The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2-Day
The Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu is the ultimate express trek for travelers with limited time. Walk ancient paths through the Andean cloud forest, discover hidden pre-Columbian ruins, and marvel at exotic wildlife before spending a restful night in Aguas Calientes. Wake up early to beat the crowds at Machu Picchu and experience the Lost City of the Incas at sunrise on this unforgettable 2-day adventure.
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Guaranteed Entry Tickets & Prime Circuits
We secure officially certified Machu Picchu permits and optimal circuit routes well in advance for seamless entry. -
Scenic Expedition / Vistadome Train Journeys
Relax through the dramatic Vilcanota River gorge aboard panoramic trains with floor-to-ceiling Andean windows. -
Expert Academic & Archeological Guiding
Private 3-hour deep dive into Inca masonry, astronomical alignment, and the history of the Sun Temple and Sacred Plaza. -
100% Hassle-Free Door-to-Door Logistics
Complete coordination including private hotel transfers, rail bookings, shuttle buses, and personalized assistance.
Itinerary
Explore your day-by-day journey curated by Edgar Adventures local specialists.
Cusco – KM 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes
Early Morning Departure: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco (04:00 a.m.) for a transfer to Ollantaytambo, followed by a 1.5-hour train ride to KM 104, the starting point of the 1-day Inca Trail.
Chachabamba Ruins: Pass the checkpoint to explore this ancient Inca shelter, learning about pre-Columbian history and pilgrimage rituals.
Ascent to Wiñay Wayna: Begin a 3-hour hike along original stone steps through cloud forests, orchids, and waterfalls, reaching Wiñay Wayna—the most spectacular archaeological site on the trail, featuring ritual fountains and agricultural terraces.
Lunch & Rest: Enjoy a packed lunch near the Classic Inca Trail campsite with views overlooking the Sacred Valley.
The Sun Gate (Inti Punku): Hike to Inti Punku for your first panoramic, breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.
This afternoon we will not enter the Machupicchu citadel right away. As the departing tourists leave, we’ll have the chance to bask in the golden hues of the sunset, enjoying a moment of serenity.
After this moderate hike of 9 kilometers / 5.6 miles approx. We walked from 2,040 meters Hight to 2,721 meters, enjoying paradisiac views we descend to the town.
bus to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the town’s top restaurants. Be sure to get on early at night, as you’ll be waking up at dawn for your next adventure.
overnight at a Comfortable hotel.
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Citadel – Cusco
Bus ride to Machupicchu. After a rest & Breakfast in Aguas Calientes, wake early to beat the crowds at the Machu Picchu historical sanctuary. A short walk from your hotel brings you to the 25-minute bus ride up to the Inca citadel just as sunrise paints the iconic Wonder of the World in golden light.
Machupicchu Visit. Explore the ancient site on a 2-hour guided Machu Picchu tour. Learn about its history and architecture from a local expert as you visit the principal sectors. Optionally, tackle the Huayna Picchu hike (2 hours round trip) or Machu Picchu Mountain hike (3 hours round trip) for breathtaking panoramic views (pre-booked permits required).
Return Train to Cusco. Afterward, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding your Machu Picchu train to Ollantaytambo (typically departing around 2:55 p.m.). Private transport will pick you up at the train station to return to your accommodation in Cusco by approximately 6:00 p.m., concluding an unforgettable Peru adventure.
What's Included
INCLUDED IN THIS JOURNEY
Curated signature services included in your tour fare- Permits & Entrance Tickets
- Inca Trail Permits: Personal, non-refundable, and non-transferable permits reserved upon deposit. Passport updates are allowed only for renewals (both old and new passports are required).
- Machu Picchu Ticket (Circuit 1): Grants access to the upper terrace for the classic panoramic photo before exiting to Aguas Calientes.
- Expert Staff & Safety
- Pre-Departure Briefing: A quick check-in via call or WhatsApp the day before your trek to confirm pickup times, packing tips, and details.
- Professional Tour Guide: Certified, bilingual (English/Spanish) guide with expertise in Andean history, flora, and fauna.
- Medical First Aid Kit: Includes basic emergency supplies and emergency oxygen. Guides are first aid is certified for rapid response and evacuation if needed.
- Meals & Sustenance
- Box Lunch & Snacks: Includes a packed lunch, snacks, water, dinner the first day and a reusable cloth bag to pack out trash and leave no trace.
- Transport ,Logistics & Lodging
- Private Ground Transfers: Hotel pickup in Cusco to Ollantaytambo station, plus return transfer from Ollantaytambo back to your Cusco hotel.
- Train Tickets: Outbound train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 (trek trailhead) and return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Bus Ticket: Consettur bus ticket down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- 01-Night comfortable accommodation at Aguas calientes
NOT INCLUDED IN THIS JOURNEY
Personal & optional items not covered in the fare- Meals not mentioned (Breakfast Day 1) and drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses,
- additional expenses like Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Unrivaled Andean Comfort & Private Speedboats
Travel with complete peace of mind. Our signature journeys feature private, modern high-speed boats across Lake Titicaca, climate-controlled vehicles with complimentary bottled water and on-board oxygen, and senior native guides born and raised in the communities you visit.
Enquire About This Tour
From: $595.00 / person • Direct Operator Guarantee
