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Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2D / 1N with Circuit 2 or 3

2 days - 1 nights
477USD Price per person
Duration:

2 days - 1 nights

Max. Altitude:

2730 M.S.N.M

Group Size:

10 person(s)

Service:

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.

2 Day INCA TRAIL TREK Details.

DAY 1: CUSCO –KM 104 – WIÑAY WAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHUPICCHU- AGUAS CALIENTES

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 .   

  • Meals included: Box Lunch, dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
  • Distance: 12 kms/7.5 miles
  • Time: 6hrs approximately
  • 3* Accommodations: Ferre Hotel
  • Difficulty: Moderate
map short inca trail hike to machu picchu

DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO 

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.

  • Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel

***IMPORTANT:

  • You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $57 USD.
  • Early trains can be organized by requested and it has to be done by booking time.
  • The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.
  • For the 2nd day of the tour, we may include the circuit 2 or 3, depending on availability, the circuit will be confirmed at booking time!

WHAT WE INCLUDE FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 2 DAYS?

  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel
  • 3 bus tickets Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu
  • Professional English speaking tour guide
  • Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Round trip)
  • Admission tickets for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu ruins (Circuit #2 or #3- depending on availability).
  • Accommodation in Aguas Calientes
  • First aid kit
  • Oxygen tank

WHAT WE DO NOT INCLUDE FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Huaynapicchu mountain US $75 per person
  • Day 1 breakfast
  • Day 2 lunch in Aguas Calientes
  • Optional hotel upgrades
  • Optional train upgrades: Vistadome extra US $57 per person (return only)

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$467 USD 
2* Hotel$477 USD
3* Hotel$497 USD
4* Hotel$557 USD

**** Free backpack (small) transfer  from Cusco to Aguas Calientes hotel.

DISCOUNTS

  • 18 to 25 years old: $20 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
  • Under 18 years old: $25 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 years old: $30 USD.  Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike: $75 USD per person
  • Vistadome Train: $57 USD per person – (RETURN ONLY)
  • Single supplement for standard hotel: $35 USD per night (for solo travellers with single room)
  • Free duffel bag transfer (5 kilos): to your hotel in Aguas Calientes for those staying extra days

FREE ADDED VALUES

  • TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT: Pick up from the airport with transfer to your hotel in Cusco included (Cusco only).
  • SMALL GROUPS: average 4 to 6 with a maximum of 10 hikers
  • AFTERNOON TRAIN: We give you enough time to explore Machu Picchu and have a relaxing lunch at Aguas Calientes.
  • HOTEL AT AGUAS CALIENTE CITY: includes private bathroom, hot shower, buffet breakfast, wifi, etc.

CHECK YOUR SHORT INCA TRAIL HIKE TO MACHU PICCHU AVAILABILITY BY CLICKING ON MONTH OF YOUR CHOICE!

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Act quickly — spots sell out fast!

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!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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.

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

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

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.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE:

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.

HOW TO BOOK:

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:

  • Personal information (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • D.O.B. (dd / mm / yyyy)
  • Nationality

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.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

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

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

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!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE SHORT  INCA TRAIL HIKE TO MACHU PICCHU?

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 PeruPeruvian authorities will deny entry into Peru for travelers not meeting this requirement.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN THE 2 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

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:

  • The Average weather conditions on the Inca Trail:
  • Dry Season April – October
  • Day temperature 20ºC – 25ºC – Night temperature -1ºC – 7ºC
  • Wet Season November – March
  • Day temperature 17ºC – 22ºC – Night temperature 4ºC – 7ºC

We highly recommend you to bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

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.

Stay hydrated

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.

TIPPING

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.

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?

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.

PACKING LIST FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL HIKE TO MACHU PICCHU?

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!

  • Original Passport(it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
  • Good daypack
  • Drinking Water – 1 to 2L
  • Comfortable hiking boots
  • Toilet Paper
  • Necessary clothes
  • Warm clothes
  • Jacket
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Warm Hat
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, protein bars
  • Rain plastic poncho
  • Camera
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2D / 1N with Circuit 2 or 3

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$477

Price
per person

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Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2D / 1N with Circuit 2 or 3

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What our travelers say

Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.

Gideon G 5 of 5 bubbles

Couples

Trip to Rainbow mountain. First to the mountain thanks to Yair’s expert driving and special thanks to Cristian for being my guide. Highly recommend!

Written July 2, 2025

Steven C 5 of 5 bubbles

Family

We had an incredible experience hiking the Inca Trail with Ray as our guide. Ray was amazing. He was super knowledgeable about the history of the Incas, and he brought that history to life. We visited three larger sites, and several smaller ones that we arrived at by foot deep in the Peruvian jungle. Ray's was an incredible, passionate, and experienced guide, and also just a great person we are lucky to have met. I also have to mention Moses, our porter who made an amazing lunch and hiked it up to our resting spot 2000 ft above the Urambamba River to Wiñaywayna.

Written July 4, 2025

Charlie C 5 of 5 bubbles

Family

Did the short inca trail through sam travel and it was an unforgettable experience. Hiking from the train to the Sun Gate with its beutiful views of macchu piccu was incredible. Our guide, Ray, was extremely knowledgeable, passionate, and always positive. At every location and along the way he had fascinating information to share and no question went unanswered.

Written July 4, 2025

Ignacio R 5 of 5 bubbles

Family

We had a great experience with our guide Cristian during our visit to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. He shared clear and detailed explanations, with a fascinating historical narrative that helped us truly connect with the places we explored. I learned so much thanks to him. The atmosphere was also really positive and friendly throughout the tour. Highly recommended!

Written June 26, 2025

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