Highlights of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days!
The desire to experience the 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu comes from the stunning Inca ruins, spectacular side-by-side mountains, lush vegetation, and remarkable ecological varieties. The Inca Trail hikes up and enters into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate with the most famous, unforgettable views, through the cloud forest, and finally into subtropical vegetation. Ending at the magnificent wonder of the world; Machu Picchu.
People who trek the Short Inca Trail have the privilege of visiting Machu Picchu twice. They will arrive on the first day at the Guard House and on the second day they will tour the ruin with their guide. On the second day enter Machu Picchu in time to view to sunrise over the mountains. Explore the ancient city and discover the magical, sacred and mysterious Machu Picchu. Feel the presence of the people who lived there many years ago.
Highlights of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!
- Hike the last 1/3 of the famous Classic Inca Trail that everyone worldwide desires to hike.
- Explore Wiñay Wayna Inca ruins which are as beautiful as Machu Picchu
- Hike the actual trail that the Ancient Incas hiked more than 600 years ago.
- Hike through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) all the way to the famous Machu Picchu Inca Citadel.
- Experience the spectacular views of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.
- Visit Machu Picchu Citadel twice, the 1st and 2nd day of the trek.
The 2 day Inca Trail passes through Winay Wayna ruins where you will explore the entire complex, enjoy the spectacular views of the valleys, mountains and the Urubamba river. Enjoy the warm tropical climate and take many wonderful photos.
Times are approximate and depend on your fitness. Permits need to be booked in advance!
2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco – 104 Km – Wiñayhuayna -Sun Gate- Machu Picchu
Pick up from your hotel will be at 4am. With a compact exciting 2 days ahead drive to the train station in Ollantaytambo through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Board the train for another hour and ten minutes on the Expedition train to KM104, where our trek begins. Begin a moderate climb for around 3 hours the the spectacular remote archaeological site of Winay Wayna.
Hike while enjoying the views of the Urubamba Canyon and the interesting ancient Inca sites. While at Winay Wayna take part in a informative tour of the site. Continue to the Sun Gate, here you will get the first wonderful view of Machu Picchu, spreadout before you will all its beauty and majesty. Use the time here to take photos and to enjoy this sight. Arrive above Machu Picchu after an hour stroll from the Sun Gate. Take in the views before taking the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night in a hotel.
Meals: Box Lunch & Dinner. Accommodation: Ferre Hotel Difficulty: Moderate.
DAY 2: Aguas Calientes- Machu Picchu – Cusco
Today is an early start to take the early bus up to Machu Picchu to view the sunrise. After enjoy a guided tour of this wonderful site, exploring every part of this 7 Wonder of the World. Take in every part of this ancient Inca ruin, an unforgettable experience.
Your guide will expertly direct you through the energetic ruins and its diverse main streets.
Here are a few alternative activities that you might wish to indulge in on your own: Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu (not included in your tour price and must be booked in advance). Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs (entrance fees required)
You will descend to Aguas Calientes when you are ready to eat lunch and later board the Expedition train at 4:22 pm for the return trip to Cusco stopping at the Ollantaytambo Train Station followed by a short drive in our private van back to your hotel in Cusco arriving at around 8 pm.
Meals: Breakfast (at your hotel) Difficulty: Easy
The 2-day Inca Trail information was provided by Inca Trail Hikes Peru
Packing Check-list for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu does not include an extra porter, so you will need to carry all your things. Please try to pack as lightly as possible to enjoy this trek.
- Original Passport (it has to be the same as the one you used for booking your trek)
- Good daypack ( 30L – the smaller, the better)
- Water bottle: 2 liters
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Toilet Paper
- Jacket
- Dress in layers
- Hand Sanitizer Wet wipes
- Personal medications
- Sun Hat, Wool Hat (only in the cold season), and Sunscreen
- Rain gear (if rainy season)
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars, or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho
- Camera
- Extra Money for Souvenir.
The Cusco region has high mountainous temperatures and sub-tropical weather with pockets of different micro-climates. This means our weather can change quickly from sunshine to a rain shower within minutes. At times a few clouds may form (usually in the afternoon), then it rains for a few minutes and followed by sunshine again. It is not common for it to rain all day, this only occasionally occurs during the rainy season. The weather reports are very misleading. It can show that it is raining every day, but all that means is that somewhere in our mountainous region there will be a shower. It can be rainy in one area of Cusco and completely dry in another.
2 Day Inca Trail with Camping.. Is it possible?
As the Short Inca Trail is one day of hiking, it is not possible to camp anywhere along the trail itself; campsites at Wiñay Wayna are reserved for Classic Inca Trail hikers and not available to those doing the Short Inca Trail.
It is possible to camp in Aguas Calientes itself, but the campground there does not provide an enjoyable camping experience due to its location and abundance of biting insects. You are much better off staying in a hotel (included in the price of our 2 day Inca Trail hike) and getting a good night’s sleep before visiting Machu Picchu!
What is the Short Inca Trail Difficulty? Is this for me?
The Short Inca trail 2 days difficulty is moderate and is recommended for travellers who are in good physical shape. If you consider yourself fairly fit, you exercise regularly, and do not have any issues with your weight, knees, or ankles, then this version of the ancient Inca trail is perfectly for you!
Some of our hikers have initially had concerns about the hike, but soon realized that it wasn’t as tough as they had feared. In fact, for most visitors, the experience exceeded all expectations, becoming a highlight of their journey. So, if you are up for an adventure, don’t hesitate to lace up your hiking boots and embark on this unforgettable expedition!
Best Short Inca Trail Combo: The Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 4 or 5 days
This is a perfect trip for all of you who are looking for an immersion in the Andean culture and who also want an unforgettable experience hiking the Short Inca Trail trek. It’s also a great option for those who want to do a longer trek when 4 day Inca Trail permits have sold out.
Do not miss this great adventure that combines wilderness trekking, local culture, Inca history and the excitement of completing a popular Machu Picchu hike!
Check out our page, Lares & 2 Day Inca Trail, for more information about this tour.
When is the best time to go?
From April to October, it is usually warm and humid during the day (around 20-25ºC) and night time temperatures are around 15ºC. The dry season lasts from March to November, when the weather is more changeable. During the wet season, from December to February, it can rain heavily, although it can also rain year round.
