Short Inca Trek and Machu Picchu - 2 Days

From £431£216 per day
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Trip Snapshot

Genders

  • Female47%
  • Male53%

Average age

30
8 Min99 Max

Start / End

  • Cusco
  • Cusco

Physical rating

3/5

Group size

1 - 16

Meals included

4

Highlights

  • See Machu Picchu twice: at sunset from the Sun Gate and at sunrise the next morning.
  • Stay overnight in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes with mountain views.
  • Travel back to Cusco in comfort on the panoramic Vistadome train.
  • Enjoy freshly prepared picnic breakfast and lunch along the hike.
Recommended

Free Brochure

Uncover insider tips, see a packing list and view a detailed itinerary and accommodation information.

Summary

This 2-day hiking adventure is perfect for active travelers who want to experience the Inca Trail in less time. Walk from Km 104 to Machu Picchu, visiting Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate, with the exclusive chance to see the citadel at both sunset and sunrise, savor picnic meals on the trail, travel back on the panoramic Vistadome train, and enjoy a comfortable overnight 3-star hotel stay in Aguas Calientes.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Cusco - Km 104 - Wiñay Wayna - Machu Picchu

    • 13 km / 8 mi
    • 2,700 m / 8,858 ft (Sun Gate)
    • 7 hours

    Start your adventure with an early hotel pickup from Cusco’s historic center or the Sacred Valley (Urubamba or Ollantaytambo).

    Travel by train along the scenic Urubamba River to Km 104, where a picnic breakfast welcomes you to the day’s journey. Begin your hike at the archaeological site of Chachabamba, exploring its ancient structures before ascending through lush Andean landscapes. Discover the remarkable terraces of Wiñay Wayna, a testament to Incan engineering and harmony with nature. Enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch surrounded by mountain views.

    Continue to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) for your first awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu, illuminated by the warm afternoon light. Enter the citadel via Circuit 1, ideal for capturing stunning photos with fewer visitors. End your day with a bus ride to Aguas Calientes, where a satisfying dinner at a local restaurant and a restful overnight stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel await.

  • Day 2

    Machu Picchu - Cusco

    • To 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
    • 2-3 hours exploring Machu Picchu

    Start with an early breakfast before taking one of the first buses to Machu Picchu for a peaceful sunrise experience, followed by a guided exploration through Circuit 3 that reveals its plazas, temples, terraces and ceremonial spaces, with the option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked in advance) for extra views, enjoy free time in Aguas Calientes for lunch and local market visits, and conclude with a panoramic Vistadome train ride back to Ollantaytambo before your transfer to Cusco.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    3* Hotel

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 2, Lunches: 1, Dinners: 1

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Jun 2026

    from £431

  • Jul 2026

    from £431

  • Aug 2026

    from £431

  • Sep 2026

    from £431

  • Oct 2026

    from £431

  • Nov 2026

    from £431

  • Dec 2026

    from £431
  • Wednesday 1 Jul 2026to Thursday 2 Jul 2026
    6+ spaces of 16 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £431
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  • Thursday 2 Jul 2026to Friday 3 Jul 2026
    6+ spaces of 16 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £431
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  • Friday 3 Jul 2026to Saturday 4 Jul 2026
    6+ spaces of 16 leftGuaranteed Departure
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  • Saturday 4 Jul 2026to Sunday 5 Jul 2026
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  • Sunday 5 Jul 2026to Monday 6 Jul 2026
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  • Monday 6 Jul 2026to Tuesday 7 Jul 2026
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  • Tuesday 7 Jul 2026to Wednesday 8 Jul 2026
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  • Thursday 9 Jul 2026to Friday 10 Jul 2026
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  • Friday 10 Jul 2026to Saturday 11 Jul 2026
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  • Saturday 11 Jul 2026to Sunday 12 Jul 2026
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  • Sunday 12 Jul 2026to Monday 13 Jul 2026
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  • Monday 13 Jul 2026to Tuesday 14 Jul 2026
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  • Tuesday 14 Jul 2026to Wednesday 15 Jul 2026
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  • Wednesday 15 Jul 2026to Thursday 16 Jul 2026
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  • Thursday 16 Jul 2026to Friday 17 Jul 2026
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  • Friday 17 Jul 2026to Saturday 18 Jul 2026
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  • Saturday 18 Jul 2026to Sunday 19 Jul 2026
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  • Sunday 19 Jul 2026to Monday 20 Jul 2026
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  • Tuesday 21 Jul 2026to Wednesday 22 Jul 2026
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  • Wednesday 22 Jul 2026to Thursday 23 Jul 2026
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  • Thursday 23 Jul 2026to Friday 24 Jul 2026
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  • Friday 24 Jul 2026to Saturday 25 Jul 2026
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  • Saturday 25 Jul 2026to Sunday 26 Jul 2026
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  • Sunday 26 Jul 2026to Monday 27 Jul 2026
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  • Monday 27 Jul 2026to Tuesday 28 Jul 2026
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Customer reviews & ratings

(4.8 out of 5)Based on 102 reviews

  • We had a really nice 2 day trip on the short inka trail. The views were awesome, the walk was not too strenuous and our guide was wonderful! Miguel explained a lot and told us so much about the traditions of the Andes, about the Inca and about flora and fauna. It was a unique experience and we can only recommend everyone to do this tour (best with Miguel)! Muchísimas gracias Miguel!

    Annina Verified

  • Excellent experience, breathtaking views. Jhony was an exceptional tour guide with great insight and always found a way to make the tour amazing. Highly recommend.

    Nicholas Jul, 2023 Verified

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • What are the meals like?

    We will provide you with a box lunch prepared with fresh local products. Dinner is served in a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes. Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and other diets are able to be catered for.

  • Will I get to see Machu Picchu at sunrise and sunset?

    Yes! You will visit the Sun Gate twice on this itinerary.

  • What sort of trains will I be travelling on for this itinerary?

    You will travel 104km on the Expedition or Voyager train, and return on the second day via the panoramic trains with comfortable seats and wide windows to enjoy the amazing landscapes.

  • Is this trip suitable for children?

    Absolutely! There is only one day of hiking, so if you are an active family with children, this would be perfect!

  • What distances will I trek, and how long will it take?

    This trip covers a total distance of 16km or 9.9 miles meaning you will be hiking for about 7 to 8 hours until you arrive at the great citadel of Machu Picchu. The trekking takes place on the first day - you will be following the final part of the classic Inca Trail. On Day 2 you will be able to explore Machu Picchu.

  • What should I take?

    A detailed packing list is included in our brochure, you can download this on this page!

  • What is the terrain like?

    The terrain is mountainous with well-Maintained Paths that are easy to follow, and there are Inca stone steps. These stone steps can be narrow and uneven. The Short Inca Trail follows a portion of the classic Inca Trail route, so you'll get a taste of the original path built by the Incas. The trail includes stretches of rocky and gravelly terrain. You'll walk over a variety of surfaces, including dirt paths, gravel paths, and uneven ground. Sturdy footwear is recommended to ensure stability and prevent any discomfort.
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