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short inca trail 2 days to Machu Picchu

Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu

Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu

Ollantaytambo Km 104 Chachabamba Winay Wayna Sun Gate Machu Picchu

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a unique way to experience one of Peru’s most famous hikes in 2 days (1 day for the hike and a day for Machu Picchu). This 2-day trek allows you to hike the last part of the original 4-day Inca Trail while enjoying incredible mountain views, beautiful archaeological sites, and arriving directly at Machu Picchu through the Gate of the Sun.

On this 2-day hike to Machu Picchu, you will explore important Inca sites, such as Chachabamba, Sun Gate, and Wiñay Wayna (translated as “forever young”), known for its impressive terraces, water fountains, and well-preserved constructions. Along the trail, you will enjoy a combination of natural beauty and ancient history that makes this trail one of the most rewarding and unique experiences in Peru.

We have been organizing this trek for over 15 years, and our clients have found this hike even more incredible than expected. As you bask in stunning views, ancient Inca ruins, the historic trail, and our expert guides in the field have been key to making this trip memorable.  An expert team of professional guides, knowledge of the trail, and logistics speak for themselves.

One of the highlights of the Short Inca Trail 2 days is arriving at Machu Picchu through the Gate of the Sun in the afternoon, a moment reserved only for Inca Trail hikers. You will also have the chance to visit Machu Picchu twice: once in the afternoon on your arrival day (on this tour, you will gaze out at the classic panoramic views from the upper terraces/circuit 1) and again the following morning, with a guided tour.

After the first day of hiking, you will spend the night in a cozy and comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes Town, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. And that evening, you will have plenty of restaurant options for dinner in the town.

The Short Inca Trail 2 days is rated a moderate hike and is suitable for travelers with a reasonable level of fitness; it is also important to be healthy. It typically includes permits, entrance tickets, train tickets, private transportation, hotel, and a professional guide.

We operate this tour on a semi-private (very small groups) and private basis to ensure a better and more intimate experience. Prices for the Short Inca Trail 2 days usually range from $750 to $1200, depending on the season, availability, train type, and hotel type.

This hike was designed and is officially operated by Peru Summit Adventures, a 100% local tour operator based in Cusco.

Think Green, Think Global for a Better World for Everyone.

Traveling with us you are making a big difference in favor of the environment, our Short Inca Trail 2 Days is rated as eco-friendly trips to ensure that fragile ecosystems are protected and maintained for future human generations, also maintain ecosystem and environment integrity through considering a sustainable and ethical business model. Making genuine and sustainable itineraries often translates to real costs, with a host of responsible travel practices that underpin our prices.

Why Experience Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu

Travel with a locally based team, thoughtful planning and a pace designed around the realities of Peru.

  • A route matched to your travel style

    We recommend the pace and visits that best fit your time, interests and energy level.

  • Local guides who know the journey

    Your guide supports the timing, safety and cultural context of every travel day.

  • Careful altitude and pacing decisions

    Realistic travel times and well-placed stops help you enjoy the Andes without feeling rushed.

  • Private attention throughout the tour

    Ask questions, adjust the pace and explore with support focused on your group.

  • Tour logistics handled in advance

    Tickets, transport and entry times are coordinated with your itinerary before departure.

  • Direct support for local people

    We work with local guides, drivers and communities so your visit benefits the places you explore.

Trip Details

Service Level

Upgraded Comfort

Comfort-focused service with an expert local guide, private transportation and a flexible itinerary.

Group Size

Min 2, Max 8 people

Couples, families and friends are welcome. Private service gives your group more flexibility.

Physical Grading

Light to Moderate

Travelers should be comfortable walking at altitude and exploring sites with uneven paths.

Limited Spaces

Advance booking recommended

Entrance tickets and selected services are subject to availability during busy months.

Activities

Archaeology & Cultural Adventures

Explore Inca sites, traditional towns, local markets and Andean landscapes.

Acclimatization

Allow time in Cusco

Arrive at least two days before your tour so your body can adjust to the altitude.

Accommodation

Not required for this day tour

The experience starts and finishes at your accommodation according to the itinerary.

Important Note

Flexible local operation

The itinerary may change when weather, roads or local events affect safe travel.

Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu video

Itinerary

This itinerary for Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu outlines a 2-day trekking journey with planned visits to Ollantaytambo, Km 104, Chachabamba, and Winay Wayna. Review each stage below to understand the daily highlights, travel sequence and practical details..

Inca Trail, Incan ruins, first views of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, & Gaze out Machu Picchu in the late afternoon.

Early wake-up, train journey, Inca Trail, gaze out stunning Inca sites and the unique Machu Picchu will make this first-day hike an unforgettable day.

