Short 2-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Cusco, Peru
- 2 days (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
- Perfect for those short on time or not prepared to hike for 3 days with nightly camping
- Expert, local indigenous guides bring their Inca culture to life
- Walk directly into the citadel of Machu Picchu through the mystical Sun Gate (Intipunku)
- Small groups and personalized service
- Hotel upgrades available
- Make a difference in your travel: our 100% Local, indigenous company supports our local communities with jobs, training, education, healthcare and reforestation projects
What's Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Professional English speaking tour guide
- All entry fees for the tour ( Inca Trail and Machu Picchu )
- All transportation during the tour
- We cater to all diets.
- Night at a 3-star hotel in Machu picchu town
- Round trip Expedition tourist class train
- Fully guided tour on the trail and Machu Picchu
- First aid kit and oxygen tank
- Breakfast on day 1 and Lunch on day 2
- Tips, Travel Insurance (advisable)
- Hotel in Cusco before and after the hike
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco or in Sacred Valley ( Urubamba or Ollanatytambo), Let us know the hotel's name once you book it.
Operating hours.4:00 am
Itinerary
Day 1
Inka Trail short version hike
6 Stops
Cusco (Pass By)
Ollantaytambo (Pass By)
Winay Wayna (Pass By)
Inti Punku Sun Gate (Pass By)
1
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Aguas Calientes (Pass By)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Machu Picchu
6 Stops
Cusco (Pass By)
1
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
4 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Huayna Picchu (Pass By)
Aguas Calientes (Pass By)
Ollantaytambo (Pass By)
Cusco (Pass By)
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Visakha_A
I booked this as a solo traveler & had an amazing time! The trail was magical and the scenery was stunning. Yes, it was challenging at times if you are not a native hiker but with a positive and can-do attitude will make the best experience. Victor was my guide and I loved his story telling method when educating our group about the Inca people; you can tell that is very proud about his culture and history. This was 1 of the best experiences someone can have! I highly recommend a good challenge to see some epic landscapes.
Reviews
5.0
based on 3,834 reviews
Robyn_H, Apr 2026
What an amazing journey with my friends. We had the most incredible and knowledgeable guide, Lucio, who enhanced our experience exponentially. Additionally, I dealt with a mild case of altitude sickness and he was caring and compassionate and made sure I made it safely up and down the mountain. When I reached Sun Gate and caught up with my friends who were anxiously waiting, Machu Picchu didn’t just appear, it unfolded, like something the mountains had been hiding until I earned the right to see it. I am so proud of myself and my friends, old and new, who helped me complete the journey. Pictures do not do it justice. Furthermore, the best meal we had in Peru was on the mountain, the chef, cooked a fresh Peruvian delightful meal. Thank you, Lucio and your entire crew <3!!!
Paul_K, Feb 2026
Beautiful expedition. Difficult but well worth the views and stunning nature. Marcella was a very kind and helpful host. Machu Picchu is stunning
MirandaFinch, Jan 2026
We did the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (2D/1N) with Victor as our guide, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Victor was incredible from start to finish—organized, knowledgeable, and so easy to be around. He coordinated a seamless 4:00am pickup, transfers to the train, and then guided us through an amazing ~8-hour hike, sharing history, culture, and stories along the way that made the trail come alive.
What really set Victor apart was how much he went above and beyond. He had dinner with us in Machu Picchu town, made hotel check-in effortless, and clearly communicated the plan for meeting up the following morning. The next day, he led an excellent, well-paced tour of Machu Picchu, gave us a fantastic lunch recommendation afterward, and then coordinated all of our transportation back to Cusco without a single issue.
We started this two-day excursion on just two hours of sleep due to a flight delay and an early pickup, but the energy of the group—and Victor’s positive, calming presence—made the entire experience feel easy and fun. Everything was so well organized that we could just enjoy the journey. Highly recommend this tour and especially Victor if you want a stress-free, unforgettable Machu Picchu experience.
