Why Choose the 2-Day Inca Trail by Inca Memories?At Inca Memories, we are a locally owned and fully licensed Inca Trail tour operator, committed to delivering a reliable, punctual, and personalized travel...See more
Why Choose the 2-Day Inca Trail by Inca Memories?
At Inca Memories, we are a locally owned and fully licensed Inca Trail tour operator, committed to delivering a reliable, punctual, and personalized travel experience. Whether you’re traveling solo or in a group, you’ll be welcomed with warmth and professionalism.
What makes our 2-day Inca Trail hike unique?
- Exclusive Service: We operate private tours without combining groups from other agencies, ensuring a more intimate and personalized journey.
- Small Group Focus: Our tours are limited to 2–8 participants, allowing for a richer, more attentive experience compared to larger group tours.
- Seamless Coordination: You’ll travel with your guide on the same train to the short Inca Trail trailhead, ensuring consistency and smooth logistics from start to finish.
- Expert Local Guides: Our knowledgeable guides are passionate about the Inca Trail and engage in ongoing professional development to provide the highest level of insight and care.
- Early Return to Cusco: Your return train departs Aguas Calientes at 2:55 PM, allowing you to arrive back in Cusco early — perfect for a restful night or to join another adventure the following day.
- With Inca Memories, you’ll not only hike a legendary trail, but you’ll also experience it through the eyes of those who know it best.
2 Day Inca Trail Hike:
This tour is a relatively easier option. You will not have to hike to high altitudes or camp in remote areas. In fact, families with young children often opt for the 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
The 12-kilometer (7.4-mile) trail to the lost Inca city takes you through three notable Inca sites: Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and Intipunku (Sungate). The route offers amazing views of the snow-capped peaks of the Peruvian Andes. You will walk through the different species of flora and fauna characteristic of the region.
We are a local tourism company. At Inca Memories, we have a dedicated team of local English-speaking guides for the Inca Trail. They have walked the trail over a hundred times. As locals, they have extensive knowledge about the traditions and history and are also trained in first aid.
Join us as a solo traveler, couple, or small group to follow in the footsteps of the Incas on this short 2 day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.
Please note that although the hike is not as high as the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we strongly recommend that you spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco acclimatizing to avoid altitude sickness.
The best time of year to hike the 2 Days Inca Trail is from March to November, during the dry season.
See lessDuration
2 Days
Group Size
7
Language
English, Spanish
Highlights
Hike the original Inca Trail and reach Machu Picchu by the Sungate.Enjoy panoramic views of the Inca sites of the Inca Trail (Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna).Enjoy our friendly customer service and experienced guides.Hike through different types of landscapes and scenery, such as cloud forests, highlands, grassy hills, and Andean valleys.Include/Exclude
- Short Inca Trail Permits (km 104)Once we receive your complete personal information and reservation deposit, we’ll manage all the necessary permits for your trek. Permits are non-transferable, issued under your full name and for a specific date, and cannot be modified under any circumstances. Passport number changes are only permitted for renewal cases; in that event, both old and new passports must be presented.
- Machu Picchu Entry Tickets, Your Inca Trail permit includes Circuit 1, which takes you to the upper terraces of Machu Picchu—the perfect spot for that iconic postcard photo. To enhance your experience, we’ll also include access to circuit 3 (a walk through the lower sector), Your Inca Trail permit includes access to Circuit 1,Circuit 3
- Meet your guide the day before your trek at 5:00 PM at our main office in Cusco. This session will cover final trip details, allow you to meet your group, and you’ll receive your duffle bag for the hike.
- Expert Tour Guides, Our certified guides are fluent in English and Spanish, and are carefully selected for their experience, responsibility, and passion for sharing Peru’s cultural heritage. They’re committed to your comfort and safety throughout the journey. First Aid & Medical Support, All guides receive annual first aid training and carry a comprehensive medical kit,including oxygen. In case of an emergency, we will arrange for immediate evacuation and ensure professional medical care.
- One-night stay in Aguas Calientes at a comfortable hotel with private bathroom, hot water, WiFi, and breakfast included. Luggage storage is available during your Machu Picchu visit.
