2-Day Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu with Sun Gate Entry

Begin with an early hotel pickup in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Travel by train to Km 104, the official start of the Short Inca Trail, and enjoy a picnic breakfast before setting off. Visit Chachabamba, an ancient Inca site hidden at the foot of the mountains.

Ascend through lush cloud forest to Wiñaywayna, renowned for its impressive agricultural terraces and panoramic views. Explore the ruins and enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch nearby.

Continue along the trail to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) for your first view of Machu Picchu in the soft afternoon light. Walk 30 minutes down to enter the citadel via Circuit 1, where the best viewpoints await with fewer crowds. Capture unforgettable photos before taking the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, then spend the night in a comfortable 3-star hotel.

• Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
• Maximum altitude: 2700 m
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Start with breakfast at your hotel, then catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, arriving just as morning light spreads across the mountains. Join your guide for a two-three hour Circuit 3 tour, exploring the citadel's key landmarks and uncovering the stories behind each structure.

After the tour, choose an optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for spectacular panoramic views (advance booking required). Return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and a browse through the local market.

In the afternoon, board the panoramic train back to Ollantaytambo, then transfer by bus to Cusco, arriving around 7:30 p.m.

• Guided tour: 2-3 hours
• Maximum altitude: 2430 m
• Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.