Arrival in Cusco
We meet you at the Cusco airport and take you to your chosen hotel so you can settle in and rest.
Overnight: Cusco
Trek · 5 days
Cusco and the Short Inca Trail
Five days that combine Cusco with the Short Inca Trail: city tour, a hike from Km 104 through Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, a night in Aguas Calientes with a massage, and a guided visit to Machu Picchu. For travelers who want to reach Machu Picchu on foot without camping.
5 days / 4 nightsShort Inca Trail and Machu Picchu12 km of hikingNight in Aguas Calientes
Duration5 days / 4 nights
GuideSpanish and English
PickupCusco airport
Machu PicchuPermit and entry included
Highlights
What you’ll experience
- CuscoCity tour of the Plaza Mayor, the Qoricancha, the Cathedral, and four archaeological sites.
- Short Inca TrailFrom Km 104 you hike about 3 hours to Wiñay Wayna, at 2,600 m.
- Inti PunkuFirst view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate before descending to the citadel.
- Machu PicchuGuided visit of about 2 hours and free time to explore it.
Itinerary
Day by day
On Day 3, pickup is at 4:30 a.m. to catch the 7:00 a.m. train in Ollantaytambo.
City Tour and Archaeological Park
Breakfast
At 12:00 p.m. you start the tour of Cusco at the Plaza Mayor, in colonial style. You visit the Qoricancha, today the Convent of Santo Domingo, and the Cathedral, in Renaissance and colonial style.
You finish at the four archaeological sites nearby: Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. Then you return to your hotel.
Overnight: Cusco
Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Aguas Calientes
LunchDinner
We pick you up at 4:30 a.m. and take you to the Ollantaytambo station for the 7:00 a.m. train to Km 104 (2,000 m), where the Inca Trail begins, next to the Urubamba River. You receive your box lunch and drinks, and your guide explains the archaeological site at the start before you begin the climb, with views of the river and Inca sites.
You hike about 3 hours (about 8 km) to Wiñay Wayna, 'forever young,' at 2,600 m. You continue about 4 km to Inti Punku, where you get your first view of Machu Picchu, and descend toward the citadel for photos.
Then you take the bus to Aguas Calientes, and your guide accompanies you to the hotel. In the evening you have dinner at a restaurant. A massage is included in Aguas Calientes.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu – Cusco
Breakfast
You go up to Machu Picchu for a guided visit of about 2 hours through its main areas, and then you have free time. In the afternoon you go down to Aguas Calientes, take the train to Ollantaytambo, and the bus back to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight: Cusco
Departure from Cusco
Breakfast
After breakfast, at the agreed time, we take you to the Cusco airport for your flight to Lima or your home country.
✓Included
- Airport – hotel – airport transfers in Cusco
- 3 nights' accommodation in Cusco with breakfast
- 1 night's accommodation in Aguas Calientes with breakfast
- Half-day city tour of Cusco and 4 archaeological sites
- Short Inca Trail (2 days / 1 night) with transfer from your Cusco hotel to Km 104
- Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entry
- Inca Trail meals: 1 box lunch, 1 lunch, 2 breakfasts, and 1 dinner
- One massage in Aguas Calientes
- Bus up and down to Machu Picchu
- Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and transport to Cusco
- First-aid kit and an oxygen bottle
- Entry to all the sites on the itinerary
- Bilingual professional guide (Spanish and English)
- Ongoing assistance
✕Not included
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Early check-in, late check-out, drinks with meals, hotel extras, and personal expenses
- Tips for guides, drivers, and waiters
- Domestic and international flights
About Machu Picchu tickets
Machu Picchu tickets and Inca Trail permits are issued through the Peruvian government in each traveler’s name (full name and ID or passport number) and must be paid in advance. Once issued, they are non-refundable and non-transferable. See cancellation terms
Frequently asked questions
About Cusco and the Short Inca Trail
How demanding is the Inca Trail in this program?+
It is the short version: about 12 km in one day, starting at 2,000 m at Km 104 and climbing to Wiñay Wayna at 2,600 m. You need moderate physical fitness, and it is not suitable for people with mobility or breathing problems.
Is there a minimum number of passengers?+
Yes, the program departs with a minimum of 2 passengers.
Where do I sleep?+
Three nights in Cusco and one in Aguas Calientes, after the hike. There are no camping nights.
Are flights included?+
No. Domestic and international flights are not included; the program starts and ends at the Cusco airport.
What language is the guide in?+
The guide is bilingual, in Spanish and English.
What is the cancellation policy?+
Cancellations made 45 days or more in advance receive a 70% refund; between 30 and 44 days, 50%; less than 30 days or no-show, no refund. Machu Picchu tickets and Inca Trail permits are non-refundable once issued.
No-obligation quote
Book this tour
Leave your details and dates. A travel advisor will send you a quote for Cusco and the Short Inca Trail for your group.
- No payment to get a quote. You get the final price for your dates before you decide.
- A real travel advisor. Available on WhatsApp or video call.
- Paperwork handled. We book your tickets and trains in your name.
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Would you like to add the Sacred Valley or more acclimatization days before you hike? We adjust the program to your dates and permit availability.
