The Express Version of the World’s Most Famous Trek

The 2-day 1-night Inca Trail is the perfect alternative for travelers with limited time who don’t want to miss the experience of arriving at Machu Picchu walking along the original Inca route.

In just 12 kilometers, you cover the most spectacular section of the trail: you cross the lush cloud forest, visit the impressive ruins of Wiñay Wayna — the second most important archaeological site after Machu Picchu — and arrive at the citadel through the mythical Sun Gate (Intipunku) at dawn on the second day.

It is the same magical arrival as the 4-day trek — in a shorter, more accessible version, with the comfort of sleeping in a hotel.

Quick Facts

🏃 Distance: 12 km total

📅 Duration: 2 days / 1 night

💪 Difficulty: Moderate

⛰️ Maximum altitude: 2,700 masl (Wiñay Wayna)

🏨 Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

📍 Starting point: Km 104 (Chachabamba)

🏛️ Archaeological sites: Wiñay Wayna + Machu Picchu

📆 Season: March to January (closed in February)

🎫 Permits: Required — sell out weeks in advance

Why Choose the 2-Day Version?

⏱️ Limited Time Not everyone has 4 days for trekking. You leave Cusco in the morning and return the next day at night — perfect if your Peru itinerary is tight.

💪 Less Physical Demand No mountain passes over 4,000 meters. Maximum altitude is 2,700 m and most of the route is a gradual climb up well-maintained steps. Ideal for families with children over 8, travelers over 60, those unsure of their fitness level, or anyone who prefers not to camp.

🏨 Hotel Comfort Unlike the 4-day trek, the short Inca Trail includes a night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes — real bed, hot shower, dinner at a restaurant, wifi to share your photos.

🌅 The Same Magical Arrival You arrive at Machu Picchu through Intipunku (Sun Gate) to see the sunrise. Exactly the same as the 4-day trek. That moment of seeing the citadel emerge from the fog with the first rays of sun is the most magical moment of the Inca Trail.

🌿 Cloud Forest The entire route crosses the subtropical cloud forest: over 300 species of orchids, hummingbirds, bromeliads and giant ferns — an ecosystem the 4-day trek only reaches on its third day.

2-Day vs 4-Day — Which Is Right for You?

Choose 2 Days if: you have limited time, travel with children or older adults, prefer hotel with hot shower, don’t want extreme altitude (+4,000 m), it’s your first trekking experience, or you want the essential experience without the extreme challenge.

Choose 4 Days if: you have time for the complete adventure, want to see all 7+ archaeological sites, enjoy camping, or seek the full transformative experience crossing the legendary mountain passes.

Choose Your Experience

We offer three service levels for the 2-Day Inca Trail. All share the same official permit, certified guide, day 1 lunch, day 2 breakfast and Machu Picchu entrance. The difference is in the hotel category, group size and comfort level.