Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Our Short Inca Trail begins right at your hotel. Your driver will pick you up and take you to the Ollantaytambo railway station, a journey of approximately one hour and forty minutes. Upon arrival, you will board a train from Ollantaytambo to the Short Inca Trail's trailhead at Chachabamba (also known as Km 104), where the Inca Trail checkpoint is located. There, you will present your original passport to the park ranger, who will verify it against your official Inca Trail permit.

Once check-in is complete, your Inca Trail trekking experience will begin! You will cross the Vilcanota River, and the first Inca site you will encounter is Chachabamba. At this archaeological site, your guide will explain the historical and cultural significance of these beautiful ruins.

From there, you’ll continue hiking uphill for about two to three hours until you reach Wiñay Wayna, the second major Inca site on the Short Inca Trail. Along the way, you’ll pass through a mix of cactus vegetation and cloud forest, experiencing the region's natural beauty and historical richness.

Before reaching Wiñay Wayna, you’ll pass a beautiful waterfall located along the trail—the perfect spot for photos. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch and rest near the Inca site.

Later in the day, you will continue along the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. During the hike, you’ll see the agricultural terraces of Intipata and enjoy the stunning views of the Andean landscape. After trekking for approximately three hours, you will arrive at Intipunku (the Sun Gate), where, if conditions permit, you may witness a breathtaking sunset over Machu Picchu.

After a brief break to enjoy the view of the citadel, the Vilcanota River, and the surrounding mountains, you will descend toward the Inca citadel. You will stop at the Guard House to enjoy a panoramic view. There, you will receive a brief guided explanation of the site.

Since it will be too late for a full tour of Machu Picchu today, we'll head down to the town of Aguas Calientes and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel and enjoy dinner. If time allows, you'll have the option to visit the local thermal baths.

Today is a special day because you will visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu! Rather than a strenuous hike, you will take a gentle trek around the archaeological site.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will transfer to the bus station and take a 30-minute shuttle ride up to Machu Picchu. During the journey, you'll enjoy stunning views of the green mountains and lush jungle surrounding Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes). The bus crosses the Vilcanota River via the Puente Ruinas bridge and ascends to the citadel. As you go, you can admire parts of Machu Picchu, such as the Andean terraces and the ancient structures of the llacta. You will also have a great view of Putucusi Mountain, which is located in front of the Machu Picchu complex.

When you arrive at the checkpoint, you’ll need to show your passport and your Machu Picchu ticket. It is essential that the personal information on your documents matches the information on your ticket exactly. Then, you will enter the Inca citadel according to your reservation for the Machu Picchu circuit. Our guide will accompany you on the tour listed on your ticket.

Important note: According to the new regulations, an Inca Trail permit does not automatically grant full access to Machu Picchu. Some permits only allow access to the Panoramic Circuit, which allows around 30 minutes at viewpoints to take photos of Machu Picchu. However, when you book our two-day Short Inca Trail, we include full access to Machu Picchu. When you make your reservation for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, our sales team will inform you about the available circuits and arrange your entry accordingly.

We recommend booking in advance to secure Circuit 2, which offers the most comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu. If Circuit 2 is sold out, the next best option is Circuit 3.

Your guided tour of Machu Picchu lasts approximately two and a half hours. Depending on the assigned circuit. Once the guided portion is complete, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.

Those looking to extend their Machu Picchu hiking experience can climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These iconic peaks are located near the Inca citadel and offer breathtaking panoramic views—perfect for taking unforgettable photos of your adventure!

After returning to Aguas Calientes, enjoy lunch on your own. The town has many restaurants serving international and Peruvian cuisine. Then, return to your hotel, collect your luggage, and walk to the train station for your return journey.

You will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will meet you at the station. From there, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cusco.

This concludes your unforgettable two-day Short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu!

• Accommodation: Hotel in Machu Picchu;
• Experienced bilingual Tour Guide;
• Inca Trail permit and entrance fee to Machu Picchu;
• Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x lunch, 1x SNACK BAG, 1x dinner (please advice us in advance in case you are a vegetarian; this option is for NO extra additional cost;
• A shuttle bus round trip between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu;
• A train round trip (Expedition Class) from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu;
• Transfer by private van to the railway station;
• Transfer by tourist transtation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

• Breakfast on the 1st day and lunch in Aguas Calientes town on the 2nd day.
• A shuttle bus between Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on the 1st day (USD 12/one way).
• Travel insurance is not mandatory, but we highly recommend it for your trip around Peru, especially in case of emergencies or last-minute cancellations.
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain (USD 80).
• Tips to local staff (It is not obligatory to tip; however, it is a custom in Peru).

Local flights: No local flight is included.

Solo travel: If you prefer a single room, please choose the "Solo Traveler" option during your booking. It might be difficult to change it later if the hostel is fully booked. 

All Inca Trail tours include a professional tour guide and a representative from Salkantay Trek Machu. Our guides specialize in trekking, nature, and history, so you can rest assured that you will be safe and informed during your hike to Machu Picchu.

They have studied English in college and are certified professionals. Your guide will provide all the necessary information during the trip, along with recommendations on what to do in Cusco and other places to visit before your trek. They are trained in first aid and guiding. If you experience an emergency, they are fully prepared to assist you.

Our Salkantay Trek Machu representative will oversee your trip details and look after you. He or she will ensure that everything is properly confirmed. The representative will ask for your WhatsApp contact number. If you don't have WhatsApp, we recommend downloading it because it will be our primary method of communication between you and the Salkantay Trek Machu tour operator.

Daypack for Your Trek:

In general, you should pack as lightly as possible. We recommend keeping the weight under 10 pounds (4.5 kg). Remember that you’ll need to carry your own clothes and other essentials.