Lee_O, Oct 2025
If you're fit and enjoy hiking but are short on time, this is a great way to see Machu Picchu. The tour was exceptionally well planned and communicated, and everything went according to plan. We felt like doing the hike on one day then the tour on another day was a good fit. However, my wife struggled cardio wise but found using walking poles really helped. We would recommend taking gatorades if space/weight allow as you get very hot and sweaty. We stayed in Tara hotel in Aguas Calientes and the room was lovely but the breakfast VERY basic. Nilton was an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and friendly guide, and Yadira and Elix were always encouraging us along. The meal on the hike was very good. The road from Cusco to Ollantaytambo is very rough and impossible to sleep on (you will be on this road around 4-6am). We enjoyed the views from the train from and to km104. The bus from Aguas Calientes to the start of the hike is not for the feint hearted - lots of sheer drops and tight corners. We were blindsided by an extra $45 pp fee which wasnt included in the tour price even though it states all fees are paid. We paid for Huayna pIcchu but decided against it due to heavy rain - it seemed much tougher in person than it did watching videos beforehand.
Emma_T, Oct 2025
This 1 day hike tour was amazing from start to finish. Perfect for those that can’t or don’t want to camp. Still get to experience some of the hike and the view from the sun gate. With the comfort of an hotel stay.
The chefs porters on the hike are amazing. Carrying all the gear up and make an amazing spread. Wasn’t expecting the amount of food that was offered.
Our tour guide Nilton was very informative and we all had a laugh together.
We had an amazing group to hike with.
Well worth doing. I 100% recommend this trip
Matthew_G, Sep 2025
Was a phenomenal trip! Walter and Ever were the best guides and so knowledgeable. Perfect balance between hiking the Inca Trail while having modern amenities like a hotel. Would highly recommend if you are looking for a great experience at Machu Picchu!!
Andrew_M, May 2025
Walter and Efra were great guides. We really enjoyed the trek and would highly recommend them. The food and lodging accommodations in Aguas Calientes were excellent!
Devon_R, May 2025
This was an amazing experience. The tour guide Victor was outstanding, funny and very informative. The food, amazing! I will say the hike was difficult… but it made it all worth it when we got to Machu Picchu for the breathtaking views. I highly recommend this tour! Outstanding experience !
vasileios_f, Apr 2025
Great itinerary , helpful tour guides and a wholesome experience after all. Our tour guides made these moments unforgettable
Visakha_A, Apr 2025
I booked this as a solo traveler & had an amazing time! The trail was magical and the scenery was stunning. Yes, it was challenging at times if you are not a native hiker but with a positive and can-do attitude will make the best experience. Victor was my guide and I loved his story telling method when educating our group about the Inca people; you can tell that is very proud about his culture and history. This was 1 of the best experiences someone can have! I highly recommend a good challenge to see some epic landscapes.
Therese_S, Apr 2025
This is an amazing trip for those who want to do a short Inca trail. David our main guide was so knowledgeable, engaging and passionate about his culture. We were fortunate to have a lovely second guide, Luz who also took great care of us. Snacks, water and lots of breaks were provided on this demanding trek, a 60 year old speaking!! The lunch provided high up on the trail was a fantastic spread. It helped that the group got on well. A most memorable and worthwhile trip which I thoroughly recommend. One would be so lucky to have David as your guide.
Stephanie_M, Mar 2025
Our guide Romario was sensational. Very informative about history, agriculture and every other question our group tossed is way. He did regular checks on the group due to altitude, etc. and kept us together. The group had a wonderful experience and became friends because he helped cultivate that. While we were unable to hike Inca Trail due to rainy season closures Hochuy Cosco was equally beautiful due to wildflowers blooming, there were lupines everywhere. Once we got to Machu Picchu Romario was also incredibly informative, respectful of other tours and knew all the best spots for photos. Book it now!
Diana_C, Dec 2024
Great option of you don't have time for the full 4-5 day trek. Views were absolutely gorgeous from beginning to end. Highly recommend
Michelle_L, Dec 2024
Once in a lifetime experience. It is demanding on the body and not an easy hike but it was so worth it!
Barry_S, Nov 2024
EXCELLENT tour guide (Walter). Patient, knowledgeable, effective, and personable guide. The tour demands the ability to climb to high altitudes with strength in the legs and lungs. Great scenery. Covers a lot of land in a short period of time. Great place to stay overnight. Well organized. Can't say enough about the multiple strengths of this tour.
alesia_s, Oct 2024
This is unforgettable experience. And in my opinion, this is the Best way to see mountains and Machu Picchu sites, only (!!) if you are athletic and physically prepared for a hike. The hike was a little bit challenging, but the view that we were able to see so rewarding. Also, I would like to say thank you to the crew and especially to Lucio, for incredible logistics behind the scene. I think this is one of the best organized tour that I’ve ever been. Everything was so well prepared. And a little bonus, we had a homemade meal on the top of the mountain during our hike. Thank you to our Cook.
