The Express Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail is the ultimate hike to walk in ancient footsteps to the magical, mystical Machu Picchu. Short on time? No problem! We can work with you and your schedule to ensure an amazing experience in a shorter time frame.
Witness ancient constructions, luscious landscapes, and incredible wildlife on this 2-day adventure through the Andean rainforest. Spend the night in charming Aguas Calientes before waking up early to beat the crowds at the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. This is an adventure you don’t want to miss out on, and you don’t have to with our compact, express Inca Trail.
Created for those with a strict time frame, our 2-day Inca Trail will allow you to experience everything wonderful about the last stretch of the classic 4-day trek in a couple of days. Along the way, you’ll visit fascinating archaeological sites, including the astounding Wiñaywayna. You’ll learn all about the ancient culture of the Incas and connect with nature and Mother Earth in the most stunning landscapes.
You can enjoy relaxing in the middle of the rolling hills and enjoy your packed lunch. Walk up to the Sun Gate, from where those on the 4-day Inca Trail will enter Machu Picchu. From here, you get your first spectacular views of the breathtaking Machu Picchu. It’s a dreamy landscape, without a doubt, so make sure you soak it up before you leave and return tomorrow.
Your comfort is our top priority, so you spend the night in a comfy hotel in Aguas Calientes before waking up for the big day. Enjoy a rewarding dinner after your day of trekking and get a good night’s sleep.
On day 2, it’ll be time to visit no other than the Seven Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu. Feel your heart race as you first step inside this incredible place and look across the terraces and stone buildings constructed on a mountainside. You’ll enjoy a two-hour guided tour to learn all about the importance of the fortress before heading down for lunch and the journey back to Cusco. This lifetime trip is a must and doable when you don’t have long in Cusco.
Day 01: Cusco | KM 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate (Inti Punku) – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Walk along the original Inca Trail through gorgeous landscapes surrounded by gigantic mountains and lush vegetation. Explore Inca archaeological sites and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu before spending the night in Aguas Calientes.
Day 02: Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Explore the magical Machu Picchu with your guide and learn its secrets before returning to Aguas Calientes. Then, you will board the train to Ollantaytambo, and our private transportation will take you back to Cusco.
Highlight of the day: See stunning scenery as you visit archaeological sites and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
Walk in Ancient Footsteps and Transport Back in Time
Your adventure will begin bright and early, with a pickup from your hotel at 3:30 a.m. We’ll head out for a journey of approximately one and a half hours to the charming town of Ollantaytambo. Here, we’ll board the first train to KM 104, the starting point of our trek. Along the way, you will be greeted by the stunning Andean mountains, fertile fields, and the Urubamba River, basking in the warm embrace of the morning sun. Before the hike, you’ll have a brief orientation with the guide, a box lunch, and some snacks to enjoy later.
You’ll start on a similar stretch of the Classic Inca Trail, visiting the first archaeological site nearby: Chachabamba. This was once a strategic guard post and checkpoint for those accessing the Inca Trail. Your guide will stop briefly to share some fascinating first insights about the Inca’s history. From here, the actual hike begins for another 3 hours to the Wiñay Wayna Complex. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by lush vegetation and towering mountains, offering breathtaking valley views.
This site’s astounds most trekkers for its impressive architecture. You’ll explore its features, from a ritualistic water source to temples venerating natural forces and agricultural terraces blending with the mountains. It’ll be a window into the Incan legacy. While there, you’ll have enough time to relax, unwind in peace, and connect to Mother Nature through the refreshing breeze. A little further on, you’ll arrive at one of the campsites of the Classic Inca Trail. Here, you’ll enjoy a tasty lunchbox, chill out, and recharge your energies.
Next, we’ll continue hiking to the Sun Gate, getting your first panoramic view of the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. It’ll be a truly jaw-dropping experience! You’ll marvel at the ingenuity of the Incas in constructing such a marvel. The enchanting landscape invites introspection into their connection with nature. You won’t enter the citadel immediately. The departing tourists grant you the chance to bask in the golden hues of sunset, embracing the massive stone walls and offering a moment of tranquility.
For now, we’ll head to the exit to take a bus to Aguas Calientes. Your hotel stay awaits, but first, you’ll enjoy a delectable dinner at one of the town’s top restaurants. Make sure to rest early, as you’ll be waking up at dawn for your next adventure.
Highlight of the day: Step inside the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu, and explore its ancient streets and incredible architecture.
Explore the Astounding Inca City of Machu Picchu
After a well-deserved night’s rest, it’ll be time to be up before sunrise to ensure you beat the crowds. You’ll be wandering the mysterious streets of the majestic historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu! You’ll take a short walk from your hotel to catch a bus that’ll take you on a 25-minute drive to the entrance of the Inca citadel. You’ll enter just before the sun comes up and paints the Wonder with a gorgeous golden hue.
