Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu
Walk the last stretch of the Inca Trail in one day, then sleep in comfort at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. This private two-day trip starts with a panoramic train to KM 104, follows the original Inca path past Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, and ends the next day with a private guided tour of Machu Picchu and lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.
Your own guide and private chef look after your party on the trail, our team takes your overnight bag to the hotel, and private transport brings you back to your Cusco hotel. From US$1,260 per person, minimum two travelers.
Overview
Luxury Short Inca Trail Overview
The Short Inca Trail is the final section of the Inca road to Machu Picchu, about 12 km (7.5 miles) from KM 104 to the Sun Gate. It is the easiest way to arrive at Machu Picchu on foot, with no camping and no high passes. This luxury version keeps the same route and permits but changes everything around the walk: a chef-prepared breakfast and lunch on the trail, a private portable toilet at the rest stops, a light daypack while your bag goes ahead to the hotel, and a night at the Inkaterra, a hotel set in its own gardens across from the Aguas Calientes train station.
It suits couples, families and travelers who want the classic arrival through the Sun Gate without the effort or the camping of the four-day trek.
Luxury Highlights
- Panoramic train both ways. Large windows over the Urubamba valley on the way to KM 104 and back to Ollantaytambo.
- Private chef on the trail. A breakfast at KM 104 and a three-course lunch with fresh local produce, served at our private rest area.
- Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate. Explore the terraces of Wiñay Wayna and see Machu Picchu from Inti Punku in the afternoon light.
- A night at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Dinner at the hotel restaurant, a buffet breakfast, and its spa and eucalyptus sauna if you’d like to unwind.
- Private Machu Picchu tour. Two hours with your guide through the main sectors of the citadel.
- Lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. A farewell lunch steps from the Machu Picchu entrance.
- Hotel to hotel. Private transport from your hotel and back, with our team carrying your overnight bag.
Luxury vs Standard Short Inca Trail
| Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 Days | Short Inca Trail 2 Days | |
| Departure | Private, for your party (minimum 2) | Shared group (up to 12) or private |
| Train | Panoramic train (Vistadome) both ways | PeruRail Expedition |
| Trail meals | Chef-prepare lunch | chef prepare lunch |
| Restrooms on the trail | Private portable toilet at rest stops | Public facilities |
| Luggage | Duffel bag (6 kg) taken to your hotel room | You carry your overnight items |
| Hotel | Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel | Hatun Inti Classic or similar |
| Day 2 lunch | Belmond Sanctuary Lodge | Not included |
| Price from | US$1,260 per person | US$500 per person (group) |
Prefer a lower price? See our Short Inca Trail 2 Days. Want the full trek with luxury camping? See the Luxury Inca Trail 4 Days.
Trip Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 Days |
| Duration | 2 days, 1 night (hotel) |
| Departure type | Private, minimum 2 travelers |
| Hiking distance | About 12 km (7.5 mi) on Day 1 |
| Highest point | Sun Gate (Inti Punku), about 2,720 m (8,920 ft) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Hotel | Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes |
| Start and finish | Hotel pickup in Cusco or the Sacred Valley; drop-off at your Cusco hotel |
| Season | March to January (the Inca Trail closes every February) |
| Price | From US$1,260 per person |
Why Book with Ali Peru Treks
- Locally owned and licensed. We are a Cusco-based Inca Trail operator. See our official certifications and permits.
- Your own team. Your guide and chef work only for your party, at your pace.
- Responsible travel. We follow Leave No Trace principles and remove all our waste from the trail.
- Traveler reviews. Read what travelers say about us on Tripadvisor.
Itinerary
Luxury Short Inca Trail Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco to KM 104, Wiñay Wayna, the Sun Gate and Aguas Calientes
Your luxury Short Inca Trail adventure to Machu Picchu begins with an exclusive, seamless private pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 AM. Aboard a premium vehicle, you’ll start a scenic two-hour drive through the sacred landscapes of the Sacred Valley to the historic Ollantaytambo station.
There, you will board the prestigious Vistadome panoramic train for a 1.5-hour journey featuring 360° views of the majestic Andean peaks and the Urubamba River until you arrive at the trailhead at Chachabamba.
Upon arrival at Km 104 (Chachabamba), our team will handle the official check-in process. You’ll have time to comfortably organize your gear and use the facilities before setting off. Before your very first step, your professional Ali Perú Treks chef will welcome you with a complimentary, curated energy snack box designed to keep you energized throughout the trail.
We then begin our tour by exploring the fascinating Inca site of Chachabamba, an ancient complex that served as a ceremonial center. After touring the site, we start our hike with a gradual four-hour ascent through lush landscapes to the archeological gem of Wiñay Wayna (8,694 ft / 2,650 m), where well-preserved agricultural terraces and ritual fountains will transport you back in time.
True to our commitment to exclusivity, we will welcome you to our private rest area at the end of this stretch, where your personal chef will have prepared a fresh, gourmet mountain lunch. Made on-site with select local ingredients and fresh vegetables, you’ll enjoy elegantly served dishes on fine linen a refined culinary experience set against the vast Andean backdrop.
