Overview
Duration
Type tour
Difficulty
Altitude
Acomodation
Group size
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Embark on the Short Inca Trail, a 2-day, 1-night trek that offers breathtaking scenery, ancient ruins, and the unforgettable experience of Machu Picchu. Perfect for those with limited time, this route combines history, nature, and adventure in a manageable, moderate-level hike.
Day 1: Km 104 to Wiñay Wayna and Inti Punku
Your journey begins at Km 104, hiking along the original Inca Trail. Highlights include:
- Wiñay Wayna: Explore its terraced gardens, ceremonial fountains, and stunning views.
- Inti Punku (Sun Gate): Witness your first magical view of Machu Picchu.
After the hike, rest in a comfortable lodge near Aguas Calientes.
Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu
Begin your day with a guided tour of Machu Picchu, learning about its temples, terraces, and the fascinating history of the Inca Empire. Enjoy free time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site before returning to Cusco by train.
Why Choose Terra Quechua Peru?
With over 12 years of experience, Terra Quechua Peru is a locally-owned tour operator dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality travel experiences. Our certified guides, Raque and Edwin, will ensure a safe, memorable adventure.
Itinerary Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night
DAY 1: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 104 – WIÑAYWAYNA
the Inca Trail begins with transfer from the hotel Cusco to the train station Ollantaytambo. Where we will take the Train to KM 104. At this point we start trek for 3 hours approximately to the well preserved remains of the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (2650 m.a.s.l). On the way we can see beautiful waterfalls. After lunch, we keep walking for about 2 more hours to get the sungate and then we go down to Machupicchu town ( Aguas Calientes )
DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO.
After breakfast we have an early start and we will walk for 1 hour and half to get one of the greatest archaeological discovery of modern times is revealed. Machu Picchu so get where the most beatiful spot is , the postcard site to take postcard pictures and the guide will expalin you the history of Machu Picchu, for about two hours an then you will get free time to you will have plenty of time to explore by yourself ( you can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain ( it takes one hour up and one hour down ). And the after you enjoy Machu Picchu you must be at Aguas Calientes station to take the train back to Ollantaytambo Station and bus back to cusco.
IMPORTANT:
The 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will include CIRCUIT #1
This will apply to all reservations made after July 1, 2025 – 2026.
OPTIONAL additional tickets to Machu Picchu (Circuit #3) will cost US $55 per person.
Includes
- Entrance fee to Inca Trail and Machu picchu
- Bus Consettur Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Down 1st day.
- Bus Consettur Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Up 2nd day.
- Train Ticket round trip /Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Meals 1Lunch, 1Dinner, 1Breakfast.
- 1 Night in hotel in aguas calientes
- Transfer Hotel – Station – Hotel
- Oxygen balloon for any emergency
- Two-hours guided tour upon your arrival in Machu Picchu ( to explore every important temple of the Santuary).
- Transfer train or bus station-hotel in Cusco
- First Aid kit for Emergencies.
- Free Luggage storage. When you go on the trek it is best to leave any luggage that you are not going to need behind in Cusco.
- Nearly all the hotels in Cusco provide a secure luggage deposit. Put any valuables in their safe. Very rarely do hotels charge for this service especially if you are returning to the same hotel after the trek. If there are any problems with your hotel we can arrange to store your luggage at Terra Quechua Peru office.
No Incluye
- Breakfast on the first day
- Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu Picchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machupicchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. dinner being at your own expense too.
- Bus Consettur down second day, optional walk for about 1h – 30 minutes
- Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is s/15.00 (Peruvian Soles). Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes
- Huayna Picchu entrance fee: if you would like to climb this mountain a new entrance fee applies (US$65)
- (Circuit #3) will cost US $55 per person.
- Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish
Packing list Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night
- A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
- Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Sun block
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
- Handkerchiefs
- Toilet paper
- Small towel
- Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
- Cash in soles and/or US$
- Original passport very Important.
- Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
- walking sticks (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)
Prices Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night
Price information: Price per person 2025 – 2026
| GROUP SERVICE PRICE 2025- 2026 | ||||
| Number of People for group : | ||||
| 2pax | 3pax | 4pax | 5pax | 6 – 10pax |
| Contact Us | Contact Us | Contact Us | Contact Us | Contact Us |
Available discounts (these discounts are not cumulative)
Students: US$ 20.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card. Please note that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)
Teenagers: US$ 30.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
Children: US$ 40.00 (up to 7 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
DEPARTURE ON 2025 – 2026
Inca Trail Availability
The exact information provided by you will be submitted to the governmental institution in charge of regulating the access to the Inca Trail and will be included in the official permit to enter the Inca Trail on the requested date. Should there be any change in the above-mentioned data (i.e., New passport number), we kindly request you to inform the Reservation Department at Terra Quechua Tour Operator via email as soon as possible. The government reserves the right not to allow the entry to any visitor whose data are not the exact ones as those in the official permit. Terra Quechua Tour Operator excludes any responsibility for a no entry in case the passenger information has changed without prior notice to us.
Inca Trail permits are available. You can book your trip for this date, 2025 – 2026
February: Also note that the Inca Trail will be closed for general maintenance during the month of February each year. Also, closures may occur at various times throughout the year due to inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control. During these periods, any tour affected will do the Lares Trek
Overview
Duration
Type tour
Difficulty
Altitude
Acomodation
Group size
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Embark on the Short Inca Trail, a 2-day, 1-night trek that offers breathtaking scenery, ancient ruins, and the unforgettable experience of Machu Picchu. Perfect for those with limited time, this route combines history, nature, and adventure in a manageable, moderate-level hike.
Day 1: Km 104 to Wiñay Wayna and Inti Punku
Your journey begins at Km 104, hiking along the original Inca Trail. Highlights include:
- Wiñay Wayna: Explore its terraced gardens, ceremonial fountains, and stunning views.
- Inti Punku (Sun Gate): Witness your first magical view of Machu Picchu.
After the hike, rest in a comfortable lodge near Aguas Calientes.
Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu
Begin your day with a guided tour of Machu Picchu, learning about its temples, terraces, and the fascinating history of the Inca Empire. Enjoy free time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site before returning to Cusco by train.
Why Choose Terra Quechua Peru?
With over 12 years of experience, Terra Quechua Peru is a locally-owned tour operator dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality travel experiences. Our certified guides, Raque and Edwin, will ensure a safe, memorable adventure.
DAY 1: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 104 – WIÑAYWAYNA
the Inca Trail begins with transfer from the hotel Cusco to the train station Ollantaytambo. Where we will take the Train to KM 104. At this point we start trek for 3 hours approximately to the well preserved remains of the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (2650 m.a.s.l). On the way we can see beautiful waterfalls. After lunch, we keep walking for about 2 more hours to get the sungate and then we go down to Machupicchu town ( Aguas Calientes )
DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO.
After breakfast we have an early start and we will walk for 1 hour and half to get one of the greatest archaeological discovery of modern times is revealed. Machu Picchu so get where the most beatiful spot is , the postcard site to take postcard pictures and the guide will expalin you the history of Machu Picchu, for about two hours an then you will get free time to you will have plenty of time to explore by yourself ( you can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain ( it takes one hour up and one hour down ). And the after you enjoy Machu Picchu you must be at Aguas Calientes station to take the train back to Ollantaytambo Station and bus back to cusco.
IMPORTANT:
The 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will include CIRCUIT #1
This will apply to all reservations made after July 1, 2025 – 2026.
OPTIONAL additional tickets to Machu Picchu (Circuit #3) will cost US $55 per person.
Includes
- Entrance fee to Inca Trail and Machu picchu
- Bus Consettur Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Down 1st day.
- Bus Consettur Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Up 2nd day.
- Train Ticket round trip /Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Meals 1Lunch, 1Dinner, 1Breakfast.
- 1 Night in hotel in aguas calientes
- Transfer Hotel – Station – Hotel
- Oxygen balloon for any emergency
- Two-hours guided tour upon your arrival in Machu Picchu ( to explore every important temple of the Santuary).
- Transfer train or bus station-hotel in Cusco
- First Aid kit for Emergencies.
- Free Luggage storage. When you go on the trek it is best to leave any luggage that you are not going to need behind in Cusco.
