Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay in Cusco
Cusco, Peru

Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay

Outty Ranking 68 5.0 · 44 traveler reviews48 hoursFrom $523
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Outty Ranking

68/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 44 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay worth booking?

Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay is a 48-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $523 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 5/5 rating across 44 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
68 / 100
Rating
5/5 (44)
Duration
48 hours
From
$523 per person

The Short Inca Trail 2-Day Trek offers a captivating journey along a scenic 12 km (7.5 miles) stretch of the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Experience cloud forests and ancient stone paths, visiting remarkable Inca

What you get

  • Expedition tourist-class round-trip train tickets
  • Fully guided Machu Picchu and Inca Trail experience
  • Duffle bag for your personal belongings, allowing you to hike with only a small daypack
  • Experienced English-speaking professional guide
  • One-night accommodation at a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Lunch

About this experience

The Short Inca Trail 2-Day Trek offers a captivating journey along a scenic 12 km (7.5 miles) stretch of the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Experience cloud forests and ancient stone paths, visiting remarkable Inca sites like Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. This trek is ideal for travelers seeking a shorter adventure without compromising the iconic experience of the Inca Trail. Spend a comfortable night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes and conclude your hike with a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, just as the Incas did. - Hike one of the most iconic sections of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. - Visit impressive Inca sites along the trail, including Wiñay Wayna. - Enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch by a professional chef on the trek. - Small group sizes (max 8) ensure a personalized experience with expert guides.

What's included

Included

  • Expedition tourist-class round-trip train tickets
  • Fully guided Machu Picchu and Inca Trail experience
  • Duffle bag for your personal belongings, allowing you to hike with only a small daypack
  • Experienced English-speaking professional guide
  • One-night accommodation at a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Lunch
  • Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance fees (Circuit 1 & 3)
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Chef-prepared picnic lunch on the trekking day
  • Three-way bus tickets between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes
  • All transportation: from Cusco to the train station and return to Cusco on Day 2

Not included

  • Breakfast on day 1 and Lunch on day 2
  • Travel insurance (optional but highly recommended)
  • Tips for your guide, chef, and support staff (optional)
  • Personal expenses

Where it starts and ends

Hotel pickup

Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 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 8 travelers per booking
Operated by
Qoricancha Expeditions

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
  • Not recommended for travelers with fear of heights or high altitudes.
  • Not recommended for travelers allergic to mosquito bites.

Photos

Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay in Cusco, photo 2Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay in Cusco, photo 3Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay in Cusco, photo 4Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay in Cusco, photo 5Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay in Cusco, photo 6Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay in Cusco, photo 7

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 44 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

The guide

10 mentions

Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

Food and drink

9 mentions

The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

Knowledge and storytelling

8 mentions

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

Organization

8 mentions

Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

Photo opportunities

7 mentions

The views and photo stops come up again and again.

Physical effort

7 mentions

Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

Traveler reviews

44 verified traveler reviews for Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
44
4 star
0
3 star
0
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0
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0
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happytwotravel · August 2026

The incredible journey with the amazing Qoricancha Expeditions !

So glad we booked this amazing experience with Qoricancha Expeditions. Prior to our Machu Picchu adventure all communications were handled flawlessly by Ronaldo, any prior questions or queries we had were answered in lightning speed. Thank you Ronaldo! I really cannot criticise one aspect of our 2 day trek at all. It was a real pleasure to trek alongside our guide Ronaldhino , what a gentleman, his English was impeccable and his knowledge of the trail, Machu Picchu and all things Peru second to none. We arrived at Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate in perfect sunshine and trust me setting your eyes on this mystical Inca site for the first time via this “doorway” high above the citadel has to be the pinnacle of any other arrival experience. What more to say? Well on the second day once again in perfect early morning weather we got close up and personal to the ruins , visiting the living quarters of the Inca Royals, nobles and gentry. Once again our guide Ronaldhino was at hand to answer all of our questions and take lots of great pics of my daughter and I from all the best spots as he had indeed done on the previous day. Thank you Ronaldhino ! All meals, including dinner on the mountain were great alongside very comfortable overnight accommodation in Aguas Calientes. Thank you Qoricancha Expeditions for providing my daughter and I an amazing journey to one of the worlds most amazing places with memories to last a lifetime !

via Tripadvisor

albaros2026 · June 2026

An unforgettable journey

An absolute 10/10 experience! Our guide was fantastic and the food was incredible, our cook exceeded all expectations. I loved every single day of the trek. The landscapes were absolutely beautiful, and arriving at Machu Picchu was a dream come true. Highly recommended!

via Tripadvisor

neginm865 · May 2026

highly recommend

Our 2-day Inka Trail hike to Machu Picchu was an unforgettable experience from beginning to end. Everything was incredibly well organized, which made the entire trip smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free. A special thank you to our guide, Aldo, who was knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely passionate about sharing the history and culture along the trail. He made the experience even more meaningful and always made sure everyone felt comfortable and supported throughout the hike. We also really appreciated the excellent service and support from Ronaldo, whose communication, preparation, and attention to detail before and during the trip were outstanding. We always felt well informed and taken care of. The hotel included in the tour was excellent and very comfortable, and the picnic lunch on the hiking day was delicious, with a great variety of food that was perfect after the trek. Overall, this was an incredible experience and one we would highly recommend to anyone planning to visit Machu Picchu.

