2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the the short version of the classic Inca trail
2 DAYS / 1 NIGHTS Short Hike
2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the the short version of the classic Inca trail
2 DAYS / 1 NIGHTS Short Hike
The Short Inca Trail 2 Days offers a UNIQUE opportunity to explore the stunning Andean scenery and experience the magic of the ancient Incan civilization.
The Inca Trail 2 Days allows hikers to visit the famous ruins of Machu Picchu while enjoying a shorter, less strenuous hike than the longer Inca Trail. It’s perfect for those with limited time or physical abilities, but who still want to experience the beauty and history of this world-renowned destination.
The 2-Day Inca Trail is also ideal for those who prefer a less crowded trail, as it allows for a more intimate and peaceful experience. Overall, the Short Inca Trail 2 Days is a must-do for anyone visiting Peru.
Short Inca Trail 2 Days To Machu Picchu, This amazing hike takes you into Machu Picchu by hiking through the SUN GATE (INTIPUNKU) like in INCA times . You will hike and explore Inca sites along the path including the Chachabamba, and Wiñay Wayna Inca site. This incredible adventure on the famous Short Inca Trail 2 Days is an unforgettable experience for those who only had a short time in Peru.
The famous Inca Trail 2 days to Machu Picchu is one of the ten best hikes globally because of its exquisite natural beauty and panoramic views. This Short Inca trail 2 days leads us to cross many archaeological centers, ecosystems, mountain ranges (dwarf forest), and a high jungle region that holds impressive refuge of flora and fauna.
This adventure ends with a hypnotizing, jaw-dropping “Sunrise” of the 7th wonder of the World, Machu Picchu.
There are several reasons to visit the Short Inca Trail:
Convenient and accessible: The Short Inca Trail is a great option for those who don’t have time for the longer Classic Inca Trail hike but still want to experience the beauty and history of the Inca empire.
Stunning views: The Short Inca Trail offers stunning views of the Andes mountains, lush valleys, and the ancient Inca ruins. The Short Inca Trail takes you through the heart of the Inca empire, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the region. about Physical Challenge: While the Short Inca Trail is considered a low-altitude hike, it still provides a physical challenge for those who want to push themselves.
Machu Picchu: The Short Inca Trail ends at Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic and popular tourist destinations in South America. This ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Overal: the Short Inca Trail 2 Days is a great option for those who want to experience the beauty and history of the Inca empire, while also challenging themselves physically.
The Short Inca Trail is a fantastic opportunity to experience the stunning beauty and rich history of the Peruvian Andes, doing the Short Inca Trail you can enjoy the Unforgettable Scenery with breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains, with lush forests, snow-capped peaks, and sparkling rivers, Immerse Yourself in Incan Culture: The Short Inca Trail takes you through some of the most important and well-preserved Inca sites in Peru, giving you a glimpse into the ancient civilization and its way of life. With the short Inca Trail get a Challenging and Rewarding Hike, The Short Inca Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that is perfect for adventurers who want to push themselves physically. The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views that are worth the effort.
Get Off the Beaten Path, the Short Inca Trail is a popular hike, it is still less crowded than the longer 4-Day Inca Trail and offers a more intimate and authentic experience in the Andean Path.
Overall, the Short Inca Trail is a unique and unforgettable experience that is well worth considering for anyone who loves adventure, history, and breathtaking scenery.
CAUTION: Please allow a minimum of two (02) days to acclimate before considering beginning your adventure package to Machu Picchu.
Our Inca trail Adventure starts with a pick-up at your hotel (5:00 a.m.), where we’ll drive to the Ollantaytambo Incan site, where we Will have the first breakfast (not included). After that,
We have board the train to km 104, the Trailhead. Once we pass the control, our trekking of the Inca Trail begins. Our first hike is approximately 3 hours to reach the “wiñayhuayna archaeological complex. Afterward, a box lunch will be served.