It's very important to bring a good rain cover for your backpack, as the weather on the Inca Trail can change at any moment.

Appropriate Clothing for the Hike

During the day, hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended, along with layers such as sweaters, fleeces, and waterproof jackets. Carry lightweight rain gear in your daypack, such as a rain poncho, rain jacket, or rain pants, since weather conditions can change quickly.

Convertible trekking pants are useful on the second day when visiting Machu Picchu because they can easily be converted into shorts.

Machu Picchu is located in a warm climate. It may get slightly chilly at night, but temperatures during the day are usually mild to warm.

For a complete packing list, see below.

WHAT TO BRING ON THE INCA TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU?

• Original passport,
• Original International Student Identity Card (if you have applied for a student discount),
• Cash in Peruvian Soles (please allow 30-60 Soles for meals not included plus some extra for souvenirs from Machu Picchu).
• Rain gear (a jacket and pants if possible) or a rain poncho (you can get it Cusco),
• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu,
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots are advised,
• Warm clothes, including a jacket, fleeces (thermal clothing is highly recommended, especially for sleeping),
• Handkerchiefs,
• Toilet paper,
• Small towel,
• Toiletries,
• Sandals or jogging shoes when in the campsite,
• Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
• Smartphone/camera and batteries (batteries consume quickly under cold conditions),
• Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold,
• Sunblock,
• After-sun cream,
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET (when in Machu Picchu, a subtropical area),
• Snacks: biscuits, chocolate, energy bars, raw fruits, and sweets in general. (Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This suggestion applies only to customers who prefer their favourite snack),
• Water and a water container the 1st morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed in Machu Picchu and Inca Trail! So, plastic water containers metal ones are recommended.),
• Optional: water-purifying tablets if you prefer to pick up water from streams or rivers along the trail. (However, we supply our customers with filtered boiled water which is safe to drink and has no reported any health problem!),
• Optional: hiking poles (rubber covers required for the Inca Trail!!!).

Is the 2 Day Inca Trail Worth It?

The Short Inca Trail is known for the best alternative Machu Picchu hike to the 4 day Inca Trail  as  it is not as hard but as scenic and interesting for the Inca sites and sceneries. The first hours, you will enjoy an outstanding  scenery. You will hike up to Wiñaywayna approx 4 hrs. Upon arrival at the site, you will explore and enjoy the views of the Urubamba river vally. Then you will head to Inti punku (sungate) for 2 hrs approx. Afterwards, you will descend to Machupicchu site itself for closer views and finally bus down to Aguas Calientes. You will hike a total  of 8 hrs on the first day. On the Second day, you can walk  up or you can cach the tourist bus to the lost city of the Incas. if you decide to walk up to Machu Picchu, dont worry!! you can go at your own pace but you will definitely  hit your goal 

We recommend doing and exploring this short Inca trail as it is one of the best ways to get to Machupicchu

• Minimum Altitude: 2,100 m / 6,900 ft.
• Highest Altitude: 2,730 m / 8,792 ft.
• Walking Distance: 12 km / 7.46 miles

How long is the Machu Picchu hike?

40 km/ 25 miles

This walking distance goes from Km 104 (headtrail) to Machu Picchu.

Short Inca Trail: Departures 100% Guaranteed!

Do you need to book it in advance? This 2 day Machu Picchu hike has departures guaranteed, but Inca Trail permits, train tickets and entrance fees to Huayna Picchu/ Machu Picchu Mountain are subject to availability! For that reason, we HIGHLY advise booking it WELL in ADVANCE to ensure you receive exactly what you want!!

Please Note: May, June and July are the peak months of the High Tourist Season which means that Inca Trail permits SELL OUT MANY MONTHS IN ADVANCE!!

Short Inca Trail: Booking Online

Please fill in your personal details in our booking form of the following link: Booking Short Inca Trail Online to request a reservation.

Please note:It is very important that you will complete all information correctly to obtain your Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu tickets! Except for this, please do not forget to read and accept our service policies before clicking on the Registration & Payment option. Please call us at (+51) 912891560 in case of any queries or to confirm availability over the phone.

One of our Trip Coordinators will contact you, often within two business hours, to confirm availability of the trip and/or provide you with other options. Once availability is confirmed, we will ask you for a deposit of 50% of the total amount in order to purchase your spot on the trek! The remaining balance can be paid in cash upon your arrival at Cusco.

To pay your deposit, you can choose one of the following methods: 

• Credit and Debit cards (Once booked, our sales department will send you a link payment)
• Western Union (do not forget to send us an MTCN number you will be given),
• A bank transfer, we will send our account bank

Machu Picchu Alternative Hike

If you want to sleep in a tent, we recommned the 2 Day Inca Trail Camping experience.

Many people include Peru into their “things-to-do” list, the 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu being the main reason usually.

Although it is a pity that most people do not know that there are many treks in the Cusco region using the original Inca trails to Machu Picchu, they are just not as well known as the Inca Trail. If you like to try one of these so-called Alternative Treks, you can choose depending on your preference, for instance, the difficulty of hiking on such an Inca trail, what activity (e.g. mountain biking, zip-line, river rafting) you want to try, what climate suits you, etc.

If you want to say that you have experienced the famous hike to Machu Picchu, then there is the Classic Inca Trail for you! Usually, however, you must book it well in advance. In case it is fully booked, we suggest you hiking other Alternative Trekssuch as:

• 2 Day Inca Trail Hike with Camping
• Putucusi to Machu Picchu (2 days/1 nights)
• Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu Tour (2 days/1 nights)
• Short Salkantay Trek (4 days/3 nights)
• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 days/4 nights)
• Classic Salkantay Trek Peru (9 days/8 nights)