This is one of the best hike to Machu Picchu, for those who are short on time this is the perfect hike for you. See the beauty and mystique of Machu Picchu and also enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
The 2-day hike still offers the chance to see Inca ruins, magnificent mountains, exotic vegetation and extraordinary ecological diversity. Hikers will have an indescribable experience, entering the Inca city of Machu Picchu along the same route that the Incas walked before, experiencing unforgettable views of the peaks surrounding Machu Picchu and passing different archaeological sites that played various important roles during the heyday of the Incas. The reign of the Incas ended at the citadel of Machu Picchu, a wonder of the world.
The short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for 2 days is available almost anytime!
2730 m.s.n.m
Up to 8
Group or private
Trekking, adventure, self-guided
Challenging
2 days / 1 nights
Pick up from your hotel will be at 4am in Cusco or if you are staying in Ollantaytambo pick up will be at 5.30am and transfer to the train station in Ollantaytambo. Take the train to Km104, where you get off, here is the start of your Inca Trail hike after passing the checkpoint. Begin a slow climb for 3 hours to the scenic archaeological site of Winay Wayna. On arrival enjoy stunning views of the Urubamba river and tour the ruin with your guide.
After admiring the sights, continue our hike to the Sun Gate (2,730m/9,007ft), from where we will have our first glimpse of the splendor and majesty of the Machu Picchu citadel. From there we walk downhill for an hour to reach the guardhouse of the Machu Picchu citadel. After we have finised taking photos, take a shuttle to Aguas Calientes and check into to hotel for the night.
With an exciting day ahead of us, we leave our hotel early to catch the 5:30am shuttle to the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, just in time for sunrise over the citadel. Upon arrival, our professional guide will provide a 2.5-hour guided tour to learn about the history surrounding this mysterious and fascinating ruin. Afterwards, you can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (additional hike, costing $75 USD – advance reservation required) before returning to Aguas Calientes for lunch. In the afternoon, we take the 4:22pm Adventure Train to Ollantaytambo and travel to Cusco by private van, arriving at your hotel around 8pm.
Inca Trail hikers will follow either Route 3 or 4.
***** 3*** hotel single supplement $40 (other 3* upgrade $60) hotel, 4 star hotel (such as el Mapi) $110, 4 star hotel (such as Tierra Viva Superior) $75 room
In order to book a short Inca Trail tour, you will need to choose a reputable tour operator that is authorized by the Peruvian government to operate the Inca Trail.
Click the button above – Book Online ; select your dates and fill in our booking form to book your Inca Trail hike now. Please fill in the group form as one person so we can ensure you are booked together. Have your passport ready; we need all your details to match exactly.
Payment : You can pay for your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu excursion online on our website using any type of debit or credit card – online payments are subject to a 5.5% fee paid by the customer, which is our lowest fee for online payments.
To book the Inca Trail we require a deposit of $211 USD per person to purchase the permit and tickets from the Peruvian government for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You will need to pay a deposit to secure and book your Inca Trail trek
Balance ; can be paid in cash (sols or US dollars) at the office and must usually be done 24 hours before travel. If you choose to pay by card, a 5.5% fee will apply.
Passport Requirements: Please note that if your passport expires within 6 months of the date you plan to enter Peru, you will need to renew your passport before traveling to Peru. Otherwise, the Peruvian authorities will not allow you to enter the country.
Travel Insurance : To protect your travel investment, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Purchasing travel insurance before leaving home is highly recommended and very easy to do. The fact that we work with a reputable agency in the United States makes this both simple and affordable. This is an excellent way to ensure that you are safe when visiting Peru.
Non-Refundable, Non-Transferable Deposit: A deposit of $211 USD per person is required to book Orange Nation Peru’s Inca Trail Excursion to Machu Picchu. Deposits can be made online using any card type and a 5.5% merchant fee will be charged by the traveler.
****All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Student discount bookings : If your student card meets the requirements of the Peruvian government, you can make your reservation with just a deposit and pay the balance when you arrive in Cusco. The student discount will then apply.
Here is a packing list for a short 2-day trip from the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu:
Backpack: A small backpack (25 or 30 liters) to carry personal items like water, snacks, sunscreen, camera, and other essentials.
Hiking shoes : Good hiking shoes with a sturdy sole that provides good traction on uneven terrain.
Hiking socks: Wearing good quality socks will help prevent blisters and keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Lightweight clothing: Quick-drying and moisture-wicking clothing is recommended for hiking.
Warm layers: It can get cold at night, so it is essential to bring warm layers like a fleece jacket or down jacket.
Rain gear: It is best to carry a raincoat or poncho as rain can fall at any time in the Andes.
Hat and sunglasses : Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun and UV rays.
Sunscreen: Use a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
Insect repellent (very important): The trail is in the forest and there are insects all around, so carrying insect repellent is essential.
Water bottle: It is important to stay hydrated, so bring a refillable water bottle.
Snacks : Bring some energy bars, nuts, or fruits to keep your energy levels up.
Personal Medication: If you have any medical condition or are taking regular medication, please bring it with you.
Camera: Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery along the way.
It is important to travel light and only carry what you need as you will be hiking with a backpack.
Documents you need to bring when traveling:
Original passport Original student
ID : If you booked the 2-day Inca Trail as a student, you must present your original student ID and passport at the checkpoint at km 104 at the start of the Inca Trail
What is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is a famous hiking route in Peru that leads to the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. It is a 26 mile trek that takes several days to complete.
Can the Inca Trail be done in 2 days?
Yes, there is a shorter version of the Inca Trail that can be completed in 2 days. However, this route is less crowded than the traditional 4-day trek.
Is a permit required for the Short Inca Trail?
Yes, a permit is required to hike the Inca Trail. These permits are limited and must be reserved in advance.
How difficult is the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
The Inca Trail is a trek that involves hiking at high altitudes and navigating steep inclines and descents. However, the 2 day route is less strenuous than the 4 day trek.
What should I bring on the Short Inca Trail?
You should bring comfortable hiking shoes, warm clothing for the evenings, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water. You may also want to bring a camera and a flashlight.
Can I hike the Short Inca Trail on my own?
No, hiking the Inca Trail without a licensed guide is not allowed. You must book a tour with a licensed tour operator in order to hike the trail.
When is the best time to hike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. The trail is often closed on february.
What is the altitude of the Short Inca Trail 2 days?
The Inca Trail reaches an altitude of 2,700 meters (9300 feet) at its highest point.
What is the cost of hiking the Short Inca Trail?
The cost of hiking the Inca Trail varies depending on the tour operator and the length of the trek. This 2 day trek is generally less expensive than the 4-day trek. Priced from usually is around 550USD
