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2D - 1N
2730
10
Group
The 2 days inca trail involves only 1 day of hiking, meeting the last part of the Inca Trail visiting the ancient archeological site of Wiñay wayna and to the Sun gate with the first glimpse of Machupicchu.
Pick up at your hotel at 4am in Cusco, take a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to catch our train from the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. We also offer pick-ups if you are already in the Sacred Valley, please request at booking. If you are already in Ollantaytambo, your guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby at 5:30am.
** Recommended hotel in Ollataytambo: Andenes del Inca Hotel
The journey from Cusco to Ollantaytambo in our private modern van takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. We recommend that you ask your hotel to prepare you boxed breakfast. In Ollantaytambo you have a few minutes to grab a quick coffee before catching the 6:10AM train to KM 104, the starting point for the Short Inca Trail. The train journey is a scenic and comfortable ride, passing through rugged mountains, vivid and vibrant flora and lush vegetation as you near the Amazon Jungle.
Disembarking the train, crossover the footbridge that goes over the magnificent Urubamba River to the checkpoint. On arrival, apply insect repellent and sunscreen, ready for the hike. The guide will hand over your box lunch to pack in your ruck sack, before helping you present your passport and entrance tickets to the park rangers. Purchase any last-minute items like water or chocolate bars here, there are no vendors or stalls along the trail.
The first Inca site awaits, just as you enter the trail. Chichabamba (2 171m/6 995ft) is an interesting site that was also a late discovery, only being discovered in 1940, at the same time as Wiñay Wayna. It’s surrounded by massive green mountains and lush vegetation typical in a subtropical Andean Forest. The stone work is sturdy and impeccable in its build and design. There are a number of water baths within the site, giving the impression that it could have been used as a religious site. The land around it is extremely fertile, meaning the water baths could have also been used for irrigation. The Incas planted potatoes, medical plants and herbs to be distributed throughout the empire.
After exploring this Inca site, we start our gradual hike to the second most famous Archeological site on the trail Wiñay Wayna. See incredible mountain views, the Urubamba River to your left and the extensive valley with its abundant terraces. Enjoy the flora and fauna are unique to this region. Some of the fauna includes the Cock-of-the-Rocks (Peru´s national bird), the Andean bear, the giant humming bird among to name a few. The most famous includes the orchid Wiñay Wayna, the Cendral Montana and the Molle shrub. There are many places to stop and enjoy the view.
Just before reaching the climb to Wiñay Wayna, stop at a serene waterfall with crystal clear waters. This presents a great opportunity to stop, refresh and reenergize for the upcoming steep hike to Wiñay Wayna archeological site.
Wiñay Wayna (2 650m/ 8 694ft) is an enigmatic Archelogical site. Get glimpses of the site from the footbridge, perched on the mountain hill, looking at though its floating on the clouds that surround it. The last part of the climbThe climb up its chiseled steps, but, your guide will be there with you to share information and stories about Winay Wayna. Once at the top, have lunch at the campsite. This campsite is where the Classic Inca Trail and Short Inca Trail come together.
Our final journey will take us around an hour. The climate here is a bit toasty, typical subtropical jungle weather. Enjoy this final section as the Andes mountains meets the Amazonia Jungle. The vegetation is lush and vibrant. Also, the walk is a gradual climb and very relaxing. Your journey nears the Sun Gate as soon as you come up to the gringo killer steps. These steps are narrow, steep and have been built into the bedrock. The climb is very short, but also very intense. However, once you reach the top, the Sun Gate awaits.
The Sun Gate (2 720m/ 8 924ft) also known as Inti Punku is famous because of its absolutely jaw dropping view of Machu Picchu. The site was said to be used as a control gate for people entering and leaving Machu Picchu. It was located there so the empire could welcome only the most elite of guests into the Citadel. From the top (Guard House – Circuit 1) you get a fully comprehensive panoramic view of the city and the two famous mountains flanking it, Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu Mountain.
After enjoying the view, descend to Machu Picchu, to have your very first look of the Citadel. The best thing about this time of the day is that Machu Picchu is not crowded. The crowds have despersed and it´s a great time to take unobstructed pictures of Machu Picchu. Take some time to walk around and explore before catching the bus to Aguas Calientes to spend the night .
After breakfast at your hotel, get an early bus at 5:30am up to Machu Picchu just in time to witness the sunrise. It is a truly mystical site place something you’ll want to miss! After enjoying the sunrise your guide will provide a tour of Machu Picchu, which takes two hours. See many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel.
When you have had your fill of the incredible views of Machu Picchu, take a bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Upon arriving at Aguas Calientes lunch is waiting in one of the numerous restaurants (lunch not included). Depending on your train departure time, have time for sightseeing and perusing the flea markets in town.
