Short on time but hungry for Machu Picchu: this private 2-day express trek follows the original stone stairways to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) and delivers a guided morning inside Machu Picchu. Expect steep steps, cloud-forest scenery, and a mandatory pre-departure briefing in Cusco.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You start before dawn in Cusco, gathered into a bus that climbs toward the Sacred Valley and the train at Ollantaytambo. At KM 104 the trail leans into cloud forest: ancient stone staircases rise, moss and orchids cling to wet mortar, and the path threads terraces that once fed an empire. Footsteps echo where Inca runners once passed.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and leg strength; prior day-hiking experience at altitude recommended
Wildlife
History
The trail follows Inca-era roadwork connecting administrative centers to Machu Picchu; Inti Punku served as the traditional ceremonial entry point facing the citadel.
Conservation
Machu Picchu National Park limits daily visitors and requires strict stay-on-trail practices—carry out waste, avoid single-use plastics, and follow guide instructions to reduce erosion and impact.
Reserve your spot on the 2-Day Private Express Trek Through The Inca Trail today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in Cusco first
Spend 24–48 hours in Cusco to reduce altitude sickness risk—avoid heavy exertion on arrival day and hydrate well.
Sturdy footwear matters
Wear broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support and sticky soles—the trail is uneven stone with wet sections.
Carry passport and permit copy
Bring the same passport used to book the Inca Trail permit or a photocopy—entrance checks are strict at the briefing and trail gates.
Start early and pace uphill
The trek includes sustained uphill climbs; set a steady pace, take short breaks, and save energy for the final push to Inti Punku.
Sturdy hiking boots
Good ankle support and grippy soles for wet stone steps and uneven terrain.
Waterproof rain jacket
The cloud forest gets sudden showers—keep dry to stay warm and prevent hypothermia.
summer
Warm insulating layer
Cold pre-dawn starts and evenings in Aguas Calientes require a warm midlayer.
Trekking poles
Useful for descending slippery stone steps and reducing knee strain on long downhills.