Discover the perfect blend of adventure and comfort on our Luxury Short Inca Trail — a 2-day premium trek to Machu Picchu. Ideal for travelers with limited time who still want the full Inca Trail experience, this journey takes you along ancient stone paths, past cloud forest vistas and Inca ruins like Wiñayhuayna, before arriving at the Sun Gate with a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.

With expert local guides, gourmet meals, deluxe accommodations, and personalized service throughout, the Luxury Short Inca Trail transforms a quick hike into an unforgettable experience. Hike in style, avoid the crowds, and connect deeply with the magic of the Andes on this exclusive 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Tour Overview – Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 Days / 1 Night

The Luxury Short Inca Trail is a premium 2-day trek designed for travelers who want to experience the magic of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with maximum comfort and personal service. Ideal for those with limited time or who prefer not to camp, this exclusive journey includes private guiding, deluxe accommodations, gourmet meals, and expert logistics — without compromising on the history, beauty, and adventure of the trail.

You’ll hike the most scenic section of the Inca Trail, visit ancient sites like Wiñayhuayna, and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, just like the original Inca pilgrims. This is the perfect alternative to the classic 4-day trek, offering a luxurious and deeply meaningful experience in just two days.

Tour at a Glance

  • Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
  • Trekking Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
  • Level: Moderate
  • Start Point: Cusco or Ollantaytambo
  • End Point: Cusco
  • Accommodation: Luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes (INKATERRA OR SUMAQ)
  • Highlights: Wiñayhuayna, Sun Gate, Machu Picchu guided tour
  • Train: Vistadome or Vistadome Observatory included
  • Availability: Daily departures with advance booking

Why Choose the Luxury Version?

Comfort Without Compromise: Skip the camping — enjoy a restful night in a carefully selected luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Gourmet Experience: Dine on chef-prepared meals using fresh local ingredients, even during the hike.

Personalized Attention: Private guide, custom pacing, and small group or fully private service for a more intimate experience.

Premium Logistics: We handle everything — from permits and entry fees to train tickets and private transport.

Deeper Connection: With fewer distractions, more comfort, and expert guidance, you can fully immerse yourself in the culture, nature, and energy of the Andes.

Tour Highlights – Luxury Short Inca Trail 2D/1N

  Hike the most scenic section of the legendary Inca Trail: Walk along ancient stone paths through cloud forests and Inca ruins, with breathtaking views at every turn.

  Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku): Arrive like the Incas did, with your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu from above, a truly magical moment.

  Gourmet meals prepared by your private chef: Enjoy delicious, chef-crafted meals during your trek, featuring fresh Andean ingredients and exceptional flavors.

  Private, expert English-speaking guide: Connect deeply with the history and culture of the Incas through personal storytelling and expert interpretation.

  Stay in a top-rated luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes: Rest and recharge in style after your trek, no camping required.

  Travel on the Vistadome Observatory Train: Return in comfort with panoramic windows and live music on one of Peru’s most scenic train rides.

  Fully supported & all-inclusive: We take care of everything: permits, entry tickets, private transport, and full support staff, so you can simply enjoy the experience.

 

 

Day 1: Cusco – KM 104 – Wiñayhuayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

Your Luxury Short Inca Trail adventure begins with an early 4:45 AM pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. We drive in private transport to Ollantaytambo train station, where you’ll board the Vistadome Train at 7:05 AM. Enjoy stunning valley views during this 1-hour ride to KM 104, the official starting point of your trek.

At KM 104, our private chef will greet you with a freshly prepared gourmet breakfast before you begin your hike. Just 10 minutes into the trail, you’ll explore Chachabamba, your first remarkable Inca site. From there, the trail gradually ascends for about 3 hours, offering spectacular views of the Andean cloud forest and colorful orchids, including the beautiful Wiñayhuayna, one of the most iconic blooms of the region.

After reaching the magnificent Wiñayhuayna Inca site, often called the “Little Machu Picchu”, your guide will lead a detailed tour of this hidden gem. From there, it’s a short walk to your luxury lunch stop, where your chef awaits with a delicious meal and refreshments.

Following lunch, continue hiking for about 1 hour to reach the breathtaking Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From here, you’ll enjoy your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu, an unforgettable moment as the citadel comes into sight from above.

We then descend gradually for another hour to reach the upper terraces of Machu Picchu, where you'll capture stunning views and photos of the site before the crowds. After taking it all in, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll check in to your luxury hotel for a restful night.

Accomodation, Inkaterra Pueblo or Sumaq

Entry fees. included

Meals: breakfast  - lunch and dinner

Day 2: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Return to Cusco

Today is the crown jewel of your journey, the day you step into the breathtaking Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. After an early breakfast at your hotel around 6:00 AM, we’ll take the bus up to Machu Picchu, entering in the morning hours when the light is soft and the site most serene.

Your visit follows Circuit 2, the most complete and recommended route, offering a comprehensive guided tour of the citadel. We begin at the upper terraces, where you can take in sweeping views, and if the weather allows, enjoy a stunning sunrise over the Andes. From there, your expert guide will lead you through the most iconic sectors of Machu Picchu, sharing its rich history and mysteries during a tour that lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

After your guided visit, you’ll enjoy a gourmet lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant, located inside the prestigious Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, just outside the entrance to Machu Picchu.

Following lunch, we descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you'll have some free time to explore the village or relax before boarding the Vistadome Observatory Train at 3:20 PM. Enjoy a scenic ride with panoramic views and onboard entertainment as you travel back to Ollantaytambo.

Upon arrival around 5:20 PM, our private driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, with an estimated arrival time of 7:30 PM.

Accomodation: None

Entry fees. included

Meals: breakfast  and lunch