Following lunch, you’ll continue hiking towards an Intipunku (sun gate), where you will have a stunning view of the Machu Picchu incan site. After that just going to be dawn, like another 45 minutes to Machu Picchu. In the afternoon we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes town We will spend the night in the hospital and have dinner at a restaurant
Short Inca Trail 2 Days Details:
On our final day, we will start early (wake up at 4:30 a.m.). You are followed by breakfast (5:00 a.m.) at the hotel. After, board the bus to Machu Picchu, which will take approx.. 25 minutes to reach (door open 6:00 a.m.). Please be sure to bring your original passport to show the Rangers (you can get a Machu Picchu seal on your ticket).
Your guide will take you to the best places in Machu Picchu while enjoying the sunrise (depending on the weather).
Then you will have a 02 hour guided tour.
In the afternoon, you’ll catch the train to reach the City of Ollantaytambo.
Upon arrival to Ollantaytambo, we will have transportation waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Cusco.
For this Short Inca Trail with Hoctel, you will need to send us your passport details such as full name, passport number, nationality and date of birth in order to process it.
If you do not send the correct data, you will be denied entry to the Inca Trail!!!!
If you still want to enter the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, you will have to pay a new permit ($100.00).
The Short Inca Trail starts in Cusco, but if you are spending a night outside of Cusco, then please check the table below for possible starting and pick-up points.
If you have extra luggage, it can be safely stored at your hotel in Cusco or at the train station in Ollantaytambo. If you choose the latter, our driver picks up your luggage on the day of the trail departure and drops it off at our office.
Machu Picchu Mountain, also known as the “Old Mountain”, is the mountain on which the Inca citadel was built. It is located at an altitude of 3,082 meters, that is, almost 600 meters above the Inca city.
Machu Picchu Mountain has the capacity to receive 800 tourists a day, who ascend the mountain’s wide path while experiencing breathtaking views of the entire geography of the place.
In order to visit the mountain, it is necessary to purchase in advance the Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket.
Huayna Picchu, or the “Young Mountain”, is a mountain located north of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. It is the summit that stands out in the classic postcard of the Wonders of the World and is 2,693 meters high, 300 meters higher than the Inca city.
The climb to Huayna Picchu is requested by most adventurous visitors as they enjoy taking selfies there. To reach its summit, one must ascend a narrow trail to the edge of vertiginous cliffs to be rewarded by splendid views of the New Wonder of the World at the end. The climb is considered one of the most incredible short walks in the world. However, it is only accessible to 400 visitors a day.
To climb Huayna Picchu, it is necessary to previously buy the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket (80 USD/person).
In case it is sold out, Tierras Vivas reserves the Machu Picchu mountain for you.
You should pack as light as possible as you will be carrying your luggage from Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes. We recommend keeping the weight under 5 kg/10lb (including personal clothing).
Don’t forget to bring a cover for your backpack.
The high mountain region of Cusco has well-defined winter and summer seasons. Winter days (June to August) are very sunny, dry and warm, but the temperature drops to near freezing at night. Summer (January to March) is characterized by rainfall.
The heaviest rains usually occur between January and March.
October is still dry, but colder, with temperatures dropping to 0 degrees at night.
The rainy season from November to April gives the feeling of a tropical downpour. It rains a lot, but the showers usually do not last long or the rain is usually overnight.
From May to September (which is the high tourist season), temperatures along the Short Inca Trail range from 20 – 35º C during the day when it is sunny and 10 – 20º C during the day if it is cloudy and 5 – 15º C at night.
February – the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance during the entire month which falls in the so-called “low season”.
Landslides are an occasional problem. Although rare, it has happened that visitors get stuck in Machu Picchu or between Aguas Calientes and Cusco because a driver blocked the road.
Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces, and waterproof jackets. It is very necessary to have light rain gear in the backpack (poncho or rain jacket and/or rain pants), as the weather changes easily and sudden showers can occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, as well as a fleece sweatshirt and jacket.
Number of persons | Price per person |
1 | $640.00 |
2 | $610.00 |
3 | $580.00 |
4 | $550.00 |
5 | $520.00 |
6 | $490.00 |
7 | $460.00 |
8 | $460.00 |
Prices: Short inca trail with hotel to Machu Picchu 2 daysPermits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2022 through January 2023. All prices quoted are $USD
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).
