Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days | 1 Night.

Name: Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days | 1 Night.
Price: 600 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (31 reviews)

2 Days

Moderate

Tour Overview

The Short Inca Trail 2 Days | 1 Night is the perfect alternative for travelers who want the full Inca Trail experience without camping. You will hike the last leg of the ancient path, starting at Km 104. This is the only tour that allows you to arrive at Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate (Intipunku) in the afternoon, offering a unique panoramic view. Ideal for those with limited time who love adventure, history, and the comfort of a hotel at night.

CUSTOMIZED TOURISM IN SMALL GROUPS

2 Days Adventure

Price from USD 600 USD / per person

Places to visit Inca Trail, Machupicchu

Trip starts in Hotel

Physical Level Moderate

Group Size Max 10

Total Distance 24 km

Departures Daily Guaranteed Departures

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Detailed Itinerary

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 4:00 a.m. (depending on your hotel location) and drive to the Ollantaytambo train station. If your hotel is located in the Sacred Valley or Ollantaytambo, the pick-up could be around 5.30 a.m.

From Cusco, it’s a 1-hour 30-minute bus drive to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where we will board the first trains and travel along the Urubamba River until we arrive at km 104 – Chachabamba (located in the cloud forest). We will head straight to the checkpoint at Chachabamba to start your Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu. Please note that you will need the original passport to pass the checkpoint and have time to prepare for the hike, use the restrooms, and warm up.

Our first stop is the beautiful Inca site of Chachabamba, where your tour guide will introduce you to Inca history and Machu Picchu. After exploring the site, we will hike along an ancient Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

The first section of the Short Inca Trail is a gradual uphill hike for 4 hours until we arrive at Wiñaywayna (the place that never gets old); this is one of the most beautiful Inca sites on the Classic Inca Trail. We will take some time to explore this stunning archaeological site while enjoying spectacular views of the Andes. A packed lunch and refreshments will be provided; once fed and energized, we will continue our hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) to catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu Citadel – a truly unforgettable sight. We will arrive at Sun Gate around 3 to 4 p.m. when the crowds from Machu Picchu have left, allowing you to enjoy this place with few people.

Next, it’s another one-hour downhill hike from the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu, with breathtaking views. We will arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon and have the unique opportunity to experience the citadel almost empty. This day is the perfect photo opportunity! Then, take the bus to Aguas Calientes, have dinner in a local restaurant, and spend the night in a hotel.

Dinner is served in top-rated restaurants in the town, and your hotel is also located on exclusive sites with a private bathroom, hot showers, WiFi, and beautiful views.

Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes

On our final day of the Short Inca Trail tour, we will get up very early to prepare for the highlight of the trek, visiting Machu Picchu – the Lost City of the Incas. Breakfast will be served in the hotel, and we will board the first buses to Machu Picchu. Arriving as the sky brightens, we will visit the city’s incredible views. You can watch the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu on a clear day.

Your guide will take you on a 2 to 3-hour comprehensive tour of the city before leaving you in Machu Picchu to explore or climb either Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Montaña (tickets must be booked as far in advance as possible and not Included).

Explore the most remarkable places of Machu Picchu with a private tour guide, visit the temples, palaces, and farming terraces, and learn the history of Machu Picchu.

Optional: After the Machu Picchu tour, you can hike down to Aguas Calientes using the Hiram Bingham original trail; on the way, you can visit the Machu Picchu Museum and the butterfly station and enjoy the fantastic views.

Your tour guide will explain how to take the bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). You will have time to explore the town, choose the restaurant of your preference, and buy souvenirs in the local market; later in the afternoon, you will board the Expedition trains and bus back to Cusco. GUIDING CUSCO Team will meet you off the train and return you safely to your hotel. The arrival time to Cusco is around 7:30 p.m.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Price Includes

Briefing: The night before your trip at your hotel/office.
Transfers: Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off.
Guide: Professional English-speaking Tour Guide.
Permits: Official Entrance Tickets to the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Transportation:
- Train to Km 104 (Expedition Service).
- Return Train (Expedition Service).
- Bus: Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Day 1).
- Bus: Round trip Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu (Day 2).
Accommodation: 1 Night in a standard Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Private room, hot shower, Wi-Fi).
Meals: 1 Box Lunch (Day 1), 1 Dinner (Day 1), 1 Breakfast (Day 2).
Safety: First aid kit and oxygen bottle.

