The Luxury Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the perfect way to experience the Inca Trail's beauty without committing to the longer 4-day trek. This 2-day option allows you to hike to Machu Picchu in one day, visiting the trail's most iconic sites, including the Sun Gate. On the second day, you will explore Machu Picchu with an exclusive private tour guide.
Luxury Short Inca Trail Hike: 2-day Immersive Journey
The Luxury Short Inca Trail, 2-day trip, is the perfect way to experience the Inca Trail without committing to a longer trek. Your journey will begin with a drive from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, where you will board the train to Km 104 and start your hike to Machu Picchu. The first day of hiking will take you through some of the most stunning scenery on the Inca Trail, including the ruins of Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, Sun Gate, and Machu Picchu. You will spend the night in Aguas Calientes. On the second day, you will explore Machu Picchu with a private tour guide for approximately 3 hours.
Tour Highlights:
- Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 1 day.
- Arrive at Sun Gate to witness the sunset.
- Explore Machu Picchu with a private guide.
- Return on the Vistadome Panoramic trains.
Itinerary at a Glance:
Day 1: Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Kilometer 104 - Machu Picchu (16 km, 8 hrs)
Pick up from your hotel at 4:00 am and travel to Km 104-Chachabamba. You will hike for 7 hours to Machu Picchu, visiting Chachbamba, Wiñaywayna, and Sun Gate to arrive at Machu Picchu for the sunset.
Day 2: Machu Picchu (The Incas' Lost City) (3 hrs)
You will have a guided tour of the most important places in Machu Picchu. Lunch is served at the Belmond hotel in Machu Picchu. Later in the afternoon, you will board the Vistadome Panoramic Train to return to Ollantaytambo and a private van back to Cusco—arrive around 7:00 pm.
Included:
- Pre-departure briefing at your hotel
- Pick up and drop off back at your hotel
- Transfers to and from the train station
- 1-night 4-star hotel with breakfast
- 1 picnic Breakfast, 1 picnic lunch
- 1 dinner at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
- 1 Lunch at Machu Picchu hotel
- Inca Trail and Machu Picchu admission tickets
- The bus rides in Machu Picchu (3 times)
- Expedition train to Km 104
- Vistadome train to return to Ollantaytambo
- Satellite phones, an oxygen tank, and a first-aid kit
- Luggage storage on request
Not included:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Machu Picchu Montaña
- Tips
- Travel Insurance
Optional hikes after the guided Machu Picchu tour:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain - US$68 per person. It takes 2 hours roundtrip and requires advanced booking.
- Montaña Machu Picchu - US$68 per person. Also known as Machu Picchu Mountain, the climb takes about 3 hours.
Full itinerary of the Luxury Short Inca Trail of 2 days
Day 1: Cusco, km 104, Machu Picchu, and Aguas Calientes
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 am and drive for 2 hours to Ollantaytambo train station. If you stay in Ollantaytambo or the Sacred Valley, the pick-up will be almost 2 hours later. We will board the first trains in Ollantaytambo to the Inca Trail - Chachabamba (Km 104). Upon arrival, you will pass the checkpoint, where you must show the original passport. You will enjoy a delicious picnic breakfast prepared by our expert trekking chefs.
After breakfast, you will explore Chachabamba, a magnificent Inca structure where your tour guide will fill you in on the Inca Trails' history. After seeing the breathtaking Inca ruins, we will start hiking for 4 hours up to the Wiñaywayna Inca Site (Forever Young), one of the most breathtaking Inca monuments on the Inca Trail. You will have plenty of time to explore the terraces, fountains, and temples. Lunch will be served in a nearby campsite of the same name where our chef will present you with the best Peruvian Cuisine using fresh local products.
The second part of the day starts with a 1-hour hike to Sun Gate, where you will get your first glimpse of the Lost City of the Incas. We will reach Sun Gate between 3 and 4 p.m. when the Machu Picchu crowds have thinned down, and you may visit this location with fewer people. Next, you will hike down to Machu Picchu for 1 more hour with breathtaking views. We'll arrive at Machu Picchu in the late afternoon, allowing us to see the empty citadel.
Last, we will board the bus and travel for 30 minutes to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), where you will check in at your hotel and enjoy dinner at Indio Feliz restaurant.
- Min altitude: 2000 m - 6561 ft
- Max altitude: 2720 m - 8923 ft
- Hiking Distance: 16 km - 9.9 mi
- Duration: 7 hours
- 1 Picnic breakfast, 1 Picnic Lunch
- 1 dinner at Indio feliz
- 1 Lunch at Machu Picchu Hotel
- 4-star hotel (EL MAPI or similar)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco
On the final and most important day, we will wake up early to prepare for the tour's highlight: Visiting Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. The hotel will provide breakfast, and we will board the buses at 6:30 a.m. We will arrive at Machu Picchu in the early morning. On a clear day, you may be able to glimpse the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu.
