+51 942 097 720 info@peruancestralpaths Via A.H. Virgen del Rosario G-2 Cusco – San Jerónimo, Cusco, Peru
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Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Day Hike – 2 Day Machu Picchu Hike

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Tour Details

If you don’t have enough time for the classic Inca Trail, come along onto  this alternative. The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a 2 Day Machu Picchu Hike. This adventure will show you hidden historical sites. And take you to Machu Picchu.

You will start with a train ride from Ollantaytambo Train Station. The journey promises stunning views of the Sacred Valley.

The hike begins at the famed archaeological site where the Classic Inca Trail parts. Your tour guide will lead you through ancient paths. As you hike the Inca Trail, each turn offers new, mesmerizing views of Machu Picchu. This part of the trail to Machu Picchu is rich with cultural heritage.

After a day’s trek, you will spend the night in a comfortable 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes. Rest and recharge for the next day’s adventure. Early the next morning, you will continue reaching Machu Picchu. The final stretch of your hike will unveil the iconic site.

Your tour will conclude with exploring Machu Picchu. Your guide will share stories and secrets of this mystical place. Enjoy the return by train, soaking in the panoramic views. This Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a 2 Day Machu Picchu Hike, will be an unforgettable journey.

Highlights

  • Starting Altitude: 2,040 meters (6,692 feet) at the KM 104 start point.
  • Maximum Altitude: 2,720 meters (8,923 feet) at Wiñay Wayna.
  • Total Distance of the Hike: Approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles).
  • Average Highest Temperature: Around 25°C (77°F) during the day.
  • Average Lowest Temperature: Around 8°C (46°F) at night.
  • Meals Included: Lunch and dinner on Day 1; breakfast on Day 2.
  • Level of Difficulty: Moderate, suitable for most reasonably fit individuals.
  • Wiñay Wayna: Visit the impressive Inca site, known for its stunning agricultural terraces.
  • Sun Gate (Inti Punku): First dramatic view of Machu Picchu from above, an unforgettable sight.
  • Machu Picchu Exploration: Guided tour of the iconic archaeological site, learning about its history and significance.
  • Optional Visit to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: For those who book in advance (75 UDS extra).
  • Aguas Calientes: Explore this small town known for its hot springs and vibrant atmosphere, where you will spend the night.

Include

  • Professional bilingual tour guide
  • Admission ticket to the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
  • One night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
  • Meals as specified (1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner)
  • Return train tickets
  • Bus Transportation between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes
  • Transfer from Ollantaytambo Train Station back to Cusco

Exclude

  • Breakfast on Day 1
  • Lunch and dinner on Day 2
  • Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets (you can add it to your tour)
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guides and staff
  • Additional snacks or beverages
  • Personal hiking gear (e.g., hiking poles, rain gear)
  • Hot springs entrance in Aguas Calientes

Recommendations

  • Backpack rain-proofed
  • Water bottle or hydration reservoir
  • Comfortable hiking boots
  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
  • Warm layers for cool temperatures
  • Hat and gloves
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses (sun protection in high altitude are important)
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal medications
  • Camera or smartphone
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Passport and cash
  • Snacks and energy bars
Itinerary

Day 1Journey to Machu Picchu

Your adventure with Peru Ancestral Paths begins early. You will leave Cusco at 4:30 AM with the departure to Ollantaytambo train station. If you will be staying the night in a hotel or hostel in Sacred valley we can arrange a pick up there too. We recommend this option.

The journey from Ollantaytambo Train Station to KM 104 takes about 1.5 hours. The train ride is scenic. Here starts your hike on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

The hike kicks after leaving the train and going to the control station in Chachabamba. Here authorities will check your inca trail permits. The 2 days Machu Picchu Hike can begin.  

The Chachabamba inca site will be the first thing in our  journey. Your guide will lead you to his beautiful site and introduce you to the Inca Trail. You will hike to Machu Picchu from this point forward.

This following hike will take around 4 hours, until we arrive in Wiñaywayna. This site is one of the biggest and most impressive archaeological sites on the Inca Trail (2 days). Here we’ll also take our lunch.

After lunch the ascent to IntiPunku will begin. There you’ll have the first big view of Machu Picchu. We’ll arrive at the Sun gate at around 3:00 or 4:00 pm. 

You will experience a unique solitude at this moment. Just a few visitors will be on the citadel.

From the Sun Gate, you will descend to Machu Picchu. This will take near an hour. You’ll take a bus to Aguas Calientes to settle in your 3 star hotel. You’ll have dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 2Exploring Machu Picchu

For the second day of your 2 day Machu Picchu hike on the Short Inca Trail, You’ll wake up early. After the hotel breakfast, catch the first bus back to Machu Picchu at 5:30 AM. This ensures you experience the site in the soft morning light.

Your guided tour will start at 6:00 AM and last for about 2 hours. Learn about the rich history of this iconic Inca citadel. Visit the main square, the circular tower, the Intihuatana (sundial), the three windows temple and the burial sites. 

After the tour, you have the option to explore more on your own until 11:00 AM. In this time you can opt for climbing the Huayna Picchu mountain (book in advance with an extra charge of 75 USD).

After the Machu Picchu visit, we’ll go back to Aguas Calientes. Here you can have lunch and explore Aguas Calientes.

 By evening, you ‘ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Post-lunch, you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Make sure you arrive 30 minutes in advance to the train station.

In Ollantaytambo a bus will be waiting for you to take to Cusco. This will be the completion of our Machu Picchu 2 day hike on the short Inca trail. Peru Ancestral Paths offers a compact yet comprehensive glimpse into the short Inca Trail’s majestic allure.

Useful Information

Information

Before embarking on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Day Hike, consider these key points:

  • Permits: Secure your permits early. The trail has limited access, allowing only 500 people daily, including support staff. Book months in advance to ensure your spot.
  • Physical Readiness: The trail involves steep inclines and uneven terrain. Prepare with regular cardio and hiking practice. Ensure you are fit for the moderate difficulty.
  • Best Time to Go: The optimal months for hiking are from April to October. This period offers drier weather. Avoid the rainy season from November to March. Also consider this is the high season.
  • Altitude Sickness: Starting over 2,000 meters can trigger altitude sickness. Spend a few days in lower high altitudes before the hike to acclimatize.
  • Safety and Gear: Wear sturdy hiking boots (already broken in) and pack rain gear. Always follow your guide’s instructions. Stay on marked paths to avoid accidents.
  • Carry your passport: At the beginning of the Short Inca Trail and in Machu Picchu, there are checking points. This ensures just the authorized number of visitors entering his sites.
  • The Inca trail is closed for maintenance in february. Consider this before your journey.

Keep these points in mind for a successful and enjoyable hike on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

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1 Review
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Sofia Andersen

Solo Traveller

A thrilling adventure! The 2-day hike on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was an incredible journey filled with awe-inspiring landscapes and ancient ruins. From the challenging trails to the breathtaking views, every moment was unforgettable. Highly recommend this hike for anyone seeking a shorter yet still rewarding trek to Machu Picchu!

February 2, 2024