Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2 Days
Cusco, Peru
Rating: 
Trip Type: Archaeology Tours
Duration: 2 days
Enjoy one of the shortest treks to the famous Inca site of Machu Picchu. On this 2-day trek you will cross the Sacred Valley towards, one of the new seven world wonders of the world Machu Picchu. Experience a great, short trip filled with the natural and ancient beauty of Peru.
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Enjoy one of the shortest treks to the famous Inca site of Machu Picchu. On this 2-day trek you will cross the Sacred Valley towards, one of the new seven world wonders of the world Machu Picchu. Experience a great, short trip filled with the natural and ancient beauty of Peru.
Day 1: Cusco - Wiñay Wayna - Machu Picchu
You will be picked up from your Cusco hotel at around 5:40am (depending on train time) and taken to the train station. You will travel by train through a picturesque route for 2.5 hours until you reach kilometer 104, the start of the trail. From here, you will hike for about 4 hours up to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna ('Forever Young') located at 2,680 meters (8,792feet) high. You will join the path on the way to Machu Picchu, continuing to 'Inti Punku' ('Sun gate') at 2,730 meters (8,792 feet). From here, you will get your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu (2,400 meters/7,873 feet). Then, walk down the last portion of the trail to reach the ancient city itself. Before reaching Machu Picchu, you will take a side path off the trail to go down to Aguas Calientes, leaving the visit to Machu Picchu for the next day. In Aguas Calientes, you'll have dinner and a well deserved rest to feel recharged and ready for Machu Picchu the next day.
Day 2: Machu Picchu Tour – Return train to Cusco
You will have breakfast and then take the first bus (5:30am) up to Machu Picchu. There, enjoy a 2-hour guided walking tour and then explore the site on your own. If you feel like it, you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2,720 meters/8,890feet). It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top. After exploring the site, you will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (it can be reached by bus or on foot) for lunch and take the train to Ollantaytambo. The train usually leaves between 2:30pm and 6pm depending on allocations and availability (to be confirmed. From Ollantaytambo, you will take the bus to Cusco.
If you wish, you can spend an extra night in Aguas Calientes. This option is very popular as it allows more time to explore Machu Picchu. You can also go to the thermal springs in town.
Day 1: Cusco - Wiñay Wayna - Machu Picchu
You will be picked up from your Cusco hotel at around 5:40am (depending on train time) and taken to the train station. You will travel by train through a picturesque route for 2.5 hours until you reach kilometer 104, the start of the trail. From here, you will hike for about 4 hours up to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna ('Forever Young') located at 2,680 meters (8,792feet) high. You will join the path on the way to Machu Picchu, continuing to 'Inti Punku' ('Sun gate') at 2,730 meters (8,792 feet). From here, you will get your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu (2,400 meters/7,873 feet). Then, walk down the last portion of the trail to reach the ancient city itself. Before reaching Machu Picchu, you will take a side path off the trail to go down to Aguas Calientes, leaving the visit to Machu Picchu for the next day. In Aguas Calientes, you'll have dinner and a well deserved rest to feel recharged and ready for Machu Picchu the next day.
Day 2: Machu Picchu Tour – Return train to Cusco
You will have breakfast and then take the first bus (5:30am) up to Machu Picchu. There, enjoy a 2-hour guided walking tour and then explore the site on your own. If you feel like it, you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2,720 meters/8,890feet). It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top. After exploring the site, you will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (it can be reached by bus or on foot) for lunch and take the train to Ollantaytambo. The train usually leaves between 2:30pm and 6pm depending on allocations and availability (to be confirmed. From Ollantaytambo, you will take the bus to Cusco.
If you wish, you can spend an extra night in Aguas Calientes. This option is very popular as it allows more time to explore Machu Picchu. You can also go to the thermal springs in town.
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