2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (with hotel)
2 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Short Inca Trail follows the final section of the original trail to Machu Picchu. Along the route, you will visit archaeological sites such as Wiñay Wayna, hike through cloud forests, and reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you will enjoy views of the citadel and the surrounding valley.
Travelers who choose the 2 Day Inca Trail will have their first view of Machu Picchu during the afternoon of the first day, arriving through Inti Punku, and the following morning they will enter the citadel for a guided tour. Overnight accommodation is provided at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
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Overview
DAY 1:
- 5:20 a.m. Hotel pickup in Cusco.
- 5:30 a.m. Departure by transportation to the Ollantaytambo train station. The drive takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours.
- 7:45 a.m. Ollantaytambo – Km 104 train. The ride takes approximately 1 hour 35 minutes; passengers get off at kilometer 104 (2,200 m.a.s.l. / 7,217 ft).
- 9:20 a.m. Document and permit control. Start of the hike. Brief visit to Chachabamba.
- 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna hike (2,650 m.a.s.l. / 8,694 ft). Uphill walk of about 3 to 3 hours 30 minutes.
- 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Visit to Wiñay Wayna, rest, and box lunch.
- 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate, 2,720 m.a.s.l. / 8,923 ft) and first view of Machu Picchu. Descent to the citadel.
- 5:00 p.m. Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (20 to 25 minutes).
- 6:30 p.m. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 2:
- 5:00 a.m. Breakfast at the hotel.
- 5:30 a.m. Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (20 to 25 minutes).
- 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. Entrance to Machu Picchu (2,430 m.a.s.l.) according to the ticket schedule. Morning visit to the citadel.
- 7:00 a.m. Guided tour of approximately 2 hours according to the assigned circuit.
- After completing the circuit, exit the archaeological site. Free time in Aguas Calientes according to the train schedule.
- 1:30 p.m. Arrival at the Aguas Calientes train station.
- 2:55 p.m. Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on the service).
- 4:30 p.m. Estimated arrival in Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
- 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Estimated arrival in Cusco and transfer to your hotel.
DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 104 – WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES
The 2-day Short Inca Trail starts early. We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station. The road trip takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours. Along the way, you will see the Sacred Valley of the Incas, farmland, and snow-capped peaks.
In Ollantaytambo, you board the train toward kilometer 104. The ride to the drop-off point takes approximately 1 hour 35 minutes. The group gets off at kilometer 104 (2,200 m.a.s.l. / 7,217 ft) and begins the hike.
You cross the bridge over the Urubamba River (Willkamayu, “sacred river” in Quechua). At the checkpoint, you present your passport, foreigner ID card, or national ID, along with your Inca Trail permit. A few minutes away is the Chachabamba archaeological site, set in semi-tropical forest. After a brief visit, the ascent begins along trails and stone steps, with views of the valley, waterfalls, and orchids.
After about 3 hours of hiking, you reach Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m.a.s.l. / 8,694 ft), a complex of Inca agricultural terraces. The name comes from an orchid found in the area and means “forever young.” It has more than 20 structures; one of the best known is the Temple of the Rainbow, also called the Temple of Fertility. The visit lasts from 45 minutes to 1 hour. You then have your box lunch and pass through the Wiñay Wayna checkpoint.
In the second part, you walk between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours along a stone path, staircases, and tambos to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate (2,720 m.a.s.l. / 8,923 ft). In Inca times, it served as the entrance control to Machu Picchu. From here you can see the citadel and the valley. The descent to Machu Picchu (2,430 m.a.s.l. / 7,972 ft) takes about 30 minutes. Then you take the bus to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m.a.s.l. / 6,693 ft). The descent takes 20 to 25 minutes.
Overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes. Dinner at a restaurant in town.
DAY 2: MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
Early in the morning, your guide waits at the hotel and walks with you to the bus station. The bus ride to the Machu Picchu entrance gate takes about 30 minutes. Entry is made according to your ticket time, in the morning, so you can explore the citadel early and make the most of the best light of the day for photos.
The guided tour lasts from 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes and covers the areas of the assigned circuit. Anyone who wishes to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain must book it separately, subject to availability and the current cost.
Afterward, you take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and board the train to Ollantaytambo. From the station, road transportation takes you to Cusco. Estimated arrival at hotels: between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The tour ends with the drop-off at your hotel.
What’s Included in the 2 Day Inca Trail Tour?
Included
- Hotel pickup in Cusco and transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station.
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Km 104.
- Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish-English).
- Inca Trail permit (Km 104) and Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- Meals: 1 lunch (Day 1), 1 dinner (Day 1), and 1 breakfast (Day 2).
- Bus tickets between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes, according to the itinerary. 1-night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes, based on double occupancy.
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle.
- Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco with drop-off at your hotel.
Not Included
- Breakfast on Day 1.
- Lunch on Day 2.
- Extra beverages, tips, and personal expenses.
- Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional, subject to availability and current rates).
Recommendations to bring
- Passport, foreign resident card, or original national ID. It must be the same document used for the permit and must be valid.
- Student ID only if you booked with a student fare.
