Two-day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service

Best price guaranteed

No booking fees

E-ticket/Mobile-voucher

Carbon neutral

2 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

10 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 60 yearsAge range for participants

English, SpanishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

3350mHighest point reached

Starts

Cusco, Peru

Ends

Cusco, Peru

Highlights

Enjoy the amazing views and archaeological sites on the route to Machu Picchu Citadel.

Get the first views of Machu Picchu Citadel through the famous access called Sun Gate.

Unforgettable easy trek to Machu Picchu by an original Inca Trail route to the Citadel.

The Short Inca Trail was designed for those who are limited on time to visit Machu Picchu.

Itinerary

Craving a condensed Machu Picchu adventure? The "Two-day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service" is tailored for those with limited time or seeking a gentler trek. Enjoy spectacular scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and the chance to visit the Inca Trail’s most picturesque site, Wiñay Wayna. With just 10 kilometers to cover, this trek is an excellent choice for families with children or anyone wanting a group experience without the intensity of the full trail. Daily departures (except February) ensure flexibility, and the group dynamic adds a fun, social touch to your journey.

day 1 - CUSCO – KM 104 – AGUAS CALIENTES

Departing your hotel in Cusco, we will travel by bus to the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. From here, a train will take us roughly an hour down the valley to our starting point. Our journey begins at the banks of the Urubamba River. It slowly ascends to meet up with the original Inca Trail at the site of Winay Wayna, before continuing to the Sun Gate and on to Machu Picchu.

Along the way, we will pass through dense cloud forest with its wide variety of plants, flowers, birds, and if we are lucky, some of the local mammals such as Viscachas (rabbit-like Chinchillas) or the rare Spectacled Bear.

After a full day of trekking, we will arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the late afternoon for our first views of Machu Picchu stretched over the mountain ridge below. The lighting at this hour of the day makes for amazing pictures.

Descending from the Sun Gate, we continue along the beautiful paved stone path to Machu Picchu, but only to the famous “look-out point” above the central part of the citadel. From here we will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes in the valley below for hotel check-in and dinner.

Duration:6 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at Lodging: Golden Sunrise Machu Picchu Hotel *** or similar.

Meals:Lunch, Dinner

day 2 - MACHU PICCHU

Today we will rise very early to catch the first bus back up to Machu Picchu and enter the site as it opens.

There will be a 2-3 hour guided tour of the site to show you some of the essential locations, altars, and constructions. Here you will learn what we know about the history of this amazing place and the people who once lived here.

After this, if you have the additional permit to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, this will be the time. In the afternoon, your train will depart Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo where you will carry on by bus to Cusco.

Duration:2 hours

Meals:Breakfast

Two-day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Professional English Speaking Tour Guide.Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+Pick-up from your hotelTrain to Km 104Return transportation by train to OllantaytamboReturn transportation by bus to Cusco1 Breakfast, 1 Boxed Lunch, 1 Dinner. If you have a dietary request (vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free, allergies, etc.), please let us know1 night in 3 Star HotelOxygen bottleFirst-aid kitEntrance to the Inca Trail and Machu PicchuRound-trip Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Optional Add-ons Available during check-out

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a good tour as it is run by a trusted travel specialist who has received 2 reviews for other tours with an average 5.0rating.

Request a Private, Customizable Departure

By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:

Personal

Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.

Professional

Access our Travel Specialists' insider knowledge.

Privacy

Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.

Protected

Travel within your own bubble.

Request a private and/or personalized departure

To design a private tour, we'll ask you some more information in the following steps.

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 19+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 812 customer reviews from

Anonymous

Prompt reply to my questions which was helpful.

1 day ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Two-day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service that you might like.

Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu 3D/2N

Craving a trek with a difference? The Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu 3D/2N dares you to experience Peru’s ancient wonders from a fresh perspective. Tailored for fit travelers and those with a zest for adventure, this challenging guided journey leads you along lesser-known trails past hidden archaeological gems and through dramatic Andean scenery. Enjoy the thrill of camping beneath the stars, exploring centuries-old ruins, and witnessing the majestic sunrise at Machu Picchu. This tour’s standout feature is its off-the-beaten-path approach, promising an intimate encounter with Peru’s cultural and natural treasures—perfect for avid hikers and history lovers in search of something extraordinary.