At 3:45 AM, our private guide will come to your hotel in Cusco City to pick you up and drive for about 2 hours to reach the train station of Ollantaytambo, the reason to start earlier is to start the hike ahead of the crowds and have the trail just for ourselves and to have enough time along the trail. The scheduled train for this 2-day Short Inca Trail is at 6:10 AM (Expedition Class Train).

Train Ride and Official Checkpoint:

From Ollantaytambo to the trailhead (KM 104), you will have a train ride for 1 hour and 30 minutes, the railway follows the banks of the roaring Urubamba River, you will scan amazing views of the Urubamba mountain range, Incan ruins, and as you go farther and farther you will reach the high jungle (very lush forest), it’s how we will reach the trailhead where the train will stop briefly to get out, once at the checkpoint of KM 104, we will register ourselves and for this, you MUST bring your original passport as the rangers will review all information on the permits and passports.

Trailhead and Chachabamba First Inca Site:

After the checkpoint, we will begin our hike towards Machu Picchu for about 7 hours, right after the trailhead we will arrive at the first Incan site, which is a small archaeological site whose name is Chachabamba, this is an Inca site from the 15th century that features great constructions in rocks that most likely were religious constructions and others as dwellings for people who lived here where our Trek Guide will deliver great history lesson.

Hike to Wiñay Wayna:

After enjoying the history of the Incas at the first Inca site, we will continue walking gradually uphill enjoying the spectacular landscape until reaching the Wiñaywayna Incan Temple whose meaning is “forever young” where you will have an opportunity to learn more about the Inca civilization.

This section of the trail to Wiñaywayna is very scenic, you will soak up great vistas of the Urubamba Mountain Range in further directions, the lush Urubamba Valley with the roaring river, and the trail goes through slope parts of the mountain that makes the hike more challenging and interesting.

Wiñaywayna is the most beautiful Inca site along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and this place makes justice for it as the site has outstanding constructions, temples, water fountains, terraces, and dwellings, all of these constructions overlooking or oriented to the main mountains around.

Lunch break:

Walking about 5 minutes from Wiñaywayna, we will arrive at the official campsite for the 4-day Inca Trail hikers where we will have our lunch box (packed lunch) and have a break before heading out to Machu Picchu.

Gate of the Sun and First Views of Machu Picchu:

From Wiñaywayna, we will keep hiking for 1 hour to reach Sun Gate, this part of the trail is mostly flatter and the trail goes through the forest, as you approach Machu Picchu, the anticipation builds as you arrive at the astounding Sun Gate. Here, you will be rewarded with your first glimpse of the unique and Sacred Citadel of the Incas, perched among the tall Andes mountains like an otherworldly construction, of course, this a perfect moment to get your best snapshots, this place is very touching and exciting for most hikers since the iconic citadel of the Incas is finally uncovered after hiking for several hours.

Arrival at Machu Picchu, Visit Circuit 1:

From the Sun Gate, we will still hike for 1 more hour to Machu Picchu, this part of the trail is a gentle downhill. Once we arrive at Machu Picchu, we will reach the main viewpoint from where we will have the classic views of this wonder of the world (as seen in the magazines) because the afternoon is usually with fewer people, the visit to this lookout point is a must since the following day you are not going back to this place, otherwise, you will visit the middle part of the citadel. We will then take the bus to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes town) where we will have an overnight stay at a hotel.

short inca trail 2 days to Machu Picchu

Food Only packed lunch
Physical level Moderate
Walking distance 12 Km/ 7.45 Miles
Hiking time 6 - 7 hours
Starting altitude 2,150 m/ 7,052 ft.
Minimum altitude 2,150 m/ 7,052 ft.
Highest altitude 2,650 m/ 8,692 ft.
Weather May-Sept Mostly Sunny/ Oct-April Unpredictable.

Return to Machu Picchu for a Guided Tour:

Today a nutritious breakfast will make us ready at the hotel for our tour of Machu Picchu, after breakfast and picking you up from the hotel, we will walk to the bus station to take the bus back to Machu Picchu, once at Machu Picchu, we will visit the middle and lower part of this citadel because the Inca Trail ticket allows us to visit this part of Machu Picchu (Circuit 3, see the circuit map here) where our guide will deliver great information of this unique site and you will take plenty of time to enjoy the views and take amazing pictures.

The tour will be for about 2 hours, 2 hours of enjoying the history and seeing unique spots like temples, granaries, dwellings, terraces, plazas, aqueducts, and the fascinating views that surround this impressive Inca citadel.

