This is the smartest way to see the best of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu in just 4 days. You get two bucket list experiences without the exhaustion of the Classic 4 day trek.
Day 1 is a full Sacred Valley tour to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. You explore Inca ruins, shop at artisan markets, and meet local weavers. This day is also perfect for acclimatization before your hike.
On Day 2 you hike the Short Inca Trail from Km 104. This is the only 1 day trek that enters Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. You visit the stunning ruins of Wiñay Wayna and watch the sunset over Machu Picchu from Inti Punku. You sleep in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 3 is your full Machu Picchu day. You return for sunrise, take a 2 hour guided tour of the citadel, and have free time to explore or climb Huayna Picchu. That afternoon you take the train and van back to Cusco.
We handle all permits, trains, hotels, and transfers. You get the Inca Trail experience without 3 nights of camping. This is ideal for families, first time hikers, or travelers short on time.
3,762 m.s.n.m
Up to 8
Group or private
Hiking, Cultural, Guided
Moderate
4 days / 3 nights
We begin in Cusco, where we collect you from your hotel and descend into the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is Pisac, perched high above the valley. You walk through vast Inca terraces and the Temple of the Sun, then to the cliffside cemetery with thousands of ancient tombs. The views are breathtaking. In Pisac town, you explore the famous artisan market.
We continue to Urubamba for a buffet lunch with fresh Andean flavors. In the afternoon, you enter Ollantaytambo, a fortress and living Inca town. You climb the steep terraces to the Temple of the Sun, built with massive stones hauled from a quarry six kilometers away. Water still flows through original Inca channels in the streets.
Our last stop is Chinchero, a weaving village at 3,762 m. Inside a traditional home, local women show you how they spin alpaca wool and create natural dyes from plants and insects. The colonial church overlooks the peaks of Salkantay. We end the day in Ollantaytambo, where you check into your hotel. This day is the perfect way to acclimatize and connect with Inca culture.
After breakfast in Ollantaytambo, we take a short train ride to Km 104, the start of the Short Inca Trail. This is the only 1 day trek that enters Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
At the checkpoint, you show your passport and begin the climb. The trail ascends through cloud forest, alive with orchids, butterflies, and birds. After a few hours, you reach Wiñay Wayna, the most beautiful ruins on the Inca Trail. Terraces cascade down the mountain and ceremonial fountains still run with water. Your guide explains how this was a religious center and rest stop for Inca pilgrims.
We have lunch near the ruins, then continue on the final section of the trail. The path contours along the mountain and passes through an Inca tunnel. In the late afternoon, you arrive at Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. This is your first view of Machu Picchu, spread out below you in the golden light. It is a moment you will never forget.
We descend to the citadel for a short visit and photos, then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. You check into your hotel and enjoy dinner in town. Tonight you rest, knowing you will return to Machu Picchu tomorrow for a full tour.
You wake early for the return to Machu Picchu. A 25 minute bus ride takes you up the mountain for sunrise. Entering the citadel in the quiet morning is magical.
Your guide leads a two hour tour of the main sectors. You visit the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, the Main Plaza, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor. You learn the history, the mysteries, and the engineering that allowed the Incas to build a city in the clouds.
After the tour, you have free time. You can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you booked permits in advance, walk to the Inca Bridge, or find a quiet spot to absorb the energy of the place.
By late morning, you take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. In the afternoon, you board the train along the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo. Our driver meets you for the final two hour journey to Cusco, where we drop you at your hotel in the evening.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and a free morning in Cusco. We provide your airport transfer at the scheduled time. If you have a late flight, we can store your luggage and suggest museums or cafes. End of service.
Inca Trail permits are limited. We recommend booking 6 months ahead.
Group Service
2 to 8 Persons: $837 USD per person
Private Service
Discounts
Extras
Please read carefully. This answers 95% of traveler questions about our Sacred Valley and Inca Trail Package 4 Days. If you need more help, contact us.
Click Book Now on our homepage. To confirm your spot, we need two things from every traveler:
Deposit: $200 USD per person. This secures your Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu entrance, and train ticket. Pay by VISA or PAYPAL from our booking page.
