Short Inca Trail – Trek Details

Plan your adventure with essential information about this iconic 2-day journey to Machu Picchu.

Overview

• Hiking Distance: 7.45 miles (12 km)
• Elevation Gain: 480 meters / 1,574 feet
• Duration: 2 days / 1 night
• Difficulty Level: Moderate – suitable for reasonably fit hikers
• Trail Type: Final stretch of the Classic Inca Trail
• Nearest Town: Aguas Calientes
• Drive Time from Cusco: Approx. 1 hr 55 mins to Ollantaytambo train station

Trail Highlights

• Scenery: Lush cloud forest, panoramic views of the Urubamba mountain range, and a scenic mix of paved Inca paths and stone staircases
• Cultural Sites: Wiñay Wayna ruins, Sun Gate (Inti Punku), and Machu Picchu citadel
• Experience: One of the most visually rewarding short treks in Peru

Wildlife You Might Spot

This section of the Inca Trail is home to a variety of Andean and Amazonian species, including:

• Spectacled bear (rare and elusive)
• Small marsupials and frogs
• Birdlife:
  • Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus) – Peru’s national bird
  • Torrent tyrannulet
  • Black-chested buzzard-eagle
  • Sparkling violetear hummingbird

Weather and Best Season

• Trail Open: March 1 – January 31 (closed in February for maintenance)
• Weather: Varies by season; mornings can be chilly, afternoons warm, and rain is possible year-round
• Best Time to Hike: April to October (dry season for clearer skies and better trail conditions

Tour Options & Pricing

Group Tour (Hotel Accommodation)

💲$590 per person
✔️ 2-Day Guided Group Tour
✔️ Comfortable 2-Star Hotel Stay
❌ Camping is not available for group tours

Private Tour (Camping Option)

👤 1 Person: $1,400
👥 2+ People: $750 per person
✔️ Fully Private Experience

✔️ Expert Guide
✔️ All Camping Gear Included for Private Camping Tours

✔️ Porters to carry hikers’ personal belongings, meals, and water

✔️ Vistadome Train on the return trip to Cusco
🏕️ Authentic outdoor adventure with Inca trail camping

Private Tour (Hotel Accommodation)

👤 1 Person: $1,400
👥 2+ People: $750 per person
✔️ Fully Private Experience
✔️ 4-Star Hotel Accommodation
✔️ Personalized Service & Expert Guide

✔️ Porters to carry hikers’ personal belongings, meals, and water

✔️ Vistadome Train on the return trip to Cusco

Notes:

• All prices include permits, transportation, and accommodation.

• All gear is included for Private camping tours.

• No group tours with camping are available at this time.

✅ What’s Included in the 2-Day Short Inca Trail Trek

👨‍🏫 Local Guides

Your trek will be led by local guides who are residents of Andean villages, professionally trained, English-speaking, and certified in tourism and first aid.

🧾 Permits & Entry Tickets

Once we receive your passport details and deposit, we will secure your Inca Trail permit in your name for a specific date.

🔒 Permits are non refundable and non transferable. Only passport number updates are allowed.

🏨 Hotel Accommodation

One night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu.

• The hotel name will be on your invoice

• 4-star upgrades available upon request

🚐 All Transportation

All logistics are covered by Evolution Treks Peru, including:

• Hotel pickup in Cusco or Ollantaytambo (~3:00 AM or 4:30 AM)

• Train to KM 104 (Chachabamba) – starting point of the trek

• Return train from Aguas Calientes (Expedition Class included; Vistadome Observatory upgrade available for $75)

• Private van transfer back to your hotel in Cusco

• Round-trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

🍽️ Meals

• Day 1: Lunch at Wiñay Wayna ruins

• Day 2: Breakfast at your hotel

❌ Dinner on Day 1 and lunch on Day 2 are not included

💧 Water

We provide:

• 1 bottle of water at lunch

💡 We recommend bringing extra to stay hydrated during the hike.

🩺 First Aid & Emergency Support

All guides are first-aid certified by physicians and undergo annual emergency response training.

• Every guide carries a first-aid kit with an oxygen mask.

• In the rare event of a health issue, your guide will coordinate evacuation and stay with you until you’re safe and receiving professional care

❌ What’s Not Included

🥾 Gear Rentals (Optional)

• Walking sticks (pair): $20> Helpful for steep or uneven sections of the trail. (Included in all Private tours)

🧗‍♂️ Huayna Picchu Add-On

• Optional to Huayna Picchu (2,720m / 8,923ft)

• 45-minute climb with great views of Machu Picchu

• $90 per person – must be booked at least 2 months in advance

⚠️ Not recommended if you have a fear of heights – descent is steep.

🧳 Porters

• • Porters are included only for private tours. They will carry your lunch, transport camping gear to the campsites, or your personal belongings to the hotels.

  • You’ll carry your own daypack with essentials for the hike. Group hikers must carry their belongings for the overnight trip and the Machu Picchu day.

