---
title: Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days / 1 Night
lang: en
type: tour
city: Cusco
country: Peru
price: 688
currency: EUR
price_unit: per_person
availability: bookable
rating: 4.98
reviews: 179
duration_minutes: 2880
languages: [en, es]
rank_in_category: 16 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-to-machu-picchu-2-days-1-night/
---

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

**Guidekin's take:** Walk via Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, with a guided Machu Picchu visit the next day. Trail permits, the train to the trailhead and some meals are included for a small shared group of up to ten; the optional return bus to Aguas Calientes costs extra. 4.98 from 179 reviews at €688 per person for 2 days.

In our comparison: #16 of 62 in Inca Trail Treks, by rating weighted by review volume (table below).

## Overview

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

## Before you book

- Hotel pickup: no car needed
- Entry ticket included: skip the ticket desk
- Starts 04:30: one departure a day
- Food included: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
- Non-refundable: no free cancellation

**Pickup:** Hotel pickup included

## Key facts

- Price: from €688 per person for the Regular Trail option; other options up to €779
- Duration: 2 days
- Rating: 4.98/5 from 179 reviews (collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor)
- Operator: Salkantay Trekking
- Group: Shared tour
- Guide languages: English, Spanish
- Tickets: Admission included
- Start times: 04:30
- Booking: Confirmation within 48 hours, mobile ticket
- Price checked on Viator: 2026-11-08

## Reviews

4.98 from 179 ratings on Guidekin & Tripadvisor.
100% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4 or 5 stars: 179 of 179.

- 5 stars: 176 (98%)
- 4 stars: 3 (2%)
- 3 stars: 0 (0%)
- 2 stars: 0 (0%)
- 1 star: 0 (0%)

### What reviewers say

Reviewers praise the patient guides, history and scenery; the trail can be more physically demanding than expected.

**Praised:**
- Clear explanations of Inca history, local plants and wildlife
- Patient guides match the pace and encourage struggling hikers
- Smooth organisation, clear briefings and reliable transport
- Mountain scenery and the approach to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate
- Help taking photographs at the ruins and viewpoints

**Complaints:**
- Some find the hike manageable, while others describe it as physically demanding

Written by Guidekin from the 50 most recent English reviews on Tripadvisor (2024-07-16 to 2026-10-17); last checked 2026-11-08.

## Tour options

Prices are the operator's current list price for two travellers (whole euros); options sold only to bigger parties say so; pick the option on the booking page.

| Option | Price | Guide languages | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Trail | €688 / person | English, Spanish | Pickup included |
| With Huayna Picchu Mountain | €761 / person | English, Spanish | Huayna Picchu Mountain Tickets Pickup included |
| With Huchuy Picchu Mountain | €779 / person | English, Spanish | Huchuy Picchu Mountain Tickets Pickup included |
| With Machu Picchu Mountain | €779 / person | English, Spanish | Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets Pickup included |

## What's 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)

## 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

## Schedule

- Runs: daily
- Departures: 04:30
- 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
- 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

## Compared with other Inca Trail Treks

| Tour | Price | Duration | Rating | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **This tour · #16 of 62** | €688 | 2 days | 4.98 (179) | 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 #16 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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