If you have booked an extra ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain, you’ll climb up the mountain after the tour; however, spaces are subject to availability. In the unlikely event that Huayna Picchu permits are not available for your tour date, you will climb up Machu Picchu Mountain instead. This hike to the mountain would be unguided.

Take a Train to Sacred Valley/ Cusco:

After having a great time at the Incan emperor’s palace, we’ll take the bus down to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes Town) where we’ll have lunch (not included). In the afternoon we’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo train station, where our driver will be waiting for you to transfer back to your hotel in Cusco City. (this transfer service from the train station to your hotel is included).

Note on Machu Picchu Ticket: Since the Inca trail tickets grant you to visit Circuit 3 (middle part of the citadel), you can purchase an extra ticket only for Machu Picchu, a ticket that allows you to visit the full of Machu Picchu, if so, please refer to your travel expert or travel designer at the moment of inquiry to see the ticket availability, the ticket cost for a regular ticket for Machu Picchu is $65.00 USD.

short inca trail 2 days to Machu Picchu

Food Only breakfast
Physical level Easiest
Walking distance Short Walks in ruins
Starting altitude 2,050 m/ 6,726 ft.
Highest altitude 2,400 m/ 7,874 ft.
Weather May-Sept Mostly Sunny/ Oct-April Unpredictable.

Included & Not Included

A clear breakdown of the services covered by your tour and the personal or optional expenses.

Included on Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu

  • Private transportation from your Cusco hotel to the Ollantaytambo train station.
  • Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 (trailhead) on Expedition Train.
  • Train ticket back to Cusco at the end of our journey on Expedition Train.
  • Entrance ticket to the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu with CIRCUIT 1 + 3.
  • One night hotel in Machupicchu town in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included.
  • Bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (the day we arrive).
  • Round trip bus tickets in Machu Picchu the last day (the day of Machu Picchu guided tour).
  • Private transportation from the train station to your hotel in Cusco.
  • Professional Trek Leader.
  • Meals: Breakfast (1), lunch (1) with options for vegetarians.

Not Included on Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu

  • Extra regular ticket for Machu Picchu that allows you to visit Circuit 2 (the full circuit) at an extra cost of $65.00 USD per ticket. The ticket will be added only if it is available.
  • Hiking poles (available for rent)
  • Dinner on day 1 and lunch on day 2.
  • Extra expenditure during the trek, such as soda, alcoholic drinks, extra snacks, tickets for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
  • Gratuities for the guides, and other staff.
  • Travel and health insurance (bring copies with you please), we highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation, interruption; an insurance to protect your travel investment, Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance and emergency medical expense insurance. Any unexpected situations occurred during the journey and which are beyond our control, including changes in scheduling trains or flights, delays, strikes, cancellations, missed connections, etc. it should be covered by the passenger as a whole. Also, if you for physical reasons of health cannot continue the trek or walk, and will need emergency evacuation then all charges incurred such as transportation, hotel, ambulance, doctors, medication, hospitalization, etc. will be at passenger’s expense.

Prices & Dates

Select your travel year and month below to view daily guaranteed departures. All departures operate in small semi-private groups with licensed expert guides.

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Our Reviews

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice recognition
Award-winning Tour Operator

Peru Summit Adventures has received Tripadvisor recognition for five consecutive years.

Tripadvisor 221 traveler reviews

My wife and I just returned from a beautiful trip to Peru where we also hiked the Choquequirao with Peru Summit. I had been planning the trip for over a year together with Carlos and his patience, responsiveness and professionalism really impressed me and convinced me that I had made the right choice. The hike itself was run with the same attitude and attentiveness as the reservation process. We joined a possible group of 8 but eventually did the trek with just the two of us which made it even more special. The guide, cook and horsemen were all so knowledgeable and friendly and worked so hard to accommodate us. All we needed to do was hike! Our chef never made the same dish twice in 5 days and they helped us with all of our needs and flaws. One of our power banks broke during the trip and the one of the horsemen lent us his to recharge at night so that we could still take pictures and use our watches the final two days. A personal visit by Carlos to evaluate at the end of the trip was the icing on the cake. He made us feel very special. Peru Summit delivered above and beyond and created great memories for us. Thank you Carlos, Aureol, Luis, Victor & Juan. We'll be back!

We booked through Peru Summit for private tours to sacred valley, machu piccu and rainbow mountain. We had William as our guide and Juan as our driver. We all thoroughly enjoyed the trips. William is an excellent guide with so much knowledge to share, a great sense of humour and great fun to be around. We were well looked after at every stage and would highly recommend the company as well as William and Juan to make your Peru trip extra special and very hassle free!

