Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Cusco, Peru

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco

Outty Ranking 53 5.0 · 1 traveler reviews48 hoursFrom $590
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Outty Ranking

53/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco worth booking?

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco is a 48-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $590 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
53 / 100
Rating
5/5 (1)
Duration
48 hours
From
$590 per person

The Outty verdict

It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 53. At $590 it sits above the typical similar option ($43), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and travelers who want a full-day outing.

Prices and availability checked

You will hike the sacred inca trail. You will have a guided tour in Wiñaywayna and the Sun gate. It is perfect for families with kids, older people and those ones who don’t have the time to do the classic inca trail. You will see and explore Machu Picchu twice. You will sleep in a nice hotel. You will see Machu Picchu in the sunset and sunrise. You will have a nice view train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

What you get

    About this experience

    You will hike the sacred inca trail. You will have a guided tour in Wiñaywayna and the Sun gate. It is perfect for families with kids, older people and those ones who don’t have the time to do the classic inca trail. You will see and explore Machu Picchu twice. You will sleep in a nice hotel. You will see Machu Picchu in the sunset and sunrise. You will have a nice view train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

    What's included

    Included

    • 1 night in a 2 star hotel in Aguas Calientes
    • Bus to go down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
    • Round transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo to Cusco
    • Round bus ticket from Aguas Caliente to Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Breakfast
    • Inca trail entry ticket
    • Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
    • Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to the KM104
    • Certified tour guide for the Inca trail and Machu Picchu
    • Entry ticket to Machu Picchu

    Not included

    • Tippings
    • Not mention drinks and meals

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    pt, en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 16 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    IncaGo Expeditions

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    In the sungate, Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from CuscoMachu Picchu, Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from CuscoLama glama, Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from CuscoLa puerta del sol, Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco

    Traveler reviews

    1 verified traveler reviews for Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    graceclarehickey · September 2024

    An Experience of a Lifetime with a Truly Professional and Passionate Guide

    My husband and I have been travelling for the past two and a half months and are just back from our two day Inca Trail trek and Machu Picchu tour. It has been the highlight our our trip so far for us and we can't recommend Eric's services more. We opted for the two day tour in order to hike some of the Inca Trail and stay in Aguas Calientes for one night. We left Cusco at 4:30am on Day 1 and drove to Ollantaytambo to catch the train to the starting point of our tour. Eric and his driver were on time and the transport was very comfortable. Eric had also called to our hotel in Cusco the night before for a quick briefing which was very helpful. We got the train as far as Km 104 to start our hike. We were joined my two friends from LA and as it was such a small group we were able to ask Eric as many questions as we wanted and it felt lovely to connect with everyone as opposed to joining a larger group. The Inca Trail was beautiful and the scenery breathtaking at every turn. Eric set a manageable pace for all of us and stopped for short breaks to show us some native flowers and to tell us about the Inca people. None of it felt overwhelming and Eric is very passionate about the Andean people's history and culture. We also had lunch and breakfast provided so there was no need for us to bring any of our own snacks in the end. The food was fresh and tasty and Eric also ensured that our dietary requirements were catered for. Machu Picchu itself was incredible and we were given lots of time to take in the views. That night Eric took us for a lovely meal and we both slept soundly. The next morning we arrived in MP again to explore the buildings and learn more about the Inca people. Eric is so knowledgeable and he also ensured that we got some amazing photos. We were back in Cusco that evening by 6:30pm. It was a truly amazing experience and we can't thank Eric enough for his professionalism, knowledge and humour along the way! We would highly recommend this tour and Eric's services.

    Response from the operator: It was a big pleasure to be part of your trip over the world. We had such a great time arriving to Machu Picchu via the sungate as the INCAS did it 600 years ago. For me was so special to share Machu Picchu, in the afternoon and in the mornig. l wish you the best for the rest of your trip.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    48 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by IncaGo Expeditions, who run 5 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.2.

    See everything IncaGo Expeditions runs

    Why this scores 53

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)89
    Review evidence (18% weight)11
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)40
    Listing quality (10% weight)73
    Local standing (8% weight)51
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco: questions travelers ask

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

    How does Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco 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 53. At $590 it sits above the typical similar option ($43), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and travelers who want a full-day outing.

    Who is Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco best for?

    +

    It suits families and travelers who want a full-day outing best, based on its 48-hour length, all-ages access and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Is Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco good value?

    +

    It is a premium pick. It starts at $590, above the $43 typical for similar experiences in Cusco.

    How much does Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco cost?

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    Prices start at $590 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 from Cusco 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 from Cusco worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 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 to Machu Picchu from Cusco 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 from Cusco?

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    Around 0 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 from Cusco 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 from Cusco?

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    Included: 1 night in a 2 star hotel in Aguas Calientes; Bus to go down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes; Round transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo to Cusco; Round bus ticket from Aguas Caliente to Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes; and Lunch. Not included: Tippings; and Not mention drinks and meals. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 56 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco offered in?

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    It is offered in Portuguese, 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 from Cusco?

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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 from Cusco wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco 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: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

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