Inca Trail Short 2 Days Life Expeditions 1

SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU: 2 DAYS

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SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU: 2 DAYS

2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: a unique journey through Incan time and history

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the majestic Machu Picchu both at sunrise and sunset, on a historical, cultural and spiritual journey along the extraordinary Inca Trail.

If you’re short on time but still dream of hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, look no further: this 2-Day Short Inca Trail Trek is for you! We are delighted to invite you to embark on this incredible adventure through history, which to this day testifies the wisdom, strength and courage of the ancient Incas.

Our route offers the perfect balance of adventure, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some experiences you can look forward to on this tour:

→ Expansive views and biodiversity: Along this stretch of the Inca Trail, the sweeping views are truly breathtaking — just as stunning as you imagined when planning your journey to the Andes. In addition, Machu Picchu’s position between the Andes mountains and the Amazon jungle means that lots of unique plants and animals call this place home. Many are not found anywhere else in the world, such as exotic orchids, colorful Tanager birds, and spectacled bears.

→ Immersion with history: Along this route, you’ll walk the same ancient stone pathways constructed more than 500 years ago, and are part of an intricate trail network that once connected the vast Incan empire across Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, and Argentina. In addition, we’ll visit other Inca archaeological sites, like the religious center of Chachabamba and the impressive terraces and baths of Wiñaywayna

→ Exclusive access to sunrise and sunset views: On this tour, you get to experience both the sunset AND the sunrise from within the site of Machu Picchu! Only people who hike the two-day Inca Trail are able to have this experience.

→ Adventure without the discomfort: This version of the Inca Trail hike provides an opportunity to physically challenge yourself and literally follow the footsteps of athletic Inca warriors and messengers… but the hiking commitment is only for one day, and you get to sleep in a bed afterward! This day-hike, no-camping package is also a great experience for families and those new to hiking.

→ Expert guides who are with you from beginning to end: Our guides transform every step of the way into an immersive outdoor museum experience. They don’t just lead the way on the Inca Trail and through the jungle — they coordinate and host the rest of the journey. From exploring the city’s hidden gems to recommending the best local restaurants, our guides take care of everything, so you can fully enjoy the adventure."

Why hike with us?

→ We are a proud Peruvian-owned company, made up of experienced local guides who are deeply passionate about their work and committed to the sustainability of the land, the preservation of history and traditions, and the well-being of the communities along the route.

→ We keep our groups small so that your experience feels personal — you’re never just a number or part of a (llama) herd. Our guides emphasize conversation and connection, ensuring your questions are answered (even the ones you didn’t know you had) and no stone is left unturned — metaphorically, of course.

→ We take care of all permits, logistics, and transportation, so you can truly relax and focus on the trail. Once you’ve booked with us, no planning required: just show up and enjoy the adventure.

This guided Inca trail hike is ideal for travelers seeking a meaningful Machu Picchu hiking tour without the full 4-day commitment. It is a condensed but powerful experience that captures the spirit of the full trek. Join us for one of the most memorable expeditions Peru has to offer: hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and discover the wonder for yourself.

→ Interested in the Classic 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu? Check out our most popular tour here.

→ Interested in glaciers and high-altitude mountain passes? Check out our 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu HERE.

TRIP DETAILS

Day 1: Cusco → Ollantaytambo → KM 104 → Sun Gate → Aguas Calientes

Pick-up time/location: 4:00am from your stay in Cusco
Included meals/snacks: box lunch during our hike, dinner in Aguas Calientes
Distance we will hike: 13 kilometers or 8 miles
Terrain type: gradual and undulating, along stone paths. The trail includes a set of large stairs at the very end to get up to the Sun Gate.
Lodging: stay at a cosy hostel in Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu (you can upgrade to a hotel upon booking)

Your adventure begins bright and early at 4:00 AM, when our private transport picks you up from your accommodation in Cusco and brings you through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo Train Station. Here, you’ll board a scenic expedition train toward KM 104, where your hike officially begins. The private driver and train tickets are arranged by our company, so you can relax in transport to the trailhead.

Once we’re all assembled, we’ll follow a scenic and historic stretch of the legendary Inca Trail. You'll be immersed in the beauty of the Peruvian cloud forest, where rare orchids bloom and hummingbirds flit through the canopy. Along the way, we'll stop at the Inca site of Chachabamba for a brief walking tour. Sites along the Inca trail, such as this one, are usually only visited by Inca Trail trekkers like you!

After about three hours of hiking, we will arrive at the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna, second to only Machu Picchu itself in terms of importance and size. Our guides will provide you the context and history needed to appreciate this complex, and we will enjoy a boxed lunch within its grounds.

