A couple of years ago, I quit my job to travel the world in a quest for a more purpose-filled life. I had a bucket list of world wonders to check off, and the Machu Picchu hike was at the top of that list. The other two were the Pyramids in Egypt and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The Machu Picchu hike via the 2-day Short Inca Trail is one of the best ways to experience Machu Picchu without committing to the classic 4-day trek. So I decided to do the short Inca Trail hike with the scenic train rather than the gruelling 4-day classic hike. In this blog, I will share my experience and everything you need to know to plan your short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu.
Learn about my epic day exploring the Pyramids in Egypt. Check out my blog, Pyramids of Giza How I Explored Them with a Free Guided Tour
Check out how I did Angkor Wat in Cambodia Read my blog, Ultimate 4-Day Cambodia Itinerary for a First Timer
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2-Day vs 4-Day Machu Picchu hike: Which is better?
Most people planning a trip to Cusco are weighing their options: the short Inca Trail hike or the classic 4 or 5-day hike. Factors to consider include how much time you have and your fitness level. The 4-day Inca Trail is challenging, but if you have an average fitness level, you should be fine. I had time to do the 4-day hike, but I chose the short hike for other reasons.
Why I Picked the 2 Day Inca Trail Hike
- I was recovering from COVID, so my energy levels and lung capacity were not great. My fitness level at the time was excellent, but I was still experiencing COVID-related effects. This ruled out the 4-day hike. I knew four days of intense hiking would have been too much for me.
- I had heard that the Machu Picchu train journey was one of the most epic train adventures in the world. I knew it would be a memorable experience.
- Doing the short hike still allowed me to experience the Inca Trail. The last day of the hike is considered the most scenic before reaching Machu Picchu.
- I would still get to take that epic Instagram pic in front of Machu Picchu, explore all the top sites along the way, and, of course, visit Machu Picchu on day 2.
- And of course, stay in Aguas Calientes (the Machu Picchu Village) overnight.
How to get To Cusco From Lima
Most likely, you will travel to Cusco via Lima. Hopefully, you will leave the airport in Lima and stay for a couple of days, as the city is worth exploring. I am working on some Lima blogs and will share them once they are published.
I recommend flying from Lima to Cusco because it’s a short, affordable flight. There are frequent flights between the two cities, with fares as low as $42 USD. LATAM Airlines offers the most flights between the two cities, but Sky Airlines is another option.
I use Skyscanner to set price alerts when I’m looking for a flight. I’m sharing my Skyscanner affiliate link so you can set price alerts for flights from Lima to Cusco, or just check out the flight options. Here’s my Skyscanner affiliate link.
Check out my blog on flight-booking tips, How to Find Cheap Flights: 10 Flight Booking Tips
Machu Picchu Tours in Cusco
Months before your trip to Peru, I highly recommend booking your Machu Picchu hike. The Peruvian government limits the number of daily hikers on the trail to 200, so booking a Machu Picchu tour in advance is crucial. Do your research, as there are upwards of 1,000 tour companies in Cusco, with about 200 authorized for Inca Trail hiking tours.
If you are thinking of doing the Inca Trail solo or without a guide, that’s not an option. You cannot hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu without a licensed guide and a permit. So booking a tour months in advance is my recommendation.
If you would like to check out some available tours with a top tour company in Cusco, check out Inca Vision Tours. They offer everything from 1 to 5-day Inca Trail tours, as well as other epic hikes such as Rainbow Mountain and the Sacred Valley. You can even do a half-day Cusco tour before you make your way to Machu Picchu. Here is the link to theInca Vision Tours website.
Check out my Inca Vision Tours review: Discover Cusco’s Top Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Tours. Inca Vision Tours compensated me for reviewing my Machu Picchu experience with them. My opinions are honest and based on my personal trip, which I paid full price for.
Where to Stay in Cusco
I stayed in the Cusco Historic Center, but on the outskirts. I stayed at Principe III hotel, which was perfect for me because it was just enough off the beaten path. It was only a 15-minute walk to the main square and surrounded by authentic restaurants and markets. What I liked about this hotel was that it was just a short walk to local neighbourhoods and to the beginning of the ancient Inca Road system, which becomes the Inca Trail.
Principe III hotel offered complimentary coca tea to help with the altitude and a free breakfast. It offered epic views of Cusco, and the Machu Picchu tour companies will pick you up at this hotel. This is a great hotel, and it only costs about $28 USD per night. Here is my affiliate link for Principe III hotel if you want to check it out.
The beautiful view at Principe III hotel in Cusco.
