Ultimate Short Inca Trail Adventure in 5 days
OverviewThe Ultimate Short Inca Trail Adventure in 5 days delivers the essence of Peru’s most legendary trek in a condensed, accessible format. This carefully crafted itinerary combines breathtaking Andean landscapes, ancient archaeological wonders, and the mystical energy of the Incas – all while maintaining superior comfort compared to traditional multi-day hikes.
Your Ultimate Short Inca Trail Adventure begins at the spectacular Wiñaywayna ruins, where perfectly engineered terraces cascade down the mountainside. Over two exhilarating trekking days, you’ll follow original Inca pathways through cloud forests alive with orchids, culminating at Inti Punku (Sun Gate) for that iconic first panoramic view of Machu Picchu – just as the ancient pilgrims experienced it.
What makes this the Ultimate Short Inca Trail Adventure in 5 days is the perfect balance: challenging enough to feel rewarding, yet comfortable with hotel accommodations.
Your grand finale features a full guided exploration of Machu Picchu’s sacred temples and astronomical alignments, plus free time to absorb the energy of this wonder at your own pace. Ideal for time-conscious travelers who refuse to compromise on authentic Inca Trail experiences.
Highlights of the latest 5-day short Inca Trail adventure
- Hike along the legendary Inca Trail – Enjoy a 2-day trek on a historic section of the original path.
- Visit the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna – Explore one of the most impressive and well-preserved Inca complexes on the route.
- Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) – Experience the thrill of arriving at the citadel just as the ancient travelers did.
- Guided exploration of Machu Picchu – Discover the history and mysteries of this archaeological wonder with an expert guide.
- Stunning panoramic views – Enjoy breathtaking Andean landscapes and unique photography opportunities.
- Comfort and adventure in one trip – Experience the essence of the Inca Trail without the need for camping.
- Overnight stay in a hotel in Aguas Calientes – Relax in comfortable accommodations before your visit to Machu Picchu.
- Option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain – Add an extra trek for even more spectacular views.
Details for: Ultimate Short Inca Trail Adventure in 5 days
Price per person:
$ 1,709.10 USDMap for: Ultimate Short Inca Trail Adventure in 5 days
Travel Information
Tour Duration: 5 days / 4 nights.
Group Size: Minimum 2 people.
Best Time to Visit: Dry season (April–October) offers the best conditions. Rainy season (November–March) has occasional showers.
Altitude & Acclimatization: Cusco (3,400m) requires adjustment. Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals. Machu Picchu (2,430m) is lower and easier to breathe.
Health & Safety: Travel insurance recommended. Use sunscreen, insect repellent, and stay hydrated.
Entry & Money: Passport required. Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the local currency. ATMs available, but carry small cash.
Transportation: Private transportation throughout the tour, including airport transfers. Train luggage limit: 5 kg. Bus to Machu Picchu takes 30 minutes.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi in most hotels, limited in remote areas. SIM cards available for data.
Responsible Travel: Respect local customs, avoid littering, and support local businesses.
Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, on this fascinating tour. Your journey begins with a visit to Sacsayhuaman, an immense Incan complex known for its impressive megalithic stonework.
Next, explore Qenqo, a ceremonial site featuring intricate rock carvings and underground chambers. Continue to Puka Pukara, an ancient military outpost that once guarded the entrance to Cusco, and finally, visit Tambomachay, famous for its finely engineered aqueducts and fountains, believed to be a sacred water shrine.
The tour also includes stops at Koricancha, one of the most important Inca temples—once covered in gold—and the Cusco Cathedral, where you will admire colonial-era art and fascinating historical artifacts. This tour is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in Cusco’s rich cultural and archaeological heritage in just a few hours.
Meals: Not Included.
Accommodation: Cusco
Next, explore Qenqo, a ceremonial site featuring intricate rock carvings and underground chambers. Continue to Puka Pukara, an ancient military outpost that once guarded the entrance to Cusco, and finally, visit Tambomachay, famous for its finely engineered aqueducts and fountains, believed to be a sacred water shrine.
