2-Day Inca Trail · Short Inca Trail

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

See Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate without camping. Hike the best stretch of the Inca Trail, then spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

~11 km7 miles of hiking
2 Days / 1 NightNo camping
~2,750 mHighest point
ModerateDifficulty
Sun GateMachu Picchu arrival
The Short Inca Trail

Everything you
need to know before
you go

The easiest way to reach Machu Picchu on foot along an original Inca path. Hike through cloud forest, visit Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, reach the Sun Gate, and spend the night in Aguas Calientes.

Aguas Calientes, 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
March–January (the trail closes every February)
Required. Limited, non-refundable
Shared Group (max 6), Couples, Friends, Families

Compare 2-Day
Inca Trail Options

CATEGORY & PROFILE
GROUP PRIVACY
PACING & GUIDE
DINING & HOTEL EXPERIENCE
INVESTMENT (USD)
ACTION
Shared GroupBest for: Solo travelers & budget conscious

4–6 Travelers Max

(Small shared group)

Steady Group Pace

Shared Senior Expert Guide

  • Lunch: Nutritious Packed Box Lunch at Wiñay Wayna.
  • Hotel: 3★ Comfortable Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Double/Twin).
  • Panoramic Vistadome/360° Train back.

Adult: $670

Student: $620

Child: $590

Couples ExplorersBest for: Honeymooners & couples

100% Private

(Just the 2 of you)

Your Private Pace

Exclusive Private Guide

  • Lunch: Hot Deluxe Outdoor Gourmet Picnic at Wiñay Wayna.
  • Hotel: 3★ Matrimonial Room (Upgradable to 4★/5★ Inkaterra/Sumaq).
  • Personalized romantic touches in route.

Adult: $870

Student: $820

Child: N/A

For FriendsBest for: Adventure squads & reunions

100% Private

(Your private group)

Adaptable Squad Pace

Exclusive Private Guide

  • Lunch: Private Group Gourmet Picnic at Wiñay Wayna.
  • Hotel: 3★ Multi-bed or Double/Twin rooms for the squad.
  • Tiered pricing: The bigger your group, the lower the price per person.

Adult: $658–$1,465*

Student: $582–$1,389*

(Scaled by group size)

For FamiliesBest for: Parents, kids & teens

100% Private

(Your family unit)

Kid-Friendly Pace

Family Specialist Guide

  • Lunch: Kid-Approved Gourmet Picnic with fresh local juices.
  • Hotel: 3★ Family Hotel setup (Connecting/Family rooms).
  • Interactive Andean storytelling & flexible rest stops.

Adult: $770

Student: $720

Child: $690

Your Journey

Two unforgettable days
in the Andes.

Day 0

Pre-Trek Briefing in Cusco

Meet your guide the day before. Review the route, timings, safety and packing checklist, and bring your original passport.

Day 1

Cusco → Km 104 → Wiñay Wayna → Sun Gate

~11 km · 6–7 hours ·2,750 m
Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes

Early morning transfer to Km 104 — the official trailhead. Trek through subtropical valleys, past the first Inca ruins at Llactapata, and camp in the village of Wayllabamba at 3,000 m.

Challenging
Day 2

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

~11–12 km · 7–9 hours · 4,215 m
Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

Explore the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, main plaza and agricultural terraces with your guide, then return to Cusco.

Moderate
An honest comparison

Is the 2-day inca
trail worth it?

What you get

  • Sun Gate arrival
  • Wiñay Wayna and Chachabamba
  • Cloud forest scenery
  • Hotel night and hot shower
  • Two Machu Picchu experiences

What you miss

  • Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 m
  • High-Andes sections
  • Further classic-route ruins
  • Camping under the Andean stars
Difficulty & preparation

Challenging, but not
technical.

3 hrs
The Climb

Approximately 3 hours of steady uphill walking to Wiñay Wayna, mostly on stone steps.

6–97 hrs
Long days

An early start, train travel, 6–97 hours of hiking and an evening arrival in Aguas Calientes.

Uneven Steps
Original Inca trail

Stone steps can be steep. Good-grip shoes and trekking poles are useful, especially on descents.

Trail ready?

A simple readiness
checklist

  • Walk 3–4 hours on hilly ground
  • Comfortable with uneven steps
  • Hiking shoes with good grip
  • 1–2 days acclimatizing in Cusco
Cusco sits at approximately 3,400 m, higher than this route. Travelers with health concerns should consult a qualified medical professional.
What's included

Everything
you need,
nothing you don't.

Prices include permits, team, food, gear and transport. Not included: sleeping bag rental, Day 1 breakfast, Day 4 lunch, Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain ($75), tips, travel insurance.

