The 2 Day Inca Trail, popularly known as the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, is one of the famous alternative hikes to Machu Picchu. It takes you through some of the iconic Inca sites and gives you a glimpse into Andean traditions and Peruvian history.
The Classic 4-Day Inca Trail is the most popular route to reach Machu Picchu. However, due to its growing demand and in order to preserve its authenticity, local authorities have introduced permits for the Inca Trail. These permits only allow access to 500 people per day, including porters, guides, cooks, and visitors.
Inca Trail permits usually sell out as soon as they go on sale, six months in advance. Often, people who book at the last minute have no choice and seek an alternative route to make their visit to the lost Incas memorable. We highly recommend doing the 2 days Inca Trail to get an overview of Inca history and Andean traditions.
Why Choose the 2-Day Inca Trail by Chaski Trek?
At Chaski Trek, we are a locally owned and fully licensed Inca Trail tour operator, committed to delivering a reliable, punctual, and personalized travel experience. Whether you’re traveling or in a group, you’ll be welcomed with warmth and professionalism
What makes our 2-day Inca Trail hike unique?
Exclusive Service: We operate private tours without combining groups from other agencies, ensuring a more intimate and personalized journey.
Small Group Focus: Our tours are limited to 2–8 participants, allowing for a richer, more attentive experience compared to larger group tours.
Seamless Coordination: You’ll travel with your guide on the same train to the short Inca Trail trailhead, ensuring consistency and smooth logistics from start to finish.
Expert Local Guides: Our knowledgeable guides are passionate about the Inca Trail and engage in ongoing professional development to provide the highest level of insight and care.
Early Return to Cusco: Your return train departs Aguas Calientes at 14:55 PM, allowing you to arrive back in Cusco early — perfect for a restful night or to join another adventure the following day.
With Chaski Trek, you’ll not only hike a legendary trail, but you’ll also experience it through the eyes of those who know it best — the Quechua people.
2 Day Inca Trail Hike:
This tour is a relatively easier option. You will not have to hike to high altitudes or camp in remote areas. In fact, families with young children often opt for the 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
The 12-kilometer (7.4-mile) trail to the lost Inca city takes you through three notable Inca sites: Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and Intipunku (Sungate). The route offers amazing views of the snow-capped peaks of the Peruvian Andes. You will walk through the different species of flora and fauna characteristic of the region.
We are a local tourism company. At Chaski Trek, we have a dedicated team of local English-speaking guides for the Inca Trail. They have walked the trail over a hundred times. As locals, they have extensive knowledge about the traditions and history and are also trained in first aid.
Join us as a solo traveler, couple, or small group to follow in the footsteps of the Incas on this short 2 day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.
Please note that although the hike is not as high as the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we strongly recommend that you spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco acclimatizing to avoid altitude sickness.
The best time of year to hike the 2 Days Inca Trail is from March to November, during the dry season.
Summary:
TOUR NAME: 2 Days Short Inca hike to Machu Picchu with Hotel at Aguas Calientes
BRIEFING: There will be a briefing (Informative Meeting) at 17:00 PM at Our Chaski Trek office in Cusco. During this session, you’ll meet your guide and the other members of your trekking group. The guide will share essential information.
PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH GUIDE: Scolted Guide From Cusco to Km 104 Inca Trail Trailhead (Our Guide will come and Pick you up from your Hotel in Cusco or Sacred Valley)
STARTING POINT: Pick-up from Cusco & Sacred Valley Hotel/Airbnb. From 4:30 am to 5:00 am
ENDING POINT: Drop-off in Cusco at Hotel/Airbnb
DEPARTURE: Daily (Based on Availability) INCA TRAIL SPACES By Clicking Here. If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as large group service). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in cusco.
HIKING DISTANCE: 17km /8miles
PHYSICAL LEVEL: Level 2. Inca Trail Requires some physical preparation and we also recommend to Aclimatize 2 days before we begin the inca trail
ALTITUDE: Highiest Point. Inti Punku (Sun Gate) 2,720 m/8923 ft. and Aguas Calientes Hotel Lowest Point 1,900 m/ 6233 ft.