After soaking it all in and taking your first few photographs, your guide will take you on a two-hour tour of the site. You’ll visit some of the most essential parts of Machu Picchu and learn all about its construction and history from your local expert. Once the tour is up, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (pre-booked tickets required), each of which takes 2 and 3 hours to hike up and down, respectively. You’ll experience more stunning views of the whole Inca city from any of these places.
When you’re ready to leave, it’ll be time to head back down to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have time to select a restaurant of your choice for a bite to eat before catching a train, which usually departs at 2:55 p.m. (subject to availability). You’ll arrive in Ollantaytambo by train, and then private transport will be there to pick you up and take you back to your accommodation in Cusco at around 6:00 pm.
Now it’s time to enjoy a thoroughly deserved rest and put your feet up. Your trip might be over, but we assure you your heart will be thumping for many years as you look back fondly on your incredible adventure.
Permits & Entrance Tickets
High Quality Service & Safety
Accommodation
Meals
Transportation
Huayna Picchu Mountain
Up for a challenge? Climb Huayna Picchu, the iconic mountain behind Machu Picchu. This 45-minute uphill trek rewards you with breathtaking views and a profound sense of achievement. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re afraid of heights, push through—the reward is truly worth it!
With your 6:00 a.m. Machu Picchu Citadel Circuit 2 entrance, you’ll have time to climb Huayna Picchu after your guided tour. This portion is completed independently, following your guide’s instructions.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain is one of the breathtaking peaks that surround the archaeological site. Its trails are less steep, wider, and less intimidating than those of Huayna Picchu, making it an excellent option for those seeking a more relaxed climb. Reaching the summit takes approximately 1.5 hours and offers unforgettable panoramic views. This hike requires an entrance ticket, which we can secure for you in advance upon request.
Since your Machu Picchu Citadel Circuit 2 entrance is at 6:00 a.m., you can choose to add a Machu Picchu Mountain ticket for 8:00 a.m., pausing your guided tour of the citadel to complete the hike independently, following your guide’s recommendations.
Huchuy Picchu Mountain
Huchuy Picchu is a small mountain just above the Machu Picchu citadel, offering a short, scenic, and less crowded alternative to the more demanding Huayna Picchu. Its gentle, well-maintained trail is perfect for travelers seeking a light yet rewarding hike, with sweeping views of the citadel and the surrounding Andes. While Huayna Picchu involves a steep and strenuous climb, Huchuy Picchu delivers a more relaxed and accessible experience—without giving up the stunning scenery.
With your 6:00 a.m. Machu Picchu Citadel Circuit 2 entrance, you’ll have time to climb Huchuy Picchu after your guided tour. This portion is completed independently, following your guide’s instructions.
Return Bus Ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Day 1)
Meals Not Included:
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff: While our team receives fair salaries, any additional gesture is always appreciated in recognition of their hard work and dedication. Participants often choose to pool their tips and present them directly to the hiking team or through their guide.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control: Landslides, adverse weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, pandemics, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc.
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but due to the higher altitude of the Andes, the temperature can be quite cold, especially at night. We recommend using a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good-sized backpack between 20 and 30 liters is also essential.
List of things you must bring:
“The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We don’t operate this itinerary in February because of the rainy season & maintenance of the route.
2025 Land Cost
Group Price: US$ 590.00 per person
Required Pre-payment: US$ 200.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): US$ 390 (Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing).
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Notice that PayPal, credit cards charge a 6% fee for the use of their secure payment gateway. This tax is just for online and card payments. You can also pay the remaining balance in cash (the briefing day) without charges.
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Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the Price won’t increase, whatever the circunstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Student Discount
US$20.00
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years old or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of the passport at the time of booking. It must be valid and not expire within the travel dates. Please send it to [email protected]
The Classic Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is one of the most breathtaking adventures in the world. Built by the Incas in the 15th century, it is part of a big ancient Inca path system called Qhapac Ñam. This extensive network of trails helped to connect the Inca empire, which included Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
Cusco was the capital of Great Inca Empire and, therefore, the most important city in the empire. The Inca trails that formed the Qapac Ñam led from Cusco to the provinces and covered more than 40,000 kilometers throughout South America.
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has 42-kilometer (26-mile) extension and is part of Qapac Ñam.
The Inca Trail elevation gain is around 3,000 feet (914 meters) from start to finish. The highest point on the trail is 13,828 feet (4,215 meters) at Dead Woman’s Pass. Most of the elevation gain is in the first few days, with around 1,000 feet (305 meters) of ascent on Day 1 and 800 feet (244 meters) on Day 2. After that, the trial levels out somewhat, although there are still some ups and downs.
