No matter how you get to or experience Machu Picchu, whether by train to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes or hiking for days across the mountains, it’s always an unquestionable highlight of any custom journey through Peru. Ever since explorer Hiram Bingham discovered The Lost City in 1911, hidden as it was under centuries of forest growth atop a mysterious mountain, Machu Pichu has held mystique and wonder for all who visit.
Often voted the World’s Top Travel Destination, Machu Picchu is the jewel in South America’s crown of evocative attractions, as is the Inca Trail that leads you there.
The classic route was built (and hidden) by the ancient Inca, meandering through valleys, along cliffsides and over mountain passes until reaching Machu Picchu itself. However, you don’t have to commit to the full four days of hiking and camping to get the Inca Trail experience and arrive at Machu Picchu like the explorers of old!
The enticing alternative is a two-day Short Inca Trail, offering up some of the classic route’s highlights like Wiñay Wayna or the Sun Gate and is perfect for anyone with limited time available, or are unable to complete the full trek.
Here we look at what makes the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu such a fantastic option, and some insider tips to make your experience of The Lost City the best it can be.
The Short Inca trail links up with the finale of the classic pathway through the mountains and up to the Sun Gate. You’ll be amazed how much you can squeeze into two days and get an even more in-depth experience of this ancient wonder, compared with a tour of just the citadel in a one-off visit.
Though Machu Picchu remains open all year, the Inca Trail closes in February, so we’d recommend avoiding this month of travel even if looking to enjoy a shortened version of the route.
Our preferred two-day itinerary includes:
A packed first day begins early in the morning for a rail transfer to Km 104 aboard the Vistadome Train (from either Cusco or the Sacred Valley), entering the trailhead upon arrival near the impressive and atmospheric Inca ruins of Chachabamba.
From here, you’ll take your first steps towards and along the iconic Inca Trail in the company of a private Atelier guide (equipped with walking poles and a delicious boxed lunch with snacks), heading for Wiñay Wayna Archaeological Site. The four or five-hour hike is beautiful, winding its way up a hillside, along ridges and past viewpoints until reaching Wiñay Wayna.
One of the most recognizable and best-preserved archeological sites in Peru, Wiñay Wayna is an impressive site to behold, sprawled as it is up a steep mountainside and with stepped agricultural terraces still perfectly intact to this day. You’ll have time to explore the homesteads and terraces, as well as admire the views, before continuing through forest and along cliffside trails that all feel suitably dramatic.
Next up comes a site almost as iconic as Machu Picchu itself, Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. Emerging from the horizon and offering ultimate elevated views of The Lost City, Inti Punku is the final landmark on the Inca Trail before descending to the citadel. Having admired the panoramas from here, the sweeping valleys and towering mountains that surround Machu Picchu, make your way down to the entrance gates for a closer look before a short bus ride to nearby Aguas Calientes, unless staying at the enviably located Belmond Sanctuary Lodge not far from the citadel.
Having spent the evening in a nearby Aguas Calientes hotel, it’s worth another early start to make the most of your time amongst the ruins and be one of the first to see them that day. In the company of your private guide, we recommend a private tour of Machu Picchu, taking your time to absorb the incredible atmosphere and prowess of this unmatched marvel—not to mention the views!
You’ll have a choice of routes available to explore The Lost City, each taking in different ceremonial areas, streets, abodes and sacred sites, before one final chance to gaze upon the ruins and make your way back down to Aguas Calientes. Depending on your onward itinerary you could spend the afternoon revisiting Machu Picchu, perhaps hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. If looking for a relaxed end to your journey however, we recommend unwinding in town at a local restaurant, checking in to a nearby boutique hotel or boarding either the Vistadome Observatory or five-star Hiram Bingham Trains to Cusco for one of the most scenic rail journeys in the Americas.
