Experience the best of the Sacred Valley and the Short Inca Trail on this incredible journey to Machu Picchu. Wander through picturesque colonial towns, stunning landscapes, and remarkable Inca fortresses, discovering the cultural and historical treasures of the valley.
The Short Inca Trail is ideal for those with limited time but a passion for adventure. This scenic route winds through the lush Andean cloud forest, where you’ll encounter diverse flora, fauna, and hidden Inca ruins. The highlight of the trek is Wiñay Wayna, the most beautiful site on the Inca Trail, before reaching the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu unfolds.
This is your chance to walk in the footsteps of the Inca and witness one of the world’s greatest wonders. Secure your spot today!
When you arrive in Cusco, one member of Inkayni team will be waiting for you in the airport or bus terminal. About tours, we will pick you up from your hotel we previously booked for you.
Upon arrival at the Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a member of the Inkayni Peru Tours team. We’ll escort you to your accommodation, a charming hotel located in Cusco 3,400 meters (11,000 feet). This day is set aside for rest and acclimatization. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon and get to know your surroundings. In the afternoon, meet your expedition group for a briefing about the incredible adventures ahead.
Our adventure begins as we ascend to the high plains, stopping first at Chinchero (3,762 m / 12,343 ft), a sacred Inca site known as the birthplace of the rainbow. Here, we’ll visit its colonial church, built upon ancient Inca foundations, and explore its archaeological remains. We’ll then head to a local textile center, where Andean artisans will share the ancestral art of weaving, using minerals, plants, and seeds to create stunning natural dyes. Continuing through rolling hills, we’ll reach Moray (3,500 m / 11,482 ft), a fascinating complex of circular terraces once used as an agricultural laboratory by the Incas. Nearby, we’ll visit the Maras salt mines (3,380 m / 11,089 ft), a breathtaking landscape of thousands of salt pools that have been harvested by local families for centuries. In the afternoon, we’ll travel to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft), where we’ll board our train to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft), the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Today's trek takes us along the most impressive stretch of the Inca Trail, covering 10 km (6.2 mi). We begin in the Sacred Valley, following an original Inca pathway to the stunning archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna before continuing to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate or Inti Punku (2,720 masl / 8,924 ft.). As we hike, we pass through the lush cloud forest, home to a diverse array of plants, flowers, and birds. If we're lucky, we might even spot Viscachas (rabbit-like chinchillas) or the elusive Spectacled Bear. By late afternoon, we arrive at Inti Punku, where we get our first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu (2,430 masl / 7,972 ft.). The soft golden light at this hour creates ideal conditions for photography, with fewer tourists around. After soaking in the views, we follow a short side trail down to Aguas Calientes (2,040 masl / 6,693 ft.), where we’ll check into our hotel and rest before the next day's visit to Machu Picchu.
The day begins early with breakfast before boarding one of the morning buses to Machu Picchu (2,430 meters or 7,972 feet). Upon entering the Inca citadel, your guide will lead you on an in-depth tour, sharing the captivating history of this iconic site and explaining its most remarkable features, such as temples, ceremonial areas, terraces, and storage structures. If you’ve secured an additional ticket in advance, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore either Huayna Picchu (2,720 meters or 8,924 feet) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082 meters or 10,111 feet) for a breathtaking perspective of the surroundings. After the guided tour, the group will return to Aguas Calientes for a brief rest and lunch (not included). In the afternoon, you’ll board a train back to Ollantaytambo, where a private van will be waiting to take you to Cusco.
Free morning to relax, your airport transfer will be scheduled according to your flight time, ensuring a smooth departure from Cusco. This marks the end of your incredible journey through the Andes.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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