Trips to Machu Picchu
About this trip
The 2-Day Inca Trail (often called the "Short Inca Trail") is the most popular alternative for travelers who want to experience the legendary trail and enter through the Sun Gate but have limited time or prefer a less strenuous hike than the 4-day version.
What’s included
Entrance Tickets
Entrance fee to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Bus
Bus Consettur Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Down 1st day
Bus Up
Bus Consettur Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Up 2nd day
Train Ticket
Train Ticket round trip /Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
Meals
Meals 1Lunch, 1Dinner, 1Breakfast
Hotel
1 Night in hotel in aguas calientes
Oxygen
Oxygen balloon for any emergency
Guide
Two-hours guided tour upon your arrival in Machu Picchu ( to explore every important temple of the Santuary)
Transfers
Transfer train or bus station-hotel in Cusco
First Aid kit
First Aid kit for Emergencies
Free Luggage storage
When you go on the trek it is best to leave any luggage that you are not going to need behind in Cusco Nearly all the hotels in Cusco provide a secure luggage deposit. Put any valuables in their safe. Very rarely do hotels charge for this service especially if you are returning to the same hotel after the trek. If there are any problems with your hotel we can arrange to store your luggage at our office
What’s not included
Breakfast
Breakfast on the first day
Lunch and dinner on the last day
after the guided tour at Machu Picchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. dinner being at your own expense too
Bus
Bus Consettur down second day, optional walk for about 1h – 30 minutes
Visit to the hot springs
Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is s/15.00 (Peruvian Soles). Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes
Huaynapicchu
Huaynapicchu entrance fee: if you would like to climb this mountain a new entrance fee applies (US$65)(Circuit #3) will cost US $55 per person
Tips
please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish
$550
Itinerary
The Ultimate 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: The Short Trek Itinerary
Experience the magic of the Andes with the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This "Short Inca Trail" is the perfect option for travelers who want to hike the historic path to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) but have limited time. Follow our meticulously planned itinerary to ensure you don’t miss a single highlight of this world-class trekking experience.
Day 1: Cusco – KM 104 Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes
Your Short Inca Trail adventure begins with a 6:00 AM hotel pickup in Cusco. We provide a comfortable transfer to the train station for a scenic ride through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. From here, you’ll board the Tourist Train for a 1-hour and 45-minute journey to KM 104, the official trailhead of the 2-day Inca Trail.
The Trek to Wiñay Wayna:
After crossing the Vilcanota River and passing the park checkpoint (be sure to have your original passport!), we begin our ascent. Our first stop is the archaeological site of Chachabamba, an ancient Inca water temple. From there, the trail winds upward through a lush cloud forest, offering stunning vistas of the Urubamba River.
Waterfalls and Ancient Wonders:
After roughly three hours of hiking, the trail leads into a refreshing, shaded forest featuring a hidden waterfall. This is the perfect spot for a break before reaching the breathtaking Wiñay Wayna ruins (2,650m / 8,694ft). Wiñay Wayna is widely considered the most beautiful site on the entire Inca Trail, featuring intricate agricultural terraces and urban sectors.
Note: It is crucial to carry at least 2 liters of water for this segment.
Arrival at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku):
Following a packed lunch, we traverse a vibrant forest filled with orchids and bromeliads to reach the final section of the original Inca Trail. After conquering the famous "60 Inca Steps," you will arrive at Inti Punku (The Sun Gate). This is the only way to see Machu Picchu for the first time from above, a privilege reserved exclusively for Inca Trail hikers.
After capturing unforgettable photos, we descend to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) for a delicious dinner and a restful night in a comfortable hotel.
- Meals: Box Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodations: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 2: Exploring the Machu Picchu Citadel – Return to Cusco
Today is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast, we take one of the first shuttle buses (05:30 AM) to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Arriving at 6:00 AM allows us to experience the "Lost City of the Incas" in the soft morning light before the large crowds arrive from Cusco.
Machu Picchu Guided Tour:
Your professional guide will lead a 2-hour comprehensive tour of the citadel. You will explore the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial (Intihuatana), the Royal Quarters, and the Temple of the Three Windows. You’ll learn about the fascinating history, engineering, and mysteries of the Incan Empire.
Optional Huayna Picchu Hike:
If you are feeling adventurous, you can opt to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain for a bird's-eye view of the ruins (permits are limited and must be booked well in advance).
The Return Journey:
In the afternoon, you will descend back to Aguas Calientes to explore the local markets. Your return journey includes a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving at approximately 9:00 PM.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Location
Your Organizer
Trips to Machu Picchu
Trips to Machu Picchu by Manu Explorers Peru specializes in authentic tours to one of the world’s wonders. Our offerings include the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, and Choquequirao treks, alongside the high-adventure Inca Jungle Trek and scenic train tours to Machu Picchu. Looking for more adventure? We also provide expert-guided jungle expeditions to the Manu National Park Reserved Zone.
