Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The short 2-day Inca Trail is an excellent option for those who wish to enjoy the magic of the Inca Trail in less time. This more accessible version is ideal if you have not managed to obtain the permit for the classic 4-day version. Without the demands of long hikes or high altitude camping, this trek offers an unforgettable experience at every step.
During these two days, you will travel 12 kilometers of the historic Inca trail, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and an impressive variety of flora and fauna. One of the greatest rewards of the tour is the view of Machu Picchu at sunset from Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), an exclusive experience for those who take this trek.
As only 500 people a day are allowed on the trail, including guides, porters and cooks, permits tend to run out quickly. However, the short Inca Trail is an option available without the need to book months in advance. This route offers the best of the Inca Trail in a simpler and more accessible way.
The highest point of the trail is Inti Punku, at 2,730 meters above sea level. We recommend spending at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco before starting to acclimatize to the altitude.
ITINERARY
We will start the day by picking you up at your hotel in Cusco and transferring you to the train station in Ollantaytambo. From there, you will board a train that will take you to Km 104, the starting point of the trek.
After a brief passport and permit check, we will begin the trek. The first part of the hike is a gradual ascent to Wiñay Wayna, a beautiful archaeological site whose name means “Forever Young” in Quechua. Here, our guide will give you a detailed tour of the site before enjoying lunch at the nearby campsite.
After lunch, we will continue to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), where you will witness a unique view of Machu Picchu at sunset. Afterwards, we will descend to the citadel to take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a basic hotel.
Early in the morning, we will take a 25-minute bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. There, our guide will give you a two-hour tour of the famous citadel, visiting the main sites such as the plaza, agricultural terraces and temples.
After the tour, you will have free time to explore at your own pace. If you have booked to climb the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains, our guide will help you get to the starting point.
At the end of the day, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes to board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our team will be waiting for you to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
If you prefer, you can enhance your train travel experience by opting for the Vistadome Train, which offers panoramic windows to better enjoy the scenery. Please let us know if you would like this option at the time of booking.
INCLUDED
- Transfer from your hotel in Cusco
- Train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Km 104
- Entrance fee and permits for the Inca Trail
- Bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
- Meals: 1 lunch, 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
- Lodging in Aguas Calientes
- Bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Guided visit to Machu Picchu
- Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
NOT INCLUDED
- Access to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain
- Meals not mentioned
- Personal expenses
PACKING LIST
- Travel insurance
- Lightweight backpack
- Original passport
- Cash (Soles)
- 100% Secure Payment
Expert Support
Any questions? We're here 24/7
+51 991 394 943
info@travelperuagency.com
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Reviews
At Travel Peru Agency, your satisfaction comes first. The reviews on TripAdvisor reflect the trust of those who have explored Peru with us and lived authentic, safe, and memorable experiences. Each journey inspires us to keep sharing the best of this incredible destination.
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LuuunaVerified
Surprising Taqrachullo Ever since I read about Taqrachullo, I knew I had to go! I looked for agencies in Cusco, but none offered the tour specifically; however, when I inquired with Travel Peru Agency, Johan explained that he could arrange a private tour to Taqrachullo, so I didn't hesitate to book it!! It was definitely one of the best places I visited in Cusco! Even though it is quite far from the city, we visited spots like Suyckutambo and the Three Canyons, and even met Chuno a dog considered the guardian of Taqrachullo. I highly recommend it!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Victor NVerified
Super excursion dans la jungle Super expérience avec Lincol ! La jungle est vraiment magnifique et nous avons pu voir beaucoup d'oiseaux de toutes sortes, un capybara et l’œil brillant d'un caïman dans la nuit (lors d'une sortie nocturne). Je recommande :)Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Clara JVerified
