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Cusco · Peru
Private Short Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 2 Days
Starting From
From $838.33 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Experience Machu Picchu in a more personal and exclusive way. Hike the scenic Short Inca Trail and arrive through the iconic Sun Gate with breathtaking views. Explore the citadel twice during quiet hours, savor picnic meals, relax in a charming 3-star hotel and enjoy seamless private service with panoramic Vistadome train travel through the Andes.
Highlights
Why travelers choose this experience
- Travel in a small group with private transport and a dedicated tour guide
- Hike the Inca Trail and explore Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate
- Visit Machu Picchu during exclusive hours, avoiding peak crowds
- Enjoy chefprepared picnic meals in scenic outdoor settings
- Stay overnight in a cozy 3star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Return in style aboard the panoramic Vistadome train
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Urubamba
Transportation at Inca Trail. Cusco - KM104 - Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) Begin your adventure with an early morning pickup from Cusco (4:00 a.m.), Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo (around 5:30 a.m.). Travel by private vehicle to the train station and board one of the first trains heading toward the Inca Trail. Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour ride through the Andes until you reach Chachabamba, the official starting point of the Short Inca Trail, also known as KM 104.
Continued
Cusco
Hiking at Winay Wayna. From the checkpoint at Chachabamba, you'll begin the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a journey rich in history and natural beauty. Along the way, you'll explore remarkable archaeological sites including Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and Intipata, each offering a unique glimpse into Inca engineering and culture. As you hike, take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, and immerse yourself in the vibrant flora and fauna of the cloud forest. To keep your energy up, enjoy delicious breakfast and lunch picnic meals prepared with fresh local ingredients, served in scenic spots along the trail. Your adventure culminates at the iconic Sun Gate, where you'll catch your first awe-inspiring glimpse of Machu Picchu, nestled majestically among the peaks.
Continued
Cusco
Take the bus to Aguas Calientes, dinner at a Local restaurant; you will spend the night in a 3 star hotel.
Day 2
Cusco
Archaeological Exploration at Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu (Lost City of The Incas) The most important day of this tour is visiting Machu Picchu, You’ll start with a breakfast in your hotel and drive the early buses up to Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise, This is what makes special this tour, it will allow you arrive twice to Machu Picchu, 1 for the sunset and 1 for the sunrise the next day. Our guides will take you on an extra hike first to the Inca Bridge before going to explore the citadel, the guided tour takes about 2 to 3 hours, then you’ll have free time to explore the area by yourself or do the extra mountains hikes like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (Different for Machu Picchu citadel).
Continued
Cusco
Transportation at Machu Picchu. After exploring the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, you'll begin the journey back to Aguas Calientes. Once in town, you'll have free time to enjoy lunch at your own pace before boarding the Panoramic Vistadome train for a stunning ride through the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, we'll be ready to transfer you comfortably back to your hotel in Cusco.
Planning Details
Before you go
Included
- Pre-tour safety briefing one day before and complimentary luggage storage - Entry tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu - Expert guide for the Inca Trail and a full guided tour of Machu Picchu - Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from Cusco or Sacred Valley (Urubamba or Ollantaytambo) - Train to KM 104 (Expedition or Voyager) and scenic return on Vistadome or 360° train - Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on Day 1 - Round-trip bus service on Day 2 - Satellite phone, first-aid kit and oxygen tank
Not Included
Second-day lunch Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain extra hikes Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
What to Bring
Valid, original Passport (a copy will not be accepted) Hiking boots for the Short Inca trail A good quality daypack (light, small and comfortable) Water storage for at least 2 liters; either a camel bag or water bottle(s) One t-shirt (wicking t-shits work best) and one pair of hiking pants/trousers A nice change of clothes for walking around Machu Picchu (and for taking many photographs!) Undergarments and hiking socks Toiletries, sunscreen, and bug spray Rain gear and warm layers
Meeting & Pickup
- We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco’s historic center at approximately 4:00 am. - Hotel pickup from the Sacred Valley (Urubamba and Ollantaytambo) at approximately 5:30 am.
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
Traveler Impressions
What travelers are saying
2026-05-20
4.00 / 5
Es war eine tolle Tour! Vor allem am ersten Tag auf dem Trail wurden wir hervorragend bekocht und es war unglaublich schön. Allein für den Ausblick vom Sonnentor hat sich der Aufstieg gelohnt. Auch der zweite, weniger anstrengende Tag war informativ und toll. Irritiert waren wir allerdings, dass der Guide uns beim Briefing gesagt hat, wie viel Trinkgeld wir geben sollten. Bei der Koch-Crew war das noch ok. Als er allerdings für sich selbst 10% ( in unserem Fall knapp 300 USD, was einem halben peruanischen Monatslohn entspricht) ins Spiel brachte, empfanden wir dies schon als sehr anmassend. Er relativierte dann, dass es natürlich uns überlassen sein würde, wie viel wir geben wollen, nachdem er unsere Reaktion bemerkte. Ebenso lag unser gebuchtes Hotel in Aguas Caliente direkt am Bahnhof, so dass es nach dem anstrengenden 1. Tag am Nachmittag unmöglich war etwas auszuruhen und zu schlafen. Die Ansagen vom Bahnhof waren so laut im Zimmer zu hören (bei geschlossenem Fenster), als wenn der Lautsprecher direkt im Zimmer gewesen wäre. In der Nacht wurde es ruhiger. Das Hotel war ansonsten ok.
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