Full details: Full name exactly as on passport, gender, passport number, date of birth, and nationality.
Please pay the balance in cash at our Cusco office in USD or Peruvian soles. We have ATMs nearby. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online, but there is a 5.5% service fee. To pay by PAYPAL, send to info@incatrailhikeperu.com.
Inca Trail permits are limited to 500 people per day. May to August dates sell out 6 months ahead. April and September sell out 4 months ahead. October to March sells out 2 to 3 months ahead. Book early to get your date.
No. Peruvian government rules do not allow changes, transfers, or refunds once Inca Trail permits are issued. The $200 deposit is non-refundable. Please be sure of your dates before booking. on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or on our booking page.
We offer the Salkantay Trek or Lares Trek to Machu Picchu as alternatives. You still visit Machu Picchu on the same date. These treks do not need permits and are available year round.
Yes. You must bring the same passport you used to book. Park rangers check it at the Inca Trail checkpoint and Machu Picchu. The train company also checks it. If you renew your passport, send us copies of both old and new passports. We can update it for a $25 fee. If you do not update it, bring both passports to Peru or you will not be allowed to enter.
To get a student discount you must be under 18 years old on the day you start the trek. Students 18 and older need a valid ISIC card.
Discounts:
Ages 11 to 17: $30 USD off
Ages 2 to 11: $40 USD off
Ages 0 to 2: Free
Send a copy of the passport or ISIC card to info@incatrailhikeperu.com at booking.
We welcome you at Cusco airport and transfer you to your hotel free. Send us your full flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Look for our staff member holding an orange sign that says INCA TRAIL HIKE at the arrival gate.
Your pre trek briefing is at 6:00 PM the night before departure. It is held at our office: Garcilaso Street 210, Office 213, 2nd Floor, La Casa del Abuelo shopping center, Cusco. We review the itinerary, weather, packing, and answer questions.
Yes. You can store your main luggage free at our office or at your hotel. Pack your Inca Trail gear in the duffle bag we provide. Do not put anything you need for the hike in your stored luggage.
Yes. You hike 6 hours on Day 2 with uphill sections at altitude. You should train with day hikes and cardio for 1 to 2 months before. The trail is moderate difficulty. Most active people finish with no problem.
You sleep at 2,792 m in Ollantaytambo, hike to 2,720 m at the Sun Gate, and Machu Picchu is 2,430 m. The Sacred Valley day helps you acclimatize. If you fly straight to Cusco at 3,399 m, spend 1 to 2 days resting. Drink water, coca tea, and avoid alcohol. Our guides carry oxygen and are trained for altitude sickness. Read more: Altitude Sickness.
Weather in the Andes is unpredictable. Dry season is April to October with sunny days and cold nights. Wet season is November to March with rain showers. Bring a warm jacket for mornings and a rain poncho year round.
You carry a daypack 15 to 25L with water, jacket, camera, and snacks. Our porters carry your 7 kg duffle bag with clothes, sleeping bag, and toiletries. We provide the duffle bag
Day 1: Hotel in Ollantaytambo with private bathroom and hot shower.
Day 2: Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom and hot shower.
This package uses the Short Inca Trail with no camping. If you want the Classic 4 day trek with camping, ask us.
Hotels have private bathrooms. On the Inca Trail Day 2, there are basic bathrooms at the checkpoint, Wiñay Wayna, and Machu Picchu. Bring 1 sol coins and toilet paper.
Yes. After the train and van ride on Day 3, we drop you at your hotel in Cusco. If your hotel is in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we drop you there at no extra cost. If you stay in Ollantaytambo before the trek, we pick you up there too.
No, tipping is not required but it is customary in Peru. If you are happy with the service, we suggest $40 to $60 per trekker for the whole team: guide, driver, and hotel staff. Tips are given at the end of the tour and inspire great service.
Yes. We are a local, responsible company. We protect the environment and support communities. We pay our staff above legal wage, use local hotels and restaurants, and carry all trash off the trail. Your visit to Chinchero supports 30 weaving families directly.
Packing List
Essential
Camping
Daypack
Provided by Us
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