2 Days
Hiking the SHORT INCA TRAIL to Machu Picchu is an incredible experience that offers breathtaking views of Inca ruins, majestic mountains, and lush subtropical vegetation. As you trek through the National Park, you’ll witness the ecological diversity of the region, from cloud forests to subtropical landscapes. The highlight of the trek is reaching the Sun Gate, where you’ll be greeted with an unforgettable panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
This trek is perfect for those with limited travel time who want to experience a taste of the Historic Inca Trail and see one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. On the first day, you’ll have the privilege of seeing the famous Machu Picchu Citadel in the afternoon and then visiting it again the next morning. You’ll be amazed by the rich history and natural beauty of the trail, making this an unforgettable adventure.
GROUP OR PRIVATE
HIKE
UP TO 8
Camping
Moderate
2 Days
2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Your Inca Trail adventure begins with a 4:00 AM private pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Travel comfortably to the Ollantaytambo train station, with time to rest during the drive.
Upon arrival, your guide provides a picnic lunch to carry in your daypack.
At 6:10 AM, board the train to Km 104, enjoying just over an hour of scenic views through the Sacred Valley. Breakfast is not included; you may bring your own or request a picnic breakfast from your hotel.
Arriving at Km 104 (2,000 m / 6,560 ft), you disembark with your guide and begin the hike. After crossing the Urubamba River via a footbridge and passing the checkpoint (passport required), you explore an initial Inca site.
The first 1.5 hours of hiking are gradual uphill, with rest shelters available along the trail for sun or rain, depending on the season.
As the trail continues, you pass through changing microclimates, including cloud forest, with multiple viewpoints overlooking the Urubamba River.
The next 1.5 hours are steeper, leading to a beautiful waterfall crossing. After crossing the bridge below the falls, you arrive at Wiñay Wayna (2,600 m / 8,500 ft) — one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the Inca Trail, partially covered by dense jungle.
Your guide shares insights into the ruins, as well as the flora and fauna of this unique sub-tropical environment.
A short 5-minute walk brings you to the Wiñay Wayna campground, the final campsite of the classic 4-day Inca Trail.
Here, enjoy a gourmet lunch served in a covered dining area, with access to facilities to freshen up. Take time to rest before the final stretch toward Machu Picchu.
After lunch, the trail becomes mostly flat for approximately 1.5 hours before reaching the stone steps carved directly into the bedrock.
A short ascent brings you to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu — one of the most iconic moments of the journey.
The final 45-minute descent offers multiple viewpoints for photography and passes several important Inca sites. Your guide explains their significance as you walk toward the citadel.
Entrance Circuit: 1B
You arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon, when crowds begin to thin and lighting conditions are ideal for photography. Spend time at the upper viewing platforms, capturing unobstructed views in the afternoon light.
Afterward, descend to Aguas Calientes to check into your hotel.
Dinner is included, followed by free time to explore the town, visit the hot springs, or relax after a full day on the trail.
Accommodation Options:
Your overnight bag will be left at the Ollantaytambo train station and sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes.
Start the day early with breakfast at your hotel, then board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. Arriving early offers the best atmosphere and, weather permitting, the chance to experience sunrise at the citadel.
Once inside, your guide leads a comprehensive guided tour of Machu Picchu’s most important landmarks, including:
You’ll also learn about the site’s agricultural, residential, and religious sectors, gaining a deeper understanding of how the city functioned.
Guided Tour Circuit: 3B
Travelers who have booked in advance may continue with an optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, offering elevated views over the citadel and surrounding peaks. (Subject to permit availability.)
After your visit, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included).
Depending on your train schedule, you may have free time to:
In the afternoon, board your train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, following the Urubamba River.
Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to transfer you by private transportation back to your hotel in Cusco, with an estimated arrival between 7:00 and 7:30 PM.
Meals Included: Breakfast at your hotel
Included Departure Times:
If you have an optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike, a later train will be booked automatically:
Vistadome Upgrade: +USD 67 per person (same departure windows listed above)
All return journeys include private van transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
**If you’re up for an additional adventure, you may consider the optional treks to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain within Machu Picchu Citadel. These treks are not guided and can be done on your own after your guided tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. However, if you prefer a guided hike, you can request it in advance for an additional cost.
