Luxury Short Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Tour

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Itinerary Luxury Short Inca Trail, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu – 3 Days

Day 1Sacred Valley, Pisac - Moray - Salt Mines - Ollantaytambo

We will begin the tour at 7:00 a.m., picking you up from your hotel in Cusco and heading towards the fertile Urubamba Valley. Our first stop will be the Taray Viewpoint, where we will enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Sacred Valley. Our guide will explain the importance of its ancestral crops such as corn, quinoa, and amaranth, as well as the sacred role of the Vilcanota or Wilkamayu River.

Next, we will visit the Pisac Archaeological Site, where we will explore its impressive temples, water channels, Inca cemetery with thousands of tombs, viewpoints, and terraced agricultural systems that made the expansion of agriculture possible during the Inca era.

Afterward, we will continue to Urubamba, where we will have our buffet lunch.Next, we will head to the famous Maras Salt Mines, with more than 3,000 salt ponds used since ancient times. We'll descend to the lower area for incredible photos and a historical explanation.
Then we'll visit the Inca agricultural laboratory of Moray, known as "the greenhouse of the Incas."
Here we'll observe the concentric rings, each with distinct microclimates that allowed for experimentation with crops at different altitudes.

Finally, we'll head to the fortress of Ollantaytambo, one of the most important military and ceremonial complexes of the Inca civilization. Here we'll see structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the Baths of the Ñusta, and defensive terraces that were key to the resistance against the Spanish.

At the end of the day, we will stay overnight in Ollantaytambo, where your hotel accommodation and dinner are included, allowing you to rest and prepare for the next day’s journey to Machu Picchu.

RECOMMENDATION: Bring extra clothes and a small backpack with essentials for the tour, plus cash for snacks or souvenirs. Also, bring your passport for entry to the various archaeological sites.

Maximum height: 3,500 m / 11,483 ft

Minimum height: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Medium

Approximate walk: 3 - 4 hrs

Accommodation: Ollantaytambo

Day 2Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Puerta del Sol – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

We start the day very early, picking you up from your hotel at 5:40 am and taking you to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the 6:10 am Expedition train.

During the journey, you'll enjoy spectacular scenery: snow-capped mountains, valleys, Inca terraces, and subtropical rainforest.

We'll get off at kilometer 104, also called Chachabamba (2,170 msnm/7053 ft), where we'll begin our hike. We'll ascend for three hours to the Wiñay Wayna archaeological complex, which we'll visit and explore with our guide. Here, we'll also have the opportunity to enjoy our delicious boxed lunch.

Then we will continue to the most exciting point of the day: the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) (2,745 msnm/9005 ft), from where you will enjoy your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu—an unforgettable moment.

From here, you will descend for approximately 25 minutes along the Inca Trail to reach the classic viewpoint, where you can capture the iconic panoramic photographs of Machu Picchu.

Afterward, we will continue down to take the tourist bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have dinner and spend the night.

RECOMMENDATION: To enter Machu Picchu, you must present the original ID or passport you used to book your ticket. Without this document, you will not be allowed to enter the archaeological site.

Maximum height: 2,738 m / 9,130 ft

Minimum height: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Medium

Approximate walk: 5 - 6 hrs

Day 3Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Today you will explore the majestic Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Very early, around 5:30 a.m., we will board one of the first buses to the citadel to enjoy a more tranquil atmosphere and, weather permitting, witness the sunrise over the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will have time to appreciate the panoramic view and connect with the energy of the place before beginning your guided tour. Our guide will accompany you for approximately two hours, exploring the most important points of the citadel, its main streets, ceremonial sectors, agricultural terraces, and temples.

Optional activities (not included and require advance booking):

Ascent to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, from where you will have spectacular views of the entire citadel.:

After the visit, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch on your own. Finally, we'll head to the station to board the Vistadome Observatory train for the ultimate train experience to Ollantaytambo. Our private transportation will be waiting there to take you to your hotel in Cusco. We'll arrive in the city at approximately 8:30 p.m., concluding this unforgettable experience. Additional information:

Train schedules may vary depending on availability:

RECOMMENDATION: To enter Machu Picchu, you must present the original ID or passport you used to book your ticket. Without this document, you will not be allowed to enter the archaeological site.

Maximum height: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft

Minimum height: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate walk: 3 - 4 hrs

What does the Luxury Tour to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu include?

What is included?

Revenue and Tickets

Tourist tickets for the Sacred Valley.
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail.
Bus tickets to Aguas Calientes (downhill)
Bus tickets to Machu Picchu (round trip).
Expedition tourist train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 (start of the Short Inca Trail).
Vistadome panoramic train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (return journey).

