Most Updated 2 Day Inca Trail Information 2024

Highlights of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days!

The desire to experience the 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu comes from the stunning Inca ruins, spectacular side-by-side mountains, lush vegetation, and remarkable ecological varieties. The Inca Trail hikes up and enters into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate with the most famous, unforgettable views, through the cloud forest, and finally into subtropical vegetation. Ending at the magnificent wonder of the world; Machu Picchu.

Trekkers on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu have the privilege of visiting the Ancient Machu Picchu City two times, on the 1st day when they arrive at Machu Picchu (we stay by the Guard House platform ONLY ) and the second day when they take a tour with their guide. On the second day, you will be transported by shuttle bus from Machu Picchu Pueblo, just in time for the sunrise over the mountains and Machu Picchu (2,400m/7907ft), you then begin your exploration of the natural world and ancient culture in the City of Machu Picchu. Catch yourself as you travel back in time to this magical, sacred, and mysterious place, known as Machu-Picchu, “The Old Sacred Mountain.” Take your time exploring majestic Machu Picchu, the Incan ruins rich in history of its past and the thriving culture of the people who lived there once upon a time.

Highlights of the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!

• Hike the last 1/3 of the famous Classic Inca Trail that everyone worldwide desires to hike through.
• Explore Wiñay Wayna Inca ruins which is as beautiful as Machu Picchu but pretty small
• Hike the actual trail that the Ancient Incas hiked more than 600 years ago.
• Hike through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) all the way to the famous Machu Picchu Inca Citadel.
• Experience the spectacular views of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.
• Visit Machu Picchu Citadel twice, the 1st and 2nd day of the trek.

The Inca Trail tour through the Wiñay Wayna ruins allows you to climb the hill, explore the entire complex, enjoy the warm subtropical climate, be ecstatic with the views of the valley, mountains and the Urubamba river, as well as take extraordinary photos and videos. We hope this information has been helpful to you, the magical Inca Trail Tour is the most famous trekking in South America, do not wait another minute, enjoy this walk with Orange Nation Peru , a company dedicated to providing the best service with the responsibility and security that you deserve.

Times are approximate and depend on your fitness. Permits need to be booked in advance!

2 days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Itinerary

 DAY 1: Cusco – 104 Km – Wiñayhuayna -Sun Gate-Machu Picchu

With a compact 2 days of excitement ahead, we will pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 am and drive you to the train station.  After an hour and ten minutes on a scenic Expedition train ride to point KM104 (elevation 2,100m/6,927ft), our trek begins. At this point, we begin a moderate climb for three hours to the chiseled remnants and remote archaeological site of Wiñayhuana, (2,650m/8747 ft). 

 Enjoy the spectacular plunging views of the Urubamba Canyon and the ethnic wonders of the ancient Inca sites. Embrace them with an open mind and heart for a connection with the ancient Inca Trail to begin.  After being at one with this beautiful sight, we continue onward toward the Sun Gate. (2,730mts/9,007ft) Following the ancient remote footpath, we get our first spectacular view of Machu Picchu Citadel in all its brilliance and majesty. As we move closer to the citadel of Machu Picchu you will feel her mystical presence.  Then we take our bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in our hotel.

 Meals: Box Lunch & Dinner. Accommodation: Ferre Hotel Difficulty: Moderate.

 DAY 2: Aguas Calientes- Machu Picchu – Cusco

Today you will get to enjoy exploring Machu Picchu and experience her magical presence by taking the first bus at 5:30 AM to the Machu Picchu archeological site. Enjoy the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Take your time, making sure you tour every nook and cranny of this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It is an unforgettable experience.

Your guide will expertly direct you through the energetic ruins and its diverse main streets. Then on your own, wander around the town squares of the world’s spiritual center of esoteric wisdom as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Or stay still and drink in the pure majesty of her presence, and enjoy the pure delight of the moment.
Here are a few alternative activities that you might wish to indulge in on your own: Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu (not included in your tour price and must be booked in advance). Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs (entrance fees required)

You will descend to Aguas Calientes when you are ready to eat lunch and later board the Expedition train at 4:22 pm for the return trip to Cusco stopping at the Ollantaytambo Train Station followed by a short drive in our private van back to your hotel in Cusco arriving at around 8 pm. 

Meals: Breakfast (at your hotel) Difficulty: Easy

*** The 2-day Inca Trail information was provided by Spider Travel Peru!

Packing Check-list for the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu does not include an extra porter, so you will need to carry all your things. Please try to pack as lightly as possible to enjoy this trek. 

• Original Passport (it has to be the same as the one you used for booking your trek)
• Good daypack ( 30L – the smaller, the better)
• Water bottle: 2 liters
• Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
• Toilet Paper
• Jacket
• Dress in layers
• Hand Sanitizer Wet wipes
• Personal medications
• Sun Hat, Wool Hat (only in the cold season), and Sunscreen
• Rain gear (if rainy season)
• Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars, or any dry fruits
• Rain plastic poncho
• Camera
• Extra Money for Souvenir.

The Cusco region has high mountainous temperatures and sub-tropical weather with pockets of different micro-climate. This means our weather can change quickly from sunshine to a rain shower within minutes. At times a few clouds may form (usually in the afternoons), then it rains for a few minutes and followed by sunshine again. We are not common for it to rain all day, this only occasionally occurs during the rainy season. The weather reports are very misleading. It can show that it is raining every day, but all that means is that somewhere in our mountainous region there will be a shower. It can be rainy in one area of Cusco and completely dry in another.

2 Day Inca Trail with Camping.. Is it possible?

As the Short Inca Trail is one day of hiking, it is not possible to camp anywhere along the trail itself; campsites at WiñayWayna are reserved for classic Inca Trail hikers and not available to those doing the Short Inca Trail.

It is possible to camp in Aguas Calientes itself, but the campground there does not provide an enjoyable camping experience due to its location and abundance of biting insects. You are much better off staying in a hotel (included in the price of our 2 day Inca Trail hike) and getting a good night’s sleep before visiting Machu Picchu!

**** But still can possible to do it with cmaping option, if so, the camping will be at Puente Ruinas, Orange Nation Peru organized tour with camping experince.

Whats is the Short Inca Trail Difficulty? Is this for me?

The Short Inca trail 2 days difficulty is moderate and is recommended for travellers who are in good physical shape. If you consider yourself fairly fit, you exercise regularly, and do not have any issues with your weight, knees, or ankles, then this version of the ancient Inca trail is perfectly for you!

Some of our hikers have initially had concerns about the hike, but soon realized that it wasn’t as tough as they had feared. In fact, for most visitors, the experience exceeded all expectations, becoming a highlight of their journey. So, if you are up for an adventure, don’t hesitate to lace up your hiking boots and embark on this unforgettable expedition!

Best Short Inca Trail Combo: The Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 4 or 5 days

This is a perfect trip for all of you who are looking for an immersion in the Andean culture and who also want an unforgettable experience hiking the Short Inca Trail trek. It’s also a great option for those who want to do a longer trek when 4 day Inca Trail permits have sold out.

Do not miss this great adventure that combines wilderness trekking, local culture, Inca history and the excitement of completing a popular Machu Picchu hike!

Check out our page, Lares & 2 Day Inca Trail, for more information about this tour.

When is the best time to go?

From April to October, it is usually warm and humid during the day (around 20-25ºC) and night time temperatures are around 15ºC. The dry season lasts from March to November, when the weather is more changeable. During the wet season, from December to February, it can rain heavily, although it can also rain year round.