The Short Inca Trail
Inca Trail 2 Days: The Original Path to the Sun Gate, Without Camping
The Inca Trail 2 Days follows 12 km of original Inca road from Km 104 to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, with the same arrival to Machu Picchu as the classic 4-day trek.
The Short Inca Trail costs USD 510 per adult (USD 490 student, USD 480 child from 8 to 17) and includes the Inca Trail permit, train, bus, two Machu Picchu entries, a guide, three meals and a hotel night in Aguas Calientes. You hike 5 to 6 hours with a highest point of 2,700 m.
This 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is ideal for families, travelers short on time and anyone who wants to reach Machu Picchu on foot without camping. You sleep in a hotel in Aguas Calientes and visit the citadel twice, in small groups of 6 to 8 travelers (maximum 10).
Duration2 days / 1 night
PriceFrom USD 510
Highest point2,700 m (8,858 ft)
Distance12 km (7.5 mi)
DifficultyModerate
Original Inca Path from Km 104
Walk 12 km on the stone road built by the Incas, through cloud forest.
Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna
Two impressive Inca sites with terraces and ritual fountains, reachable only on foot.
Arrival Through the Sun Gate
Your first view of Machu Picchu from Inti Punku, just as the Incas did.
Two Machu Picchu Visits
Classic photos on Day 1 and a full guided tour on Day 2, with a hotel night in between.
Read the full Inca Trail 2 Days description
On Day 1 we drive from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and take the train to Km 104. You hike past Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, take the classic photos from the upper terraces of Machu Picchu and go down to Aguas Calientes for dinner and a hotel night.
On Day 2 you take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu for a 2 to 2.5-hour guided tour of the citadel, then return to Cusco by train and private transfer.
Want the full experience? See the classic Inca Trail 4 Days. Only one day? Try the Inca Trail 1 Day. No permits left? The Salkantay Trek needs no permit.
Availability & Booking
How to Book Your Inca Trail 2 Days
01
Contact us to check live availability for your dates in the official system.
02
Book online and pay the $250 USD deposit per person.
03
We buy your Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu tickets right away.
04
Receive your confirmation and attend the 6:30 PM briefing the day before.
Short Inca Trail 2027 Availability
Book well in advance: Inca Trail permits are limited and often sell out within hours of their release.
High seasonBook 3 months aheadApril to October
Shoulder seasonBook 2–3 months aheadNovember to March
FebruaryClosed for maintenanceTry the Salkantay Trek instead
1
New permits every year
Permits for the next year are usually released in early October. For example, 2027 permits are released around October 2026.
2
Only through a licensed operator
You can’t buy Inca Trail permits on your own. They must be booked through a government-licensed operator like Machu Picchu Team.
3
Passport details must match exactly
Send us your full name, passport number, date of birth, gender and nationality exactly as they appear on your passport. Permits are personal, non-transferable and can’t be changed once issued.
4
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
Your Machu Picchu Entry: Two Visits Included
1
Arrival Visit Upper section, Circuit 1
Day 1: you arrive from the Sun Gate to the classic panoramic viewpoint for photos and an introduction by your guide.
2
Main Guided Tour Lower section, Circuit 3
Day 2: a guided tour of the citadel of about 2 to 2.5 hours, after a night in Aguas Calientes.
Check availability in real time. Online calendars are only a guide. Contact us before booking and we’ll check live availability for your dates in the official government system: WhatsApp +51 974 217 700.
