Discover the 2-Day Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
Journey along the 2-day Short Inca Trail, exploring Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna, arriving at the Sun Gate for a unique sunset view of Machu Picchu with fewer crowds. Return at sunrise for a peaceful tour, and finish with a panoramic Vistadome train ride for a comfortable and scenic way back.
Why You’ll Love This Tour:
Travel with a trusted local tour operator, experts in the Inca Trail.
Experience Machu Picchu at two different times of day (sunset and sunrise views).
Explore remarkable Inca sites including Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, and Intipunku.
Enjoy freshly prepared meals on the trail, crafted by professional chefs.
Relax after your hike with a comfortable stay in a 3-star Aguas Calientes hotel.
Return to Cusco on the Vistadome panoramic train.
Day 1: Cusco - Km 104 - Sungate - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
Repas : déjeuner : Picnic Lunch, dîner : at a Local restaurant, petit-déjeuner : Picnic Breakfast
Meals: Lunch: Picnic Lunch, Dinner: At a Local restaurant, Breakfast: Picnic Breakfast
Accommodation: 3-star Hotel Included
Day 1: Your adventure starts early with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Cusco around 4:00 a.m. (or 5:30 a.m. if you’re staying closer to Ollantaytambo). At Ollantaytambo train station we will board the train and travel along the Urubamba River, passing picturesque valleys and mountain landscapes.
Ollantaytambo
2 h
Duration: 2 hours
After about 1.5 hours, we’ll arrive at Km 104, where the adventure begins. First, we’ll check in at the trailhead with your passport, then enjoy a delicious picnic breakfast prepared by our talented chefs.
2 h
Duration: 2 hours
After breakfast, the trek starts with a visit to Chachabamba, a well-preserved Inca site featuring ceremonial structures and water channels. Continue on an uphill path surrounded by lush cloud forest, listening to the sounds of birds and passing waterfalls along the way.
1 h
Duration: 1 hour
Our trek begins with a gradual 4-hour uphill hike along ancient Inca trails. The journey takes us to Wiñay Wayna, one of the most stunning Inca sites, meaning “forever young.” This hidden gem offers incredible views of the Andes and a rich history. After exploring, you’ll enjoy a fresh lunch prepared by our expert trekking chefs, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, before we continue hiking.
2 h
Duration: 2 hours
After lunch, we’ll hike towards the famous Sun Gate or Intipunku, where you’ll catch your first magical glimpse of Machu Picchu. This is one of the most unforgettable moments, especially in the afternoon when the site is less crowded. The view from the Sun Gate offers a stunning panorama of the Machu Picchu citadel, giving you the perfect opportunity for those once-in-a-lifetime photos.
1 h
Duration: 1 hour
Walk down to Machu Picchu and follow Circuit 1, visiting its most iconic viewpoints. By this time, the crowds will have thinned, giving you a chance to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and capture amazing photos in the soft afternoon light.
Machupicchu
1 h, entrée incluse
Location: Machupicchu
Duration: 1 hour
Includes: Entrance
Descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you'll savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Then unwind for the night in a cozy 3-star hotel featuring private bathrooms.
Aguas Calientes
passage sans arrêt
Location: Aguas Calientes
Includes: Passage without stop
Day 2: Machu Picchu - The Lost City of the Incas
Repas : petit-déjeuner : At the hotel
Meals: Breakfast: At the hotel
Start your day early with the excitement of visiting Machu Picchu – the famous Lost City of the Incas. After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head out to catch the first buses to Machu Picchu, making sure you arrive just as the day begins.
Aguas Calientes
1 h
Location: Aguas Calientes
Duration: 1 hour
If the weather is clear, you’ll have the chance to witness a breathtaking sunrise over Machu Picchu, a truly unforgettable experience. Your guide will take you on a 2 to 3-hour tour, showing you the most incredible temples, palaces and terraces while sharing fascinating stories about the city’s history. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own or choose an additional hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña (don’t forget to book your tickets in advance!). When you're ready, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding your train.
Machupicchu
3 h, entrée incluse
Location: Machupicchu
Duration: 3 hours
Includes: Entrance
Relax and enjoy the incredible views as you ride the Vistadome Panoramic train back to Cusco. The large windows offer stunning sights of the Sacred Valley, allowing you to soak in the scenery as you unwind from your adventure.
2 h, entrée incluse
Includes: Entrance
The TreXperience team will be waiting for you at the Ollantaytambo train station and will safely escort you back to your hotel.
Ollantaytambo
passage sans arrêt
Location: Ollantaytambo
Includes: Passage without stop
Your amazing journey concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Cusco around 7:30 p.m., giving you the evening to relax after an incredible adventure.
Cusco
passage sans arrêt
Location: Cusco
Includes: Passage without stop