Neal_R, Sep 2024
My wife and I celebrated our 15th anniversary by doing the short INKA trail. It was an amazing experience!! Our guide, Simon, was incredible from beginning to end. He was fun, knowledgable, and did a great job of pushing us on the difficult hiking parts.
Marie_S, Sep 2024
This is a very challenging hike! Our group wasn’t really prepared for the level of activity this was but we thankfully got through. The first part of the hike is the hardest and involves a lot of stairs. You do take a lot of breaks which helps. Be sure to bring bug spray, sunscreen and wear layers. Be sure to acclimate to the elevation a few days before the hike because it’s really no joke. Pack your backpack as light as possible because that really adds a lot of difficulty to the hike having to carry it the whole time. I bought hiking boots specifically for this and am so glad I did. Our guides Nilton and Elix were amazing and provided great knowledge and history of the area and sites along the way. Unfortunately it was really smoky in the valley so we couldn’t see Machu Picchu from the sun gate. Our smaller group was way too tired from the inka trail hike to do Waynapicchu the next day so we didn’t do it.
Overall it was a great experience especially having everything taken care of to get to and from Machu Picchu, but I just wish I was a little more prepared with how intense the hike was going to be!
Craig_B, Jul 2024
Great Trek and Victor and Alex were great guides. July was the perfect time to go and Machu Picchu was amazing.
Gne_B, Jun 2024
It is a great tour! I enjoyed the hike maybe even more than being in the Machu Picchu site. You get the opportunity to avoid the crowds.
Angie_M, Jun 2024
What a fantastic experience! I researched so many different ways and companies to hike the Inka trail and see Machu Picchu and have no doubt that Alpaca tours is the best. Our guides, Nilton and Celio, were outstanding. They kept things running smoothly, were super communicative throughout, and made sure everyone on our tour had a great experience. This tour is superior because you get to see the sun gate, get all the great pictures from circuit one, then get the circuit three tour at sunrise the next day which is more in depth and interesting. The lunch on the trail was delicious. The trail itself was a great hike. You should wear trail or hiking shoes for good traction, and be in decent shape. The hike was around 7 miles all in with a lot of stops. The guides make sure you’re ok the whole time. We loved the people we met and could not have asked for a better experience. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone wishing to experience part of the Inka trail and get the ruins mostly to yourself to explore and immerse.
aly_a, May 2024
Our guides, Ivan and Rosa, were wonderful. The group was a little large and mixed ability levels, but they really looked after everyone. They allowed time and we never felt rushed, so we really enjoyed the experience. They were both extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the trail and MP. Highly recommend this experience to those who love to hike but also like the creature comforts of a shower & bed at night:)
Mark_H, May 2024
I definitely recommend visiting Macchu Picchu with this moderate hike the first day. You are able to visit other Incan sites along the way, and the views of the surrounding mountains are spectacular. The tour guides Victor and Rosa were great. They were always checking to make sure the group was feeling good and knew so much about the Incan history and civilization. They give you all the information about Machu Picchu that you could ever think of. It was nice having all the transportation and food taken care of on this tour. Just show up and enjoy the experience!
Edwin_S, Apr 2024
Javier & Alex were great guides, well organized, helpful, and informative. Alpac is a well run company and Everything was first class. I highly recommend them.
Miguel_M, Apr 2024
Trekking to Machu Picchu is the ONLY way to do it. You will feel like you earned the experience and memories. The views along the Inka Trail were stunning. Our fantastic guides (Victor and Alexi) provided clear instruction and valuable historical context along the way. Their guidance let us truly experience the hike and visit the site without worry about logistics. Instead, we got to take it all in from beginning to end. Highly recommended!
Wayne_S, Apr 2024
Excellent guides and very well organised tour. Thank you to Walter, Honorato and Paula - you guided us with patience and shared a lot of wisdom and knowledge about Machu Picchu and the Inca civilisation.
Zach_G, Mar 2024
I booked the 2D/1N (hotel) tour on a few weeks notice with little comparison to other options, instead relying on the reviews here.