TRANSPORTATION: Private Van/Bus to Ollantaytambo & Expedition Train at 6:40am to Km 104 (Trailhead) as well as Expedition Train Back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo Between 13:00pm to 20:55pm (Subjet to Availability) and Bus back From Ollantaytambo to Cusco
ACCOMMODATIONS: 1 Night in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Twin Bed room, 3 Beds room, 4 Bed room) Upon Request
MEALS: 1 breakfast, 1 Box Lunch, 1 dinner (Vegetarian, Vegan and Free Gluten with NO extra cost, Upon Request)
SHORT INCA TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU: Inca Trail Permits & Machu Picchu entrance fee Included.
2 Days Short Inca Trail Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Kilometer 104 (Chachabamba) – Winayhuayna – Sungate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
2 Days Inca Trail Highlights
Hike the original Inca Trail and reach Machu Picchu by the Sungate.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Inca sites of the Inca Trail (Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna).
Perform a small ritual for the Andean gods and learn about Inca religion.
Enjoy our friendly customer service and experienced guides.
Hike through different types of landscapes and scenery, such as cloud forests, highlands, grassy hills, and Andean valleys.
Explore Machu Picchu and its surroundings with knowledgeable and experienced guides.
Your Short 2 days Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu begins with an early morning transfer from your hotel in Cusco. We will be driving you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Ollantaytambo. Here we will be boarding the Aguas Calientes-bound train. The 1.5-hour train ride to Km. 104, which marks the trailhead for the Inca Trail, is a picturesque ride. The train snakes through highland villages and farmlands along the course of the Urubamba River. Km 104 is the name given to the trail head after its distance when traveling from Cusco to Machu Picchu. We will be arriving there by 10:00 a.m. Your tour permit, along with the original passport, will be verified here by the local authorities. We will begin the hike by crossing a small bridge with a short uphill hike to a lesser-known yet prominent Inca site, Chachabamba.
Chachabamba:
Chachabamba nestles at 2150 meters above sea level (7053 feet). It is home to a stone altar that the Incas used to worship their supreme God, Inti (Sun) and Apus (the mountain spirit). Using the sacred coca leaves, they used to express their gratitude to Mother Nature and other entities. Locals here continue the practice of following in the footsteps of their ancestors. Our local expert will be demonstrating the process during our visit here.
Wiñay Wayna:
After touring Chachabamba, we will continue with the hike for roughly four hours up the hill to Wiñay Wayna. In Quechua, Wiñay Wayna means forever young. The archaeological site is the most beautiful one on the trail. Wiñay Wayna sits at 2650 meters (8694 ft) above sea level. The complex was built as an administrative center for Machu Picchu. It houses 20 urban areas, farming zones, and ceremonial sites. The most prominent part of the complex is the 7 Window Temple, which was built in honor of the Rainbow. Our local expert will be giving you an immersive tour here. After the tour, we will be stopping at the campsite to unbox our lunch. The campsite is clean and well maintained. You can refill your water bottle here and also use the restrooms before we continue the tour hike to our next stop, Intipunku (Sungate).
Intipunku:
It takes an hour to reach Intipunku from Wiñay Wayna. This section of the trek will take us through a lush tropical jungle. From the Sungate, you will get the first view of Machu Picchu citadel, snuggled between Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain. Only those hiking the Classic Inca Trail and the Short Trail enter the citadel through Sun Gate. We will have a brief stop here so you can contemplate the view. Once you have had your fill of the sight of Machu Picchu, we will be exiting the citadel and taking a bus down to Aguas Calientes town, where we will be accommodating you in a hotel for the night. Aguas Calientes, as the name suggests, is home to hot springs. You can spend the evening soaking in the natural thermal waters. It is the perfect way to relax your muscles after a full-day tour. The town also has plenty of shops where you can possibly shop for souvenirs.
Early in the morning, we will take the tourist bus up to Machu Picchu. Once again, your Machu Picchu tickets will be verified with your original passport. As we enter the citadel, you will witness the golden rays of the rising sun illuminating the walls of Machu Picchu. We will begin the tour with a brief introduction to the Inca civilization. We will visit the main areas of the citadel, such as the main square, cultivation terraces, and more. After the tour, if you have booked to climb Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu mountain, our tour guide will direct you to the respective entrance. Once you have enjoyed Machu Picchu, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. Here you will have free time to have lunch or explore the town. In the afternoon, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo station. Our representative will meet you upon arrival in Ollantaytambo and transfer you to your accommodation in Cusco.
