Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2D

We’ll take you from Ollantaytambo on a scenic train to Km 104, the official starting point of the Short Inca Trail. There, you’ll begin your 2-day excursion to Machu Picchu with a moderate hike through Inca trails, passing by Wiñay Wayna and cloud forests. Don’t worry about logistics; everything is organized. If you’re looking for a more extensive experience, consider the Eternal Cusco – 4 days/3 nights tour.

It is not recommended to carry bulky luggage. To fully enjoy the 12 km short trek, only bring a daypack with essentials. Your large luggage will be safe in Cusco or Aguas Calientes, at your hotel or with our team. Travel light and save energy for the scenery, similar to how luggage is organized for the Machu Picchu 3 Days tour.

Altitude (2,100 to 2,720 m) can cause discomfort even for experienced trekkers. It’s advisable to arrive in Cusco 1 to 2 days prior for gradual acclimatization. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol. Chew coca leaves or use altitude medication. Our certified guides monitor your symptoms and ensure your well-being throughout the mountain tour to Machu Picchu. For optimal acclimatization, we suggest exploring the Eternal Cusco – 4 days/3 nights tour.

It’s not just a hike, but a cultural and historical experience: You’ll travel the ancient Qhapaq Ñan to Wiñay Wayna. You’ll enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), just like the Inca messengers. It offers fewer crowds than the 4-day version, but all the magic of the Short Inca Trail.

The dry season from April to October offers clear skies and cool mornings, ideal for trekking photography. There’s less chance of rain on the short trail to Machu Picchu. Book your tour between June and August to secure permits and take advantage of optimal conditions. You might also be interested in the Inti Raymi 2025 – The Great Festival of the Sun celebration in June.

Acclimatize in Cusco (1–2 days); hydrate and eat light meals; pack smartly, including a small backpack with water, sunscreen, a hat, snacks, and a light poncho; wear comfortable trekking shoes. Attend the briefing we offer the day before. With these steps, you’ll enjoy your Andean adventure without setbacks. Consider also the Eternal Cusco – 4 days/3 nights tour for your acclimatization.

The difficulty is moderate: 12 km (7.5 mi) of trail, with gradual ascents and paved paths and viewpoints that offer natural breaks. It is recommended for those who want the essence of the Short Inca Trail without the demands of the 4-day version, similar in accessibility to the Palcoyo Mountain – 1 Day tour.

The total ascent is about 600 m, starting at Km 104 (2100 m). The maximum height is at Inti Punku (2720 m). Finally, the descent is towards Machu Picchu, completing the journey. Our guides regulate the pace to adapt the mountain tour to your capacity, just as they do on the Salkantay Trek 5 days.

You’ll cover approximately 12 km (7.5 mi) in one day of hiking (5–7 hours). You’ll visit Wiñay Wayna, cloud forests, waterfalls, and finally, you’ll enter the wonder of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. If you’re looking for a longer experience, we suggest The Condor Pasa in Perú – 17 Days.

Of course. You can check our travel blogs on operator pages (including our visual guide) and trekking forums. On your Short Inca Trail 2 days tour, you will receive a detailed map to understand each stage, from Km 104 to Machu Picchu. If you are interested in the geography of the region, the Treasures of the Andes 8 days tour will offer you a broader perspective.

Yes. The Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu tour combines the scenic train along the Urubamba River. It includes a hike along historical trails and an exclusive entrance through Inti Punku. It is the most condensed way to experience the classic route in 2 days, with dreamlike landscapes and fewer tourists. To complement your trip, consider Cusco of the Incas.

In the dry season (April–October), the temperature is about 15 °C–20 °C during the day and cooler nights in Aguas Calientes. Rain is very unlikely, but it’s always good to bring a light raincoat. This way, you can enjoy the Short Inca Trail tour with «postcard-perfect» views. Prepare your trip with information about the climate in our Imperial Peru 8 days tour.

A light backpack with a reusable bottle; sunscreen and repellent; a poncho or waterproof jacket; layered clothing and a hat, non-slip trekking shoes; snacks and personal medication are recommended. Don’t forget your passport: it’s mandatory for entering the trek and Machu Picchu. Good packing is also key for Biking to Machu Picchu 4 days.

Absolutely! It’s a photographer’s dream. Ruins like Wiñay Wayna and the Inti Punku viewpoint offer unforgettable postcards. Our guides will take you to key points to capture epic memories. The scenic beauty is comparable to what you’ll find on the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain – 16 Days tour.

Very safe with an authorized operator: Licensed guides in first aid and altitude management. Well-maintained trail. Controlled pace so no one is left behind. We recommend basic physical condition and prior acclimatization to enjoy it peacefully. Similar safety and support are offered on the Mysteries of Peru 12 Days tour.

Yes, and in fact, it is one of our most popular routes. You can combine it with a visit to Machu Picchu for a deep immersion. Or you can add the Choquequirao “The Last Inca City” experience to visit more Inca ruins. If you come in June, don’t miss the Inti Raymi 2025 – The Great Festival of the Sun. We’ll help you design a personalized itinerary that combines history, culture, and adventure, such as our Eternal Cusco – 4 days/3 nights tour.

Reviews highlight spectacular landscapes with expert guides and impeccable service, with a magical entrance experience through the Sun Gate. They mention the possibility of experiencing the Short Inca Trail in just two days and the personalized attention we offer. Satisfaction is similar to that of travelers on Andean Wonders – 15 Days.

Definitely. Touring the Sacred Valley first (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero) helps you acclimatize and enriches your experience. Then, the Short Inca Trail is the perfect continuation. For an unforgettable closure, add the Inti Raymi 2025 – The Great Festival of the Sun festival. It’s also an excellent combination for the Eternal Cusco – 4 days/3 nights tour.

During the tour, you may spot llamas grazing near Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu. Although not used for carrying loads, they are part of the authentic Andean charm. Respect their space and enjoy this authentic touch. This connection with nature is a constant in tours like the Ancestral Route 6 days.

Yes, for very active travelers or those with limited time. You depart early from Km 104, embark on a continuous 10 to 12-hour hike to Machu Picchu, ending with a night return to Ollantaytambo. Permits are limited, so book early. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, the 2-day tour is ideal. For quick adventures, the Rainbow Mountain ATV – Adventure in 2 Days is an excellent option.

We recommend comfortable trekking footwear with good grip, preferably waterproof. The trails can be uneven and slippery in some areas, so well-fitted hiking boots will make a difference in your comfort and safety throughout the Short Inca Trail. Good footwear is also essential for the Treasures of the Incas tour.

Yes, the tour includes lunch and dinner on the first day, and breakfast and lunch on the second day. We ensure you have the necessary energy to enjoy the hike. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance. Meals are an important aspect of all our tours, including Andes to Amazon Adventure: Explore Peru in 16 Days.