Meals

2 Breakfast.
1 Lunch.
1 Box lunch.

Accommodation

Hotel in Ollantaytambo.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Transfers

Private transportation during the tour.
Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Professional guide

Bilingual professional guide.
Private guided tour of Machu Picchu.

Safety

Emergency oxygen tank.
First aid kit.

What is not included?

Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
Personal energy snacks, such as chocolate bars,dried fruit, or nuts.

Entrance Fees and Tickets

Entrance to Huayna Picchu (US$75 per person)
Entrance to Machupicchu Mountain (US$75 per person).

Accommodation

Hotel in Cusco.

Additional Costs or Services Not Mentioned

Trekking poles.

Travel Insurance

Tips

Price for Luxury Short Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Tour – Sacred Valley 3 Days

The price of the Luxury Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour – 2 Days varies depending on the selected hotel category, travel season, and level of exclusivity you prefer. This premium short journey is designed to deliver exceptional value while ensuring comfort, safety, and a fully curated Andean experience across the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Every aspect of your trip is carefully arranged — from professional bilingual guides and scenic train tickets to quality accommodations and precise logistics — so you can explore these iconic destinations with complete confidence and comfort.

If you would like a personalized quote, hotel upgrades, or a private luxury departure, our team will be happy to assist you.

Group Prices – Luxury Short Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Tour (3 Days / 2 Nights)

2 people: USD — per person
3 people: USD — per person
4 people: USD — per person
5+ people: USD — per person

(Envíame los precios exactos y los coloco.)

Optional Add-Ons for Your Experience

Enhance your itinerary with the following premium upgrades:

Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket
- (Requires booking 3 months in advance) USD 75
Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket
- (Requires booking 3 months in advance) USD 75
Private Photographer for Machu Picchu
- Capture premium photos of your journey. USD
Private Luxury Vehicle Upgrade
- Comfortable and exclusive full-size vehicle for all transfers. USD
Extra Night in Cusco or Sacred Valley
- Extend your experience in 4★ or 5★ hotels.

Book the Luxury Short Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Tour With Confidence

Your price is 100% guaranteed after booking.
No hidden fees. No unexpected increases. No surprises.

Before confirming your reservation, we recommend reviewing:

Complete itinerary
Hotel details
Altitude information
Packing recommendations
Inclusions & exclusions

Our team ensures your experience is smooth, premium, and unforgettable — from your first pickup to your return from Machu Picchu.

Recommendations before and during your trip to Peru

Before leaving your country:

Original passport (must be the same one used for your booking).
If you have renewed your passport, remember to bring both. (IMPORTANT)
Valid student ID (if you booked as a student).
Comfortable shoes or sneakers for sightseeing.
Light and warm clothing for sightseeing, gloves, scarf, jacket.
Hat or cap and sunglasses.
Waterproof jacket/rain poncho if your visit is between October and March.
Water bottle and snacks.
Backpack with essentials.
Sunscreen.
Camera and extra batteries.
Personal medications.
Extra emergency cash (Soles).
Extra cash (Soles) for souvenirs (optional).

For traditional tours:

Tourist pass and corresponding entrance fees (Our team will give you your tickets at the briefing).
Light clothing (light pants or shorts, t-shirt), as the days are very hot.
A warm jacket if you're returning in the afternoon, as the evenings are chilly.
Water bottle and snacks.
Sunscreen.

For treks:

Comfortable trekking pants and shoes.
Dri-FIT shirts.
Warm clothing, wool hat, and gloves.
Hat or cap and sunglasses.
Waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
Water bottle and snacks.
Coca leaves, chocolate bars, and lemon drops.
Backpack with essentials.
Sunscreen.
Trekking poles.
Personal medications.
Personal first-aid kit (band-aids, headache pills, etc.).
Extra emergency cash (Soles).

For Machu Picchu

Lightweight pants and long-sleeved shirts (there are many mosquitoes in Machu Picchu).
Water bottle and snacks.
Insect repellent.
Sunscreen.
Walking sticks with rubber tips if needed.
Waterproof jacket/rain poncho if visiting during the rainy season.

Frequently Asked Questions – Short Inca Trail & Machu Picchu 3 Days

What is included in the Luxury Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour – 2 Days?

This 2-day luxury tour includes hotel pickup, Sacred Valley guided tour, visits to Pisac, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo, scenic train to Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu entrance ticket, round-trip bus to the citadel, professional bilingual guide, tourist transportation, and one hotel night.

Does this tour include Machu Picchu entrance tickets?

Yes. Machu Picchu entrance tickets are included and booked in advance according to availability, usually Circuit 2 for the most complete guided route.

Where do we stay during the 2-day tour?

The overnight stay is in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) in a selected hotel category. You may choose standard, superior, or luxury hotel upgrades.

What Sacred Valley sites are visited on Day 1?