In the afternoon, we rejoin the Inca Trail toward the sacred Inti Punku (Sun Gate). Crossing this threshold rewards you with your first breathtaking, panoramic view of Machu Picchu bathed in the warm, golden light of late afternoon. We will then descend toward the citadel at a strategic time of day, ensuring a quiet, intimate setting for iconic photos.
To wrap up an unforgettable day, we’ll take the shuttle bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes to check into the award-winning Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Nestled in the high cloud forest, this ultra-luxury eco-sanctuary is the perfect place to enjoy a celebratory gourmet dinner and a restful night surrounded by world-class hospitality.
| Day 1 | Details |
| Start | KM 104 (Chachabamba), about 2,100 m (6,890 ft) |
| Hiking distance | About 12 km (7.5 mi) |
| Hiking time | 6 to 7 hours, at your own pace |
| Elevation gain | About 620 m (2,030 ft) |
| Highest point | Sun Gate, about 2,720 m (8,920 ft) |
| Overnight | Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes |
| Meals | lunch And dinner |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
Day 2: Private Machu Picchu Tour, Lunch at Belmond and Return to Cusco
Following a gourmet breakfast at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, all you’ll need to carry is your daypack with essentials. The hotel will securely store your main luggage, allowing you to explore with complete freedom. To ensure an intimate experience at the sanctuary, we’ll board one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu for a scenic 25-minute ride.
While yesterday rewarded you with an unforgettable panoramic view from the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), today we re-enter the citadel for a comprehensive, in-depth exploration bathed in the magical morning light.
Your expert Ali Perú Treks guide and historian will lead you on a private two-hour tour through the citadel’s most significant sectors. You’ll immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Inca Empire while visiting sacred temples, royal plazas, and strategic viewpoints. Our guides excel at delivering compelling insights into the engineering and spiritual mastery of this World Wonder.
To top off your experience at the summit, we’ll enjoy lunch at the exclusive Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, situated directly opposite the Machu Picchu citadel. Here, you can indulge in a top-tier meal fusing international and Andean cuisine, with the unique privilege of dining just steps from the ancient ruins. It’s the perfect setting to toast to your adventure before setting off on the journey back.
After lunch, we’ll take the shuttle bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Your guide will personally accompany you to the station to board the Vistadome Train, where you’ll enjoy live cultural performances and panoramic views on the direct rail journey to Poroy station, located just a short distance from Cusco.
Upon arrival at Poroy, the Ali Perú Treks team will be waiting to provide a smooth, private transfer back to Cusco, delivering you comfortably right to your hotel door and bringing your world-class expedition to a memorable close.
| Day 2 | Details |
| Machu Picchu altitude | About 2,430 m (7,970 ft) |
| Walking | About 4 km (2.5 mi) inside the citadel |
| Guided tour | About 2 hours (2 to 3 hours in all at the site) |
| Return | Bus to Aguas Calientes, Vistadome train to poroy, private transport to Cusco |
| Meals | Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Included
What’s Included in the Luxury Short Inca Trail
Included
Guiding and Transport
- Full Private Transportation Service:Includes complete door-to-door private transfers: pickup from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to the Ollantaytambo train station, as well as private return transfer from the train station back to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
- Professional Guide Service:Exclusive private guiding and leadership by a professional bilingual guide (English & Spanish) from Ali Perú Treks, expert in Inca history, archaeology, and local culture.
- Vistadome Observatory Train (Outbound): Vistadome Observatory panoramic train from Ollantaytambo station to Km 104 (Chachabamba).
- Vistadome Observatory Train (Return): Vistadome Observatory train from Aguas Calientes station to Ollantaytambo station.
- Bus up to Machu Picchu and back down to Aguas Calientes
Permits and Tickets
- Day 1 – Circuit 1B (Panoramic Views): Afternoon access to the upper terraces to enjoy and photograph the iconic postcard view of Machu Picchu bathed in late-day light.
- Day 2 – Circuit 3B (Guided Citadel Exploration): An in-depth guided tour through the lower section, exploring sacred temples, imperial architecture, and royal plazas.
Meals
- Private chef on the trail
- Day 1: lunch on the trail and dinner at the Inkaterra restaurant
- Day 2: buffet breakfast at the hotel and lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
Accommodation and Luggage
- One night at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes
- Duffel bag for up to 8 kg (15 lb), taken by our team to your hotel room
Comfort and Safety
- Private portable toilet at our rest stops
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
Not Included
- Hotels in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before and after the trip
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets (US$80 per person, subject to availability)
- Trekking poles and hiking clothes
- Travel insurance (recommended, with coverage for outdoor activities)
- Tips for your guide and chef
Packing List
Luxury Short Inca Trail Packing List
You carry only a daypack on the trail. Your duffel bag (up to 6 kg / 13 lb), given to you at the briefing, goes straight to your room at the Inkaterra. For more detail, see our Peru trekking gear list.