Cusco Main Square Area Hotels
If you want to stay in the main square, you will pay top prices for your hotel, but there are many options in the Plaza de Armas area.
I love that Cusco offers excellent hotel options in the historic center for all budgets.
Adjusting to Cusco Altitude Before Machu Picchu Hike
Plan to stay in Cusco for at least 3-4 days before your Inca Trail hike. This is essential to acclimatize to Cusco’s altitude, which sits at 3400 meters above sea level. I struggled with my breathing at night, but was generally fine during the day.
What is the altitude on the Machu Picchu hike?
Once you acclimatize to Cusco’s altitude, the hike will be a breeze, as the Inca Trail 2-day hike ranges from 2100 meters to 2700 meters at the Sungate.
Cusco altitude tip – Stay hydrated with coca tea. It’s believed to help with adjusting to high altitude, which is why it’s often offered complimentary in hotels. Coca tea is made from the coca leaf, which is also used in the production of cocaine; however, the leaf itself is non-intoxicating and considered safe to consume locally. Be aware that bringing coca products back to countries such as Canada is illegal.
Left: Getting acclimatized in the high altitude of Cusco. Right: Keeping hydrated with coca tea, which they say helps with altitude.
Things To Do In Cusco
Cusco is one of my favourite cities in the world to explore. It’s the ancient Inca city, and this is where your Machu Picchu experience begins. Here are a few highlights from my stay in Cusco.
Explore the Cusco Historic Center
Grab a Peruvian coffee at Café D’Wasi, a Peruvian coffee shop, and walk to the main square. Explore the markets, admire the ancient Inca architecture, and get lost in the city. If you are looking for an excellent tour, I recommend a free Guru Walk tour. The tour covered everything you need to know and see in Cusco. Here is my affiliate link to check out GuruWalk’s free tours in Cusco.
Cusco Foods To Try
Try fast food in Cusco. The fast-food of choice is a half chicken with fries, sometimes with a bowl of chicken soup on the side. This was the best chicken dinner I have ever had. I also recommend the Al Paca and Guinea Pig. I know they are cute, but you seriously have to try these delicacies while in Peru.
Visit The Local Cusco Neighbourhoods
Another Guru Walk tour I recommend takes you through the Cusco Inca history. The highlight for me was visiting the very beginning of the ancient Inca Road System, where the Inca Trail begins. There is a fabulous Inca lookout point for some epic photos of Cusco. This tour is off the beaten path, and I didn’t see another tourist. You also visit a local, authentic market and an Inca museum, and end up in the main square area for a bite and drinks. Here is my affiliate link if you’d like to check out authentic Inca tours in Cusco.
Machu Picchu Hike Packing List
I don’t overpack for hikes; I pack as light as possible. However, there are a few essentials you should pack for your Machu Picchu hike. You don’t have to worry about having enough room in your daypack for lunch, as the porters on my hike took care of it.
A Small Daypack – Bring a small daypack so you can pack as lightly as possible for your hike.
Sunscreen – Remember you are at high altitude and will burn. Use sunscreen often, especially on your face.
Hiking Boots – The Inca Trail is a well traveled path, so the terrain is fairly easy. However, there are some steep climbs, and a good pair of hiking boots will make the hike easier and more enjoyable.
Light Rain Jacket – Bring a light jacket in case it rains, and it can be cool in the early morning. Hotel pickups are at 3:30 am, and it can be cool until the sun starts to shine.
Snacks – Pick up some protein bars or your preferred snacks, as they are not provided on the trail.
Water – 1.5 to 2 liters is my recommendation.
Extra T-shirt – It’s not an easy hike, and you will sweat, so pack an extra T-shirt just in case.
Portable Charger – If you don’t already have one, pick up a portable charger for your phone. You don’t want to reach the Sungate for that iconic Machu Picchu shot only to find your phone is dead.
Toilet Paper and a Plastic Bag – It’s unlikely you’ll find toilet paper on the trail, so it’s recommended to bring your own along with a plastic bag. You can’t flush toilet paper in Peru, and you’re responsible for collecting your own garbage during the hike.
Of course, you’ll want to pack toiletries and light clothing for day 2.
Want to know what goes in my backpack for long tern solo travel? Check out my blog, My Carry-On Packing List for Solo Travel: How to Pack Light
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Machu Picchu Hike Getting to The Trailhead
Shuttle from Cusco to Ollantaytambo Train Station
The day of your Machu Picchu hike has arrived. Expect the shuttle to pick you up at your hotel as early as 3:30 am. The drive to the train station takes about 1.5 hours.