I just returned from an 10-day trip to Peru with my wife and three adult kids, all through Peru Summit Adventures. When I started planning the trip 16 months ago, I looked at several tour companies, ultimately deciding that I wanted to support a local family-owned business rather than a larger international company. Founder/owner Carlos immediately impressed me with his responsiveness, attentiveness, and professionalism. He worked with me diligently to create an itinerary that addressed the group's divergent interests, answered each of my (many) questions patiently and thoroughly, and showed tremendous flexibility when the size and makeup of our group changed repeatedly due to family circumstances - even providing a partial refund when he was no longer required to. Still, being anxious by nature, I harbored some uncertainty until we landed in Lima about whether we had chosen the right company and how everything would go. But any doubts were immediately put to rest. Through two days in Lima (with guide Rodrigo and driver David) and seven days in Ollantaytambo and Cusco (with guide Percy and driver Mario), we encountered nothing but top-end service with absolutely delightful people who became temporary members of our family. We did the two-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, climbed Wayna Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, saw all the major archaeological sites, visited some weaving cooperatives, and got great restaurant and shopping recommendations. Percy even went out of his way to make sure that my son's and my birthdays were celebrated during the trip. And Carlos continued to demonstrate the type of personalized attention you will never receive from a larger tour company, messaging every day to see how we were doing, whether the accommodations were comfortable, etc., and even taking time to stop by our Cusco hotel on our last day to introduce himself, chat in person, and solicit any suggestions for how his company might improve (we had none). Seriously, if you're browsing to help you choose a Peru tour company, you can safely stop browsing right now and go with Peru Summit. This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip and I could not have chosen a better outfit to entrust it to.

We booked a day trip to Machu Picchu. Although once here we realised we could have pieced it altogether ourselves, it was so worth booking ahead for peace of mind. Everything was so efficiently sorted by Carlos. Hotel pick up ( bang on time - and hotel recommended for shortest walk) , arrival at coach queue bang on time and no queuing, fast entry to MP ( and critically at 6am- first in) and the best Circuit 2 . All this in the capable hands of our guide William who was excellent - and good company! We learnt so much and it was all at an excellent pace and sensitive to our interests and level of knowledge. We had perfect clear skies but I think that was just luck!

William with Peru Summit Adventures made our Peru trip unforgettable! We did a customized tour of various attractions around Cusco (Maras salt mines, Moray circular terraces, Ollantaytambo Inca site, etc.) and William was the BEST guide through it all. He was unbelievably knowledgeable about every site and so friendly — we felt so comfortable around him, which was important to us as a group of 3 women. William went out of the way to make sure our experience was perfect, constantly checking in on us throughout the tour and ensuring we were having a good time. 10/10 recommend Peru Summit Adventures and especially William!

This private tour of the Sacred Valley was definitely worthwhile! Our guide Wally and our driver Juan were kind, knowledgeable, attentive and very fun. We got to see all the best sites in the sacred valley and even had some bonus facts/stops, like eating the best empanadas in Pisac! The tour is adjustable based on your liking and timing really depends on how long you want to spend at each site. We stuck with the advice from our guide and had the best day - highly recommended!

