Short Inca Trail (2D/1N)

The essence of the Empire

Discover the essence of the Empire with the Short Inca Trail (2D/1N), the perfect route for those seeking the mysticism of an ancestral pilgrimage without the rigor of four days of camping. This exclusive journey allows you to walk original sections of the Qhapaq Ñan, crossing cloud forests and the breathtaking archaeological site of Wiñay Huayna. The crowning moment arrives at sunset when you cross the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to receive your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu—a privilege reserved only for Inca Trail hikers.

Unlike conventional tours, this experience combines the adrenaline of trekking with the comfort of a hotel night in Aguas Calientes, allowing you to recharge for the second day. After a restful break, you will enjoy an in-depth guided tour of the Inca Citadel, exploring its temples and secrets before returning on a comfortable scenic train. It is the ideal choice for travelers with limited time who refuse to miss the triumphant entry into one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

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Llaqtapata

Intipata

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Huayna – Machu Picchu
  • This day covers an approximate hike of 11 km (6-7 hours) with a maximum elevation of 2,720 m (8,923 ft) above sea level.
  • 04:00 – 04:30: Hotel pick-up (Cusco) and transfer by private transport to the Ollantaytambo train station.
  • 06:10 – 07:45: Train journey (Expedition or Vistadome) to Km 104 (the official start of the trail).
  • 08:00: Passport and permit control at the Chachabamba checkpoint (2,100 m).
  • 08:30: Guided visit to Chachabamba: An archaeological complex dedicated to water worship and an Inca administrative control center.
  • 09:00 – 12:00: Gradual ascent along an original stone path through the high jungle (cloud forest).
  • 12:30: Arrival and exploration of Wiñay Huayna (2,650 m): The most important site before the citadel. Includes urban sectors, liturgical fountains, and an impressive system of agricultural terraces.
  • 13:30: Box lunch in the designated area (near the Wiñay Huayna campsite).
  • 14:30: Flat/undulating hike toward Inti Punku (Sun Gate). Conquering the “Gringo Killer” steps (50 steep stone steps).
  • 15:30: Arrival at Inti Punku (2,720 m): First technical panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel and the Urubamba Valley.
  • 16:30: Descent to the classic photo sector (Guardian’s House) for sunset views (inner tour not included yet).
  • 17:30: Descent by ecological bus (Consettur) from the citadel to the town of Aguas Calientes (2,040 m).
  • 19:00: Group dinner and briefing for the following day. Overnight stay at the selected hotel.

  • Day 2: Machu Picchu (The Citadel) – Cusco
  • Focus on the interpretive visit and return logistics.
  • 05:30: Breakfast at the hotel.
  • 06:30: Boarding the bus up to the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary (25-minute journey).
  • 07:30 – 10:30: Guided Tour of Machu Picchu: Tour through the critical points of the citadel (usually Circuit 1 or 2):
    • Temple of the Sun (Semicircular Tower).
    • Royal Residence.
    • Sacred Plaza and Temple of the Three Windows.
    • Intihuatana (solar clock and astronomical observatory).
    • Sacred Rock (North Sector).
  • 11:00: Departure from the citadel and descent by bus to Aguas Calientes.
  • 12:00 – 14:00: Free time for lunch (usually not included in the base package) and a visit to the artisanal market.
  • 14:30 – 16:15: Arrival at the Aguas Calientes train station.
  • 18:10: Arrival at the Ollantaytambo station.
  • 18:30 – 20:30: Transfer by private bus from Ollantaytambo to Plaza Regocijo or the hotel doorstep in Cusco.

Includes/Does not include

  • What is INCLUDED (Paid to the agency)
    Official Permits: Entrance to the Inca Trail and the Machu Picchu Citadel.
    Full Transportation: Bus from Cusco to the station, Train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104, and Return Train.
    Consettur Buses: Bus transfers between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes (up and down).
    Professional Guide: Certified bilingual guide for both days.
    Accommodation: 1 night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes (tourist class).
    Basic Meals:
    Day 1: Box lunch (portable lunch) and dinner at a restaurant.
    Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel.
    Safety Equipment: First aid kit and oxygen.

