2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco worth booking?
2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco is a 48-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $795 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 15 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (15)
- Duration
- 48 hours
- From
- $795 per person
Embark on an unforgettable journey from the ancient city of Cusco to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. Traverse scenic mountain paths, explore enigmatic ruins, and uncover the cultural richness of the Inca civilization. This adventure offers a harmonious blend of adventure and history, culminating in breathtaking views that are bound to leave an indelible mark on your soul. Highlights: Trek from KM 104 to the mystical Inti Punku Discover the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu Traverse through historical Inca ruins Experience local life in Aguas Calientes
What you get
About this experience
Embark on an unforgettable journey from the ancient city of Cusco to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. Traverse scenic mountain paths, explore enigmatic ruins, and uncover the cultural richness of the Inca civilization. This adventure offers a harmonious blend of adventure and history, culminating in breathtaking views that are bound to leave an indelible mark on your soul. Highlights: Trek from KM 104 to the mystical Inti Punku Discover the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu Traverse through historical Inca ruins Experience local life in Aguas Calientes
What's included
Included
- Pre-departure briefing
- Train Ollantaytambo - KM 104 (starting point of trek)
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Entry fee to Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
- Breakfast
- Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 4
- Train Transfer Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
- Professional Bilingual Guide on trek & Machu Picchu tour
- 1-night 3* Hotel Accommodation at Aguas Calientes
- Tourist Bus Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes on Day 1
- Cuzco Accommodation Pick-Up
- Round Trip Tourist Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu on Day 2
- Round Trip Bus Cuzco - Ollantaytambo
Not included
- Accommodation in Cusco
- Airport pick-up (please make your own way)
- Bottled Water
- Day 1 Breakfast, Day 2 Lunch
- Guide for bus and train transfers (these portions are on your own)
- Note: Prices for optional activities are subject to change at any time without prior notice. Please confirm these prices before departing on the trek
- Optional Huayna Picchu Trek (at an extra cost) must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance
- Optional Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (at an extra cost) must be booked at least 1 week in advance
- Tips (Please remember that tipping is 100% optional and depends entirely on the service you received. It is customary to give tips in Latin America, however it is NOT mandatory. If you do wish to give a tip these are our recommended guidelines.) Guides: 20-30 soles per guide per trekker
- Trekking Poles
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Bamba Travel
Know before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Accommodation options: Single travellers will share a room with another traveller & couples will have a private room.
- Departure dates for trek: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday (Daily departures with a group of 4 or more)
- Don't forget the essentials: Original passport, visa (if applicable), insurance card, personal medications
- Important: You must provide the following information upon booking: Full name (exactly as it appears on the passport), Date of Birth, Nationality, Passport Number, Date of Passport Expiry - Must be valid for at least 6 months past the date of travel. Without this information, the local tour operator will be unable to make the booking. Please be aware that your complete and correct passport information must be provided. Absolutely no modifications can be made once your booking has been confirmed. Any changes or discrepancies in the information provided will result in a complete loss of permits and entrance tickets, for which you will be held responsible and will need to pay for again
- Note: No Departures in February due to unfavorable climatic conditions
- Physical requirements: This hike is Moderate - an 8 miles trail mostly uphill, with 550 meters of uphill that might be difficult for people who are afraid of heights
- Suggested packing list: Bring or Rent in Cusco: hiking poles, rain pants, rain poncho, trekking boots, sandals, warm socks, sweater, thermals, hat, gloves, sun hat, sun block, sun glasses, flashlight/torch, camera, extra batteries and memory card (there is limited to no electricity available during the trek), waterproof bags for your camera, hand sanitizer, personal first aid kit, water bottle. Bring extra cash for snacks, water, gatorade which doubles or triples in price along the trail.
- *Please note that there is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cuzco Headquarters one day prior to departure at 6 PM. You will receive detailed information on your excursion, a list of what to bring and confirm your departure details. Meeting time: 6 PM Bamba Experience is located at: Calle Matara 242, Second Floor. Cuzco, Peru Emergency Contact: Ruth: +51 984 008 440 Sekwanele: +51 957 625 445
- *Note: You will have a guide during the trek and on the Machu Picchu tour. However, during your bus and train transfers you will not be accompanied by a guide.
