Visit the Sacred Valley and hike the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The two-day hike to Machu Picchu begins with a pickup from your hotel in Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer to the train station. There, you will board the train to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. Before beginning the hike, you must present your passport or reservation document at the checkpoint.

After checking in, you will cross a bridge to reach the first Inca site, Chachabamba. Then, you will continue with a four-hour uphill hike to Wiñay Wayna, an Inca site whose name means "forever young" in Quechua. Located at an altitude of 2,680 meters (8,793 feet), Wiñay Wayna is considered one of the most beautiful sites along this route. After the guided tour, you will have time to enjoy your boxed lunch or snacks.

Then, you will hike for about an hour and a half until you reach Intipunku (the Sun Gate), where you can enjoy your first panoramic views of Machu Picchu.

Finally, you will walk the last section of the Inca Trail to reach the viewpoint where you can take a photo of the ancient citadel. After a short break, you will descend to the main entrance and take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night. In the evening, your guide will accompany you to a restaurant for dinner. You are free to relax for the rest of the night.

Wake up early, and your tour guide will take you to the bus station. From there, you will take a shuttle bus to Machu Picchu. Once you arrive, your guide will give you your Machu Picchu entrance tickets. Today, visits are organized by Machu Picchu circuits. Depending on when you booked your trip, our sales department will send you confirmation of your circuit.

At the entrance, you will show your tickets and begin the guided tour, which lasts approximately two hours. Our experienced travel guides will provide fascinating insights into the culture and history of the Inca citadel. After the tour, you can take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes or book an additional experience.

There are two mountains at Machu Picchu. The most popular is Huayna Picchu, where you can climb at your own pace and take great photos of Machu Picchu. If tickets for Huayna Picchu are sold out, the next option is Machu Picchu Mountain. This mountain is higher, and from the top, you can see the Inca citadel, the surrounding mountains, and the Vilcanota River.

After your visit, you will return to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch on your own. Then, you will walk to the train station to catch the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Our Peru Xcapes driver will be waiting for you with a sign and will take you back to Cusco. They will drop you off at your hotel or Airbnb, and that will conclude our Sacred Valley to Inca Trail service.

• Pre-Trek Briefing
• Professional Guide for the Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu Tour
• Entrance Fees to Pisac and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley
• Inca Trail Permit
• Two Entrance Fees to Machu Picchu
• Accommodation - One night in a hotel in Ollantaytambo and one night in a hotel in Machu Picchu
• Meals: Two breakfasts, One buffet lunch in Urubamba, One box lunch on the Inca Trail, One dinner (please advise us in advance if you are a vegetarian. This option is free of charge)
• One Andean bag to carry your snacks
• One round-trip ticket for the Machu Picchu train
• A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on the second day
• A shuttle bus back to Machu Picchu on the third day
• A tourist van for the Sacred Valley tour
• A private return transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
• A Machu PicchuT-shirt

• Meals not specified in the itinerary
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain ($80)
• Tips for local staff (tipping is customary in Peru but not mandatory)
• Travel insurance for Peru

Solo Traveler:

If you would like a single room, please select the "Solo Traveler" option when booking your tour from the Sacred Valley to the Inca Trail. Our booking team will then reserve a single room with a private bathroom for you.

Experience the Sacred Valley and the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!

The Sacred Valley and the legendary Inca Trail are the crown jewels of any Peruvian adventure. The valley is world-renowned for its massive agricultural terraces and ancient citadels, such as Pisaq and Ollantaytambo. The Inca Trail, meanwhile, offers a spiritual journey through the Andes.

For those seeking a balance of adventure and comfort, the two-day Short Inca Trail is the premier alternative to the classic four-day trek. This route allows you to walk the final stretch of the original Inca road system without intense camping or weeks of preparation.

The Scenic Route: Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate

Our curated Machu Picchu hike takes you through lush cloud forests and past hidden archaeological sites, such as Wiñay Wayna and Intipata. The highlight of this trek is reaching the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Unlike tourists who arrive by bus, you will enter the sanctuary on foot and witness a breathtaking sunset over the citadel—a privilege reserved for those on the trail.

Why choose this three-day Sacred Valley & Inca Trail Combo?

