Short Inca Trail 2 Day Hike to Machu Picchu with Permits & Train
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 51 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Short Inca Trail 2 Day Hike to Machu Picchu with Permits & Train worth booking?
Short Inca Trail 2 Day Hike to Machu Picchu with Permits & Train is a 48-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $795 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 51 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 144 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (51)
- Duration
- 48 hours
- From
- $795 per person
Make the most of your time in Peru with this 2 day, 1 night Short Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu. After a comfortable transfer from Cusco, follow your guide on a full day hike along the iconic Short Inca Trail, visiting
What you get
- Tour guide
- 1 Night's accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Return Train (Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo)
- Lunch
- Bus Aguas Calientes -Machu Picchu Sanctuary - Aguas Calientes
- Dinner
About this experience
Make the most of your time in Peru with this 2 day, 1 night Short Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu. After a comfortable transfer from Cusco, follow your guide on a full day hike along the iconic Short Inca Trail, visiting Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and Inti Punku. Enjoy a included dinner and overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, then explore Machu Picchu with a guided tour the next morning. You’ll also have free time to wander the ancient citadel on your own. Highlights: Small group (max 9 people) All inclusive transportation 3 meals included Official Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entrance Ideal for travelers with limited time in Cusco
What's included
Included
- Tour guide
- 1 Night's accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Return Train (Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo)
- Lunch
- Bus Aguas Calientes -Machu Picchu Sanctuary - Aguas Calientes
- Dinner
- Transport (Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Cusco)
- Breakfast
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Train to the Trailhead (Ollantaytambo KM 104)
- Entrance ticket to Inca Trail
Not included
- Breakfast on the day 1
- Entrance to Aguas Calientes Hot Springs (10 Soles)
- Entrance to Huyana Picchu
- Lunch and dinner on day 2
- Tips for the driver and guide (optional)
- Trekking poles
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Machu Picchu Peru Tours
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- We require a image (pdf or jpg) of your passport to complete the reservation.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 51 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
51 verified traveler reviews for Short Inca Trail 2 Day Hike to Machu Picchu with Permits & Train. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
MACHU Picchu Peru Tours
It was wonderful trip with Machu Picchu Peru Tours. I would like to remind the guy Abel that wes amazing.
Response from the operator: Dear Nissim, Thank you very much for your comment and for recommending our Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (2 Days & 1 Night). It is always encouraging for us to know that our clients are satisfied with our services as it is what we strive for every day. It is an honor for us to provide you with great experience in Cusco. Once again, thank you for trusting in our services, we hope you will visit us again very soon! Best regards, Machu Picchu Peru Tours
via Tripadvisor
Nice overall experience
I was keen on hiking the real Inca Trail of 4 days but eventually ended up hiking this as the permit for the other was sold out. Overall this was a nice experience. There were a few Inca ruins along the way. The guide knew them well and spoke fair English too. The food and accommodaton in Aguas Calientes were good. I had a two hours tour of Machu Picchu citadel which was very informative and insightful.
Response from the operator: Dear Wendy, Thank you very much for your comment and for recommending our Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (2 Days & 1 Night) We are very happy to know that our staff made your experience enjoyable. It is an honor for us to provide you with a great service in Cusco. Once again, thank you for trusting in our team, we hope you will visit us again very soon! Best regards, Machu Picchu Peru Tours
via Tripadvisor
Thanks Machu Picchu Peru Tours
This was an incredible trip. I could not get the Inca Trail permit so decided to hike the shorter version. Everything was outstanding with the agency from start to end. The trail is amazing and I did visit some of the prominent Inca ruins along the way. The guide showed many interesting sites. It was a good worth for the money paid. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Dear Erickson, Thank you very much for your comment and for recommending our Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (2 Days & 1 Night) We are very happy to know that our staff made your experience enjoyable. It is an honor for us to provide you with a great service in Cusco. Once again, thank you for trusting in our team, we hope you will visit us again very soon! Best regards, Machu Picchu Peru Tours
via Tripadvisor
<3
An exceptional time. From the breathtaking views you get to see, moments of pure joy, to the guide that is really there for You.
Response from the operator: Dear Antony, Thank you very much for your comment and for recommending our Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (2 Days & 1 Night) We are very happy to know that our staff made your experience enjoyable. It is an honor for us to provide you with a great service in Cusco. Once again, thank you for trusting in our team, we hope you will visit us again very soon! Best regards, Machu Picchu Peru Tours
via Tripadvisor
Once in a lifetime experience
Daniel, Samuel and Jorge made our experience unforgettable. If you are looking for an experience unlike anyother, I cannot recommend Machu Picchu Peru Tours any more highly! The team takes care of the logistics so you can focus on the trip, sights and amazing history that Sam and Daniel tell you on the way. We had a fantastic time.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 48 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 144h before
- Minimum age to book
- 5+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 18
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Machu Picchu Peru Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.1.
See everything Machu Picchu Peru Tours runsWhy this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Short Inca Trail 2 Day Hike to Machu Picchu with Permits & Train: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Short Inca Trail 2 Day Hike to Machu Picchu with Permits & Train cost?
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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 Short Inca Trail 2 Day Hike to Machu Picchu with Permits & Train take?
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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 Short Inca Trail 2 Day Hike to Machu Picchu with Permits & Train worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 51 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable food & drink in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Short Inca Trail 2 Day Hike to Machu Picchu with Permits & Train?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 144 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Short Inca Trail 2 Day Hike to Machu Picchu with Permits & Train suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 5. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 48-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Short Inca Trail 2 Day Hike to Machu Picchu with Permits & Train?
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Around 18 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?
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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 Short Inca Trail 2 Day Hike to Machu Picchu with Permits & Train start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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, Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco, 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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