Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 2 Days

Your unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu starts in Cusco, where we’ll pick you up from your hotel early in the morning (the exact time depends on your train schedule). After a scenic drive to the train station, we’ll board the train for a beautiful one-hour ride through the Sacred Valley to Km 104, the starting point of your adventure.

From here, our trek begins with a gentle ascent through lush Andean landscapes toward the remarkable Inca site of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”). Located at 2,680 m (8,792 ft), this awe-inspiring site clings to a steep mountainside overlooking the Urubamba River. Its terraces, stairways, and ritual fountains reveal the Incas’ mastery of agriculture and architecture, an ancient sanctuary that blends perfectly with nature.

After exploring Wiñay Wayna, we’ll continue along the Inca Trail for about 1.5 hours until we reach Inti Punku, the legendary Sun Gate. Here, you’ll be rewarded with your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, a moment travelers describe as truly magical. This ancient gateway, aligned with the path of the sun, once marked the ceremonial entrance to the sacred citadel. We’ll then begin a gentle descent of about one hour, following the classic Upper Terrace Route (Circuit 1-B) the same path the Incas once took to reach Machu Picchu’s iconic viewpoint. Take your time to capture the perfect postcard photo and soak in the incredible energy of this world wonder.

Finally, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where your hotel awaits. After a quick refresh, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating the day’s incredible achievement walking the ancient footsteps of the Incas toward one of the most legendary destinations on Earth.

• Total hiking distance: 11 km (approx. 7–8 hours)
• Maximum altitude: 2,720 m / 8,923 ft
• Minimum altitude: 2,100 m / 6,889 ft