The 2-day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is perfect for travelers who have limited time but still want to experience the magic of the Inca Trail. Begin with a private transfer to Ollantaytambo, followed by a scenic train ride to KM 104, the starting point of the trail. This adventure showcases ancient Inca ruins, lush cloud forest, and breathtaking green mountain views. The second part of the route leads through the Sun Gate for your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu and ends with a transfer to your selected hotel in Aguas Calientes. For a more complete exploration of the Inca citadel, return for a second visit and take a personalized private guided tour of Machu Picchu.
The 2-day/1-night Short Inca Trail is known for being the shortest and easiest hiking route to Machu Picchu. The first day of the trek is dedicated to exploring Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and the famous Sun Gate, while the last day is devoted to visiting Machu Picchu with a private guide. This trek is also an excellent option for families with children, as it involves only one day of hiking and, most importantly, gives you the chance to visit the Inca citadel twice.
Unlike theclassic 4-day trek, the 2-dayInca Trail includes a comfortable overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu. It’s a welcome reset after the hike, with hot showers, cozy beds, and the option to unwind in the local hot springs. Your also experience Machu Picchu at your own pace for a deeper insight, then enjoy seamless train service back—returning from Machu Picchu Town to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to Cusco.
Best 2-Day Short Inca Trail Tour
Experience Machu Picchu at itsfullest:
On Day 1, youarrive at Machu Picchu in theafternoon, typically after 3 PM, whenit can feellesscrowded.
It’s a great chance to enjoy the sunset, sunrise and take in all as you capture the uniquemoments.
Short Inca Trail Route in TwoDays:
Hikethe Short Inca Trail over 2 days and 1 night, covering a prime sectionofthe Inca Trail.
Youget a condensed Inca Trail experiencewithoutcommittingtothelongertrek.
Sun Gate ArrivalExperience:
ArrivethroughtheiconicSun Gate for a memorable firstviewpointof Machu Picchu fromabove.
Thisisoneofthemostphotogenic and anticipatedhighlightsofthehike.
PrivateGuide-Led Pace and Support:
Hike at yourownrhythmwith a privateguidewhoaddscontext at sites and helpsyou time keyviewpoints.
Expectsmootherlogistics and a more personal experiencefromstarttofinish.
Premium Train ReturnComfort:
Travelbytrainfrom Ollantaytambo to KM 104 tobeginthehike, thenreturnbytrainfrom Machu Picchu Town to Ollantaytambo.
It’s a comfortable and memorable waytomanagethe rail portionsofyour Short Inca Trail journey.
Simple Booking Process
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The 2-day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 amand travel to Ollantaytambo. Once at the train station, board and take an hour scenic train ride. We arrive at kilometer 104 of the Cusco and Machu Picchu railway.
After presenting your tickets, begin the Short Inca Trail hike and visit the nearby Chachabamba ruins. Continue with a three-hour uphill trek until you reach the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna. Once there, you will take a guided tour of the ancient Inca site and enjoy the stnning mountain views. Only 10 minutes from here is the last campsite on the Classic Inca Trail, a perfect place to enjoy lunch in a tranquil setting with basic facilities.
We continue hiking the Inca Trail for about an hour to reach the majestic 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 one hour to Machu Picchu. Once there, enjoy panoramic, postcard-worthy views and take stunning photos from the famous viewpoints near the guardhouse. From here, we take a 25-minute bus ride to Aguas Calientes and check into your hotel. Have dinner and if you have more energy visit also the little town.
Day 2: Machu Picchu Private Tour – Return to Cusco Hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and take the first bus to Machu Picchu 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 interesting sectors of Machu Picchu for three hours. During this personalized guide tour, you will learn about the fascinating history, archeology, mythologhy of the Inca civilization. Additionally, you will have plenty of time to ask questions and take photos at your own speed.
Say goodbye to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, then board the bus back to Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, board the return Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
🍽Breakfast
SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS MAP
Prices & Inclusions
SHORT INCA TRAIL PRICE
The 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is ideal for friends, couples, and families because you can leave on any date you wish. With this private 2-day trek, you can also set your pace to maximize your experience. This adventure begins with only two travelers, so there is no need to wait for anyone else. The total package cost is based on a hotel double occupancy.
✔ The total Travel package cost is based on double room occupancy. ✔ If you prefer to arrange your own hotels or select a property in your preferred category. Please contact us directly from here. We will be pleased to provide you with a tailored quotation.** ✔ Discounted children’s rates on request.
SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS INCLUDES:
Private car from Cusco hotel to Ollantaytambo train station.
Bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes village (3 ways).
English speaking local tour guide.
Round trip train tickets: Vistadome train servicie from Ollantaytambo (Day 1) and Vistadome Train from Aguas Calientes (Day 2).
One night hotel in Aguas Calientes (4* hotel).
Transfer service from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Tickets for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu – we will book the circuit that is available at the moment of reservation.
Meals: box lunch and dinner on day 1.
SHORT INCA TRAIL HIKE EXCLUDES:
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.
Personal porter (Available at an extra cost).
Walking stick (Available at an extra cost)
Personal insurance.
Extra personal expenses.
Gratuities are much appreciated.
EXTRA SERVICES – PRICES PER PERSON
Walking sticks: $10
Porter to carry your personal belongings (From trailhead to Wiñayhuayna): $ 65 (min 2 travelers)
Upgrade to Hiram Bingham train service ( Luxury train) – Aguas Calientes – Poroy on 2nd day: $ 500.00
Huaynapicchu Mountain: $ 75.00
Machu Picchu Mountain: $ 75.00
Single Room Supplement: $ 105.00 (Aguas Calientes Hotel).
SHORT INCA TRAIL PACKING LIST
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 TOUR
Personal medication (we carry a basic first Aid kit).
Small day pack to take the following items below.
Original passport (the same one you have used for booking your trek).
Bottle of water (1 litre).
Comfortable hiking shoes.
Jacket or fleece for early mornings and evenings
Rain jacket or poncho (only for rainy season).
Sun hat, sun glasses and sun block.
Insect repellent.
Camera.
Toiletries kit.
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR TOUR EXPERIENCES AROUND PERU
We will design a customized trip to connect you with our country through your interests. Feel free to modify or alter this sample itinerary of our website. You decide where to visit, how long to spend in each place, type of accommodation that suits you best, and more including.
Arranging any special packages to celebrate important occasions, whether it’s an anniversary, birthday, retirement, honeymoon, or other events.
Adding extra activities to your itinerary.
Assisting with planning a business Trip.
Getting hotel Upgrades.
Contact Us to help you planning the adventure of your dreams.
Lodging
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.
Client Reviews
dxbdoc
UAE
The best one to choose!!
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
Renee W.
USA
Perfect tour company for your vacation to Peru!
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!
Written March 30, 2025
Saysum
USA
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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Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Chachabamba - Wiñaywayna - Machu Picchu 
