The Short Inca Trail 2 Days 1 Night is a fantastic option for those with limited time but still eager to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Inca Trail. This trek offers stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and visits to several key archaeological sites, including Wiñay Wayna, Chachabamba, and Choquesuysuy. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a scenic one-day hike through the heart of the Inca Trail.
In addition to the trail itself, you’ll visit the iconic Machu Picchu twice—once in the morning and again in the afternoon—allowing you to capture the majestic site in both early and late-day light for the perfect photographs. This is an unforgettable way to experience the Inca Trail, even with a tight schedule.
The Short Inca Trail 2 Days 1 Night is an ideal choice for solo travelers, couples, families with children, and groups of friends. With just one day of hiking, followed by a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu citadel, this trek offers the highlights of the Classic Inca Trail in a shorter, more manageable format.
Covering 15km (9.3 miles), the Short Inca Trail is relatively easy, making it a great option for families, those with limited time, or anyone seeking a more relaxed adventure without sacrificing the incredible experience of the Inca Trail.
You will have a detailed briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before your Short Inca Trail 2 Days 1 Night. The guide will meet you at your hotel or our Office, giving you the chance to ask any questions and finalize preparations before the trek.
We go to your hotel in Cusco to pick you up at 3:45 am, we will then drive for 1 hour and 45 minutes to Ollantaytambo train station to take the train to Km 104, which is the beginning of the Short Inca Trail.
At Km 104 the train stops to get off and go walking to the main checkpoint for the respective registration, this place is located at an elevation of 2,150 m/ 7,052 ft, after the registration we will walk for a couple of minutes and we will reach the first Incan site called Chachabamba that consists in having temples, the main square, sacred rock, etc. In which, our guide will deliver a great information about this site.
Afterward, we will continue walking gradually uphill enjoying the spectacular sceneries until reaching the Wiñaywayna Incan temple whose meaning is “forever young”, where our guide talk to you a great history of the site. After the exploration of Incan temple, we’ll take our snacks or box lunch at the Checkpoint of Wiñaywayna.
We’ll then continue hiking to Machu Picchu for two more hours, entering in this wonder of the world through the Gate of the Sun, from where we’ll have the first views of the famed Incan city, and take our time to make great shots from this point. Once we arrive at Machu Picchu we’ll take our time to make great shots of the Incan city, as the afternoon is usually with fewer people.
We’ll then take the bus to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes town). Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes you will check in to your hotel. The natural hot springs in town are an unbeatable way to spend a late afternoon/early evening if time is available before dinner.
On our final day of the Short Inca Trail, we have to get up very early to prepare for the highlight, visiting Machu Picchu – the Lost City of the Incas. Breakfast will be served in the hotel; then, we will go straight to wait for the first buses going up to Machu Picchu at 5:00 am. Arriving as the sky brightens, we will walk up with the city’s incredible views. You can watch the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu on a clear day. This is truly an unforgettable sight.
Your guide will take you on a 2 to 3-hour comprehensive tour of the city before leaving you in Machu Picchu to explore or climb either Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked as far in advance as possible); they will take you on additional hikes like the Inca Bridge and spend as much time as necessary.
Explore the most remarkable places of Machu Picchu with a private exclusive tour guide, visit the temples, palaces, and farming terraces, and learn the history of Machu Picchu.
Your tour guide will explain how to take the bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). You will have time to explore the town, choose the restaurant of your preference, buy souvenirs in the local market, and later in the afternoon; you will board the trains and bus back to Cusco.
Our team will meet you off the train and return you safely to your hotel. The arrival time to Cusco is around 6:30 or 7.30 pm.
The Short Inca Trail 2 Days 1 Night is available to depart any day of the week from March to January. We do not operate this itinerary in February due to the rainy season and maintenance of the trail.
A minimum of 2 hikers is required to start the 2-Day Short Inca Trail to ensure the tour can operate as planned.