- Meals Included Day 1: Boxed lunch during the hike and dinner in Aguas Calientes. Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel. Snacks & Water: Provided on Day 1.
- Transportation Day 1: Transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station, Train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 (start of trek) Day 2: Round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo Private transfer from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Breakfast – Day 1
- Lunch and dinner – Day 2
- Bus Ticket Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Day 1) is not included in the base package but is available for purchase for your convenience. It offers a comfortable and efficient descent after your visit to Machu Picchu.
- Travel and health insurance (bring copies with you please): Inca Memories highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance and emergency medical expense insurance.
- Additional Costs Due to Unforeseen Circumstances: Please note that any extra expenses arising from events beyond our control—such as extreme weather, political unrest, health emergencies, natural disasters, or other force majeure events—are not included in the package. In such cases, we will do our utmost to assist and support you through the situation.
Travel Itinerary
Day 1
Hike Day
Day 2
Machupicchu to Cusco
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for the 2 day tour?
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but due to the higher altitude of the Andes, the temperature can be quite cold, especially at night. We recommend using a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good-sized backpack between 20 and 30 liters is also essential.List of things you must bring:
- Original passport (and a few copies) If you have changed passports, bring a couple of copies of the one you used to buy the Inca Trail permit.
- Travel insurance is essential (and a few copies).
- Cash in US$ and credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- Camera and memory cards
- Rechargeable batteries, powerbank, adapters.
- Reading/writing material
- Binoculars
- Backpack holster
- Pocket knife
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses, Hat
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Water bottle
What is the Short Inca Trail?
The tour is a 2-day trek that takes you through a portion of the famous Inca Trail, allowing you to reach Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.
How long is the 2 day Inca Trail?
The trek covers about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles), usually completed in one full day of hiking, and the second day is spent exploring Machu Picchu.
What is the difficulty level of the 2 day Short trail?
Is moderate in difficulty, with some uphill and downhill sections but less demanding than the full 4-day trek.
Is the Short Inca Trail suitable for beginners?
Yes, this trail is suitable for people with a moderate level of fitness and those with basic hiking experience.
Can I hike the 2 days Inca Trail without a guide?
No, just like the classic Inca Trail, this tour also requires a licensed guide due to regulations governing the national park.
Is there an age limit for hiking the tour?
While the 2 day Short trail is easier than the full 4-day trek, there’s still an age limit of 6-70 years, though exceptions may apply depending on fitness levels.
Can I hike the 2 day Inca trail if I have no hiking experience?
If you’re in good health and relatively fit, you can hike the Short Inca Trail, but prior hiking experience will make the trek easier.
What happens if I cancel my 2 day Inca Trail booking?
Cancellation policies vary by tour operator, but most have strict policies due to the high demand for permits. You may lose part of your deposit or full payment if you cancel last-minute.
How do I prepare for altitude sickness on the Short Inca Trail?
Acclimatize in Cusco for 2-3 days before your trek, drink plenty of water, and consider taking altitude sickness medication.
What is the altitude of the 2 day Short trail?
The highest point of the trail is at 2,730 meters (8,957 feet) at the Sun Gate.
Is there a risk of food or waterborne illnesses?
Most tour operators provide purified water and ensure that meals are prepared hygienically. Carry water purification tablets just in case.
What are the emergency evacuation procedures on the Short Inca Trail?
If you become seriously ill or injured, your guide will arrange for evacuation to Aguas Calientes, where you can take a train back to Cusco.
What type of footwear is best for the 2 day Inca Trail?
A good pair of hiking boots with ankle support is recommended, as the trail has some uneven and rocky terrain.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
If you’re interested in climbing either of these peaks, you must purchase a separate permit, as it is not included in the tour.
Are there toilets along the trail?
There are toilets at checkpoints and at Machu Picchu, but they can be basic and limited in number.
Tour Terms & Conditions
IMPORTANT:
Cancellation Policy:
All bookings are final sales after 24 hours of purchase.
Privacy Policy:
Personal information will only be used for billing and booking programs with INCA MEMORIES.
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