If you don’t have days to spare, this 2-day Inca Trail is a great way to experience a stretch of this legendary route and reach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. You’ll spend a full day hiking through incredible landscapes, stopping at awesome archaeological sites, and passing the night at our cozy campsite near the Urubamba River.
The trip includes meals cooked on-site, quality camping gear already set up for you, and a peaceful night in nature. The next morning, you’ll visit Machu Picchu with your guide, just before the crowds arrive. Don’t worry, we handle all the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying your journey.
This 2 Day Inca Trail Hike is an excellent option if you’re short on time in Cusco but still want to experience the best of the Inca Trail. Not only will you visit the trail’s most important attractions, but you’ll also get to enjoy the full camping experience. During the trip, you’ll arrive at Machu Picchu twice, at sunset and sunrise, and explore fascinating Inca sites like Wiñaywayna, surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
The adventure starts in either Cusco or Ollantaytambo, it doesn’t matter which hotel you are in. The hike takes about 6–7 hours along the final stretch of the Classic Inca Trail. That same day, you will enter Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate or Intipunku, where you’ll catch your first and most unforgettable views of the site. In the evening, you’ll camp near the Urubamba River, right at the foot of a mountain, with all your gear ready and a warm meal prepared by our talented chef, plus more time to relax.
Early the next morning, you’ll head back to Machu Picchu for a guided tour before most travelers arrive. And rest assured, our team of porters takes care of all the camping equipment so that you can focus on the adventure and the views.
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Machu Picchu (10 km, 7 hrs)
We’ll pick you up around 4:00 a.m. from your hotel and head to Ollantaytambo to catch the first Expedition train to Km 104, where the Short Inca Trail begins. You’ll hike for about 6–7 hours, visiting sites like Wiñaywayna and the Sun Gate (Intipunku). Following, you’ll arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon, when the Inca citadel is quieter, without crowds, to tour it through Circuit 1 and take the best photos possible. Finally, you’ll camp near the Urubamba River at the foot of the mountain.
Day 2: Machu Picchu Guided Tour (4 hrs)
Wake up with a cup of coffee in your tent and enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by our expert chefs before heading up to Machu Picchu by bus. Explore the citadel’s temples, plazas, and terraces on a memorable guided tour through circuit 3, with the option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain on your own (not included). Later, take the expedition train to Ollantaytambo and return to Cusco by bus, arriving at your hotel around 10:30 p.m. aproximately.
Start your adventure early from Cusco at 3:30 a.m. or Ollantaytambo at 5:30 a.m. No matter what hotel you are in, we will pick you up. Then, you’ll head to the Ollantaytambo train station to catch the first Expedition train toward the Inca Trail. The ride from Ollantaytambo takes about 1.5 hours until you reach Chachabamba, also known as Km 104, the starting point of the 2 Day Inca Trail Hike. Upon arrival, you’ll need to show your original passport with your entrance ticket to enter the trail.
You’ll visit the Chachabamba archaeological site and begin your 6–7 hour hike along the Short Inca Trail. Along the way, you’ll explore the remarkable Inca site of Wiñaywayna, take in the views, and enjoy the rich variety of plants and wildlife. On the same site, the Box Lunch-style.
In the afternoon, you’ll reach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Intipunku), just as most visitors are leaving the site, giving you a more peaceful first look at this incredible site through Circuit 1.
Afterward, we’ll take the bus down to Puente Ruinas, where your chef and porters will be waiting with a picnic-style dinner at the campsite. Your tent will already be set up, so you can enjoy a pleasant chat with your guide, relax over dinner, and spend the night camping in comfort.
The highlight of this experience is finally the conquest of Machu Picchu. You’ll wake up in your tent with a fresh cup of coffee, pack your belongings, enjoy a tasty breakfast, and take the early bus up to Machu Picchu to watch the sunrise. This makes the tour even more special, giving you the chance to arrive at Machu Picchu twice, once for the sunset the previous day and once for the sunrise the following day.
The guided tour lasts around 2 to 3 hours, covering the most important spots, including viewpoints, plazas, and palaces, touring the circuit 3. If you’ve got pre-booked tickets, you can also take one of the optional hikes to Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (different from the main Citadel – on your own) for panoramic views from the top.
After the tour, you’ll be instructed on how to take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. There, you’ll have time for lunch on your own (not included) before boarding the expedition train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, our team will drive you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 10:30 p.m.
You can only hike one of these mountains, and it is done after the guided tour in Machu Picchu. Advance booking is required for both hikes.
For this 2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you’ll want to keep your packing simple and practical. Bring just what you’ll need for the hike—nothing more, nothing less. A 25-liter daypack is a great choice: light, comfortable, and big enough to carry your daily essentials.
We’ll also give you a small duffle bag to pack up to 5 kg (11 lb) of your belongings. This bag goes straight to the campsite, so you won’t have to carry it during the trek.
Essential for the Trail
Below is a basic list for all Inca Trail hikers:
What to put in the daypack?
Your backpack must be comfortable for hiking and light. You will carry this bag for around 7 hours and must keep all the essentials for the day.
What to put in the duffle bag?
Duffle bags will be provided during the briefing, where you can pack everything needed for the 2-day tour. The bags go directly to the campsite, and you won’t have access to them during the day.
“The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Camping)” 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$ 620.00 per person.
Required Pre-payment: US$ 200.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): US$ 420.00 (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.
Price Guarantee
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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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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