Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days 1 Night

🚆 Transfer and start of the adventure

The experience begins with pickup from your accommodation in Cusco. From there, you travel to the train station and continue to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. This is where your hiking adventure begins.

🏛️ Chachabamba Archaeological Site

At the beginning of the trek, we visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba (2,150 m / 7,054 ft), an ancient Inca ceremonial center located beside the Urubamba River. Here, travelers discover the first archaeological remains along the Inca Trail.

🌿 Hike through the cloud forest

Afterwards, we continue hiking through a lush cloud forest, surrounded by vegetation, flowers, birds, and local wildlife. Along this section, nature enhances the journey and makes the experience even more enjoyable.

🏛️ Wiñay Wayna Archaeological Site

Later, we reach Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), one of the most important archaeological sites along the Inca Trail. Here, you can clearly appreciate how Inca architecture blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.

☀️ Arrival at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)

After a short lunch break 🍽️, we continue hiking toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) (2,720 m / 8,924 ft). From this point, you enjoy the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Without a doubt, this is one of the most anticipated and unforgettable moments of the journey 📸🌄.

📸 Visit to Machu Picchu

Next, we enter the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu for a guided visit along Circuit 1B. This route allows travelers to enjoy the classic viewpoint and capture stunning photographs of the citadel.

🌙 Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes

After the visit, we take the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes. In the evening, we enjoy dinner and a short briefing with the guide to coordinate the following day’s schedule.

Finally, we stay overnight at a selected hotel in Aguas Calientes, the perfect place to rest and prepare for the next day’s experience.

• ⛰️ Highest point: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft (Sun Gate – Inti Punku)
• 📏 Hiking distance: 13 km / 8 miles
• ⏱️ Approximate duration: 7 hours
• 🍽️ Meals: Lunch included
• 🏨 Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
• 🥾 Difficulty: Moderate

🚌 Early entrance to the Machu Picchu Citadel

We begin the day early to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Following your guide’s recommendation, we take one of the first buses up to the Machu Picchu Citadel, aiming to enter as soon as access is permitted.

In this way, you will enjoy a guided visit of approximately 2 hours, exploring the most important sectors of the citadel. Throughout the tour, you will discover the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the Inca Empire.

🏛️ Guided tour through the main sectors

The visit follows the official circuits authorized within Machu Picchu, subject to availability at the time of booking. Throughout the experience, your professional guide accompanies the group, explaining the most representative highlights of the sanctuary.

⛰️ Optional: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

If you have an additional entrance ticket, you may choose to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Both options reward you with breathtaking elevated views and panoramic perspectives of the citadel and its stunning natural surroundings.

🚌 Return to Aguas Calientes

After your guided visit, we board the bus back down to Aguas Calientes town. This transfer provides a comfortable and safe descent following your exploration of the sanctuary.

🚆 Train journey and return to Cusco

Later, we begin the scenic train journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy station, depending on availability. Upon arrival, our private transportation will be waiting to transfer you comfortably back to your hotel in Cusco.

ℹ️ Important Information

Finally, please note that Machu Picchu entrance circuits are subject to availability. For this reason, we recommend confirming the assigned circuit in advance with our travel advisors at the time of booking.