This is going to be a long review, because Peru Summit Adventures deserves it. After speaking with several large international tour companies, we ultimately decided to work with a local Peru-based company, Peru Summit Adventures—and it was one of the best decisions we made for this trip. From our very first conversations, Carlos spent a tremendous amount of time listening to what we wanted from our 2.5 weeks in Peru: a private, high-end trip with wonderful hotels and guides, plenty of history and culture, some adventure, and experiences that felt personal rather than cookie-cutter. He offered thoughtful suggestions we hadn’t considered and ultimately created an exceptional itinerary for the two of us. Of course we visited Cusco and Machu Picchu, but Carlos also encouraged us to experience Arequipa, Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca, which ended up giving us some of our most memorable days in Peru. He paired the itinerary with beautiful hotels, outstanding private guides and drivers, and seamless logistics from beginning to end. What really distinguishes Peru Summit Adventures, though, is how personal the experience feels. Carlos didn’t simply plan our trip and hand us off once we arrived. He stayed in touch with us throughout the journey, checking in and personally monitoring things as we made our way across the country. We always felt like someone was looking out for us. He also arranged experiences we never would have found on our own. One of our favorites was a private day in the mountains outside Cusco accompanied by wonderfully tame and friendly alpacas and llamas—exactly the sort of unique, memorable experience we had hoped to find in Peru. We also discovered just how valuable it was to have Carlos in our corner when weather caused our flight to Arequipa to be cancelled. While we were stuck at the airport trying to figure out what to do, Carlos was in constant contact with us on WhatsApp, working on solutions and ultimately helping get us onto another airline and flight that allowed us to keep the rest of our itinerary on track. He was responsive, reassuring and genuinely sympathetic to how frustrating the situation was. That kind of hands-on, personal care is very difficult to imagine getting from a large international operator, and in that moment it meant an enormous amount to us. Every single guide Carlos selected for us was exceptional—warm, friendly, accommodating, easygoing and incredibly knowledgeable. They didn’t simply recite facts; they were wonderful storytellers who helped us understand Peru’s history, culture and people. Our drivers were equally terrific, and we felt completely comfortable and well cared for throughout the trip. Carlos was also incredibly helpful before we ever arrived, giving us excellent advice about packing, altitude and how to prepare for the different environments we’d encounter along the way. For a smaller local operator, the level of service was extraordinary. In fact, the personal attention we received was one of the great advantages of traveling this way. We had all the comfort, organization and polish of a high-end private tour, but with the warmth and flexibility of working directly with people who live in and love Peru. I also loved knowing that our tourism dollars were going directly to a local Peruvian company rather than through a large overseas operator. And somehow, despite the incredibly high level of service, we also felt that we received excellent value for the quality of the trip Carlos created for us. Most importantly, this wasn’t simply a well-planned vacation. We fell in love with Peru, and so much of that was because of the people and experiences Carlos brought into our journey. We came home with memories and stories that I know we’ll still be talking about many years from now. I recommend Peru Summit Adventures and Carlos without hesitation. If you’re looking for a beautifully planned, private trip through Peru with exceptional guides, thoughtful details, unique experiences and someone genuinely invested in making sure you are taken care of from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave, book with them with confidence. Peru Summit Adventures gets my absolute highest recommendation. Five stars doesn’t really feel like enough.

这次秘鲁之旅真的多亏了 Peru Summit Adventures。不巧我太太在行程中受了伤,原定的多日徒步只能取消。当时我们挺沮丧的,但老板 Carlos 和团队反应非常快,不仅一直在鼓励我们,还迅速帮我们改了轻松的替代行程。Carlos 甚至特地跑来酒店看望我太太,让我们非常感动。在他们的周到照顾下,我们最终顺利登上了马丘比丘,圆了心愿!如果去秘鲁,找他们绝对靠谱。再次谢谢 Carlos 和团队! I cannot thank Peru Summit Adventures enough. My wife unfortunately injured her foot, so we had to cancel our multi-day trek. We were pretty stressed, but Carlos (the owner) and his team were so quick to help. They came up with an alternative plan right away, and Carlos even came to our hotel in person to check on her. Thanks to their quick support, we still got to see Machu Picchu safely! If you are planning a trip to Peru, I highly recommend them. Thank you again, Carlos!

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT!...

Here’s, Why You Should Book With Us!

Making a choice of your right travel company/ tour operator is the most important decision you will make as you make your plans for a long-anticipated dreamed adventure. At first glance, some companies may seem cheaper. However, when you research a little deeper, you will see why traveling with Peru Summit Adventures assures that you will have the most memorable travel experience possible. In fact, we guarantee it, our TripAdvisor reviews say that.

Making genuine and sustainable itineraries often translate to real costs, with a host of responsible travel practices that underpin our prices, here are the reasons why you should go with us!

Could you imagine trying to hike silently along an isolated trail, carefully not disturbing shy wildlife, with 10 or 20 other travelers? Or walking on a remote area to explore the pristine wilderness with dozens of other tourists at your side? We know meaningful nature encounters must be undertaken in small groups. That’s why our trips come with an average of just four travelers, by far the smallest groups in the tourism industry across the country. This not only guarantees you more personal close-up wildlife experience, but a less-impact presence on the earth’s brittle natural places we love.

When you plan a bucket-list journey to Peru, the last thing you want is an operator canceling due to low numbers. At Peru Summit Adventures, we guarantee that once you book your departure date, your adventure is 100% confirmed. You can book your flights and plan your vacation with complete peace of mind.

Responsible tourism is at the core of everything we do. We provide our porters, wranglers, and support crew with fair wages, comprehensive insurance, warm sleeping quarters, and nutritious meals. Moreover, our expeditions feature high-end 4-season mountain tents, ergonomic trekking pads, and gourmet regional meals prepared fresh daily.

Green Engage - Eco-friendly and Sustainable Travel

THINK GREEN, THINK GLOBAL FOR A BETTER PLACE FOR EVERYONE

EVERY JOURNEY LEAVES A FOOTPRINT. LET'S MAKE IT A POSITIVE ONE.