Alpaca Expeditions provided a seamless experience from start to finish, exactly as described. And Simon Puma, our friendly guide, enhanced the journey as he provided careful guidance during and thoughtful explanations throughout the trip.
I would advise participants to consider their level of fitness as parts of the hike are challenging, including brief, steep ascents/descents without manufactured handholds. Also ensure that you submit your name as stated on your passport when registering as this will be checked at the various Machu Picchu checkpoints.
It was a great relief to immediately feel in goods hands with Alpaca Expeditions. Thank you Simon!
Niclas_K, Mar 2024
The view on the hike was awesome.
Very good guide Victor!
To se machu picchu from the sungate was so nice.
All was perfect!
Amanda_J, Jan 2024
This was the perfect trip, we got to complete the last leg of the Inca trail that arrives at the Sun Gate. Our tour guide Walter was amazing, he provided an excellent balance of stories and facts during the hiking portion which made it an excellent pace as it gave us some time to catch our breath. He was a wealth of knowledge and everything was very well organized. This is a great tour because it gives you 2 chances in to see Machu Picchu. Highly recommend.
Alok_T, Jan 2024
We were lucky to have an amazing guide - Americo. The day before the hike, during check in, he briefed us a complete plan in step by step manner and put us at ease. The following day, he and taxi driver picked us promptly on time early at 420am to begin our drive to train station. We ate a quick breakfast (at our cost), then boarded the train. The guide may sit in a different rail car then you depending on ticket. After a very scenic train ride (make sure to request seats on left side window if possible), we arrived at KM104 to begin our hike. There is a checkpoint here, so be prepared with your passports. After checkpoint, we got a small snack bag from tour guide (orange, banana, and chocolate bar). We also met our chef who will make our lunch later.
The hike continues through beautiful forrest on inca trail. Americo stop by the ruins and explained in great detail and perfect English about Incan culture and history. Along the trail, he would also point out flowers in bloom and birds singing. Americo is wealth of knowledge and was very patient in answering our questions.
The lunch was fantastic and was customized to our dietary needs. After reaching Sun Gate, we explored Machu Pichu almost empty. Great time to take some pics here.
We stayed at Hotel Jaya, which was at best a 3 star hotel met our needs. Breakfast is included.
The next day, we did the Machu Pichu tour bur it felt a bit rushed since there were tons of tourist so there is always someone behind you prodding. The rain also put a show to make this things uncomfortable.
The 2 day hike, in my opinion is a much better option then longer 4 day hike. You get to be on Inca trail and explore the forest, you get to see Machu Pichu in evening with almost no tourists. All without gruesome hike of first 2 days in longer hike. I think it was right decision for us as we were able to use those 2 days to explore Cusco and acclimatize instead.
The tour company was fantastic. They shared a lot of tips and information before the trip. I would highly recommend this company.
Likely to Sell Out
From $585.00
per person-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Likely to Sell Out
Short 2-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate
3,834
2 days
Free Cancellation
From
$585.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Archaeology Tours
- Half-day Tours
- Bus Tours
- Historical Tours
- Day Trips
- Cultural Tours
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Cusco
- Archaeology Tours - Sacred Valley
- Half-day Tours - Sacred Valley
- Bus Tours - Sacred Valley
- Historical Tours - Sacred Valley
- Bus Tours - Chivay
- Half-day Tours - Ayacucho
- Bus Tours - Ayacucho
- Historical Tours - Ayacucho
Attractions in Cusco, Peru
- ChocoMuseo Cusco Tours & Tickets
- Pisac Indian Market Tours & Tickets
- Salkantay Trail Tours & Tickets
- Cusco Cathedral (Catedral del Cuzco) Tours & Tickets
- Machu Picchu Tours & Tickets
- Lares Trek Tours & Tickets
- Aguas Calientes Tours & Tickets
- Tambomachay Tours & Tickets
- Ollantaytambo Ruins Tours & Tickets
- Qorikancha (Coricancha) Tours & Tickets
- Sacred Valley of the Incas Tours & Tickets
- Choquequirao Tours & Tickets
- Raqch'i Tours & Tickets
- San Blas Tours & Tickets
- Plaza de Armas (Huacaypata) Tours & Tickets
- Agricultural Terraces of Moray Tours & Tickets