There are some wonderful boutique properties near Machu Picchu, ideal if looking to explore the area before traveling to Cusco or beyond. Three of our favorite luxury Machu Picchu hotels are:
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge: The closest hotel to Machu Picchu, Belmond Sanctuary Lodge has only 29 guestrooms and offers a spa area, gardens, bar and restaurant onsite. What’s more, you’re perfectly placed to revisit the Lost City in the morning!
Sumaq Machu Picchu: Welcoming, beautifully adorned and nestled beside the river, Sumaq Machu Picchu is an enchanting—and supremely comfortable—place to stay when visiting the citadel.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu: Striking the balance between comfort and authenticity, there is something endearing about Inkaterra Machu Picchu—from the tropical gardens to the thatched casitas, open fireplaces or exposed stone walls, the sense of place is unmistakable.
When packing for your trip to the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, a few essentials include:
A waterproof jacket (regardless of the time of year)
Sun hat and sunglasses
Hiking boots/shoes
Hiking socks
Hiking poles
Loose trousers or shorts
Sunscreen—it’s possible to catch sunburn even on overcast days
Insect repellant
Plenty of water
Fruit and energy bars
1-sol coins for the toilets.
We also recommend packing your passport and getting the novelty Machu Picchu stamp (from a station outside the citadel) to mark your visit.
Being such a popular tourist site, though one which limits visitor numbers and has strict rules in place, being properly prepared for your visit to Machu Picchu will help maximize your time and enjoyment levels while trekking the Short Inca Trail.
Rely on an Atelier private guide: For a more intimate experience of Machu Picchu and its surrounds, we recommend an Atelier private guide who can give you a personalized briefing before taking the two days at your own pace. Such a once-in-a-lifetime journey and the location itself warrant taking the time to fully explore.
Book early: Both the Inca Trail (even the shortened version) and Machu Picchu operate restricted visitor number year-round. Always speak to an Atelier travel specialist for the latest guidance, though we’d recommend booking at least 3-6 months in advance.
Pack light: Unlike longer version of the Inca Trail and other hiking routes to Machu Picchu, on this expedition you’ll be carrying your own bags so be even more mindful of what you’re packing for the day! Trains to and from Cusco also only allow hand luggage, so preparation is needed if sending larger bags to Aguas Calientes in advance. Atelier can coordinate all logistics if extra luggage needs to be sent to Cusco or Aguas Calientes.
Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu: Time permitting, you can extend your tour and experience to visit these neighboring mountains on your second day, feeling even closer to both the landscape and ancient people who once dwelled here.
Acclimatization: Due to the altitude and elevations involved (up to 2,670m/8,759 ft at Inti Punku), we recommend two days of acclimatization before setting off on your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
When you visit Machu Picchu, there are three different routes or “circuits” to choose from, and you’ll need to select the appropriate ticket type to suit your preferred circuit in advance.
To avoid overcrowding and damage to the ancient walls, there are parts of Machu Picchu that only become accessible in high season, between June 1st and October 15th, and remember the Inca Trail closes throughout February so it’s best to avoid this time of year.
As one of the most precious yet most-visited ancient sites in the world, Machu Picchu has strict rules in place to ensure that the site is protected for generations to come. From the pre-defined routes to what is and isn’t allowed within the citadel, some of the key considerations to know in advance include:
The Inca trail to Machu Pichu crosses mountain passes and high terrain, so be prepared for altitude and acclimatization ahead of your trip. These are the heights above sea level of Machu Picchu, the surrounding mountains and important sites:
Machu Picchu: 2,430 meters (7,972 feet)
Machu Picchu Mountain: 3,061 meters (10,042 feet)
Sun Gate (Inti Punku): 2,720 meters (8,924 feet)
Huayna Picchu: 2,720 meters (8,920 feet)
Huchuy Picchu: 2,479 meters (8,133 feet)
Cusco: 3,399 meters (11,152 feet)
Sacred Valley: 2,900 meters (9,514 feet)
If that’s got your ideas going, take a look at these archaeological trips in South America and speak to an Atelier travel specialist today, they’ll look after your visit to this Peruvian masterpiece and beyond.