Discounts: Short IncaTrail with Hotel to Machu Picchu 2 days
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
While it is possible to book the Short Inca Trail at the last minute, it’s not always guaranteed that there will be availability. Here are a few things to keep in mind the Peak season: (May to September), so it’s more difficult to find availability during these months, Permits: A limited so it’s important to book well in advance; The cost on the Last-minute bookings can sometimes be more expensive.
If you’re set on doing the Short Inca Trail and you’re booking at the last minute, be prepared for the possibility of not being able to find availability. However, if you’re flexible and open to alternative options, you may still be able to have a great hiking experience in the de Peruvian Andes
The Short Inca Trail is the fastest route to Machu Picchu of the Inca Trail network.
This trek is ideal for hikers who have less time to visit Machu Picchu, or those who do not have the physical condition necessary to tackle the other routes of the Inca Trail.
The Traditional Inca Trail has a duration of 4 days. It has a medium level of difficulty and includes hotels along the route.
The Short Inca Trail with the hotel lasts 2 days. Being a private tour, the groups are small. In addition, the difficulty of this route is much lower and does not include hotel, or staying overnight in the town of Aguas Calientes.
The climates you will experience are not as extreme as the traditional route, however, we recommend always packing warm clothing such as jackets, gloves, warm pants, and more.
The Short Inca Trail has a duration of 2 days.
During the first day, we will walk the route from Chachabamba, Wayllabamba, and Intipunku. You will be able to appreciate the wonder of Machu Picchu from the first day. You will spend the night in Aguas Calientes.
On the second day, you will visit the wonder of Machu Picchu with a professional guide. You will learn all the secrets of the citadel and have free time to explore at your leisure before returning to Cusco.
You can review the detailed itinerary on the Short Inca Trail tour page.
We will see the ruins of Chachabamba. Then we will pass through Wayllabamba. Finally, we will arrive at the entrance gate to Machu Picchu: Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate, from where you will be able to appreciate the first views of the Inca citadel.
We recommend hiking the Short Inca Trail during the dry season, from April to November. During these months the sunshine is appropriate for the best photographs of the Andean landscapes.
Do not forget to check the availability of spaces before making your reservation. We recommend that you reserve your space at least 4 months in advance.
Is there an age limit?
No. People of any age can do the Short Inca Trail. Happy families or groups of friends walk step by step through this adventure without problems.
Yes, if you live in a low-altitude area, we recommend you do previous training to be able to complete the route without complications. We suggest hiking for half an hour or more in order to increase your endurance as well as cardiovascular exercise training.
Don’t forget to ask your doctor about special indications for the Short Inca Trail and review more suggestions for your health on the 2-day Inca Trail.
On the first day you will receive a box lunch. You will eat with your fellow travelers with a view of the ruins of Wiñaywayna. In Aguas Calientes, you will have a delicious dinner.
We recommend that you bring a bottle of water to hydrate yourself during the hike. Drinking water and electricity are available in the town of Aguas Calientes at the end of the first day.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM ALTITUDE OF THE INCA TRAIL?
Another of the frequently asked questions for the Short Inca Trail with Hotelis to have knowledge of the altitudes at which the adventurous travelers will find themselves and in this way perhaps choose the right tour, Short Inca Trail or Classic Inca Trail. In that understanding, the maximum altitude will depend a lot on the type of trek you hire, since there are routes of 2, 4, 5, and 7 days.
Maximum altitude is 2730m.a.s.l/8956 ft.
The activity level for the trek is easy and can be done privately or in groups.
The service is quality and the decision is yours.
Trekking 04 Days Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu:
Maximum altitude is 4200m.a.s.l/13 779ft.
The activity level for this trek is moderate.
Private and group service.
05 Days Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu:
Maximum altitude on the is 4200m.a.s.l/13779 ft.
The activity level for this trek is moderate.
07 Day Trek Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Altitude of the hike is 5,200m.a.s.l/17060 ft.
The activity level for this trek is difficult
It is necessary to be in good physical condition.
The Short Inca Trail is a 2-day trek that covers a portion of the full Inca Trail, which is a four-day trek. The full Inca Trail is longer and more challenging, but also offers more opportunities to see ancient ruins and breathtaking scenery.