3 days

Lares Express Trek to Machu Picchu 3D/2N

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Lares Valley to Machu Picchu with Bamba. This unique adventure combines cultural immersion and breathtaking landscapes, offering interactions with local Andean communities and picturesque trails. Highlights include guided treks through vibrant valleys, lush forests, and serene hot springs. Culminate the adventure with a sunrise tour of the iconic Inca citadel, Machu Picchu. Perfect for those seeking an enriching blend of nature, history, and culture in Peru.

3 days

Machu Picchu by Train Independent Adventure

5.0(4 reviews)

For experienced travelers who want to visit Machu Picchu without the rigors of trekking, the Machu Picchu by Train Independent Adventure is your ticket to the Inca heartland in comfort and style. This easy-paced, three-day guided trip starts and ends in Cusco, connecting you to the legendary Lost City of the Incas via scenic train rides through the Sacred Valley. Along the way, there’s time to explore local culture and support G for Good projects, making your journey both meaningful and memorable. The unique selling point of this tour is its seamless blend of convenience and cultural enrichment, offering a stress-free yet immersive approach to one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites.

3 days

Private Machu Picchu Full Day Tour

5.0(24 reviews)

Unlock the mysteries of Machu Picchu in just one day on this private tour, crafted for travelers eager for an in-depth, hassle-free exploration. The adventure begins with early morning pickup from your Cusco hotel, followed by a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo and a comfortable VISTADOME train ride through the spectacular Andean landscape. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, a short bus journey brings you to the legendary Inca citadel. Enjoy a two-hour private guided tour, delving into Machu Picchu’s most significant sites, with free time afterward to wander at your own pace. Relax on your return trip by train and private transfer back to Cusco, reflecting on a day filled with history and awe-inspiring vistas. The USP of this tour package is its efficiency and exclusivity—combining seamless logistics, expert guidance, and personal freedom for a truly memorable sightseeing experience at one of the world’s wonders.

1 day

Sacred Valley Tour & Short Inca Trail 3 Days

5.0(2 reviews)

Short on time but eager for adventure? The Sacred Valley Tour & Short Inca Trail 3 Days is a perfect introduction to Peru’s most storied landscapes, designed for young adults and families seeking a culturally rich yet accessible getaway. Kick off your journey in the Sacred Valley, exploring Pisac’s vibrant handicraft market and the ancient ruins of Ollantaytambo. The highlight is a guided trek along the condensed version of the Inca Trail, offering sweeping views of snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers, and mysterious Inca complexes—all without the physical demands of the classic multi-day hike. Your trip culminates with a guided exploration of Machu Picchu, the legendary lost city perched high in the Andes. The unique selling point here is the balance of adventure, history, and local interaction, all in a manageable timeframe and physical effort. For travelers who want to experience the magic of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu—without committing to a strenuous trek—this tour package offers the best of Peru’s past and present in just three unforgettable days.

3 days

Machu Picchu by Train Independent Adventure - Upgraded

5.0(6 reviews)

Experience Machu Picchu in style with the Machu Picchu by Train Independent Adventure - Upgraded, a three-day guided tour designed for experienced travelers who appreciate comfort and culture. Bookended in Cusco, this trip features upgraded accommodations and a scenic rail journey through the stunning Urubamba Valley to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu citadel perched high on a mountain ridge. A knowledgeable local guide brings Incan history to life as you explore the site’s remarkable architecture and panoramic views before returning to Cusco by train. The unique selling point of this tour package is its elevated comfort and exclusive rail experience, making the journey itself as memorable as the iconic destination.

3 days

Machupicchu Express: Small Group Tour

5.0(1 review)

Delve into the mysteries of the Incas on the Machupicchu Express: Small Group Tour, a three-day adventure focused on Peru’s most famous archaeological marvel. Begin your trip with a scenic Vistadome train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of the citadel, learning about its history and significance before exploring on your own. Visit Chinchero, where you’ll watch master weavers transform alpaca and sheep wool into vibrant textiles using time-honored techniques. Your journey concludes with a seamless transfer to Cusco Airport. The USP is the in-depth focus on Machu Picchu and Andean weaving culture, all within a concise, expertly organized tour—perfect for travelers eager to maximize their time in Peru’s Sacred Valley.

3 days

Keep Exploring Peru

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights