The 2 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu is the perfect short trek for travelers who want the full Inca Trail experience without the multi-day commitment. Starting at KM 104, this scenic route passes the beautiful Wiñay Wayna ruins and ends with a breathtaking entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Also known as the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, this 2 day trek is ideal for those seeking a guided hike with history, nature, and panoramic views—no camping required.

Tour Details

Duration: 2 days / 1 night

Start Point: KM 104 (train drop-off near Ollantaytambo)

End Point: Machu Picchu, return to Cusco

Distance: ~10 km (6.2 miles)

Altitude Range: 2,040 m to 2,720 m (6,692 to 8,924 ft)

Difficulty: Moderate

Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (no camping)

Why Hike the 2 Day Inca Trail?

This 2 Day Inca Trail Hike is the best alternative for those who want the experience of trekking to Machu Picchu without the time or physical demand of the 4-day route. You still walk on original Inca stone paths, visit ancient sites like Wiñay Wayna, and arrive at Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate, just like the classic trek. It’s a great blend of culture, nature, and convenience—ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers.

When Is the Best Time to Hike the 2 Day Inca Trail?

The best time to hike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is during the dry season:

May to September: Clear skies, great views, popular season

October to April: Rainy season (trail is still open except in February, when it’s closed for maintenance)

Book at least 2–3 months in advance, as permits are limited and sell out quickly, especially in peak season.

Who Can Hike This Tour?

The 2 Day Inca Trail is suitable for anyone in moderate physical condition. It’s a manageable trek with some uphill climbs, ideal for:

Adults and teens

Active seniors

Families with older children (ages 8+)

Travelers short on time but eager for adventure

No previous trekking experience or camping skills are required—this tour includes a hotel stay and professional guide support.

Availability of the 2 Day Inca Trail Hike

The 2 Day Inca Trail Hike is available almost year-round, with the exception of February, when the trail is closed by the Peruvian government for maintenance. Since permits are limited to 250 people per day (including guides and staff), booking in advance is essential—especially during the dry season from May to September.

Limited Permits – Book Early!

Permits for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu sell out quickly, particularly in high season. It's recommended to book:

4–5 months in advance for May–October

2–3 months in advance for the shoulder season (March, April, November)

Unlike the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail, permits for the 2-day route are slightly easier to obtain, but still subject to availability. Last-minute bookings are rarely possible, as the government does not allow permit transfers or name changes.

How to Secure Your Spot.

You must book through a licensed Inca Trail tour operator like US, who will reserve your permit with your passport information. Once booked, your date and personal details cannot be changed. For real-time availability, it's best to check directly with authorized operators or request availability calendars in advance.

Day 01: Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Km 104 - Wiñayhuayna - Sungate- Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes.

Your unforgettable 2 Day Inca Trail Hike begins with an early 4 AM hotel pickup in Cusco, followed by a scenic drive to the historic town of Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you’ll board a train heading to KM 104, the official starting point of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Here, at the official checkpoint, you’ll present your original passport before embarking on this iconic Inca route.

The hike starts with a gentle uphill trail lasting about 3.5 hours, allowing you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking Andean landscapes. Early in the trek, you’ll explore the Chachabamba Inca site, a fascinating archaeological complex nestled in a lush cloud forest. Continuing along the trail, you’ll arrive at Wiñay Wayna, often called “small Machu Picchu” for its impressive terraces and well-preserved ruins. After thoroughly exploring this remarkable site, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch set in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

The afternoon trek continues for roughly 1.5 hours, leading you to the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku). This vantage point offers the first spectacular view of Machu Picchu, a truly awe-inspiring moment for all hikers. From the Sun Gate, you’ll descend on a short walk into the ancient citadel itself. Arriving in the afternoon is ideal, as the crowds tend to be thinner and the weather often clearer, providing the perfect opportunity to explore and photograph Machu Picchu at your own pace.

After your visit, you will take a comfortable bus down to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. Here, you’ll spend the night in a quality hotel, resting well before your return journey or additional sightseeing. This 2 day trek to Machu Picchu offers the perfect balance of adventure, history, and natural beauty, all without the need for camping, making it a top choice for travelers seeking a Machu Picchu 2 day tour experience.

Day 02: Machu Picchu guided tour ( with optional Huayna Picchu hike )

On the second day of your 2 Day Inca Trail Hike, you’ll wake up early and enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes before taking one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you’ll pass through the official checkpoint and begin your guided tour of Machu Picchu following Circuit 3, a popular route that highlights the most iconic parts of the citadel.

Your guide will lead you through incredible sites including the Temple of the Sun, the ancient water fountains, important agricultural terraces, and other fascinating ruins that showcase the genius of Inca engineering. This tour typically lasts around 3 hours, giving you a deep insight into the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

After the tour, if you’ve booked the optional Huayna Picchu hike (not included in the standard tour), you’ll have the chance to climb this challenging yet rewarding trail, which takes about 2 hours round-trip. If not, you can take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have some free time to explore the town and enjoy lunch (not included).

In the afternoon, you’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where your transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. Expect to arrive at your hotel in Cusco by approximately 7 PM, concluding your unforgettable Machu Picchu 2 day tour.

What’s Included in the 2 Day Inca Trail Hike

Pre-tour briefing the night before at 6 PM in your Cusco hotel

Transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and return

Round-trip Expedition tourist class train tickets between Ollantaytambo and KM 104/Aguas Calientes

Official Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance fees

Professional English-speaking tour guide throughout the trek and Machu Picchu visit

Accommodation for 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes

Bus tickets for the 3 bus rides between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu (both ways)

Snack on Day 1 during the hike and box lunch at the halfway point

Dinner at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes on Day 1

Guided tour of Machu Picchu (Circuit 3) on Day 2

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco before and after the tour

❌ What’s Not Included

Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, etc.)

Meals not specified in the itinerary (e.g., lunch on Day 2)

Optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets and hikes

Travel insurance

Any additional services not mentioned above

Upgrade Options

Upgrade your hotel stay in Aguas Calientes to a luxury hotel:

Sumaq Hotel – $215 per person

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel – $250 per person

Upgrade your train tickets to the scenic Vistadome train for $75 per person