The Short Inca Trail is a challenging hike, but it is accessible to most people who are in good physical condition. You should be able to walk for several hours at a time and be prepared for steep inclines and rocky terrain.
You’ll need comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes, a backpack, rain gear, a warm layer, sunscreen, insect repellent, and enough water and snacks to last for two days. It’s also a good idea to bring a hat, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery along the way.
There are basic toilets along the Short Inca Trail, but showers are not available. You’ll need to be prepared to rough it a bit during the 2-day trek.
Yes, the Short Inca Trail ends at Machu Picchu, so you’ll have the opportunity to see the ancient ruins and explore the site.
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own food on the Short Inca Trail, but be aware that you’ll need to carry everything with you for the 2-day Inca Trail.
There are no official age restrictions for the Short Inca Trail, but it is a challenging hike that may not be suitable for young children or older adults who have difficulty walking.
The best time of year to do the Short Inca Trail is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this time, the trail will be less muddy and easier to navigate, and the weather will be more pleasant.
I hope these FAQs help answer some of your questions about the Short Inca Trail. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!
Briefing: On the 2nd or 1st day before your trek, the guide will visit you at your hotel for the briefing.
Transportation Short Inca Trail 2 Days: All your transportation is included in this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel in Cusco around 4:30 am. – 05:30 a.m. (unless you are staying in Ollantaytambo) and taken to Ollantaytambo, to take a train to km 104, the starting point of the trek.
Professional Guides Short Inca Trail 2 Days: All our guides have studied English and tourism. They all grew up in this region and have a real passion for teaching others about their heritage. They are fun but professional and will make sure you are safe and happy.
Permits Short Inca Trail: As soon as we receive your details and a deposit, we will purchase your permits. These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They cannot be changed, once confirmed. You are only allowed to update your passport number. The permit includes an entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
Food on the Short Inca Trail: You will be provided with a snack on the first day to enjoy along the trek. You will also enjoy dinner in the town of Aguas Calientes and breakfast the following morning. Lunch on the last day is not included.
Water: A 500 mL bottle of water is included in the lunch box. You must provide your own water bottles or camelback. We recommend bringing about 3L worth of water.
First Aid: Each guide has been trained in first aid by a doctor. Your tour guide will always have a first aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. We will get you off the road as quickly and comfortably as possible, if necessary, and make sure you get directly to a clinic for treatment.
Accommodation on the Short Inca Trail: We spend the night in a small locally owned hotel with private bathroom and breakfast facilities (Double or Twin room). All the hotels we use in Aguas Calientes are located within walking distance of the train stations. If you wish to upgrade your accommodation or have your own hotel reservation in Aguas Calientes, the discount is U$ 20 per person (Double or Single room).
We recommend advance booking of individual supplements and accommodation before and after the tour. Single accommodation can be arranged for a supplement, subject to availability. Please request at the time of booking.
Extra Tickets for the Short Inca Trail:
As you can see, there are several optional upgrades that you can include on this trip. Below is a quick list of prices:
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Huayna Picchu is the mountain that rises next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45 minute hike to the top. While this hike is done on your own, your guide will tell you where this hike begins. This is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you with advance notice. The Huayna Picchu ticket costs $80 per person.
Machu Picchu Mountain is the other mountain that towers over the ruins of Machu Picchu. It offers even more impressive views than Huayna Picchu, but it takes an hour and a half to reach the top. This is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you. This ticket costs $80 per person.
The Short Inca Trail is a rich and diverse ecosystem that is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Here are a few examples of what you might see along the trail:
Flora in The Short Inca Trail:
Fauna in The Short Inca Trail:
By taking the Short Inca Trail, you’ll have the opportunity to see a variety of unique and exotic flora and fauna that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time adventurer, the Short Inca Trail is an unforgettable experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Physical preparation for the Short Inca Trail is an important aspect of ensuring a successful and enjoyable hike. Here are some tips for preparing your body for the trek:
Get in shape: Start exercising regularly several weeks before the hike, focusing on cardio and leg strength exercises such as running, cycling, and hiking.