  • Porter service available for an additional fee (120USD) — must be booked in advance as porters also require permits

🗺️ Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2-Day Itinerary

Experience Machu Picchu at both sunset and sunrise—an unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes, rich Incan heritage, and immersive adventure.
This 2-day Short Inca Trail is perfect for travelers looking for a rewarding trek with less time commitment than the classic 4-day Inca Trail.

📅 Day 1: Hike the Ancient Inca Trail + Sunset at Machu Picchu

• Start Time: 5:40 AM

• Travel: Private transfer to the train station, followed by a scenic train ride (~2 hours) to Kilometer 104 (Chachabamba), the official starting point of the trek.

🚶‍♂️ Hiking Highlights:

• Start your hike through lush cloud forest and ancient Inca stairways.

• Reach Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young), an impressive archaeological site, after approximately 3 hours of trekking.

• After a packed lunch, continue ascending to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) — enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu from above.

• Hike down to the citadel just in time to witness the magical sunset over Machu Picchu — a rare and unforgettable moment.

• Take the shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes for a well-earned rest.

🧭 Key Stats:

• Average hiking time: ~8 hours

• Elevation:

  • Wiñay Wayna: 2,680m / 8,792ft

  • Sun Gate: 2,730m / 8,957ft

  • Machu Picchu: 2,400m / 7,873ft

• Difficulty Level: Moderate — includes steady uphill climbs and stone staircases.

🍽️ Meals Included:

• Lunch on the trail (Dinner in Aguas Calientes is not included).

🛏️ Accommodation:

• Hotel in Aguas Calientes (varies by package; 2-Star hotel for Group Tours and 4-Star hotel for Private Tours).

📅 Day 2: Sunrise Tour of Machu Picchu + Optional Huayna Picchu Climb

• Start Time: 5:00 AM

• Travel: Early bus ride (~25 minutes) up to Machu Picchu for crowd-free morning entry.* 2-hour guided tour of the citadel

• Optional: Hike Huayna Picchu (2,720m / 8,923ft) — 45-minute climb with stunning views

🧭 Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (Huayna Picchu is optional but steep)

🍽️ Meals Included:

• Breakfast at the hotel (Lunch in Aguas Calientes, before your return train, is not included)

🚆 Return Travel:

• Afternoon train (approx. 2:55 PM) back to Ollantaytambo

• Private transfer to Cusco (arrival around 7:45 PM)

• Train times may vary slightly depending on availability.

🛌 Optional Add-On:

• Stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes to further explore Machu Picchu or relax in the thermal hot springs.

🔎 Why Choose the 2-Day Short Inca Trail?

• Visit Machu Picchu twice: at sunset and sunrise

• Experience a UNESCO World Heritage Site without the long 4-day trek

• Perfect for travelers short on time but not on adventure

• Led by experienced local guides who bring Inca history to life

• Includes all permits, meals, accommodations, and transport

🎒 Packing List for the 2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Packing smart is key to enjoying your Inca Trail experience. Here’s a complete list of required, recommended, and optional items to help you prepare for changing mountain weather, trail conditions, and the comforts of Aguas Calientes.

✅ Required Documents

• Original Passport (mandatory for entry at checkpoints) – Attention!! You must check that your passport has more than SIX (6) months of Validity before your trip to Peru.
• ISIC Card (International Student Identity Card) – if applicable for student discount
• Travel Insurance – strongly recommended for medical and travel delays

👟 Essential Clothing & Gear

• Comfortable walking shoes (broken-in; waterproof preferred)
• Rain jacket or poncho (weather can shift quickly)
• Warm sweater (for cold mornings and evenings)
• Hat and gloves
• Moisture-wicking t-shirts
• Trekking pants
• Sun hat or cap
• Sunscreen (SPF 35+ recommended)
• Insect repellent (especially important near Wiñay Wayna)
• Minimum 2 liters of water (hydration is crucial at altitude)
• Basic toiletries and hand sanitizer
• Personal medications (include altitude medication if needed)
• A camera or a smartphone for photos
• Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries if you are camping

🧢 Optional but Useful Items

• Shorts (for warmer sections)
• Walking stick or trekking pole (must have a rubber tip)
• Blister plasters, bandages, and first-aid items
• Sandals (for hotel use or hot springs)
• Swimsuit (for the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes – optional)
• Extra cash for snacks, tips, or souvenirs

🧳 Optional Rentals & Add-On Upgrades

All add-ons must be requested at the time of booking and are subject to availability.

Trekking Poles (Pair)$20Rubber tips required for trail use

Extra Porter (10kg) $120 120For carrying personal items to Aguas Calientes

Huayna Picchu Tickets $90 – 45-min climb, stunning views – limited spots

Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket $90Longer, less crowded hike with elevated views

Vistadome Train Upgrade $90 – Panoramic windows, onboard snacks, scenic return ride

🔔 Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain tickets must be booked at least 1 month in advance due to high demand and limited permits.

📝 Final Packing Tips:

• Pack light – you’ll carry your own daypack unless you hire a porter, if you take a group tour
• Dress in layers – Andean weather can change from hot to cold in minutes, especially during the rainy season and the winter months (June to August)
• Don’t forget rechargeables for cameras and phones—outlets in Aguas Calientes may vary
• Keep valuables and documents waterproofed in sealed bags.