Once we receive your complete personal information and reservation deposit, we’ll manage all the necessary permits for your trek.
Permits are non-transferable, issued under your full name and for a specific date, and cannot be modified under any circumstances.
Passport number changes are only permitted for renewal cases; in that event, both old and new passports must be presented.
Your Inca Trail permit includes Circuit 1, which takes you to the upper terraces of Machu Picchu—the perfect spot for that iconic postcard photo.
To enhance your experience, we’ll also include access to either Circuit 2 (a full guided tour through the main citadel) or Circuit 3 (a walk through the lower sector), depending on availability at the time of booking.
Your Inca Trail permit includes access to Circuit 1, guiding you to the upper Sector terraces of Machu Picchu—the ideal vantage point for the iconic panoramic photo of the citadel.
To provide a more comprehensive and enriching experience, we also include an additional entry to either Circuit 2 (offering a full guided tour through the heart of the archaeological site) or Circuit 3 (exploring the scenic lower sector), depending on availability at the time of reservation.
Service Quality & Safety
Meet your guide the day before your trek at 17:00 PM at our main office in Cusco.
This session will cover final trip details, allow you to meet your group, and you’ll receive your duffle bag for the hike.
Can’t attend? Let us know in advance—we can reschedule or provide a personalized video briefing via WhatsApp.
Our certified guides are fluent in English and Spanish, and are carefully selected for their experience, responsibility, and passion for sharing Peru’s cultural heritage.
They’re committed to your comfort and safety throughout the journey.
All guides receive annual first aid training and carry a comprehensive medical kit, including oxygen.
In case of an emergency, we will arrange for immediate evacuation and ensure professional medical care.
Accommodation
One-night stay in Aguas Calientes at a comfortable hotel with private bathroom, hot water, WiFi, and breakfast included.
Luggage storage is available during your Machu Picchu visit.
Meals Included
Day 1: Boxed lunch during the hike and dinner in Aguas Calientes.
Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel.
Snacks & Water: Provided on Day 1.
Transportation
Day 1: Transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station, Train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 (start of trek)
Day 2: Bus Up and Down (on Day 2) between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Private transfer from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco
Breakfast – Day 1
Lunch and dinner – Day 2
Tips (optional)
Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Day 1) This bus ticket is not included in the base package but is available for purchase for your convenience. It offers a comfortable and efficient descent after your visit to Machu Picchu.
Travel and health insurance (bring copies with you please): Chaski Trek highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance and emergency medical expense insurance.
Additional Costs Due to Unforeseen Circumstances:
Please note that any extra expenses arising from events beyond our control—such as extreme weather, political unrest, health emergencies, natural disasters, or other force majeure events—are not included in the package. In such cases, we will do our utmost to assist and support you through the situation.
Hike: Walk more than two to three hours a day to avoid discomfort on the Inca Trail route such as excessive fatigue since you will be walking for approximately 5 to 6 hours a day.
Go up and down stairs: Practice going up and down stairs, to train yourself with the difficult hikes, because on the Inca Trail route there are stretches up steep mountains that could cause excessive fatigue and muscle pain in the legs. Especially if you plan to climb Huayna Picchu mountain or descend from Machu Picchu citadel to the town of Aguas Calientes , because both routes are extremely steep with minimal grade.
Do breathing exercises: The Inca Trail starts at a point with 2650 masl until reaching 4000 masl, then it is advisable to do breathing exercises to know how to cope with altitude sickness. Breathing exercises will help you to adapt easily to the environment and breathe without problems even with the low level of oxygen in some parts of the trek.
Prepare the body for the physical effort: If you are not used to exercise it is advisable to start practicing, since the effort you will make on the trek will generally be long walks throughout the day, with short breaks. Therefore do walking exercises and prepare your body to experience absolute pleasure during your adventure on this magnificent Inca Trail route.