The Dead Woman’s Pass is a high mountain on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It is located at 4,215 meters (13,829 feet) above sea level and is the highest point on the Inca Trail. The pass gets its name from its resemblance to a woman lying on her back. The pass is a challenging section of the Inca Trail, with steep ascents and descents.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which is well-known around the world, begins at Kilometer 82 – Piscacucho Village, located in Ollantaytambo district, Urubamba Province, in the Sacred Valley of Cusco, Peru.
The Incas built the Iconic Classic Machu Picchu Inca Trail in the 15th century. It is thought that the same people who built Machu Picchu also built the Inca Trail. The trail was used for trading between Cusco and the area around the Amazon region.
After the Spanish conquest, this trail was lost for many years with Machu Picchu, and it was re-discovered in 1911 by an American, Hiram Bingham III, during his expeditions to Peru, searching for the Lost City of the Incas. Today, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are some of Peru’s most famous tourist destinations.
The weather on the Inca Trail is unpredictable and variable. We have 2 seasons. However, you need to be prepared for all seasons when hiking to Machu Picchu.
The temperature during the Machu Picchu Trek varies significantly depending on the altitude and season; temperatures can reach as high as 80°F (27°C) during the day and drop below freezing at night, so hikers must come prepared for hot and cold weather conditions.
Hiking the Machu Picchu Inca Trail can be challenging due to its length and high altitudes; however, its rewards make the experience worthwhile. Its breathtaking scenery will impress anyone while feeling great satisfaction from having accomplished something big!
To participate in the Classic Machu Picchu Trek, you will need to secure the permits long in advance. Every day, there are only 500 permits available, including porters, chefs, tour guides, and travelers.
The Inca Trail trek stretches for about 26 miles (42 kilometers) from the Sacred Valley (Km 82), through the Andes Mountains, to the lost city of Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail is one of the most popular trekking routes in the world, but if it is sold out, you might consider alternative treks to Machu Picchu. Below, you will find a fair comparison of the most popular tours.
Inca Trail vs. Salkantay Trek
There are two main options for trekking to Machu Picchu: the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek. Both tours offer stunning scenery and an unforgettable experience, but they have some key differences.
The Inca Trail hike is the classic choice for a Machu Picchu trek. It’s the most popular option—it’s an incredible journey through some of the most stunning scenery and through history. The Classic Machu Picchu Trek follows the ancient path of the Incas and ends with a spectacular entrance into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
The Salkantay Trek is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail. It’s less crowded, more affordable, and still takes you through beautiful scenery. The highlight of the Salkantay Trek is Mount Salkantay, which, at 6,271 meters (20,549 feet), is one of the tallest mountains in Peru. The views from the summit are breathtaking! Another plus of the Salkantay Trek is that it ends with a visit to Aguas Calientes, where you can relax in the hotel before going to Machu Picchu.
Inca Trail vs. Lares Trek
Another great alternative Trek to Machu Picchu is the Lares Route, which is famous for being more cultural and less intense than the Salkantay and Inca Trails.
The Inca Trail takes you on a 4-day hike directly to the great citadel of Machu Picchu. You will be hiking through the mountains, spending the night in isolated campsites, and arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun gate; this is the only trek that actually allows you to arrive hiking to Machu Picchu.
The Lares Trek is a shorter, 4-day option that starts in the village of Lares and ends at Machu Picchu. While it doesn’t have as many Inca ruins along the route, it’s a great choice if you want to avoid crowds and learn from the locals. To arrive at Machu Picchu, you need to travel by train and stay 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Classic Inca Trail vs. Short Inca Trail hike
The original Classic Inca Trail 4 days is a long and challenging hike, but there is also a shorter version known as the Short Inca Trail. So, which one should you choose?
The Classic Machu Picchu Inca Trail is a 26-mile (42-kilometer) hike that takes four days to complete. It starts at Km 82 in the Sacred Valley; and ends at Machu Picchu. Along the way, trekkers will pass through beautiful scenery, including alpine forests, mountain valleys, and lush jungles. The trail also crosses several high-altitude passes, reaching a maximum elevation of 13,829 feet (4,215 meters).
The Short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is only 10 miles (16 kilometers) long and can be completed in just 1 day. It starts at Km 104 and ends at Machu Picchu. While this route doesn’t offer the same variety of scenery as the longer Inca Trail, it still passes through some stunning landscapes, including cloud forests.
Inca Trail vs. Quarry Trek
For those travelers searching for unique adventures, there is another amazing trek called the Cachicata Trek or Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu. The Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu is a new but amazing route to Machu Picchu that few people know about or hike.
The Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, an epic trek many travelers want to complete, but few will dare. This trek is a complete experience combining adventure, camping, hiking, challenge, history, culture, and the amazing reward of arriving at Machu Picchu hiking.
