![Get Your Guide logo](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 382 302" width="56" height="64"%3E%3Cpath d="M98.273 125.538c-5.904 0-10.574 4.553-10.574 10.574s4.67 10.574 10.574 10.574 10.574-4.553 10.574-10.574-4.67-10.574-10.574-10.574zm60.37-51.987h-37.392V55.594h33.329V37.637h-33.329V19.925h36.775V1.84h-56.944v89.795h57.561V73.551zm-41.668 54.2c5.904 0 10.574-4.553 10.574-10.574s-4.67-10.574-10.574-10.574-10.575 4.553-10.575 10.574 4.671 10.574 10.575 10.574zM38.498 93.475c13.042 0 24.478-6.638 31.243-16.85v15.01h17.713V41.701H39.977v17.222h19.925c-1.84 9.223-9.968 16.362-19.808 16.362-10.947 0-19.808-8.862-19.808-21.776V40.222c0-12.67 9.468-22.02 22.754-22.02 10.33 0 19.553 5.659 22.627 13.903l18.702-6.52C79.199 9.84 62.476 0 43.168 0 18.818 0 .606 16.361.606 40.222v13.287c.01 22.988 16.978 39.966 37.892 39.966zm172.909-66.401h-19.903v28.69h19.903v-28.69zM235.396 1.84h-68.147v18.085h68.147V1.84zM33.829 195.887h20.17v-34.063l33.817-55.721H65.061l-21.275 36.775-21.032-36.775H0l33.829 55.966v33.818zM211.407 62.923h-19.903v28.68h19.903v-28.68zM364.87 195.887l-24.478-34.318c11.936-3.692 20.297-14.149 20.297-26.935 0-16.234-13.403-28.542-30.382-28.542h-11.808v18.201h11.074c5.904 0 10.457 4.671 10.457 10.819 0 6.149-4.553 10.83-10.457 10.83h-11.074v17.222l21.893 32.723h24.478zm-99.964 14.35h-29.648v89.912h29.648c27.796 0 47.477-19.063 47.477-44.892 0-25.829-19.681-45.02-47.477-45.02zm1.595 71.827h-11.074v-53.753h11.074c15.01 0 25.212 11.563 25.212 26.935 0 15.372-10.202 26.818-25.212 26.818zm78.104-17.956h33.328v-17.957h-33.328v-17.712h36.775v-18.074h-56.945v89.784h57.562v-18.085h-37.392v-17.956zm-32.137-98.582-10.426-14.776 10.287-14.946-10.425-14.766 10.298-14.935-20.797.01-10.298 15.095 10.436 14.777-10.298 14.946 10.436 14.765-10.297 14.957 11.074 15.372h21.02l-11.308-15.542 10.298-14.957zm-45.924-4.564v-54.859h-20.053v55.232c0 10.329-7.383 17.957-17.467 17.957-10.085 0-17.468-7.628-17.468-17.957v-55.232h-20.052v54.859c0 21.159 15.872 36.776 37.52 36.776 21.648 0 37.52-15.627 37.52-36.776zM156.452 265.586c0 10.33-7.383 17.957-17.468 17.957-10.084 0-17.467-7.627-17.467-17.957v-55.232h-20.053v54.86c0 21.159 15.872 36.775 37.52 36.775 21.649 0 37.52-15.616 37.52-36.775v-54.86h-20.052v55.232zm-116.475 1.851h19.925c-1.84 9.223-9.968 16.361-19.808 16.361-10.946 0-19.807-8.861-19.807-21.775v-13.287c0-12.67 9.467-22.021 22.754-22.021 10.33 0 19.553 5.66 22.627 13.904l18.701-6.521c-5.17-15.744-21.892-25.584-41.2-25.584-24.35 0-42.563 16.361-42.563 40.222v13.287C.606 285.022 17.584 302 38.488 302c13.042 0 24.478-6.638 31.244-16.85v15.01h17.712v-49.935H39.977v17.212z" fill="%23F53"/%3E%3Cpath d="M132.102 104.252v18.946c14.765 0 26.446 12.053 26.446 27.797s-11.681 27.797-26.446 27.797c-14.755 0-26.446-12.053-26.446-27.797h-20.67c0 26.201 20.915 46.743 47.105 46.743 26.201 0 47.105-20.542 47.105-46.743 0-26.202-20.893-46.743-47.094-46.743zm82.497 148.377c2.978-2.691 7.968-7.191 7.968-15.435 0-8.245-4.99-12.744-7.968-15.436a9.787 9.787 0 0 0-.373-.33c-1.489-1.563-1.744-3.808-1.776-4.872v-6.319h-20.201v8.404h.01c0 .107-.01.202-.01.309 0 8.244 4.989 12.744 7.967 15.435 2.139 1.936 2.139 2.032 2.139 2.809 0 .776 0 .872-2.139 2.808-2.861 2.585-7.574 6.862-7.925 14.532h-.021c0 .148-.021.287-.021.425 0 .085.01.16.01.234 0 .085-.01.16-.01.234 0 .149.01.287.021.426h.021c.351 7.67 5.064 11.946 7.925 14.531 2.139 1.936 2.139 2.032 2.139 2.808 0 .777 0 .873-2.139 2.809-2.978 2.691-7.967 7.191-7.967 15.435 0 .107 0 .213.01.309h-.01v8.404h20.201v-6.319c.032-1.053.287-3.308 1.776-4.872.117-.107.234-.213.373-.33 2.978-2.691 7.968-7.191 7.968-15.436 0-8.244-4.99-12.744-7.968-15.435-1.904-1.713-2.117-1.989-2.138-2.564.021-.574.234-.851 2.138-2.564z" fill="%23F53"/%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Explore the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu on this 2-day adventure from Cusco. Hike ancient paths, enjoy scenic picnic meals, and return in comfort aboard the panoramic Vistadome train.