The Scenic Train Journey to the Machu Picchu Trailhead (Km 104)
Your Inca Trail journey is about to officially begin. The train ride follows the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley. I have never been on a train that comes close to this epic experience. The winding railroad along the river, surrounded by the most incredible mountainous landscape, is truly breathtaking. It can’t be put into words. Hopefully, you get to experience this so you know what I’m talking about. The train to the start of the hike takes about an hour.
How Difficult is the 2-Day Machu Picchu Hike?
After the scenic train journey, I arrived at the KM 104 trailhead, the start of the short hike to Machu Picchu. After taking a few pics with the group, we were ready to set off on the bucket-list hike of a lifetime.
The last day of the classic hike is 12–13 km long and takes about 8 hours, depending on the group’s speed and fitness. The Inca did an amazing job creating a path that includes sections of stone for easier trekking. There are a few steep climbs along the way, but there are also nice flat stretches to recover. If you are of average to slightly below average fitness, you shouldn’t have any issues on the trail. I was recovering from COVID and didn’t find it very difficult.
Short Inca Trail Highlights
The last day of the Inca Trail is widely considered the best day of the classic hike. The anticipation of reaching Machu Picchu makes every step just a bit easier. On the 2-day hike, you arrive at Sungate around 3 pm, rather than at sunrise for the classic hike. Other highlights for me were the incredible scenery along the way, the Chachabamba ruins, Winay Wayna, and the Inca waterfall.
Chachabamba Ruins
This was the first stop, which felt like it was in the first 30 minutes. It’s the first archaeological site on the hike, featuring classic Inca stonework. Archaeologists believe it was likely a religious ceremonial centre on the way to Machu Picchu. It’s also believed to have served as a rest stop for travelers on the journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The Chachabamba ruins were my first wow moment, and I was excited for what was next.
The Inca Waterfall
The Inca Waterfall, or the Inca Shower as the locals call it, is a scenic rest stop. It’s a chance to cool off in the mist and admire one of the most beautiful waterfalls you’ll ever see. It doesn’t get any better than an epic waterfall on the Inca Trail, now does it? We also saw a viper snake not far from the waterfall, which was pretty cool.
Winay Wayna
Winay Wayna, or Winayhuayna as the locals call it, can be seen from miles away during the hike. The Inca built it on a high mountainside, with beautifully preserved stone houses. It features long, layered, stepped stone platforms. It’s a challenging hike to the top, but it’s so worth it. Once you reach the top, you are met with jaw-dropping views of the sacred valley. This is one of the top highlights on the trail for some epic pics with the sacred valley in the background, as well as the Winay Wayna backdrop. This is the second top highlight, next to the Sungate.
This Inca village was a ceremonial and agricultural complex, likely home to priests, workers, and caretakers who supported those travelling to Machu Picchu. My guide told me that there would likely have been a few hundred people living at Winay Wayna.
Left: The Winay Wayna stepped fields with the Sacred Valley in the background. Right: Taking a picture with my hiking group in front of the Sacred Valley.
The Sun Gate – Machu Picchu Entrance
You’ve spent the day hiking the Inca Trail, anticipating your arrival at Machu Picchu. That moment has arrived. The Sungate is the official entrance to Machu Picchu and your first glimpse of the world wonder. The entrance is an ancient stone architectural masterpiece surrounded by other Inca structures. Alpacas roam free, offering many photo opportunities. We took one I love on the steps at the entrance. This was likely the entrance used by the royalty of Machu Picchu!
Machu Picchu Photo
We came for the epic hike, but let’s not kid ourselves. We also came for that iconic photo in front of Machu Picchu. You know that Instagram moment. You’ve planned your Machu Picchu pose, and this is your chance to bring it to life. I’m a huge track and field fan, so I did the Usain Bolt, and I still can’t believe how amazing that pic looks every time I look at it. Seriously, it looks like a photo shop. It’s so perfect!
Left: Thinking of the perfect pose now that I’m in front of Machu Picchu. I ended up going with the Usain Bolt post. Have you come up with a pose yet?
The 2-Day Machu Picchu Hike lunch
Just before you arrive at Winay Wayna, hikers break for lunch. My lunch consisted of fried rice, a salad, chicken, and some cheeses. There was also a vegetarian option.
Spending the Night in Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes)
You will spend the night in Aguas Calientes, the Machu Picchu Village. The Village is spectacular, surrounded by stunning mountains. It’s a small village with these massive mountains all around you at close range. I’ve never stayed in a place like this. We stayed in a nice hotel in the village, which meant a great night’s sleep for day 2.
