Discover the 2-Day Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
Experience the beauty and history of the Short Inca Trail on this 2-day adventure. Explore stunning Inca sites like Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna, hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), and enjoy the magic of Machu Picchu.
On the first day, you'll witness a breathtaking sunset at Machu Picchu with few people around, giving you a rare and peaceful experience.
On the second day, arrive early to catch the unforgettable sunrise over the ancient city. This adventure is available every day and includes the panoramic Vistadome train for a scenic and comfortable ride back.
Why You’ll Love This Tour:
• Travel with a trusted local tour operator who knows the Inca Trail inside and out
• Hike a section of the Classic Inca Trail and reach Machu Picchu in just 1 day
• Enjoy exclusive, less-crowded hours at Machu Picchu, both at sunset and sunrise
• Return in style on the panoramic Vistadome or 360° train, offering incredible views
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ All transportation during the duration of the trek
✔ Panoramic trains to return (Vistadome or 360°)
✔ 1 night 3-star hotel in Agua Calientes
✔ Lunch
✔ Dinner
✔ Breakfast
✔ Professional highly trained mountain tour guides
✔ Bus up and down from Machu Picchu
✔ Safety briefing the day before the tour at 6:00 pm in our Office
✔ Pick up from your hotel in the morning of the tour
✔ Entrance ticket to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
✖ Trekking poles (can be rent from us)
✖ Last day lunch.
✖ Huayna Picchu Mountain (need to be booked in advance)
✖ Montaña (need to be booked in advance)
Pickup Locations
1. Estancia San Pedro Hotel
2. Hotelmer
3. Hotel Urpi Inn
4. Casa Familiar Ccaccacvollo
5. Kaaro House Cusco
6. Mama Simona Hotel
7. Hotel Piedmont
8. Hidden Garden
9. Hostal Sol Imperial
10. Yuyay Apartaments Cusco
11. Hostal Sofia
12. Romero Urpi Inn Cusco
13. New Day Hotel
14. Sol Andino
15. Vitoque 611
16. Ayenda San Cristobal Premium
17. Luna De Oro Hotel
18. Hostal Sumac Tika
19. Hostal Kuntur Cusco
20. Terrapartment Cusco
Additional Info: We also pick up from AirBnB's and any other locations inside Cusco city and Sacred Valley.
Wait at the lobby of your hotel at 4:00 am
Itinerary
Cusco - Km 104 - Sungate - Machu Picchu - Aguas Celientes
1
Ollantaytambo
Your adventure starts early with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Cusco around 4:00 a.m. (or 5:30 a.m. if you’re staying closer to Ollantaytambo). After a scenic 1.5-hour drive through the Sacred Valley, you’ll arrive at Ollantaytambo train station, ready to begin your journey. If you want to make things easier, consider staying in Ollantaytambo the night before so you’re already nearby.
Duration: 7 hours
2
Next, board the Expedition train and enjoy a beautiful ride along the Urubamba River, surrounded by lush mountains and valleys. After about 1.5 hours, we’ll arrive at Km 104, where the adventure begins. First, we’ll check in at the trailhead with your passport, then enjoy a delicious picnic breakfast prepared by our talented chefs. After breakfast, we’ll visit the first Inca site, Chachabamba, before starting the hike towards Machu Picchu.
Duration: 30 minutes
3
Winay Wayna
Our trek begins with a gradual 4-hour uphill hike along ancient Inca trails. The journey takes us to Wiñay Wayna, one of the most stunning Inca sites, meaning “forever young.” This hidden gem offers incredible views of the Andes and a rich history. After exploring, you’ll enjoy a fresh lunch prepared by our expert trekking chefs, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, before we continue hiking.
Duration: 60 minutes
4
After lunch, we’ll hike towards the famous Sun Gate, or Intipunku, where you’ll catch your first magical glimpse of Machu Picchu. This is one of the most unforgettable moments, especially in the afternoon when the site is less crowded. The view from the Sun Gate offers a stunning panorama of the Machu Picchu citadel, giving you the perfect opportunity for those once-in-a-lifetime photos.
Duration: 30 minutes
5
Machu Picchu
From the Sun Gate, we’ll descend for about an hour, arriving at the scenic viewpoints of Machu Picchu. By this time, the crowds will have thinned, giving you a chance to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and capture amazing photos in the soft afternoon light.
Duration: 30 minutes
6
Aguas Calientes
After a magical afternoon visit to Machu Picchu, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Here, you can relax and unwind. Dinner will be served at one of the town’s top-rated restaurants, and you’ll spend the night in a cozy 3-star hotel with private bathrooms, hot showers, WiFi, and beautiful views—perfect for resting after a full day of adventure.
Duration: 60 minutes
Machu Picchu - The Lost City of the Incas
1
Aguas Calientes
Start your day early with the excitement of visiting Machu Picchu – the famous Lost City of the Incas. After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head out to catch the first buses to Machu Picchu at 5:30 a.m., making sure you arrive just as the day begins.
Duration: 60 minutes
2
Machu Picchu
If the weather is clear, you’ll have the chance to witness a breathtaking sunrise over Machu Picchu – a truly unforgettable experience. Your guide will take you on a 2 to 3-hour tour, showing you the most incredible temples, palaces, and terraces while sharing fascinating stories about the city’s history. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own or choose an additional hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña (don’t forget to book your tickets in advance!). When you're ready, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the Panoramic train for
Duration: 3 hours
3
Relax and enjoy the incredible views as you ride the Vistadome Panoramic Train back to Cusco. The large windows offer stunning sights of the Sacred Valley, allowing you to soak in the scenery as you unwind from your adventure.
Duration: 2 hours
4
Ollantaytambo
The TreXperience team will be waiting for you at the Ollantaytambo train station and will safely escort you back to your hotel.
5
Cusco
Your amazing journey concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Cusco around 7:00 p.m., giving you the evening to relax after an incredible adventure.
Additional info
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