In Your Daypack (Up to 25 L)
- Original passport, matching the one on your permit; you show it at the KM 104 checkpoint
- Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm with SPF and sunglasses
- Hat for the sun and a light beanie for cooler moments
- Rain gear: a waterproof jacket or a light poncho; the cloud forest can be wet at any time
- Water: a reusable bottle or hydration bladder, 1.5 to 2 liters
- Phone or camera and a power bank
- Insect repellent for Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu
- Hand sanitizer, tissues and any medication you may need during the day
In Your Duffel Bag (Up to 8 kg / 15 lb)
- Change of clothes: 2 moisture-wicking shirts, 1 pair of light hiking pants, underwear and 3 pairs of trekking socks
- For dinner at the hotel: a smart-casual outfit and light shoes or sandals
- Warm layer: a light down jacket or fleece for the cool evening
- Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and personal prescriptions (the hotel provides soap, shampoo and towels)
- Swimwear, if you plan to use the hotel’s sauna
Footwear
- Hiking boots, waterproof, with ankle support and well broken in, worn from the start
For Your Machu Picchu Day
Inside Machu Picchu, bags may be no larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm (about 16 × 14 × 8 in), and walking sticks, umbrellas and food are not allowed.
Travel Info
Luxury Short Inca Trail Travel Information
Pre-Trek Briefing
At about 6:00 PM the evening before the trek, your lead guide meets you at your hotel to review the timing, answer questions and give you your duffel bag.
Difficulty and Acclimatization
We rate the Short Inca Trail as moderate. The path is well maintained but climbs about 620 m (2,030 ft) on original Inca stone steps and uneven ground. Spend at least two days in Cusco, at about 3,400 m (11,150 ft), or in the Sacred Valley before the trek. See our guide to acclimatizing in Cusco.
Permits and Passport
You can only hike the Short Inca Trail with a permit issued in your name, a licensed guide and an authorized operator. The Ministry of Culture limits the route from KM 104 to 250 trail users a day, so book four to five months ahead, especially for May to August; this also secures your hotel and train.
Your passport details must match your permit exactly. If you renew your passport after booking, bring both passports and tell us right away. Check our Inca Trail permit availability page.
Luggage
Your duffel bag (up to 8 kg / 15 lb) goes to your room at the Inkaterra. Leave your suitcase at your hotel in Cusco or at our office, free of charge.
Weather and Season
The trail runs through cloud forest, where the Andes meet the Amazon. Mornings and evenings are cool, about 10–12°C (50–54°F), and the middle of the day is warm and humid, about 20–25°C (68–77°F). The dry season runs from April to October, but light rain can fall at any time, so keep rain gear in your daypack.
The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. See our Inca Trail weather guide.
Safety
Your guide carries a first aid kit and emergency oxygen. If someone can’t continue, your guide helps them back down and arranges a safe transfer to the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Tips
Tips are voluntary. As a guide per traveler for the trip: lead guide US$20–40, chef US$15–25 and support staff US$10–15.
Map
Luxury Short Inca Trail Map and Elevation Profile
The train follows the Urubamba River from Ollantaytambo to KM 104. From the bridge and checkpoint at Chachabamba, the trail climbs through cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna, then follows the hillside to the Sun Gate, above Machu Picchu. From the citadel, the bus descends to Aguas Calientes.


Price
Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 Days Price
| Service | Price per person |
| Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 Days, private departure (minimum 2 travelers) | US$1,260 |
The price includes everything listed under What’s Included. Ready to plan your trip? Contact us with your dates and party size, and we’ll check permit, train and hotel availability.
Faq
Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 Days FAQs
The route and permits are the same. The luxury version is private and adds a chef on the trail, a panoramic train both ways, a night at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, a duffel bag service and lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.
US$1,260 per person, with a minimum of two travelers. Tips, travel insurance and optional mountain tickets are extra.
Moderate. The main challenges are the stone steps and the climb of about 620 m (2,030 ft) on Day 1. As a private service, we hike at your pace.
No. You reach the Sun Gate in the afternoon, after a 6- to 7-hour hike, and see Machu Picchu in the afternoon light. Your full tour of the citadel is the next morning.
We set up a private portable toilet at our rest stops, so you don’t depend on the public facilities.
You carry a daypack. Your duffel bag (up to 6 kg / 13 lb) waits in your room at the Inkaterra, and your suitcase stays at your Cusco hotel or our office, free of charge.
Yes. Your private chef prepares gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and allergy-friendly meals. Tell us when you book.
Four to five months ahead, especially for May to August, to secure your permit, hotel and train.
Yes, with a separate ticket of US$80 per person, subject to availability. Book it together with your trip.
Your guide carries a first aid kit and emergency oxygen and will help you down and arrange a safe transfer to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Usually between 6:30 and 7:30 PM on Day 2, depending on the train.
Yes, children aged 8 and over who are used to walking can usually manage it. Tell us their ages when you book.
No. The Inca Trail, including the Short Inca Trail, closes every February. Contact us for other ways to reach Machu Picchu that month.
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