The 2-day Short Inca Trail Itinerary covers 16 kilometers (10 miles) of scenic hiking on Day 1, starting at Kilometer 104, passing the Wiñayhuayna ruins, and entering Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate, followed by a detailed guided tour of the sanctuary on Day 2.
Day-by-Day Route Overview
This short hike offers the perfect blend of hiking and comfort, allowing you to see the best archaeological sites of the Inca Trail before spending the night in a comfortable hotel.
| Day | Start & Finish Points | Distance | Max Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – Wiñayhuayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes | 16 km (10 miles) | 2,730 m (8,956 ft) |
| Day 2 | Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco | Guided Tour | 2,430 m (7,972 ft) |
Day 1 – Cusco to Kilometer 104, Wiñayhuayna and Sun Gate
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco early in the morning and drive to the Ollantaytambo train station, where we board the train to Kilometer 104. Our trek starts by crossing the Urubamba River suspenson bridge and registering at the checkpoint. We will visit the Chachabamba ruins before beginning a 3-hour climb through a tropical cloud forest to the impressive terraces of Wiñayhuayna, where we stop for a box lunch.
In the afternoon, we continue along a relatively flat stone path to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Here, you will catch your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu citadel. We then walk down to the outer gates of the sanctuary and take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes for dinner and a hotel stay.
Day 2 – Machu Picchu Sanctuary Tour and Return to Cusco
We take an early bus back up to Machu Picchu around 6:00 AM to enjoy the sunrise over the citadel. Your professional guide will lead you on a 2-hour tour of the main temples, agricultural terraces, and residential quarters of the sanctuary (Circuit 1 or 2). After the tour, you will have some free time to explore before returning by bus to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, you board the return train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport back to Cusco.
“Arriving at the Sun Gate in the late afternoon is a magical experience. Most of the day-trippers have already left, leaving the citadel in quiet, golden light. It is the perfect reward for your climb to Wiñayhuayna.”
— Ronaldo, Certified Cusco Trekking Guide
To check availability and book your hike, visit our main page Short Inca Trail 2 Days, where you can secure your Machu Picchu tickets and train schedule in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the tour start on Day 1?
We typically pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM to catch the early train from Ollantaytambo, ensuring we start hiking at Kilometer 104 around 8:00 AM.
Can I hike Huayna Picchu on Day 2?
Yes. If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain on Day 2, we can secure the extra ticket for $70 USD per person. This must be requested at least 3 to 4 months in advance due to strict daily government caps.
How do we return to Cusco?
You will board the Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (approx. 1.5 hours), where our driver will meet you with a private minivan to transfer you directly back to your hotel in Cusco (approx. 2 hours).
