Arrive in Cusco at least one day before the trek, because the briefing is required and it happens the afternoon or evening before we set off, right at your hotel. It’s a relaxed hour or so: you’ll meet your guide, go through safety and packing tips, pick up your complimentary Short Inca Trail map, and ask anything still on your mind. If you want trekking poles, this is the moment to sort out a rental pair. Then get an early night, since pickup the next morning comes around 4 am.
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This two-day guided trek follows the final section of the Inca Trail, from Km 104 near the Urubamba River to Machu Picchu. On Day 1, we hike 13 km (8 mi) past the Inca sites of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, climbing through cloud forest before reaching the Sun Gate in the afternoon for our first view of the citadel. We spend the night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, then return to Machu Picchu the next morning for a two-hour guided tour. Permits, Machu Picchu tickets, trains, buses, and transfers from and back to Cusco are included, along with three meals. Group departures are the standard option, and private departures are also available.
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We leave Cusco around 4 am and transfer to Ollantaytambo, then ride the train for two hours through the Sacred Valley to Km 104, the start of the trail. After the checkpoint, we explore Chachabamba, an Inca site beside the Urubamba River. Then we climb original stone stairs through cloud forest for about three hours to Wiñay Wayna, with its terraces, ceremonial baths, and Temple of the Rainbow. After a box lunch with views over the valley, the trail eases toward the Sun Gate, which we reach around 3 pm for our first view of Machu Picchu. We walk down to the classic viewpoint, then take the bus to Aguas Calientes for dinner.
Meals: Box lunch, dinner
Distance: 13 km (8 mi), about 5-6 hours walking
Elevation: +600 to 700 m (+1,969 to 2,297 ft), from 2,040 m (6,691 ft) to 2,720 m (8,920 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes -
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we catch one of the first buses back up to Machu Picchu to see the citadel in the morning light. Our guide leads a two-hour tour of Circuit 3, the Royalty Route, through royal residences, temples, and terraces in the quieter lower part of the site. Along the way, we cover the history, astronomy, and engineering behind it all. If you’ve booked the optional Huayna Picchu climb, you’ll head up on your own for a bird’s-eye view. Then we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and the train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, where a private transfer brings us back to Cusco between 8 pm and 9 pm.
Meals: Breakfast
Elevation: Min 2,040 m (6,691 ft), max 2,440 m (8,052 ft)
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Included:
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- An experienced, local, English-speaking trekking guide with extensive knowledge of the area (for groups larger than 8 people, a second guide joins)
- 2-day trek on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Pre-trek briefing in Cusco the afternoon or evening before, including a complimentary Short Inca Trail map
- Accommodation for 1 night at a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)
- 1 box lunch on Day 1, 1 dinner at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes, 1 breakfast at the hotel on Day 2
- Transport of up to 8 kg (18 lb) of your personal belongings to your hotel in Aguas Calientes while you hike (packed in a small labeled bag)
- Private pickup from your hotel in Cusco and transfer to Ollantaytambo train station, plus a private vehicle from Poroy or Ollantaytambo back to your Cusco hotel
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 and return Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy or Ollantaytambo
- One-way bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes on Day 1, and round-trip buses between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu on Day 2
- Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu Archeological Park entrance tickets — on Day 2, the ticket covers Circuit 3, one of the set routes visitors must follow through the site; a different route requires an extra permit at additional cost
- A 2-hour private guided walking tour of Machu Picchu on Circuit 3, the Royalty Route
Add-ons (possible to arrange at an additional cost, leave a note at checkout):
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- Hiking pole rental (a pair)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain permit
- Return Vistadome train upgrade
- Return Hiram Bingham train upgrade
- Hotel upgrade in Aguas Calientes to a 5-star or 4-star property (double occupancy)
Not included:
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- Transportation to Peru
- Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch on Day 2
- Drinks with dinner in Aguas Calientes
- Hiking poles (available to rent)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain permit
- Entrance to the thermal hot springs in Aguas Calientes
- Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above
- Insurance — recommended, available at checkout
- Guide gratuities — optional
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In order to join this short Inca Trail tour, good fitness is required as well as previous hiking experience on steep, uneven terrain. The most you’ll hike within a day is up to 13 km (8 mi), with up to 700 m (2,297 ft) of elevation gain, which works out to roughly 5 to 6 hours of walking.
Most of the climbing comes in the first half of the day, on original Inca stone staircases, so strong legs and steady knees help a lot. Altitude is gentler here than elsewhere in the region, with a high point of 2,720 m (8,920 ft) and a low point of 2,040 m (6,691 ft), but arriving in Cusco at least a day early to acclimatize and attend the pre-trek briefing is required anyway. There are no porters on this route, so you’ll carry your own daypack for the day; up to 8 kg of your other belongings is taken ahead to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover our collection of Machu Picchu tours!
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Yes, but it takes planning. The climb is an optional add-on on Day 2 and requires a separate permit that must be secured well in advance, as availability is strictly limited. Departures typically start at 9 am, and the hike takes about 1 hour up and 1 hour down, with big views over the citadel. It’s done independently, without your guide. If you’d rather skip it, you can use the time to explore the ruins further, subject to current Machu Picchu visitor regulations and circuit rules.
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- A licensed operator is required. Hiking the Inca Trail without a licensed operator has been prohibited since 2002, so your permit is arranged as part of this tour.
