The Short Inca Trail 2 days to Machu Picchu begins with a transfer to Ollantaytambo and train ride to Km 104. From here, the 2-day short Inca Trail takes along the 12-kilometer trail visiting Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, and enter through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is the most famous route to reach Machu Picchu. Moreover, this trail offers a shorter and more accessible option to the classic 4-day Inca Trail.
Our 2-day Inca Trail takes through the national park that is reach in history and nature. The Inca Trail visits wonderful ruins, such as Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna and Sun Gate. Additionally, this region is home to beautiful orchids, hummingbirds, and occasional native llamas. Our expert guide imparts an exceptional information about all these interesting topics.
Unlike the classic 4-day Inca Trail, the Short Inca Trail 2 days does not require camping. The first day in the afternoon, you’ll arrive at your hotel in Aguas Calientes. The town is located at the base of Machu Picchu surrounded by towering mountains. This unique accommodation offers a welcome break from the trail, with comfortable beds, hot showers, and delicious meals. Alternatively, you can soothe your muscles in the hot springs.
Board the first bus for your second visit to Machu Picchu which only allows the 2-day Short Inca Trail. As the sun illuminates the Inca city of Machu Picchu, you will be in awe of the incredible and intricate stone structures that have stood the test of time. Take a private tour of Machu Picchu where you’ll explore the wonder of the world and have time to visit the major sites within the citadel. Our service organizes the train and private transfer to return to Cusco.
The Inca Trail 2 days to Machu Picchu provides a perfect balance between the traditional Inca Trail experience and a quicker, less strenuous trek. This makes it ideal for those with limited time or physical fitness, but who still want to explore Machu Picchu on foot. Additionally, our all-inclusive 2-day Short Inca Trail Hike is organized with expert tour guides from start to finish. So, don’t look further, follow the footsteps of the Incas hiking through the Sungate to Machu Picchu as the Incas did in the past.
DETAILS OF SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS
Time-efficient: Ideal for those who want to taste a bit of the Inca Trail despite having a limited time.
Scenic Route: Offers spectacular views and visits interesting archaeological sites.
No Camping: The Short Inca Trail does not require camping, as it’s organized with a night hotel, allowing you to stay in Aguas Calientes.
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Day 1.- Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Inca Trail – Machu Picchu Town
The Short Inca Trail 2 days to Machu Picchu begins with a pick up from your hotel at 5:00 am in Cusco, and travel to Ollantaytambo. The Short Inca Trail tour can also start from Ollantaytambo, but let us know in your reservation e-mail. After an hour train ride, we arrive at kilometer 104 of the Cusco and Machu Picchu railway.
Begin your hike on the Short Inca Trail 2 days for three hours and reach the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna. Once there, you will enjoy the ancient constructions and the amazing mountain views. Not far from here, we find the last campsite of the classic Inca Trail. This place is perfect to eat our lunch with basic facilities and tranquil environment.
We continue the scenic hike for about an hour to the Sun Gate. This place offers the best view of Machu Picchu and the surroundings. Take individual or group pictures and then you will descend for forty minutes to Machu Picchu. From here we take a bus to Aguas Calientes and head towards our hotel.
🛏 4 Star hotel in Aguas Calientes
🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
Day 2.- Machu Picchu Private Tour – Return to Cusco Hotel
Enjoy your breakfast and take the first bus to Machu Picchu along with your tour guide. Once there, you will take a private tour of Machu Picchu.
Your expert tour guide of the Short Inca Trail will show all sectors of Machu Picchu for three hours. During this private tour, you will know the fascinating history of the Incas and Machu Picchu.
In the afternoon, you will take the return train to Ollantaytambo and then a private vehicle to Cusco hotel.
🍽 Breakfast
The Inca Trail 2 days to Machu Picchu is perfect for friends, couples, and families because you can leave on any date you wish. With our private 2-day Inca Trail Hike, you can also set your pace to maximize your experience. This adventure begins with only two passengers, so there is no need to wait for anyone else.