On the Inca Trail route you may experience some physical problems, such as fatigue, back pain, feet, headaches, shortness of breath and others depending on your physical condition, but if you prepare yourself properly before embarking on this adventure, it is more certain that the only thing you will feel will be absolute pleasure and satisfaction for the wonderful landscapes and archaeological complexes wrapped in rich history that you will observe en route to the enigmatic Inca citadel, Machu Picchu.
If you plan to hike to Machu Picchu and it has been on your bucket list, you should prepare adequately so as not to be surprised by sudden changes in weather and different altitude zones. If you are a big fan of hiking, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best options; if you are exhausted, you can take the Salkantay Trek , Lares Trek , or any other alternative trek that you will love. Not only will you enjoy the view, but the experience will be unforgettable. Here are some tips to make your trek a success.
If you are one of the lucky few, you won’t feel a thing. There are those whose hearts will beat harder while others may experience difficulty breathing. You may also have nausea or a headache. Don’t risk it; you should be prepared for that if it’s your first time in this place.
The best thing to do is to give yourself at least two days to acclimatize before hiking the Inca Trail. Take some medicine, drink mate de coca and get plenty of sleep. It would be best if you buy Diamox to use before you start walking.
You do not need a prescription to buy Diamox in Peru; you can find it in all pharmacies in Cusco; you should ask for ACETAZOLAMIDE – Acetazolamide (brand name: Diamox), of course, you are expected to feel some common side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, tingling sensation. It is best taken at night before bedtime or early in the morning before your activities.
If you prefer something more natural, we recommend Sorojchi Pills, Altivital and coca tea, and drink plenty of water.
Although it is a lot of fun, it is not that easy. You have to prepare yourself physically and psychologically. You need stamina and endurance, so if you could exercise to improve strength and breathing, it would be fairly easy. Consider running or other cardiovascular exercises. Other important tips are to breathe deeply, take small steps, stay positive and rent hiking poles.
Almost all treks on trips from Cusco to Machu Picchu will include passing through high altitude locations of at least over 4000 meters (13123 feet) before arriving in Peru, making regular short hikes once a week plus.
This is an important aspect of all trips. Take your time to decide what you will need for hiking. The experience could be worse if you forget essential items. Suppose you forgot to bring extra batteries for your camera. It means you won’t capture memorable moments. Always have portable chargers for electronic devices. Other important things to bring are documents (insurance, passport and address book), toiletries, medications and sufficient footwear. The weather also keeps changing, so it is important to have several outfits for different weather conditions.
Short Inca Trail 2 days:The Short Version of the Inca Trail is perfect for those who do not have enough time to do the longer version; The Short Version of the Inca Trail takes you walking along the final part of the Classic Inca Trail, arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Get more information here.
There are a couple of additional hikes in Machu Picchu Pueblo or Agua Calientes; if you stay in the village before or after Machu Picchu, you can visit the following places.
Machu Picchu Local Museum:Located near the Ruins Bridge (The bridge to Machu Picchu), you can access this place by walking 20 minutes from Aguas Calientes, or if you finish Machu Picchu, you can ask the bus driver to drop you off. by the bridge There is a fee (7 $) to enter the museum.
The Butterfly Station: Located on the way to Machu Picchu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. The butterfly station is only 10 minutes from the village. You can learn many interesting facts about the local butterflies and take pictures. There is a fee of 10 soles to enter this place.
The Mandor Gardens: This beautiful place is a 1 hour walk from Aguas Calientes; you can see birds, orchids, waterfalls and Machu Picchu from below. To visit Mandor, you need at least 3 hours, which is better with a tour guide.
CONTACT
chaskitrek2@gmail.com
Address: Calle del Medio N° 135 Plaza de Armas Cusco – Perú
Phone: +51 984 295 630
Phone: +51 984 556 303
OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. &
3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
RUC:
10416206606
BUSINESS NAME:
CHASKI TREK
Chaski Trek is a professional licensed adventure and cultural tour operator and is owned by a Peruvian family. With the assistance of our well-trained team of professional tour guides and office staff we do our best to offer our clients a high quality service.
Our office is located right on the beautiful Plaza de Armas in the historic capital of the ancient Inca Empire, Cusco.
Our office is located right in the beautiful Plaza de Armas of the historic capital of the ancient Inca Empire, Cusco.