Day 1 includes key Sacred Valley highlights such as Pisac archaeological site, Moray circular terraces, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo fortress.

Is the train to Machu Picchu included?

Yes. The tour includes round-trip tourist train service. You may upgrade to the Vistadome panoramic train for enhanced views and onboard experience.

How difficult is this 2-day tour?

The tour is considered easy to moderate. Most visits involve walking through archaeological sites with stairs and uneven paths, but no technical trekking is required.

Is this tour suitable for families and seniors?

Yes. This luxury 2-day itinerary is suitable for families and senior travelers. The pace is comfortable and guided, with rest stops and assistance available.

Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Yes. These mountain hikes can be added as optional upgrades, subject to permit availability. Advance booking is strongly recommended.

Do I need to acclimatize before taking this tour?

We recommend spending at least one day in Cusco before the tour to adapt to the altitude and enjoy the experience more comfortably.

How far in advance should I book this tour?

We recommend booking at least several weeks in advance, especially in high season, to secure Machu Picchu tickets, train schedules, and preferred hotels.

3 Days - 2 Nights

Price from ^$ 0 ^USD per person

Per-person rate based on 2 travelers

Altitude

3500 msnm / 9776 ft M.S.N.M

Group size

Up to 2 - 8 people People

Service

Private

Travel Style

Adventure - Culture - Hike

Difficulty

Moderate

Availability

Inquire Now

What people say about us

    
 
 
      Verificada Salkantay experience with Christian I fell ill right at the start of our Salkantay trip, but Christian was absolutely incredible. He made sure I got all the right medicine and went above and beyond to help me recover and get back into shape so that I could still enjoy the rest of the trek. Beyond that, Christian is genuinely one of the best guides you could ask for. He’s funny, incredibly helpful and full of great recommendations. Whatever questions we had, he seemed to know the answer, and if we needed something, he somehow made it happen. More than anything, it felt less like having a tour guide and more like travelling with an old friend who just happened to know everything about the area. He made the whole experience so much more enjoyable. Highly recommend Christian to anyone doing the Salkantay trek!
  
  Publicado en Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Patrick M 
 
 
 
 
     Verificada More than a guide — a friend in Peru We were lucky to have the same guide, Cristian, for both our Sacred Valley tour and the Salkantay Trek, so we ended up spending quite a few days together. He really became a big part of our Peru trip. He knows so much about Inca history, Peruvian culture, the mountains, and local life, and we loved how naturally all of that came up in our conversations along the way. He was also very patient and always paid attention to how we were doing during the trek. On Salkantay, he even suggested adjusting our itinerary based on the weather conditions so we could have the best possible experience, which we really appreciated. He never rushed us, was happy to stop whenever we needed, and was just very easy and fun to be around. By the end of the trip, it honestly felt less like we had hired a guide and more like we had made a friend in Peru.
  
  Publicado en Tripadvisor  
 
    
   適亨 楊 
 
 
 
 
     Verificada 4d Salkantay trek and Sacred Valley day tour We were so lucky to have Cristian as our guide on our first trip to Cusco. He’s such a smart, thoughtful, and organized person. We did both the Sacred Valley tour and the Salkantay Trek with him. Whenever there was something to explain, he was incredibly knowledgeable, and during the trek he was also just a really fun person to talk to. He always paid attention to how everyone was feeling, made sure everyone was doing okay, and took care of what each person needed. I’m really happy that this trip to Peru gave us not only so many amazing memories, but also a wonderful new friend.
  
  Publicado en Tripadvisor  
 
    
   憶甄李 
 
 
 
 
     Verificada Esperienza perfetta Esperienza bellissima, Cristian la nostra guida ci ha ricoperto di attenzioni e ha fatto in modo che tutto fosse perfetto, e a parte questo è una persona adorabile con la quale è stato bellissimo condividere il cammino e che ci ha veramente aiutati a capire tante cose di questo paese meraviglioso e della sua società. Altamente raccomandato!
  
  Publicado en Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Tato3672 
 
 
 
 
     Verificada Great experience at MachuPicchu Great experience with guide Krystian doing the baby trail to MachuPicchu via Sun Gate. Capable and knowledgeable guide !
  
  Publicado en Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Koen D 
 
 
 
 
     Verificada Short Inca Trail review Cristian guided our family through the short version of the Inca Trail. The views were amazing and the hike made the whole experience even more unforgettable. Cristian provided us with interesting stories about the history of the Inca civilization and was very enthusiastic! A very friendly man who had a good feeling with the needs of the group. I highly recommand this trail and Maccu Pichu visit!
  
  Publicado en Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Lucas D 
 
 
 
 
     Verificada Superleuk! Het was een supertof ervaring! De gids(Cristian) wist veel over de natuur en over de Machu Picchu. Hij kon ons interessante feitjes vertellen en dat maakte de hike en de belevenis nog toffer.
  