Acclimate to the altitude: The Short Inca Trail takes you to high altitudes, so it’s important to acclimate yourself to the reduced oxygen levels before you start the trek. You can do this by spending a few days in Cusco or the surrounding area.
Stretch: Stretch your legs, hips, and back regularly to avoid muscle soreness and increase your flexibility.
Hydrate: Make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially in the days leading up to the hike.
Pack light: The less weight you carry, the easier the hike will be on your body. Pack only what you need and make sure your backpack is properly balanced and fits well.
Wear appropriate footwear: Good hiking shoes or boots are essential for the Short Inca Trail, as the trail can be rocky and steep in some sections.
Get enough rest: Make sure you get plenty of rest and sleep before the hike, so you have the energy you need to complete the trek.
In SULLPAYKY EXPERIENCES we are not only a Travel Agency, we are a 100% Quechua family with more than 15 years of experience in the world of tourism. Our mission is to offer an unforgettable experience that will mark your life, based on Inca values: honesty, love and respect. For this reason, we offer a different kind of tourism, in which our priority is to give you more than a fun trip, a trip of reunion with yourself, to know your essence through the most sacred thing we have, our land, the Pachamama.
We are specialists in creating a personalized experience, so we have more than 28 tours that can be modified according to your needs (from the classic Inca Trail to innovative and alternative tours such as Moonstone) because there are many ways to know Machu Picchu, however, we are convinced that there is only one right for each client. . We also offer tours for clients with special needs.
We offer personalized assistance 24 hours a day, before and during your trip. When you contact us, you will be attended by our Peru travel experts, who will be happy to assist you and help you as soon as possible, answering your questions and providing you with information, as well as recommendations to prepare you physically and mentally for the experience you will live.
All our staff is 100% Quechua and is in constant training to always offer the best possible service. Our guides are Quechua mystics who will provide you with a unique experience. They also have basic training in photography and are equipped with a semi-professional camera to document your entire trip so you don’t have to worry about anything except enjoying every moment. Our cooks have chef training and will be informed of any dietary restrictions (such as allergies).
SULLPAYKY EXPERIENCES is a local travel agency and tour operator authorized by the institutions that govern tourism regulations in Peru. That is why we have the necessary licenses and permits to operate within our country.
We also emphasize that we are against the exploitation of the Pachamama (earth) and our wayki (brothers), so we offer a totally ecological tourism and well paid for all our workers, as we seek to be the difference in everything.
We know you will be happy with our service, as evidenced by the hundreds of testimonials from our traveler clients from all over the world. See the recommendations and memories of travel experiences in various social networks such as TripAdvisor, which will explain why you should choose SULLPAYKY EXPERIENCES for your next vacation in our country.
About our growth process
Continuous improvement is one of our commitments. One of our principles is that the work of each area is important to achieve the best final product. Therefore, throughout our history we have developed several projects with different areas, which have given us the following results:
We have completed the policy of our Integrated Management System as a sign of the guarantee of our organization.
Continuous training to tour guides, cooks, porters, drivers, people in charge of different areas such as Sales, Reservations, Operations, Administration, etc., in customer service, quality of service to tourists, knowledge of the route, and other topics concerning the tourism industry in Peru. Due to our progress in these areas, we have received the CALTUR 2021 Certification from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism.
About SULLPAYKY EXPERIENCES Licenses and Authorizations
SULLPAYKY EXPERIENCES – Travel Agency and Tour Operator, complies with all the requirements and licenses necessary to operate and offer various services in the field of tourism throughout the Peruvian territory. The institutions mentioned below are in charge of regulating the tourism industry in Peru and we are subscribed to them:
We are authorized by DIRCETUR (Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Cusco), a government agency that promotes competition, sustainability, and diversification of Peruvian exportable products, tourism, and handicrafts.
We are subscribed to PROMPERU (Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism), an institution belonging to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of our country.
We are also subscribed to SERNANP, in order to operate in the Inca Trail Network. The National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State, which is a specialized technical public agency of the Peruvian government, under the Ministry of Environment of Peru, is in charge of directing and establishing the technical and administrative criteria for the conservation of the Natural Protected Areas of Peru.
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