The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. You can expect to arrive at your hotel about 7:00pm.
***IMPORTANT:
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is almost always available year round except it is closed in February for maintenance — This trek takes you into Machu Picchu by walking through the SUN GATE like in the ancient times, you will explore some amazing Inca ruins. along the way like Wiñaywayna Inca City.
If you are a single traveler, check with our office if there are any groups already scheduled for the dates you require.
| Price per person | |
| Without Hotel | $477 USD |
| 2* Hotel | |
| 3* Hotel | $497 USD |
| 4* Hotel | $597 USD |
**** Free backpack (small) transfer from Cusco to Aguas Calientes hotel.
CHECK YOUR SHORT INCA TRAIL HIKE TO MACHU PICCHU AVAILABILITY BY CLICKING ON MONTH OF YOUR CHOICE!
Orange Nation Peru has Guaranteed and Flexible Departure Dates, we only need a minimum of 2 trekkers and a maximum of 8 for all of our listed tours.
Permits: All visitors who wish to hike the Inca Trail must have a permit. These permits are limited, and it is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season (May to September).
How to obtain a permit: Permits for the Inca Trail can only be obtained through a licensed tour operator. You cannot obtain a permit directly from the Peruvian government. Tour operators will purchase permits on your behalf, and you must provide your passport information when booking.
IMPORTANT
If your date is sold out it is sold out for all travel agencies, there are not more permits!
We need Inca Trail availability ONLY for the starting date of your trek!
Please read the following information to help answer any questions you may have about our Services and the 2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
We will pick you up from the Cusco airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading ORANGE Nation outside the arrivals. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangments).
The Briefing will be the night before the trek at 6pm in our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210, Office Nº:213 (2and Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
ABSOLUTELY! During the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office, or your hotel, both are free. Please pack anything you will need for your hike in your day pack for Machu Picchu.
FIRST, to book your 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our home page or click here – BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase a Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu permit without the following information:
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the 1 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You can make your deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbol on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbol on our booking page.
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge by PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account; use our email address of orangenationperu@gmail.com to pay.
Unfortunately, the answer is No. Once the tickets have been purchased, the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the ticket has been bought. Tickets are also not transferrable nor refundable. If you cancel your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DEFINITELY! You have to bring your original passport, and it must be the same passport number you sent to us to book your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit. In case you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us your old number to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number. Please send the new passport number as soon as possible.
Remember to check your current passport to make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of your arrival to Peru!!! The Government of Peru is enforcing the existing law that requires all foreign travelers to have a passport valid for a minimum of six months past the time of entry into Peru. Peruvian authorities will deny entry into Peru for travelers not meeting this requirement.
The weather is very unpredictable, and it’s difficult to predict. The climate in Cusco has a temperature fluctuating between 14º – 16º C / 57º – 60º F, with warm days and cold nights. The best time to do the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is between April and October when the weather is warm.
The rainy season is from November through March, when doing the Inca Trail during these month, we advise that you bring rain gear and warm clathes. Also, be prepared for slippery steps in certain areas on the trek. The walk can be a bit more challenging, but you will enjoy the beautiful landscapes and colorful flowers.
The month of February, they close the the Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu for maintanance. The weather along the Short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu:
We highly recommend you to bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.
The Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu is a 12km (7.5 miles) hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is 2700mt.
In preparation: try walking 15kms in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important that become well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) before starting the trek.
How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty. That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.
No one knows the effects of high altitude better than indigenous people. Coca is the best natural medicine to combat altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its curative powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. It contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2, and calcium, among other nutrients. Coca makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb oxygen, suppresses hunger, combats fatigue, headaches and can ease your stomach. Instead of chewing leaves, another option is drinking coca tea, which can found in most hotel lobbies in Cusco.
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not required – is appreciated. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires excellent service and is an established feature of the tourism industry across many Orange Nation Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you feel, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, the staff does not require a tip, but fully appreciate and comes only with excellent service.
Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand, and respect the local places and its people.
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu DOES NOT INCLUDE the extra porter, so you will need to carry all your things. Please try to pack as light as possible to enjoy this trek.
We can transfer small backpack from Cusco to Aguas Calientes Hotel for free!
2730
2D - 1N
10
Hike, Bus, Train
We're a family-owned Travel Company and Tour Operator located in the heart of the Inca Empire, Cusco, Peru. We create individually customized tours and treks to Peru's most iconic attractions, as well as untouched, off the beaten track locations high in the Andes Mountains.
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Excellent quality at the best price
Quiet Andean night
Unique and little explored routes
Experience the culture up close
Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.
