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Enjoy the legendary experience of reaching Machu Picchu through the 2-day Premium Short Inca Trail Tour. Walk one of the most impressive hiking routes in the world, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and exclusive archeological sites, until you reach the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The route was designed for travelers seeking privacy, comfort, and flexibility, allowing them to experience a more personalized and authentic adventure.
Overview of the Private Short Inca Trail, 2 days
Why choose this experience with us?
- A private professional guide throughout the tour: From the pickup at your hotel to the end of the experience, your guide answers your questions and provides historical insight and safety along the whole route.
- The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu without rushing: An itinerary designed so you can walk the trail and see the citadel at your own pace, taking in the scenery, history and culture.
- A 5-star hotel experience: Spend a night in complete comfort at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, with dinner and buffet breakfast included.
- Return on the Vistadome Observatory train: Panoramic windows, an open-air balcony, live Andean music and dance, snacks on board and an alpaca fashion show.
Itinerary at a glance
Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
The tour starts in Cusco, from where we travel to kilometre 104 of the railway, the starting point of the hike. Along the way you will enjoy spectacular scenery and visit Inca Trail sites such as Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, before reaching the Inti Punku gateway (Sun Gate) and your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
The second day is devoted to the Inca citadel, discovering the details of its architecture, its history and the mysteries that still surround it. In the afternoon we return by train to Ollantaytambo and then by private transport to Cusco.
Tour facts
| Detail | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 7.5 miles / 12 km | Visit to Machu Picchu |
| Hiking time | Approx. 5 to 6 hours | Approx. 2 to 3 hours |
| Highest point | Inti Punku: 8,924 ft / 2,720 m | Machu Picchu: 7,972 ft / 2,430 m |
| Lowest point | Km 104 Chachabamba: 7,119 ft / 2,170 m | Aguas Calientes: 6,693 ft / 2,040 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Easy |
| Temperature | 46 °F to 79 °F (8 °C to 26 °C) | 48 °F to 73 °F (9 °C to 23 °C) |
Highlights of the route
- Cusco (the Imperial City or Qosqo): known as the navel of the world, it was the capital of the Tawantinsuyo empire. Today it combines colonial architecture with its Inca heritage.
- Km 104: set beside the Urubamba river, this is the starting point of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Chachabamba: the first archaeological site on the route, next to the checkpoint of the same name. A short walk full of impressive historic structures.
- Wiñay Wayna: famous for its steep agricultural terraces and archaeological enclosures, it offers one of the finest views of the trail.
- Inti Punku (the Sun Gate): the main entrance to Machu Picchu since Inca times, and the spot of the first panoramic view of the wonder of the world.
- Machu Picchu: an Inca citadel considered one of the main retreats of the Inca elite, as well as a sanctuary and astronomical centre among tropical mountains.
- Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town): the main service hub and gateway to Machu Picchu, home to the train station and several attractions.
- Ollantaytambo: a town that keeps its original Inca layout, with an impressive archaeological site and a wide range of tourist services.
Itinerary of the Private Short Inca Trail, 2 days
Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Today begins an experience designed exclusively for you. With your private guide, you walk the legendary Inca Trail at your own pace, free to stop and take in the scenery, take photographs and discover the history of each archaeological site.
- The private tour begins with your guide, with the pickup at your hotel in Cusco at around 4:20 a.m., and the drive by private vehicle to Ollantaytambo (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes). At its station we board the train that takes us to kilometre 104, where the hike towards Machu Picchu starts.
- On arrival we pass the first checkpoint and have time to get ready. At Chachabamba, the first archaeological site of the route, the guide introduces the history of the Incas and the importance of this ancient road. We then begin an uphill hike surrounded by lush cloud-forest vegetation and spectacular Andean scenery.
- After about three hours of walking we reach Wiñay Wayna, one of the best preserved jewels of the Inca Trail, known for its vertical agricultural terraces and its setting among the mountains. Here we pause to explore the site, enjoy the views and learn about its importance in Inca times.
- Beside Wiñay Wayna we enjoy a picnic-style gourmet box lunch surrounded by impressive views. We then continue for around two hours to the Inti Punku gateway (the Sun Gate), where we get our first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, an unforgettable reward for those who walk this historic route.
- After a short rest we descend for about 30 minutes to the Guardian's House, one of the best places to take in the grandeur of Machu Picchu and capture the most iconic photographs of the citadel.