The tour also includes stops at Koricancha, one of the most important Inca temples—once covered in gold—and the Cusco Cathedral, where you will admire colonial-era art and fascinating historical artifacts. This tour is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in Cusco’s rich cultural and archaeological heritage in just a few hours.
Meals: Not Included.
Accommodation: Cusco
We begin our journey from Cusco, heading towards the breathtaking Chinchero Plateau. Our first stop is the picturesque town of Chinchero, a historically significant Inca settlement known for its massive stone wall with trapezoidal niches. From here, enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, with the majestic Urubamba mountain range and the towering Salkantay peak in the distance. Chinchero is also renowned for its traditional textile workshops, where skilled artisans demonstrate ancient weaving techniques passed down through generations.
Next, we visit the fascinating Maras salt mines, an impressive pre-Inca site where salt has been harvested for centuries using a network of over 3,000 terraced pools. The sight of these salt pans cascading down the mountainside creates a mesmerizing landscape, especially when the sunlight reflects off the crystalline surfaces. Continuing our adventure, we explore Moray, a remarkable Inca archaeological site featuring a series of circular terraces. These concentric rings are believed to have served as an advanced agricultural laboratory, allowing the Incas to experiment with different crops and microclimates.
After an enriching morning, we enjoy a delicious locally sourced lunch, savoring fresh regional ingredients that highlight the flavors of Andean cuisine. In the afternoon, we arrive at the impressive Ollantaytambo archaeological site, one of the most important Inca complexes. This massive fortress played a crucial role in Inca resistance against Spanish conquest and features finely carved stone terraces, ceremonial centers, and an extensive network of pathways. Wander through the charming streets of Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town that retains its original urban layout, before checking into our hotel to relax and soak in the beauty of the Sacred Valley.
Meals: B, L.
Accommodation: Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo
Next, we visit the fascinating Maras salt mines, an impressive pre-Inca site where salt has been harvested for centuries using a network of over 3,000 terraced pools. The sight of these salt pans cascading down the mountainside creates a mesmerizing landscape, especially when the sunlight reflects off the crystalline surfaces. Continuing our adventure, we explore Moray, a remarkable Inca archaeological site featuring a series of circular terraces. These concentric rings are believed to have served as an advanced agricultural laboratory, allowing the Incas to experiment with different crops and microclimates.
After an enriching morning, we enjoy a delicious locally sourced lunch, savoring fresh regional ingredients that highlight the flavors of Andean cuisine. In the afternoon, we arrive at the impressive Ollantaytambo archaeological site, one of the most important Inca complexes. This massive fortress played a crucial role in Inca resistance against Spanish conquest and features finely carved stone terraces, ceremonial centers, and an extensive network of pathways. Wander through the charming streets of Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town that retains its original urban layout, before checking into our hotel to relax and soak in the beauty of the Sacred Valley.
Meals: B, L.
Accommodation: Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo
Early in the morning, we pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the train station, where you will board the train to Kilometer 104, the starting point of our hike. After crossing the Urubamba River via a suspension bridge, we visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba (2,150m), a former Inca checkpoint with fascinating structures and ceremonial significance.
From here, we begin our scenic 8 km trek (approximately 4 hours) through lush cloud forest, ascending gradually until we reach the spectacular site of Wiñayhuayna (2,700m). This impressive Inca complex features a series of agricultural terraces, a religious sector, and an urban area, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated engineering and spiritual practices of the Incas. After exploring this fascinating site, we take a break to enjoy our box lunch while soaking in the breathtaking surroundings.
