machu Picchu, except for certified guide dogs (special permission required).
What type of water bottle should I bring?
As of March 1, 2022, single-use plastic is prohibited. You must bring a reusable bottle (such as a CamelBak, stainless steel, or blister pack). There are water refill stations along the trail.
Is there an age limit for trekking?
There is no legal limit, but we recommend a minimum age of 7 years due to the physical demands and steep sections.
What time do we arrive at Machu Picchu on the first day?
Around 3:00 p.m., after reaching the Sun Gate (2:00 p.m.) and walking for another 45 minutes.
How many days before should I arrive in Cusco?
We recommend 2 days of acclimatization if you are coming from sea level. If you already live at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level, 1 day is sufficient.
When is the best time to do the Short Inca Trail?
- Dry season (April–October): Stable weather, sunny days. The busiest months are June, July, and August.
- Rainy season (November–March): Fewer tourists, greener landscapes, but with the possibility of daily rain.
Annual closure: The entire month of February for maintenance and heavy rains.
What happens in case of strikes or blockades?
In case of rail disruptions:
- Day 1 affected: We take you to Aguas Calientes the night before (hotel expenses at your expense) and you walk an extra 1.5 hours to Km 104.
- Day 2 affected: You walk 2 hours from Aguas Calientes to the Hydroelectric Plant, where we pick you up by van to return to Cusco (arrival ~9:00 p.m.).
Are porters included?
Yes, but only to carry the picnic lunch to Wiñay Wayna. They do not carry your personal luggage. If you would like a private porter (US$45), please let us know in advance.
Is it necessary to purchase travel insurance?
Yes, we strongly recommend it. It covers cancellations, medical emergencies, and evacuations in remote areas. Inca Trail permits are non-refundable.
Machu Picchu 2 Day Hike Prices for group service: $520 per person.
Special Offers for the five day Inca Trail:
- All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $25 USD.
