Inca Trail short trek to Machu Picchu Full Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Your adventure begins early in the morning, with pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 3:30 a.m. (depending on location) for the scenic drive to Ollantaytambo train station.
If your hotel is in the Sacred Valley or near Ollantaytambo, pickup will be around 5:30 a.m.

Travel tip: For the 2-day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, it’s best to stay the night before near Ollantaytambo to save 1.5 hours of travel time. If you join a Sacred Valley tour the day before, you can request to be dropped off there and spend the night in a nearby hotel.
Our team will pick you up from any location in Cusco or Ollantaytambo.

From Cusco, enjoy a 1.5-hour scenic drive to Ollantaytambo station, then board the train along the Urubamba River toward Km 104 (Chachabamba) — the starting point of your short Inca Trail adventure. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at the official control point (remember to bring your original passport) and meet your guide.

Before the hike begins, your trekking chef will serve a fresh, energizing breakfast to prepare you for the day.
Your first stop will be the Inca site of Chachabamba, where your expert guide will explain its history and connection to Machu Picchu. From here, you’ll hike along the ancient Inca Trail for about 7 hours through lush cloud forests and breathtaking mountain scenery.

The first 4 hours are a gradual ascent until you reach Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Inca sites on the entire trail. After exploring, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch made with local ingredients by our talented chefs. Energized, you’ll continue toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu — an unforgettable sight as the afternoon light softens and crowds fade away.

From the Sun Gate, descend for about an hour to the Machu Picchu viewpoints, where you’ll have time to take amazing photos with fewer people around. You’ll then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant, and spend the night in a 3-star hotel with private bathroom, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and mountain views.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
Hiking Distance: 13 km / 8 mi
Duration: 7 hours
Highest Altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft (Sun Gate)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

Wake up early for one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life — visiting Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas.
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take the first bus to Machu Picchu, arriving just as the morning light begins to illuminate the citadel. On clear days, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular sunrise over the Andes, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

Your expert guide will lead a comprehensive 2–3-hour walking tour (Circuit 3), exploring Machu Picchu’s most fascinating sectors — from ceremonial temples and royal residences to farming terraces and sacred plazas. As you wander through the site, you’ll learn about the advanced engineering, spirituality, and history of the Inca civilization.

After the guided tour, enjoy free time to capture your best photos or, if you’ve secured tickets in advance, hike to either Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of the citadel and the Urubamba River valley.

Optional Experience:
If you wish, you can hike back down to Aguas Calientes via the original Hiram Bingham trail, stopping to visit the Machu Picchu Museum (Manuel Chávez Ballón) and the Butterfly Garden along the way — a peaceful and scenic descent surrounded by nature.

After the visit, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time for lunch at a local restaurant, shopping for souvenirs in the artisan market, or simply relaxing by the river before your return journey.
In the afternoon, board the Expedition Train or Panoramic Vistadome  train, enjoying stunning mountain and valley views as you travel back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, your Peru Trekkers driver will be waiting to transfer you comfortably back to your hotel in Cusco.
Expected arrival time: around 7:30 p.m.

Tour Duration: 2–3 hours exploring Machu Picchu
Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Inclusions

• Safety briefing the day before the tour
• Hotel pickup and drop off
• Professional Tour Guide
• All transportation during the tour
• Train to Km 104 (Expedition or Voyager)
• Return on the panoramic Vistadome Train or 360° (If you select the option)
• Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Day 1)
• Round-trip bus to Machu Picchu (2Day )
• Entry tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu – Circuit 1 (Day 1)
• Entry ticket to Machu Picchu – Circuit 3 (Day 2)
• 1 night 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Picnic Breakfast & Lunch on Day 1
• 1 dinner at a Local restaurant on day 1
• 1 breakfast at the hotel on day 2
• Satellite phones, a first-aid kit, and oxygen tank
• Complimentary luggage storage

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Exclusions

• Lunch on day 2
• Dinner on day 2
• Entry to Huayna Picchu Mountain
• Entry to Machu Picchu Mountain
• Travel Insurance
• Tips

Inca Trail 2 Days – Packing List

During your 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, remember that there are no porters to carry your personal belongings, so it’s important to pack light and smart. We recommend bringing a comfortable, lightweight daypack with just the essentials for two days of adventure.

If you prefer extra comfort, Peru Trekkers can arrange a personal porter upon request (additional cost). However, we usually suggest sending part of your luggage directly to your hotel in Aguas Calientes by train at no extra charge—simply request it in advance when booking.

Below, you’ll find a detailed packing checklist for your Short Inca Trail 2 Days and 1 Night experience.

Essential Items

• Daypack: Must be lightweight and comfortable, with space for water, snacks, and layers. Local regulations limit backpack size to 25 liters, but beyond size, ensure your pack looks small when entering Machu Picchu. You can store extra items at your hotel before your visit.