About this activity
- Cancellation policy
- This activity is non-refundable
- Duration 2 days
- Check availability to see starting times
- Live tour guide
- Spanish, English
- Pickup included
- We also pick up from AirBnB and other locations inside Cusco City and Sacred Valley.
- Small group
- Limited to 16 participants
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
This was a great experience, and the reality of it didn't fully sink in until after I arrived back in Cusco. It definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, and some parts were quite challenging. Both guides, William and Sebastian, were very knowledgeable. Whether it was about history or navigating the Inca Trail, we all left enriched with a deeper understanding of Inca culture. The food was good, the company was good, the photo spots where breath taking. I would recommend to everybody.
Our guides were literally the best! We couldn’t have asked for better! The only thing we would recommend to improve on. My husband and I train tickets were not seats next to eachother and the whole group was on different trains on the ride back. The bag drop off and transportation back to our hotels process could improve. There was a lot of waiting around and extra steps that seems could be done more streamlined and organized especially when participants are tired and ready to go back to their hotels. Thank you!!
Select participants and date
Itinerary
Pickup location:
Cusco
Ollantaytambo
Panoramic train ride (1 hour)
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Hiking
Sun Gate
Photo stop
Machu Picchu
Sunset
Aguas Calientes
Dinner, Overnight stay
Machu Picchu
Free time
Huayna Picchu
Hiking
Machu Picchu
Hiking
Train
(1.5 hours)
Car
(1.5 hours)
Arrive back at:
Cusco
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- Visit Machu Picchu twice - for the sunset and for the sunrise
- Enjoy a delicious picnic breakfast and lunch.
- Explore Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna Inca Sites
- Arrive to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate
- Enjoy a return trip on the panoramic Vistadome train
Full description
Start your adventure at your hotel in Cusco, where your guide will meet you at 4:00 a.m. After a short drive to Ollantaytambo, enjoy a 1.5-hour scenic train ride to Chachabamba (Km 104), soaking in the stunning views of the Urubamba River.
From the checkpoint at Chachabamba, begin your Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Explore the ancient archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna while admiring the diverse flora and fauna along the way. Enjoy a delicious picnic breakfast and picnic lunch, freshly prepared by our talented trekking chefs using local ingredients to give you a taste of Peru's flavors.
Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate and take in one of the most breathtaking views of the Lost City of the Incas. Arriving in the late afternoon offers a unique chance to see the city peacefully empty and witness a stunning sunset over this ancient wonder.
Afterward, take a short bus ride to your hotel, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing dinner and a comfortable night’s rest in a 3-star hotel, ending your day on the perfect note.
Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu - Return Cusco
Start your day with an early breakfast at your hotel before preparing for the highlight of your tour: Machu Picchu. Board your bus just as the sun rises, offering a magical start to your adventure.
Your guide will lead you on a 2 to 3-hour in-depth tour of this incredible ancient city, sharing its history, secrets, and fascinating details. After the guided tour, you’ll have the option to independently hike either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña for even more breathtaking views.
Following your Machu Picchu experience, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and relax on the Panoramic Vistadome train, where you can enjoy stunning scenery on your return journey. A comfortable bus ride will take you back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 7:30 p.m., where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation—perfect for unwinding after a day filled with unforgettable sights and memories.
Includes
- Pre-departure briefing at the Cusco office
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transportation
- One night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (3-star)
- Picnic breakfast and lunch on day 1
- 1 dinner at a local restaurant on day 1
- 1 breakfast at the hotel on day 2
- Expedition train to the trailhead
- Return on the Vistadome train
- English-speaking guide
- A second guide for groups over 9
- Entrance tickets to the Inca Trail
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
- First aid kit, oxygen tank, and satellite phones
- Trekking poles (can be rented)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets (must be booked in advance)
- Machu Picchu Mountain tickets (must be booked in advance)
- Travel insurance
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
- Wheelchair users
Important information
What to bring
- Passport
- Comfortable shoes
- Warm clothing
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
Know before you go
- Dietary options available upon request.
- Each participant's passport details are required at the time of booking.
- Recommended gear: light, comfortable hiking boots, a quality daypack with 2L water storage, hiking pants, a change of clothes for Machu Picchu, undergarments, hiking socks, rain gear, and a warm layer.
