Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days and 1 Night
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 56 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days and 1 Night worth booking?
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days and 1 Night is a 48-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $520 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 56 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (56)
- Duration
- 48 hours
- From
- $520 per person
The Outty verdict
It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 69. At $520 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
Choose the 2D Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Qoricancha Expeditions for a remarkable journey that blends stunning scenery with rich Incan history. This option is recommended for travelers with limited time who still want an authentic trekking experience. It’s perfect for beginners and intermediate hikers looking for a manageable yet rewarding adventure. With our experienced guides and focus on sustainable practices, you’ll enjoy personalized service and a deep connection to the incredible culture and landscapes of the Andes. What to Expect on Our Tours! 1.- Small-Group Tours – Maximum 8 People Experience a personalized and flexible tour in a small group setting 2.- Highly Experienced Local Tour Guides Our licensed guides are local experts, born and raised in the Andes 3.- All Logistics Taken Care Of We handle permits, transportation, accommodations and meals for you 4.- Just Hike and Enjoy with Local Experts Relax and enjoy your adventure while our local team manages all details.
What you get
About this experience
Choose the 2D Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Qoricancha Expeditions for a remarkable journey that blends stunning scenery with rich Incan history. This option is recommended for travelers with limited time who still want an authentic trekking experience. It’s perfect for beginners and intermediate hikers looking for a manageable yet rewarding adventure. With our experienced guides and focus on sustainable practices, you’ll enjoy personalized service and a deep connection to the incredible culture and landscapes of the Andes. What to Expect on Our Tours! 1.- Small-Group Tours – Maximum 8 People Experience a personalized and flexible tour in a small group setting 2.- Highly Experienced Local Tour Guides Our licensed guides are local experts, born and raised in the Andes 3.- All Logistics Taken Care Of We handle permits, transportation, accommodations and meals for you 4.- Just Hike and Enjoy with Local Experts Relax and enjoy your adventure while our local team manages all details.
What's included
Included
- Experienced english speaking tour guide
- Private transportation
- Bus ticket to Machu Picchu up and down
- Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entry fee
- Lunch
- A 3 *** Hotel in Aguas Calientes (private room with hot shower and wifi)
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Expeditions Round trip train ticket
Not included
- Some meals are not include: breakfast day 1 and lunch day 2
- Tipping for your guide or driver (optional)
- Travel Insurance : advisable
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 12 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
- We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements, please indicate them when booking.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 55 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
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
7 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
7 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
6 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
55 verified traveler reviews for Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days and 1 Night. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful 2 days trek to Machu Pichu
Wonderful 2 days trek. Everything was very well organised (from the pick-up to the return to Cuzco... and what an amazing lunch on the first day !!). We were a family of 4 (13 and 16 years old) and it was really a great experience ! Thank you
Response from the operator: Dear Guillaume and family, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your 2-day trek and that everything was well organized from start to finish. It’s wonderful to know that your whole family had such a great experience, and we’re especially happy that you enjoyed the lunch on the first day! It was a pleasure to be part of your adventure in Peru, and we hope you’ll keep these memories with you for many years to come. Thank you again for choosing us and for sharing your experience. We wish you and your family all the best and hope to welcome you back to Peru someday! Warm regards, Ronaldo and Team
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful trek experience
We had a wonderful couple of days on this trip. The trek on the first day was fab- 500-600m of ascent through jungle with orchids and other exotic plants. Chef prepared lunch on the mountain was a lovely surprise. Our guide, Aldo, was charming, amenable and knowledgeable. Arriving at the sun gate for the first view of Machu Picchu was amazing . And great to have the opportunity to return on the second day to visit close up and learn more about the site.
via Tripadvisor
Like friends giving the best tour
there are many operators for this tour itinerary but we are glad we chose Qoricancha Expeditions. Ronaldo is quick in responding to our queries, helped to arrange airport transfer for us and always checking on us. Our guide Simon took good care of us and is very patient and encouraging during our hikes. They are like friends giving us the best tour. highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Dear KngM2. Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so glad you had a great experience on the 2-day Short Inca Trail and that our service met your expectations. It’s also great to hear you enjoyed your time with Simon. He is an excellent guide, and we’ll make sure he hears your kind words. We’re happy you had a memorable adventure and hope to welcome you back for another experience in Peru someday. Kind regards. QE Team
via Tripadvisor
Amazing!