- Trekking shoes.
- Sandals are recommended for the hotel or train ride.
- Small backpack (maximum 25 liters to enter Machu Picchu).
- Water: 1.5 to 2 liters for the hiking day.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Comfortable long-sleeve clothing and long pants.
- Sunscreen, cap or hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent.
- Cell phone and power bank.
- Personal medication.
- Cash in Peruvian soles for drinks, tips, and purchases.
- Swimwear only if you wish to visit the hot springs on your own, on the evening of Day 1.
ESSENTIAL ITEMS:
- Original Passport.
- VALID STUDENT ID CARD (if booked as a student).
- Immigration card (delivered on the airport upon entering Peru).
- Good quality backpack (medium sized).
- Water storage bottle or canteen: Camelbak bottles are recommended, but all need to be sufficient to hold 1-2 litres.
- Comfortable shoes, preferably light with good soles (waterproof goretex for rainy seasons).
FOR YOUR BAGGAGE:
The train has a luggage limit of 7-8 kilograms per person. We therefore recommend bringing only important and necessary items to Aguas Calientes.
- 3 Long sleeve shirts.
- 3 Breathable t-shirts.
- 2 Hiking trousers.
- 3 Sets of underwear.
- 3 Pairs of socks.
- 1 Shorts (suitable for hiking).
- 2 Fleece.
- 1 Waterproof coat and pants (for rainy seasons).
- Sunglasses.
- Sun hat.
- Sandals – In case you want to visit the hot springs in Machu Picchu town.
- Small quick-drying travel towel.
- Portable battery charger for your phone and cameras.
TOILETRIES:
- Sunscreen.
- Facial moisturiser.
- Insect repellent.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Wet wipes.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Toilet paper.
- Personal medication.
- First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.
ITEMS TO TAKE INSIDE MACHU PICCHU:
A small backpack is recommended, since bags larger than 25 liters are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. If yours is larger, you will need to store it outside the gates of the citadel.
- Water canteen.
- Sun hat.
- Rain clothes.
- Camera or phone camera.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste.
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips.
Additional Information
VISTADOME TRAIN FIRST CLASS OR INCA RAIL 360º TRAIN : For an additional payment of $40 USD per person, you can upgrade your tour package to the Vistadome class train or the Inca Rail 360º train for the return journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. The upgrade is subject to the availability of trains on the dates you wish to travel.
VISTADOME TRAIN
EXPEDITION TRAIN
HOTEL CATEGORY 4****: For an additional payment of $30 USD per person, you can upgrade your hotel stay in Aguas Calientes and the hotels can be one of the following options.
* Hotel Tierra Viva Machu Picchu.
* Hotel Taypikala Machu Picchu.
PRIVATE SINGLE ROOM:
* Hotel 3***: For an extra payment of $40 USD, you can get 01 private single room in category hotels 3***.
* Hotel 4****: For an extra payment of $60 USD, you can get 01 private single room in category hotels 4****.
DISCOUNTS:
* Peruvian Tourists with their valid DNI, Tourists with a passport from the Andean Community (Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia), get a discount. «Does not apply to the Inca Trail tour»
* Foreign tourists with a student card, under 25 years old, current expiration date of the same year, get a discount.
For more information write to us by email: machupicchuviajesperu@gmail.com or to WhatsApp +51 995050803
- Extra tickets will need to be purchased to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain
- There are limited number of spaces available per day, so we recommend requesting booking the tickets in advance
- Once the mountain tickets are sold out for that day, there are no options available for extra tickets
- The cost to climb the Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu mountain is $ 75 USD per person. This will be added to the total cost
- Those hiking Inca Trail that wish to do Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, will also be charged an extra $ 75 USD
- IMPORTANT: Before requesting tickets to the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, check availability by contacting us!
- The hotel reservation is subject to space availability.
- The cost of the tour packages is based on a double or matrimonial room. For an individual room, an additional payment must be made.
- We can also organize a travel itinerary according to your requirements and the places you want to visit. These can be with category 3, * 4 *, and 5 * hotels.
- For more queries and information write to us by email:​machupicchuviajesperu@gmail.com
WHY CHOOSE MACHU PICCHU VIAJES PERU?
- We are a local tour operator based in Cusco with 15 years of experience as a Tour operator 100% Cusquenian Company.
- We have all the Authorizations and licensed by the Peruvian government as proof that we are an official tour operator.
- We have the Best Tour guides (Fluent in English and Spanish): We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional, licensed and degrees by the Peruvian government and speak fluent English and Spanish. They are very knowledgeable and passionate about Incan heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurately and recognized theories in Incan and Andean cultures.
- Small groups & Personalized and High-quality service (Customized Private Tour), This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
- No hidden prices or Surprises/ We Never Pass you onto another operator as most travel agencies do here. We will depart even if you are a group of 02 persons (Departure of tours is 100% guaranteed).
- We never share services with other companies as most travel agencies do here to Minimize cost
- We are a Sustainable and eco-friendly tour company, Machu Picchu Viajes Peru has always believed that we should “give back” to the communities we pass through on our treks. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we socially support and employ these communities.