Price Excludes

Breakfast on Day 1, Lunch on Day 2.
Upgrades: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike (Requires extra ticket).
Travel Insurance.
Tips: Optional but appreciated.

Why Choose This Tour?

The Guiding Cusco Difference

Discover what makes this specific itinerary unique, authentic, and perfectly tailored for an unforgettable Andean adventure.

Why Choose the 2-Day Short Inca Trail?

The 2-day Short Inca Trail is one of the most popular ways to reach Machu Picchu, and the fastest way to do it on foot without missing out on history or nature. Starting at Km 104, you hike a section of the original Inca Trail through cloud forest, visit the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna, and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) with your first view of the citadel, just as Inca travelers did long ago.

It is a moderate hike of about 10 km, a great option for travelers with limited time who still want the Inca Trail experience. We take care of the permit and all the logistics, so all you have to do is enjoy the trail.

WHY CHOOSE GUIDING CUSCO?
Guiding Cusco Expeditions is a locally owned tour operator based in Cusco with extensive hiking expertise; we are a 100% local company with no middlemen or outside shareholders.

Our goal is to make your trip unforgettable and leave you eager to embark on the adventure again. We specialize in small-group tours featuring high-quality, personalized service—allowing you to travel at your own pace without pressure.

We value our reputation as a responsible and sustainable tour operator. The Guiding Cusco team is like family to us, and we support them with fair wages. We are incredibly proud of our staff and the tremendous effort they put in every day to create unforgettable experiences for our clients.

SMALL GROUPS
We specialize in personalized service for small groups; Guiding Cusco Expeditions limits group sizes to a maximum of 10 people (with a minimum of 4), unlike other companies that handle much larger groups.

Travel Tips & Recommendations

Important Information

Please review these recommendations to ensure you have the best possible experience on your adventure.

Important Information Before Your 2-Days Inca Trail

Please read all the instructions from Guiding Cusco Expeditions carefully before booking. They will help you prepare for your trip to Cusco and the Inca Trail.

Permits and Booking in Advance

The Inca Trail requires a mandatory permit, and only 400 are issued per day, including guides, cooks, and porters. Permits often sell out 5 to 6 months in advance, especially from May to September, so we recommend booking as early as possible. The trail is closed every February for maintenance.

Briefing

A member of our team (your guide) will meet you at your hotel to give you clear, precise information about your trip, including weather conditions and the size of your group. This meeting is important, as it covers the final details before you begin your short Inca trail.

Where Can I Leave My Luggage?

Cusco is a major tourist hub, and hotels and hostels are used to multi-day excursions, so they will gladly store your belongings while you are away. If you are changing hotels, you can leave your luggage at our office, and we will keep it safe until you return.

Can I Change My Trip Date?

Unfortunately, no. Inca Trail permits are tied to a specific date and passport number. Once issued, they cannot be changed, transferred, or refunded.

How Do I Book My Trip?

To book the Short Inca Trail 2 days, we need the following details for every traveler in your party, through our booking form:

Full name(s) exactly as in the passport(s)
Passport number(s)
Date(s) of birth
Gender
Nationality

We also require a deposit of $ 300 USD per person to purchase your Inca Trail permit and organize the trip. Payments can be made securely via interbank transfer, online payment, OpenPay, or through our website.

Passport Requirements

You must bring your original passport (not a copy), and it must be the same one you used to book your permit. It will be checked at the trail checkpoints, at Machu Picchu, and when you board the train. Make sure it does not expire before your trip.

The Weather on the Inca Trail

Weather in the Andes is unpredictable, while the lower cloud forest is warm and humid. Rain can appear at any moment, so a rain jacket or poncho is essential. The dry season, from May to September, offers the clearest views but also the coldest nights.

