Experience the Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu and reach the citadel the most rewarding way: through Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. Travel on the first train to Km 104 with your private guide, explore Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, and enjoy a fresh picnic breakfast and lunch prepared by our expert chefs along the trail.
Celebrate your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu from above, then relax in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes. The next morning, return early for a guided Machu Picchu tour, enjoy lunch near the citadel, and travel back to Cusco on the scenic Vistadome Observatory Train.
Duration 2 Days / 1 Night
Activities Trekking, Luxury, Adventure
Difficulty Moderate
Accommodation Hotel
Tour Language English, Spanish
Hiking Distance 13 km / 8 mi
Destinations Machu Picchu
Starts/Ends Cusco / CuscoLuxury Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu
The Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 Days is the perfect way to experience the magic of the Inca Trail with more comfort, privacy, and personal service. Hike the famous Km 104 route with your private guide, visit Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, and reach Machu Picchu through Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, one of the most beautiful arrivals in Peru.
Along the trail, enjoy a fresh picnic breakfast and lunch prepared by our expert chefs with local ingredients. This is not a rushed hike; it is a well-paced, meaningful journey through cloud forest, Inca stone paths, ancient terraces, and unforgettable mountain views.
After your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu from above, continue to Aguas Calientes for a comfortable hotel night and dinner at a top-rated restaurant. The next morning, return early to Machu Picchu for a guided visit through the best areas allowed by your official circuit.
After the tour, enjoy lunch near the citadel at the Machu Picchu hotel before returning on the scenic Vistadome Observatory Train. Operated by TreXperience, a 100% Peruvian local operator, this private luxury experience combines expert guiding, responsible travel, chef-prepared meals, smooth logistics, and one of the most memorable ways to reach Machu Picchu.
Your Short Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu ticket are included, subject to official availability. Optional hikes such as Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain can be requested for Day 2, depending on ticket availability, entry time, circuit type, and final train schedule.
Tour Highlights
- Short Inca Trail in luxury: Hike the famous Km 104 route with private guiding and premium service.
- Iconic Inca sites: Visit Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Inti Punku, and Machu Picchu.
- Chef-prepared trail meals: Enjoy fresh picnic breakfast and lunch made by our expert chefs.
- Sun Gate arrival: Reach Machu Picchu from above and celebrate your first view of the citadel.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes: Rest comfortably before your early Machu Picchu tour.
- Vistadome Observatory Train: Return with panoramic windows, open-air carriage, cultural moments, and beautiful views.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes
Early pickup, train to Km 104, Short Inca Trail hike, Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate, first view of Machu Picchu, bus to Aguas Calientes, hotel check-in, and dinner.
Day 2: Machu Picchu – Sanctuary Lodge Lunch – Observatory Train – Cusco
Early guided Machu Picchu tour, optional mountain hike if booked in advance, lunch near the citadel, Vistadome Observatory Train to Ollantaytambo, and private transfer back to Cusco.
Included
- Pre-departure briefing at your hotel.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
- Private transfers to and from the train station.
- Train to Km 104 and Vistadome Observatory Train return.
- Short Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
- Private professional guide.
- Picnic breakfast and picnic lunch prepared by our chef.
- Dinner in Aguas Calientes.
- 1 night in a 4-star hotel with breakfast.
- Bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant / Sanctuary Lodge.
- Trekking poles, first-aid kit, oxygen tank, and satellite phone.
Not Included
- Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket.
- Machu Picchu Mountain ticket.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips.
Optional Hikes After the Guided Machu Picchu Tour
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$68 per person, approximately 2 hours round trip.
- Machu Picchu Mountain – US$68 per person, approximately 3 hours round trip.
You can only hike one of these mountains, and advance booking is required. Extra hikes depend on availability, entry time, ticket type, and your final train schedule.
The Short Inca Trail permit allows you to experience Machu Picchu through official routes that may include Circuit 1 and Circuit 3, combining panoramic viewpoints and the central area of the citadel for the best possible visit. Learn more in our Machu Picchu tickets and circuits guide.
Why Book with TreXperience?
- 100% local operator: Travel with a Peruvian company based in Cusco.
- Private expert guide: Enjoy a personal, clear, and meaningful experience.
- Chef-prepared meals: Fresh picnic meals made with local ingredients on the trail.
- Responsible travel: We care for our team, respect protected sites, and support sustainable tourism.