Traveling with us means making a positive difference for the environment. We incorporate responsible and eco-friendly practices into our trips to help protect and preserve fragile ecosystems for future generations, while respecting the integrity of the natural environment through a sustainable and ethical approach to tourism.

We believe that creating genuine and sustainable travel experiences comes with real costs. Responsible tourism requires thoughtful practices at every stage of our operations—from reducing our environmental impact and protecting natural areas to supporting local communities and the people who call these destinations home.

By choosing to travel with Peru Summit Adventures, you are helping us promote a more responsible and sustainable way of exploring Peru. Together, we can protect the incredible natural and cultural heritage of our country and help ensure that these extraordinary places remain for generations to come.

Every journey leaves a footprint. Let's make it a positive one.

Select Your Train to Machu Picchu

Expedition train journey through the Andes
Expedition Train

Comfortable, Practical & Scenic

The Expedition Train offers comfortable standard seating and wide windows for enjoying the Andean landscapes. It is a practical and pleasant way to travel between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu.

Comfortable Seats Standard reclining seats
Large Windows Panoramic route views
Luggage Up to 5 kg
Onboard Service Basic assistance

This train is included

Vistadome train journey to Machu Picchu
Vistadome Train

Panoramic Windows & Andean Views

The Vistadome Train adds wider panoramic windows, a brighter cabin and a more immersive view of the valley for travelers seeking extra scenery and comfort.

Panoramic Views Expanded windows
Photo Friendly Better natural light
Snack Service Light refreshments
Luggage Up to 5 kg

Available as an upgrade

Vistadome Observatory premium journey
Vistadome Observatory Train

Premium Scenery & Observatory Car

The Vistadome Observatory combines panoramic windows with access to an observatory-style car, offering extra space and a memorable view throughout the route.

Observatory Car Open-view experience
Premium Views Designed for the route
Andean Ambience Enhanced experience
Onboard Service Attentive assistance

Premium upgrade available

Machu Picchu landscape for the Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury journey
Belmond Hiram Bingham

Luxury Rail Journey to Machu Picchu

The Belmond Hiram Bingham train offers an exclusive journey to Machu Picchu with elegant carriages, gourmet cuisine, live music and attentive onboard service along the scenic Sacred Valley route.

Gourmet Dining Refined onboard cuisine
Bar & Observation Scenic social spaces
Live Music Entertainment onboard
Personalized Service Dedicated attention

Available as a luxury upgrade

Expedition Train Comfortable service included
Vistadome Train Panoramic comfort upgrade
Vistadome Observatory Premium scenic experience
Belmond Hiram Bingham Luxury rail experience

Trip Leaders

The perfect custom-made private tours, adventure tours, or expeditions don’t just happen. It takes a team of talented, knowledgeable, passionate, and experienced professionals to bring it all together and possible. Our team of Peru Summit Adventures Leaders is comprised of local trip veterans, seasoned tour veterans with rich backgrounds on history, archaeology, culture, cuisine, geology, biology, and more.

With the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the travel industry, our Trip Leaders safely deliver your trip-of-a-lifetime to maximize your Peru journeys and adventures every step of the way. Our Tour/Trek Leaders have worked extensively in the Peru isolated mountains, archaeological sites, hiking the Inca Trail (at least 150 times), Amazon jungle, and being at Machu Picchu for over 400 times at least, this guarantees your trip a unique and memorable experience.

Carlos - Lead Expedition Specialist 15+ Years

Carlos

Lead Expedition Specialist
400+ Expeditions EN / ES / QU

High-altitude expedition leader passionate about Andean astronomy, trail safety, and geology.

WFR Responder DIRCETUR Guide
Ronald - Senior Alpine Trek Leader 12+ Years

Ronald

Senior Alpine Trek Leader
250+ Treks EN / ES / QU

Alpine specialist recognized for steady acclimatization pacing and high-mountain expertise.

WFR Responder Alpine Safety
Edwin - Archaeology & Cultural Guide 10+ Years

Edwin

Archaeology & Cultural Guide
300+ Routes EN / ES / QU

Historian and archaeologist bringing Inca architecture, sacred cosmology, and living culture to life.

Archaeologist DIRCETUR Guide
Maritza - Eco-Trekking & Community Guide 9+ Years

Maritza

Eco-Trekking & Community Guide
200+ Expeditions EN / ES / QU

Conservationist dedicated to indigenous community partnerships and authentic cultural exchanges.