Inolvidable Ha sido una experiencia inolvidable. Ha superado nuestras expectativas. Lo mejor de nuestro viaje a Perú. La selva del Manu es impresionantemente fecunda y hemos podido observar muchos animales en su hábitat natural. Nuestro guía Lincoln es un pozo de sabiduría, respondía todas nuestras preguntas con entusiasmo y se notaba cuánto amaba la selva y la naturaleza. Nos sentimos en muy buenas manos con él. Por si esto fuera poco, Wilfredo nos cocinó riquísimo cada día y la hora de comer era una experiencia disfrutable más.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Tour43510571802Verified
Increíble experiencia Lincoln es un guía magnífico: sabe muchísimo sobre la selva, es divertido, amable, nos ha enseñado todos los entresijos del Manu. Gracias a él hemos hecho una pequeña inmersión preciosa en la selva. También querría mencionar al chofer Percy, que nos llevó por aquellas carreteritas de la selva de manera muy segura y genial. El cocinero Wildfredo, fue también magnífico. Nos cocinó comida peruana riquísima y en gran abundancia. Ha sido una experiencia única y la recomiendo muchísimo.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Mar AVerified
De las mejores experiencias de mi vida. No te lo pierdas Mi cabeza sigue en la selva, seguirá ahí durante el resto de mi vida. Hemos aprendido mucho de la fauna y la flora del Manu. Lincoln nos ha guiado y ha sido como ir caminando con un libro abierto. Ha contestado con mucha pasión a todas nuestras preguntas, satisfaciendo nuestras inquietudes y fomentando mucha cariño por la naturaleza y la vida de la selva. Creo que es difícil mejorar la experiencia. Gracias también a Wilfredo por hacernos comidas tan ricas y ser tan considerado conmigo, que soy vegetariana. Han sido muy generosos con nosotras y se han sentido como una familiaPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Marina fVerified
Una aventura inolvidable Mi padre y yo cogimos el tour de 5 días/ 4 noches en la selva del Manu y fue por ahora de las mejores experiencias que hemos vivido. Nuestro guía Juan, el cocinero Wilfredo, y todos los que nos llevaron en coche, bote (Rojo, Marconchi y Percy) fueron muy amables con nosotros. Pudimos ver muchas especies de aves, entre ellas el famoso Gallito de las Rocas, cóndor blanco, halcones, oropendolas, tucanes, guacamayos.. vilos también 3 especies de monos durante las rutas caminando. Nos bañamos en el río, en una cascada en medio de la selva y en aguas termales en una poza al natural. Comimos y dormimos genial. Sin duda una experiencia para repetir!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Miguel SilvaVerified
highly recommend this agency We started planning our trip only 15 days before departure, and without the help of Travel Peru Agency, it would never have been possible to accomplish everything we had planned in just 10 days. The entire trip was organized down to the smallest detail, always with extraordinary care to ensure everything went as smoothly as possible, without us having to worry about anything. At the end of each tour, they always made sure to check how the experience had gone and provide us with all the necessary information for the next tour, which showed constant professionalism and attention to detail. I highly recommend this agency without any hesitation, and if I ever return to Peru, I would do everything exactly the same way. I would especially like to thank Alfredo, the person in charge of the agency, for giving us such special memories on this unforgettable trip. I would also like to thank our private guides — Leo, Vilma, Lenyn, and Moisés — for all their patience, kindness, and the incredible knowledge they shared with us about the history and culture of Peru. All that remains for me to say is: “TUPANANCHISKAMA”Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Pablo PVerified
Montaña 7 colores. Excelnte experiencia Excelente experiencia. Muy buena atención de Wilfredo. RecomiendoPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Simone TVerified
Inca wonders with Peru travel agency We were very impressed with the quality of service provided by Peru Travel. The agency was punctual and had excellent communication. Through the agency, we discovered the wonders of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the indescribable experience of Machu Picchu, always accompanied by bilingual guides. I highly recommend Peru Travel to anyone who wants to visit the Inca wonders.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Nico BleischVerified
Exceptional Tour Experience Around Cusco” The tour exceeded our expectations in every way. Wilfredo, our main contact, took excellent care of us and fulfilled all our requests. The guides for each part of the tour were outstanding — they provided fascinating insights into the places we visited and ensured that each day was well-structured and memorable. Everything ran smoothly, from tickets and entrances to transportation. We highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to actively explore Peru’s most spectacular sites around Cusco with the support of experienced guides. Insider tip: Be sure to book the additional Waynapicchu ticket — it was one of the absolute highlights of the trip.


Wilfredo and his team are true professionals.
We had a great time, they were super punctual and safe, and the whole team treated us wonderfully.
Thank you so much for everything.



Thank you! ☺️ We'll be back soon! 😁

We really enjoy our stayed in the Jungle Tambopata national reserve
We saw alots wild animals and boat rides were really cool
I recommend to this Tour Agency
Thanks you folks!!
