About this experience
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers the perfect combination of scenic hiking, cultural immersion, and discovery in just two unforgettable days. Starting with a picturesque train journey from Cusco, travelers begin a 12 km guided trek along ancient Inca paths, visiting archaeological sites like Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. With a small group of no more than 8 people, the experience feels personal and intimate. At Intipunku (the Sun Gate), enjoy breathtaking sunrise views over Machu Picchu before heading to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay with included accommodation and meals (lunch and breakfast). On day two, take a guided tour of Machu Picchu, where expert local guides bring the site’s history, architecture, and meaning to life. This moderately challenging trek is perfect for active travelers seeking a unique, time-efficient, and immersive way to experience one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
At a glance
- Duration: 48 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 48 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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.
Choosing the Right Train to Machu Picchu
PeruRail or IncaRail, Vistadome or Expedition, Ollantaytambo or Poroy. The trade-offs nobody explains until you're already at the station.
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
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Entry: Short Inca Trail + Machu Picchu site
- Bilingual guide for hike and Machu Picchu tour
- Shuttle bus: Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu
- Lunch (Day 1) and breakfast (Day 2)
- Transport Cusco–Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu round trip
- Train tickets: Ollantaytambo to Km 104 and return
- 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes
Not included
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Meals not listed in itinerary
- Entry to optional sites or activities
- Tips for guides, drivers, staff
- Personal gear rental or purchase
- Optional activities (e.g., hot springs, Huayna Picchu)
- Extra hotel nights before/after tour
- Alcoholic drinks and bottled water
- Personal expenses
Itinerary and highlights
See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- Private service with hotel pick-up included. If your hotel is in Cusco’s historic center, we’ll pick you up directly—no meeting point needed. If outside the center, we’ll contact you to coordinate. Please provide accurate contact details.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included for all travelers staying within Cusco’s historic center. This is a private service, so we will pick you up directly from your hotel and return you there at the end of the tour. Please be ready in your lobby 10 minutes before departure time. If your accommodation is outside the historic center, we’ll contact you in advance to coordinate a meeting point or arrange pick-up. Make sure to provide accurate contact information so we can reach you without delays.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Xplor Machu Picchu
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
This is a private service, so we will pick you up directly from your hotel and return you there at the end of the tour. Please be ready in your lobby 10 minutes before departure time.
If your accommodation is outside the historic center, we’ll contact you in advance to coordinate a meeting point or arrange pick-up.
Make sure to provide accurate contact information so we can reach you without delays.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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