
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 179 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night worth booking?
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night is a 48-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $755 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 179 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (179)
- Duration
- 48 hours
- From
- $755 per person
The Outty verdict
It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 73. At $755 it sits above the typical similar option ($43), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and couples.
Prices and availability checked
Short on time? This express 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu covers the key sites but in a less strenuous hike. Explore the sites of Chachabamba, see the terraces of Wiñay Wayna, and be the few ones to cross the Sun Gate. You will kick off the next day with a full guided tour of Machu Picchu Citadel as you learn about the history of the Incas. All along with a striking Andean backdrop and the luscious upper rainforest. • Join a small-group tour with a high-rated Guide • Spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes • Access Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate or Inti Punku • Take the scenic round trip train ride to Km 104 and Ollantaytambo
What you get
About this experience
Short on time? This express 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu covers the key sites but in a less strenuous hike. Explore the sites of Chachabamba, see the terraces of Wiñay Wayna, and be the few ones to cross the Sun Gate. You will kick off the next day with a full guided tour of Machu Picchu Citadel as you learn about the history of the Incas. All along with a striking Andean backdrop and the luscious upper rainforest. • Join a small-group tour with a high-rated Guide • Spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes • Access Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate or Inti Punku • Take the scenic round trip train ride to Km 104 and Ollantaytambo
What's included
Included
- Small-group tour for up to 10 people
- Lunch
- Train ride to KM 104
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Private transfer from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
- Permits and ticket for the inca trail
- Round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Day 2).
- Panoramic train ride back to Ollantaytambo
- Entry to Machu Picchu (Circuit 1C and 3B)
- Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb) for your gear
- Licensed Tour Guide
- Briefing session the day before the tour
- Water and snacks (Day 1)
- Medical Kit, Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and a first-aid kit available at all times
- 1 night in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Not included
- Breakfast on day 1, Lunch and Dinner on day 2
- Optional return bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (paid directly to the bus operator, on site)
- Tips (Optional)
- Travel Insurance (recommended)
- Additional costs or delays beyond our control
- Others no mentioned
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
With Huchuy Picchu Mountain
Huchuy Picchu Mountain Tickets Pickup included
Regular Trail
Pickup included
With Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets Pickup included
With Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu Mountain Tickets Pickup included
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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Salkantay Trekking
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
- It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
- The Inca Trail is highly demanded, specially in high season (May to September). Book this trip at least five months in advance to secure a spot.
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
- Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
- Solo travelers are welcome and can join shared groups. No minimum participants required. Most departures are guaranteed.
- Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
- Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 178 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
178 verified traveler reviews for Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highly recommended for all your Peru experiences
Highly reliable. I had limited time before my trip, and reached out to Salkantay. They recommended the best option for me which was the 2 day inca trek. One of the best experiences of my life. Our guide Jimi made our experience so much more valuable with all his experience
via Tripadvisor
Great experience
The tour was great and the guide was very knowledgeable. The Machu Picchu sightseeing took around 2,5/3h with much information. The group was very lovely and I enjoyed my time with them. I’d definitely recommend getting a guide for Machu Picchu to enjoy it to the fullest and get some background information
via Tripadvisor
Great Time!!!
Amazing time!! The guide was awsome, the attention, the patience, just great all around. The track itself is challenging but very fun!
via Tripadvisor
Incredible 2D1N Inca Trail Adventure with Pabel — Absolute Five Stars!
If you are looking for a bucket-list adventure to Machu Picchu, look no further! Even as complete trekking beginners, every detail of this 2D1N Short Inca Trail trip was seamlessly organized with crystal-clear communication. Our guide, Pabel, was simply outstanding—fluent in English, remarkably experienced, and so helpful, friendly, and funny. His vast experience instantly put us at ease and made us feel much less nervous. He gave us a comforting briefing beforehand and kept the trek feeling wonderfully personalized by constantly checking our pace and making sure safety was always the top priority. Along the trail, he kept us laughing while sharing fascinating history, culture, and stories. The thoughtful touches, from a sweet morning pick-up complete with a warm blanket to a wonderfully comfortable hotel stay, made the whole journey extra special. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a novice stepping onto the trail for the very first time, this is an unforgettable experience we cannot recommend enough—we honestly wish we could join him for the 4D3N trek next time!
via Tripadvisor
A memorable two days on the Inca Trail with Salkantay Trekking
I did the 2-day Short Inca Trail with Salkantay Trekking, and it was a smooth, well-organized experience from start to finish. If you want to experience hiking the Inca Trail but have limited time, this route is definitely worth doing. Our guide, Pabel, made a huge difference to the trip. Not only were his explanations of Inca history and local ecology exceptionally clear, but he also brought a great sense of humor and fun energy to the group, which kept everyone in high spirits along the trail. He managed our pace very well and took the time to explain the details behind . Reaching the Sun Gate (Intipunku) on the first afternoon and seeing Machu Picchu from above was a great highlight, and Pabel’s guided tour of the citadel the following day was informative and well-structured. Salkantay Trekking handled the logistics very well. The meals provided on the trail were solid, the train and bus transfers were seamless, and the hotel stay in Aguas Calientes was comfortable. Overall, a great trek with excellent organization. I highly recommend Salkantay Trekking, and if you get Pabel as your guide, you’re in good hands. :)
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
- Price range
- $755 to $855
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 63
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How does Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night compare to similar tours in Cusco?
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It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 73. At $755 it sits above the typical similar option ($43), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and couples.
Who is Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night best for?
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It suits families and couples best, based on its 48-hour length, all-ages access and non-refundable terms.
Is Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night good value?
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It is a premium pick. It starts at $755, above the $43 typical for similar experiences in Cusco.
How much does Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night cost?
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Prices start at $755 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 to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night 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 to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 179 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 Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night?
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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 to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night suitable for kids and families?
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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 Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night?
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Around 63 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 to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night 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, Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included), Full-Day Rainbow Mountain Trek (Meals Included). 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.
What is included in Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night?
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Included: Small-group tour for up to 10 people; Lunch; Train ride to KM 104; Dinner; and Breakfast. Not included: Breakfast on day 1, Lunch and Dinner on day 2; Optional return bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (paid directly to the bus operator, on; Tips (Optional); and Travel Insurance (recommended). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 359 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night offered in?
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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 Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night?
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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.
Is Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night?
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Across 179 reviews averaging 5.0 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.
What booking options are available for Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including With Huchuy Picchu Mountain, Regular Trail, With Machu Picchu Mountain, With Huayna Picchu Mountain. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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