- Nearly all the hotels in Cusco provide a secure luggage deposit. Put any valuables in their safe. Very rarely do hotels charge for this service especially if you are returning to the same hotel after the trek. If there are any problems with your hotel we can arrange to store your luggage at Terra Quechua Peru office.
- Breakfast on the first day
- Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu Picchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machupicchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. dinner being at your own expense too.
- Bus Consettur down second day, optional walk for about 1h – 30 minutes
- Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is s/15.00 (Peruvian Soles). Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes
- Huayna Picchu entrance fee: if you would like to climb this mountain a new entrance fee applies (US$65)
- (Circuit #3) will cost US $55 per person.
- Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish
TERRA QUECHUA PERU INFO: HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO MAKE A TREK RESERVATION?
As far in advance as possible. The government has strictly limited the number of people permitted on the Inca Trail (permits are issued to about 200 trekkers per day plus 300 porters). We therefore recommend that you try to make your Inca trail reservation as far in advance as possible as soon as you know the dates of your international flights.
TERRA QUECHUA PERU INFO: CAN I HAVE VEGETARIAN MEALS?
Our cooks can provide vegetarian meals no problem. Just let us know your dietary requirements when you book your trek.
TERRA QUECHUA PERU INFO: I HAVE A FOOD ALLERGY, CAN THIS BE CATERED FOR?
We have plenty of clients who have allergies to nuts, wheat, etc. Please give us details of your allergy at the time of booking. Please indicate the severity of the reaction and what type of medicines you have to take in an emergency. If your allergy is severe you must be accompanied by a friend on the trek who is aware of your allergy and the location of any required medicines. Due to the nature of the remote geographical location of the trail and the lack of suitable nearby medical facilities Terra Quechua Peru will not accept any responsibility, either directly or indirectly, for any problems due to your special medical/dietary requirements. We suggest that you to check with your doctor before booking the trek.
TERRA QUECHUA PERU INFO: I HAVE ASTHMA / DIABETES / ANOTHER MEDICAL CONDITION. CAN I STILL DO THE TREK?
You must disclose at the time of booking any medical condition that you may have that could affect your ability to do the Inca trail trek. Terra Quechua hikers reserves the right not to accept a trek booking if we feel that a medical condition may put your life or the lives of any of our trekking staff or other clients at risk on the trek. People with heart conditions, knee problems, severe asthma or are more than 18 weeks pregnant should not participate in the trek. People with mild asthma / diabetes / pregnant less than 18 weeks will have to bring a medical note from their doctor stating that they are fit to undertake the trek. They will also be required to be accompanied by a trekking companion on the trek at all times who will trek at their sides and be familiar with any medicines required in case of an emergency. Terra Quechua Peru reserved the right to cancel the trek booking of a client if the client has not fully disclosed at the time of making a booking a medical condition that may pose a risk to the health of the client and/or other trekkers. No refunds will be given in this instance.
Due to the nature of the remote geographical location of the trail and the lack of suitable nearby medical facilities along the trail Terra Quechua Peru will not accept any responsibility, either directly or indirectly, for any problems due to your special dietary requirements / medical condition. We suggest that you check with your doctor before booking the trek.
TERRA QUECHUA PERU INFO: HOW IS DRINKING WATER SUPPLIED?
Although there are places to purchase bottled water occasionally along the trail, we recommend that travelers bring their own refillable bottles to limit plastic waste. Water is boiled, treated with iodine, and then filtered with one of our portable filters (Katadyn and PUR commonly used). It is available in the morning to fill your bottles and at every meal.
TERRA QUECHUA PERU INFO: DO I NEED TO BRING WALKING BOOTS?
Walking boots are recommended as they provide support to the ankle which reduces the risk of injury especially when trekking in the wet season (December – March). However it is important that your boots are comfortable and well worn-in and not brand new. Many people prefer to trek in tennis shoes but extra care should be taken. We do not recommend trekking in sandals or using new boots or hiring boots prior to the trek. Make sure the shoes are sturdy enough for the duration of the trek and will not fall apart.
- A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
- Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Sun block
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
- Handkerchiefs
- Toilet paper
- Small towel
- Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
- Cash in soles and/or US$
- Original passport very Important.
- Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
- walking sticks (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)
