Explore Cusco & Sacred Valley: Short Inca Trail Journey 5 Days / 4 Nights

Itinerary 

DAY 1:  ARRIVE TO CUSCO AND CITY TOUR

Upon your arrival in Cusco, you will be welcomed by a representative from our agency who will take you to your hotel. There, you will receive a brief orientation, after which you will have the morning free to rest and acclimate to the altitude.

In the afternoon, we will pick you up from your hotel to explore the city of Cusco, including its charming streets, the Plaza de Armas, and a glimpse of the well-preserved Inca architecture, alongside the fascinating blend of Spanish and Andean culture.

Next, we will visit the Convent of Santo Domingo, built atop the Inca temple of Qoricancha, the main temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun God. Afterward, we will continue to Sacsayhuamán, an impressive site where you can admire remarkable Inca architecture and engineering, as well as panoramic views of Cusco and its surroundings.

Finally, we will explore other sacred sites, including Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambo Machay, Head back to the hotel in Cusco by early evening.

• 3* Accommodation: Hotel el Prisma or Yawar Inka Hotel
• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel Hotels

DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY EXPERIENCE: Pisac, Moray, Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo

there, we will travel in our private transport to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, heading toward Pisac. Before arriving, we will make our first stop at the Taray viewpoint, where you will enjoy stunning views of the Sacred Valley, its ancient agricultural fields dating back to Inca times, and the Urubamba River winding between the mountains.

We will then continue to Pisac, an impressive Inca archaeological site featuring extensive agricultural terraces that are centuries old, ceremonial water fountains, and a remarkable hillside cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. We will explore ancient dwellings, narrow stone passageways, and several sacred areas. We will spend approximately two hours here learning about the site and taking in its beauty.

Afterward, we will visit the vibrant Pisac market before driving to the town of Urubamba, where we will stop for lunch.

Our journey continues to Moray, a fascinating site consisting of large circular terraces built within a natural depression. These terraces created various microclimates that the Incas used to experiment with crops, modify seeds, and adapt plants to different altitudes.

Next, we will visit the Maras Salt Mines, a spectacular complex of thousands of evaporation pools in the Sacred Valley. Here, salt has been harvested since pre-Inca times from a naturally salty spring. The water is directed through channels into the ponds, where it evaporates under the sun and leaves behind salt crystals that local families still harvest using traditional methods.

Finally, we will drive to Ollantaytambo, a charming town that preserves many original Inca houses and is home to an impressive Sun Temple perched on the upper terraces an outstanding example of Inca architecture and engineering.

You will spend the night at a hotel in Ollantaytambo, preparing for the start of the Inca Trail the following day.

• Meals included: Breakfast
• 3* Accommodation: Andenes del Inca Hotel Ollantaytambo
• There are no 4* hotels in Ollantaytambo

DAY 3: OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 104 – WIÑAY HUAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU

This day begins with another unforgettable adventure. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 5:30 a.m., and we will head to the train station, where you will also receive a boxed lunch to take with you. Our train departs at 6:10 a.m., and during the one-hour journey you can enjoy breakfast (not included), though your hotel will provide a boxed breakfast for your convenience. The train will take us to Kilometer 104, the starting point of the 2-day Short Inca Trail.

From here, an extraordinary hike begins, blending breathtaking nature, rich history, and fascinating archaeology. The trail ascends to the Inca site of Chachabamba (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level) and then continues along an original Inca pathway, surrounded by mountains, cloud forests, and spectacular valley views. As we continue, the route leads to Wiñay Wayna (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level), one of the most impressive archaeological complexes on the trail, renowned for its terraced agriculture and architecture perfectly integrated into the mountain.

After exploring this magical site, we will take a short 10-minute walk to a designated spot to enjoy our boxed lunch. The hike culminates in a truly remarkable moment: entering Machu Picchu through the mystical Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you will be greeted with your first panoramic view of the iconic Inca citadel.

Once we arrive at Machu Picchu, you will have ample time to take photos from a panoramic viewpoint near the Guardian’s House the ideal location to capture the classic, iconic shot of Machu Picchu. After this unforgettable experience, we will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes to check in at the hotel and enjoy a relaxing dinner.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
• 3* Accommodation: Hotel Tara Machu Picchu,
• 4* Accommodation: El Mapi or Tierra Viva
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Walking time: 6 – 7 hours

DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

This is the day you’ve been waiting for!

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise. It’s a truly extraordinary spectacle you won’t want to miss! Your guide will give you a tour lasting approximately two hours. During the visit, you’ll explore most of the important areas of the Machu Picchu Citadel and learn how it is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious.

Once you’ve enjoyed the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train’s departure time, you may also have time to do some shopping, stroll around town, or visit the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition Train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55 p.m., following the spectacular Urubamba River. Near Aguas Calientes, the canyon narrows, and the river offers beautiful stretches of white water. You might even spot Wiñay Wayna from the train if you look high up the steep canyon wall!

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, your driver will be waiting for you outside the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private transport. You can expect to arrive at your hotel around 7:30 p.m.

• Meals included: Breakfast
• 3* Accommodation: Hotel el Prisma or Yawar Inka Hotel
• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel hoteles

DAY 5: DEPARTURE FROM CUSCO

Following breakfast at the hotel, take advantage of your remaining time in the city of Cusco, perhaps by visiting a few museums or traditional markets. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Lima.

• Meals: Breakfast