- We are committed to social projects and improving living conditions for the children of Peru.
- Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering to Personalized and High-quality service.
- We treat our team of porters the best with a HOUSE for them to sleep in and proper equipment, wages, and health insurance for everyone
- Master Chefs The best in the Cusco region
- The food provided on our treks is the best( buffet Style and plenty of food)
- The best Camping Equipment for the Inca Trail and alternative treks (spacious tents 4 season aluminum poles tents, Eating & Cooking tents, Portable table & chairs, comfortable mattresses, and more…)
- Our tourist transports are exclusively for our services, which are completely reliable, comfortable, safe and with all the necessary authorizations.
“Machu Picchu Viajes Perú” We know how important it is to trust a trustworthy honest operator to create the adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Take a look at our reviews and certificates of excellence in Tripadvisor
Where does the tour start and end?
- All ours tours begins with the pick up to the tourists at the door of their hotels “We pick up to our clients from any hotel located in the city of Cusco”, We recommend to stay close to the historical center of the city of Cusco, it will make it easier to find your hotel.
- All our tours ends at the door of the hotels, it means the tours will finish with transfer to your respective hotel located in Cusco.
How to prevent altitude sickness?
- The altitude sickness or soroche can cause you some discomfort during your visit such as dizziness, fatigue or nausea. Try to avoid alcoholic beverages and fatty foods before the visit.
- To reduce symptoms, try to acclimatize yourself one day before to the altitude of the city of Cusco. We recommend to drink infusions of coca leaf (natural plant used by the Incas) is an excellent option to avoid the actitude sickness.
How is the accommodation?
- For all the tours which include hotels. We offer hotels of 3* and 4* category, it has spacious and comfortable rooms, bathrooms, hot showers and bueffet breakfast. If the tourist like, you can change the accommodation to a better service. You just have to request it via email for an additional cost.
Which season is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
- The dry season months between April to December are the best time to come and visit Cusco. During those days the possibility of rain is very little, so the roads are not swampy and the landscapes can be better to enjoy and takes the best pictures. On the other hand, the months with the most rain are January, February and March.
What are the coldest months in Cusco Peru?
- The coldest season in Cusco are in the months from May to July. During this time the sun is strong in the day, but once it goes down or you spend much time in the shade, it can get very cold. It can go below zero at night, so warm clothes and Jackets are necessary to bring during these months.
How long in advance can I request the tour?
- We recommend to purchase the tours weeks or months in advance, this because the train and Machu Picchu tickets has a limit of spaces, dont wait until the lust minute to book your tour, other ways you will not be able to find spaces.
During the trip to Machu Picchu, where the big luggages will stay?
The train company that operates to Machu Picchu does not allow the traveler to carry a suitcase that weighs more than 7 kilograms. To go up and visit the city of Machu Picchu, it is recommended to carry a light and small backpack for your convenience; the rest of the luggages you can leave them without any problem at the storage of your hotel in Cusco, or you can also leave at our office in Cusco city, we have an storage too.
Very Important in case you want to book the Inca trail to Machu Picchu:
- CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS: If you want to book the Classic Inca Trail 4 days, you must to book early to get your desired date. Depending on the month you prefer to do the hike, you may need to book 6 months or more in advance, the limit of spaces for the inca trail 4 days is 400 people per each day.
- SHORT INCA TRAIL: If you are booking the 1 or 2 day Inca Trail, it is preferred that you also book in advance, however 2 to 4 month in advance would be good, the limit of spaces for the short inca trail is 200 people per each day.
When is the best season to hike the Inca Trail?
- The best time of year to do the inca trail is between May to October, with August and September being the best months of all. The trail is dry and the weather is lovely. During the rainy season between November to April the trail will be wet and can make it more difficult.
What are customers saying about Us
At Machu Picchu Viajes Perú, our goal is to create the best possible experience for all our clients. Proof of our commitment is reflected in our customer recommendations.
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4.9/5 Reviews
Over 10,000 travelers servedMore than a trip, we create authentic experiences in Peru
We specialize in designing personalized trips to Machu Picchu and the main destinations in Peru, combining impeccable organization, personalized attention, and deep local knowledge.
Proven Experience
Years of experience operating routes such as the Inca Trail, Salkantay, and cultural tours, with packages throughout Peru.
Specialized Local Team
Certified guides and trained staff who guarantee quality service and professional support.
Safe and Official Operations
Company registered and authorized by official tourism entities in Peru.
Commitment to the Community
We work with local providers promoting sustainable development and responsible tourism.
National and international distinctions that support our commitment to quality and excellence in every experience.
Machu Picchu Viajes Peru is a highly recommended company on Tripadvisor, ranked as one of the best tour operators nationwide, winner of the 2025 Excellence Award.
Certificates and Authorizations
Machu Picchu Viajes Peru is a company fully authorized by the Peruvian government, certifying us as a legally established company with multiple excellence certificates.
Machu Picchu Viajes Peru meets the highest social and environmental standards in the tour operator market, meaning we practice sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism.
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