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.
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 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 2.5 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
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)
You will have a guided tour of the most important places in Machu Picchu. Lunch is served at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge restaurant 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
- The bus rides in Machu Picchu (3 times)
- Expedition train to Km 104
- Vistadome train to return to Ollantaytambo
- Inca Trail and Machu Picchu admission tickets
- 1 picnic Breakfast, 1 picnic lunch
- 1 dinner at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
- 1 lunch at Tinkuy restaurant (Sanctuary Lodge)
- 1-night 4-star hotel with breakfast
- Trekking poles
- Luggage storage on request
- Satellite phones, an oxygen tank, and a first-aid kit
Not included:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Machu Picchu Montaña
- Tips
- Travel Insurance
Optional hikes after the Guided Machu Picchu tour:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain - $68 per person (2-hour round-trip).
- Machu Picchu Mountain - $68 per person (3-hour round-trip).
You can only hike one of these mountains, and it is done after the guided tour in Machu Picchu. Advance booking is required for both hikes.
Why book with TreXperience?
- Local Expert: Get the best prices and best service with a 100% Peruvian company
- Expert Tour Guides: Our tour guides are professionals and fluent in English
- Food on the trail: The food we provide during our trek is always of high quality and great variety
- Vistadome observatory trains: We includes Vistadome Observatory train on the return
Full itinerary of the Luxury Short Inca Trail of 2 days
Day 1: Cusco - km 104 - Machu Picchu - 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 amazing 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 a Local restaurant restaurant.
- Hiking Distance: 13 km / 8 mi
- Duration: 7 hours
- Max altitude: 2,720 m / 8,923 ft
- Min altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
- Meals: picnic breakfast & lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: 4-start hotel
- 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 restaurant (Tinkuy). Then, 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: 00 p.m. back in your hotel.
- Tour Duration: 2.5 hours
- Max altitude: 2400 m / 7874 ft
- Meals: breakfast (hotel), lunch (Sanctuary Lodge)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Luxury Short Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu
The price is based on your group size.
| Number of Trekkers | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 | US$ 1,690 |
| 2 | US$ 1,280 |
| 3 | US$ 1,100 |
| 4 | US$ 980 |
| 5 | US$ 920 |
| 6 | US$ 860 |
| 7 | US$ 800 |
| 8 | US$ 740 |
| 9+ | Contact us! |
Booking and payment
- Deposit: US$400 per person (to secure your spot). The balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us to discuss alternative payment options.
- The following information is required for each traveler: full name exactly as it appears on the passport (no nicknames), passport number, date of birth, passport expiration date, and nationality.
- Please inform us in advance of any vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary restrictions.
Student Discount:
- US$ 30 off
Applies to all travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To get the discount, the ID must include:
- Student name, photo, and university name.
- A valid expiration date (expired IDs will not be accepted).
- ISIC cards are not valid.
The discount is applied automatically for children. For students, you must submit a copy of your student ID when booking; if your ID is rejected, you will be charged the adult rate.
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.
Even better, you can send a small 5 kg (11 lb) carry-on bag to your hotel in Aguas Calientes by train (please request this in advance), so you’ll hike with only what you need for the day.
What we provide
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.
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.