An unforgettable adventure through the Peruvian Andes, the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will take you through the most amazing highland landscapes seeing grand mountains, verdant subtropical vegetation, spectacular cloud forests with flora and complete with tropical rainforests. Travel the path of the Inca through the Machu Picchu National Park before arriving the afternoon of the 1st day at Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. Here you will have your first view of Machu Picchu.

Take in the wonder that is Machu Picchu before hiking down the Guardhouse view point. On the 2^nd Day, tour the Citadel with an experienced guide and learn the legends and history of the fascinating site. The 2 Day Inca Trail was created for those who are short on time but not short on desire, to follow the footsteps of the Inca. This itinerary features an overnight stay in the town below Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes

Highlights of the 2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

• Beautiful Andean Scenery
• Small Groups a maximum of 8 trekkers
• Travel Company with many years of Experience.
• Best Guides on the Inca Trail
• Spectacular Winay Wayna Ruins
• Walk in the footsteps of the Inca
• Magnificent Machu Picchu
• Scenic Train Ride Through the Sacred Valley

Itinerary for the 2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Day 1. Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu

A super early start to fit in all the exciting adventures of today. Your guide will be at the reception of your hotel at 4am. Leave Cusco for a 2-hour ride to the train station in Ollantaytambo. Take the opportunity to sleep or rest in the comfort of our van. On arrival at the station the guide will supply you with a lunch box that you will need to carry in your daypack. The train will leave Ollantaytambo station at 6.10am. Enjoy the wonderful views and in just over an hour arrive at the start of your 2-day trek. Take advantage of the time to eat breakfast, which is not included, you can ask your hotel in Cusco to prepare breakfast for you or you can buy in Cusco the day before.

Leave the train at Km104, this is where the adventure begins. First you will have to cross the bridge over the beautiful Urubamba River, show your passport to enter the trek. Visit our first Inca site, then start the slightly uphill hike for around 1 hour and a half. See several outlooks with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Urubamba River. Be ready to get damp or even wet as you pass through the cloud forests. Hike through lush sub-tropical rainforest and jungle. Next the hike gets steeper for the next 2 hours before arriving at a beautiful waterfall, reward yourself with a dip in the refreshing waters at the bottom of the water.

Be sure to take many photos of the waterfall from the bridge below before heading off to the ancient Inca ruin of Winay Wayna (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level). The guide will give you the fascinating history of this site located on the side of hill. See how most of the site is still covered by jungle. Discover the vast array of flora and fauna that surrounds Winay Wayna.

It is time to enjoy your lunch that you have carried in your daypack. The lunch spot is spectacular surrounded by lush vegetation and tropical flowers. At the time of booking please notify our sales staff of any food requirements.

When you are rested and full, continue on a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate. The walk is easy, a mostly gentle up and down path. But don’t get too comfortable as at the end is a set of stairs known as the Gringo Killers. These steps are carved directly into the rockface and are a challenge. Once past the stairs you will arrive at the Sun Gate. Here you will get your first sight of Machu Picchu, take your time and enjoy the breathtaking views, take photos before walking for another hour down. Along the way there are many opportunities to take photos and to ask your guide about the Inca site you will pass between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu.

Arrive at the viewing platforms above Machu Picchu, named the Guardhouse on your map. Here you will have time to take in and enjoy the site and take spectacular photos. As you will arrive in the afternoon, the crowds will be starting to thin, so there will be fewer people in your shots. The afternoon light makes for great photos of Machu Picchu. After you have soaked in all the energy of Machu Picchu take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, the pretty little town below Machu Picchu. Check into your hotel, take some time to explore the town before dinner in one of the many delicious restaurants. If you have time visit the hot springs located just outside of town before retiring to your hotel to rest after a spectacular day of hiking and adventure.

• Meals included: Box Lunch, dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
• Distance: 12 kms/7.5 miles
• Time: 6hrs approximately
• 3* Accommodations: Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu or similar 
• 4* Accommodation: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Machu Picchu upgrade (superior room)
• Difficulty: moderate

Note You can leave an overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes (Up to 5 kilos per person).

Day 2, Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

An early bus ride up to Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise over the ruin is on the agenda this morning. Make sure you have breakfast for much needed energy to enjoy this day of all days. Your guide will take you on a tour full of history and legends. Learn about the Inca on a tour that will last around 2 hours. Take photos from the many viewpoints, see the most important parts of Machu Picchu.

After your tour take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and enjoy lunch (not included) in one of the wonderful restaurants in the town. You may have time before your train to explore more of Aguas Calientes. Shop, sightsee or visit the museum, zoo (advanced reservations are needed) or go to the hot springs.

A fabulous Expedition train journey awaits you in the afternoon to Ollantaytambo at either 2.55pm or 3.20pm. The trip travels with the Urubamba River, through narrow canyons, seeing sections of whitewater. Enjoy views of Winay Wayna high up on the canyon wall. On arrival into Ollanytaytambo transfer to the van for a drive through the Sacred Valley to Cusco. Time expected into Cusco will be around 7pm.

• Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel

After the tour of Machu Picchu, those who have booked in advance for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu, please remember this is not a guided tour, you will need a separate entrance ticket.

Important Information

• You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
• Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done by booking time.
• The Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain hikes depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.
• On the 2-day Inca Trail, we will be doing the circuit #3. You can do another circuit if you buy an additional entrance to Machu Picchu like the circuit #2 for US$75 per person.

What is included for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Day tour?

• Hotel pick up and drop off’
• Private transport from your hotel to the train station in Ollantaytambo and return
• Permits for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and entrance to Machu Picchu
• 3 Bus tickets, 1 Day 1, 2 Day 2.
• Licensed guide experienced in trekking and fluent in English
• Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo to KM104, Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Admission tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Archaeological site
• 3-star one night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
• Food as indicated on the itinerary.

What is Not Included for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

• Huayna Picchu Mountain, $75 USD per person
• First breakfast, last lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Optional Upgrades
• Tip for the trekking staff.