From our lunch spot in Wiñaywayna, the trail ascends to the stunning Sun Gate (Inti Punku). This portal was constructed and used by the Incas to connect the citadel with the rest of the Empire. The stone steps up to the Sun Gate are very large and steep, and for good reason: this ensured that enemies of the Inca would have a hard time staging a surprise attack!

Once you reach the Sun Gate, the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu opens up before you, glowing with golden sunset light. The views down into the Urubamba only improve as you approach the ancient citadel.

After soaking in the scenery, we descend to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town beneath Machu Picchu. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and rest in a cozy hostel (or upgraded hotel) before your second day of exploration.

Day 2:Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Cusco

Wake-up time/location: 4:00am from your stay in Aguas Calientes
Included meals/snacks: breakfast at your stay before taking the bus to Machu Picchu
Time in Machu Picchu citadel: 2-3 hour guided tour
Lodging: Our private driver will take you back to your stay in Cusco (you will arrive around 6:30pm - 7:30pm)

After an early breakfast, we’ll take a 5:00am bus back up to Machu Picchu (one of the first buses of the day) to enjoy a peaceful morning visit, avoiding peak crowds. Your expert guide will lead a comprehensive tour through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting sacred temples, agricultural terraces, fountains, and the Temple of the Sun—showcasing the astonishing engineering of the Incan civilization.

Following your guided Machu Picchu expedition, you’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time to explore the local markets, enjoy lunch, or visit the Machu Picchu Museum before your return train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transport brings you back to Cusco, completing your unforgettable 2 day hike to Machu Picchu.

Join us on an unforgettable journey through time, nature, and history — this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Machu Picchu at both sunset and sunrise!

WHAT TO BRING FOR YOUR TWO DAY INCA TRAIL TREK

Official Passport (not a copy!): This is a requirement enforced by the Peruvian government. When you book with us, we will ask you to share your passport information with us so that we can purchase your entrance tickets and permits. Please bring the official passport that you shared with us (and not a different one) because your passport number will be printed on your entry ticket.
Valid Student Card (if booked as a student)
Cash: There are no ATMs along the Inca Trail. Bring enough money for tipping, lunch in Aguas Calientes, and bathrooms, drinks, and snacks along the route.
Personal Medication: You can bring personal medication and over-the-counter medicines, provided that they are in their original packaging, and that the medication is legal in Peru. It is a good idea to bring printed copies of prescriptions for medicines, eyeglasses/contacts, and other medical supplies.
First Aid Kit: We recommend that you assemble a small first aid kit that includes handy supplies like bandages, antibiotic ointment, and antiseptic wound cleaner.
Sunscreen: The sun is much stronger where the atmosphere is thin like this, and it is much likelier to experience sun burns. SPF 50+ will offer you the most protection.
Insect Repellent: Machu Picchu is situated in a tropical mountain forest that is also home to insects. If bugs and mosquitoes love you, consider packing some anti-itch gel or cream in addition to insect repellent.
Hand Sanitizer and Extra Toilet Paper: While our trek is well-equipped and prioritizes your comfort, we are, after all, camping! Some sections of our route have fewer services, and you will want to clean your hands and body with hand-sanitizer or wipes.
Personal Hygiene Products, like toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
Reusable Water Bottle or Camelbak
Comfortable Hiking Boots: Each day, we will walk on the famous stone highway built centuries ago by the Incas. Although this path is robust and stable, some sections are hilly and rugged, and you will need a decent amount of tread on your hiking shoes. A lightweight hiking shoe with good soles/tread will help keep your attention on beauty and history around you, rather than any pain in your feet.
Comfortable Camping/Hangout shoes: After hiking, you will want to change into a light-weight, comfortable pair of sandals or “hang-out” shoes.
Comfortable hiking clothes: We recommend bringing additional pairs or layers of clothing, in case things get dirty or wet, and to to add on or take off to adjust to the changing temperatures. Include items like:
1-2 sweat-wicking T-shirts
1-2 pairs of hiking pants
2 sets of underwear
2 sets of hiking socks
1 rain jacket and a pair of rain pants, or durable poncho: Weather can be quite capricious in the Andes, and rain and high winds can occur at any time of the year. No matter the season, waterproof layers are a must.
1 warm coat or down jacket: We do recommend bringing another warm coat or down jacket — in addition to your fleece jacket and waterproof layer — because it can get quite cold in the nights and early mornings.
1 sun hat to protect yourself from any sunburns or sun poisoning
1 wool hat to protect your head and ears from any high-altitude chills
Optional, Bathing Suit and Towel: Once we arrive in the town of Aguas Calientes on the final day of our excursion, you have the option to visit the town’s thermal hot springs. This activity is not included in the price of our package, though many of our guests choose to go to relax their muscles after completing this epic trek!