WFR Certified Eco Steward

WHATS THE TRIP LIKE & FAQ'S

Average daytime temperatures in and around Cusco generally range from 55º – 75º F with evenings cooling down into the 40º and 50º. Much of this itinerary takes place in the mountains, where weather can change very quickly and evening temperatures regularly drop into the 30º and 40º. As our treks are planned during the “dry season”, days are typically clear and pleasant, with afternoon clouds occasionally building and leading to small amounts of rainfall, and morning temperatures usually range from 35º and 45º with some frost on the tents, and frosty plains in some locations. While April and November departures may experience slightly higher amounts of rainfall, all-day rain is unusual. We will be hiking over multiple mountain passes which are over 14,104 ft, so should you be prepared for unpredictable mountain weather.

Since the Inca trail tickets grant you to visit Circuit 3 (middle part of the citadel), you can purchase an extra ticket only for Machu Picchu, a ticket that allows you to visit the full of Machu Picchu, if so, please refer to your travel expert or travel designer at the moment of inquiry to see the ticket availability, the ticket cost for a regular ticket for Machu Picchu is $75.00 USD.

The Short Inca Trail 2 days has a distance of 12 km – 12.46 miles from the trailhead to Machu Picchu Inca citadel.

The best month to hike this trail is June, this month coincides with the typical celebrations due to the anniversary of Cusco, after the second week of June there are typical lively celebrations in Cusco city (shows, colorful dancers, local musicians, food exhibitions, etc) that are worth enjoying while scanning the city downtown. Besides June is a month within the dry season so the weather is perfect for any hike (blue sky and starry nights). We also recommend any time between May through August, these months are within the dry season.

Since the tour is only for 2 days, you need to bring only essential items for the hiking day and for Machu Picchu day, these personal items will be carried by you along with the provided lunch box. Having said this, it is not possible to send luggage from Cusco to your hotel in Aguas Calientes, besides the train company does not allow big size of suitcases. All luggage will be stored at your hotel in Cusco City, if you are returning to a different hotel after the hike, then you can leave them at our warehouse.

The hiking time on Short Inca Trail 2 Days depends on your physical level or experience level in hiking, the average timing is between 6 and 7 hours to make the 12 km/ 7.46 miles.

The permits are limited to 250 a day, permits sell out mostly in the high tourist season, which is from May to August. Our recommendation is to book this trek at least 3 months in advance (as minimum).

Yes, this Inca Trail ticket includes Circuit 3, which is the middle part of Machu Picchu. If looking for a full circuit ticket, then we suggest you purchase a regular extra ticket to Machu Picchu whose cost is $75.00 USD.

The hike ends in Aguas Calientes town also called Machu Picchu town, this town is mainly a tourist hub where there are only hotels, shops, restaurants, or anything else for tourists. For some visitors, the town is charming while for others is just a tourist town, once here you will make your own thought of the town. The reason to be a tourist town is because is the only closest town and the main gate to Machu Picchu Citadel where all visitors gather from different routes.

The Short Inca Trail is a shorter version of the 4-day Classic Inca Trail, which takes the final leg of the classic trail. It is a one-day hike to Machu Picchu, arrive and enjoy Machu Picchu in the afternoon, and stay overnight in a hotel in Aguas Calientes Town. The following morning is dedicated to a comprehensive guided tour of Machu Picchu, and a return to Cusco in the afternoon. This 2-day Short Inca Trail is not as demanding as the classic hike.

The Short Inca Trail 2 days to Machu Picchu, is rated as a Moderate, but it still requires being physically prepared to complete this hike.

Yes, you do need a permit to experience this trail. This trail is under the management of the Ministry of Culture and only accredited tour operators and your guide have access to it. We strongly recommend securing your permits three to four months in advance, as they are limited to 250 per day.

Absolutely, this hike allows you to hike the Huayna Picchu Mountain besides a comprehensive guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel. Please let us know at the moment of booking to add the Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets, whose cost is $95 USD.

Extend Your Experience

Make more of your time in Peru with optional experiences you can add to your journey. Compare the duration and starting price, then choose what best fits your interests and travel plans.

Optional experiences Choose only what fits your journey.

What to Bring

Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu Packing List: We want to make your trip unforgettable, so here we provide you with information on everything you should bring for your Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu.

  • Original passport and some copies.
  • Travel insurance and some copies.
  • Backpack to carry your personal belongings.
  • Bathing suit (if you would like to enjoy the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
  • Camera.
  • Hands sanitizer.
  • Deet or mosquito repellent (recommendable 30% deet).
  • Hiking poles (or you can rent one pair from us).
  • Rain gear (especially if traveling in the wet season, from October to March).
  • Comfortable hiking clothes, including warm clothes for the nighttime.
  • Good hiking boots with protector ankle or similar, and one pair of flip-flops or light sandals.
  • Sunblock and sunglasses.
  • Hiking long sleeve T-shirts.
  • Hiking trousers.
  • Ear Plugs.
  • Hiking socks.
  • Water bottle or canteen.
  • American dollars and Peruvian soles in cash.
  • Sun hat, cap.
  • Toilet paper and face tissue paper.
  • Credit or debit card.
  • Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen).
  • Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Acetazolamide (Diamox), Band-Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may take).

