Overview
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu & Cusco itinerary has been carefully designed for travelers looking to experience the best of Cusco and the Inca Empire within just 5 days in Peru. Stroll around the cobbled stone streets of Historic Cusco and soak in its local culture visiting the local market of San Pedro and the Bohemian neighborhood of San Blas. Continue towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas and its main attractions. Make a short stop at Pisac and get lost in the uncountable picturesque local stalls before visiting the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress. Get a good rest at the peaceful Sacred Valley before joining the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Ready to live your dream adventure through the lands of the Inca Empire?
Why we love this trip!
- Discover Cusco as a local.
- Hike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Explore the most impressive sites of the Sacred Valley of the Incas such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
Itinerary day-by-day
Welcome to Peru and Cusco! Upon landing, we will greet you and take you in private transportation to your hotel, where we will have a short briefing on your trip and answer the last-minute question you may have.
In the afternoon, strap on your walking shoes and prepare for a soft stroll around Cusco’s historic center. Our walking city tour will take us not only through the most touristic sites in Cusco, such as the Main Square, Cathedral, and Koricancha. You will walk along old streets, local markets, and traditional neighborhoods where you will discover the magic of Cusco.
Set off to the Sacred Valley of the Incas to visit some of the most impressive Inca sites. Our first destination will be the traditional village of Pisac, where we’ll have a look at it’s we’ll maintain an archaeological site and picturesque Andean market. Afterward, we’ll have lunch at a restaurant in Urubamba. In the afternoon, visit Ollantaytambo, a charming village that has not changed much since Inca times. This town is famous due to the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, a place with impressive Inca stonework only seconded by Machu Picchu.
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will take you through well-preserved Inca stairs, impressive views of snow-peaked mountains, and breathtaking views of the mighty Urubamba River. Walk from 108 km at the bottom of the valley until reaching Wiñayhuayna, a site featuring beautiful Inca terraces, temples, water fountains, and water channels that are still running nowadays! Proceed hiking for one hour until the Sun Gate, from where the first views of Machu Picchu will appear. Continue heading down, but we won’t rush to explore Machu Picchu since we’ll have a full day to explore each corner of this fantastic place the next day.
Today is the big day! Early in the morning, we take a 30-minutes bus up the steep zigzagging road to Machu Picchu Citadel, located on an impressive mountain setting. We’ll have a 3-hour guided excursion, so we can have a better understanding of Machu Picchu and the Incas culture. Afterward, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to enjoy lunch before boarding your return train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arriving, our private transport will be waiting to take you to your hotel.
You will have some free time to take a last walk around Cusco’s shops and markets as you say goodby to this beautiful city. At the coordinated time, we’ll drive you to Cusco’s airport to board your flight to Lima and international connecting flights to your next destination.
What’s included?
- Personalized attention before and throughout your trip
- Brief presentation prior departure
- All transfers and transports
- Entrance fees
- Local English-speaking guide focused on personalized trips
- Accommodation at well-thought hotels according to your travel style
- Mentioned meals
What’s not included?
- Services not specified in the program, extras & tips
- Domestic flights
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
Route
Gallery