Refreshed, we continue our journey for another hour along the ancient stone pathway leading to Inti Punku (Sun Gate, 2,730m). As we pass through this ceremonial entrance, we are rewarded with our first stunning panoramic view of Machu Picchu (2,430m), an unforgettable moment as the lost city of the Incas unfolds before us. From here, we descend along a side path that leads us to the bus station, where we take a short ride to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel, where you can relax and unwind before the next day’s exploration of Machu Picchu.
Meals: B, L, D.
Accommodation: Aguas Calientes
From here, we begin our scenic 8 km trek (approximately 4 hours) through lush cloud forest, ascending gradually until we reach the spectacular site of Wiñayhuayna (2,700m). This impressive Inca complex features a series of agricultural terraces, a religious sector, and an urban area, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated engineering and spiritual practices of the Incas. After exploring this fascinating site, we take a break to enjoy our box lunch while soaking in the breathtaking surroundings.
Refreshed, we continue our journey for another hour along the ancient stone pathway leading to Inti Punku (Sun Gate, 2,730m). As we pass through this ceremonial entrance, we are rewarded with our first stunning panoramic view of Machu Picchu (2,430m), an unforgettable moment as the lost city of the Incas unfolds before us. From here, we descend along a side path that leads us to the bus station, where we take a short ride to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel, where you can relax and unwind before the next day’s exploration of Machu Picchu.
Meals: B, L, D.
Accommodation: Aguas Calientes
Today, we board a 30-minute bus ride back to the breathtaking Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a must-visit destination on any traveler’s bucket list. Upon arrival, embark on a 2.5-hour guided private tour, where you will explore the most important sectors of this mystical site, including its temples, terraces, plazas, and royal enclosures. As you walk through the ancient pathways, marvel at the incredible stonework and learn about the history, purpose, and rediscovery of this iconic wonder.
After the guided tour, enjoy free time to further explore the citadel at your own pace or simply soak in the majestic surroundings. For those seeking an extra adventure, there is the option to hike to Huayna Picchu for a spectacular bird’s-eye view of Machu Picchu and the valley below. The challenging ascent takes approximately 1.5 hours and requires a prior reservation, as only 400 visitors are allowed daily.
Following this unforgettable experience, we take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch (on your own) at one of the local restaurants. In the afternoon, we board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, marking the end of a truly memorable journey.
Meals: B.
Accommodation: Cusco
After the guided tour, enjoy free time to further explore the citadel at your own pace or simply soak in the majestic surroundings. For those seeking an extra adventure, there is the option to hike to Huayna Picchu for a spectacular bird’s-eye view of Machu Picchu and the valley below. The challenging ascent takes approximately 1.5 hours and requires a prior reservation, as only 400 visitors are allowed daily.
Following this unforgettable experience, we take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch (on your own) at one of the local restaurants. In the afternoon, we board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, marking the end of a truly memorable journey.
Meals: B.
Accommodation: Cusco
After an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Inca Empire, it’s time to say goodbye to Cusco. At the scheduled time, one of our representatives will pick you up from your hotel and provide a comfortable transfer to the Cusco airport for your flight to Lima. We will ensure a smooth and timely departure, assisting you as needed to make your journey home or to your next destination hassle-free.
End of our services.
End of our services.
What’s included:
- 4 Nights of Hand-Selected Accommodations for comfort, convenience, and quality:
– Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley): ⭐⭐⭐
– Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu Pueblo): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
– Cusco: ⭐⭐⭐ - Private Tour Guide for a personalized experience.
- Private Transportation throughout your stay, including airport pick-up.
- Round-trip Train Tickets: Ollantaytambo to Km 104 and Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Inca Trail Km 104 Permit, granting access to this exclusive trekking route.
- CONSETTUR Bus Tickets for round-trip transportation to Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket for an unforgettable visit.
- Huayna Picchu Entrance Ticket (subject to availability – must be booked at least 30 days in advance; ask for availability).
- Entrance Tickets to all included archaeological sites.
- Daily Breakfasts provided by the hotels.
- Meals as specified in the itinerary.