  • Official 2-Day Inca Trail permit + Machu Picchu entrance ticket
  • Pre-trek briefing in Cusco
  • Professional bilingual guide trained in archaeology and first aid
  • 24/7 support with satellite phone, radio and medical kit
  • Box lunch and energy snack on Day 1
  • Dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2
  • Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available
  • 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (private bathroom, hot water)
  • Transfer from your Cusco hotel to Ollantaytambo
  • Train to Km 104 and Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo
  • Bus tickets between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes
  • Private transfer back to your Cusco hotel
Permits

Limited
permits. Book
early.

Sell out

Permits can sell out months ahead, especially from May–October.

Non-transferable

Government rules: no refunds, no transfers, no date changes.

Passport-linked

Bring the same passport you booked with — checked at Km 104.

Our advice

Book 6–10 months ahead for high season, 3–4 months for other times.

To secure your permit, send us:
Full name · Passport number & expiry · Date of birth · Nationality · Student ID (if applicable)50% deposit secures permits. Balance due 15 days before your trek.
What to go

Best time to
hike the trail

SeasonMonthsTrail Conditions & Highlights

Peak Dry

May – Sep

Clear skies and sunny days, but very cold nights (can drop below 0°C). Highest crowd levels; permits sell out months in advance.

Shoulder

Apr & Oct

Green landscapes and pleasant weather with significantly fewer hikers. Ideal balance of conditions and crowd size.

Rainy

Nov – Mar

Regular afternoon showers and lush, green cloud forests. Lowest crowd levels and easiest permit availability.

Closed

February

Trail Closed: Annual conservation and trail maintenance month.

Investment

What does it actually cost?

Industry Range
$550–
$1,000+

Per person with a licensed operator. Prices vary by group size, service, and inclusions.

Wayki Trek — Shared Group
From $670

Adult: $670 · Student: $620 · Child: $590


Small group of 4–6 hikers with shared services.

What affects your price?
  • Shared or private trekking service
  • Number of people in your group
  • Student discount with a valid university ID
  • Vistadome or Hiram Bingham train upgrades
  • Additional night in Aguas Calientes
  • Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets: $75
  • Additional services included in your selected package
Private group options
$658–$870+

Private options for couples, friends, and families.

Price varies according to group size and selected package.

Why not the cheapest? Very low prices usually mean overloaded porters, large crowds, worn gear and poor food. Our prices include fair wages and a team large enough to look after you properly.
Pack List

What to Bring.

Waterproof hiking bootsRain coverThermal baseWaterproof shellGlovesDown jacketSwimsuitSleeping bag rated to −10 °CHeadlampSunglasses2 L reusable bottlesSun hatQuick-dry towelSpare batteriesSPF 50+FleecePersonal medicationWarm hatInsect repellent for cloud forestOriginal passport
Why travel with us

Local roots.
Thoughtful trekking.

Cusco-based

Our office is at Calle Quera 239, and we answer our own phones.

Small groups

No more than 6 hikers on shared treks.

Everything arranged

Train, bus, hotel, meals and transfers are all booked for you.

Safety first

Satellite phone, radios, first-aid kits and guides trained in mountain rescue.

Four ways to go

Shared, couples, friends or families.

Quick Answers

Questions travelers ask most

Yes. The Short Inca Trail starts at Km 104 and covers approximately 11 km before reaching the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu. You stay in an Aguas Calientes hotel rather than camping.
For most travelers who are short on time, traveling with kids, or who prefer not to camp, yes. You still get the Sun Gate arrival and the Wiñay Wayna ruins, and you visit Machu Picchu twice. You do miss the high passes and the more remote ruins of the 4-day trek.
The standard 2-day Inca Trail includes a hotel night in Aguas Calientes, not camping. If you want to camp on the Inca Trail, choose the 4-Day Inca Trail or the 5-day trek.
About 11 km (7 miles) from Km 104 to the Sun Gate and down to Machu Picchu. Most hikers take 6–7 hours, including stops at Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna.
Moderate. The trail stays below about 2,750 m, so altitude is rarely a problem. The hardest part is the 3-hour climb on stone steps up to Wiñay Wayna. Anyone who can hike 3–4 hours on hills can complete it.
Yes. It is the most family-friendly way to hike the Inca Trail. We recommend it for children aged 8 and over. Our 2-Day Inca Trail with Kids is private and comes with a family-specialist guide.
On Day 1 you see Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate and approach the citadel on foot. Your full guided tour inside Machu Picchu is on the morning of Day 2.
The trail is open March through January. It closes every February for maintenance.
Your adventure starts here

Ready for the Short Inca Trail?

