Short Inca Trail 2D/1N
Short Inca Trail: A Two-Day Hike to the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu
The Short Inca Trail follows an original section of the Inca road from kilometer 104. On the way you visit Wiñay Wayna and then arrive at Machu Picchu through the Inti Punku. Finally, you spend the night in Aguas Calientes and explore the citadel with a guide the next day.
An Inca trail in a single day of hiking
Summary
Trip overview
The Short Inca Trail is the perfect option to experience arriving at Machu Picchu on foot, without camping or several days of trekking. Since the citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, arriving through its ancient gate is a unique experience.
Starting at kilometer 104 (Chachabamba), the hike covers about 12 kilometers through the cloud forest. Along the way, you visit the impressive archaeological complex of Wiñay Wayna. Then you reach the Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, where you get the classic view of the citadel.
Afterwards, you spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, and the next day you return to Machu Picchu for a complete guided tour. It is an ideal alternative for those short on time or looking for a moderately demanding hike. If you have more days, the Classic Inca Trail offers the full four-day route; also, you can add Huayna Picchu to your visit.
The best of this journey
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Km 104, Wiñay Wayna and Inti Punku
Train to the trailhead, then a hike to Machu Picchu.
We pick you up very early at your hotel in Cusco and drive to Ollantaytambo to take the train to kilometer 104 (Chachabamba). After the permit check, we start hiking while we climb steadily along the mountainside. Around midday, we reach Wiñay Wayna, where we explore its terraces and temples and have lunch. Later, in the afternoon, we hike to the Inti Punku to see Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate and then descend toward the citadel. Finally, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night in a tourist hotel.
Day 2
Guided tour of Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
Complete visit of the citadel and, finally, return to Cusco.
After breakfast, you take the bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the temples, plazas and terraces of your assigned circuit. When the visit ends, you go down to Aguas Calientes and have free time for lunch. Then, in the afternoon, you take the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our transportation takes you to your hotel in Cusco.
Include
Included and not included
The trip includes
- Hotel pickup in Cusco and transfer to Ollantaytambo
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104
- Short Inca Trail permit and entrance to Machu Picchu
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Box lunch on the first day
- 1 night in a tourist hotel in Aguas Calientes with breakfast
- Bus down on the first day and round-trip bus on the second day
- Return train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco
- First aid kit
What's not included?
- Breakfast on the first day
- Dinner on the first day and lunch on the second day
- Trekking poles (available for rent)
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Tips for guides
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Important information
What to bring
- Small daypack
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Light clothing and a warm jacket
- Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
- Sunscreen, insect repellent and hat
- Water and snacks
- Original passport
Weather
The route is in the cloud forest, with a mild and humid climate. It can be hot during the day; also, rain is possible at any time of year.
Best season
April to October is the driest period. However, the Short Inca Trail also closes in February for maintenance, and its permits are limited.
Acclimatization
The hike takes place at a lower altitude than Cusco, but we still recommend spending at least one day in the city before the tour to adjust to the altitude.
Recommendations
The permit is issued with your passport details and cannot be changed. Also, bring only a small backpack, because the train has a hand luggage limit.
Accommodations
Accommodations and services
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
One night in a selected tourist hotel, close to the train station and also to the bus stop to Machu Picchu.
Transportation
Transfers between Cusco and Ollantaytambo, as well as buses between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Train
Train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104, then the return train from Aguas Calientes.
Meals
Box lunch during the hike, as well as breakfast at the hotel.
Assistance
Professional guide during the hike and the visit, including support from our team throughout the trip.
Gallery
Photo gallery
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Short Inca Trail?
The Short Inca Trail is a moderate hike of about 12 kilometers and 6 to 7 hours, with steady climbs and stone steps. Therefore, it is suitable for people in average physical condition.
Do I need a permit for the Short Inca Trail?
Yes. The Short Inca Trail requires a specific permit issued by the Ministry of Culture, which is limited and issued in the traveler’s name. Therefore, we recommend booking one to three months in advance.
Do we camp along the route?
No. At the end of the first day you will spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Do I visit Machu Picchu twice?
Yes. On the first day you arrive at the citadel through the Inti Punku and see it from above. Then, on the second day, you enjoy the full guided tour.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, for children used to walking. However, we recommend assessing their physical condition, because the hike lasts several hours and has steep sections.
Can I customize this itinerary?
Yes. We can upgrade the hotel category, change the type of train or add Huayna Picchu, although this is subject to availability.
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