The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the perfect way to experience the famous Inca Trail if you have limited time but still want a real hiking adventure. This two day journey combines beautiful mountain scenery, impressive Inca ruins, and two visits to Machu Picchu. You hike through cloud forest, walk on original Inca paths, and enter Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate, just like the ancient pilgrims did.
On Day 1 you walk the most scenic section of the Classic Inca Trail, passing Wiñay Wayna and other Inca sites before arriving at Machu Picchu in the afternoon when most visitors have already left. On Day 2 you return for a full guided visit of the citadel, exploring its temples, terraces, and palaces in detail. With fresh picnic meals, professional guides, and a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, this is a relaxed and well organized way to discover Machu Picchu.
Why choose this Short Inca Trail
- Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate on the Inca Trail
- Visit Machu Picchu twice for the most complete experience
- See the famous Wiñay Wayna Inca site along the trail
- Enjoy freshly prepared picnic meals on the hike
- Return to Cusco on the panoramic Vistadome train
- Small groups and professional guides
The Short Inca Trail is a great option if you do not have time for the full Classic Inca Trail. If you want the complete Inca Trail experience with more days of hiking, camping, and remote Inca ruins, we also offer the original 4-day Inca Trail, which follows the full historic route to Machu Picchu.
What to expect on your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail is a beautiful hike through mountains, forests, and ancient Inca sites. The trail can be muddy or slippery, especially during the rainy season (Nov–Apr). In some cases, the route or campsite may change for safety reasons.
We follow official Inca Trail rules and work with licensed guides and porters. You carry your own daypack; the team carries the group gear.
We want you to feel informed and well-prepared before starting your trek. If you have any questions, just ask us.
Important: Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu tickets are non-refundable, non-changeable, and non-transferable. If you skip part of the trail or leave the tour early, this is your responsibility. We cannot refund any part of the trek or unused entries. Transport and extra tickets are not included.
Two Machu Picchu circuits included
This tour includes two official Machu Picchu circuits, giving you a fuller and more balanced experience of the site.
On Day 1 you enter Machu Picchu on Circuit 1-C. This route includes the upper and lower viewpoints and the area near the Sun Gate. It is the best place for wide panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains.
On Day 2 you return for Circuit 3-B, which covers the lower part of the citadel. This is where you visit important places like the Temple of the Sun, the Palace of the Inca, the Temple of the Condor, the Twelve Niches, and the Water Mirrors.
Together these two circuits allow you to see both the famous viewpoints and the heart of the ancient city.
Short Inca Trail itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
You are picked up early from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley and travel by bus and train to Km 104, the start of the Short Inca Trail. After the official checkpoint, your trekking chef prepares a fresh picnic breakfast and you begin your hike.
The trail follows original Inca paths through green cloud forest. You first visit the Inca site of Chachabamba and then hike uphill to Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful and well preserved ruins on the entire Inca Trail. Near Wiñay Wayna you enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch prepared by your trekking chef.
After lunch you continue hiking for about one more hour to the Sun Gate, where you see Machu Picchu for the first time from above. This moment is one of the highlights of the whole journey. From the Sun Gate you walk downhill to Machu Picchu and enter the site on Circuit 1-C to enjoy the main viewpoints when most visitors have already left.
After your visit, you take the bus to Aguas Calientes, have dinner in a local restaurant, and spend the night in a comfortable 3 star hotel.
- Hiking distance: 13 km
- Hiking time: about 7 hours
- Highest altitude: 2,708 m at the Sun Gate
- Elevation gain: about 538 m
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Machu Picchu Citadel – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
After breakfast at your hotel, you take an early bus back up to Machu Picchu. Your guide leads a detailed visit of the citadel on Circuit 3-B, where you explore temples, terraces, plazas, and water channels while learning about the history and meaning of this incredible place.
After the guided tour you have free time to take photos or, if booked in advance, hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. You then return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and free time.
In the afternoon you board the panoramic Vistadome train and travel back through the Sacred Valley to Cusco. A transfer will take you to your hotel, usually arriving around 7:30 pm.
- Walking time inside Machu Picchu: 2 to 3 hours
- Altitude: 2,430 m
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Travel information for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Permits and passports
The Short Inca Trail is controlled by the Peruvian government. Every hiker must have an official permit issued with their personal passport details. Your passport must match your booking exactly and you must bring the original passport on the hike. Copies or photos are not accepted at the checkpoint.
The Inca Trail is usually closed in February for maintenance, and permit availability is limited, so we recommend booking in advance.
Altitude and fitness
This is a one day hike on stone steps and mountain trails. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours. We strongly recommend spending at least two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the trek to acclimatize.
We walk at a steady pace with breaks for photos, rest, and meals.
Weather and clothing for the Short Inca Trail
The trail passes through cloud forest, where weather can change quickly. Sun, mist, and rain are all possible in one day. Wear layers, bring a rain jacket, and use good hiking shoes with grip.
Meals and water
On Day 1 you enjoy a picnic breakfast and lunch on the trail, plus dinner in Aguas Calientes. On Day 2 breakfast is included at the hotel. Lunch on Day 2 is not included so you can choose where you want to eat in town. We can accommodate many dietary needs if you tell us in advance.
Luggage and daypack
This is a daypack hike. You carry only what you need for the day. Your main luggage stays in Cusco or in secure storage. If included in your booking, a small duffle bag can be sent to your hotel in Aguas Calientes with your clothes for the night.
Safety and rules
The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are protected areas. Large backpacks, drones, alcohol, and illegal substances are not allowed. You must stay on marked paths and respect the ruins.
Our team for the Short Inca Trail carries first aid equipment, oxygen, and communication devices, and our guides are trained to respond quickly if needed. Travel insurance is not required but is strongly recommended.