Choose your group type, check permit availability, and reserve with a 50% deposit. Your Sun Gate moment is waiting.

Check Inca Trail Availability

VOICES OF OUR EXPLORERS

Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Dan D profile picture
Dan D
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Amazing Experience We hiked 4D/3N starting on May 13th. It was an amazing experience, Josce was patient, kind and so passionate. He was so patient while we walked at our pace, we weren't rushed at all, which we had heard was a challenge with some other companies. He was kind and attentive with every member of our group of four, checking on everyone even when we went on separately a little bit as we went at our own pace. The passion he showed in the history of the trail, of the people and the country was very contagious. It made me want to learn more. The best thing I can say is my wife and I felt safe and taken care of on the trail, which allowed us to enjoyed it all so much. Josce's team was fantastic to deal with the porters were amazing with how quickly they moved on the trail. They would break down the camp after we left, pass us on the trail, meet us at a fully set up camp with food waiting for us. Yet they cheered when we made it to camp like we did something great while they did all the work. They aren't appreciated enough no matter how much we appreciate them. The chef's were great, the food was always good and there was always so much of it. We watched a few hikers being escorted off the trail for medical reasons which made the risks a little more real to us. It made us so happy we went with a smaller group and were lucky enough to have Josce and his team lead us. Thank you for making a great experience even better!
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shirleya1976 profile picture
shirleya1976
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Our trek to Machu Picchu was an incredible experience Our trek to Machu Picchu was an incredible experience, and a huge part of that was thanks to our guide, Jose. He was extremely attentive throughout the entire trek, always checking in on how everyone was doing. My husband was having issues with his knee, and Jose frequently made sure he was okay and able to continue comfortably. Jose was also incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the history of the Incan sites. His enthusiasm made the experience even more meaningful and engaging. Beyond that, he was very friendly, joked around with the group, and helped ease some of the “torment” of the trek with his sense of humor and encouragement. The porters were absolutely amazing. They worked so hard to ensure everything arrived at camp on time and that camp was fully set up and ready for us each day. Their effort and dedication were truly impressive. The food throughout the trek was excellent — always tasty, well prepared, and there was plenty to choose from. I especially want to give a huge shoutout to the chefs. I have Celiac disease, and they took such great care with my meals that I made it through the entire trek without becoming ill from gluten exposure or cross-contamination. That level of care meant so much to me and allowed me to fully enjoy the experience without worry. Overall, this was an unforgettable adventure, made even better by the incredible team that supported us every step of the way.
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Nicole L profile picture
Nicole L
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Wonderful adventure My friend and I hiked the 5d/4n Inca trail starting on May 1. We booked months in advance and had an excellent experience. The booking was straightforward and I got quick responses to email and WhatsApp messages. My questions were answered and I felt like we were well prepared for the trek. Since we booked just two of us, we expected to get put with other hikers, but that is not the case and we were so pleasantly surprised and delighted. We were happy not to have to hike with strangers where we could potentially have to modify our pace or have personality conflicts. We really appreciated that it was a private experience. We did a day trip with a different company that felt much more like a churn out machine, so we really liked the personal experience we got with Wayki. Our guide Miguel, has been doing this a long time and was extremely knowledgeable and supportive (especially through some tears on day 2 which is known to be the hardest day). He shared information about the sites along the way, plants and animals, the trek, and culture. We really felt like it gave us an greater appreciation of the entire experience and we learned so much! Our cooks, Andres and Lorenzo (Orenzo?), were top-notch, how they make so much amazing food is beyond me, but every bite was delicious and we felt well fueled every day. The porters (Fernando, Marcello, Julian, and Herman aka Chino) were so kind and attentive, you can’t help but being so so impressed by how fast they move carrying much heavier loads than we had. The tent was plenty spacious and kept us warm and dry even on a couple of rainy nights. I loved getting the surprise t-shirt at the end! The overall experience was once in a lifetime and I’m so glad we chose Wayki for it! The only points of feedback would be that I didn’t know that all the trail hikers do circuit 3 so I wish that had been gone over at the beginning. Because of the way the trail approaches Machu Picchu, it doesn’t matter because you still get to do essentially circuit 1 and still experience the panoramic views on the way in. It’s really the best because you get to experience Machu Picchu twice! We were booked on a train that was leaving at 4:30pm even though we were done at Machu Picchu by 9:30. It’s a long time to hang around the town and since transport from Ollantaytambo takes so long (nothing to be done about traffic, it just is) we were lucky to be able to switch to an earlier train and they helped change the transport, but was a little hectic to do once we got to town. My friend’s sleeping bag had a feet smell that was unpleasant. Even with the above, which are all honestly so minor in the grand scheme of things, we had a really truly wonderful experience and I’ll be forever grateful to Wayki for facilitating it.