The Quarry Trek is an excellent option If you’re looking for a shorter, easier trek. It’s only 20 miles long and takes you to some of the best viewpoints of the Sacred Valley. The Quarry Trek is also a great option if you want to avoid the crowds of the Inca Trail.
Inca Trail vs. Choquequirao trek
The Inca Trail and Choquequirao Hike are 2 of the most epic hikes to an ancient citadel in Peru. Both treks offer stunning views of the Andes mountains and the ancient Inca ruins, but there are some critical differences between the two.
One of the most popular events in the world is the Inca Trail Marathon. This race takes place in Peru and follows the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The marathon is considered one of the most difficult in the world due to the high altitude and rugged terrain. However, many runners find the challenge to be worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Inca Trail Marathon is held every May or June. The race starts at KM 82 of the Inca Trail, about 2,000 meters above sea level. Runners then pass through the jungle, mountains, and ancient ruins before finishing at Machu Picchu. The total race distance is approximately 42 kilometers.
If you plan to participate in the Classic Machu Picchu Trek, you’ll need to make sure you have a reservation. This trek is one of the most popular hiking trails in the world, and it cannot be easy to get a spot.
Dead Woman’s Pass is a high mountain on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It is 4,215 meters (13,829 ft) above sea level and is the highest point on the Inca Trail. The pass gets its name from its resemblance to a woman lying on her back. The pass is a challenging section of the Inca Trail, with steep ascents and descents.
The short Inca Trail is an excellent option for those who want to hike the trail but are short on time. The trail is only 2 days long and is a great way to see some of the most incredible views of the Andes Mountains. The trail starts at Km 104, about 1 hour from Cusco by train from Ollantaytambo. From there, you will hike for about 4-5 hours to reach the site of Wiñay Wayna. You will enjoy a box lunch and continue the final stretch of the trail to Machu Picchu to the Sun Gate (Initupunku), from where you will have the first and most amazing view of Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail 5-day slow version is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the scenery and take their time on the trail. The slower pace means you’ll have more time to take photos, enjoy the views, and explore the ruins. This version of the trail is also a good option for those not as physically fit, as it is not as strenuous as the shorter versions. Book your tour early if you’re planning on hiking the Inca Trail. Tours often fill up months in advance, especially during peak season (May-September).
Sungate, or Intipunku, is the official name for the entrance to Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail. The views from the Sun Gate are breathtaking, and it’s incredible to stand at the top of Machu Picchu and take it all in.
The Inca Bridge stretches across a deep gorge, which is approximately 60 meters (200 feet) high. The Incas constructed the structure during the 15th century. It’s not entirely clear what the Inca Bridge was used for, but it’s believed that it could have served as a means for the Incas to traverse the gorge without having to go down into the valley beneath it.
It’s possible that the bridge was built as a defensive structure to stop enemies from entering the citadel. The Inca Bridge at Machu Picchu is a remarkable engineering achievement that will impress anyone who sees it.
Preparing for the Machu Picchu Inca Trail can be demanding. Below are some recommendations for enjoying this amazing hike.
Before hiking Machu Picchu, allow time to acclimate to Cusco’s high altitude. The trail reaches 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). Progressive acclimatization is required to prevent altitude sickness.
The Inca Trail has different routes with varying numbers of stairs based on the path you choose. The number of trails changes every year due to maintenance and updates, so we can’t give an exact number. However, we can share feedback from past hikers to give you an idea of what to expect on your trek.
Research on hikers who completed the Inca Trail found that they took around 5,000-7,000 steps. On average, a person takes 200 to 300 steps to walk one mile, equivalent to 120 to 190 steps for every kilometer. If you are going to hike the Inca Trail, keep in mind that you will come across many stairs! Don’t be discouraged; the experience you gain here will be valuable.
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Remember | One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availlability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 950 705034 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
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Inca Trail ( Classic ) 4D/3N Group tour
Experience the famous Inca Trail for 4 amazing days, and pass through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu …
Price, From
$ 795.00
per person
Inca Trail ( Classic ) 4D/3N Group tour
Experience the famous Inca Trail for 4 amazing days, and pass through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu …
Price, From
$ 795.00
per person
Inca Trail ( Classic ) 4D/3N Group tour
Experience the famous Inca Trail for 4 amazing days, and pass through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu …
Price, From
$ 795.00
per person
Inca Trail ( Classic ) 4D/3N Group tour
Experience the famous Inca Trail for 4 amazing days, and pass through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu …
Price, From
$ 795.00
per person
Inca Trail ( Classic ) 4D/3N Group tour
Experience the famous Inca Trail for 4 amazing days, and pass through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu …
Price, From
$ 795.00
per person
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