The Short Inca Trail is a 2-day, 1-night trek that begins at KM 104 and follows the original Inca pathway to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. This is the perfect option for travelers who want to experience the magic of hiking the Inca Trail without the full 4-day commitment.
Not everyone has the time or physical conditioning for the classic 4-day Inca Trail, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the experience of walking ancient Inca pathways to Machu Picchu. The Short Inca Trail from KM 104 gives you the best of both worlds — a challenging and scenic day hike along the original trail, arriving through the iconic Sun Gate just like the classic trekkers.
This 2-day trek is ideal for travelers with limited time in Cusco, families with older children, or anyone who wants to combine trekking with the comfort of a hotel overnight in Aguas Calientes rather than camping.
On Day 1, you take the early morning train from Cusco to KM 104, where your Inca Trail adventure begins. The trail climbs through subtropical cloud forest to the magnificent ruins of Wiñay Wayna — one of the best-preserved Inca sites along the entire trail. From there, you follow the original stone pathway through lush forest and along dramatic cliff edges until you reach Intipunku (the Sun Gate), where Machu Picchu reveals itself in the valley below.
After descending to the citadel for your first views, you take the bus to Aguas Calientes for an overnight hotel stay. Day 2 brings an early morning return to Machu Picchu for a comprehensive guided tour of the temples, terraces, and sacred spaces of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2 Days
8
English, Spanish
As a local tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag during your briefing and include the services of an additional porter to carry up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your gear. This allowance covers your sleeping bag, mattress, and any extra clothing you may need. Peruvian regulations ensure that no duffel bag exceeds 7 kg to safeguard the health of our porters and any horses used during the trek. All bags will be weighed prior to acceptance. If your gear exceeds this limit, you will need to carry the additional weight in your day pack. From the 7 kg allowance, allocate 2 kg for your sleeping bag and 1 kg for your sleeping pad, leaving you with approximately 4 kg for your personal belongings.
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
