Fantastic holiday, a real adventure. We saw sights I had only dreamed about. Every day there was something new to wonder at, from…
Anonymous | Traveled in MayTwo days. One night. And at the end of it, you’re standing in front of Machu Picchu — not from a bus window, not from a viewpoint with a hundred other tourists, but on foot, through the Sun Gate, the way the Incas arrived.
The Short Inca Trail was designed for travelers who don’t have four days to spare but refuse to just take the train and call it a visit. In 12 kilometers, this route threads through cloud forest, passes Wiñay Wayna — one of the most dramatic Inca sites on the entire trail network — and delivers you to Machu Picchu in the afternoon, when the crowds have thinned and the light is at its best.
You see the citadel twice: once from above at the Sun Gate, and again the following morning for a full guided tour. That second visit changes everything.
Machu Picchu Peru Lovers runs this trek in groups of no more than 8 hikers — most departures run 4 to 6. A professional, English-speaking guide handles everything from permits to Inca history.
Machu Picchu entrance spaces are limited and sell out. The sooner you book, the better your options.
Day highlight: Walking through the Sun Gate at dusk and seeing Machu Picchu from above for the first time — then arriving at the citadel as the afternoon crowds begin to leave
The day starts very early. The van leaves your Cusco hotel at 4:00 AM — the streets are empty, the air is cold, and the first hour is mostly about the road. The drive to Ollantaytambo takes roughly two hours. You can sleep in the van; the seat is comfortable and the guide handles everything else.
At the Ollantaytambo train station, your guide hands over the lunchbox for the day and gets everyone checked in. The train departs at approximately 6:10 AM. The journey to Km 104 takes just over an hour through the Urubamba canyon — breakfast on the train is on your own, and there are options on board.
At Km 104 (Chachabamba, 2,000 m), the train makes a brief stop and the group steps off. A footbridge crosses the Urubamba River, the checkpoint is a few minutes ahead, and then the trail begins. Passport check — your guide manages all permits.
The first hour and a half are a gentle upward climb through changing vegetation. The path starts in dry, open terrain near the river and gradually shifts into cloud forest. Along the way, several lookouts open over the Urubamba River valley below — wide views, Andean ridges layered in both directions.
The second hour and a half steepen. The path climbs through increasingly dense jungle, and the air becomes noticeably cooler and more humid. A waterfall appears at the end of this section, dropping into the valley. The stone steps near the waterfall are often wet. Take your time here.
After crossing the bridge below the waterfall, Wiñay Wayna (2,600 m) appears above you on the ridge. The site is large and dramatic — two-tiered agricultural terraces drop steeply into the canyon, a ceremonial complex sits at the top, and the orchid the ruins are named after grows throughout the surrounding jungle. Some walls are still being cleared from vegetation. This is where you stop for a full gourmet lunch.
To be honest: this is often people’s favourite part of the whole trip. Eating lunch at Wiñay Wayna, looking out over the canyon, before the last stretch to Machu Picchu — the timing is good and the setting is hard to beat.
After lunch, the walk to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku, 2,730 m) is mostly flat with gentle undulation. The final approach involves a set of steep stone stairs cut directly into the bedrock — these are the ones locals sometimes call the “Gringo Killers.” They are steep. They are worth it.
At the top of the stairs, you turn a corner. Machu Picchu is below. Take the time. Photograph it. It doesn’t look smaller in person than in the images — it looks larger.
The last 60 minutes descend from the Sun Gate toward the citadel, passing a couple of additional Inca sites along the path. Your guide explains them on the way down.
Arriving at Machu Picchu in the afternoon — the morning tour groups have already left. The viewing platforms above the site near the House of the Guardians are quieter. The afternoon light is longer and warmer. The photographs come out differently.
After time at the citadel and photos from the viewing platforms, the group takes the bus down the switchbacks to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m). Check in to the hotel. Dinner at a restaurant in town. The hot springs are a short walk from the center if you have energy. The river runs loud all night.
Meals: Gourmet box lunch (at Wiñay Wayna) · Dinner at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes | Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (private room, private bathroom, hot shower, buffet breakfast, Wi-Fi)
Day highlight: A full two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu Citadel in the morning, before the crowds peak
Breakfast at the hotel, then one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu in the morning. The bus ride takes about 25 minutes on switchbacks carved into the mountain face. At the top, the citadel is in early morning light.
The two-hour guided tour works through the main sectors of the citadel: agricultural, residential, and religious. Your guide — with a professional degree in Archaeology, History, or Anthropology — covers the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, the Room of the Three Windows, and the layout of the residential and religious zones. This is not a standard loop with a headset. It’s an actual explanation of what you’re looking at and why it matters.
After the guided tour, there’s free time for personal exploration, photos, and — for those who booked in advance — Huayna Picchu Mountain. The climb to Huayna Picchu is done independently after the guided section. It takes 45–60 minutes up, involves rope-assisted sections and narrow stone steps, and is not recommended for those with a fear of heights.
Walking poles are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. Large backpacks are also restricted at the entrance. Small camera bags are fine.
In the afternoon, the bus takes the group back down to Aguas Calientes. Lunch in town is on your own — there are plenty of restaurants near the main plaza and along the river. Time for shopping, a visit to the museum, or the thermal baths if lunch is quick.