- 24/7 Support and Assistance throughout the entire tour.
- International and domestic flights, including taxes.
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and staff.
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
Packing List:
Essential Documents:
- Original passport (required for entry to Machu Picchu and train travel).
- Travel insurance details (highly recommended).
- Printed or digital copies of all tickets and reservations.
- Cash (small bills in Peruvian Soles for personal expenses, tips, and emergencies).
- Lightweight trekking pants and breathable shirts for hiking.
- Long-sleeve shirt for sun and mosquito protection.
- Warm layers (fleece or light down jacket) for chilly mornings and evenings.
- Waterproof jacket or poncho (rain is possible year-round).
- Comfortable hiking shoes or boots with good grip.
- Sandals or comfortable shoes for the evenings.
- Hat, cap, or buff for sun protection.
- Gloves and a warm hat (for early mornings in Cusco and Sacred Valley).
- Small backpack (20-30L) to carry daily essentials.
- Hiking poles with rubber tips for km 104 (recommended).
- Hiking poles in the Sanctuary of Machupicchu is Forbidden
- Reusable water bottle or hydration system (minimum 1.5L capacity).
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, etc.).
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Personal medications (including altitude sickness medication if needed).
- Lip balm with SPF protection.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Snacks (energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, etc.).
- Camera or smartphone for photos.
- Power bank (for charging devices on the go).
- Plug adapter (Peru uses 220V, Type A & C sockets).
- Luggage allowance for the train to Machu Picchu is limited to 5 kg (11 lbs) per person. Pack accordingly.
- A small daypack is essential for the Inca Trail and your visit to Machu Picchu.
- Weather can vary, so layering is key for comfort throughout the tour.
Location for: Ultimate Short Inca Trail Adventure in 5 days
Frecuendly asked questions
1. How difficult is the Short Inca Trail hike?
The hike is moderate, covering approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) in about 6 hours. It includes uphill sections, stone steps, and uneven terrain, requiring a basic fitness level.
2. Do I need a permit for the Short Inca Trail?
Yes, a permit is required and included in the tour. Availability is limited, so early booking is recommended.
3. What is the luggage limit for the train to Machu Picchu?
The train allows one small bag per person (5 kg / 11 lbs). Larger luggage can be stored at your hotel in Cusco.
4. Is altitude sickness a concern?
Cusco (3,400m) is at high altitude, so acclimatization is advised before the trek. Machu Picchu (2,430m) is lower and generally easier to handle.
5. Can I hike Huayna Picchu?
Yes, is Icnluded but permits are limited to 400 people per day and must be booked in advance. if is not availability you’ll visit only Machupicchu
6. What meals are included?
Breakfasts at hotels and meals specified in the itinerary. Lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes are at your expense.
7. What happens in case of bad weather?
The trek runs in all weather conditions. Bring rain gear if traveling in the rainy season (November–March).
The hike is moderate, covering approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) in about 6 hours. It includes uphill sections, stone steps, and uneven terrain, requiring a basic fitness level.
2. Do I need a permit for the Short Inca Trail?
Yes, a permit is required and included in the tour. Availability is limited, so early booking is recommended.
3. What is the luggage limit for the train to Machu Picchu?
The train allows one small bag per person (5 kg / 11 lbs). Larger luggage can be stored at your hotel in Cusco.
4. Is altitude sickness a concern?
Cusco (3,400m) is at high altitude, so acclimatization is advised before the trek. Machu Picchu (2,430m) is lower and generally easier to handle.
5. Can I hike Huayna Picchu?
Yes, is Icnluded but permits are limited to 400 people per day and must be booked in advance. if is not availability you’ll visit only Machupicchu
6. What meals are included?
Breakfasts at hotels and meals specified in the itinerary. Lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes are at your expense.
7. What happens in case of bad weather?
The trek runs in all weather conditions. Bring rain gear if traveling in the rainy season (November–March).
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