Private and fully personalized, your unique itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to balance every practical detail with unforgettable experiences—designed entirely around your interests and pace.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
6:00 AM
Next available
Thu, Oct 22
Adult (ages 18–70)
$899
Senior (ages 71–95)
$899
Youth (ages 14–17)
$899
Child (ages 5–13)
$799
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 21.
Tour Options
Short Inca Trail 2d/1n
Pickup included
Itinerary
180 min
Discover the magic of the Short Inca Trail—an unforgettable 2-day, 1-night adventure to Machu Picchu. Ideal for travelers with limited time, this condensed trek offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, history, and excitement.
Walk along ancient Incan paths through cloud forests and lush jungle, passing impressive archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna. Enjoy stunning mountain views and the thrill of arriving at Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate, just as the Incas once did.
With expert guides, comfortable logistics, and a carefully planned route, this trek is suitable for both beginners and seasoned hikers. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the essence of the classic Inca Trail—without the long commitment.
Join National Peru Travel and make the most of your time in Peru with a short but powerful journey through Andean history.
Machupicchu cusco
Admission included360 min
DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 104 – WIÑAYHUAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU TOWN
Your adventure begins early with a scenic train ride to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. From here, we start our hike with a visit to Chachabamba (2,270 m / 7,560 ft), where our expert guide will explain the historical and ceremonial significance of this fascinating site.
We then ascend to the stunning ruins of Wiñayhuayna (2,650 m / 8,820 ft), considered the most impressive archaeological complex on the trail after Machu Picchu. After exploring, we continue toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)—the original entrance to Machu Picchu used by the Incas. From this incredible viewpoint, we enjoy our first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu bathed in afternoon light.
We then descend to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes) to rest and prepare for the full guided tour of the citadel the next day.
Hiking Time: Approx. 6 hours
Distance: 12 km
What's included
Included
Bottled water
Lunch
Pickup Locations & Times
At the lobby of Casa Andina Hotel
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
16 reviews
5
16
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
0+ days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Short Inca Trail 2d/1n take?
Short Inca Trail 2d/1n lasts about 2 days. The itinerary has 2 stops.
How much does Short Inca Trail 2d/1n cost?
Prices start at $899 per person for this Cusco experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Short Inca Trail 2d/1n run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 6:00 AM.
How much does Short Inca Trail 2d/1n cost for children?
Children aged 5–13 pay from $799, adults from $899.
Can I cancel Short Inca Trail 2d/1n for free?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. At the lobby of Casa Andina Hotel Pickup points include Hotel Cusco Pacha Inti.
What languages is Short Inca Trail 2d/1n offered in?
The experience is available in EN, IT, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Short Inca Trail 2d/1n worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 16 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by National Peru Travel.
Reviews(16)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
W
Wanderer14308731498
June 20, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Such a beautiful and well-paced experience.
The first day of hiking was just the right level of challenge, with so many incredible views along the way. Spending the night in Aguas Calientes and then visiting Machu Picchu early the next day made it all feel magical.
Operator response
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're glad to hear the hike was the perfect balance of challenge and beauty. It was a pleasure to be part of your journey!
VUELVE PRONTO!!
V
Voyage09235402951
June 8, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Two days, a lifetime of memories.
This trek was short but so powerful ,walking through cloud forests, ancient ruins, and finally stepping into Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate… it gave me chills. Highly recommend it for anyone wanting a taste of the Inca Trail!
Operator response
Thank you for your wonderful words! We're so glad the Short Inca Trail left such a powerful impression and is truly unforgettable. We're honored to have shared this experience with you—thank you for choosing us!
C
Culture51398548881
June 8, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
An ideal experience
The Short Inca Trail is ideal if you're short on time but still want the adventure. It had everything , history, nature, a bit of challenge, and a huge reward at the end. The hike was manageable, and our guide made the whole journey feel personal and special.
Operator response
Thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear the Short Inca Trail gave you the perfect mix of adventure, history, and natural beauty. It's great that you found the hike manageable and that your guide made the experience truly special. We appreciate you choosing our agency and hope to see you on another journey soon! Vuelve PRONTO
S
Safari62686344321
June 1, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
The best parts of my trip
This was one of the best parts of my trip to Peru! The Sacred Valley is so peaceful and full of history. The guide was great, and the stops were interesting. I especially loved Ollantaytambo , it felt magical!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear the Sacred Valley left such a strong impression on you. Ollantaytambo truly does have a special energy, and we're glad you felt its magic. Hope to welcome you back to Peru someday!
G
Getaway34699169193
June 1, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Such a special day
The guide told us stories about the Inca people, and we visited beautiful places with amazing views. I liked walking through the ruins and taking photos. The tour was well planned and not rushed.
Operator response
Thank you for your kind words! We're so glad you enjoyed the stories, scenery, and relaxed pace of the tour. Exploring the ruins and learning about Inca history truly makes the experience special. Hope to see you again on another adventure!
T
Trail34853425413
June 1, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
What a great day!
We stopped at many nice places in the Sacred Valley. The guide was very friendly and explained everything clearly. The local market in Pisac was fun, and the ruins in Ollantaytambo were incredible!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're happy to hear you enjoyed the stops in the Sacred Valley and had a great time exploring Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Our guide will be glad to know their efforts made your day even more memorable!
C
Curiosity05517769658
May 30, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
A truly magical experience
We booked this tour with some friends, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. The scenery is jaw-dropping, especially from the higher viewpoints. I appreciated how the tour included both popular and lesser-known spots. Bring a hat and water , the sun is strong even if it’s cool!
Operator response
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're so happy to hear the tour was a highlight of your trip and that you enjoyed it with friends—that always makes it more special. The Andean scenery truly is unforgettable, and we're glad you appreciated the mix of famous sites and hidden gems. Great tip about the sun too—those high altitudes can be tricky! We’d love to have you back anytime for more adventures in Peru.
D
Discover44464149760
May 30, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Well organized tour
Pick-up was right on time, and the bus was comfortable. I loved seeing the terraces and learning how the Incas used them for farming. I took so many photos , it’s impossible to take a bad one with views like that!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that everything ran smoothly from the start and that you enjoyed the comfort of the trip. The Inca terraces truly are a marvel, and it's great to know our guide helped bring their history to life for you. And you're absolutely right—the views are breathtaking and every photo looks like a postcard! We hope those memories (and pictures!) stay with you for a long time, and we'd love to welcome you back for more unforgettable experiences in Peru.
T
Trek32224780181
May 30, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
We had a fantastic time
The guide was passionate and explained everything clearly without rushing. We visited local communities and saw how people still live traditionally. Lunch was included, and it was delicious , real Andean food!
Operator response
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We're really glad to hear that our guide's passion and explanations made your trip memorable. Visiting local communities and seeing how people live traditionally is such a special part of exploring this region, and it’s wonderful to know you appreciated it. And yes, that Andean lunch is always a highlight—it really gives a taste of the culture! We hope you left with some great memories and that we'll see you again for more adventures soon!
C
Cruiser38639651302
May 30, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
10/10
Felt like I went on a school trip—except way cooler! Inca ruins? Check. Giant mountain views? Check. Llamas posing for photos? Check. I even made a new friend on the bus. 10/10 would do again (with more sunscreen next time)!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your fun and enthusiastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a blast and ticked all the boxes: Inca ruins, breathtaking mountain views, and even llama selfies! Making a new friend on the bus is the cherry on top. We’ll be here whenever you’re ready for round two—don’t forget that sunscreen! 🌞
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