What to Bring for the Inca Trail

Pack layered clothing suitable for changing conditions. We recommend:

Original passport
Thermal base layers, a fleece, and a warm jacket
A waterproof jacket or poncho
Hat, gloves, and sunglasses
Sun protection (sunscreen and lip balm)
Insect repellent
Comfortable, hiking boots
Trekking poles with rubber tips (required to protect the Inca paths)
Sandals for the hotel
Cash in Peruvian soles for tips, snacks, and toilets

Duffel bag arrangements:

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu does NOT include an additional porter. Your duffel bag will be transported by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Please try to pack as lightly as possible, as this is key to enjoying this incredible hike.

Where will we sleep?
The 2-day Inca Trail is of moderate difficulty. Depending on the season, the trek begins at Km 104 with a moderate-to-challenging ascent to Wiñay Wayna. On Day 1, we explore part of Machu Picchu before descending to rest at a comfortable, warm hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), ensuring you are energized for the climb the following day.

Where will we be dropped off after the hike?

Our service includes pickup from your hotel (or a nearby meeting point). After touring Machu Picchu with your guide, you will descend to Aguas Calientes and take the return train—passing through Ollantaytambo—back to Cusco, where you will be dropped off at your hotel (or nearby, if direct access is not possible).

Should I bring extra money?

Yes. There are no ATMs along the Inca Trail, so we recommend carrying cash in soles for emergencies, snacks, cold drinks, restroom fees, and tips.

Is it necessary to tip the staff?

Tipping is a meaningful gesture that motivates the staff to continue providing excellent service (suggested amount: 10%).

Pricing Details

Standard Price

From USD 600

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu — At a Glance

Duration: 2 days / 1 night · Availability: Year-round except February · Group size: Small groups; guaranteed departure with just 2 travelers · Booking: 300 USD deposit; balance payable in Cusco · Guarantee: Price will not increase once booking is confirmed

Price Comparison (per person)

Option	Price
Group (from)	600 USD
Private – 2–4 people	700 USD
Private – 5–8 people	600 USD
Private – 9–12 people	500 USD

Booking: 300 USD deposit; balance payable in Cusco.

Payment Methods

Method	Surcharge
Cash in Cusco or directly to our staff	No extra charge
Credit or debit card (Openpay)	5% surcharge
Online payment (We Travel)	8% surcharge

When Can I Do This Hike?

The hike runs any day from March through January.
The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance, so the Short Inca Trail section is unavailable during that month.
Inca Trail permits are limited and sell out quickly; booking 3 to 6 months in advance is recommended for trips between May and September.

Couples / Solo Travelers

Our small-group tours have guaranteed departures with as few as 2 people.

Add-ons

Extra	Price
Huayna Picchu Mountain	70 USD
Machu Picchu Mountain	70 USD
Huchuy Picchu Mountain	50 USD
Vistadome train (Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo route, panoramic windows)	70 USD

Daily tickets are limited and sell out quickly — request them at the time of booking.

Excursions

Excursion	Price
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain	50 USD
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain	50 USD
Ausangate and the 7 Lagoons	50 USD

Discounts

Age	Discount	Requirement
Students aged 17 or younger	20 USD	Copy or photo of a valid passport at booking; passport details also required to process Inca Trail permits (non-transferable, cannot be changed)

Price Guarantee

Once the booking is confirmed, the price will not increase.