Amazing! We booked our short Inca Trail hike with Qoricancha Expeditions, and it was a great experience. Upon booking online, we were immediately contacted via email to confirm our details. Ronaldo and our guide, Simon, met with us the day before our departure to provide an overview and set expectations. Simon was a great guide - very personable and knowledgeable. I appreciate that he grew up in the area and speaks the native language (in addition to Spanish and English). The climb was difficult for me, but Simon was very patient and encouraging. I observed some of the other companies rushing their groups. We did not feel that way and had adequate time to enjoy. I highly recommend booking with Qoricancha Expeditions!
Response from the operator: Dear Kerry. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your review! We’re really glad to hear you had an amazing hike to Machu Picchu and that everything went smoothly. Simon is a fantastic and very experienced guide, and we’ll make sure to pass along your kind words to him. He’ll truly appreciate it. Thanks again for choosing to travel with us. We wish you a safe trip home and hope to welcome you back to Peru someday! Kind regards. QE Team
via Tripadvisor
Hiking the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, An unforgettable Journey!
We had dreamed of visiting Machu Picchu for years and always wanted to walk the Inca Trail. After looking at different tour companies, we chose Qoricancha Expeditions because Ronaldo and his team made planning simple and reliable. He replied to our emails quickly and clearly and even helped us book hotels. We also had an online call to go over the itinerary, which made us feel confident before our trip to Peru. The night before our trek, we had a briefing at 6:00 pm where we got all the key information. Everything was explained clearly so we felt ready. On the first day, we were picked up from our hotel in Cusco at 4:00 am and taken to the train station. We caught the early train and arrived at KM 104 (Chachabamba checkpoint), passed the control point and started our hike. Our first stop was Chachabamba, a beautiful Inca site surrounded by green plants. From the start our guide Juan was fantastic. He shared his knowledge and enthusiasm, which made the trip even better. As we hiked on, we reached Wiñay Wayna another impressive Inca site. We had a tasty lunch there prepared by the chef, before heading to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Getting to the Sun Gate was a moment we’ll never forget. The views of Machu Picchu from above were stunning. After taking lots of photos, we walked down to the citadel and then took the bus to Aguas Calientes. We stayed overnight at La Jaya Machu Picchu Hotel which was comfortable and in a great location. On our second day, we went back to Machu Picchu early for a guided tour along Circuit 3. Juan gave us a thoughtful and detailed explanation of the site. His stories helped us understand the history and importance of Machu Picchu. The tour finished around 10:00 am, so we had some free time to explore before heading back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. In the afternoon we took the 2:30 pm train to the Sacred Valley where our driver David met us. He drove us back to our hotel in Cusco. Everything went smoothly from start to finish. We highly recommend Qoricancha Expeditions to anyone wanting a great and personal Short Inca Trail experience. Their planning, communication and professional team made our dream of hiking to Machu Picchu come true.
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
- 20
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days and 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 and 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 69. At $520 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 and 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 and 1 Night good value?
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It is a premium pick. It starts at $520, above the $43 typical for similar experiences in Cusco.
How much does Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days and 1 Night cost?
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Prices start at $520 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 and 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 and 1 Night worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 56 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 to Machu Picchu 2 Days and 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 and 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 and 1 Night?
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Around 20 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 and 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 and 1 Night?
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Included: Experienced english speaking tour guide; Private transportation; Bus ticket to Machu Picchu up and down; Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entry fee; and Lunch. Not included: Some meals are not include: breakfast day 1 and lunch day 2; Tipping for your guide or driver (optional); and Travel Insurance : advisable. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days and 1 Night include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2 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 Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days and 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 and 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 and 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 and 1 Night 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.
What do travelers say about Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days and 1 Night?
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Across 56 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.
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