Response from the operator: Dear Negin. Thank you for your wonderful review and for choosing Qoricancha Expeditions for your 2-Day Inca Trail adventure. We’re so glad you enjoyed the trek, the hotel, and the picnic lunch. Thank you for noticing Aldo’s dedication and passion for sharing the Inca Trail’s history and culture. We’ll make sure he hears your kind words. It was a pleasure helping you plan your trip. We always aim to offer clear communication, smooth organization, and memorable experiences for our travelers. Thank you again for recommending us. We hope to welcome you back to Peru for another adventure someday! Warm regards Ronaldo & the Qoricancha Expeditions Team

via Tripadvisor

23nilaq · May 2026

Unforgettable Short Inca Trail & Cusco Experience

My sister and I traveled to Peru and booked the 5 day Cusco and Machu Picchu tour with Qoricancha Expeditions. From start to finish, it was an unforgettable experience. Ronaldo made planning simple. He always replied quickly to emails, gave us all the details we needed, and even set up a video call to go over the itinerary and answer our questions before we left. His clear communication and organization made us feel confident right away. The best part of our trip was the 2-day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The hike was beautiful, with mountain views, original Inca stone paths, cloud forests, and amazing archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna. Reaching the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was a moment we will never forget. It was one of the most rewarding travel experiences we have ever had. Our guide, Simon, was fantastic throughout the trek and the whole tour. With more than a decade of experience, he shared interesting insights into the story, culture, and traditions, making every place we visited even more essential. He was patient, professional, and encouraging throughout the hike, ensuring everyone felt comfortable and had a good time. Ricardo, our driver, was also great, always on time and friendly. The hotels were great too. Rumipunku Hotel in Cusco was comfortable and close to everything. Sol Natura in the Sacred Valley was quiet and had beautiful views. Tierra Viva in Machu Picchu Pueblo was the perfect place to relax after our hike. Overall, the tour was excellent from beginning to end. We highly recommend Qoricancha Expeditions. Ronaldo and Simon were both outstanding, and Simon is one of the best guides we have ever had. This was an experience we will never forget.

Response from the operator: Dear Nila. Thank you for your great review and for choosing Qoricancha Expeditions for your trip to Peru. We’re so glad you enjoyed your 5-Day Cusco and Machu Picchu tour, especially the Short Inca Trail. Seeing Machu Picchu for the first time from the Sun Gate is a special moment, and we’re happy we could share that with you. Thank you for mentioning Simon, Ricardo, and our team. We’re proud to share Peru’s history, culture, and beauty, and we always aim to make your trip smooth and memorable. It was a pleasure helping you plan your trip, and we really appreciate your recommendation. We hope you and your sister will visit Peru with us again someday! Best wishes Ronaldo & the Qoricancha Expeditions Team

via Tripadvisor

larawouters · May 2026

Amazing tour!

We did the Short Inca Trail with Qoricancha Expeditions and had an absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. Everything was extremely well organized, which made the whole trip very relaxing and enjoyable. The communication beforehand was excellent — all information was clear and detailed, and they took the time to answer all of our questions thoroughly. During the tour itself, everything went smoothly, especially the transportation and logistics. The food was fantastic throughout the trip, and we were pleasantly surprised by the hotel: a very luxurious room with a jacuzzi, which was the perfect way to relax after the hike. The hike itself was breathtaking. The scenery and nature along the route were truly stunning. Our guide, Mr. Wilson, was outstanding. He shared so much interesting information about the flora and fauna, as well as the history, architecture, and culture of the Incas. Besides being incredibly knowledgeable, he also made a lot of fun jokes during the tour, which created a great atmosphere and made the experience even more enjoyable. We had two unforgettable days and would highly recommend Qoricancha Expeditions to anyone considering the Short Inca Trail. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!

Response from the operator: Dear Lara. Thank you so much for your great review and for choosing Qoricancha Expeditions for your Short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu. We’re so glad you enjoyed every part of your trip, from the planning and communication to the transport, food, and hotel. It means a lot to us that the scenery and the hike were even better than you expected. Thank you as well for your kind words about Wilson. We’re proud to have guides like him, and we’ll make sure he hears your feedback. Thanks again for recommending us. It was a pleasure to be part of your journey to Machu Picchu, and we hope to see you again in Peru for another adventure. Warm regards Ronaldo & the Qoricancha Expeditions Team

via Tripadvisor

Good to know

Duration
48 hours
Free cancellation
Non-refundable
Minimum age to book
8+
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Price range
$523 to $550
Hotel pickup
Included for all travelers
Booked in 30 days
15
Verdict
Solid Choice

Why this scores 68

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)97
Review evidence (18% weight)61
Booking momentum (14% weight)53
Value for money (12% weight)44
Listing quality (10% weight)100
Local standing (8% weight)63
Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.

How much does Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay cost?

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Prices start at $523 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 Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay 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 Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 44 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

Can I cancel or reschedule Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay?

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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 Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay suitable for kids and families?

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The operator sets a minimum age of 8. 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 Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay?

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Around 15 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 Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay 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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