Camping to Machu Picchu
Short Inca Trail 2 Days
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Overview
The Short Inca Trail 2 days with camping is designed for travelers who want a shorter trek than the classic 4-day route, but still want to camp on the Inca Trail and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Starting at Km 104, you will hike along original Inca stone paths, visit Wiñay Wayna and continue to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Instead of going straight to a hotel, you stay at a nearby campsite and enjoy a night under the stars. The next morning you return to Machu Picchu for a complete guided tour, then travel back to Cusco by train and vehicle.
The 2 day Inca Trail camping tour is ideal if you love the idea of camping, want the magic of the Inca Trail, and only have a couple of days available in your itinerary.
Short Inca Trail 2 Days with Camping
Highlights
Short Inca Trail 2 Days Camping
Itinerary
Cusco: Km 104 Wiñay Wayna Sun Gate Campsite
Day 1
Your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu starts with an early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. You will travel to the train station and board the train towards Km 104, the official starting point for the 2 day Inca Trail.
At Km 104, you meet your trekking team, pass the control point with your Inca Trail permit and enjoy a light breakfast and get redy to start hiking.
The first part of the trail leads you to Chachabamba, a small Inca site near the river. Your guide explains its function as a checkpoint and ceremonial space. Then the trail begins to climb steadily on stone steps and forest paths, with views over the Urubamba River and nearby peaks.
After several hours of hiking with rest stops, you arrive at Wiñay Wayna, a stunning complex of agricultural terraces, temples and water channels built into the mountainside. You visit the site with your guide, take photos and enjoy your lunch prepared by your chef.
From Wiñay Wayna, you continue along the last section of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, following a narrow stone path through cloud forest. After a final short but steep climb, you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and see Machu Picchu for the first time from above.
In the afternoon light, the citadel is often quieter than in the morning, giving you a more peaceful first impression and great opportunities for photos.
Depending on current regulations and your schedule, you then:
- Walk down to the upper viewpoints for more photos and
- Exit the site to take the bus down towards the camp site near the Ruinas Bridge.
Instead of going to a hotel, you go with your guide to your campsite near Machu Picchu (puente ruinas – nex to the river). Your porters and cook will already be setting up tents and preparing your dinner.
You enjoy a hot meal, a briefing about the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu and a night of camping with the sounds of the mountains around you.
Machu Picchu Guided Visit Return to Cusco
Day 2
After an early breakfast at the camp, you will walk for araound 2º minutes to the town and take the bus up to Machu Picchu for your second entry. Today you will enjoy a full guided tour in machupicchu, following one of the official circuits set by the park authorities.
Your guide will show you temples, plazas, terraces and viewpoints, explain the history and the latest theories about Machu Picchu, and give you time to take photos from classic vantage points.If you have pre-booked an extra hike such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, and tickets are available, this will be done according to your scheduled time.
After visiting Machu Picchu, you take the bus back down. You’ll have time in town for lunch (on your own) and some free time before boarding the train back toward the Sacred Valley.
Upon arrival at the station, our driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving in the evening.
Short Inca Trail 2 Days Camping Inclusions
What’s Included
What’s Not Included
Short Inca Trail 2 Days Camping
Practical Information
The Short Inca Trail 2 days is considered moderate.
Day 1: approximately 6–7 hours of hiking (with breaks) from Km 104 via Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate and onward to the exit.
The trail includes stone steps, sustained climbs and some narrow sections but no high mountain passes like the 4-day trek.
Day 2 is mainly sightseeing and walking in Machu Picchu on established circuits.
Typical altitudes:
Cusco: 3,400 Meters Above Sea Level.
Km 104: 2,100 Meters Above Sea Level.
Trail high points: 2,600–2,700 Meters Above Sea Level.
Sun Gate: 2,720 Meters Above Sea Level.
Machu Picchu: 2,430 Meters Above Sea Level.
Even though this 2 day Inca Trail trek is lower than the classic passes, we still recommend spending at least 1–2 nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before departure to help your body adapt.
Inca Trail is normally closed in February for maintenance.
Best season: April–October (drier weather, clearer views).
Rainy season: November–March, with more rain but greener landscapes and fewer people.
Permits for the Short Inca Trail are limited and can sell out in high season, so advance booking is recommended, especially for May–September.
We suggest:
- Comfortable hiking shoes or boots.
- Lightweight trekking clothes + warm layer (fleece/jacket).
- Waterproof jacket or poncho.
- Sleeping bag (or rent one through us).
- Small daypack for water, snacks, camera, and layers.
- Light change of clothes for the second day and for after the trek.
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen.
- Personal toiletries and basic first aid items.
- Passport (required for trail and Machu Picchu).
- Cash for snacks, drinks and tips.
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FAQs – Short Inca Trail 2 Days Camping
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