Short Inca Trail: The Perfect Machu Picchu Excursion (2024 Guide)
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A stroll through history on the Inca Trail
One of – if not – the most popular reasons travellers flock to Peru every year is to see one of the seven world wonders – Machu Picchu.
It features on bucket lists across the world and for good reason, the illustrious 15th-century Inca site is the most impressively preserved citadel on the planet.
Nestled amongst towering cliff faces, the only way to reach Machu Picchu is to either take a scenic train ride and then a bus or grab your hiking boots to take a stroll on the Inca Trail. This past March, me and my partner opted for the latter.
You can do the Inca Trail in two ways, either a 4-day hike which involves camping or a 2-day excursion which includes a comfortable hotel stay. If you’re short on time like we were, the 2-day trek is a great option and we reached out to Machu Picchu Excursions for the trip.
*Note, you need your passport for the various checkpoints to hike the Inca Trail.

Day 1: From Cusco to the view of Machu Picchu
Start with a scenic train ride
After a brisk pick-up from our hotel in Cusco (beware non-early risers, the adventure begins at the ungodly hour of 4am) we took the 2-hour journey to the Ollantaytambo Train Station to begin our adventure. We arrived quite early so had time for a coffee and a mill around the shops before boarding.
The whole process was fairly straightforward as our guide had emailed the tickets over the night before so we simply boarded and were on our way.
As the train chugged towards Chachabamba, we started to peek into the lush Andean landscapes alongside the Urubamba River. The journey itself is about one and a half hours in total, giving you loads of time to spot the local flora and fauna.
Keep a look out for orchids and bears! If you get the train to the last stop (the closest the train gets to Machu Picchu) it’s an extra 20 minutes/ half an hour on top of that.
If you’re doing the short Inca Trail trek, you’ll get off at KM 104 (don’t worry, they’ll call the stop over the speaker system).
Upon disembarking, the real journey commenced.

Trekk to Wiñay Huayna
Passport in hand, we met our guide, Jose Luis and crossed the Chachabamba checkpoint, where the trail starts.
Our first encounter was with the archaeological site of Chachabamba itself – a great introduction to the Incan architectural genius nestled at 2,000 meters above sea level. You’ll have time to explore these ruins briefly before the real hiking starts.
The trek to Wiñay Huayna was where the ‘moderate’ difficulty rating started to make sense.
While we do a lot of trekking, you’re starting at 2,000m above sea level so the four-hour uphill hike was more challenging than expected, but it was a feast for the eyes.
Wiñay Huayna, a labyrinthine ensemble of Inca ruins, clings dramatically to the hillside. Its terraced steps offer breathtaking views over the Urubamba River below – a sight well worth the huffing and puffing.
Cross the Sun Gate
We stopped for a brief lunch and refuelled, pressed on towards the Sun Gate.
The path to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) felt every bit like a pilgrimage, each step drawing us closer to the fabled vistas of Machu Picchu.
This was another four-hour hike with lots of up and downhill so it’s worth having some sugary snacks to keep you going!
Standing at the gate, the sight of the citadel in the distance was nothing short of magical – a first glimpse of the iconic ruins, framed by the rugged mountainous tapestry, was our reward for the day’s exertions.
I’m not sure we’d of had the same level of elation upon first glimpse if we had simply taken the train all the way up, the hike definitely makes it all the more rewarding.

We were also super lucky as the weather had been fantastic all day, blue skies and not too hot so we had a perfectly clear view looking down at Machu Picchu.
Our guide reminded us to take in all the views as we’d be entering the site the next morning so wouldn’t get this birds-eye view again.
Bathe in hot springs
The final leg of the day was a descent into Machu Picchu town, or Aguas Calientes. Nestled at 2,040 meters, this quaint town was our resting ground.
The town itself was a bit bizarre. It’s 100% set up for backpackers as the streets are littered with hostels and bartenders trying to drag in passersby. It doesn’t feel particularly authentic, more like a tourist grab.
But, you’ll be pleased to know that the town does have its own hot springs which was a very welcome sight after a day’s trek.
It doesn’t cost much to enter but you’ll need to take your own towels etc. There are loads of pools to choose from filled with natural hot spring water at varying temperatures (don’t mind the colour and visibility, this is what natural hot springs look like).
After a good soak, Jose Luis took us out for a hearty dinner of local Peruvian flavours and then we retreated to our hotel for an early night ready for the next day.
Day 2: Enter Machu Picchu
Morning Ascent to the Citadel
The good thing about staying in Aguas Calientes is you can get into Machu Picchu pretty much as soon as it opens. Those taking the train won’t get there until around 8/9am so you get to beat the crowds for an hour or so.
By 5 am, we were up and eager, ready to beat the larger crowds to the gates of Machu Picchu. Our guide, Jose Luis, had advised an early start to catch the sunrise over the citadel, and he wasn’t wrong about the timing.
The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is short but winding, climbing up the mountain in tight zigzags.
While some might find this part of the journey a bit stomach-churning, the anticipation of reaching one of the world’s most iconic sites makes every hairpin turn worth it.
The big reveal
Stepping through the gates of Machu Picchu as the day broke was nothing short of cinematic.
The early morning fog clung to the ancient stones, which only made it more mystical and awe-inspiring. As it slowly lifted, it revealed the incredible sight of the citadel against a backdrop of lush, emerald mountains.
It’s a moment of pure magic, a real pinch-yourself scenario.
Exploring the iconic ruins
Jose Luis proved to be an invaluable resource, weaving tales and trivia as we wandered among the ruins.
He pointed out architectural marvels like the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana stone, explaining their historical and astronomical significance. His stories brought the cold stones to life, painting a vivid picture of the Inca civilization’s ingenuity and spirituality.

Walking through the central square, surrounded by the meticulous stonework, it’s easy to feel transported back in time. You half-expect an Inca priest to turn the corner.
You simply can’t visit Machu Picchu without trying to capture its beauty in photographs but trust me, no camera can truly do justice to the experience. Every angle offers a new perspective, each more breathtaking than the last.
There are even llamas at the site, apparently left behind after filming years ago, you can see 10s of them cruising around the site. They are not phased by humans either, and will even stay still for photos with tourists.
Leisurely descent and reflections
As midday approached and the site really started to fill up, we began our descent back to Aguas Calientes. Jose Luis shared his own thoughts on the modern-day impact of tourism on this sacred site, sparking a thoughtful discussion about preservation and respect for cultural heritage.
Back in Aguas Calientes, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch, mulling over our experiences while enjoying some local cuisine – quinoa soup and freshly grilled trout are a must-try.

Our journey back to Cusco was bittersweet.
The train ride provided a quiet time to reflect on the past two days – a mix of awe, spiritual uplift, and physical exertion.
As the landscapes whizzed by, it was hard not to feel a deep connection to this land, woven through the stories of its past and the undeniable beauty of its present.
We’d like to thank Jose Lois and Machu Picchu Excursions for their expert knowledge, he really made the trip an educational experience and I’d recommend the Short Inca Trail for anyone who wants to get a taste of the Inca Pilgrimage without the need for camping!
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