Short Inca Trail 2d/1n

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Discover the magic of the Short Inca Trail—an unforgettable 2-day, 1-night adventure to Machu Picchu. Ideal for travelers with limited time, this condensed trek offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, history, and excitement. Walk along ancient Incan paths through cloud forests and lush jungle, passing impressive archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna. Enjoy stunning mountain views and the thrill of arriving at Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate, just as the Incas once did. With expert guides, comfortable logistics, and a carefully planned route, this trek is suitable for both beginners and seasoned hikers. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the essence of the classic Inca Trail—without the long commitment. Join National Peru Travel and make the most of your time in Peru with a short but powerful journey through Andean history.

   3 h

2. DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 104 – WIÑAYHUAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU TOWN Your adventure begins early with a scenic train ride to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. From here, we start our hike with a visit to Chachabamba (2,270 m / 7,560 ft), where our expert guide will explain the historical and ceremonial significance of this fascinating site. We then ascend to the stunning ruins of Wiñayhuayna (2,650 m / 8,820 ft), considered the most impressive archaeological complex on the trail after Machu Picchu. After exploring, we continue toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)—the original entrance to Machu Picchu used by the Incas. From this incredible viewpoint, we enjoy our first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu bathed in afternoon light. We then descend to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes) to rest and prepare for the full guided tour of the citadel the next day. Hiking Time: Approx. 6 hours Distance: 12 km

   6 hAdmission included

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

Ratings come from 16 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 452% above the median of the 4460 experiences we list in Cusco.
• It is longer than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 863 of 4460.

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