Dining in Aguas Calientes
We had dinner and breakfast at Full House Machu Picchu. Full House is an authentic Peruvian restaurant on the Urubamba River, also known to locals as the Vilcanota River. Our guide arranged a table with a view of the river and the mountains, creating a perfect ambiance. I had the Alpaca, which was delicious. This restaurant experience was the perfect end to a perfect day hiking the Inca Trail.
If you’re planning a visit, you can check out the Full House menu on their website to see what’s available.
Machu Picchu Hike Day 2 – Visiting The Archaeological Site and Grounds
Machu Picchu Sunrise
Day 2 of the Machu Picchu hike began bright and early with breakfast at the Full House. We then headed to Machu Picchu for the sunrise. We made our way down another ancient stone path, surrounded by stunning mountains, to find the perfect spot to watch the sunrise. It was clear, but moving clouds obscured the view at times. Regardless, watching the sun rise over the mountains of Machu Picchu is an experience I will never forget.
Machu Picchu Alpacas
We then headed over to the main plaza in the centre of Machu Picchu. No, this isn’t a shopping mall; it’s a large grassy area where the Machu Picchu Alpacas and llamas roam freely. Its official name is the Central Plaza. You’ll have the opportunity to feed them and take as many pictures as you like. The area is surrounded by ruins, with Huayna Picchu in the background, making for some epic animal selfies. Seriously, you’re at Machu Picchu with llamas and Alpacas roaming, with Huayna Picchu in the background? This is what dreams are made of.
There will be more opportunities for alpaca selfies near the guardhouse terraces. This is where I took my most perfect alpaca selfie and one of the best animal photos I’ve taken during all my travels.
Another Morning Machu Picchu Photo Shoot
Before heading over to explore the complex, we stopped for another photo shoot in front of Machu Picchu. This is your last chance for lifelong lasting memories, so make them count and take as many mental snapshots as you can.
Machu Picchu Highlights
Exploring Machu Picchu is fun because you get to let your imagination run wild. The biggest thing, really, is the architecture, the scenery, and trying to figure out how it was built. Scholars have been spending decades without figuring it out, so don’t expect to solve it in half a day. Just enjoy the moment and soak in as much as possible.
The Machu Picchu Grounds
Visiting the grounds of Machu Picchu is a surreal experience. It feels like virtual reality, like you’re in a CGI cyberspace or something, it’s perfect. There is a Guardhouse at the top, a lookout point with panoramic views of the complex. There are stunning stepped fields from the city up to the guardhouse. These were built to prevent erosion and to grow crops. Take lots of pictures and mental snapshots, as you’ll never see anything like this again.
Machu Picchu Architecture
You will spend the next couple of hours exploring what I call Machu Picchu City. The official name is the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park. It’s believed that this is where royalty, employees, and other residents lived in the city. Visitors were likely of a higher social class, as Machu Picchu was built for royalty and Inca elites.
While touring the complex, you will see areas where tools or pottery may have been made, religious ritual areas, ceremonial spots, the Royal residence, and common housing and storage buildings.
The Temple of the Sun
A curved stone temple used for rituals honouring the sun.
Temple of the Three Windows
This is very cool and another great opportunity for some epic pics. There are windows you can stand in to take what I would call a perfect shot with Huayna Picchu in the background. This is one of my favourite pics of the complex.
Sacred Rock
This is a huge rock believed to represent Huayna Picchu, which is directly behind it.
These were just a few of my highlights. There are many more you can research beforehand if you like.
Here is a link to the official Machu Picchu website, where you can download a brochure highlighting everything you can see at the complex.
Train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
After exploring Machu Picchu, it’s back to Aguas Calientes to catch the train to Cusco. While waiting for the train, you’ll have time to shop, explore the main square, and enjoy Aguas Calientes. The train departs from the city center, making for an epic journey back to Cusco through the Sacred Valley. The train drops you off at Poroy Station in Cusco, where a driver meets you for the 30-minute ride back to your hotel.
I hope you enjoyed reading this guide and that it helps you prepare for your bucket-list Machu Picchu hike. You should have everything you need to plan your trip, from getting to Cusco to exploring Machu Picchu’s grounds. Live in the moment and take as much from this experience as you can, as it’s a journey you may only do once. It may not be until you have time to reflect that you truly appreciate the Machu Picchu hike you just did. I know it was that way for me, and it’s an experience I will never forget.
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