• Original Passport: Required to pass Inca Trail and Machu Picchu checkpoints (copies not accepted). Ensure it’s valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.

• Valid Student Card (if applicable): Must be issued by your university, contain your photo, personal info, and be valid through December 31 of your travel year. Only accepted for students up to 25 years old.

Clothing and Trekking Gear

• Hiking boots: Comfortable, broken-in boots with good grip.

• Water storage: Bring at least 2 liters using a hydration bladder or reusable bottles (plastic bottles are banned in Machu Picchu).

• Trekking poles: Recommended for Day 1 only; not allowed inside Machu Picchu.

• Rain gear: Weather in the cloud forest is unpredictable—pack a rain jacket or poncho year-round.

• Buff or bandana: For protection from dust, heat, and sun.

• Hat or cap: Lightweight and packable; avoid bulky ones.

• Sunglasses: With strong UV protection.

• T-shirts: 2 breathable shirts (long-sleeved preferred).

• Hiking pants: 2 pairs—one for the trek and one for Machu Picchu day.

• Underwear and socks: Quick-drying and moisture-wicking materials are best.

• Warm layers: Evenings and mornings are cold; bring a fleece or thermal layer.

• Change of clothes: Enough for two days of travel.

• Swimsuit (optional): For relaxing in the Aguas Calientes hot springs.

Accessories and Personal Items

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Toilet paper or biodegradable wet wipes

• Camera or smartphone (fully charged)

• Power bank or extra batteries

• Snacks: Nuts, chocolate, energy bars

• Cash: For souvenirs, drinks, and tips

First Aid and Health Essentials

• Personal medication (as prescribed)

• Pain relievers: Such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

• Band-aids and moleskin: For blisters or small cuts

• Sunscreen: High SPF, essential for the Andean sun

• Insect repellent: Important for tropical areas around Machu Picchu

• Aloe vera gel: For minor burns or sun exposure

• Hydrocortisone cream: For itching or rashes

• Elastic bandage: For sprains or muscle strain

Packing Tips

• Pack light: You’ll carry your own gear; focus on essentials only.

• Reusable bottles: Plastic is banned—bring eco-friendly containers.

• Stay organized: Use packing cubes or small bags for easy access.

• Don’t forget: Original passport and personal medications.

Sending a Carry-On Bag to the Hotel
You can send a small carry-on (up to 5 kg per person) directly to your hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) via train. If you don’t have an extra bag, Peru Trekkers can provide a duffle bag upon request.

Pack your day essentials (passport, rain gear, camera, snacks, etc.) in your backpack, and use the carry-on only for clothes and toiletries you’ll need the next day.

If you wish to send a carry-on, please inform us in advance after booking so we can arrange the necessary train transfer permits.

Changes and Refunds

Machu Picchu Tickets
– Machu Picchu tickets cannot be modified or refunded once issued.

Train and Bus Tickets
– They can be modified with a minimum of 15 days’ notice prior to the service date.
– Changes are subject to availability, possible penalties, and fare adjustments according to the policies of each train company.
– The same time, class, or original price is not guaranteed.

Refund Policy
– Once the reservation is confirmed, it is not possible to request a refund.

Why is the tourist ticket not included?

The Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) is a personal ticket and is not sold in advance. It must be purchased in Cusco or at the entrance of the visited sites where this ticket is required.
Check our guide with all the information about the tourist ticket. 

Does this tour include accommodation in Aguas Calientes?

To include the accommodation, please contact our team and inform them of your preferred hotel category and number of people.

What to do with my luggage during the trip to Machu Picchu?

The maximum baggage weight allowed on the trains to Machu Picchu is 5kg per person. We recommend that you travel with as little as possible and leave the rest of your luggage at your hotel in Cusco.. If you check out when you travel to Machu Picchu, most hotels will allow you to leave your luggage in the hotel’s storage room.

What time will I enter Machu Picchu?

The entrance times for this tour are as early as 7am, but may vary according to ticket availability at the time of booking. Remember: the earlier you make your reservation, the more likely you are to get the best times.

I would like a private tour. Is it possible?

Yes, just get in touch with our team and we can provide you with a quote for a 100% private tour and a customized experience.

After the guided tour in Machu Picchu, can I stay longer on my own? 

No. During the pandemic, restrictive measures were adopted that prevent you from wandering freely after the guided tour. All visitors are only allowed to travel in one direction and can not walk backwards to where they have already been. However, we’ll give you ample time to take pictures and explore during our guided tour.

Can I rent horses to hike the Humantay Lake or the Rainbow Mountain?

Yes, horses are available for rent on both mountains for about 90 soles per person (each way of each mountain). Your guide will help you with the negotiation.