- At the end of the visit we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, a ride of roughly 20 minutes. There we enjoy dinner at the Café Inkaterra Machu Picchu and spend the night at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, before exploring the citadel the next day.
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
After a restful night comes the most awaited moment: discovering Machu Picchu. With your private guide you explore temples, ceremonial enclosures and structures wrapped in mystery, while learning the fascinating history of this wonder of the world.
- The day starts early with birdwatching along the private gardens and trails of the Inkaterra, accompanied by a specialist hotel guide, as the cloud forest wakes up. After the buffet breakfast we head with our guide to the bus station to go up to the citadel.
- We tour Machu Picchu along circuit 3, which covers the most emblematic sectors: the Temple of the Sun, the Inca's House, the Sacred Fountains, the Temple of the Condor, the Royal Tomb, the Pisonay Plaza, the agricultural terraces and other important enclosures. Among ancient stones and otherworldly landscapes, the history comes alive with plenty of time for explanations and photographs.
- Back in town you have free time to enjoy Aguas Calientes: choose a restaurant for lunch, wander its streets or visit the colourful local market.
- In the late afternoon we board the Vistadome Observatory train, with panoramic windows, an open-air balcony, live Andean music and dance, snacks on board and an alpaca fashion show, while taking in the landscapes of the Sacred Valley. At Ollantaytambo a private transfer takes us back to Cusco, bringing to a close this exclusive adventure full of history, nature and culture.
What the Private Short Inca Trail, 2 days, includes
Permits and entrance tickets
- Short Inca Trail permit: We buy it as soon as we receive your booking, since availability is limited by high demand. Permits are personal, non-transferable and tied to a fixed date, with no changes allowed except for a passport renewal. Please check that your passport is valid; we will contact you as soon as the purchase is made.
- Machu Picchu ticket, day 1 (Inca Trail, route 5): The main Inca Trail access, walking the historic paths and visiting Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. Entry to the citadel is through the Inti Punku gateway, along the panoramic circuit.
- Machu Picchu ticket, day 2 (circuit 3, route 3B): The lower part of the citadel: agricultural terraces, urban sector, Temple of the Sun (exterior view), the Inca's House, the Sacred Plaza, ceremonial fountains and the Temple of the Condor.
Support and safety
- Pre-tour briefing: The day before, our representative goes through every detail of the programme with you and answers your questions.
- Private bilingual professional guide (Spanish and English): Dedicated exclusively to your group, your guide travels with you from Cusco, on the same train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104, providing assistance and safety throughout the route.
- Support staff (porter): A porter carries the lunch along the hike and waits for you at Wiñay Wayna to serve the picnic-style Andean gourmet box lunch, surrounded by the landscapes of the Inca Trail.
- First-aid kit and oxygen tank: Our guides receive ongoing first-aid training.
- Waterproof backpack cover, to protect your belongings from sun and rain.
- 24/7 customer service, with an emergency number available from start to finish.
Rest and comfort
- 1 night at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel 5★ in Aguas Calientes, in a superior room or similar, subject to availability.
- Birdwatching included at the Inkaterra. Before breakfast and the visit to Machu Picchu you can join a guided birdwatching walk along the hotel's private gardens and trails, with a specialist Inkaterra guide. An experience offered exclusively to hotel guests, as the cloud forest wakes up.
Meals
- Day 1: breakfast snack at the start of the hike, to get you going.
- Day 1: picnic-style Andean gourmet box lunch, with a special selection of Andean flavours and vegetarian and vegan options.
- Day 1: dinner at the Café Inkaterra Machu Picchu, with à la carte dishes and vegetarian options prepared by leading chefs, in a welcoming setting overlooking the Vilcanota river.
- Day 2: buffet breakfast at the Inkaterra hotel, with a variety of fruit and selected options.
- Purified water at the start of the route, plus safe refills from the portable filtration system your guide carries along the hike.
Transport
- Private transfers: your hotel in Cusco to Ollantaytambo station (day 1) and Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco (day 2).
- Expedition tourist train: Ollantaytambo to Km 104 (Chachabamba) on day 1.
- Vistadome Observatory train: Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo on day 2, with panoramic windows, an open-air observatory car, live Andean music and dance, snacks on board and an alpaca fashion show.
- Machu Picchu buses: down to Aguas Calientes on day 1, and up and down on day 2.
Not included
- Day 1: breakfast. We recommend bringing it or buying it at the train station before boarding. Snacks and drinks are also available on board.
