This is not merely a trip; it is a condensed epic. In five profound days, you will traverse the very soul of the Inca Empire. Begin in the imperial city of Cusco, the navel of the world, before descending into the fertile embrace of the Sacred Valley, where ancient terraces whisper tales of a celestial connection. Witness the living artistry at a traditional textile center, a vibrant thread in Peru’s cultural tapestry. Then, your pilgrimage truly begins. The legendary Short Inca Trail is your pathway through history. Each step on the stone-laid path, from Km 104 through the mystical sites of Chachabamba and the breathtaking Wiñay Wayna, is a step closer to eternity. This hike is a rite of passage, building anticipation with every turn in the cloud forest until the moment of apotheosis arrives.
You will not just see Machu Picchu from a postcard; you will earn its revelation. As the morning sun burns away the mist, the Lost City of the Incas unveils itself in a silent, staggering spectacle of stone and sky. You will stand amidst its sacred temples and terraces, feeling the weight of its mystery and genius. After descending to Aguas Calientes, your journey culminates with a triumphant return to Cusco, carrying the indelible spirit of the Andes within you. This is your five-day transformation.
First day: Airport pickup – Hotel night in Cusco.
Second day: Sacred Valley Tour – Visit to the Textile Center – Hotel night in Cusco.
Third day: Short Inca Trail hike (Route: Km 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu). Hotel night in Aguas Calientes.
Fourth day: Guided tour of Machu Picchu – Train back to Cusco – Hotel night in Cusco.
Fifth day: Transfer out.
Machu Picchu trek by inca trail Itinerary
Day 1: Airport pickup – Hotel night in Cusco
Upon your arrival in Cusco, a Kaypi Peru Tours representative will be waiting to welcome you and provide transfer to your hotel. You can use the afternoon to acclimatize to Cusco’s challenging altitude, walking through its impressive streets filled with history and breathing in the tranquility of the majestic Main Square.
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour – Visit to the Textile Center – Hotel night in Cusco
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, begin an unforgettable day exploring the charms of the Sacred Valley. Your first stop will be at an authentic textile center, where you can appreciate the vibrant art of ancestral weaving and learn about techniques that have endured for centuries. We will continue to the fascinating archaeological site of Moray, famous for its mysterious circular terraces. The tour then proceeds to the impressive Maras Salt Mines, a unique landscape of thousands of salt ponds that shimmer under the Andean sun. The day culminates with a visit to the imposing archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. During the tour, you will have time for lunch in the picturesque town of Urubamba (lunch is not included). Finally, we will begin our return journey to Cusco, filled with unforgettable memories and your camera overflowing with photographs of these marvels of the Sacred Valley.
Day 3: Short Inca Trail hike (Route: Km 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu). Hotel night in Aguas Calientes
Our adventure begins with an early morning departure from Cusco, traveling through the Sacred Valley to the start of our trek at Km 104. The first highlight is Chachabamba, an ancient Inca complex that served as a religious sanctuary. From here, we embark on a moderate ascent through lush cloud forests, following original Inca pathways. The trail leads us to the breathtaking Wiñay Wayna, an archaeological marvel whose name means “Forever Young.” This site features spectacular cascading terraces built into the mountainside. The final leg of our journey is the climb to Intipunku, the Sun Gate. Upon arrival, we are rewarded with the legendary and unforgettable panoramic view of Machu Picchu for the first time, a truly magical moment. We then descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a comfortable hotel, ready to explore the Lost City of the Incas in depth the next day: Machu Picchu.
Day 4: Guided tour of Machu Picchu – Train back to Cusco – Hotel night in Cusco
The day will begin early with the excitement of visiting the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Aguas Calientes (you must have breakfast before the pickup time) and then head to the bus station. You will take a 25-minute bus ride to the impressive citadel of Machu Picchu, where you will enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2.5 hours. After the tour, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch before boarding the train back to Cusco. Upon arrival at the station, a Kaypi Peru Tours representative will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Day 5: Transfer out
As our journey through the heart of the Inca Empire concludes, we coordinate your schedule for a relaxed and timely transfer to the airport. We say goodbye to Cusco for now, but with the hope that you will return to further explore the incredible diversity of this city and all of Perú.
The 5-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu includes:
Professional English-Speaking Tour Guide
Private transportations
Bus up and down to Machupicchu
Round trip on the expedition train from Cusco to Km 104 and from Machu Picchu to Cusco
Sacred Valley tour and entrance tickets
Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
All pickups and transports
4 accommodations in 3-star hotels (3 in Cusco and 1 in Aguas Calientes)
3 breakfasts at the hotel
Meals on the Inca Trail: 1 breakfast, 1 packed lunch, and 1 dinner (day 3). If you have any dietary requests, such as vegetarian food, please let us know.
Water for the hike on day 3
Oxygen bottle
First aid kit
Visit to the Andean Colors textile center
The 5-day Inca Trail trek does not include, but you can get it with us:
Entrances to Huayna Picchu Mountain (need to book in advance)
Entrances to Machu Picchu Mountain (need to book in advance)
Upgrade to a 4 or 5 star hotel (contact us)
Vistadome Observatory train upgrade (contact us)
Walking sticks (available for rent from us)
Does not include:
Meals not stated
Water
Tips
Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Laundry
Single supplement fee if you are traveling alone (160 USD), or you can request a triple room if three people are traveling to avoid the single supplement fee.
