Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2026 Description

Introduction

The Inca Trail excursion to Machu Picchu is an excellent option for those who do not have the time, physical condition, or desire to sleep in a tent to complete the 4-day / 3-night Inca Trail. This variant of the Inca Trail offers the opportunity to visit the Wiñayhuayna ruins complex, one of the most beautiful in the area. Additionally, it is possible to visit Inti Punku (Sun Gate) and have that unforgettable moment of seeing Machu Picchu from there.

Unlike the 4-day / 3-night Inca Trail, this trek does not include camping but instead an overnight stay at a hostel in Aguas Calientes. If you prefer a higher-category hotel, we can arrange it for you.

The Inca Trail Tour also has a limit of 120 people, managed by the National Institute of Culture of Cusco, so it is necessary to book 3 to 4 months in advance.

With extraordinary landscapes, diverse ecological zones, and a variety of flora and fauna, the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu features original stone paths and visits the most important Inca complex on this route, Wiñay Huayna ("Forever Young"). It takes approximately 5 to 6 hours to reach the imposing Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.

If there is no availability for the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

NOTE: If there is no availability for the Inca Trail, we recommend taking the 5-day / 4-night Salkantay Inca Trail for more information and booking.

Important

To receive all the information on how to make a reservation, please write to us at:

info@viajesmachupicchu.com

Our team will get back to you promptly with all the necessary details and assistance.

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2026 Summary

First Day: Inca Trail

  • 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Train Cusco - KM 104. Chachabamba
  • 10:00 a.m. Hike - Trek
  • CHACHABAMBA - WIÑAYHUAYNA - MACHU PICCHU
  • Optional: Machu Picchu Town, visit (Hot Springs)

Second Day: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu

  • 6:00 a.m.
  • MACHU PICCHU
  • Guided tour in Machu Picchu.
  • Free afternoon in Machu Picchu.

Detailed Itinerary: Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Chachabamba - Intipunku - Machu Picchu

Short Inca Trail in 2 DaysWe will pick you up at 6:30 a.m. from the hotel and transfer you to the train station. During the train ride, you will enjoy picturesque landscapes until reaching km 104, Chachabamba, also known as the starting point of the 2-day Inca Trail at around 10 a.m. After a 3-hour hike, we will arrive at the archaeological site of "Wiñaywayna" (2650 m.a.s.l.), which is also the main attraction and archaeological site of the Inca Trail, where we will have a guided tour of the complex.

In the afternoon, we will continue our hike to Machu Picchu through a semi-tropical forest towards "Intipunku" (the Sun Gate), from where we can enjoy a panoramic view of the majestic "Machu Picchu". We will take a break, and after about an hour, we will reach the Inca City of Machu Picchu. After a brief rest, we will descend to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town by tourist bus, arriving at approximately 4:30 p.m., where we will transfer to the hotel and rest. (L-D-B-H)

Day 2: Machu Picchu – Full Day

Ruta Inka a Machu PicchuMachu Picchu, where we will have approximately a 2-hour guided tour of the most important sites. Afterward, you can explore the mysterious city at your own pace. If you still have energy, you can also climb Wayna Picchu (2720m/8923ft)! It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top. This hike is an additional and optional activity, and you may need to leave the Machu Picchu tour early to secure a permit for this climb. We then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay. You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes, with an optional night visit to the town’s hot springs (entrance fee: $4).

In the afternoon, we take the return train to Ollantaytambo. Expedition service (to Ollantaytambo) and then a tourist bus to Cusco. We will arrive in Cusco at approximately 10:30 p.m. (B)

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2026 Includes:

  • Classic 2-Day Inca Trail Excursion
  • Transport from your hotel in Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo (Trekking Start Point)
  • Tourist train to km 104 (Chachabamba)
  • Professional Tourism Guide
  • Inca Trail Entry Ticket
  • 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 snack, 1 dinner, and various snacks throughout the day (breakfast on day 1 and meals after breakfast on the last day (day 2) are not included)
  • Cook (Professional). Vegetarian option available upon request at no extra cost
  • Drinking water along the Inca Trail, available only at meal stops
  • First Aid Kit
  • Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu
  • Tourist Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
  • Return Train Ticket on Expedition Tourist Service (Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo) and bus to Cusco, followed by hotel transfer

Not Includes:

  • Phone Calls
  • Others not specified in the Program.

We recommend you to bring

  • Hiking Boots (Preferably waterproof with ankle support)
  • Waterproof Jacket or Rain Poncho
  • Wool Jacket for warmth, Hat, and Gloves
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable Pants
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen (SPF 35 recommended)
  • Insect Repellent
  • Personal Hygiene Items
  • Personal Medications
  • Camera or Camcorder
  • Flashlight with Spare Batteries

Something More:

  • Shorts
  • Walking Stick (with rubber tip)
  • Bandages
  • Sandals
  • Extra Money
  • Swimsuit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes) entrance fee at the gate: $4

Discounts:

  • To qualify as a student, you must have a valid ISIC-CARD (International Student Identity Card). Please scan and email us a copy when making your reservation. We offer a $40 discount per student.

Extras:

  • Metal Trekking Pole Rental: $15.00 for the entire trip
  • Return by Vistadome Tourist Train: "First-class train with panoramic windows to enjoy the landscape of the Machu Picchu Valley" – $50.00 per person
  • Hotel in Cusco: Available in Standard, Tourist, First Class, or Luxury categories. Contact us for more details! We have exclusive rates for all hotels in Cusco.
  • Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: $75.00 or you can do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu in 3 days.