Professional access

Inca Trail Express

Cusco & Machu Picchu 2 days / 1 nights
Essential
Inca Trail Express — photo 1

The short version of the Inca Trail, ideal for those with less time.

The first day reaches Km 104 by train and begins the short Inca Trail, with a visit to the Chachabamba archaeological remains (2,270 m) and a climb to Wiñayhuayna (2,650 m), one of the most spectacular sites on the route. It continues to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), with a panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel, and descends to the town of Aguas Calientes for the night. The second day rides the tourist bus up to the Machu Picchu citadel, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and after the visit returns by train to Cusco. Accommodation in Aguas Calientes is offered across several categories, from economy to luxury.

Highlights

The short Inca Trail from Km 104
The Chachabamba archaeological remains (2,270 m)
The Wiñayhuayna site (2,650 m)
The Sun Gate (Inti Punku) with a view of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World

Day-by-day itinerary

Day1

Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 / Wiñayhuayna / Aguas Calientes (6 h)

An early start and arrival by train at Km 104 to begin the short Inca Trail, with a visit to the Chachabamba archaeological remains (2,270 m). It climbs to Wiñayhuayna (2,650 m), one of the most spectacular archaeological sites on the route, and continues to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), with a striking panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel surrounded by mountains and canyons. A short descent leads to Machu Picchu and then to the town of Aguas Calientes, where the day ends. Overnight in Aguas Calientes. Meals: box lunch.
Day2

Day 2: Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Cusco

After breakfast, ride the tourist bus up the mountain to the Machu Picchu citadel, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Time to explore its passages and alleys and take in the Inca architecture. Afterwards, descend to Aguas Calientes and, at the appointed time, take the train back to Cusco. Meals: breakfast.

Suggested hotels

Flower's House
Standard
Aguas Calientes

Economy category in Aguas Calientes.

Chakana Hotel
Standard
Aguas Calientes

Economy category in Aguas Calientes.

Hatun Samay
Standard
Aguas Calientes

Tourist category in Aguas Calientes.

Waman Machu Picchu
Standard
Aguas Calientes

Tourist category in Aguas Calientes.

El Mapi (Hab. Sup.)
Superior
Aguas Calientes

First category in Aguas Calientes.

Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (Hab. Sup.)
Superior
Aguas Calientes

First category in Aguas Calientes.

El Mapi (Suite)
Superior
Aguas Calientes

Superior first category in Aguas Calientes.

Casa del Sol (Vista Pueblo)
Superior
Aguas Calientes

Superior first category in Aguas Calientes.

Sumaq (Deluxe Garden View)
Luxury
Aguas Calientes

Luxury category in Aguas Calientes.

Machu Picchu Pueblo Inkaterra (Sup.)
Luxury
Aguas Calientes

Luxury category in Aguas Calientes.

Sumaq (Deluxe River View)
Luxury
Aguas Calientes

Superior luxury category in Aguas Calientes.

Machu Picchu Pueblo Inkaterra (Sup. Deluxe)
Luxury
Aguas Calientes

Superior luxury category in Aguas Calientes.

Essential, Premium and Luxury categories available. Final accommodation is confirmed by date and availability.

What's included

Included: 1 night's accommodation in Aguas Calientes
Included: Bus and train transport Cusco / Km 104 – Machu Picchu / Cusco
Included: Tourist bus Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu
Included: Meals as per itinerary (vegetarian option): box lunch on day 1; breakfast on day 2
Included: Entrance to the Inca Trail and the Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Included: First-aid kit and oxygen

What's not included

Not included: Downhill bus Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes (day 2)
Not included: Additional nights due to bad weather
Not included: Personal-care items
Not included: Domestic and international airfare
Not included: Domestic and international airport taxes and visa fees
Not included: Excess baggage fees
Not included: Meals not mentioned in the programme
Not included: Drinks not included with meals
Not included: Tips and gratuities
Not included: Personal expenses and optional excursions
Not included: Travel insurance
Not included: Anything not expressly mentioned as included

Booking & policies

Are the prices shown net or retail?

Rates are net (wholesale) and reserved for travel agencies and tour operators, who sign in to see them and add their own margin. Public visitors see an indicative retail “from” price; the net rate is never shown outside the agency portal.

How is a booking confirmed?

Most bookings are confirmed immediately and the voucher is emailed within minutes. When a service shows “In process”, RUMBO LIBRE is confirming final availability with the receptive operator at destination — usually within 24 to 48 business hours.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations follow Clause 7 of the Terms: more than 30 days before the service, no penalty and a full refund; 15 to 30 days, 25%; 8 to 14 days, 50%; 3 to 7 days, 75%; less than 72 hours before commencement or a no-show, 100%. Certain destinations — Patagonia, the Amazon region and high-demand dates in peak season — apply stricter terms, stated in the quotation. The schedule above is indicative: the conditions that apply to each booking are those confirmed in the quotation, and may be stricter in high season, on public holidays or where a supplier applies its own policy.

Can dates or passenger names be changed after confirmation?

Amendment requests must reach RUMBO LIBRE at least 72 business hours before the service begins. Changes are managed with the receptive operator subject to availability, and any resulting rate difference applies. For private services, a name change may require re-issuing the booking at the current rate.