This exclusive three-day itinerary is designed for travelers who want it all but have limited time. It's the best option for non-campers who prefer a comfortable hotel to sleeping in a tent.

Key advantages of this tour:

• Dual Machu Picchu Experience: Marvel at the ruins twice—once at sunset on day two and again during a guided tour at sunrise on day three.
• Optimal acclimatization: Starting in the Sacred Valley gives your body time to adjust to the altitude before the hike.
• Effortless Adventure: This trip is perfect for families or hikers looking for a moderate challenge with maximum rewards.

Don't miss your chance to explore one of the New Seven Wonders of the World through its most scenic gateway! Secure your 2026 permit today and follow in the Incas' footsteps!

All of our Machu Picchu tours include a professional tour guide and a dedicated representative from Machu Picchu who is committed to making your trip unforgettable.

Our guides are university-educated professionals who have extensive knowledge of the history, culture, and nature of Cusco and Machu Picchu. They can also recommend restaurants and other places to visit during your stay. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible experience and ensure that you don't miss anything during your trip to Peru.

Additionally, our Machu Picchu representatives are trained professionals who coordinate all services during your trip. They communicate with your guide, drivers, and service providers constantly to ensure everything runs smoothly. Our representatives undergo annual training in customer service and first aid to assist you throughout your journey and help you travel without complications.

Our guide and Machu Picchu representative will stay in contact with you at all times. We recommend downloading WhatsApp, as it will be our main method of communication for updates or emergencies.

The following hotels will be used during this trip:

Samanapaq Hotel Ollantaytambo

Address: Cien Ventanas, Pallpancaro S/n con Alameda, Ollantaytambo, Peru

Phone: +51 927 273 150

Hatun Inti Hotel Machu Picchu

Address: Ave Pachacutec 606, Aguas Calientes, Peru

Phone: +51 960 130 323

During the two-day hike to Machu Picchu, we will ask the hotels to prepare for your arrival, especially if you arrive before the standard check-in time. However, this is not always possible. If this is the case, you can store your luggage in the hotel storage room and explore your new destination in the meantime. We recommend booking single supplements and pre- and post-tour accommodations well in advance. Single accommodations can be arranged for an additional fee, subject to availability. Please request this at the time of booking.

The following train and servicie will use during the trip to Sacred Valley to Inca Trail 3 Days:

Peru Rail or Inca Rail

Route: Ollantaytambo - Km 104 (Machu Picchu)

Route: Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo

After you return to Ollantaytambo, your Peru Xcapes driver will pick you up at the train station and take you back to Cusco. You will be dropped off at your hotel. Our service ends there.

The Machu Picchu train company usually offers a group transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. In some cases, you may need to take a bus to the train station. Upon your arrival to Cusco, our driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel.

Upgrade Train Service

If you would like to upgrade, please contact our sales department. They will confirm the availability and cost of the upgrade. Other train categories are available, such as the Vistadome and the Panoramic train. Both offer a more comfortable and scenic journey to the Machu Picchu and on the return trip to Cusco.

• Original passport
• Bottled water for the first morning, as well as a refillable water bottle.
• Bring a camera, extra camera memory, and additional batteries.
• Rain clothes and/or a plastic poncho (which can be purchased in Cusco).
• Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
• Hiking boots
• T-shirts
• Sandals for greater comfort at campsites
• Hiking pants
• Sun hat
• Hat or cap to protect against sun, rain, and cold
• Insect repellent with a minimum of 20% DEET (please note that no malaria cases have been reported on this trip!)
• Handkerchiefs and toilet paper
• Personal medication

• Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain is optional. If you would like to visit, you must add $80.00 USD per person.
• If you would like to travel by Vistadome train, you must add $40.00 USD per person for a round-trip ticket.

Meeting and Starting point

Departure Point: Cusco - We pick you up from your hotel.

Departure Time: 08:00

Briefing Point: Our guide will visit your hotel 2 or 1 day before the trek 

Briefing Time: Between 17:00 - 18:00

Return Point: Cusco - Our driver will drop-off in your hotel, hostel or Airbnb department.

Inca Trail: Distance & Starting Altitude

Starting Altitude: 3345 00m / 10974ft.
Highest Altitude: 2330m / 7644.35ft.
Inca Trail Walking Distance - 16 km / 7.46 miles