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Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – The Fast, Intense & Magical 2-Day Route
Connect with Inca history, trek through the cloud forest, and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate – all in just 48 unforgettable hours.
Operated by Allpackers Expeditions – Experts in authentic trekking experiences
Connect with Inca history, hike through the cloud forest, and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate – all in just 48 unforgettable hours.
Imagine walking along ancient stone paths once used by Inca messengers, surrounded by misty mountains, lush jungle, and hidden archaeological gems. Now imagine doing it in just two days, without missing the magic of the legendary Inca Trail.
The Short Inca Trail, operated by Allpackers Expeditions, is the express version of the world-famous trek—crafted for travelers who want authenticity, adrenaline, and awe without committing to four or more days.
You’ll start at kilometer 104, explore the jaw-dropping ruins of Wiñay Wayna, and reach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) just as the sun hits the citadel. It’s a moment you won’t forget. The next day, we return for a relaxed, guided visit to dive deep into the stories, temples, and mysteries of the lost city.
The next day, you’ll return to Machu Picchu with fresh energy for a guided tour that brings every stone and secret to life.
Why choose this tour?
Because it’s efficient, epic, and 100% operated by a local expert team. Allpackers Expeditions specializes in turning short adventures into powerful experiences. You’ll hike the real Inca Trail (yes, the official one), surrounded by nature and guided by people who live and breathe this route.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple on a quick escape, or someone ticking Machu Picchu off your bucket list—this tour is the smart, bold way to do it.
Tour Snapshot:
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Difficulty: Moderate (you’ll earn those views!)
Route: Original Inca Trail – no buses, no alternate paths
Access: Enter Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
Operated by: Allpackers Expeditions – trusted local specialists
Availability: Limited daily permits – book in advance
Best time to go: April to October (dry season = best experience)
What makes it unforgettable?
It’s the perfect mix: a taste of the Inca Trail, ancient ruins, cloud forest landscapes, and the most iconic entrance to Machu Picchu—with none of the fluff.
Allpackers Expeditions makes sure every step is about connection: with history, with nature, and with the moment. No rushing, no crowds, just real trekking with real soul.
Book your spot and experience the power of the Inca Trail in just two days.
Short on time? Go big anyway. This is not the train-to-Machu-Picchu tourist route—this is the real deal. Walk it. Feel it. Own it.
Where does the Short Inca Trail start?
The Short Inca Trail adventure begins early in the morning—either from Cusco or the Sacred Valley, depending on where you’re staying.
🏙️ If you’re staying in Cusco:
Our team from Allpackers Expeditions will pick you up from your hotel at approximately 5:00 AM. We’ll make sure you’re fully prepared and ready for the journey ahead, then drive you to the train station in Ollantaytambo.
🏞️ If you’re staying in the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, or nearby):
Allpackers Expeditions will pick you up about an hour later, depending on your hotel’s location. It’s a more relaxed start, and you’ll be closer to the trailhead.
No matter where you’re staying, our team handles all the logistics—so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Just get your backpack ready and leave the rest to us.
If you’re still deciding where to stay before the trek, feel free to ask—we’ll gladly recommend ideal options to make your adventure smoother.
5:00 am
🎒 Ready to walk through history and nature?
Join the 2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with AllPackers Expeditions! 🏔️✨
We don’t just offer a trek — we deliver a full experience.
Distance: ~11 km / 6.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Max altitude: 2,720 m.a.s.l.
Hiking time: 7–8 hours
🚐 Early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
🚆 Scenic train ride to KM 104 (start of the trail)
🥾 Begin your hike with a visit to Chachabamba
⛰️ Climb steadily through cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna, a breathtaking Inca site
🍱 Enjoy a box lunch surrounded by Andean nature
🚶♂️ Continue the trail until you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) — your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu 😍
📷 Descend to Aguas Calientes by bus for rest and dinner
🏨 Overnight at a 3-star hotel in town
We’ll pick you up early from your hotel in Cusco (around 5:00 a.m.) and drive to Ollantaytambo train station to catch the train to Km 104 — the official starting point of the Short Inca Trail.
Our hike begins with a visit to the hidden Inca site of Chachabamba, nestled in the lush cloud forest. From there, we begin a steady uphill walk through rich Andean vegetation, home to colorful orchids, hummingbirds, butterflies, and — if luck is on our side — the elusive Spectacled Bear.
After about 3 hours, we reach Wiñay Wayna, an impressive Inca site that means “Forever Young” in Quechua. Here we’ll have lunch (box lunch included; carried by the traveler, approx. weight 2 kg), rest, and take in the view.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue along the original stone-paved Inca Trail to the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku), from where you’ll get your first magical view of Machu Picchu at sunset — often with far fewer tourists than during peak hours.
We’ll then descend to the main entrance, where a shuttle bus will take us down to the town of Aguas Calientes. After check-in at a comfortable 3-star hotel, you’ll have the evening free to relax and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Distance: ~2 km / 1.2 miles (inside the citadel)
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,430 m.a.s.l.
Guided tour duration: 2 hours
🍳 Early breakfast at your hotel
🚌 Bus up to Machu Picchu
🗿 Guided tour (approx. 2–2.5 hours) with our expert AllPackers guide
🕒 Free time to explore more or relax inside the citadel
🚆 Afternoon Expedition train to Ollantaytambo
🚐 Private transport to your hotel in Cusco
Early wake-up around 5:30 a.m. (time to be confirmed the night before) to catch one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu and enjoy the peaceful early morning ambiance of the citadel.
We’ll begin a 2-hour guided tour using Circuit 3, exploring the most important areas of the site — temples, sacred altars, agricultural terraces, and plazas — while learning about the mysteries and legacy of the Inca Empire.
After the tour, you’ll have the option (if tickets were booked in advance) to hike:
Huayna Picchu Mountain: ~2 hours round-trip (limited permits).
Machu Picchu Mountain: ~3 hours round-trip (more demanding hike).
Later, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, then board the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transport will bring you back to Cusco, arriving around 7:00 p.m.
💚 With AllPackers Expeditions, you’re not just hiking — you’re joining a family that puts passion, safety, and authenticity first.
📩 DM us to reserve your spot or ask questions!
🚶♀️ Let’s walk this path together — the Inca way.
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