---
title: Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay
lang: en
type: tour
city: Cusco
country: Peru
price: 474
currency: EUR
price_unit: per_person
availability: bookable
rating: 5
reviews: 50
duration_minutes: 2880
languages: [en, es]
rank_in_category: 22 of 62 (Inca Trail Treks)
schedule_checked: 2026-11-08
data_updated: 2026-11-08
canonical: https://guidekin.com/peru/cusco/tours/short-inca-trail-2-day-trek-to-machu-picchu-with-hotel-stay/
---

# Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek to Machu Picchu with Hotel Stay

**Guidekin's take:** The Short Inca Trail passes Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna before Machu Picchu, with a hotel night in Aguas Calientes. Return trains, trail and citadel entry, guiding and lunch are included; moderate fitness is required. 5 from 50 reviews at €474 per person for 2 days.

In our comparison: #22 of 62 in Inca Trail Treks, by rating weighted by review volume (table below).

## Overview

The Short Inca Trail 2-Day Trek offers a captivating journey along a scenic 12 km (7.5 miles) stretch of the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Experience cloud forests and ancient stone paths, visiting remarkable Inca sites like Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. This trek is ideal for travelers seeking a shorter adventure without compromising the iconic experience of the Inca Trail. Spend a comfortable night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes and conclude your hike with a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, just as the Incas did. 

- Hike one of the most iconic sections of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Visit impressive Inca sites along the trail, including Wiñay Wayna.
- Enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch by a professional chef on the trek.
- Small group sizes (max 8) ensure a personalized experience with expert guides.

## Before you book

- Hotel pickup: no car needed
- Entry ticket included: skip the ticket desk
- Min. 2 to book: not for solo travellers
- Starts 04:00: one departure a day
- Food included: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
- Non-refundable: no free cancellation

**Pickup:** Hotel pickup included

## Key facts

- Price: from €474 per person
- Duration: 2 days
- Rating: 5.0/5 from 50 reviews (collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor)
- Likely to sell out
- Operator: Qoricancha Expeditions
- Minimum booking: 2 travellers at this price
- Group: Shared tour
- Guide languages: English, Spanish
- Tickets: Admission included
- Start times: 04:00
- Booking: Instant confirmation, mobile ticket
- Price checked on Viator: 2026-11-08

## Reviews

5.0 from 50 ratings on Guidekin & Tripadvisor.
100% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4 or 5 stars: 50 of 50.

- 5 stars: 50 (100%)
- 4 stars: 0 (0%)
- 3 stars: 0 (0%)
- 2 stars: 0 (0%)
- 1 star: 0 (0%)

### What reviewers say

Reviewers praise the guides, trail meals and smooth planning; the initial climb can be demanding.

**Praised:**
- Knowledgeable, patient guides who explain Inca history and adapt the hiking pace
- Freshly cooked meals served on the trail
- Quick replies and detailed briefings before departure
- Well coordinated transfers and train connections
- Views of Machu Picchu on arrival through the Sun Gate

**Complaints:**
- The initial uphill section and stairs can be challenging

Written by Guidekin from the 31 most recent English reviews on Tripadvisor (2025-10-08 to 2026-10-23); last checked 2026-11-08.

## What's included

- Expedition tourist-class round-trip train tickets
- Fully guided Machu Picchu and Inca Trail experience
- Duffle bag for your personal belongings, allowing you to hike with only a small daypack
- Experienced English-speaking professional guide
- One-night accommodation at a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Lunch
- Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance fees (Circuit 1 & 3)
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Chef-prepared picnic lunch on the trekking day

## Not included

- Breakfast on day 1 and Lunch on day 2
- Travel insurance (optional but highly recommended)
- Tips for your guide, chef, and support staff (optional)
- Personal expenses

## Schedule

- Runs: daily
- Departures: 04:00
- Schedule last checked: 2026-11-08
- These are published departures, not a live seat count; availability is confirmed at checkout.

## Cancellation

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

## Good to know

- 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
- Not recommended for travelers with fear of heights or high altitudes.
- Not recommended for travelers allergic to mosquito bites.

## Compared with other Inca Trail Treks

| Tour | Price | Duration | Rating | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **This tour · #22 of 62** | €474 | 2 days | 5.0 (50) | shared |
| [Inca Trail 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu – Return by Vistadome Train](/peru/cusco/tours/inca-trail-4-day-trek-to-machu-picchu-return-by-vistadome-train/?format=md) | €761 | 4 days | 4.99 (11636) | shared |
| [2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Vistadome & 4-Star Hotel](/peru/cusco/tours/2-day-short-inca-trail-to-machu-picchu-vistadome-4-star-hotel/?format=md) | €533 | 2 days | 4.99 (4074) | shared |
| [Inca Trail 4-Day 3-Night Trek to Machu Picchu with Expert Guides](/peru/cusco/tours/inca-trail-4-day-3-night-trek-to-machu-picchu-with-expert-guides/?format=md) | €909 | 4 days | 4.99 (1069) | shared |

Ranked #22 of 62 in Inca Trail Treks by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €428 to €5668, median €790; typical length 4 days. 16 of 62 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market.

Full list: https://guidekin.com/peru/cusco/inca-trail-tours/?format=md

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