2 days / 1 night
Cusco
April to October
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Short Inca Trail: 2 Days, 1 Night — A Brief but Profound Journey
A sacred shortcut to wonder, when time is short but the heart is ready.
When time is scarce but the soul longs to touch history with its own steps, Munay Ana presents the Short Inca Trail: a 2-day, 1-night experience that honors tradition and awakens connection.
This journey allows us to embrace one of the modern wonders of the world — Machu Picchu — through its ancestral network of trails, wrapped in the lush vegetation of the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba, where wildlife sings and orchids whisper memories.
Even in two days, the magic unfolds.
Each step is a prayer. Each gaze, a revelation. This shorter route is ideal for those who wish to live the essence of the Inca Trail without walking its full length — but with a heart fully present.
Because it’s not about how much time you have, but how you walk it.
Prices
Classic
INCLUDE
- RT-Transport from hotel to train station
- RT – Expedition train
- x3 Consettur bus tickets
- Hotel 2* in Machu Picchu
- village Entrance to Inka Trail &
- Machupicchu
- Experienced Tour Guide
- 01 Box Lunch (Opt.Vegetarian)
Premium
INCLUDE:
- RT-Transport from hotel to train station
- RT – VISTADOM TRAIN
- x3 Consettur bus tickets
- Hotel 3* in Machu Picchu
- village Entrance to Inka Trail &
- Machupicchu
- Experienced Tour Guide
- 01 Box Lunch (Opt.Vegetarian)
- Rental of a pair of poles per day USD. 20
- Single Tent room USD. 55
- Machupicchu + Huaynapicchu USD. 80
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñaywayna – Intipunku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
We will pick you up from your accommodation between 4:00 and 4:10 AM. Our journey begins with a transfer from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station, where we’ll board the tourist train bound for KM 104 — the starting point of our adventure.
During the hike, we’ll visit the impressive archaeological sites of Chachabamba (2150 m) and Wiñaywayna (2650 m). Our path leads through a lush cloud forest that blankets the mountains, offering glimpses of diverse flora, birds, and captivating wildlife.
Before reaching the Sun Gate (Intipunku), we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch to recharge for the final stretch. From the Sun Gate, we’ll catch our first breathtaking views of the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel. After approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of walking, we’ll enter the archaeological center of Machu Picchu (Circuit 1) for a guided visit — a perfect moment to take stunning photographs.
We then take a bus to Aguas Calientes, a 30-minute ride to the village. In the evening, we’ll share dinner and coordinate with our guide for the next day’s exploration. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, ensuring you’re well-rested for the sacred expedition ahead.
- Meals: boxlunch y cena.
- Distance : 16 km / 10 miles (approx. 6 hours of hiking)
- Difficulty : Easy to moderate
- Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours (includes picnic lunch along the trail)
- Trail and terrain: Open paths with some steep sections
Day 2: Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
We’ll wake up early (around 5:00 AM — the exact time may vary depending on your guide’s recommendation) and take one of the first buses to the Machu Picchu citadel, aiming to enter as soon as it opens (6:00 AM, Circuit 2 or 3, depending on availability).
There, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2 hours, where you’ll learn about the rich history of the Incas and explore all the essential areas of the citadel.
If you’ve reserved a ticket, you may choose to hike Huayna Picchu (2 hours round trip) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3 hours round trip) for elevated views of the surrounding landscape.
A bus will take you back to Aguas Calientes (bus ticket included). For your return to Cusco, you’ll board a train (train ticket not included) from Aguas Calientes to either Ollantaytambo or Poroy station. Please note that train departure times may vary depending on availability and schedule.
Once you arrive at the train station, our transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
NOTE: Please check with your sales representative for the availability of entrance circuits within the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Meals: Breakfast at your hotel.
- Distance: 8.9 km / 5.5 miles (by bus in approximately 25 minutes)
- Difficulty: Easy
Include
- Pre-departure briefing: You’ll meet with your Royal Inca Trail guide at our office for an orientation before your trek.
Included Services
- Round-trip tourist train expedition: The train departs from Ollantaytambo station to Chachabamba (KM 104), the starting point of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Optional upgrade to the Vistadome train available at an additional cost.
- Adventure guide for the Short Inca Trail: Professional, certified, English-speaking tour guide with experience and courtesy.
- Cultural guide in Machu Picchu: Experienced, certified official tour guide fluent in English and Spanish.
- Overnight stay in Machu Picchu village (2-star hotel): Each hotel is carefully selected to offer an authentic experience. Please check available options.
- Our team — guides, cooks, and porters — along with our camping equipment, are what truly make Munay Ana Travel stand out from all competitors.
- Entrance ticket to the Short Inca Trail (from the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu).
- Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
- 1 box lunch on the first day.
- 1 dinner on the first day.
- Meals:
- 1 breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- 1 box lunch.
- 1 dinner.
- (Vegetarian, vegan, or special dietary options available at no additional cost.)
Please note: the first breakfast and the final lunch after visiting Machu Picchu on Day 2 are not included.
- First aid kit and oxygen tank: (Our guides are highly trained in first aid and mountain rescue. We have a comprehensive plan in place for medical attention, ground evacuations, and air evacuations if needed.)
- Consettur bus service to the Inca city of Machu Picchu:
- Day 1: descent
- Day 2: ascent and descent
- Return transfer to Cusco: Private tourist transportation from the Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station to your hotel in Cusco (Day 2).
- 24-hour guest service: We offer a 24/7 phone line to ensure smooth communication and thoughtful preparation for your journey.
Not Include
- Trekking poles
- Additional entrance tickets (Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu Mountain)
- Lunch
- International or domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Additional costs or delays beyond our control, such as: natural disasters, poor weather conditions, itinerary changes due to passenger health issues (illness or medical conditions), pandemics, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, etc.
What to Bring
- Trekking essentials: 30–50 liter backpack, water bottle, trekking shoes, waterproof jacket
- Rain poncho, extra t-shirts, wool hats, pants
- Passport and cash
- Camera, charging cable, and extra batteries
- Extra clothing
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, and personal medication
