TourismCusco

Tours & experiences

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night

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

At a glance

  • Duration: 48 hr

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

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

Plan your experience

Time on the tour48 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (audio guide), English (live guide), English (written information), Spanish (audio guide), Spanish (live guide), Spanish (written information)

Set aside 48 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.

Before you go

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • 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

Local guides to help you plan

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Guide

Plan the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with practical guidance on permits, the Km 82 route, timing, published access rates, and booking decisions.

Machu Picchu Day Trip From Cusco

A Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco is possible, but it requires advance entry tickets, carefully matched transport, and a very early start. Use this practical guide to choose a circuit, build a realistic schedule, compar

What is 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

Itinerary and highlights

See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.

Meeting and pickup information

  • We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco. We pick up all travelers from their hotels between 04:00 and 04:30 am.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Audio
  • English — Guide
  • English — Written
  • Spanish — Audio
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Spanish — Written
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Salkantay Trekking

Accessibility and practical details

  • 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

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 48 hr. Check your chosen tour option for its specific itinerary.
What are the pickup arrangements?
We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco.
We pick up all travelers from their hotels between 04:00 and 04:30 am.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (audio guide), English (live guide), English (written information), Spanish (audio guide), Spanish (live guide), Spanish (written information).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Adult tickets: age 18+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What is the cancellation policy?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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