  Publicado en Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Arthur D 
 
 
 
 
     Verificada Short-Inca trail review Mega leuke wandeltocht met geweldige uitzichten. Cristian, onze gids, legde alles op een leuke manier uit met interessante weetjes, wat de tocht nog leuker maakte.
  
  Publicado en Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Trek19589988553 
 
 
 
 
     Verificada Inca trail with Cristian and our family of 6 1 day inca trail with our guide who was very enthusiastic and motivated, giving lots of explanations and tips. Really an unforgettable experience!
  
  Publicado en Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Veronique 
 
 
 
 
     Verificada Short Inca Trail - Perfect experience! Christian was an amazing guide on our short Inca Trail trip. Everything was perfectly organized, he made sure we feel comfortable and shared a lot of interesting insights. Thanks again for this great day, which was the highlight of our vacation in Peru.
  
  Publicado en Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Ti_Carpenter

See more reviews

Salkantay experience with Christian I fell ill right at the start of our Salkantay trip, but Christian was absolutely incredible. He made sure I got all the right medicine and went above and beyond to help me recover and get back into shape so that I could still enjoy the rest of the trek. Beyond that, Christian is genuinely one of the best guides you could ask for. He’s funny, incredibly helpful and full of great recommendations. Whatever questions we had, he seemed to know the answer, and if we needed something, he somehow made it happen. More than anything, it felt less like having a tour guide and more like travelling with an old friend who just happened to know everything about the area. He made the whole experience so much more enjoyable. Highly recommend Christian to anyone doing the Salkantay trek!

Patrick M

More than a guide — a friend in Peru We were lucky to have the same guide, Cristian, for both our Sacred Valley tour and the Salkantay Trek, so we ended up spending quite a few days together. He really became a big part of our Peru trip. He knows so much about Inca history, Peruvian culture, the mountains, and local life, and we loved how naturally all of that came up in our conversations along the way. He was also very patient and always paid attention to how we were doing during the trek. On Salkantay, he even suggested adjusting our itinerary based on the weather conditions so we could have the best possible experience, which we really appreciated. He never rushed us, was happy to stop whenever we needed, and was just very easy and fun to be around. By the end of the trip, it honestly felt less like we had hired a guide and more like we had made a friend in Peru.

適亨楊

4d Salkantay trek and Sacred Valley day tour We were so lucky to have Cristian as our guide on our first trip to Cusco. He’s such a smart, thoughtful, and organized person. We did both the Sacred Valley tour and the Salkantay Trek with him. Whenever there was something to explain, he was incredibly knowledgeable, and during the trek he was also just a really fun person to talk to. He always paid attention to how everyone was feeling, made sure everyone was doing okay, and took care of what each person needed. I’m really happy that this trip to Peru gave us not only so many amazing memories, but also a wonderful new friend.

憶甄李

Esperienza perfetta Esperienza bellissima, Cristian la nostra guida ci ha ricoperto di attenzioni e ha fatto in modo che tutto fosse perfetto, e a parte questo è una persona adorabile con la quale è stato bellissimo condividere il cammino e che ci ha veramente aiutati a capire tante cose di questo paese meraviglioso e della sua società. Altamente raccomandato!

Tato3672

Great experience at MachuPicchu Great experience with guide Krystian doing the baby trail to MachuPicchu via Sun Gate. Capable and knowledgeable guide !

Koen D

Short Inca Trail review Cristian guided our family through the short version of the Inca Trail. The views were amazing and the hike made the whole experience even more unforgettable. Cristian provided us with interesting stories about the history of the Inca civilization and was very enthusiastic! A very friendly man who had a good feeling with the needs of the group. I highly recommand this trail and Maccu Pichu visit!

Lucas D

Superleuk! Het was een supertof ervaring! De gids(Cristian) wist veel over de natuur en over de Machu Picchu. Hij kon ons interessante feitjes vertellen en dat maakte de hike en de belevenis nog toffer.

Arthur D

Short-Inca trail review Mega leuke wandeltocht met geweldige uitzichten. Cristian, onze gids, legde alles op een leuke manier uit met interessante weetjes, wat de tocht nog leuker maakte.

Trek19589988553

Inca trail with Cristian and our family of 6 1 day inca trail with our guide who was very enthusiastic and motivated, giving lots of explanations and tips. Really an unforgettable experience!

Veronique

Short Inca Trail - Perfect experience! Christian was an amazing guide on our short Inca Trail trip. Everything was perfectly organized, he made sure we feel comfortable and shared a lot of interesting insights. Thanks again for this great day, which was the highlight of our vacation in Peru.

Ti_Carpenter