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on almost any day that suits your schedule! We only need a minimum of two people to book!
| Without Hotel | 3-star Hotel (Included) | 3-star Hotel (Others) | 4-star Hotel | |
| Price Per Person | $477 USD | $497 USD | By request | US$597 |
Single occupancy is $40 USD for a 3-star hotel, $110 USD for a 4-star hotel similar to El Mapi, or $75 USD for a 4-star hotel similar to Tierra Viva with superior room
**If you’re up for an additional adventure, you may consider the optional treks to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain within Machu Picchu Citadel. These treks are not guided and can be done on your own after your guided tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. However, if you prefer a guided hike, you can request it in advance for an additional cost. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
*** The 2-day short Inca trail to Machu Picchu is almost always available year-round, except when it is closed in February for maintenance — This trek takes you into Machu Picchu by walking through the SUN GATE like in ancient times, and you will explore some amazing Inca ruins along the way like Wiñay Wayna.
Apple Travel Peru is a family-owned travel agency and a local tour operator located in Cusco, Peru. With years of personal experience trekking and exploring the area, we pride ourselves on providing personalized and high-quality service to all our clients. As a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders, we are committed to supporting our local community.
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe in responsible and sustainable tourism practices. We treat our staff like family and ensure that they receive a fair salary. Our team is the backbone of our company, and we are proud to have a skilled and dedicated team that helps us provide unforgettable experiences to our clients.
We understand the importance of working with a reliable and honest tour operator when planning your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. That’s why we encourage you to check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on TripAdvisor to see what our clients have to say about their experience with us. With Apple Travel Peru, you can trust that we will go above and beyond to make your trip a success.
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe in providing a more intimate and personalized experience for our guests. To achieve this, we have a policy that limits our group size to a maximum of 8 people. This sets us apart from other tour companies that often operate with much larger groups. By keeping our groups small, we are able to provide more individual attention to each of our guests, ensuring a higher quality of service and a more enjoyable experience overall.
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe that having the right guide can make all the difference in your travel experience. That’s why we are proud to say that our guides are highly professional and fluent in English. They are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about Inca heritage and history.
Our guides are committed to ongoing personal and professional development. They conduct extensive research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. You can rest assured that you will be in good hands with our crew, who are not only knowledgeable but also fun-loving and great sports.
All of our guides hold degrees in one of the following fields: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology. We believe that their education and expertise provide a valuable perspective and enhance your overall experience.
At Apple Travel Peru, we strongly believe in supporting the local communities that surround us. We are committed to responsible tourism and make it a priority to give back through various service projects and by hiring locally.
We take great pride in not only employing local people but also supporting their families and communities. The belief is in a holistic approach and we are thrilled to be able to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us. It brings us joy to be able to support our highland employees and their families in a meaningful way.
Please read carefully the following information as it will help answer all of your questions about our services and the 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek below:
When you arrive at the Cusco airport, we send our representative there to greet you and take you to your hotel. To help us make sure everything runs smoothly, please provide us with your flight details at least two weeks before you arrive. When you exit the arrival terminal, keep an eye out for our representative, who will be holding an Apple Travel Peru sign. Our representative won’t be able to enter the terminal, so you’ll need to step outside to find them.
Your briefing will take place the night before your trek. It will be held at our office at 6 or 6:30 pm, depending on your confirmation email details. The office is located at Calle Garcilaso 2010 Office 2012.
Of course! During the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please pack things you will only need during your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
FIRST, to book your Short INCA TRAIL to Machu Picchu Trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or clicking here this link: BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permits without the following information:
***We need copies of everyone’s passports because they are required when purchasing permits.
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person, in order, to purchase a permit for the Short Inca Trail. You can make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page or clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
If you’re worried about high credit card fees while in Peru, don’t worry! You have options to pay for your tour with Apple Travel Peru. You can pay in cash (in US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office located in Cusco’s historical center. There are also plenty of ATMs in the area where you can withdraw cash.
