2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Embark on a 2-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Discover ancient sites, learn Inca traditions, and marvel at the iconic World Wonder.

Duration: 2 days
Cancellation: 6 days learn more
Highlights

Day 1 – Cusco;Sun Gate;Machu Picchu / Day 2 – Machu Picchu;Cusco

Day 1: Cusco – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu: We will pick you up from your hotel at 04:30am to catch the train to the starting point of the hike at km.104 on the Cusco–Machu Picchu railroad. On arrival, we will visit the nearby Chachabamba archaeological complex, and then begin the four-hour ascent up the 8km trail to the impressive Wiñaywayna archaeological complex comprised of an agricultural sector with numerous terraces, a religious and an urban center. On the way up, we will be able to enjoy magnificent views of the Urubamba River Valley, the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex on the opposite side of the river, and a beautiful waterfall minutes away from Wiñaywayna. Leaving Wiñaywayna, an hour’s trek along a trail of flat stones on the edges of the highland jungle cliffs brings us to ‘Intipunku’ (Sun Gate). Along this trek, we will get our first glimpse of the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku you will descend to Machu Picchu and then travel by bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will be accommodated at the selected hotel. Total distance: 13 km (8.08 miles). Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours. Altitude at starting point: Chachabamba 2150m (7052 ft) Maximum altitude point: 2,650 m (8,692 ft).

Day 2: Machu Picchu – Cusco. - We will wake up early and board a bus to Machu Picchu where we begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. We will then have free time to walk around, climb up the Huayna Picchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we will be in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here you will take the train back to the city of Cusco that will arrive after nightfall. You have the option to stay in Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes) as many nights as you would like and have the chance to climb Putucusi Mountain, hike to Mandor Waterfalls, relax at the hot spring or explore the Site Museum of Machu Picchu. You have categories of accommodation to choose from one to 5 stars. Entry to Wayna Picchu must be booked at the time of the reservation and has an additional cost of $60 US.

Points of Interest

  • Mandor

  • Putucusi Mountain

  • Travel and Healing

What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Local guide
  • Professional guide
  • Driver/guide
  • Snacks
  • Professional art historian guide
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Overnight accommodation
  • Transport by private vehicle
What's Not Included
  • Drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Mountain climb to Apu Machu Picchu
Additional Information

This version of the famous Inca Trail is a perfect deal for travelers short on time but rich with an interest in cultural exploration and understanding. Begin your trek with a traditional Andean Blessing and transverse through beautiful archeological sites Wiñaywayna, around the winding bends of the Inca stone paths. Our guides specialize in providing you with rich information on Inca traditions and the secrets of Pacha Mama (mother earth), creating a memorable and informative trekking experience. After a short day hike, be prepared to stand tall above Machu Picchu, gazing down on the Archeological World Wonder in awe, a much richer understanding and appreciation of Inca traditions than ever before.