Full Itinerary of the Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 Days
Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 4:00 a.m. and transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station. If you are staying in Ollantaytambo or the Sacred Valley, pickup will be later because you are closer to the station. From Ollantaytambo, you will board one of the first trains to the Short Inca Trail checkpoint at Km 104, Chachabamba.
Upon arrival, you will pass the checkpoint and show your original passport. Before starting the hike, enjoy a delicious picnic breakfast prepared by our expert trekking chefs. It is a beautiful way to begin the trail, surrounded by the cloud forest, the Urubamba River, and the energy of the ancient Inca route.
After breakfast, your guide will lead you through Chachabamba, an important Inca site with ceremonial spaces and stone architecture. Then you begin the main hike of the day, following original Inca stone paths, forested sections, mountain views, and quiet landscapes until you reach Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the entire Inca Trail.
At Wiñay Wayna, you will have time to explore its terraces, fountains, temples, and viewpoints while your guide shares the history and meaning of this remarkable place. Nearby, our chef will serve a fresh picnic lunch with local ingredients, giving you time to rest and enjoy a high-quality meal in one of the most beautiful areas of the trail.
In the afternoon, continue hiking toward Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. This is the most emotional moment of the day. From here, you will celebrate your first view of Machu Picchu, arriving from the same direction used by the ancient Inca travelers. The late-afternoon light and fewer crowds make this first view especially powerful.
From the Sun Gate, hike down toward the upper part of Machu Picchu, enjoying amazing views of the citadel along the way. You will not do the full guided visit today; that is saved for the next morning, when you return early with fresh energy and better timing.
Finally, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Check in to your comfortable 4-star hotel, enjoy a well-deserved dinner at a top-rated local restaurant, and rest for your early Machu Picchu visit the next day.
- Hiking Distance: 13 km / 8 mi.
- Hiking Time: Approximately 7 hours.
- Highest Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,923 ft.
- Lowest Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft.
- Meals: Picnic breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner.
- Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
Day 2: Machu Picchu – Sanctuary Lodge Lunch – Vistadome Observatory Train – Cusco
Today is the highlight of the journey. After breakfast at your hotel, you will take one of the early buses up to Machu Picchu. At the entrance, you must show your original passport and official ticket.
Your private guide will lead a complete guided tour through the most important areas allowed by your assigned circuit. You will explore terraces, temples, viewpoints, royal areas, water channels, and sacred spaces while learning the stories that bring the citadel to life.
We request the best available Machu Picchu route for your travel date. Circuit availability changes quickly and depends on official tickets, entry times, and regulations. If you requested Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, you may hike after the guided tour only if the ticket, timing, and final schedule allow it.
After the guided tour, enjoy lunch next to the citadel at the Machu Picchu hotel restaurant. This is one of the most comfortable ways to close your Machu Picchu visit, with time to relax before returning to Aguas Calientes.
Later, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. You may have some free time to explore the town, visit the local market, or simply relax before your train departure.
In the afternoon, board the Vistadome Observatory Train back to Ollantaytambo. Enjoy panoramic windows, the open-air observatory carriage, Andean music, cultural moments, snacks, drinks, and beautiful views along the Sacred Valley route. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our private van will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, usually arriving around 7:00 p.m.
- Machu Picchu Tour Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours.
- Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at Sanctuary Lodge / Machu Picchu hotel.
- Return Train: Vistadome Observatory Train.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with stairs and uneven stone paths.
Luxury Short Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu Price
This is a private luxury Short Inca Trail experience. The price is based on your group size and includes premium logistics, private guiding, chef-prepared trail meals, Short Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu tickets, hotel in Aguas Calientes, lunch near Machu Picchu, and return by Vistadome Observatory Train.
The price is based on your group size.
| Number of Trekkers | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 | US$ 1690 |
| 2 | US$ 1150 |
| 3 | US$ 980 |
| 4 | US$ 890 |
| 5 | US$ 840 |
| 6 | US$ 810 |
| 7 | US$ 770 |
| 8 | US$ 755 |
| 9+ | Contact us! |
Booking and Payment
- Deposit: US$400 per person to secure your spot. The balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us if you need to verify alternative payment options.
- The following information is required for each traveler: full name exactly as shown on the passport, passport number, date of birth, passport expiration date, and nationality.