You will have a guided tour of the best of Machu Picchu citadel; your tour guide will take you to explore the farming terraces, temples, and palaces, and still have time to spend on your own or hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked as far in advance as possible).
After the guided tour, you will enjoy lunch next to the citadel at the Belmond Machu Picchu hotel. Next, you will board the bus to Aguas Calientes and explore the town.
Later in the afternoon, you will board the Vistadome Panoramic Train back to Ollantaytambo, where we will pick you up and transfer you in a private van back to Cusco. The expected arrival time is at 7 pm back in your hotel.
- Max altitude: 2400 m - 7874 ft
- Guided tour: 2-3 hours
- Breakfast at hotel
- Lunch at Machu Picchu Hotel
- Difficulty: Moderate
Luxury Short Inca Trail 2-day tour packing list
Packing for the Luxury Short Inca Trail for 2 days will depend on the specific requirements of the tour company you have chosen. However, here are some general items you may want to consider packing:
- Daypack: A small backpack to carry your personal belongings and essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Hiking boots: Comfortable and sturdy shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
- Comfortable clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothes suitable for hiking in warm and cool weather. Layers are recommended as the temperature can change quickly.
- Rain gear: Pack a lightweight rain jacket and a poncho to protect you from rain or drizzle.
- Hat and sunglasses: Sun protection is essential, so don't forget to pack a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Water bottle: A reusable water bottle is a must-have to stay hydrated throughout the hike.
- Camera: Don't forget to capture the stunning Inca Trail and Machu Picchu views!
- Personal hygiene items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
- First aid kit: Band-aids, blister pads, and any personal medication.
- Inca Trail entrance permit and passport: It's essential to carry your Inca Trail permit and passport with you at all times during the hike.
Additionally, if you have booked a luxury tour, we will provide walking sticks and snacks.
Luxury Short Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu
The price is based on your group size.
| Number of Trekkers | Price per person |
| 1 | US$ 1980 |
| 2 | US$ 1600 |
| 3 | US$ 1400 |
| 4 | US$ 1300 |
| 5 | US$ 1200 |
| 6 | US$ 1100 |
| 7 | US$ 1000 |
| 8+ | US$ 900 |
To book the Luxury Inca Trail tour, you need to make an initial payment of US$ 400 per person. The remaining balance can be paid online or in our Cusco office with any credit card at no booking fees.
Student Discount:
All travelers under 17 will have a US$ 40 discount. If you are 25 years old or under when traveling, you can get a US$ 40 discount with a valid student ID. Please advise us via email to give you a code for the discount.
Valid Student ID for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu:
To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:
- 25 years or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu. Older than 25 can not enter as a student
- The ID must have the Name of the university, name, and photo of the student
- The ID must have a valid expiration date
Invalid Student IDs:
Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:
- Traveler is older than 25
- Expired ID
- Student ID without expiration date
- ISIC cards are not valid.
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Luxury Short Inca Trail 2-day tour FAQs
What is the Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 days?
The Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 Days is a premium trekking experience that covers a shorter section of the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. The tour includes comfortable camping, gourmet meals, and personalized service.
How long is the Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 days?
The Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 Days covers a distance of approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) over two days.
Do I need to be fit to do the Luxury Short Inca Trail for 2 days?
Yes, the Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 days requires moderate fitness as you will be hiking on uneven terrain for several hours. Training for a few weeks before the trek is recommended to improve your endurance.
What is included in the Luxury Short Inca Trail 2-day tour?
The Luxury Short Inca Trail 2-day tour typically includes transport to and from Cusco, a professional guide, all necessary permits, camping equipment, gourmet meals, and snacks.
What is the best time to do the Luxury Short Inca Trail for 2 days?
The best time to do the Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 days is during the dry season from May to September. The weather is typically sunny and dry, making hiking and enjoying the beautiful views easier.
Can I hike the Luxury Short Inca Trail for 2 days solo?
No, the Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 days must be done with a licensed tour operator and a professional guide.
Do I need a permit to do the Luxury Short Inca Trail for 2 days?
Yes, you will need an Inca Trail permit to do the Luxury Short Inca Trail for 2 days. The permits are limited, and it is recommended to book well in advance to secure your spot.
What should I pack for the Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 days?
You should pack comfortable clothing suitable for hiking, a daypack, rain gear, a water bottle, personal hygiene items, and a camera. Check with your tour operator for specific packing requirements and recommendations.