Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Express
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Set off from Cusco on a two day adventure that blends trekking, history and jaw dropping Andean scenery. You’ll join the Express Inca Trail from Km 104, winding through cloud forest and ancient stone steps to Wiñaywayna – a terraced gem with views – before reaching Intipunku, the Sun Gate, for your first panorama of Machu Picchu. Overnight in Aguas Calientes. Next morning, explore the citadel with a guide – terraces, temples and clever Inca engineering – plus time to roam and snap photos. Round things off with a train journey back to Cusco – a compact, unforgettable escape.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
2 daysHotel Rating
Standard accommodationStarts
CuscoEnds
CuscoMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Peru that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
No - Hotel Pickup onlyDeparture Transfer
No - Hotel Pickup onlyTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
PeruMeals Included
Lunch: 1Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
Demands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5-kilometres without stopping and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
Demands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5-kilometres without stopping and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See
Cusco
Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Cusco - Machu Picchu. After being picked up from your hotel, we transfer to Km 104 of the railway - the starting point of the Express Inca Trail. This route is ideal for travellers who want to experience the Inca Trail in a single rewarding day. After disembarking from the train, we begin our hike along a scenic trail through lush cloud forest and ancient Inca stone steps.
Along the way, we visit the remarkable archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna. This impressive terraced complex clings to the mountainside and offers sweeping views of the surrounding valley. The site provides a fascinating insight into Inca engineering, agriculture and daily life.
We pause to enjoy a relaxing box lunch surrounded by nature before continuing along the original Inca Trail towards Machu Picchu. Our trek leads us to Intipunku - the Sun Gate - the historic entrance once used by Inca pilgrims arriving at the sacred citadel. From here, the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu appears below - an unforgettable moment that rewards the day’s hike.
In the afternoon, as the light begins to soften across the mountains, we descend towards Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Here we check in to the hotel and spend the night, ready for our visit to Machu Picchu the following day.
Distance: (Km 104 - Intipunku) 13 km
Trekking time: approximately 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude: 2,650 m / 8,692 ft
Day 2 - Discovering Machu Picchu
Machu Pichchu - Aguas Calientes. Early in the morning, we travel up to the legendary Lost City of the Incas - Machu Picchu. Set high in the Andes and surrounded by dramatic peaks and lush vegetation, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world.
During our guided visit, we explore the main sectors of the citadel. We learn about the history, purpose and cultural importance of this extraordinary Inca sanctuary while discovering its agricultural terraces, ceremonial spaces, temples and intricate stone architecture. The layout of the city reveals the sophisticated planning and deep connection with nature that defined Inca civilisation.
After the guided tour, you will have some free time to continue exploring the site independently, take photographs or simply enjoy the atmosphere of this remarkable place.
At the scheduled time, you descend to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Cusco. Upon arrival, we transfer you to your hotel, bringing the journey to a close with lasting memories of Machu Picchu.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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