- Please inform us in advance of any vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, or other dietary restrictions.
Student and Child Discount
- US$30 off per person
This discount applies to travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To qualify, the ID must include:
- Student name, photo, and university name.
- A valid expiration date. Expired IDs will not be accepted.
- ISIC cards are not accepted.
The discount is applied automatically for children. Students must send a copy of their university ID when booking; if the ID is not accepted, the adult rate will apply.
Before You Book
- Short Inca Trail permits, Machu Picchu tickets, train schedules, and hotel rooms are limited and subject to availability.
- Your passport must be valid and match the information used for your Inca Trail permit, train tickets, and Machu Picchu entrance.
- Optional hikes such as Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain must be requested in advance and depend on availability.
Luxury Short Inca Trail 2-Day Tour Packing List
This is a daypack-only trek, so you can enjoy the trail with just the essentials and move comfortably at your own pace. You do not need camping gear because you will spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
You can send a small 5 kg / 11 lb carry-on bag to your hotel in Aguas Calientes by train if requested in advance. That way, you hike only with what you need for the day.
Essentials
What to Wear?
What to Put in the Daypack?
What We Provide
Smart Packing Tips
- Bring your original passport. It is required for the Inca Trail checkpoint, train, and Machu Picchu entry.
- Keep your Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu ticket, train ticket, and passport easy to access.
- Pack rain gear even in the dry season. Weather can change quickly on the trail and at Machu Picchu.
- Use comfortable hiking shoes with good grip for stone steps, forest trails, and uneven paths.
- Bring sun protection, insect repellent, personal medication, and a power bank for photos.
- Leave large luggage at your hotel in Cusco or request luggage transfer/storage support with TreXperience.
You can also review our complete Inca Trail packing list.
Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 Days Travel Information
Here you’ll find the most important details before hiking the Luxury Short Inca Trail: permits, route, tickets, difficulty, weather, luggage, Machu Picchu circuits, optional hikes, and responsible travel.
What type of tour is this?
This is a private luxury Short Inca Trail experience to Machu Picchu. It is designed for travelers who want the beauty and history of the Inca Trail in a shorter, more comfortable 2-day format, with premium meals, hotel accommodation, private guiding, and refined logistics.
It is not a camping tour. You hike the Short Inca Trail on Day 1 and sleep in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes before exploring Machu Picchu early on Day 2.
Short Inca Trail permits and Km 104 route
The Short Inca Trail starts at Km 104, near Chachabamba, and follows a beautiful section of the original Inca Trail through cloud forest, stone paths, Wiñay Wayna, and Inti Punku before reaching Machu Picchu.
Permits are limited and required for this route. We recommend booking early, especially during high season. You can check general permit information on our Inca Trail permits and availability page. You can also review the official Km 104 Short Inca Trail route.
Route and places visited
On Day 1, you visit Chachabamba, hike through the cloud forest, explore Wiñay Wayna, reach Inti Punku, and arrive at the upper part of Machu Picchu. This is one of the most beautiful ways to approach the citadel.
On Day 2, you return early to Machu Picchu for a deeper guided visit through the official circuit assigned to your ticket.
Machu Picchu tickets and circuits
Your Machu Picchu ticket is included. Machu Picchu visits are organized by official circuits and time slots, and your final route depends on the ticket available for your travel date.
We secure the best available circuit for your itinerary. For more details, read our Machu Picchu tickets guide or review the official Machu Picchu circuits and routes.
Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain
You can request Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain as an optional add-on for Day 2. These hikes are not included in the standard price and require advance booking.
You can only choose one of these mountains. Availability depends on official tickets, your Machu Picchu circuit, entry time, and return train schedule.
Meals on the trail
One of the highlights of this luxury Short Inca Trail is the food. On Day 1, our trekking chefs prepare a fresh picnic breakfast and picnic lunch using local ingredients. Dinner is served at a top-rated restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
On Day 2, breakfast is served at your hotel, and lunch is included near Machu Picchu at the Machu Picchu hotel restaurant.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
This tour includes 1 night in a comfortable 4-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. Staying near Machu Picchu allows you to rest after the trail and return early the next morning for a better guided visit.
Luggage and daypack
You will hike with only a daypack. Large luggage should stay in Cusco or be handled according to the luggage plan confirmed before departure.