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Sara Z profile picture
Sara Z
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Amazing Salkantay trek We had the most amazing trek on the Salkantay trek with Wayki! The guide, Josce, was wonderful, shared so much valuable information, and made sure each of us were successful in the hike. The three meals provided each day were above and beyond excellent and it was so nice to walk into camp with our tents set up for us. I can’t express how thankful I was for the entire Wayki team!
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Laura G profile picture
Laura G
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Salkantay 5 day — Amazing!! Amazing company. Small groups. Fantastic service. Great tents. Great food! Great guide and cooks!
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Kaylee D profile picture
Kaylee D
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Best Adventure Guiding Company Ever!!!! We booked both the Rainbow Mountain full day and the Machu Picchu/Huayna Picchu full day tours/hikes. Wayki trek has been incredible from the beginning. Quick to answer emails regarding any questions my group had, very upfront about the pricing and the details of the days we had planned. We had Domingo as our guide for Rainbow Mountain and Miguel as our guide for Machu Picchu — could not recommend either one of them more!! They were both phenomenal and so informational about the cultures and sights. The guides always had our tickets and everything prepared and ready to go. Traveling to the sites was seamless, and the communication the days before the trip was very helpful to help know what to pack for the treks. Will absolutely be back to book another tour with this company the next time we are back in Peru!
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David I profile picture
David I
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Unforgettable 4-Day Inca Trail Experience with Wayki Trek Planning the Inca Trail can be challenging, especially when choosing an operator due to mixed online reviews about porter conditions and overall quality. I can confidently say that choosing Wayki Trek was one of the best decisions we made. From the very beginning, communication with the office was quick, clear, and professional. On the trail, everything was exceptionally well organized, from the quality of the camping equipment to the meals and daily logistics. One aspect we truly appreciated was being part of a small group. It made the experience far more personal, relaxed, and immersive, and allowed the days to be paced perfectly without feeling rushed or crowded. Our guide, Josce, was outstanding. He shared his deep passion and knowledge of Inca history, took the time to explain sites in detail, and perfectly paced each day so that it felt like we had the whole trail to ourselves. His attention to detail and care for the group truly elevated the experience. The entire crew deserves enormous respect. The porters were incredibly strong, kind, and clearly well looked after, something that really mattered to us when choosing an operator. Special mention to Andres, the chef: the food was exceptional and among the best we had in all of Peru, with generous portions and even insights into traditional cooking methods. We did the 4-day small group Inca Trail in January, during the rainy season, which meant the trail was quieter and the experience felt more personal, something we absolutely appreciated. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience made unforgettable by a passionate, professional, and caring team. Wayki Trek looked after us incredibly well, and we feel very lucky to have experienced the Inca Trail with them. Highly recommended.
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Paul F profile picture
Paul F
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Great low season cultural experience and trek in Jan 2026 I did the 4 day small group Inca Trail in January with the Wakyi Experience at the beginning. Our guide was Jose. The trail was not busy as January is the rainy season. We were advised to prong a poncho as well as our quality rain coats. However, we were lucky with the weather, it was mainly raining at night. I highly recommend the Wayki Experience. We visited the village, stayed with one of the team, and had direct interaction with the culture through food, digging potatoes and daily ceremonies. We also got to know our chefs and porters. Jose was very knowledgeable and diligent in imparting that knowledge on the Inca, Quecha culture and modern Peru. I overhead some other groups and got the impression we were getting much more detail. The pace was entirely manageable for our group who were fairly fit and ranged from 27 to 63 years old. I highly recommend Wayki if you are looking for culture and history in a small group.
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Excursion58292454432
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Los mejores Desde el primer contacto, vía Email, la empresa Wayki me pareció muy profesional. Atenta, organizada e informativa. El Camino Inca junto al equipo Wayki lo recomiendo 100%. Nos sentimos parte del equipo, como una familia. El trato, la comida, la organización y todo lo demás fue excepcional.
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Phillip H profile picture
Phillip H
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Trip of a lifetime We did the 4 day Inka trek with Wayki Trek and I can't recommend them highly enough. The trek was simply amazing and something we will never forget. Wayki were incredible from start to finish. The communication from our initial enquiries right through to the conclusion of the trek was perfect. Wayki provided the perfect environment for us to just relax and enjoy this incredible experience. We can't thank them enough. From the staff, to the chefs, the porters and our guide Joyce, everyone was brilliant. The food was amazing and Joyce's knowledge of the Inkas was second to none. And the sight of Macchu Picchu after four days hiking was just incredible!!