5 Day Short Inca Trail

Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of Cuzco, 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 Cuzco, 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 Cuzco Cathedral, where you will admire colonial-era art and fascinating historical artifacts. This tour is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in Cuzco’s rich cultural and archaeological heritage in just a few hours.

Meals: Not Included

Accommodation: Cusco

We depart from Cuzco to the Chinchero Plateau, where we explore Chinchero, an important Inca town known for its massive stone wall with trapezoidal niches and panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, framed by the Urubamba range and Salkantay peak.

Next, we visit the Maras salt mines, a pre-Inca salt production site with over 3,000 terraced pools, followed by Moray, an Inca site with circular terraces believed to be an agricultural laboratory.

After a locally sourced lunch, we explore the Ollantaytambo archaeological site before checking into our hotel to relax and enjoy the Sacred Valley’s beauty.

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 to board the train to Km. 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), then hike 8 km (about 4 hours) through lush forest to the impressive site of Wiñayhuayna (2,700m), an ancient complex with agricultural terraces, a religious sector, and an urban area. After a box lunch, we continue for another hour to Inti Punku (Sun Gate, 2,730m), where we get our first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu (2,430m). Finally, we descend to a side path leading to a bus that takes us to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Aguas Calientes.
Meals: B, L, D

Today, we take the bus back to Machu Picchu, a must for your bucket list. Explore the mystical secrets of this Incan citadel during a guided private tour, visiting its most important areas and marveling at its construction. After the tour, enjoy free time to explore or simply soak in the majesty of Machu Picchu. For a more adventurous experience, you can hike to Huayna Picchu for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the ruins and valley below; the steep ascent takes about 1.5 hours (please note that only 400 hikers are allowed per day, and tickets must be purchased in advance). After an unforgettable day, we depart from Aguas Calientes by train to Ollantaytambo, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Cusco.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Cusco

One of our representatives will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Cusco airport for your flight to Lima.