- Day 2: lunch and dinner. Aguas Calientes and Cusco have restaurants for all tastes and budgets.
- Travel insurance (recommended): cover for flight cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruptions and medical assistance.
- Tips (optional).
- Extra costs caused by circumstances beyond our control: adverse weather, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, strikes, political instability or changes in government policy.
Price of the Private Short Inca Trail, 2 days
Rates
| Rate | 2026 price | 2027 price | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 950 USD | 970 USD | Private service from 2 people. |
| University student 18 to 25 years old | 925 USD | 945 USD | Valid physical university card. |
Booking guarantee
To secure a place on the Inca Trail, a minimum deposit of USD 300.00 per person is required when booking. The balance is usually paid in Cusco, after the briefing.
Upgrade your experience
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Wayna Picchu entrance | USD 70per person | One of the most exclusive hikes at Machu Picchu, with sweeping views from the famous mountain. Places are very limited: book at least 5 months in advance. |
| Private guide for Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain | USD 75per group | An expert guide with exclusive insight and personal attention on your extra hike. |
| Trekking poles | USD 15per pair | Extra stability and comfort on stairways and uneven ground. |
The Inca Trail closes in February
February is the wettest month of the year, so the trail closes for maintenance and officially reopens on 1 March. We recommend planning your trip from March onwards for the best experience.
What to bring on the Private Short Inca Trail, 2 days
These are the most important items for the private Short Inca Trail experience.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or national ID. It is requested at the Inca Trail checkpoints and at the entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Valid physical student card, if you booked the student rate.
Luggage
- A light 20 to 30 litre trekking backpack, carrying only the essentials (we provide the waterproof cover).
- A reusable water bottle, which you can fill at the start of the hike.
- Your main luggage can stay at your hotel in Cusco or in our secure storage; bring only what you need for the hike and the night in Aguas Calientes.
Clothing and footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots with good non-slip soles, already broken in rather than brand new.
- A pair of light sandals or comfortable shoes for Aguas Calientes.
- Light, breathable trekking clothing, preferably thermal materials (avoid cotton).
- A waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Warm clothing for the early morning and the evening.
- A hat or cap and sunglasses.
- A special outfit for your photos at Machu Picchu.
Personal items
- Sunscreen: radiation is strong at this altitude.
- Insect repellent.
- Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit.
- Wet wipes or toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
- Energy snacks: chocolate, nuts or energy bars.
- Cash in soles, in small notes, for tips, food or souvenirs.
Gear and extras
- Camera or phone and a power bank.
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (you can book them with the tour).
- Headphones.
Important notes
- We recommend acclimatising for at least 2 days in Cusco before the hike.
- Pack light: the less weight you carry, the more you will enjoy the experience.
- Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu have the warm, humid climate of the cloud forest, so some humidity along the route is normal.
- Keep your documents and valuables with you at all times during the hike.
- For international travellers: some hotels may ask for the Virtual Andean Migration Card (TAM Virtual) or a valid immigration record in order to apply the VAT exemption under Peruvian law.
Frequently asked questions about the Private Short Inca Trail, 2 days
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, ideally 8 months ahead and at least 4 to 6 months ahead during high season (April to October). The government strictly limits the number of people allowed on the Inca Trail: only 200 hikers a day receive permits, plus support staff and porters.
For that reason we recommend booking as far ahead as you can, as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
What is the best time of year for this tour?
The climate in the Andes has two seasons: the dry season (April to October) and the rainy season (November to March). Bear in mind that even in the rainy season a single day can bring both cloudy skies and strong heat. The Inca Trail is open from 1 March each year until the end of January, and the busiest months are April to September. Machu Picchu sits in the cloud forest, so its climate is warm and humid, with temperatures between 8 °C and 20 °C (46 °F to 68 °F). It is a good idea to bring clothing for both cold and warm weather.
How do I know if this tour is right for me?
The Private Short Inca Trail covers one of the best preserved stretches of the legendary road built by the Incas. Because permits are limited, this has become one of the most exclusive ways to reach Machu Picchu.
The programme is designed for travellers who value privacy, comfort and fully personalised service. It is ideal for couples, families and small groups who want to walk the Inca Trail at their own pace, enjoying every view without the constraints of a shared group.
What makes this private Inca Trail different from other private tours?
Our Private Inca Trail offers much more than a hike: you have specialist guides who walk at your pace, without rushing, accompanying you from start to finish, along with carefully prepared meals.
