Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
Unlike the crowded day trips, our 2-day Short Inca Trail offers the perfect balance of adventure and comfort. You’ll hike along the original Inca stone steps, explore hidden gems like Wiñay Wayna and Chachabamba, and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, a privilege reserved for Inca Trail trekkers. With smaller groups, expert local guides, and a night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, you’ll enjoy both the thrill of the trail and the luxury of rest. This itinerary lets you experience the magic of Machu Picchu at sunrise with fewer crowds, creating memories that last a lifetime.
What's included
3-star hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (1 night)
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
Safety briefing, first aid kit, oxygen supply
Hotel pickup & drop-off in Cusco
Round-trip bus tickets to Machu Picchu
Professional licensed guide
Inca Trail permit & Machu Picchu entrance
Travel insurance
Personal expenses and souvenir
What to expect
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Cusco
Pass by
Your adventure begins at 04:00 AM with a hotel pickup in Cusco. You’ll travel by private vehicle through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo train station, enjoying stunning morning views of the Andes along the way.
Ollantaytambo
Pass by
At 06:10 AM, board the train that takes you on a scenic ride along the Urubamba River, passing farmlands and snow-capped mountains before arriving at Km 104.
30m · Admission ticket included
Arriving at Km 104 around 07:30 AM, you’ll begin your trek with a guided visit to Chachabamba ruins, a fascinating Inca site featuring ceremonial terraces and ancient temples.
Winay Wayna
3h · Admission ticket included
At 08:00 AM, begin your three-hour uphill hike along the original Inca stone steps, surrounded by cloud forest, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. Around 11:00 AM, arrive at the breathtaking Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”) ruins, famous for its elegant terraces and ceremonial fountains. Here, your guide will explain its history, and you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at noon with panoramic valley views before continuing your trek.
Inti Punku Sun Gate
45m · Admission ticket included
The iconic gateway overlooking Machu Picchu. Enjoy your first panoramic view of the citadel and surrounding mountains, perfect for photos
45m · Admission ticket included
Descend into Machu Picchu terraces around 03:45 PM. Capture iconic photos before taking the shuttle bus at 04:30 PM down to Aguas Calientes.
Aguas Calientes
Pass by
Arrive at 05:30 PM for hotel check-in and rest. At 07:00 PM, enjoy a gourmet dinner at Indio Feliz Restaurant, before overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.
Day 2: Day 2: Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco
Machu Picchu
2h
On Day 2, take the early bus at 05:30 AM to Machu Picchu. At 06:00 AM, witness sunrise and enjoy a 2–3 hour guided tour of the citadel.
Aguas Calientes
2h
Return to Aguas Calientes at 11:30 AM for free time and lunch on your own.
Cusco
2m
Board the train at 02:30 PM back to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours). Arrive at 04:00 PM and continue by private transfer to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 06:00 PM.
Meeting and pickup
Pickup details
Panaka Travel also offer early morning pick-ups from Airbnbs and other locations within Cusco’s Historic Center (around 4:00 a.m.) and the Sacred Valley, including Urubamba and Ollantaytambo (around 5:00 a.m.).
Additional information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
