Itinerary
Cusco/Km104 / Machu Picchu town
We take the early train from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to Km 104, where we enter the trail. Our hike continues gently upward approximately four hours until we reach the beautifully situated Inca complex of Wiñay Wayna. Sub-tropical flora and fauna surround us as we continue 2 hours to the Sun Gate, from where we see Machu Picchu. We walk down past the majestic ruins, and then take the bus to Aguas Calientes to spend a relaxing night.
Machu Picchu/Cusco
After an early morning rise and breakfast, we take the short bus ride up to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, where we will visit the amazing architecture and mysterious temples left by the Incas. A professional, English-speaking guide will help us understand the sophisticated ideas and technology of this highly-advanced culture. 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.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Transfer from hotel to train station in Cusco
- Train tickets (round trip)
- Professional, English-speaking guide for both days
- Entrance fee to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Packed lunch on the first day
- Bus tickets (Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes and Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu)
- Hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes with breakfast
- Transfer from train station to hotel in Cusco
- First-aid kit
Not Included:
- Breakfast on the first day
- Lunch on the last day
- Tips for the guide
- Entrance ticket for Huayna Picchu mountain (optional)
Prices
Here is the pricing list for the Short Inca Trail 2 Days:
EXTRAS & UPGRADES
- Sleeping Bag – $15–$20 USD per person per trek (Required for camping options only. For hotel-based packages, a sleeping bag is not necessary. If you choose the camping upgrade, our bags are rated for cold mountain nights and cleaned after every use)
- Walking / Trekking Poles – $15–$20 USD per pair per trek (Recommended for the steep stone staircases and the ascent to Wiñay Wayna. Included in some private service packages. Note: poles are NOT permitted inside Machu Picchu Citadel)
- Machu Picchu Circuit 2 Upgrade – $55 USD per person (The standard Short Inca Trail permit includes Circuit 1 and Circuit 3, covering the Guardian’s House panoramic viewpoint and the lower sector. Adding Circuit 2 grants access to the full citadel — the Sun Temple, Temple of the Three Windows, Principal Temple, and upper terraces. Strongly recommended for the most complete Machu Picchu experience. Please request at the time of booking)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (The iconic steep climb within the Citadel. Extremely limited tickets — available at 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, and 10:00 AM. Please request 5–6 months in advance. Note: Route 3A — Huayna Picchu — is closed for maintenance throughout June 2026)
- Machu Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (A longer, less crowded alternative offering the highest panoramic views of the full Citadel. Entry at 6:00 AM or 8:00 AM. Requires arriving a day early in Aguas Calientes. Please request at the time of booking)
- Huchuy Picchu Mountain – $30 USD per person (The newest and most accessible optional mountain hike within Machu Picchu, achievable within the same Day 2 visit alongside the guided tour)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade – $67 USD per person (Upgrade your return train from the standard Expedition service to the scenic Vistadome, featuring panoramic glass-ceiling windows, wider seats, and an onboard entertainment show. Return journey only from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo)
- Vistadome Observatory Train Upgrade – $75 USD per person (The most premium train experience, with an additional observatory-style carriage, live traditional Andean music, and fully panoramic windows. Subject to availability — must be requested at the time of booking)
- Hotel Upgrade in Aguas Calientes – from $40 USD per person per night (The standard package includes a comfortable 2–3 star hotel with private bathroom and hot shower. Upgrade options include:)
- Tierra Viva / Casa Andina – $40 USD per person
- El Mapi by Inkaterra – $130 USD per person (includes dinner & breakfast)
- Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (5-star) – $250 USD per person (includes dinner & breakfast)
- Belmond Sanctuary Lodge – $490 USD per person (the only hotel inside the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary)
- Single Room Supplement – $35–$50 USD per person (For solo travelers who require a private room in Aguas Calientes rather than sharing with another trekker)
- Extra Night in Aguas Calientes – from $30–$60 USD per person (Extend your stay to visit a second Machu Picchu circuit, explore the local Machu Picchu Museum, relax in the town hot springs, or simply rest before the return journey. Subject to availability)
- Aguas Calientes Hot Springs Entry – $4 USD per person (Natural thermal baths in the town of Aguas Calientes — perfect for relaxing on the evening of Day 1 after the hike. Cash only, payable at the entrance)
- Passport Name / Number Change Fee – $25 USD per person (If you renew your passport or change your name between booking and departure, a fee applies to update your government-issued permit, Machu Picchu ticket, and train tickets)
Pricing & Availability – Short Inca Trail 2 Days
The Short Inca Trail 2 Days / 1 Night is available on any date of the year except February (trail closed for annual maintenance). Permits are issued by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, are strictly limited, and are strictly personal — your exact full name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth are required at booking and must match your original passport exactly. A non-refundable deposit of $200 USD per person is required at booking to secure your government permit, Machu Picchu ticket, and train tickets. Book at least 3–5 months in advance, especially for peak season dates (May–September). Pickup from your Cusco hotel is at 5:00–6:00 AM on Day 1. A pre-departure briefing takes place at our office the evening before departure.
GROUP SERVICE
- $590 USD per person
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes included
- Discount of $20 USD per person for groups of 5 or more persons
PRIVATE SERVICE
- $1,000 USD per person – 2 persons
- $910 USD per person – 3 persons
- $850 USD per person – 4 persons
- $770 USD per person – 5 persons
- $710 USD per person – 6 persons
- $650 USD per person – 7 persons
- $580 USD per person – 8 or more persons
DISCOUNTS
- Students (18–25 years old): $30 USD discount. Information required from the student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, and expiration date. A copy of the card is required at the time of booking to obtain government approval for the discount. ISIC cards are not accepted — must be a university-issued card.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD discount. Please send a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD discount. Please send a copy of your passport at the time of booking. Minimum age recommended: 7 years old.
Important Notes: The Short Inca Trail — also known as the 2-Day Inca Trail — follows the final 12 km / 7.5 miles of the Classic Inca Trail from Kilometer 104 (Chachabamba) to Machu Picchu. Unlike the 4-day Classic, it does not require overnight camping — a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes is included. The route passes through Wiñay Wayna (one of the most beautiful Inca sites on the entire trail) and arrives at Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku) late on Day 1 — offering the rare experience of seeing the Citadel bathed in golden afternoon light with very few crowds, followed by a full guided sunrise tour on Day 2. Permits are strictly government-issued, personal, and non-transferable. The trail is physical but moderate in difficulty — suitable for families with children and travelers of average fitness. No porter is included in standard group packages; pack as light as possible for Day 1. Tips for guides and cooks are optional but warmly appreciated.
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