Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 2 days in Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 2 days

Outty Ranking 49 5.0 · 2 traveler reviews48 hoursFrom $660
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Outty Ranking

49/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 2 days worth booking?

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 2 days is a 48-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $660 per person. It scores 49 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
49 / 100
Rating
5/5 (2)
Duration
48 hours
From
$660 per person

The Outty verdict

It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 49. At $660 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

The 2-Day Inca Trail Hike is a shorter alternative to the classic Inca Trail, offering an unforgettable introduction to one of Latin America’s most iconic treks. With Howlanders, your journey begins with pickup from your accommodation in Cuzco, followed by a transfer to Ollantaytambo. There, you’ll board the scenic panoramic train toward Machu Picchu, heading to the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. You’ll set off on the hike with a professional guide who will share insights about the natural landscapes and archaeological sites along the way, including Wiñaywayna and the famous Sun Gate, the gateway to the ancient Inca citadel. After spending the night in Aguas Calientes, you'll enjoy a guided visit to Machu Picchu the following morning. The experience ends with a return train ride to Ollantaytambo and a shuttle back to your accommodation in Cuzco.

What you get

    About this experience

    The 2-Day Inca Trail Hike is a shorter alternative to the classic Inca Trail, offering an unforgettable introduction to one of Latin America’s most iconic treks. With Howlanders, your journey begins with pickup from your accommodation in Cuzco, followed by a transfer to Ollantaytambo. There, you’ll board the scenic panoramic train toward Machu Picchu, heading to the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. You’ll set off on the hike with a professional guide who will share insights about the natural landscapes and archaeological sites along the way, including Wiñaywayna and the famous Sun Gate, the gateway to the ancient Inca citadel. After spending the night in Aguas Calientes, you'll enjoy a guided visit to Machu Picchu the following morning. The experience ends with a return train ride to Ollantaytambo and a shuttle back to your accommodation in Cuzco.

    Traveler reviews

    2 verified traveler reviews for Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 2 days. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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    I194YZsimonj · March 2020

    Had to cancel due to coronavirus

    I had booked a 2 day Inca trail trek through Howlanders but was forced to cancel due to the Coronavirus crisis. Their customer service was brilliant and they changed their cancellation and rearrangement policies quickly and clearly and as such we were able get the vast majority of our money back from the trail or rearrange the trip to a time when it might be doable. We had no idea if we would be able to rearrange so got our money back, but if we do rearrange we will definitely book through Howlanders again because of how they treated us in the difficult situation. Thank you very much Howlanders!

    Response from the operator: Hola! Thank you very much for sharing your experience with Howlander`s customer service team :D We have put all our effort and caring into adapting to the new situation and attending to all our travellers needs as quickly as possible. Besides, we keep working to advise you on everything you need, because yes!, we will be back on the road and we will be here to help you plan your next trip.

    via Tripadvisor

    LoveZubeeRush · August 2019

    A once in a lifetime experience

    We booked this because we wanted to get a flavor of the Inca Trail and we were not disappointed! The first day of this hike is no walk in the park. The terrain is steep and unsheltered for the first couple of hours. We went in August (their winter) but the sun beating down on us that morning got us pretty dehydrated. But oh it is so worth it! The views of the Andes, the Urubamba valley, the orchids and the ruins of Winaywana are spectacular. Our tour guides were patient and very helpful. At times the steps got so steep that I had to literally climb them on my hands and feet as if I was climbing a ladder. At the end of the hike on the first day we arrived at Machu Pichu through the Inti Punku. The sight of the lost city of the Incas took my breath away and is etched forever in my mind. Now the company and their local branch- Simon did a great job in organizing this trip for us. He met us a couple of nights before the trip and walked us through what to expect. The food and drinks on the hike were plentiful. The hotel Andimo in Aguas Calientes was small but clean and very comfortable. We enjoyed this experience so much! Can’t thank Simon and our tour guides, Jesoos and Pedro, enough! A few thing that I want to point out: 1. Our hotel pickup was at 3:40 am. This early morning is followed by a full day of hiking over the challenging but beautiful section of the Inca Trail. So make sure you get plenty of rest and have time to acclimatize in Cusco before the tour. 2. The tour company is very generous in giving food and refreshments for the hiking day. But you have to carry your own food on the hike. It is about 10 pounds of extra weight. Of course you can return whatever you don’t want to carry but water is one of the essentials and it is heavy! We highly recommend this tour and Simon as the local organizer for this company. We had a great time and hope that you will too!

    Response from the operator: Hola! Thank you for your kind comment about your experience with Howlanders, it is always a pleasure to hear about travellers like you who enjoy mountains and Latin America, even when facing difficulties along the way. The Inca Trail is an incredible trek and Simon always does his best to make all the travellers live a great experience. Thank you again for your comment and recommendations :)

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    48 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 49

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)90
    Review evidence (18% weight)18
    Booking momentum (14% weight)14
    Value for money (12% weight)34
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)52
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 2 days: 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 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 49. At $660 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 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 good value?

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    It is a premium pick. It starts at $660, above the $43 typical for similar experiences in Cusco.

    How much does Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 2 days cost?

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    Prices start at $660 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 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 worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 49 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 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?

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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 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?

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    Around 1 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 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 happens to Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 2 days if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cusco. Standard cancellation terms apply.

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