The total package cost is based on a hotel double occupancy.
SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS INCLUDES:
SHORT INCA TRAIL HIKE EXCLUDES:
For the 2-day Inca Trail, you need to pack a duffel bag, which we send by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes hotel. Please, try to pack as light as possible (Max. 5 Kilos /11 Pounds). Additionally, you need a small day pack to carry some of your belongins during the hike.
BRING FOR 2-DAY INCA TRAIL:
We will design a customized trip to connect you with our country through your interests. You can modify our example tour packages of our website to your needs. You also decide where to visit, how long to spend in each place, type of accommodation that suits you, and more including:
Contact Us to help you planning the adventure of your dreams.
HOTEL IN AGUAS CALIENTES
Day 1 (1 night). – we stay at one of the following properties based on availability:
4 Star Hotel – El Mapi Hotel
Optional Hotel Upgrade to Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel or Sumaq Hotel.
Planning a trip to Mach Pichu can be challenging, and I only realized it when I finally decided to travel. Corayma was such an amazing person and established a line of communication with me via WhatsApp. I had tons and tons of concerns and queries and she always responded and supported me as patiently as possible. Ultimately we traveled and set off for our trip. Our guide was David, who was an amazing gentleman and took great care of us throughout the tour starting from Cusco and returning. I just can’t stop raving about this company and the team who made my dream come true.
Written May 31, 2025
We had an incredible experience with Mapi Tour, who arranged a fantastic week-long adventure for my husband and me—from the Amazon to Cusco and Machu Picchu. Every detail was handled seamlessly, and all our accommodations were excellent. Since this was a special occasion trip, Mapi ensured the hotels were aware, and each one added a thoughtful touch to make our stay even more memorable.
The absolute highlight of our journey was our guide, Karen, who accompanied us from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Her passion for her country and heritage shined through in every moment. She was knowledgeable, kind, and went out of her way to take special care of us.
We loved that we were booking with a local Cusco-based company, and our itinerary truly reflected that. From boating down the Amazon and walking across treetop footbridges among the monkeys to exploring Cusco and nearby mountain towns for an authentic glimpse into local life and culture, every experience was unforgettable. Taking the Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu was an absolute blast and a perfect way to round out our trip.
We highly recommend Mapi Tour to anyone looking for a well-organized, immersive, and truly special experience in Peru!
Awesome Tour Package for Machu Picchu!
This was our first time to Machu Picchu and I was nervous about all of the logistics. We were traveling with a family of 11 with two small children. I booked a hotel in Cusco. I contacted Mapi tours a while back and they offered a great itinerary at a reasonable price. I’m so glad I went with them. They took care of everything from booking the train, to booking the shuttle bus, to booking the admission tickets to Machu Picchu. They were quick to respond via WhatsApp.
David was our guide and picked us up in a private shuttle early morning at around 5 AM. The drive to the train station was a rough 2 Hour Dr. One of our passengers got altitude sickness, and they had solution and remedies to help. David was very knowledgeable. And guide us through the crazy train station traffic. We were there right in time for the train. He even advised us on the bathroom situation (which was helpful). He was with us the whole day. They even included another guy to join us at Machu Picchu since we had small Children. It was helpful because 3/4 of the way through, the little children’s decided to go back so the second tour guide walk them back.
They even made a recommendation and negotiated a great price for lunch buffet at Aqua Caliente. They recommended circuit two for the tour, which was perfect. They booked the tickets well in advance so we got a great entry time at 10 AM. We completed the circuit with plenty of pictures in three hours. We went straight to the lunch buffet and it was fantastic.
We made the train back and arrive back at our hotel at approximately 8:40 PM. All in all, it was a fantastic day for us. David and Liz made the tour wonderful. I would highly recommend going with Mapi Tours. You don’t have to worry about anything.
Written July 9, 2025
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Length: 2 days / 1 night
Tour Type: Private Service
USD $: 760
Cultural Tours, Hiking / Trekking, Archaeology
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