Book This Tour

Price per person USD 600 USD

Book via WhatsApp

Secure inquiry. No payment required yet.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 31 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Carol B 
 
 
 
 Verified An unforgettable Salkantay Trek
Excellent Experience doing the 5 Day Salkantay trek with Guiding Cusco. The landscapes were increíble and everything was very well organized. Our Guide was friendly and always made sure we were doing well. Definitely and adventure i highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Laura C 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable Day at Rainbow Mountain
I did the Rainbow Mountain tour with Edwin and it was perfect. From start to finish, the Guiding Cusco tour company made sure everything went smoothly and that everyone in the group felt happy and taken care of. The views at Rainbow Mountain were truly unforgettable. Edwin handled all the logistics perfectly so everyome could relax and enjoy the experience. Edwin is an amazing guide - funny, and a fantastic storyteller. He knows everything about Peru and makes the whole experience so much more meaningful. I would absolutely recommend a tour with Guiding Cusco to anyone visiting. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   AnoukWolfs 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing trip
An Unforgettable Experience in Ausangate – Guiding Cusco Treking Ausangate with Guiding Cusco was one of the best experiences of our trip to Peru. From the very beginning, everything was very well organized, and the team made us feel safe, comfortable, and supported throughout the entire adventure. I want to give a special mention to Nazario, our cook, because he truly surprised us with the quality of the food. Being in such a remote place and at such a high altitude, we never imagined we would eat so well. Each meal was different, plentiful, fresh, and delicious. After long hikes, arriving at camp and finding a hot and well-prepared meal was incredible. We also want to give a special thanks to Percy, our muleteer, who did an excellent job throughout the trek. He was always attentive to the equipment, the horses, and making sure everything was ready at each campsite. It's clear he knows the mountain perfectly and works with great dedication. The campsites were excellent; everything was prepared and organized so we could rest after each day of hiking. Sleeping surrounded by the Ausangate mountains and waking up to those landscapes was simply spectacular. But the best part was the team. Everyone was kind, attentive, and professional, and we truly felt like we weren't just tourists on a tour, but rather having an authentic experience in the Andes. I highly recommend Guiding Cusco for Ausangate. If you're looking for a local, professional company with excellent organization, good food, good campsites, and a team that genuinely cares about its travelers, this is an excellent choice. Thanks to Nazario, Percy, and the entire Guiding Cusco team for making our Ausangate trip an unforgettable experience!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Trek11142408297 
 
 
 
 Verified reliable and individual support
We had direct contact with our guide from the beginning and were completely satisfied with his support. He was extremely accommodating, flexible, and addressed our wishes at all times. His advice on choosing the tour was particularly helpful: Based on his experience, he recommended a route to us where there were significantly fewer people and which suited us very well. We also felt in the best of hands with him during the tour itself. He accompanied us up the mountain and safely back down with a lot of experience and prudence. Overall, the entire service—from planning and personal support to execution—was more than satisfactory.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Marjorie Ocampos 
 
 
 
 Verified An amazing Salkantay Trek experience
I did the 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Guiding Cusco as a solo traveller and had such a great experience. I felt comfortable and well looked after throughout the trek, and the group quickly became good company. The scenary was incredible and reaching Machu Picchu at the enf made all those challenging hiking dayscompletely worth it. So glad i decided to do this.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Skyle A 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing 5 day Trek.
We had an incredible trek to Machu Picchu with Lisbeth from Guiding Cusco. Everything was well organized, from the beautiful mountain scenery to the journey toward Machu Picchu. The team was friendly, professional, and always helpful. A challenging but unforgettable experience and definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Peru. Highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Arnaldo g 
 
 
 
 Verified Five days of hiking in Cusco.!
Amazing experience! The smoll group made the Salkantay Trek feel very personal and relaxed. The guides were friendly, supportive, and the views were absolutely unforgettable. Reaching Machupicchu after five days of hiking was truly special.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cosmopolitan382563 
 
 
 