The Short Inca Trail with José was a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience. In the days leading up to our trek, he was highly communicative and provided all the details we needed (packing lists, expectations, timing) so everything…
Hace 3 meses
After researching extensively, I chose a Peruvian travel company to guide our Sacred Valley adventure for my husband and I. We booked a full day beginning with Maras and Moray, Ollantaytambo, lunch and Pisac.…
Hace 2 meses
We did the Lares Trek with Orange Nation/ Sam's travel and would highly recommend it. Lares has far less tourists than the inca trail (we saw about 4 groups over the two days initial hike up to the 4800m high point). The views are…
Hace 3 semanas
I had extremely high expectations and they were blown away! Our guide Rolando was an absolute legend. You can tell he is looked up to by all the other guides in the industry. He speaks multiple languages, connects deeply with each hiker,…
Hace 5 meses
Two of us did the 2 days Lares trek + 1 day Inca Trail, with a tour of Machu Picchu. We were blown away by the friendliness, knowledge, and kindness showed by both of our guides - Jorge and Carlos. We booked a group tour, but this ended up…
Hace 3 meses
Me and my friend did the 4 day Inca trail with Sam travel Peru, our tour guide was Juan Carlos, he has been doing tours to matchu pichu for over 20 years and his knowledge and expertise was amazing. I would recommend to anyone to as for him…
Hace 5 meses
We did the 2 day Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Our guide was Ray and Michael. It was really great - Ray was amazing and was really passionate about the place and told us loads of amazing stories. We had the perfect weather and even the packed…
Hace 3 meses
Amazing trip across 3 days with Jose! A massive thanks and shout out to our guide, he enriched the entire experience with his massive background of history of the culture and the land…
Hace 5 meses
Me and my Wife did the 5 day Inca trail with Sam Travel in April 2026. Our guide Henry and the incredible team of Porters and our Chef made the trip one of a lifetime. I cannot say enough good things about this group as they went over and…
Hace 3 meses
We were short on time during our trip to Peru, so we decided to do the 1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Everything was very well organised. We were collected from our hotel and taken to the train, where our journey to the trail began. The first part of the hike was a bit challenging, but it was absolutely worth it. The views of the mountains and the surrounding nature were breathtaking. Reaching the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was incredible. After the tour, we were taken back by train and dropped off at our hotel. I would highly recommend this hike to anyone visiting Peru, especially if you're short on time but still want to experience the Inca Trail. I also highly recommend our guide, Antonio. He was brilliant, incredibly knowledgeable, and shared so much interesting information about Machu Picchu, its history, and the local flora throughout the trek. He also allowed us to take breaks whenever we needed them.
Written August 6, 2026
I did the Rainbow Mountain tour, and I was the only one in the group who walked up the mountain. My guide Henry stayed with me the whole way, encouraging me and taking lots of photos along the trail. A truly great experience.
Written July 31, 2026
We had an amazing time with Henry our guide on our trek to Rainbow Mountian. With an early pick we left Cusco for the long car ride to Rainbow mountain with a quick stop for breakfast. When we got there Henry helped us reserve horses (highly recommend) and we started towards the mountain. The terrain, snow capped mountains and sediment settlement are a treat to see but it is worth the 10 extra minutes to the top. Because we had the horses we were able to take a long time at the top to take in all of the beautiful wonders. Henry allowed us time to explore and gave us wonderful information about how this beautiful wonder was formed. We definitely got more than our money's worth out of this gem!
Written July 29, 2026
Carlos Estrada was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and organized! Made our trip easy.
Written July 19, 2026
I had an amazing experience touring Sacred Valley and Machu Pichu with our tour guide, Carlos Estrada. He was quite helpful and knew a lot about everything. I recommend him and this tour!
Written July 19, 2026
Had an awesome day out to Rainbow Mountain with our guide Cesar Siccos! He was full of encouragement and positive energy and we made it to the top! Thank you, Cesar!
Written July 16, 2026
Following a great 2-day Inca Trail experience with SAM Travel, I signed up for the one-day Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley trek. Once again our group was small, just 4 people. Junior was our guide - he was friendly and knowledgeable. He seamlessly adjusted to our request for an earlier start time to beat the crowds, and also managed varying group member speeds / fitness levels well. Another positive experience with SAM Travel - highly recommend booking with them, especially if you are a solo traveler.
Written July 16, 2026
Rainbow mountain hike provided for gorgeous views, bunch of alpaca. At up to 5000 meters it provided for a healthy challenge even if the profile does not look that impressive…. Our guide - Cesar Siccos - was with us the whole way and provided the necessary support to get over the challenge. Great day out.
Written July 15, 2026
My trip to the rainbow mountain with my tour guide Siccos was incredible. Siccos was very energetic and kept our spirits high. I would highly recommend this hike to anyone.
Written July 15, 2026