  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Cancellation clause applies - 50% if cancelled 7 days or less prior Tour
Location
Mandor
Mandor Valley - Machupicchu, Km. 114. 3
Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(15 Ratings)
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Laurenwv7915xp
Jun 15, 2022
Top rated experience - I had the two day Inca trail hike and visit to matchu piccu with Willy. Before even meeting he'd given me really clear instructions on our meeting points and what to expect during the day. When we met I knew instantly it was gonna be a good day. Despite not feeling 100percent and accidently packing a bag way heavier than needed! Willy and I had such a laugh all day!! He took great photos of me and made sure I got all the best shots on my trip! He got me through the hike with laughter and a really great attitude. Id highly reccomend willy for any tour! He had a great knowledge of all the historical points. And put up with all my silly jokes. Top guide. Thanks Willy!!"" Xx
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sidlemon
Sep 15, 2019
Great 2 day hike to Machu Picchu! - Loved the 2 day Inca Trail hike! Our guide Soledad was very knowledgeable about the trail and the Inca history. The organization responded very quickly to our questions via WhatsAp, was quite impressive. I love supporting businesses that empower and employ women in male dominated fields like the tour guide field. Would highly recommend the short Inca trail!
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Lynbradley
Aug 13, 2019
2 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Fantastic experience. From the moment we met our guide Willy and had our Sharman blessing the night before our trek we knew we were going to have a memorable adventure. The train journey was exciting but nothing prepared us for the mind blowing views and landscape we would witness during our hike. I did struggle uphill but with Willy's positive attitude, encouragement and guidance made it to Sun Gate. And oh what a site. Stunning. Willy and Travel and Healing, absolute gems. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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Findinglauren
Jul 30, 2019
Great tour with Willy! - If you visit Macchu Piccu, you should do the Inca Trail. It is a nice 6 hour hike. We went with a small group and Willy was very helpful to the members who struggled walking uphill. Willy gives you information about the locations in the right amount- not too much and not too little. We loved Willy so much we had him tour us for Rainbow Mountain. Inca Trail was my favorite activity of the trip! Thanks, Willy and Rudy!
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James
Jul 27, 2019
Amazing Inca Trail Experience - We did the 2-day Inca Trail tour with Willy. This trip is an amazing experience as you get to experience the best part of the Inca Trail and end the hike with an amazing first look at Machu Picchu. Willy was our tour guide and he made the trip an incredible experience. Willy has great energy and a great sense of humor, which made the trip a memorable one. I would recommend not only this trip as the best way to experience the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, but also Willy as your tour guide.
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Mentarok
Jul 5, 2019
Short inca trail experience - This was an amazing experience. Willy is an extraordinary guide professional who is listening to you at all times. No stress you let yourself be carried away in an extraordinary landscape. I recommand you trip trip with Willy and travel&Healing.
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Eoghan
Jun 11, 2019
Machu Picchu Inca Trail - Great tour guide - Had an great two days doing this trail. Day one we did the Inca trail where we saw some amazing historical spots, and finished overlooking Machu Picchu. Day two we got spend exploring the site of Machu Picchu. Coco our guide was brilliant, and made our experience very mermoable. He explained everything along the way, and his local knowledge gave a great insight into how the Incas lived.
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Diarra-88
Jun 11, 2019
Coco is the main man! - Coco was our guide on this trip. He met our group the night before in Cusco and gave us loads of information on the trek and what to bring etc. He answered all our questions that we had! On the trail itself, he was always happy to stop and allow us to take pictures and he was a wealth of knowledge along the route. It was great to have someone who understood the culture so well to guide us. I'd highly recommend Coco as guide for Machu Pichu 👍🇵🇪⛰️
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Paula_h
May 24, 2019
Fantastic hike and tour company - My husband and I have hiked and biked and camped on six continents. The hike to Machu Picchu on the Inca trail has to be one of the most amazing hikes we have ever taken. Usually we travel independently and do not book tours. However hiking the Inca trail and seeing Machu Picchu is such a complicated project that we decided to book through Travel and Healing. We were amazed at how much care they took to make sure our trip was exceptional. Right from the beginning Aracely,the trip manager, contacted us directly on WhatsApp. She answered all of our questions, and made sure she booked exactly what we wanted. She took care of everything from entry papers to the trail, to train and transport, to our hotel and our amazing guide, Coco. During our trip she was available at any hour to make sure everything was going well. She even made last minute arrangements when our train did not work out on the return. Our adventure began with a traditional blessing from a Quechua priest. Coco, our guide, was also Quechua and as we hiked, he explained a lot about their culture and the beliefs that have been passed down from Inca times. This made the hike along the stone steps and paved Inca trail, through amazing Inca ruins so much more meaningful. Coco's cheerful attitude, encouragement and great knowledge about the mountains, nature and Inca history along the trail made the trip extraordinary. I cannot recommend Coco and Travel and Healing more highly. If you want a company that cares about you and works hard to make sure your trip is exactly what you want, rather than feeling like a number in a herd of people, then this is for you.
Review provided by Viator
Elviadiaz
Aug 24, 2019
2day Inca trail Peru 2019 - This was such a beautiful experience, ones in a lifetime for me. From the ceremony that took place in our hotel, so beautiful. Trail was just stunning. When we arrived to the sun gate and saw Machu Picchu from far the experience became so magical. Second day was Machu Picchu tour and that was breath taking. Only a couple bad things that I was not happy with. Food provided was not the best. We were served quinoa and a little juice box along with a orange, not enough for a long day of trekking. On our way back to Cusco we got left there and one picked us up. Por communication, so we had to fine and pay our way back to Cusco. Other than that, the experience was amazing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor