Duration 2 days and 1 night
Difficulty suitable for the whole family
Max altitude 2,719 m a.s.l.
Distance 10–12 km approx.
Best time to go May to October
The 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is ideal for people with little time, or for those who did not book the full “Classic” Inca Trail in time. Covering a distance of only 12 km, the 2-day Inca Trail is a challenge that makes it the perfect place for an unforgettable vacation. With only 12 km of hiking, you will enter the wildlife around Machu Picchu and visit some of the most exclusive Inca sites in the surroundings, such as Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna.
The highlight of the trail comes at the end of the afternoon, when you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), from where you will have the first views of the Lost City of Machu Picchu. This day ends in the charming town of Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night in a hotel and rest for the second day. On the second day we return to Machu Picchu, this time by bus, for an in-depth guided visit with enough time to take the best photos and learn everything about this mysterious site.
The tour begins with hotel pickup at approx. 4:00 a.m. for a 2-hour private transfer to the train station in Ollantaytambo. We board the Expedition train and travel by train for one hour and 45 minutes to Km 104 (start of our hike). It is worth getting up early and going with this train, which allows us to enter and start the hike early.
We begin walking gently a few meters from the Vilcanota River. Starting the trail we see the ruins of Chachabamba, a stone altar in situ that served to worship the sun and the mountains, still venerated by local people. After visiting Chachabamba, we continue the trail south and begin a gradual climb up the mountain, before entering a cloud forest with abundant vegetation; then the trail leaves the forest and goes west, while we continue uphill in an open meadow.
After walking 3 hours, the trail descends into an amazing forest. Here we find a beautiful waterfall; then we arrive at the lower part of the Wiñay Wayna ruins. We appreciate the beauty of this place, complemented by information from our expert guide. After lunch at Wiñay Wayna, we continue in the afternoon through the cloud forest, full of bromeliads, orchids, and fern trees. As we walk this last part of the trail, we pass many impressive features such as stone stairs and tambos (“resting places”). You will climb 60 stairs before reaching Inti Punku (“the sun gate”). From this point you can contemplate this wonderful place. We then descend for 45 minutes until we reach the famous viewpoint area, from where you can watch the sunset. We descend to the Machu Picchu entrance, where we board the bus to Aguas Calientes. Dinner included, rest, plans and arrangements for the next day. The hot springs are a good option (bring your swimsuit and 20 soles).
Breakfast from 4:30 a.m.; then we board the first bus to Machu Picchu (the park opens at 6:00 a.m.). We have a guided tour of Machu Picchu: this enigmatic and mysterious city is explored for approximately 2 and a half hours, explained by your expert guide. You can visit the most impressive places such as the Royal Mausoleum, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Main Temple, the Sacred Plaza, the famous Intihuatana—where the Inca sages tied the sun at the winter solstice in June—stairways, plazas, fountains, etc. Generally you will then have around 2–3 extra hours of free time.
After finishing our visit, we can walk down to Aguas Calientes (option to go down by bus, 12 dollars to pay). Arriving in the town, we have lunch at a restaurant. Then we have some free time to explore this picturesque town before boarding our return train to Cusco.
The total distance covered over the two days is about 10 km, done in about 5 or 6 hours of hiking at a normal pace.
The highest point reached during this trek is 2,719 m above sea level.
Yes, as it is a one-day hike, it is recommended for the whole family, including children, always accompanied by their parents or responsible adults.
The best months to do the Inca Trail, both the short and the traditional, are between May and October, avoiding the rainy season (November to April) in Cusco.
