Departure from Cusco
Transfer to Ollantaytambo and scheduled train to the km 104 access.
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Very early
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days
Short Inca Trail ★★★★★5.0
Hike the short Inca Trail from km 104. On day one, climb past Chachabamba through cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna, continue to the Sun Gate and descend to Aguas Calientes for the night. On day two, return to Machu Picchu for a guided visit on the circuit linked to the permit. There is no camping, but the main hiking day has sustained climbing and many stairs.
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General information
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
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Start: very early pickup in Cusco
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Finish: return to Cusco on day 2 afternoon or evening
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Service: authorized group trek
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Languages: English and Spanish
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Difficulty: moderate to challenging
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Maximum altitude: about 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
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Distance: about 10.4–13 km / 6.5–8 mi of main hiking
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What to expect
Day 1
Cusco — Ollantaytambo — km 104 — Wiñay Wayna — Sun Gate — Aguas Calientes
Chachabamba
Passport and named-permit verification followed by an archaeological visit.
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Control and start
Wiñay Wayna
Sustained climb through cloud forest and stairs to the archaeological complex.
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Main ascent
Sun Gate and Aguas Calientes
Enter through Intipunku, pass through the Machu Picchu area and descend to the hotel.
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Afternoon
Day 2
Aguas Calientes — Machu Picchu — Ollantaytambo — Cusco
Hotel departure
Breakfast and transfer to the entrance according to the ticket time.
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Coordinated time
Machu Picchu
Guided visit on the circuit linked to the permit and current regulations.
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Assigned official circuit
Aguas Calientes
Return to town and board the train at the coordinated time.
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After the visit
Cusco
Train to Ollantaytambo and final road connection.
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Afternoon or evening
What you should know
Recommended gear
- Valid original passport
- Light daypack with rain cover
- Hiking shoes with good grip
- Comfortable layered clothing
- Waterproof jacket or poncho
- Hat, sunscreen and UV sunglasses
- Water and compact snacks
- Medication and repellent
- Peruvian soles
- Portable charger
Booking, effort and safety
Although shorter than the classic program, day one has sustained ascent and many stairs. Seek medical advice for heart, respiratory, knee, back or mobility conditions. Stay with the guide, do not enter closed areas and avoid bulky luggage. Permits are named and non-transferable and follow strict official change and refund rules.
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Mandatory permit and schedule
Km 104 access requires a named permit and authorized operator. Train, checkpoint, hike, buses and Machu Picchu time form a fixed sequence; a delay may prevent entry. Route and circuit follow current official rules. Confirm permit, circuit, hotel and transportation before payment.
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Carry the original passport used for booking.
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The first-day hike normally takes about 5 to 7 hours.
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There is no camp; the night is in an Aguas Calientes hotel.
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Acclimatize for at least 1 or 2 days in Cusco.
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The route may close for conservation, rain, landslides or safety.
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Included
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- Pre-trip briefing
- Transfer Cusco–Ollantaytambo
- Train to km 104 at the confirmed time
- Named Short Inca Trail permit
- Professional bilingual guide
- Box lunch on day one
- One hotel night and breakfast according to category
- Admissions, buses and return train listed in confirmation
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Not included
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- Breakfast on day one and meals not described
- Trekking poles unless rented
- Extra water and snacks
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Hotel, room or train upgrades
- Travel, rescue or evacuation insurance
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Services not described
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Location
Cusco, Peru
Frequently asked questions
Are both days full hiking days?
No. The main hike is on day one; day two is for the guided Machu Picchu visit and return.
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Do I need a permit?
Yes. Km 104 is part of the Inca Trail network and requires a named permit through an authorized operator.
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Where do we sleep?
At an Aguas Calientes hotel in the confirmed category.
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Which Machu Picchu circuit is included?
The circuit follows the permit and current regulation and is confirmed when tickets are issued.
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Can I change the date?
Permits are named, with highly restricted changes and refunds.
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When should I book?
Several months ahead, especially in high season, because capacity is limited.
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Reviews
5.0
70 reviews
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Rene is very passionate about the history of the places. He knows many histories of the places and the local culture.
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Hi! I'm Maribel from Argentina. What can I say about our amazing experience in Cusco! It was incredible! I traveled there in October to celebrate my birthday. Words can't describe the wonderful experience we had! Thank you, Lost in Peru, for providing everything we agreed upon, and much more! A company to hire without hesitation! We paid for our tour, including accommodation, all covered by the company. Congratulations and may you continue to grow! I will definitely contact you again to plan my return trip to Peru! See you soon! Greetings from Argentina! Sending you kisses! Maria, Melissa, Ana, and Maribel
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I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have connected with such a wonderful company as Lost in Peru, with its amazing people. From the very first contact, over 3,000 km away, they arranged our entire stay, accommodations, transfers, guided tours, and much more, with remarkable kindness. And as if that weren't enough, they welcomed us and said goodbye with beautiful gifts. THANK YOU!! Highly recommended, without a doubt. Tupananchiskama
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Voy a recomendarlos siempre! Fue una experiencia maravillosa viajar a Perú con Lost in Perú. Estuvieron atentos todo momento, puntuales, en cada detalle y respondiendo todas las consultas...gracias por hacer de nuestro viaje, un viaje inolvidable...
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I highly recommend Lost in Peru!!! I want to thank everyone, especially Bertha and Alonso, for their attention during those 10 days of the tour!!! Also, thank you for the gift!!! I'm so happy to have visited Peru!!! Lost in Peru...thank you so much for everything!!! 🥰❤️🇦🇷
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