Inclusions

Included

Equipment to visit the Short Inca Trail:

• 01 oxygen tanks and first aid kit in emergency cases.
• 01 pair of Walking Sticks per person.
• Hot shower service during your trek.
• Professional trekking equipment.
• Sleeping bags (can be rented at our office).
• We provide inflatable mattresses for your trek.
• We provide you a duffel bag for your trek.

Accommodation on Short Inca Trail:

• 1 night at campsite.

Transport Services:

• All private transfers during the tours and specified on the itinerary.
• Private transportation from Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
• Round trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
• Round trip transportation service.
• Transportation from Cusco until starting trekking point.
• Pick up from Cusco Airport and transfer to your hotel in Cusco (Flight information is required).
• Pick up from your hotel (has to be located in Cusco center).

Entrance Fee Tickets to Machu PIcchu:

• All visited places, archaeological sites, zoo, and salt mines.
• Inca Trail trekking route.
• Machu Picchu Citadel.

Food and Meals on Short Inca Trail:

• Breakfast.
• Dinner.
• Drinkable water and snacks during the tour.
• Meals as specified on the itinerary (B, L, D).

Tour Services:

• Briefing service (2 or 1 day before your tour by your guide).
• Chef and cook assistant specialized in gourmet and traditional meals in our region.
• Machu Picchu Sunset and Machu Picchu Sunrise.
• Private guided walking tour in the visited sites.
• Private walking tour in the Machu Picchu Citadel.
• Professional English speaker tour guide.

Train Tickets:

• Expedition train tickets from Ollantaytambo to kilometer #104 (at 06:10 on the Cusco – Aguas Calientes route). (If you want to get the Vistadome train service, please contact us).
• Vistadome class return train ticket (from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo with panoramic view for a perfect experience).

Other Services:

• Extra porter service to help you with your belongings.
• Free shipping of luggage to Aguas Calientes town by train (Our Clients can send by train all your staff that you will need at the hotel and for the second day).
• We guarantee your departure when you book with us.

A1 Service:

Superior private service. (Our Superior quality service offers private tours and small groups with personalized service, we take care details and we create the best unforgettable experiences in our client’s lives through our wonder Machu Picchu and our beloved region Cusco. Superior private service.)

No Included

• Entrance Fee Tickets:
  • Huayna Picchu – (45 min walk) (Check Huayna Picchu Availability).
• Food and Meals:
  • Last lunch in Aguas Calientes (You can make a better choice here as there are a lot of different options).
  • The first breakfast (Usually, all Cusco hotels include breakfast).
• Tips:
  • Tips for services of guides, porters, etc.

What to Bring

Hiking the Inca Trail for a day is a delightful way to explore Machu Picchu National Park, whether with friends, family, or solo. It offers a chance to delve into the Andes mountains, connect with wildlife, and discover energetic Inca sites on a short trek.

For a day hike to Machu Picchu, it’s crucial to consider the weather forecast, the remoteness of the hike, and potential inclement weather. Additionally, think about the distance, the season, the availability of villages for snacks, and transportation options. If you’re new to day hiking, make sure to bring the following items:

• – Camera
• – First-aid kit
• – Hiking backpack (medium size)
• – Hiking poles
• – Hiking shoes
• – Mosquito repellent
• – Multi-tool
• – Navigation tools such as a map
• – Plastic bags for rain situations
• – Plenty of water (2 liters per person)
• – Plenty of snacks
• – Rain jackets or plastic poncho
• – Sunglasses
• – Sun hat
• – Sunscreen
• – The rest of the Ten Essentials as appropriate for your hike
• – Weather-appropriate clothing

Prices

The Short Inca Trail 2 Days Tour is designed for small groups, giving you a more personal experience. If you’re traveling with a larger group or want a private tour, we can create a custom trip just for you. Contact us to get a special price and plan your ideal adventure.

Pricing for the Short Inca Trail 2 Days Tour

Booking the Short Inca Trail 2 Days Tour

• You must pay US$ 200 per person to reserve your spot.
• The remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco.

Student Discount for the Short Inca Trail 2 Days Tour

• US$ 40 discount per person (Valid student ID required).

Why Choose the Short Inca Trail 2 Days Tour?

• Small groups for a better experience.
• Private tours available for personalized trips.
• Easy booking with flexible payment options.

Price for the Short Inca Trail 2 Days Tour

Book now and secure your spot for this amazing adventure!

Price for the Short Inca Trail 2 Days Tour

Don’t miss your chance to experience this unforgettable journey.

Price for the Short Inca Trail 2 Days Tour

Contact us today to plan your perfect trip.

Price for the Short Inca Trail 2 Days Tour

Get the best value for an incredible trekking experience.

Travel Guide

The Short Inca Trail is a condensed version of the iconic 4-day trek, offering a thrilling 2-day journey through the Andes to Machu Picchu. Perfect for travelers short on time but eager to experience the magic of hiking ancient Inca paths, this route combines lush cloud forests, archaeological wonders, and the grand finale: entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Covering 16 km (10 miles) and reaching elevations of 2,700m (8,858ft), this trek balances challenge and reward, with overnight camping under Andean stars.

Getting There to Short Inca Trail

• Starting Point: Tours depart Cusco (3,400m) early on Day 1. A scenic 2.5-hour train ride follows the Urubamba River to KM 104, the trailhead (2,100m).
• Permits: Mandatory and limited—book 3–6 months in advance. Permits include entry to Machu Picchu.
• Guided Tours Only: Independent hiking is prohibited. Choose reputable operators for meals, gear (tents, sleeping bags), and bilingual guides.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (May–October): Sunny days, clear skies, and ideal trekking conditions.
• Wet Season (November–April): Fewer crowds, lush landscapes, but muddy trails and rain.
• Shoulder Months (April/November): A balance of decent weather and moderate crowds.

Essential Tips to vist 2-Day Short Inca Trail

1. Acclimatize: Spend 2–3 days in Cusco beforehand to adjust to the altitude.
2. Pack Smart:
   • Layers (thermals, rain jacket), sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, and a headlamp.
   • Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a refillable water bottle.
   • Passport (required for checkpoint entry to Machu Picchu).
3. Permits: Book early—only 500 permits/day are issued for the entire Inca Trail network.
4. Fitness Level: Moderate. Steep Inca stairs and uneven terrain require stamina.
5. Responsible Travel: Stay on marked trails and carry out all trash.

Nearby Attractions on 2-Day Short Inca Trail

• Aguas Calientes Hot Springs: Soak post-trek (entrance fee: ~20 PEN).
• Manuel Chávez Ballón Museum: Learn about Machu Picchu’s history.
• Putucusi Mountain: A steep hike with alternative citadel views (currently closed; check locally).

Why Hike the Short Inca Trail?

This trek condenses the best of the Inca Trail into two days: ancient ruins, misty forests, and the unforgettable moment of seeing Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. Unlike day-trippers arriving by bus, you’ll earn your view through the footsteps of the Inca. With permits limited, the trail remains uncrowded, offering a serene connection to history and nature.