The Short Inca Trail starts at km 104 of the railway, the degree of difficulty is the same as day 4 of the traditional Inca trail, with a slight rise to inti punku, to see the sunset passing through Wiñayhuayna, and descending to the citadel of Machu Picchu, from where you can descend to hot waters by bus, or walking.
All 2 day Inca Trail tour operators match that this short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu combines beautiful mountain landscapes and offers incredible panoramic views, lush forests, a subtropical jungle of splendid natural surroundings, with the magnificent work of the Incas as an exceptional mix of Inca cobbles placed on the road, terraces of agriculture, water sources, tunnels and amazing archaeological sites including the famous sun gate and the sunset over Machu Picchu. All 2 day Inca Trail tour operators recommend this hike for those who have limited time and those who want to have a walk easily reachable.
This short inca trail starts from Cusco, by bus to Ollantaytambo, where we catch a train to km. 104 - the beginning of the trail, this area has a very good climate with an average temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and hikers can enjoy the Inca ruins that are along the 12-kilometer route. It really is a unique experience, sharing unforgettable moments in full contact with nature and reach the famous Inca city of Machu Picchu, where we can admire its charm and magic, and we can see its great old buildings wrapped in a great history, which make be recognized as a wonder of the world. The Inca Trail is one of those things that nobody should miss the opportunity to do it. Everyone should do once in life; be a woman or man, young or old, have good or bad physical condition... The Inca Trail is simply for everyone...
When 2 day Inca Trail tour operators speak to you, of what degree of difficulty, you have this or that walk, do not hesitate to give it medium, moderate or high, referring to the technical difficulty of course. But in reality, the 2 day Inca Trail difficulty, of each walk is in each one.
In the end, 2 day Inca Trail tour operators agree that the 2 day Inca Trail difficulty is moderate. The entire route to the wonderful short Inca trail requires moderate and difficult physical effort because the entire route is not easily accessible, due to the height of the route (2600 masl to 4000 masl) and the constant ascents and descents in the journey, the 2 day Inca Trail difficulty is greater. In addition to this effort is worth the unique and unforgettable experience that will live in this great route of pure indescribable adventure only with words, to necessarily know you have to live them. Do not let the 2 day Inca Trail difficulty prevent you from reaching the majestic Machu Picchu, with a good acclimatization before the trip, you can make this walk without any problem.
The 2-day trek Machu Picchu is a shorter and less challenging version of the classic 4-day Inca Trail, but still offers breathtaking views of the Andes and the chance to explore Incan ruins along the way.
Overall, the 2-day Inca Trail is a great option for those who want to experience the beauty and history of Machu Picchu but have limited time or are not able to do the full 4-day trek.
The inclusions for a Machu Picchu 2-day hike tour may vary depending on the tour operator you choose, but generally, the following are included:
Transportation: pick up from your hotel in Cusco and transfer to the start of the trail, as well as transportation back to Cusco at the end of the tour.
Entrance fee to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Professional bilingual guide.
Meals: lunch on the first day, dinner, and breakfast on the second day. Snacks and water are also usually provided.
Camping equipment: tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping mats.
Porter service: porters to carry up to 5 kg of your personal belongings, such as clothes and toiletries.
It's important to note that some tour operators may have additional inclusions or exclusions, so it's best to check with them directly for a full list of what is included in their 2-day Inca Trail tour.
The following items are typically not included in a 2-day Inca Trail tour:
Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: If you wish to climb either of these peaks, you will need to purchase a separate entrance ticket.
Sleeping bag and hiking poles: While some tour operators may provide sleeping bags and hiking poles, many do not. Make sure to check with your operator in advance and bring your own if necessary.
Personal porters: If you require a personal porter to carry your belongings, this may not be included in the tour cost and may need to be arranged separately.
Travel insurance: It is recommended to purchase travel insurance that covers the Inca Trail trek in case of any accidents or emergencies.
Meals in Aguas Calientes: The tour may not include meals in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. You may need to budget for meals on your own.
Gratuities: Tips for guides, porters, and cooks are not typically included in the tour cost, so you should plan to budget for these separately.
If the Inca Trail is sold out, don´t worry, we recommend you take the alternative treks to Machu Picchu or you can take the Machu Picchu tours by train, in these services are included the Machu Picchu tickets early
