Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2025

The Short Inca Trail offers the best quick experience for those seeking to hike to Machu Picchu. Prepare to be captivated by the allure of ancient ruins, breathtaking vistas, and the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

The 2-day Inca Trail begins in the historic city of Cusco, transferring to the train station as you catch an early train to km 104—a pivotal juncture on your Machu Picchu hike. Upon disembarking at km 104, check in at the control point, and set foot on a trail that weaves through history and nature. Visit the Chachabamba ruins—a glimpse into the Inca’s architectural prowess and a prelude to the wonders ahead.

Continuing along the Inca Trail takes you to Wiñaywayna, a hidden treasure adorned with terraces and architectural marvels. As you ascend, Intipata unfolds before you—an expansive complex of agricultural terraces. We then proceed with the trek towards Machu Picchu. The Sun Gate, or Inti Punku, offers a spectacular first glimpse of the ancient citadel. On the following day, explore Machu Picchu with your tour guide, and in the afternoon, return to Cusco.

Overview:

Tour Operator: Tierras Vivas Review.
Sustainable Tourism: At Tierras Vivas, we are deeply committed to promoting and practicing sustainable tourism. Our approach is eco-friendly, and we actively support local communities.
Physical Activity: 3-Moderate to Difficult – Certain sections involve elevated terrain.
Service Level: All-Inclusive & High-Quality Service
Age Requirement: 4+. Please note: All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Permits: In the short Inca Trail include Machu Picchu entrance tickets circuit 5. If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu, kindly make a request in advance (Not included).
Tierras Vivas Staff: Your journey is guided by a professional tour guide throughout the hike. Additionally, an Inca Trail Machu representative will visit you at your hotel to provide a comprehensive briefing about the trail.
Accommodation: Enjoy a comfortable night in a hotel in Machu Picchu (1 night).
Meals: 1x breakfasts, 1x box lunch, and a snack bag provided during the 2 day Inca Trail.
Transportation: Van and 1 train.

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Short Inca Trail Itinerary

Our 2-day Inca Trail adventure begins in Cusco. We’ll arrange transfers to the Ollantaytambo train station, where we’ll board the train to reach the starting point of the short Inca Trail, known as Km 104. Upon arrival, we’ll pass through an Inca Trail checkpoint and embark on a captivating hike through the lush vegetation of a cloud forest, accompanied by the songs of exotic local birds. The trail winds through the forest, offering glimpses of various wild orchids and bromeliads along the way. Highlights of our journey include visits to Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, and Intipata Ruins. In the late afternoon, we’ll descend to Inti Punku (the Sun’s Gate), the gateway to Machu Picchu, and witness the breathtaking sunset. Our descent continues until we reach our hotel in Aguas Calientes village, where we’ll spend the night. The next day, we’ll take a shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu, arriving for a guided tour following circuit 5.

DAY 1 : Cusco – Inca Trail – Machu Picchu

We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco for a comfortable 2-hour transfer to Ollantaytambo’s railway station. From there, we board a train destined for Km 104, the checkpoint for the Short Inca Trail. Crossing the bridge over the Vilcanota River, we commence our trek on the Inca Trail. Our first archaeological stop is Chachabamba, where you’ll receive a guided tour. Continuing through a mix of cacti vegetation and cloud forest, we’ll have the chance to refresh with a dip in a local waterfall. After lunch and a rest, we proceed to another significant Incan site – Wiñay Wayna. Continuing our hike, we eventually reach the Sun’s Gate (Inti Punku) to witness the sunset over Machu Picchu. Descending to the Guardian’s house, you’ll capture the classic picture of Machu Picchu and receive a brief overview of the Inca citadel from this vantage point—ideal for the perfect photo opportunity. Concluding the guided tour, we descend gradually to Aguas Calientes Town, enjoying the beautiful surrounding scenery along the way. The night is spent in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes.

DAY 2 : Machu Picchu – Cusco

After breakfast, we take a bus to ascend to the Inca city of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, it is crucial to present your passport at the control point. Once inside, we commence the guided tour in the lower part of the Inca citadel, following circuit 5, as designated in the permit for the Short Inca Trail. This circuit provides the opportunity to appreciate the most beautiful landscapes. After the guided tour, we return to the main entrance of the citadel and take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. For those seeking to enhance their experience, consider booking tickets in advance for either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These peaks, located above Machu Picchu, offer panoramic views and can be reached with a 45-minute climb (Huayna Picchu) or a 1.5-hour ascent (Machu Picchu Mountain). Machu Picchu is both the best-known and least-known site of the Incas, as it is not mentioned in any Spanish conquistador’s chronicle. Contemporary archaeologists can do little more than speculate on its functions. Local Quechuan farmers had known about Machu Picchu for centuries before an 11-year-old boy showed the American historian Hiram Bingham (who was in search of Vilcabamba) this site on the 24th of July 1911. At that time, the rest of the world became aware of its existence. However, the site was covered with thick vegetation, so Hiram Bingham, along with his team, returned and cleared its surface between 1912 and 1915. Despite years of excavation and study, many unanswered questions remain. The 2-day Inca Trail concludes with a train ride to Ollantaytambo (or alternatively to Poroy), from where we are transported by van back to Cusco.