A small 5 kg / 11 lb carry-on can be sent to your Aguas Calientes hotel by train if requested in advance. This makes the hike much more comfortable.
Difficulty and fitness level
The Short Inca Trail is moderate. The hike is about 13 km / 8 mi and includes uphill sections, stone steps, uneven terrain, and warm cloud forest conditions.
You do not need to be an expert hiker, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours. A few weeks of walking, stairs, and light cardio before the trip will help you enjoy it more.
Weather and best season
The Short Inca Trail passes through cloud forest, so weather can change quickly. You may experience sun, mist, light rain, humidity, and cooler evening temperatures in the same trip.
The dry season from April to October usually offers clearer conditions, while the green season from November to March brings more rain and lush landscapes. For more preparation, read our Inca Trail weather guide.
Train service
On Day 1, you travel by train to Km 104 to begin the Short Inca Trail. On Day 2, you return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo on the Vistadome Observatory Train, with panoramic windows, open-air carriage, cultural moments, snacks, drinks, and beautiful views along the Sacred Valley.
Responsible travel and team welfare
TreXperience is a 100% Peruvian local tour operator. We believe luxury also means responsibility: fair treatment for guides, chefs, drivers, and support staff; respect for protected sites; and meaningful travel that benefits local people.
Please stay on marked trails, follow your guide’s instructions, respect archaeological sites, avoid littering, and help us protect the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu for future generations.
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 private premium trek that follows the famous Km 104 route to Machu Picchu. You hike through Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and the Sun Gate on Day 1, then explore Machu Picchu early on Day 2 with your private guide.
Is this tour private?
Yes. This luxury version is designed as a private experience, with private guiding, premium logistics, chef-prepared trail meals, a comfortable hotel night, and return by Vistadome Observatory Train.
Do I need to be fit to hike the Luxury Short Inca Trail?
Yes, a moderate level of fitness is recommended. The hike is around 13 km / 8 mi and includes uphill sections, stairs, and uneven stone paths. You do not need to be an expert hiker, but some preparation will make the experience more enjoyable.
Do I need a permit for the Short Inca Trail?
Yes. The Short Inca Trail requires an official permit, and spaces are limited. Your permit is included in the tour, but it must be secured in advance using your passport information.
What sites do we visit on the Short Inca Trail?
You visit Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Inti Punku / Sun Gate, and the upper area of Machu Picchu on Day 1. On Day 2, you return to Machu Picchu for a deeper guided tour through the official circuit assigned to your ticket.
Do we enter Machu Picchu twice?
Yes, this itinerary gives you two special moments with Machu Picchu. On Day 1, you arrive through the Sun Gate and enjoy the first views of the citadel. On Day 2, you return early for the full guided visit.
Which Machu Picchu circuit is included?
We secure the best available official circuit for your date and itinerary. Machu Picchu circuits depend on official ticket availability and may change depending on regulations, entry time, and route assignment.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, if tickets are available and the schedule allows it. You can only choose one of these hikes, and it must be booked in advance. These tickets are limited and depend on your Machu Picchu entry time and return train schedule.
What meals are included?
The tour includes a chef-prepared picnic breakfast and picnic lunch on the Inca Trail, dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Aguas Calientes, breakfast at the hotel, and lunch near Machu Picchu at the Machu Picchu hotel restaurant.
Where do we sleep?
You sleep in a comfortable 4-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. This makes the second day easier because you are already close to Machu Picchu for the early guided visit.
What train is included?
The tour includes a train to Km 104 on Day 1 and a return on the Vistadome Observatory Train on Day 2. This return service adds panoramic views, an open-air carriage, cultural moments, and a more memorable journey back through the Sacred Valley.
What should I pack?
Bring a small daypack, original passport, comfortable hiking shoes, rain jacket, sun protection, water, personal medication, insect repellent, and extra cash in Peruvian soles. You can send a small carry-on to Aguas Calientes if arranged in advance.
Can I hike the Short Inca Trail without a guide?
No. The Short Inca Trail must be done with an authorized tour operator and licensed guide. TreXperience handles the permits, guide, transport, meals, hotel, tickets, and full coordination for you.
When is the best time to hike the Luxury Short Inca Trail?
The dry season from April to October is the most popular because it usually offers clearer skies. The green season from November to March can be beautiful and less crowded, but you should be ready for rain. The Inca Trail is usually closed in February for maintenance.