In Aguas Calientes you spend the night at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, an exclusive 5-star hotel surrounded by tropical gardens and Andean nature, known for its harmony with the natural setting of Machu Picchu.
Your return is on board the Vistadome Observatory train, with panoramic windows, an open-air observatory car, live music and spectacular views of the Sacred Valley.
What is the difference between the private and the shared Inca Trail?
The private service adapts entirely to your needs and preferences. The group is made up only of the people who book it, whether a couple, a family or a group of friends, with no other travellers joining.
Unlike the shared programme, it includes a bilingual guide dedicated exclusively to your group, the freedom to walk at your own pace, stop wherever you like and receive personal attention along the whole route, from Cusco to Machu Picchu. For those who value privacy, flexibility and quality of service, the difference in price shows in the quality of the experience.
What is the minimum number of passengers for the private service?
The Private Short Inca Trail is designed to run from 2 passengers. As an exclusive service, you can enjoy the experience at your own pace, with more flexibility and fully personalised attention. If you are travelling alone, ask our sales team about the options available.
Can I send luggage ahead for the second day?
Yes. Up to 5 kg of luggage can be carried on the train. This service must be requested at least 24 hours in advance, letting our sales team know so the arrangements can be made.
We provide a duffel bag for the clothes and items you need on the second day. This luggage is sent to Aguas Calientes, where you can collect it at the hotel on arrival.
What is the recommended age for children, and is there a maximum age for adults?
The hike is recommended for children from 8 years old, especially if they are used to walking and enjoy outdoor activities. As a private service, the pace adapts to the family's needs, which makes the experience more comfortable and safer for younger walkers.
For adults there is no maximum age, although we recommend a medical check-up beforehand and travel insurance that covers hiking and medical emergencies. Beyond age, what matters most is being fit enough to walk for several hours without long breaks, and arriving in Cusco early to acclimatise.
From what age do children pay on the Inca Trail and at Machu Picchu?
Children pay a special rate from 3 years old. To enjoy the experience fully we recommend the tour from 8 years old, as the paths are steep and have many stone steps. On a private service you can go at a more comfortable pace, take more breaks and enjoy the trip at your own rhythm.
Do Andean Community (CAN) citizens get a discount?
Citizens of the Andean Community (CAN) do not get a discount on the Inca Trail or on the Machu Picchu entrance. The CAN benefit applies only to programmes that do not include the Inca Trail.
Why does the Inca Trail close in February?
The Inca Trail stays closed throughout February for maintenance and conservation work, which coincides with the heaviest rains of the year. This protects the trail and keeps visitors safe. The route officially reopens on 1 March.
How many days before should I arrive in Cusco to acclimatise?
To enjoy this adventure fully and avoid problems with altitude sickness, we recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days in advance. During that time we can help you arrange acclimatisation activities, such as a half-day city tour of Cusco or a full-day excursion to the Sacred Valley.
If you are coming from another high-altitude area in Peru, one full day in Cusco is enough to rest and enjoy the city before the hike.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
It is not mandatory, but for your peace of mind and safety we recommend having travel insurance for anything unexpected. It can help in cases such as lost luggage, cancellations, strikes, natural disasters or other unforeseen events.
Is there phone signal or internet along the route?
Phone signal is limited along parts of the hike. However, our team carries a phone with coverage throughout the route to respond to any emergency. There is no signal during the train journey.
Will I receive travel information before the tour?
The day before departure you will receive detailed information from your guide, either as a group briefing or in person at your hotel.
Can I change my passport number after booking?
The government only allows passport numbers to be changed if we have a copy of both the new and the previous passport. If you no longer have your previous passport, any government-issued ID will be accepted as long as the name is the same. Also make sure your passport does not expire within the six months before or during your trip.
How do I get to Cusco?
Most people reach Cusco by air. Remember that Cusco airport only handles domestic flights: if you arrive from abroad via Lima, you must collect your luggage in Lima and check it in again for your flight to Cusco. Several airlines fly the Lima to Cusco route, including LATAM, JetSmart and Sky Airline, with similar schedules.
At what altitude does the hike start, and what is the highest point?
The hike starts at Chachabamba, km 104, at 7,119 ft (2,170 m), and climbs to 8,924 ft (2,720 m) at Inti Punku, the highest point of the route.
How many hours and miles do we walk on the first day?
