Walk with your private guide from Km 104 past the terraces of Wiñay Wayna. From the Sun Gate, look down on Machu Picchu for the first time. Spend the night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes, then explore the citadel together the next day.
Operated by Peru & U
At Chachabamba, pause with your private guide to look closely at the Inca stonework. The trail then climbs through cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna, where long rows of terraces follow the curve of the mountainside.
The trail continues to Intipunku, the Sun Gate. On a clear day, you can trace the outline of Machu Picchu along the ridge below. When you return the next day, you’ll be close enough to see how the stones fit together.
On day one, hike about 12 km (7.5 mi) from Km 104 and spend the night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes. On day two, visit Machu Picchu with your guide and return to Cusco by train and road.
Cusco → Ollantaytambo → Km 104 → Sun Gate → Aguas Calientes
Leave Cusco early for Ollantaytambo and take the train to Km 104. At the checkpoint, set out with your private guide. The path passes Chachabamba before climbing through cloud forest to the terraces of Wiñay Wayna.
Beyond the terraces, stone steps lead to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, where Machu Picchu comes into view across the ridge. Descend toward the citadel, then continue to Aguas Calientes for dinner and a night at your hotel.
Walk: Approx. 12 km / 7.5 mi
Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes → Cusco
After breakfast in Aguas Calientes, return to Machu Picchu at the time shown on your ticket. As you follow your assigned circuit, your private guide shows you how individual stones fit together and how the builders worked with the slope of the mountain.
After the visit, board the train in Aguas Calientes for the journey through the Sacred Valley. A private transfer meets you at the station for the final stretch back to Cusco.
Visit: Guided Machu Picchu circuit
Return: Train and private transfer to Cusco
Meal: Breakfast
Your booking covers the hike from Km 104, a hotel night in Aguas Calientes and a guided visit to Machu Picchu on day two. Train tickets and private road transfers are included.
Most of the walking comes on day one. From Km 104, you’ll cover about 12 km (7.5 mi), including the climb to Wiñay Wayna and the descent from the Sun Gate. Day two is your guided visit to Machu Picchu.
Choose a route with hills or stairs and practice going down as well as up. Gradually lengthen your walks in the shoes you’ll wear in Peru, carrying the daypack you plan to take on the trail.
If you’re flying into Cusco from sea level, leave time to adjust before the hike. Keep activity light at first. If your plans allow, consider spending your first night or two at a lower elevation in the Sacred Valley.
Keep the passport used for your permit, a refillable water bottle, sun protection and a rain jacket within reach. Bring a warm layer for stops and a dry change of clothes for your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Prices start at US$1,177 per person for a private group of eight. Each rate includes your trail permit, private guide, hotel night in Aguas Calientes and entry for your guided visit to Machu Picchu.
Rates are in US dollars per person.
Tell us when you’d like to hike and how many people are traveling. Our Cusco team will check permits and prepare a quote, even if your group size isn’t listed.
If your departure is more than 45 days away, a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the trek price secures your reservation.
The remaining balance is due 45 days before your trek. For bookings made 45 days or less before departure, the full amount is due at booking.
Send changes or cancellations in writing. Issued Inca Trail permits are tied to the original traveler and date and are non-refundable. Cancellation charges depend on when we receive your request.
Peru & U operates your private Short Inca Trail tour from Cusco. Our travel specialists arrange the journey, and an English-speaking guide accompanies your party on both days.
Tell us when you’d like to hike and who’s coming with you. We check trail permits and Machu Picchu entry for your dates, then coordinate trains, road transfers and your hotel in Aguas Calientes. Luxury Trek to Machu Picchu
On the steps to Wiñay Wayna, your guide helps your party find its pace and explains how the terraces follow the slope. The next day, you explore Machu Picchu together on the circuit shown on your ticket.
Find out how much walking to expect, what you’ll see at Machu Picchu on each day and which permits your booking covers.
Tell us your preferred travel month and group size. Our Cusco team will check permit availability for the hike from Km 104 and entry to Machu Picchu the following day, then send you a quote for your private trek.