If you prefer to pay online, we accept payments through VISA or PayPal. However, please note that there is a 5.5% service fee charged by these payment platforms. To pay your balance through PayPal, simply log into your PayPal account and use our email address: appletravelperu@gmail.com.
We want to make sure that you have a stress-free and convenient payment experience. So, feel free to choose the option that works best for you!
Unfortunately, the answer is No. We cannot change the dates for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu once the permits have been purchased. This is due to government regulations and the permits cannot be transferred or refunded. If you decide to cancel the Short Inca Trail, unfortunately, the deposit will not be refunded. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Absolutely! It’s important that you bring your original passport with you on your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu adventure, and that it matches the same passport you used when booking your permit with us. Your passport will be checked upon entering Machu Picchu, hiking the Inca Trail, and boarding the train.
If you’re in the process of renewing your passport, don’t worry – just send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permits, and we can update it once you have your new passport. Please be sure to send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.
The maximum group size is 8 people. Our groups are often between 2-6 people. Apple Travel Peru is specialized in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service.
Absolutely!! Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.
It will depend on the train availability but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco while on the train. Therefore, you will take the train at 14:55 or 15:20.
The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows, and a ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.
If you’re pleased with the services you’ve received from our staff, we welcome any gratuities you may wish to offer. While tipping may not be a standard practice in your home country, it is an essential part of the tourism industry in many destinations we operate in. Tipping inspires our staff to provide exceptional service, and it is greatly appreciated. The amount you choose to tip is entirely up to you and should be based on the quality and duration of your trip. We want to emphasize that tipping is not mandatory and should only be given if you feel you’ve received excellent service.
Absolutely! Apple Travel Peru is committed to being a responsible tourism operator that prioritizes sustainability and local engagement. We believe in following universal principles of tourism that protect the environment and ensure that local communities benefit from tourism while respecting their culture and beliefs. To ensure that we achieve this, we have extensively trained all our local staff to understand, appreciate, and respect the local communities and places we visit.
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu DOES NOT INCLUDE an extra porter. Your duffel bag will be sent by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Please try to pack as light as possible, which is key to enjoying this amazing trek.
In your daypack, or on the first day’s hike you will need:
In your duffel, you should pack
January 10, 2024 · Apple Travel Peru
It was my best experience with Apple Travel. I had incredible excellent service. The team is very attentive and friendly.
Read moreOctober 21, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
Incredible service and experience in Inca Trail 4 days travel. Everything was top of the notch. Thanks Ivanoe, my guide.
Read moreOctober 19, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
The 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was everything I expected and more. Gorgeous from beginning to end. The tour guides were great and very knowledgeable.
Read moreOctober 11, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
It was a great experience with all the team Apple Travel. I enjoyed my whole trip. Thanks a lot for being part of my vacation in Cusco.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A very organized Salkantay experience with caring guides, strong support at altitude, and memorable food after long hiking days.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide and chef made the trek feel safe, enjoyable, and personal, even when altitude made the journey challenging.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A difficult hike became possible thanks to a patient guide who encouraged the group and helped through the hardest sections.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide adapted the pace and itinerary well, combining knowledge, courtesy, and flexibility throughout the tour.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A smooth multi-day trip with patient guiding, careful logistics, clean transport, and thoughtful help at every site.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The experience exceeded expectations with a local guide whose knowledge and enthusiasm made the journey feel meaningful.
Read moreOct 29, 2025 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide brought history and culture to life while keeping the group comfortable and helping capture great memories.
Read moreFeb 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The team handled planning easily and adjusted the route around weather and walking ability without losing key highlights.
Read moreApril 21, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
Expert guides, strong porters, and memorable meals helped turn a demanding trail into a remarkable group experience.
Read moreApril 18, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guides kept the schedule smooth and attentive, making the first visit to Machu Picchu easy to recommend.
Read moreApril 9, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide, cook, and porter team brought great energy, answered questions, and even helped celebrate a birthday.
Read moreApril 17, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide respected a slower pace, shared useful knowledge, and made the route feel supportive and enjoyable.
Read more
Permits
