Machu Picchu Highlights & Short Inca Trail - 4D/3N
Overview
Experience the absolute best of the Cusco region without the grueling physical demands of a long trek. This carefully curated 4-day package combines a comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley's most significant archaeological sites with the thrill of hiking the final, most spectacular section of the classic Inca Trail (the Short Inca Trail). You will walk through the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to get your first magical view of Machu Picchu, spend a night in the town of Aguas Calientes, and return the next day for a complete guided tour of the lost citadel. It is the perfect balance of culture, history, and moderate adventure.
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrival in Cusco & Sacred Valley Explorer
Upon arrival at the Cusco airport, our representative will transfer you to your hotel. We recommend arriving early. In the afternoon, we embark on a half-day tour of the Sacred Valley to help you acclimatize. We visit the Pisac archaeological site, known for its massive agricultural terraces curving around the mountain, and the vibrant Pisac artisan market. We then drive along the Urubamba River to the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo. You will explore its impressive stone fortress before returning to your hotel in Cusco for the night. • Highest Altitude: 3,400m / 11,154ft (Cusco)
Short Inca Trail (KM 104 to Wiñay Wayna) & Sun Gate
We pick you up early from your hotel and drive to the Ollantaytambo train station. We board the train and travel along the scenic Urubamba River until we reach KM 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. We cross a suspension bridge and begin our hike. The trail climbs steadily for about 3 hours through lush cloud forest until we reach Wiñay Wayna (2,650m), a stunning terraced Inca complex. We enjoy our boxed lunch here. We then continue hiking for another 2 hours along a relatively flat stone path until we reach Inti Punku (The Sun Gate). From here, you get your first breathtaking, panoramic view of Machu Picchu in the late afternoon light. We descend into the citadel for photos and take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we check into our hotel and enjoy a celebratory dinner. • Trekking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles • Estimated Hiking Time: 6 hours • Highest Altitude: 2,720m / 8,924ft (Sun Gate)
Comprehensive Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco
We wake up early to take one of the first buses back up the zigzag road to Machu Picchu. Your guide will lead you on a comprehensive 2.5-hour walking tour of the citadel, explaining the significance of the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, the Sacred Plaza, and the intricate agricultural and residential sectors. After the guided tour, you will have time to explore independently or climb Huayna Picchu (if tickets were booked in advance). In the afternoon, we take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, board the panoramic train back to Ollantaytambo, and transfer via private transport to your hotel in Cusco. • Highest Altitude: 2,430m / 7,972ft (Machu Picchu)
Free Morning & Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to do some last-minute shopping around the Plaza de Armas, visit the San Pedro Market, or explore the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas. At the coordinated time, our transport will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Cusco airport for your onward flight, concluding your spectacular Andean adventure.
What is Included
- Pick-up and all transfers (airport, hotel, train stations)
- Professional bilingual guide (for Sacred Valley, Trail, and Machu Picchu)
- Tourist transportation for the Sacred Valley tour
- Round-trip train tickets (Ollantaytambo - KM 104 / Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo)
- Bus tickets (Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes round trip)
- Permits and entrance fees for the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket) for the Sacred Valley
- 3 Nights hotel accommodation (2 nights in Cusco, 1 night in Aguas Calientes)
- Meals during the trek (1 Box Lunch, 1 Dinner in Aguas Calientes)
Not Included
- Meals not explicitly mentioned (lunches/dinners in Cusco)
- Entrance to the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional upgrade)
- Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
Book This Expedition
Direct operator permits • No intermediaries
Speak instantly with our Cusco concierge
ANDES MARATHON
Official licensed direct mountaineering operator based in Cusco, Peru. We design high-altitude private adventures and glamping tours while ensuring fair wages and dignity for our native porters through the Ayni Philosophy.
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