The first day covers roughly 7.5 miles (12 km) and takes between 5 and 6 hours at a relaxed pace. That makes the 2-day Inca Trail a more comfortable and lighter alternative to the 4-day Classic Inca Trail.
Is breakfast included on day 1, before the hike?
A full breakfast is not included, although we give you a breakfast snack at the start of the hike. We recommend ordering a breakfast box at your hotel or having breakfast in Ollantaytambo before boarding the train.
What clothing and gear do you recommend?
Comfortable, light clothing. The most important items are good hiking shoes, trekking trousers, rain gear, a small backpack of about 30 litres, a sun hat or cap, trekking poles, insect repellent, sunscreen and a camera with a charged battery.
Do I need trekking poles?
Poles are very useful and recommended for this hike. There are many Inca stone steps to descend, of varying heights and not always straight; poles help relieve pressure on the knees and give support on the climbs. If you bring your own, make sure they have rubber tips, otherwise the park rangers will not allow their use. If you forget them, you can book a pair with the tour.
Are drones or GoPro cameras allowed?
Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are protected by the Peruvian State and UNESCO, so drones may not be brought in or flown. GoPros and small cameras are allowed, so you can capture the most beautiful scenes of the trail.
How long is the visit to Machu Picchu on day 2?
On the second day you enjoy an exclusive experience at Machu Picchu with your private guide, on a tour of about 2 to 3 hours. You discover the history, architecture and legacy of the Inca civilisation along the sectors of circuit 3B, with plenty of time for explanations and photographs, at a comfortable, personalised pace.
How do strikes or roadblocks affect the itinerary, and what is the contingency plan?
On some occasions external factors such as strikes, demonstrations or roadblocks can change the times or services in the itinerary. Our operations team monitors the situation constantly to provide timely solutions and support throughout the trip.
If something does come up, we arrange alternatives such as adjusted schedules, alternative routes or possible rescheduling, in line with the provisions issued by the Ministry of Culture. As some changes may lead to unforeseen extra costs, we recommend having travel insurance.
What happens if I feel unwell during the hike?
If a passenger feels unwell because of the altitude, exhaustion or any other reason during the hike, the guide assesses the situation immediately and provides assistance. Depending on the passenger's condition and where they are on the route, we arrange the return along the safest path or the necessary support from the relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Culture, SERNANP and the National Police of Peru (High Mountain Division).
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Check availability. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check available dates. We will send you a personalised booking form for each participant to complete.
Step 2. Passenger details. To arrange the permits we need the following details for each participant, exactly as they appear on the passport: full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality. Without this information we cannot buy permits or tickets.
Step 3. Deposit and confirmation. Once we receive the completed forms, we ask for a deposit of USD 300.00 per person in order to buy the permits. We recommend booking early, as places sell out quickly.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once the permits are secured you receive your official confirmation invoice. At that point your booking is 100 % guaranteed.
Can I cancel and ask for my deposit back?
Unfortunately not. Because the Inca Trail requires permits, entrance tickets and train tickets to be bought in advance, the deposit paid to confirm the booking is non-refundable and non-transferable. We recommend checking the specific cancellation terms with your sales representative before making any changes.
Can I leave my luggage at your office?
Of course. During the trip your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Are tips expected?
Tipping is part of the tradition on any hike to Machu Picchu. Although we pay our whole team good salaries, any extra amount is always appreciated. It is not compulsory and you should never feel pressured about it.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
At Sakura Expedition we believe travelling is not only about visiting a destination, but about living an authentic experience that stays with you for good. That is why we design every programme with small groups, personalised service and deep respect for the culture, the nature and the communities of Peru. We are committed to supporting you from the moment you book until the end of your trip, with a professional, safe and carefully organised service.
This is what sets us apart:
- Small groups: a more comfortable, personalised experience with more attention from our guides.
- Our own operation and local team: we run our programmes directly, which lets us maintain high standards of quality, punctuality and organisation.
- Certified professional guides: a team that shares the history, culture and traditions of Peru with genuine passion.
- Personalised service: we are with you before, during and after your trip, with permanent assistance and prompt answers.
- Responsible, sustainable tourism: we work alongside partner communities, respecting their traditions and contributing to the development of local families.
- Commitment to safety: safety protocols, suitable equipment and trained staff.
- A certified local company: we are a 100 % Peruvian company based in Cusco, and this year we earned the CALTUR Gold Certification, the highest recognition of tourism quality in Peru.
