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2 Day Short Inca Trail

Overview Itinerary What´s included FAQs

Price from:

$579

(Group of 4 or more get 10% OFF with code YAPAGROUP10OFF at checkout)
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Why You’ll LOVE this trip:

Real Inca Trail experience in just 2 days

Perfect for those short on time – this is the only tour that lets you see the Inca citadel from the Sun Gate, the Panoramic Views, and the Inner Ruins.

Enter Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate

Witness breathtaking views of the Lost City of the Incas from exclusive vantage points.

Spend the night in Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes)

After entering via the Sun Gate, spend the night in Aguas Calientes so you can start early and explore Machu Picchu the next day.

Permits handled for you

The Inca Trail is regulated and spaces are limited. This takes the guesswork out of securing the right entry.

Expert local guide

Learn more about the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu than written in any guidebook with truly local insights.

Small groups

We guarantee a personalized unique experience for you unlike other large group operators.

Stress-free, all-included

Private pickup in Cusco, luxury train, accommodation, Machu Picchu entry tickets, local guides and more…just sit back and enjoy!

The Yapa Guarantee

Yapa means “extra” in Quechua (the ancient language of the Inca’s). We go above & beyond (extra) to guarantee you a once in a lifetime experience

Small group
tours

Local tour
operator

1,000+
reviews

Empowering
women

Sustainable
tourism

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 (Inca Trail) – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes

Early morning

  • 4:00 AM: Accommodation pick-up from Cusco & transfer to the train station.
  • Comfortable, private van – perfect to catch up on that final hour of sleep.
  • 6:10 AM or 6:40 AM: Scenic train ride to KM. 104.

Morning

  • Hike begins: Pass the checkpoint and visit Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna Inca ruins, exploring the stunning cloud forest and spectacular views.

Midday

  • Lunch on the trail: Enjoy a hearty Box Lunch at the Wiñay Wayna campsite to refuel for the final ascent.

Afternoon

  • Sun Gate entrance: Arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for your first breathtaking reveal of Machu Picchu from above

Evening

  • Capture the classic photos from the upper terraces (panoramic view), then take the bus down to the town for dinner (included) and a comfortable hotel night.

Day 2: Machu Picchu – Cusco

Early morning

  • Catch the early bus up to Machu Picchu to experience the ruins as the morning mist clears.

Morning

  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu: Your local guide takes you on an in-depth 2-hour tour of the temples, history, and secrets of the inner citadel through Circuit 3.

Midday

  • Take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for free time to explore the markets or grab lunch.

Afternoon

  • Board the train to Ollantaytambo followed by a private van transfer back to the city.

Evening

  • Arrival back to Cusco: Approx. 8:30 PM (may vary depending on train schedule and traffic conditions)
  • Drop-off in the Cusco Historic Center (Plaza Regocijo area) located one block from the Main Square (Plaza de Armas). Please note that evening vehicle access in Cusco can be challenging due to traffic patterns and street restrictions within the center which make accommodation drop-offs impossible.
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Speak to a local expert

Contact our Machu Picchu experts on Whatsapp HERE or email info@yapaexplorers.com for help planning your adventure!

What’s included in our Short Inca Trail tour (KM 104 to Machu Picchu)

Our Yapas: the extras that make the day smoother. (“Yapa” is a Peruvian word for extra or bonus.)

Start-to-finish support

  • Guide with you from Cusco, not just on the trail: Your guide travels with you on the train from Cusco to KM 104 (no handovers, no confusion at the station).
  • Door-to-door service: Pickup and drop-off directly at your hotel in Cusco (not just a central plaza meetup).
  • Free luggage storage: Secure storage for extra bags at our San Blas office so you can hike light.

Permits and entry tickets

  • Short Inca Trail permit: Guaranteed reservation for the Inca Trail (KM 104 route).
  • Machu Picchu ticket: Entry tickets for Day 1 and Day 2 (circuits confirmed with your booking)

Transport

  • Roundtrip train: Tourist class train tickets included.
  • Private return transfer: Private van transfer back to Cusco.
  • Bus ticket (day 1): One-way bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes.
  • Bus ticket (day 2): Roundtrip bus Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.

Comfort and safety

  • Accommodation: 1 night in a comfortable hotel with private bathroom and hot water
  • Meals: Nutritious box lunch for the hike (vegetarian and vegan options available).
  • Medical kit: First-aid kit and emergency oxygen carried by your guide.
  • 24/7 support: Direct WhatsApp access to our team.

Optional add-ons

  • Huayna Picchu ticket - $65 (request in advance - very limited availability).
  • 3* hotel upgrade - $29 per person
  • Single person room supplement - $35 (standard pricing is based on double/triple rooms).
  • Upgrade the train journey back to Cusco to the Vistadome/360° luxury train with panoramic windows, snacks and a local cultural dance show onboard - $65 (subject to availability).

Not included

  • First day’s breakfast and last day’s lunch & dinner
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Frequently Asked Questions

How physically fit do I have to be for this 2 Day Inca Trail?

The treks are moderate level. They involve a bit of walking and some steep sections and require at least 1 day in Cusco to acclimatize to altitude before you begin. We always brief you in advance, and you can contact us to help choose the right tour or trek for your level.

How many people will be in my tour group?

All of our Machu Picchu treks have a maximum of 10 people for a truly personalized, authentic experience.

If looking to book a private group trek, contact us, and we’ll organize one for you.

Is this trek a good option for solo travelers?

Yes, 100%. A great thing about our treks is that they are made up of like-minded travelers and are a great way to meet people and share the experience of Machu Picchu.

When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is accessible 365 days a year. The rainy season is in February, but you still get amazing views.

Low Season is November to February, which many travelers like, as there are smaller crowds, but really, any time is a great time to visit Machu Picchu.

Note: The Classic Inca Trail is unavailable in February; all other tours and treks operate as normal.

What should I pack for this 2 Day Inca Trail?

There are a few essentials everyone should bring:

  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
  • Small backpack (under 20L)
  • Rain jacket or poncho (weather can change quickly)
  • Sunblock, hat, and sunglasses
  • Water bottle and light snacks
  • Bug spray
  • Camera or phone (drones are not allowed)

    • We will send you a more detailed packing list, including any extra items you might need, after you book.

The Yapa Promise

Yapa Explorers is locally owned and female-led, ensuring an authentic, personalized, and seamless experience.

  • The “Yapa” extra mile – We obsess over the details, unlike other companies.
  • 100% operated by us – No middlemen. We control the quality of every guide, meal, and transfer personally to ensure you get exactly what you booked.
  • 100% confirmed departures – We never cancel a confirmed trip due to low numbers. Once you book, your departure is guaranteed.

We are more than just a tour operator—we are a group dedicated to exceptional service, expert guiding, and responsible tourism. 

Every trek with us supports the local community, ensuring that both our travelers and the people behind the journey benefit from every step.

We promise you can trust that every detail is taken care of – all you need to do is enjoy the adventure!

Speak to a local expert

Don't hesitate to reach out if you have a question about this trip.

Whatsapp us here
Planning to travel to Machu Picchu within the next 8 weeks?

Entry tickets and Inca Trail permits sell out in advance and last-minute bookers may have to slightly adjust their itinerary (e.g. earlier start or changes to schedule).

Don’t worry – Yapa will make sure your dream trip to Machu Picchu happens, unlike other operators.

Contact us with any questions via Whatsapp or email and our expert team will get back to you!

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