The Expedition Train departs Aguas Calientes at 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM (subject to availability), following the Urubamba River back through the canyon to Ollantaytambo. Looking up from the train near the canyon’s narrowest point, Wiñay Wayna is visible on the wall high above — where you had lunch yesterday.
The private van meets the group at the Ollantaytambo station exit. Back to Cusco, hotel drop-off at approximately 7:00 PM.
Meals: Buffet breakfast at hotel | Accommodation: Return to Cusco hotel
Included:
Trip went very smoothly and was very well organized. Easy to highlight is Machu Picchu, but our visit of Amantani island on Lake Titicaca was a real interesting and unique experience. Read more.
This was an excellent well-organized tour at a great value with plenty of variety and lots of free time to explore. Read more.
This was our first trip with Bookmundi and we are extremely happy. From start to finish the experience was excellent. Read more.
We saw all the highlights, the guides were excellent and the trip flowed nicely. The pacing was just right. Read more.
Weeks to months before departure:
A few days before:
During the trek:
On payments:
| Option | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Without hotel | $499 USD |
| 3-star hotel included (Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu or similar) | $522 USD |
| 4-star hotel (El Mapi or Tierra Viva — subject to availability) | $622 USD |
Group service runs with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 hikers. Departures operate year-round except February. The pace is set for the group on a fixed schedule. A good option for solo travelers and pairs who want to join a small mixed group.
Hotel single supplement:
Documents:
For your daypack (worn on the trail — day one):
For your duffel bag (sent by train to Aguas Calientes):
Additional notes:
Hotel pick-up
Pick-up is from your Cusco hotel at 4:00 AM on day one. This is early and necessary — the train from Ollantaytambo departs at approximately 6:10 AM, and the drive takes close to two hours. Confirm your hotel name and room number when booking. The driver will be at your hotel entrance on time.
Luggage storage and duffel bags
Your main luggage — suitcases, large bags — can be stored at your Cusco hotel during the two days. Take only what you need: your daypack for the trail on day one, and your small duffel for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
The duffel bag is sent by train from Ollantaytambo directly to Aguas Calientes — up to 5 kg per person. It will be at your hotel when you check in on the evening of day one. Pack it in advance and hand it to your guide at the start of the day.
Payment conditions
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco
The return on day two follows this sequence: bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, free time for lunch, then the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by the private van to your Cusco hotel.
The standard return train is the Expedition service, departing Aguas Calientes at 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM (subject to availability). Upgrade to the Vistadome for $67 USD per person — panoramic overhead windows, snack and beverage service, on-board cultural performance. The Vistadome runs to Poroy (near Cusco), with a private van pick-up for the final 25-minute drive.
Expected arrival at your Cusco hotel: approximately 7:00 PM.
Early departures are available on request at the time of booking.
The Short Inca Trail runs with a minimum of 2 participants and is available on almost any day year-round — with one important exception: the trail is closed during February for maintenance within the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. No departures during that month.
Machu Picchu entrance tickets are sold in limited numbers per time slot, per day, by the Peruvian government. Availability can be tight during peak season:
The Short Inca Trail permits are also government-issued and tied to your passport. They cannot be changed or transferred after purchase.
Circuits at Machu Picchu: The standard visit covers Circuit #1 and Circuit #3. Circuit #2 is available as an optional upgrade for $55 USD per person, arranged in advance. The user selects only one circuit combination per visit. For private service clients who want a different circuit arrangement, contact us directly.
Trains to Machu Picchu
The Short Inca Trail uses the train in both directions. On day one, the train takes the group from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 (Chachabamba), a journey of approximately one hour through the Urubamba canyon. On day two, the return train runs from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo.
Two train options for the return journey:
Early train departures are available on request at the time of booking.
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes
The included 3-star hotel is the Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu or similar — private room, private bathroom, hot shower, buffet breakfast, and Wi-Fi. A solid, comfortable hotel for a one-night stay.
For travelers who want more space or a higher level of finish, upgrade options include:
If you are extending your stay in Aguas Calientes beyond the tour dates, contact us to arrange additional nights. Prices from $60 USD per person per night depending on property and availability.
Transport summary
Circuits at Machu Picchu
The tour includes Circuit #1 and Circuit #3, which cover the main sectors: agricultural terraces, residential zone, religious sector, Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana stone, Room of the Three Windows, and the main viewing platforms.
Circuit #2 ($55 USD extra) covers additional upper-citadel areas and must be arranged in advance.
Huayna Picchu Mountain ($75 USD, not included) is a separate ticketed hike within the citadel grounds. It must be booked at the time of your tour reservation. During high season, it sells out weeks ahead.
Physical fitness considerations
The Short Inca Trail is classified as mild to moderate — accessible to most reasonably active adults. That said, a few things are worth being clear about:
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru and can interrupt tours. Roads can be blocked; train tracks can be occupied. We will always try to keep the trip as originally planned — including, where necessary, adjusting timing to work around disruptions.
If tours must be changed or canceled due to civil disruption, our operations team coordinates directly with you. Your safety is the deciding factor in every such decision.
Lost items
Pay attention to where you leave your belongings — on the train, at the trail checkpoint, at camp near Wiñay Wayna, and at the hotel. Once you leave a location, retrieval is difficult or impossible. You are responsible for your own items throughout the duration of the tour.
If you have a question about this or any other trip, our travel experts are ready to help with dates, availability and private options.
