Overview
If you’re planning to hike the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the best tip is to secure your Inca Trail permits as early as possible.
Short Inca Trail — availability 2026
Daily Outline
Day 1 Cusco – Ollantaytambo – km 104 - Wiñayhuayna- Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu Tour – Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Itinerary
Day 1 Day 1 Cusco – Ollantaytambo – km 104 - Wiñayhuayna- Aguas Calientes
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley and drive to Ollantaytambo Train Station, where you will board the train to the Short Inca Trail trailhead at Chachabamba (Km 104).
After crossing the checkpoint, we will visit our first Inca site, Chachabamba (2,200 m / 7,218 ft). From there, we will begin a 3-hour uphill hike to the impressive archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna (2,720 m / 8,923 ft). Along the way, we will pass through diverse microclimates, including lush cloud forest, and enjoy views of a beautiful waterfall.
Wiñay Wayna is one of the most spectacular sites along the Inca Trail, featuring impressive agricultural terraces built into a steep hillside overlooking the Urubamba River. Here, we will stop at a scenic viewpoint to admire panoramic views of the ruins and capture memorable photographs. After exploring the site, we will take a short break to enjoy our boxed lunch.
Following lunch, we will continue hiking for approximately 2 more hours to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) (2,730 m / 8,957 ft). Once there, we will be rewarded with our first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu. You will have time to rest, admire the spectacular scenery, and capture unforgettable photos
From the Sun Gate, we will descend for about 1 hour, following the original footsteps of the Incas until we enter Machu Picchu through the upper section of the citadel (Circuit 1). This route leads to the Guardian’s House and the famous panoramic viewpoints, where you can take the iconic postcard photos of Machu Picchu. Arriving in the late afternoon also allows us to enjoy the site with fewer visitors.
After our visit and photo session, we will take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft). Upon arrival, you will check in to your hotel and later enjoy dinner at one of the town’s local restaurants.
Day 2 Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu Tour – Ollantaytambo - Cusco
After your breakfast at the hotel, we will board one of the first buses and arrive at Machu Picchu (2,430 m/ 7,972 ft) early in the morning before it gets crowed and begin a guided tour of the site through circuit 3, which takes about 2 hours. we will explore the Magical Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu with our experienced tour guide who will show you the main sights, terraces, temples, farming terraces, and all the most important sites. You will learn about the mysterious architecture, the history, astronomy, and spiritual traditions of the Inca civilization.
Once the guided tour is over, you will have free time to take the best photos of the citadel. In the afternoon, we will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then take the train and bus back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 8:00 p.m.
What's Included
- Pre-departure briefing at your Hotel
- Train Ticket Ollantaytambo – Km 104 (Expedition or Voyager)
- Train Ticket Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Expedition or Voyager )
- Bus Ticket one way on day 1
- Bus Tickets two ways on day 2
- Entrance fee to the Inca Trail ( Circuit 1 )
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu (Circuit 3)
- English speaking tour guide
- Meals : 1 Box Lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast
- 1 Night Hotel 3* in Agua Calientes
- All the transfers
- First-aid kit and oxygen bottle.
What's Not Included
- Travel Insurance
- Meals not mentioned
- Tips (optional)
Additional Services
- Extra ticket to Machu Picchu USD55 (Circuit #2) per person
- Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket USD 70.00 per person
- Machu Picchu Mountain ticket USD 70.00 per person
- Upgrade Vistadome train USD 75.00 per person
- Upgrade Observatory train USD 85.00 per person
- Upgrade to Single room USD 40.00 per person
Price
PRIVATE TOUR
Minimum 2 people required* For groups of 4+ travelers, please contact us directly to unlock special volume discounts.
FAQs
Can I stay in the Sacred Valley instead of Cusco?
Yes. If you prefer not to stay in Cusco, Ollantaytambo is the best option to acclimatize to the altitude and is also more convenient for the start of the trek. Travelers staying in Ollantaytambo enjoy a later pickup—approximately 1.5 hours after the scheduled pickup time in Cusco—allowing for a little extra rest before departure.
Can solo travelers join the 2-day Inca Trail?
Yes. Solo travelers can join a shared small group, as long as there is a group departure already set up and permits are still available for the requested date. However, you can also request a private tour and enjoy the Inca Trail at your own pace, with the experience designed just for you.
$585/pp — This rate applies to every traveler, regardless of age.
Adults
18+ · $0/pp
Students
18-25 · $0/pp
Children
0-17 · $0/pp
If Circuit 2 tickets are sold out for your travel date, we’ll secure the best available alternative: Circuit 3 or Circuit 1. To secure your preferred circuit and times, we highly recommend booking your Machu Picchu trip as early as possible; tickets are limited and sell out quickly.