 Verified Incredible Trek, Incredible Guide!
We did the 5 day/4 night Salktanay trek and it was awesome! Edwin is a local celebrity on the trail-- he knows every guide and all the community members along the trail. He was able to seamlessly resolve little the inevitable little hiccups (arranging cars, etc) and even helped us snag some Circuit 2 (the best circuit) Machu Picchu tickets when we arrived in Aquas Calientes. One thing that's special about Guiding Cusco Expeditions is that it's a smaller outfit and they do things a little differently from the two big trekking companies. Edwin knew different trails that were less crowded (both people and mules) that were far more beautiful than the mainline trails that we could see the other group taking across the valley. Edwin is also extremely knowledgable about the local ecology, plants, and birds. After going over the Salktanay pass and dropping into the cloud forest, he pointed out all the different species of flowers and even the wild orchids along the trail. I also have to give a special shout out to Nassario, the mountain chef who accompanied us for most of the trek-- every day he put together these incredible meals that were diverse, full of local flavor, and perfect for a long day of trekking. He even taught us how to make lomo saltado one afternoon. We had a fantastic experience and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Guiding Cusco Expedition-- they're a really awesome outfit who were a pleasure to work with at every step of the journey and we had an absolute blast.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   H B 
 
 
 
 Verified Six Stars for Guiding Cusco Expeditions
Outstanding Trip! Pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. We just completed the 5 day / 4 night Salkantay Trek with Guiding Cusco Expeditions led by expert guide Edwin and chef Nosario. I cannot recommend Guiding Cusco more highly. First of all, the trek is spectacular. Every day is a completely new ecological environment, from high alpine peaks to a rainforest full of wild orchids and half a dozen different species of hummingbirds. Guiding Cusco Expeditions is a particularly good guide company. Coordinating with Lisbet over WhatsApp prior to the trip was easy and efficient. Edwin has over a decade of experience guiding in the Andes and he and Lisbet recently started Guiding Cusco. The entire trip was both safe, fun, and exceeded anything I could have organized myself. Edwin is extremely knowledgeable about history, geography, and the natural world and a true pleasure to learn from. Edwin also made our hike absolutely seamless, from the hotel pickup to the pass at 15,000 feet, to the 45th mile. He is able to juggle many logistics while making everything seem effortless (certainly felt that way to us). The accommodations were really great. Edwin knows the region very well and our hike benefited from his expertise. For example, there were several parts of the trek where we would see other companies walking along the road whereas Edwin would take us on forested trails with waterfalls and wildlife. I also have a severe food allergy and Guiding Cusco Expeditions expertly accommodated this throughout the entire trip. Guiding Cusco Expeditions was extremely diligent. They even led a cooking class one day on the trail! It was spectacular to cook classic Peruvian cuisine surrounded by the peaks of the Andes. If you want to support a local business and enjoy hiking in small groups with great vibes, pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. You'll have an amazing time.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   onialias 
 
 
 
 Verified Ausangate 4d3n + Rainbow Mountain
I went with Guiding Cusco for a private Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain trip organised by Lisbet and guided by Edwin at the end of April 2026. They are amazing team and has been the easiest and professional operator to deal with. Lisbet is extremely responsive on Whatsapp communication and went above and beyond to help me in my last minute travel plan. Edwin and his team looked after me very well during the trek. Vegetarian food prepared by Nazario was amazing and you will never ever go hungry! Any extra food is shared with local community so nothing goes to waste. Guiding Cusco is the operator to go with particularly if you are looking for experienced local guide for your trekking around Cusco.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include Porters?

No, this is a short trek and does not require porters or camping gear. You only need to carry a small daypack (20-30L) with your water, snacks, sunblock, and rain jacket. Your main luggage stays in Cusco or can be sent to the hotel in Aguas Calientes (by train) if arranged.

What happens if my train is delayed or there are weather changes?

As a responsible travel agency, we prioritize passenger safety. We coordinate alternative transfers and adjust logistics in case of delays or strikes to ensure you complete your trip safely.

What is the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The Short Inca Trail is a 2-day hiking route that begins at KM 104 and follows an original section of the Inca Trail toward Machu Picchu. The route passes through Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna before reaching Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, where you can see Machu Picchu from above. You spend the night in Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu with your guide the following day.

How difficult is the Short Inca Trail 2 Days 1 Night?

The Short Inca Trail is considered a moderate hike. The first day includes several uphill sections and stone steps as you climb from KM 104 toward Wiñay Wayna and Inti Punku. A reasonable level of fitness and previous experience with several hours of walking is recommended.

How many kilometers do you hike on the Short Inca Trail?

The hiking distance depends on the exact route and current trail conditions. The main hiking section from KM 104 toward Inti Punku is approximately 10–13 km, followed by the descent toward Machu Picchu. The official MINCETUR inventory describes the KM 104–Inti Punku section at approximately 10 km, plus the connection toward Machu Picchu.

Will I enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate?

Yes. Reaching Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate, is one of the defining features of the Short Inca Trail. From this viewpoint, you can see Machu Picchu before continuing toward the archaeological site.

Testimonials

What Our Guests Say

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 31 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Carol B 
 
 
 
 Verified An unforgettable Salkantay Trek
Excellent Experience doing the 5 Day Salkantay trek with Guiding Cusco. The landscapes were increíble and everything was very well organized. Our Guide was friendly and always made sure we were doing well. Definitely and adventure i highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Laura C 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable Day at Rainbow Mountain
I did the Rainbow Mountain tour with Edwin and it was perfect. From start to finish, the Guiding Cusco tour company made sure everything went smoothly and that everyone in the group felt happy and taken care of. The views at Rainbow Mountain were truly unforgettable. Edwin handled all the logistics perfectly so everyome could relax and enjoy the experience. Edwin is an amazing guide - funny, and a fantastic storyteller. He knows everything about Peru and makes the whole experience so much more meaningful. I would absolutely recommend a tour with Guiding Cusco to anyone visiting. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   AnoukWolfs 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing trip
An Unforgettable Experience in Ausangate – Guiding Cusco Treking Ausangate with Guiding Cusco was one of the best experiences of our trip to Peru. From the very beginning, everything was very well organized, and the team made us feel safe, comfortable, and supported throughout the entire adventure. I want to give a special mention to Nazario, our cook, because he truly surprised us with the quality of the food. Being in such a remote place and at such a high altitude, we never imagined we would eat so well. Each meal was different, plentiful, fresh, and delicious. After long hikes, arriving at camp and finding a hot and well-prepared meal was incredible. We also want to give a special thanks to Percy, our muleteer, who did an excellent job throughout the trek. He was always attentive to the equipment, the horses, and making sure everything was ready at each campsite. It's clear he knows the mountain perfectly and works with great dedication. The campsites were excellent; everything was prepared and organized so we could rest after each day of hiking. Sleeping surrounded by the Ausangate mountains and waking up to those landscapes was simply spectacular. But the best part was the team. Everyone was kind, attentive, and professional, and we truly felt like we weren't just tourists on a tour, but rather having an authentic experience in the Andes. I highly recommend Guiding Cusco for Ausangate. If you're looking for a local, professional company with excellent organization, good food, good campsites, and a team that genuinely cares about its travelers, this is an excellent choice. Thanks to Nazario, Percy, and the entire Guiding Cusco team for making our Ausangate trip an unforgettable experience!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Trek11142408297 
 
 
 
 Verified reliable and individual support
We had direct contact with our guide from the beginning and were completely satisfied with his support. He was extremely accommodating, flexible, and addressed our wishes at all times. His advice on choosing the tour was particularly helpful: Based on his experience, he recommended a route to us where there were significantly fewer people and which suited us very well. We also felt in the best of hands with him during the tour itself. He accompanied us up the mountain and safely back down with a lot of experience and prudence. Overall, the entire service—from planning and personal support to execution—was more than satisfactory.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Marjorie Ocampos 
 
 
 
 Verified An amazing Salkantay Trek experience
I did the 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Guiding Cusco as a solo traveller and had such a great experience. I felt comfortable and well looked after throughout the trek, and the group quickly became good company. The scenary was incredible and reaching Machu Picchu at the enf made all those challenging hiking dayscompletely worth it. So glad i decided to do this.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Skyle A 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing 5 day Trek.
We had an incredible trek to Machu Picchu with Lisbeth from Guiding Cusco. Everything was well organized, from the beautiful mountain scenery to the journey toward Machu Picchu. The team was friendly, professional, and always helpful. A challenging but unforgettable experience and definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Peru. Highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Arnaldo g 
 