- Permits are limited. Only around 250 hiker permits are issued per day, and popular dates can sell out within days of release.
- Book early. Permits for the following year are released in October, and your guides recommend booking at least six to eight months in advance.
- Permits can’t be changed. Each permit is issued in your name and linked to your passport. Once issued, it can’t be changed, refunded, or transferred to someone else, and there’s no waiting list for sold-out dates, so double-check your details when booking.
- Bring your original passport. You’ll need it at the trail checkpoint and at the Machu Picchu entrance; photocopies aren’t accepted.
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- Water — there’s nowhere to buy water on the trail, so bring at least 2 liters, bought in Cusco or Ollantaytambo before the train
- Cash — there are no ATMs on the trail; bring small bills in Peruvian soles for snacks, toilets, tips, and the meals not included
- Toilets — there’s one at the start, one halfway, and one at Machu Picchu (a small fee applies there)
- Phone signal — your last reliable signal is at Ollantaytambo station, and the next is at Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes
- Luggage — carry only a small daypack; up to 8 kg of extra luggage is sent to your hotel in Aguas Calientes, and the rest can stay at your Cusco hotel
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You carry your own daypack on the trail, so keep it light. Everything else can go in the small bag the guides transport to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Documents and essentials:
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- Original passport, required at the checkpoints and to enter Machu Picchu (photocopies won’t do; keep it in a waterproof bag)
- Cash in Peruvian soles, in small bills, for tips, souvenirs, and extras (there are no ATMs on the trail)
- Proof of travel insurance, printed or digital, covering hiking and altitude
Bags and storage:
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- Daypack, 15-25L, lightweight with a rain cover, hip belt, and pockets (there are no porters on this trek)
- A few ziplock or plastic bags for wet or dirty items and waste, following leave-no-trace (Peru restricts disposable plastic, so reusable is better)
- A small carry-on bag or backpack, clearly labeled with your name, for the belongings sent ahead to Aguas Calientes
Clothing:
Go for moisture-wicking synthetics or merino rather than cotton, and pack for 2 days with one change of clothes.
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- 1 lightweight long-sleeve base layer (merino for warmth)
- 1-2 moisture-wicking t-shirts
- 1 pair of quick-dry nylon hiking pants (zip-off is handy)
- Warm jacket (fleece or light down)
- Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
- 2 pairs of sports underwear and 2 pairs of soft wool or synthetic socks
- Sun hat or cap with a neck flap, fleece beanie or scarf, lightweight gloves
- UV-protective sunglasses
- Small quick-dry towel and a swimsuit for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
Footwear:
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- Waterproof, broken-in hiking boots or shoes with good grip and ankle support (trail runners work on this moderate trek)
- Lightweight sandals or flip-flops for the hotel and showers
Hiking gear:
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- 1-2 adjustable trekking poles, highly recommended for the steep stone stairways and your knees (rental can be arranged)
- Reusable 1-2L water bottle or hydration bladder
Health and toiletries:
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- High-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen and lip balm
- DEET-based insect repellent
- Personal first aid kit with ibuprofen, Imodium, blister plasters, rehydration salts, and any prescription medication (ask your doctor about altitude medication such as Diamox)
- Travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, biodegradable wet wipes or tissues, hand sanitizer, toilet paper (pack out your waste)
Accessories and snacks:
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- Phone or camera in a waterproof case, plus a power bank (there are no outlets on the trail)
- Snacks you like: energy bars, nuts, fruit
- Optional: small binoculars, and a guidebook or app on Inca history
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Group sizes and pricing:
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- This short Inca Trail tour runs with one professional, English-speaking guide, and for groups larger than 8 people an additional guide joins so everyone gets personal attention.
- It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. Solo travelers are welcome too: your guides will try to place you with other hikers so your trip can go ahead.
- You can book a group departure, where other travelers may join to fill the group, or a private trek, where it’s just your crew. You’ll be able to select your preferred departure at checkout.
Min. age requirements:
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- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
- Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the short Inca Trail tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
- If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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The Inca Trail is open 11 months of the year, from March through January, and closes every February for maintenance. The dry season, from May to September, is the most popular time to hike, with clearer skies and better views of Machu Picchu. The wet season, from October to April, can bring heavy rain, but the trail is quieter and the cloud forest is at its greenest. Rain is possible year-round, so pack a rain jacket whatever month you go.
Days on the trail are usually mild, around 15–25°C (59–77°F), but nights can drop to around 10°C (50°F), so bring warm layers.
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The starting point of your short Inca Trail tour is Cusco, Peru. To get there, most people fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), usually connecting through Lima. From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or a taxi to reach your hotel in Cusco.
Plan to arrive in Cusco at least one day before the trek, as attending the pre-trek briefing is required. Your guide meets you at your hotel in Cusco the afternoon or evening before the trek for the briefing. On the first trekking day, pickup from your hotel in Cusco is at around 4 am, followed by a private transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station. All transfers during the tour are included, and after the second day a private vehicle brings you back to your Cusco hotel, typically between 8 pm and 9 pm.
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We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
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The trail reaches 2,720 m (8,924 ft), and Cusco sits even higher at 3,399 m (11,152 ft), so giving your body time to adjust is important. Your guides recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before the trek, taking it easy on those first days, and staying well hydrated. Your guides carry a first aid kit and are trained in first aid, but medical facilities on the trail are limited, so bring any personal medication with you.
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