    NOT INCLUDED (Exclusions)
    Day 1 Breakfast: Usually eaten at the hotel before pick-up or taken as a snack.
    Day 2 Lunch: In the town of Aguas Calientes after the guided tour.
    Day 2 Dinner: After returning to the city of Cusco.
    Tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: These require an additional permit and must be booked well in advance.
    Travel and Health Insurance: Highly recommended for trekking and adventure activities.
    Tips: For the guide and support staff (voluntary).
    Personal Expenses: Such as snacks, extra water, or handicrafts.

What to Bring?

  • 1. Lo Imprescindible (Sin esto no pasas)
  • Pasaporte original (Obligatorio en controles).
  • Dinero en efectivo (Soles para propinas, baños y snacks).
  • Botella de agua reutilizable (Prohibido plástico de un solo uso).
  • 2. Ropa (Puesta y en la mochila)
  • Calzado: Botas de trekking (ya usadas).
  • Puesta: Pantalón ligero, polo transpirable y casaca cortavientos.
  • En la mochila: 1 polo de repuesto, ropa interior/medias extra y un poncho de lluvia (aunque sea época seca).
  • 3. Higiene y Salud
  • Repelente de mosquitos (Vital en esta zona).
  • Bloqueador solar y gorra.
  • Artículos básicos: Cepillo de dientes, desodorante y papel higiénico.
  • 4. Extras Útiles
  • Cargador portátil (Powerbank).
  • Snacks: Barras de cereal o frutos secos.
  • Bastones de trekking: Solo si tienes problemas de rodillas (con puntas de goma).
  • Nota: Tu maleta grande se queda en el hotel de Cusco; solo caminas con lo que llevas en la espalda el día 1.

Maps

Includes/Does not include

  • What is INCLUDED (Paid to the Agency)
    Official Permits: Entrance to the Inca Trail and the Machu Picchu Citadel.
    Full Transportation: Bus from Cusco to the Station, Train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104, and Return Train.
    Consettur Buses: Bus transfers between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes (up and down).
    Professional Guide: Certified bilingual guide for both days.
    Accommodation: 1 night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes (tourist class).
    Basic Meals:
    Day 1: Box lunch (portable lunch) and dinner at a restaurant.
    Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel.
    Safety Equipment: First aid kit and oxygen.

    NOT INCLUDED (Exclusions)
    Day 1 Breakfast: Usually eaten at the hotel before pick-up or taken as a snack.
    Day 2 Lunch: In the town of Aguas Calientes after finishing the guided tour.
    Day 2 Dinner: After returning to the city of Cusco.
    Tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: These require an additional permit and must be booked well in advance.
    Travel and Health Insurance: Highly recommended for trekking and adventure activities.
    Tips: For the guide and support staff (voluntary).
    Personal Expenses: Such as snacks, extra water, or handicrafts.

What to Bring?

  • 1. The Essentials (Required for entry)
    Original Passport: Mandatory for all checkpoints.
    Cash: Peruvian Soles for tips, restrooms, and snacks.
    Reusable Water Bottle: Single-use plastic bottles are strictly prohibited.
    2. Clothing (Worn and in your backpack)
    Footwear: Trekking boots (already broken in).
    Worn items: Lightweight pants, breathable shirt, and a windbreaker jacket.
    In your backpack: 1 spare shirt, extra underwear/socks, and a rain poncho (even during the dry season).
    3. Hygiene and Health
    Mosquito Repellent: Essential for this area.
    Sunscreen and a hat.
    Basic items: Toothbrush, deodorant, and toilet paper.
    4. Useful Extras
    Portable Charger (Power bank).
    Snacks: Cereal bars or dried fruit.
    Trekking Poles: Only if you have knee concerns (must have rubber tips).
    Important Note: Your large luggage stays at your hotel in Cusco; you only hike with what you carry on your back on Day 1.

Maps

Conoce nuestros horarios, precios de las entradas y descuentos.