LODGING AND CAMPING

Hotels: We select carefully our hotels in each destination all over the country. And we select our accommodations for how well they represent the distinctive character of the destination you’re in. Some of these rooms and cabanas draw their inspiration from history and others from the views they offer. What’s consistent, however, is that we stand by each and every one of these for what they’ll add to your experience.

DAY 1 - Sacred Valley Boutique Lodge
Sacred Valley Boutique Lodge
Altitude 2,870 m (9,416 ft)
Weather Sunny & Mild, 18°C
Activity Valley Hike & Culture
Setting Riverside Garden Lodge
DAY 2 - High Mountain 4-Season Glamping Tent
High Mountain 4-Season Glamping Tent
Altitude 4,200 m (13,780 ft)
Weather Crisp & Clear, 8°C
Activity Alpine Trek & Stargazing
Setting Glacial Valley Campsite
DAY 3 - Andean Scenic Wilderness Camp
Andean Scenic Wilderness Camp
Altitude 4,650 m (15,255 ft)
Weather Cold Alpine, 4°C
Activity High Pass Photography
Setting Remote Mountain Wilderness
DAY 4 - Machu Picchu Pueblo Selected Hotel
Machu Picchu Pueblo Selected Hotel
Altitude 2,040 m (6,692 ft)
Weather Subtropical, 22°C
Activity Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Setting Cloud Forest Town Hotel

Hotels

Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro

Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro

Miraflores, Lima, Peru

Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro is a 3-star city hotel in Miraflores, Lima, offering a central position one block from Kennedy Park, comfortable rooms and practical city access.

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Casa Andina Premium Miraflores

Casa Andina Premium Miraflores

Miraflores, Lima, Peru

Casa Andina Premium Miraflores is a 5-star premium hotel in Miraflores, Lima, offering contemporary Peruvian art, refined common areas and easy access to the Miraflores waterfront.

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AC Hotel Lima Miraflores

AC Hotel Lima Miraflores

Miraflores, Lima, Peru

AC Hotel Lima Miraflores is a 4-star design hotel in Miraflores, Lima, offering modern interiors and a Pacific-facing location beside Larcomar and the coastal promenade.

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Hotel B Lima

Hotel B Lima

Barranco, Lima, Peru

Hotel B Lima is a 5-star luxury boutique hotel in Barranco, Lima, offering a restored Belle Époque mansion, curated art and an intimate setting in Lima’s creative district.

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Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel, Lima

Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel, Lima

Miraflores, Lima, Peru

Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel, Lima is a 5-star luxury hotel in Miraflores, Lima, offering Pacific Ocean views, a rooftop pool and polished Belmond service near the malecón.

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InterContinental Real Lima Miraflores

InterContinental Real Lima Miraflores

Miraflores, Lima, Peru

InterContinental Real Lima Miraflores is a 5-star luxury hotel in Miraflores, Lima, offering contemporary rooms, destination dining and convenient access to Miraflores attractions.

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Wyndham Grand Costa Del Sol Lima Airport

Wyndham Grand Costa Del Sol Lima Airport

Jorge Chávez International Airport, Lima, Peru

Wyndham Grand Costa Del Sol Lima Airport is a 5-star airport hotel in Jorge Chávez International Airport, Lima, offering direct airport access, full-service facilities and a convenient base for early or late flights.

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Villa Barranco by Ananay

Villa Barranco by Ananay

Luxury boutique hotel

Barranco, Lima, Peru

Villa Barranco by Ananay is a luxury boutique hotel in Barranco, Lima, offering a restored residential villa, individually designed rooms and a quiet Barranco atmosphere.

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We have created a custom comprehensive listing of Highlights of Peru In A Nutshell 12 Days , Machu Picchu and Peru, Machu Picchu, and Peru travel books for this trip. Our reading list Peru is custom-designed to complement specific Peru Summit destinations. We feature a handpicked selection of travel guides, maps, literature, books on art, cuisine, nature, and culture, designed to help you get more out of your travels to Machu Picchu & Peru.

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Peru Summit is a locally owned Peruvian company. We combine personal support, expert guides and responsible travel practices so every journey feels carefully planned from beginning to end.