Private Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 2 Days

rating-reviews-title
btn-title-cta
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Map Description
Video Description
Short Inca Trail to Machu PicchuShort Inca Trail to Machu PicchuShort Inca Trail to Machu PicchuShort Inca Trail to Machu PicchuView All PhotosView All Photos
tour-service-info-1-title

Adventure

tour-service-info-2-title

Moderate

tour-service-info-3-title

Cusco, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu

tour-service-info-4-title

Hiking / Trekking, Archaeological / Architecture, Nature

cardinfo-private-service
02cardinfo-days/1 cardinfo-nights
cardinfo-private-text-1
1
cardinfo-private-text-2
cardinfo-price-from
$0
cardinfo-price-private
cardinfo-price-per-adult
cardinfo-price-tooltip

cardinfo-text-4

cardinfo-btn-cta-1
cardinfo-text-5
cardinfo-text-7Not included
cardinfo-text-8cardinfo-not-included
rating-reviews-title
Brochure Iconcardinfo-text-9

cardinfo-text-10

h2-title-1

If you prefer NOT to hike the full Inca Trail trek, or you simply don’t have the time, then our short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (two days and one night) could be a great option for you. Physically speaking, it’s a far less strenuous trek than the classic four-day hike, but it still gives you a taste of what it’s like on the Inca Trail. 

You’ll also be able to experience some of the main highlights of the classic Inca Trail, including the beautiful Wiñay Wayna archaeological site with its spectacular series of agricultural terraces, as well as Inti Punku, Machu Picchu’s famous Sun Gate. And then, of course, there’s Machu Picchu itself, one of the most sublime sights on the planet. Sign up for this private short Inca trail tour today!

Many Inca Trail trips are in a group service. This is due to he permit situation. Our 2 day Short Private Inca Trail allows you to dictate the pace for your traveling party. You will also enjoy the undivided attention of the local expert guide. Perfect for those who want to hike the Inca Trail for special purposes.This could be ornithology, photography, or simply getting away from the outside world!

Free BrochureFree Brochure

Ready to explore? Download the brochure and start planning!

Contact Us

Your FREE travel expert is just a click away

Or Call us now! (888) 803 8004

h2-title-2

Day 1:Private Short Inca Trail Trek

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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 trekking distance: 11 km / 7 - 8 hours approx.
  • Highest altitude: 2,720 m (8,923 ft).
  • Lowest Altitude: 2,100 m (6,889 ft).

itinerary-service-title
  • Itinerary Service Type Icon
    Meals: Boxed Lunch, Dinner
  • Itinerary Service Type Icon
    Tour Guide: Local Tour Guide: English/Spanish
  • Itinerary Service Type Icon
    Transfer: Hotel - Ollantaytambo Train Station
  • Itinerary Service Type Icon
    Train Ticket: Ollantaytambo Train Station - KM 104
  • Itinerary Service Type Icon
    Entrance Fee: Inca Trail KM 104.
  • Itinerary Service Type Icon
    Bus: Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes

Day 2:Machu Picchu in all its Glory (and Return to Cusco)

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Today brings the highlight of your adventure, the long-awaited visit to Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas.


After an early breakfast at your hotel, we’ll take the bus up the winding mountain road to the entrance of the citadel. As you step through the gates, the majestic view of Machu Picchu will unfold before your eyes, a sight that never fails to take your breath away. Your 2–3-hour guided exploration follows (Circuit 3B), taking you through the site’s most iconic areas: temples, royal quarters, agricultural terraces, and sacred ceremonial spaces. Your expert guide will reveal the history, symbolism, and hidden secrets behind each structure, bringing this ancient masterpiece to life.


After your guided visit, you’ll have some free time to wander at your own pace, soak in the atmosphere, and take incredible photos. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may opt to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for sweeping panoramic views, just remember, these additional hikes require advance reservation due to limited permits.


Later, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at your leisure (not included). In the afternoon, you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our team will be waiting to drive you back to Cusco.

As you arrive around 6:30 p.m., you’ll carry with you unforgettable memories of one of the most extraordinary journeys in the world, walking in the footsteps of the Incas and witnessing the timeless beauty of Machu Picchu.

  • Tour Duration: 2–3 hours exploring Machu Picchu
  • Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate

itinerary-service-title
  • Itinerary Service Type Icon
    Meals: Not Included
  • Itinerary Service Type Icon
    Tour Guide: Local Tour Guide: English/Spanish.
  • Itinerary Service Type Icon
    Bus: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes (20 minutes approx).
  • Itinerary Service Type Icon
    Entrance Fee: Machu Picchu Citadel
  • Itinerary Service Type Icon
    Train Ticket: Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy.
  • Itinerary Service Type Icon
    Transfer: Train Station - Cusco Hotel.

h2-title-3

2025
2026
November 2025
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
SOLD OUTINCA TRAIL TREK
Alternative TreksAVAILABLE
Sold outAvailable spotsOn DEAL price

Secure your spot on the trip now with our real-time availability information.
Act quickly—these spots sell out fast!

h2-title-4

whats-included-title

  • Briefing, one day before the trek at 19h00. 
  • Transport:  Private Transfers.
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: The short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
  • Meals: 1 boxed lunch, 1 dinner.
  • Professional guide who speaks English/Spanish. 
  • Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to km. 104.
  • Train Ticket: from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo / Poroy. (or Av. el Sol when it is a bimodal service). This train ticket is the Expedition Train or Voyager Train and leaves Aguas Calientes station at 15h20. This train ticket is Expedition class but can be upgraded to the Vistadome class for $ 50.00 per person.
  • Entrance fee to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
  • First aid kit with oxygen. 
  • 1 night 3-star hotel in Agua Calientes
  • Bus Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
  • Round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on the second day. 
  • 24/7 support and emergency line are available throughout the itinerary. 

whats-not-included-title

  • Medical and emergency evacuation insurance.
  • Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance.
  • Accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
  • Any activity not described in What's Included. 
  • Meals and drinks other than those mentioned in the itinerary. 
  • Trekking equipment such as walking sticks, or other extras.
  • Tips/Gratuities. 

h2-title-5

Avatar

specialist-box-title
Natividad Cortez

specialist-box-phrase

contant-form-title

contant-form-first-name-error
contant-form-last-name-error
contant-form-email-error
contant-form-phone-error
contant-form-country-error
contant-form-package-error
contant-form-message-error

contact-form-submit-info-1contact-form-submit-info-2

top-tours-title

top-tours-info

TripAdvisor Reviews
Google Reviews
Facebook Reviews
5.0
NaN reviews
reviews-new-cta

asso-info-title

asso-info-description

International Travel AwardsSafe Travelsguarranty logoadventure travel tradeLata Tourism Awards
Ustoa LogoAsta logoICRT Global Awards logoLux Life Magazine