 
 
 Verified Five days of hiking in Cusco.!
Amazing experience! The smoll group made the Salkantay Trek feel very personal and relaxed. The guides were friendly, supportive, and the views were absolutely unforgettable. Reaching Machupicchu after five days of hiking was truly special.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cosmopolitan382563 
 
 
 
 Verified Incredible Trek, Incredible Guide!
We did the 5 day/4 night Salktanay trek and it was awesome! Edwin is a local celebrity on the trail-- he knows every guide and all the community members along the trail. He was able to seamlessly resolve little the inevitable little hiccups (arranging cars, etc) and even helped us snag some Circuit 2 (the best circuit) Machu Picchu tickets when we arrived in Aquas Calientes. One thing that's special about Guiding Cusco Expeditions is that it's a smaller outfit and they do things a little differently from the two big trekking companies. Edwin knew different trails that were less crowded (both people and mules) that were far more beautiful than the mainline trails that we could see the other group taking across the valley. Edwin is also extremely knowledgable about the local ecology, plants, and birds. After going over the Salktanay pass and dropping into the cloud forest, he pointed out all the different species of flowers and even the wild orchids along the trail. I also have to give a special shout out to Nassario, the mountain chef who accompanied us for most of the trek-- every day he put together these incredible meals that were diverse, full of local flavor, and perfect for a long day of trekking. He even taught us how to make lomo saltado one afternoon. We had a fantastic experience and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Guiding Cusco Expedition-- they're a really awesome outfit who were a pleasure to work with at every step of the journey and we had an absolute blast.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   H B 
 
 
 
 Verified Six Stars for Guiding Cusco Expeditions
Outstanding Trip! Pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. We just completed the 5 day / 4 night Salkantay Trek with Guiding Cusco Expeditions led by expert guide Edwin and chef Nosario. I cannot recommend Guiding Cusco more highly. First of all, the trek is spectacular. Every day is a completely new ecological environment, from high alpine peaks to a rainforest full of wild orchids and half a dozen different species of hummingbirds. Guiding Cusco Expeditions is a particularly good guide company. Coordinating with Lisbet over WhatsApp prior to the trip was easy and efficient. Edwin has over a decade of experience guiding in the Andes and he and Lisbet recently started Guiding Cusco. The entire trip was both safe, fun, and exceeded anything I could have organized myself. Edwin is extremely knowledgeable about history, geography, and the natural world and a true pleasure to learn from. Edwin also made our hike absolutely seamless, from the hotel pickup to the pass at 15,000 feet, to the 45th mile. He is able to juggle many logistics while making everything seem effortless (certainly felt that way to us). The accommodations were really great. Edwin knows the region very well and our hike benefited from his expertise. For example, there were several parts of the trek where we would see other companies walking along the road whereas Edwin would take us on forested trails with waterfalls and wildlife. I also have a severe food allergy and Guiding Cusco Expeditions expertly accommodated this throughout the entire trip. Guiding Cusco Expeditions was extremely diligent. They even led a cooking class one day on the trail! It was spectacular to cook classic Peruvian cuisine surrounded by the peaks of the Andes. If you want to support a local business and enjoy hiking in small groups with great vibes, pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. You'll have an amazing time.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   onialias 
 
 
 
 Verified Ausangate 4d3n + Rainbow Mountain
I went with Guiding Cusco for a private Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain trip organised by Lisbet and guided by Edwin at the end of April 2026. They are amazing team and has been the easiest and professional operator to deal with. Lisbet is extremely responsive on Whatsapp communication and went above and beyond to help me in my last minute travel plan. Edwin and his team looked after me very well during the trek. Vegetarian food prepared by Nazario was amazing and you will never ever go hungry! Any extra food is shared with local community so nothing goes to waste. Guiding Cusco is the operator to go with particularly if you are looking for experienced local guide for your trekking around Cusco.

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