2-Day Private Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Discover the 2-Day Private Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Imagine walking along ancient stone paths, surrounded by lush Andean scenery, with the thrill of reaching Machu Picchu looming just ahead. This 2-day private tour from Cusco offers a condensed yet immersive experience of the famed Inca Trail, perfect for those with limited time or looking for a more personalized adventure. For $567 per person, you get to skip the crowds and enjoy a tailored journey with a private guide, all while soaking in breathtaking views and exploring Incan ruins along the way.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this tour are its focus on authentic, scenic hiking and the personalized guidance that makes the experience feel special. The route takes you past archaeological sites like Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna, places that often get glossed over in larger tours, giving a real sense of how the Incas lived and traveled. However, one point to consider is that overnight accommodation in Aguas Calientes isn’t included, so you’ll need to organize your stay in advance—something to keep in mind if you prefer a more relaxed schedule.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate mountain hikes, history, and stunning vistas but may not want the longer, more strenuous four-day trek. It’s a great fit for those who want a meaningful taste of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu without sacrificing comfort or flexibility.

Key Points

• Short but immersive: Covers the highlights of the Inca Trail in just two days, including Machu Picchu.
• Private guide: Offers a personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide who can tailor the visit.
• Includes transportation: All transfers, train tickets, and entry fees are covered, simplifying logistics.
• Active but manageable: About 6-7 hours of walking each day, suitable for travelers with moderate fitness.
• Authentic scenery: Travel through beautiful landscapes and visit archaeological sites off the beaten path.
• No overnight in Aguas Calientes included: You’ll need to arrange your own accommodation.

An In-Depth Look at the 2-Day Private Short Inca Trail

Starting in Cusco and Reaching Kilometer 104

Most travelers will find the journey begins early, with a hotel pick-up at 4:00 pm, heading towards Ollantaytambo. From there, the train ride to kilometer 104 marks the official start of the trek. This part of the experience is crucial because it allows you to begin the walk in a manageable way, avoiding the crowds that usually dominate the longer Inca Trail routes.

The first leg of your trek includes crossing the Urubamba River on a traditional bridge—an instantly recognizable symbol of Inca engineering—and visiting Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy, two archaeological sites that provide a glimpse into Incan life. These stops break up the walk and give wonderful photo opportunities, especially if you love history and scenery intertwined.

The Trail to Wiñaywayna and the Sun Gate

After about three hours of hiking, you reach Wiñaywayna, a site named after a beautiful orchid that flourishes there. This spot offers a perfect break and a chance to appreciate the lush surroundings and the place’s name meaning “Eternally Young.” From this point, you’ll hike along Andean trails, stone stairs, and resting spots, heading toward the Inti Punku (Sun Gate).

The climb to the Sun Gate is one of the tour’s highlights. Standing there, you get an impressive panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valley, which helps build anticipation for the next day’s visit. From the Sun Gate, a 30-minute descent leads directly into Machu Picchu, where the vistas truly come alive in the late afternoon light.

Day Two: Exploring Machu Picchu

The second day begins with a short bus ride up to Machu Picchu. Your guide will lead a guided tour—according to your ticketed circuit—highlighting the most important ruins, terraces, and temples within the citadel. Travelers often mention how much they appreciated the personalized guide, who was able to tailor the experience to their interests.

After the tour, you can enjoy some free time to wander or take photos—Machu Picchu is a place that’s best appreciated at your own pace. Following your visit, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then take the train and bus back to Cusco, completing this whirlwind adventure.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package covers all transportation, entrance fees, and a private guide for two days, making logistics much simpler. You’ll get a box lunch on the trail and dinner, but note that breakfasts are not included on the first and second days, so you may want to plan for that.

Accommodation in Aguas Calientes is not included, so if you want a relaxing evening after the hike, you’ll need to book a hotel separately. Also, bus tickets for the first day are not included—something to keep in mind for your budget and schedule.

Authenticity and Comfort

The tour is designed to provide a balance of physical activity and cultural education. The moderate walking hours (about 6-7 hours each day) make it accessible for most travelers with average fitness levels, but it’s not a casual stroll. The terrain includes stone stairs and uneven paths, so comfortable, sturdy footwear is a must.

Reviewers have praised the stunning views along the trail and the expert guidance—one called Percy “a lot of fun and patience,” which speaks to the quality of the personalized tour. Many appreciated the way the tour combined history, scenery, and physical activity without feeling rushed or overly strenuous.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is that overnight accommodation in Aguas Calientes isn’t included, which might require some planning on your part. Plus, the availability of Machu Picchu tickets can be uncertain, as they are sold by the Peruvian government and limited in number. If tickets sell out, the tour’s full refund policy will come into play, but it’s worth booking early to secure your spot.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a short, guided experience that captures the essence of the Inca Trail without the lengthy commitment. It suits those who enjoy moderate hiking and scenic views and want an intimate, private guide rather than a large group. If you appreciate history, stunning landscapes, and a well-organized trip that minimizes logistical stress, this tour will fit your needs.

It’s also a good choice if you want to visit Machu Picchu in a smaller, more personal setting, away from the crowds, and if you’re comfortable organizing your own overnight stay in Aguas Calientes afterward.

Final Thoughts on the 2-Day Private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

This short but potent journey combines authentic trail walking with expert guiding and efficient transportation, making it a strong option for travelers wanting a meaningful experience in a limited timeframe. The inclusion of private guiding and all logistical arrangements means you can focus on enjoying the scenery, history, and awe-inspiring views rather than worrying about the details.

Travelers who loved their experience raved about the stunning vistas and the knowledgeable guide, making this a worthwhile splurge for those looking for a personalized, scenic adventure. The flexible itinerary and quality logistics help ensure that you get the most out of your two days, even with a packed schedule.

If you’re up for a moderate, rewarding trek that culminates in the unforgettable sight of Machu Picchu, this tour offers a compelling way to see the best of the Inca Trail in just two days.

FAQ

Is overnight accommodation in Aguas Calientes included?
No, the tour does not include a hotel in Aguas Calientes, so you’ll need to book your own stay if you want to rest after the hike.

How long is the hike each day?
You can expect about 6-7 hours of walking daily, covering around 11 km on day one, with the terrain including stone stairs and trail paths.

What’s included in the tour?
The package covers hotel pickup, transportation to Ollantaytambo, train tickets, entrance to the Inca Trail, a private guide, box lunch, dinner, and bus tickets for Machu Picchu.

Are tickets for Machu Picchu guaranteed?
Yes, the tour includes the official ticket, but availability depends on government sales. If tickets are unavailable, you’ll receive a full refund.

Is this suitable for all fitness levels?
While the walk is moderate, travelers should have a reasonable fitness level and comfortable footwear, as there’s significant uphill and downhill walking.

Can I customize the itinerary or add extra days?
Since this is a fixed 2-day private tour, customization options are limited. However, you can extend your stay in Aguas Calientes independently.

To sum it up, the 2-Day Private Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers a well-organized, authentic experience that balances scenic beauty, cultural insight, and manageable physical activity. It’s perfect for those who want a personalized adventure with all the key highlights and some extra privacy. Whether part of a larger journey or a dedicated trip to Peru, this tour promises an intimate and memorable way to see one of the world’s most iconic sites.