Short Inca Trail 2 Days–Epic Machu Picchu Adventure via Sun Gate

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Your 2-day Inca Trail adventure begins early in the morning with a 4:00 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Cusco. As we leave the city, you’ll pass through Cusco’s historic center, including the famous Plaza de Armas, still quiet in the early hours. From there, we travel through the Sacred Valley, enjoying views of traditional villages and Andean landscapes on our way to the Ollantaytambo train station, where the journey to the starting point of the Inca Trail begins.

   Passes by

2. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, you’ll board the train departing at 6:10 a.m. toward Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. As the train departs from the station, you’ll enjoy views of the impressive stone ramparts of Ollantaytambo and the towering snow-capped Mount Veronica (5,700 m / 18,700 ft). During this 1 hour and 15-minute scenic journey, you’ll travel along the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing through charming Andean villages and vast cornfields that have been cultivated since Inca times. As the train continues, the landscape transforms dramatically—from high Andean valleys and ancient terraces to the lush cloud forest that marks the beginning of the Amazon Basin. This beautiful train ride offers the perfect introduction before starting your unforgettable Inca Trail hike at Km 104.

   25 min

3. At Km 104, you’ll disembark from the train and begin your Short Inca Trail adventure. After crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River, you’ll show your passport to enter the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary and start your hike with a guided visit to Chachabamba, an ancient Inca site dedicated to water and purification rituals, known as the Temple of Water. From there, the trail gradually climbs through lush Andean cloud forest filled with orchids, bromeliads, and hummingbirds. After about three hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive and well-preserved Inca sites on the route. This stunning complex features agricultural terraces, stone stairways, and ceremonial buildings overlooking the Sacred Valley. This section of the Inca Trail perfectly combines nature, history, and adventure — an unforgettable experience before reaching the Sun Gate and your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.

   30 minAdmission included

4. At Wiñay Wayna, you’ll explore one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Inca sites along the trail. This stunning archaeological complex features a series of agricultural terraces, stone stairways, and ceremonial buildings perched on a steep mountainside, offering breathtaking views of the valley below. After exploring the site and learning about its fascinating history, you’ll enjoy your box lunch near the Wiñay Wayna campsite, a resting spot for trekkers on the classic 4-day Inca Trail. Refreshed and energized, you’ll then continue your hike toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) — the final stretch before your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu.

   45 minAdmission included

5. From Wiñay Wayna, the trail continues with gentle ups and downs, making it easier than the first section. As you get closer to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), you’ll face the final steep ascent known as the “Gringo Killers” — a set of about 50 stone steps that will test your endurance one last time. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the remarkable Sun Gate — an unforgettable moment that makes every step worthwhile. This hike from Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate takes about one hour of a gentle and scenic walk through lush mountain landscapes.

   30 min

6. From the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the trail descends gradually toward Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. As you approach, the view of the ancient citadel becomes increasingly impressive — terraces, temples, and stone walls appearing through the mist. Exclusive Platform for Inca Trail Hikers: Enjoy privileged access to a special viewpoint reserved only for Inca Trail hikers, offering unparalleled panoramic views of Machu Picchu and its surrounding mountains. This final descent takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, with time to pause, take photos, and appreciate the incredible scenery before reaching the site itself.

   45 minAdmission included

7. On the second day, you’ll return early to Machu Picchu for your guided tour of this magnificent Inca citadel — one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Your expert guide will lead you through its most important temples, terraces, and ceremonial areas, sharing the history and mysteries of this incredible archaeological site. The guided visit lasts about 2.5 hours, with time for photos and personal exploration. After the tour, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and then board the train and bus back to Cusco, Ollantaytambo, or Urubamba, depending on your travel plans. We’ll drop you off at your hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable 2-day Inca Trail experience.

   2 hAdmission included

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 4 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Cusco

• Its from-price is 339% above the median of the 4460 experiences we list in Cusco.
• It is longer than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 1879 of 4460.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Cusco

Cusco, the old Inca capital high in the Peruvian Andes, blends massive stone walls with colonial churches and is the gateway to Machu Picchu.

The Plaza de Armas is the heart of the city, framed by the cathedral and the Jesuit church of La Compañía. Inca stonework survives throughout the centre, most famously at the Qorikancha, the sun temple on which the Spanish built a monastery, and in the twelve-angled stone on Hatun Rumiyoc street. San Blas, the artisans' quarter, climbs steeply with workshops and cafés.

Top-ranked sights in Cusco: Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo Ruins.

See all 4460 experiences in Cusco