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Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days

Short Inca Trail

5.0

★★★★★

(120 Reviews) Recommended by 99% of travelers

From

USD $550

Viajeros contemplando Machu Picchu al amanecer en un tour grupal

Vista panorámica de la ciudadela inca de Machu Picchu entre montañas

Reach Machu Picchu through Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate

Hike the short Inca Trail from km 104. On day one, climb past Chachabamba through cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna, continue to the Sun Gate and descend to Aguas Calientes for the night. On day two, return to Machu Picchu for a guided visit on the circuit linked to the permit. There is no camping, but the main hiking day has sustained climbing and many stairs.

Reach Machu Picchu through Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate

Secure payment in USD

Official permit required

Limited capacity

Mandatory permit and schedule

Carry the original passport used for booking.n

Duration: 2 days / 1 night

Start: very early pickup in Cusco

Finish: return to Cusco on day 2 afternoon or evening

Service: authorized group trek

Languages: English and Spanish

Difficulty: moderate to challenging

Maximum altitude: about 2,720 m / 8,924 ft

Distance: about 10.4–13 km / 6.5–8 mi of main hiking

View Itinerary

Km 104 access requires a named permit and authorized operator. Train, checkpoint, hike, buses and Machu Picchu time form a fixed sequence; a delay may prevent entry. Route and circuit follow current official rules. Confirm permit, circuit, hotel and transportation before payment.

Carry the original passport used for booking.

The first-day hike normally takes about 5 to 7 hours.

There is no camp; the night is in an Aguas Calientes hotel.

Acclimatize for at least 1 or 2 days in Cusco.

The route may close for conservation, rain, landslides or safety.

Valid original passport
Light daypack with rain cover
Hiking shoes with good grip
Comfortable layered clothing
Waterproof jacket or poncho
Hat, sunscreen and UV sunglasses
Water and compact snacks
Medication and repellent
Peruvian soles
Portable charger

Are both days full hiking days?

No. The main hike is on day one; day two is for the guided Machu Picchu visit and return.

Do I need a permit?

Yes. Km 104 is part of the Inca Trail network and requires a named permit through an authorized operator.

Where do we sleep?

At an Aguas Calientes hotel in the confirmed category.

Which Machu Picchu circuit is included?

The circuit follows the permit and current regulation and is confirmed when tickets are issued.

Can I change the date?

Permits are named, with highly restricted changes and refunds.

When should I book?

Several months ahead, especially in high season, because capacity is limited.

Reviews

3.0

2 reviews

Distribution of displayed reviews

5 stars 1

4 stars 0

3 stars 0

2 stars 0

1 star 1

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Lucia Huaman Pantia

a month ago

The Rainbow Mountain tour exceeded all of our expectations! The entire trip was well organized, with comfortable transportation, a delicious breakfast and lunch, and a friendly, professional guide who made the experience enjoyable from start to finish. The views along the hike were incredible, and reaching the top to see Rainbow Mountain was absolutely worth it. Our guide gave us plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and learn about the local culture and the surrounding Andes. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Cusco. Everything was handled perfectly, and it was truly one of the highlights of our trip to Peru. Thank you for such an unforgettable adventure!

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Adrian Garcia

a year ago

Terrible service. We booked a bus with them, but they never came to pick us up at the hotel. They didn't answer any of our calls or messages, and of course, they didn't refund our money. I strongly advise against using this agency.

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From USD $550 per person

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Confirmed only after permit, train, circuit and lodging are issued.

Secure payment in USD

Official permit required

Limited capacity

Do you have any questions about your reservation?

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Short Inca Trail itinerary

Cusco — Ollantaytambo — km 104 — Wiñay Wayna — Sun Gate — Aguas Calientes

Start

Pickup Point

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Departure from Cusco

Stop: Very early

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Chachabamba

Stop: Control and start

Admission included

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Wiñay Wayna

Stop: Main ascent

Admission included

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Sun Gate and Aguas Calientes

Stop: Afternoon

Admission included

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Aguas Calientes — Machu Picchu — Ollantaytambo — Cusco

Hotel departure

Stop: Coordinated time

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Machu Picchu

Stop: Assigned official circuit

Admission included

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Aguas Calientes

Stop: After the visit

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Cusco

Stop: Afternoon or evening

Admission included

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End

End of the tour

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Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days

Reach Machu Picchu through Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate

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