- As of June 11, 2022, all travelers over 18 years old must have three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. That means two regular doses plus a booster. Passengers from 12 to 17 years old must prove they are vaccinated with two doses. If they do not have a complete scheme, they must present the negative result of an RT-PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before boarding in their country of origin.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
7 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
7 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
15 verified traveler reviews for 2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
As much as I’d like to gatekeep this, the 2D Inca Trail is probably the best option for most people
We had an outstanding time with our guide, Francisco. He was incredibly punctual like a Patek Philippe watch. We are in reasonably good shape and the hike was very moderate with tons of time to take pictures along the way—and whenever we looked tired, Francisco casually stopped to point out the local flora. Our guide was very knowledgeable on the history of the area and funny—really a gem and made the door to door experience a breeze. Highly recommend this 2D tour to anyone who is going to Machu Pichu. It felt far richer than just the tour of the site itself…and without the pain of camping and hiking 4D, if that isn’t your cup of tea. You do need to be able to hike 6-8 hours carrying 2L of water and overnight clothes/electronics but it’s manageable at the moderate altitudes.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your outstanding review! We're delighted to hear that you had such a great time with Francisco as your guide. His punctuality, comparable to a Patek Philippe watch, and his ability to make the hike enjoyable with frequent stops to appreciate the local flora truly make him a gem. It's wonderful that you found the hike moderate and had ample time to take pictures along the way. We're glad to know that Francisco's knowledge of the area's history and his sense of humor enhanced your experience, making the door-to-door journey a breeze. Your recommendation of the 2-day tour is much appreciated, especially for those who prefer a shorter hike without the camping aspect. Thank you for pointing out the need to be prepared for 6-8 hours of hiking with essential supplies. We’re thrilled that you found it manageable and enriching. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic tour to explore Machu Picchu
What an amazing experience it was to explore Machu Picchu with Bamba under the excellent guidance of Junior, as well as the preparations by Kwanele. I went together with Junior, and enjoyed his deep knowledge about the area and Inca history, and humor. Besides, he knows the best spots to take pictures and is always willing to take pictures of you, sometimes even with his own high-quality phone. On this tour you see Machu Picchu twice, and also the other ruines on day 1 are very impressive - thanks to Junior we often escaped the crowds. Also everything was arranged perfectly: the tickets, boxed lunch, hotel, and dinner on day 1 - together with the guide. All in all I highly recommend this tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your amazing experience exploring Machu Picchu with us! We are delighted to hear that Junior and Kwanele contributed to making your journey so memorable. Junior’s deep knowledge of the area, Inca history, and his sense of humor truly add to the adventure. It's great to know that he guided you to the best spots for photos and even used his own high-quality phone to capture moments for you. His ability to help you escape the crowds and experience the ruins in a more intimate setting is one of the things we strive for. We are glad that everything was arranged perfectly, from the tickets to the boxed lunch, hotel, and dinner on the first day. Your high recommendation means a lot to us. Thank you for choosing Bamba, and we look forward to welcoming you on another incredible journey in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Perfect express tour to Machu Picchu
I took the 2d express tour to Machu Picchu. Ended up being a private tour as I was the only one in the group, but Bamba had it run anyway (thank you!). Junior was my guide, and an excellent one. He paced the hike well, with enough time to pause for rest, views and pictures. Lots of info too, as you would expect from a proper tour. How to pronounce Machu Picchu? Why this particular mountain? Where is all the gold? These any many other questions I got the answers to. Also Junior takes great photos, friends and family will appreciate!
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with the 2-day express tour to Machu Picchu! We are delighted to hear that, even though it turned out to be a private tour, you had a fantastic time. Junior will be thrilled to know that his pacing, informative guidance, and photography skills made your trip memorable. It’s great to hear that you received answers to all your questions and enjoyed the beautiful views and rest stops along the hike. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you on another adventure with Bamba soon!
via Tripadvisor
Fabulous Guide
Francisco was a fabulous tour guide! He was especially knowledgeable and passionate about the Incan culture. He gave an amazing tour and the hike was stunning.
via Tripadvisor
Best tour ever!
We loved the hike and visiting Machu Picchu, but the very best part was our fabulous guide, Francisco. He set a pace my wife and I could handle at 56 and 58 years of age, while keeping our four kids (16 - 25) interested by his incredible knowledge, story telling and enthusiasm for Peruvian history and culture.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 48 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Bamba Travel, who run 25 experiences we rank across 11 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 49.4.
See everything Bamba Travel runsWhy this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does 2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco cost?
+
Prices start at $795 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco take?
+
Plan for about 48 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is 2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 15 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
+
No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is 2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 48-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
+
Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 48-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
+
On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included), Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
+
Included: Pre-departure briefing; Train Ollantaytambo - KM 104 (starting point of trek); Lunch; Dinner; and Entry fee to Inca Trail & Machu Picchu. Not included: Accommodation in Cusco; Airport pick-up (please make your own way); Bottled Water; and Day 1 Breakfast, Day 2 Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does 2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 125 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is 2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco offered in?
+
It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to 2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cusco. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about 2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
+
Across 15 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for 2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco.
Pick your date
