Close
    5.0 Excellent 659 reviews
-

SACRED VALLEY + SHORT INCA TRAIL 3D/2N


Tour Description:

Discover the best of the Andes in just three days! This tour combines the cultural treasures of the Sacred Valley with the adventure of hiking the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Explore ancient ruins, charming local villages, and breathtaking mountain scenery before entering Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku) — a truly unforgettable experience.



Trip departures:
Daily


Duration trip:
3D/2N


Difficulty of the trip:
Modarate


Those who loves hiking


ITINERARY

DAY 1: CUSCO-PISAC-URUBAMBA-OLLANTAYTAMBO:
The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 7:30 am. You'll then embark on a scenic drive through the breathtaking Andean landscapes towards the Sacred Valley.

First, you will visit the archeological site of Pisac. At this place, you will see and learn about different aspects of the Inca culture. Here you can see amazing artwork etched into the stone and the impressive agricultural terraces. After exploring this magnificent place, we will drive back to Pisac small town where you will have free time to walk around and do some shopping.

You will continue your journey towards Urubamba for a delicious buffet lunch of typical Peruvian dishes. After lunch, you will continue with our adventure to Ollantaytambo. You will visit the archeological site. This site highlights the remarkable Inca architecture that was built during the Incas heydays. This is an extraordinary Inca site and in addition to the ruins, you will see an amazing rock formation representing the Inca God Wiracocha. Finally, here you spend the night at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, ready to start the Inca Trail hike the next day.
 

DAY 2: Cusco – KM 104 – Chachabamba - Wiñaywayna - Sun Gate (Inti Punku) - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes (L+D):

Your adventure begins early with hotel pick-up in Cusco (approx. 4:00–4:30 AM) and transfer to Ollantaytambo train station. From there, enjoy a scenic train ride to KM 104, the starting point of your hike.

After passing the Inca Trail control point, you’ll visit Chachabamba, an ancient ceremonial site dedicated to the sun and mountains. The trail then gradually ascends through lush cloud forest, surrounded by orchids, bromeliads, and exotic vegetation.

You’ll reach the impressive archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful Inca ruins on the trail, where your guide will share its history before you enjoy a boxed lunch.

In the afternoon, continue along original Inca stone paths, passing terraces, and jungle landscapes. A final climb up stone steps leads you to the unforgettable Sun Gate (Inti Punku) — your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu from above.

Descend toward the citadel viewpoints for stunning sunset views before taking the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy dinner.


Meals: Box lunch & dinner
Distance: 12 km / 8 miles
Difficulty: Modarate to challenging
Walking time: 6-7 hours, depending on your pace and stops
Starting elevation: 2,100 m / 6,890 ft
Highest elevation: 2,720 m / 8,920 ft
Accommodation: Standard hotel

 

DAY 3: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco (B): 

After an early breakfast, we'll take the bus up to Machu Picchu to experience the site in the soft morning light. Enjoy a guided tour of the most important sectors of the Inca citadel, including temples, terraces, and ceremonial areas.

After the tour, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and free time.

In the afternoon, board the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transportation to Cusco, arriving approximately 6:30–7:00 PM.

Meals: Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy
Walking time: 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and stops
Machu Picchu site elevation: 2,430 m / 7,970 ft

 

NOTE: For travelers seeking more adventure, we offer the option to hike Waynapicchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability and advance booking). 

*Extra Hikes in Machu Picchu - These extra hiking options can take approximately 3-4 hours to go up and down depending on your speed. (If you would like to do this, please inform us during the booking as places are limited and tickets must be bought in advance).

*Important to know - If you add an extra hike, we will provide special instructions on how the schedule will be modified. 


INCLUSIONS

INCLUDED:

  • Pick-up/drop off at your hotel.
  • Transportation during the tour.
  • Day 1 (L) - Day 2 (B,L) - Day 3 (B).
  • Admission ticket to Inca trail.
  • Admission ticket to Machu Picchu.
  • Train tickets round trip (voyager or expedition train).
  • 01-night standard accommodation in Ollantaytambo.
  • 01-night standard accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
  • 02-way buses to Machu Picchu.
  • Professional bilingual guide (Engish & Spanish).

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Extra hike (Huayna Picchu - $60 USD).
  • Day 1 breakfast - Day 2 lunch.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs, etc.).

WHAT TO PACK

Essentials

  • Original passport (mandatory for the Inca Trail & Machu Picchu entry).
  • Small backpack/daypack (max. 25-30L) – enough for water, snacks, camera, layers.
  • Duffel bag or small luggage (We will transfers this to Aguas Calientes).

Clothing

  • Comfortable trekking shoes (already broken in, with good grip).
  • Sandals/flip-flops (for Aguas Calientes / hotel).
  • Light, breathable clothing for daytime hikes.
  • Warm layers (fleece/jacket) for cool mornings and nights.
  • Rain jacket or poncho – especially during rainy season (Nov–Mar).
  • Hat & sunglasses for sun protection.

On the Inca Trail

  • Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (min. 1.5–2L capacity).
  • Snacks/energy bars for the hike.
  • Trekking poles (optional, but recommended; rubber tips required).
  • Insect repellent – useful in the jungle section near Machu Picchu.

Toiletries & Personal Care

  • Sunscreen (high SPF).
  • Personal medication & small first-aid kit (band-aids, blister pads).
  • Toiletries & hand sanitizer.

Extras

  • Camera or smartphone – to capture the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu.
  • Cash in Peruvian soles – for meals not included, tips, or souvenirs (ATMs limited in Aguas Calientes).
  • Swimsuit (optional) – if you’d like to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
  • Positive min!

TOUR PRICES


TRIP MAP


Starting at:                                                              
$585 USD   per person

Book Now

Do you want to reserve or inquire?

Are you interested
in a trip?

You are interested in a trip?
Book Now

IT MAY INTEREST YOU

Similar tours offered by American Inca Trail

American Inca Trail
Traditional
(659 Review)
SACRED VALLEY + SHORT INCA TRAIL 3D/2N
  • Daily
  • 3D/2N
  • Modarate
From:
$585 USD Per Person
Explore This Trip
American Inca Trail
Traditional
(659 Review)
MACHU PICCHU BY TRAIN 2D/1N
  • Daily
  • 2Days & 1Night
  • Easy
From:
$365 USD Per Person
Explore This Trip
American Inca Trail
Traditional
(659 Review)
SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU 2D/1N
  • Daily
  • 2 Days & 1 Night
  • Easy
From:
$385 USD Per Person
Explore This Trip
American Inca Trail
Traditional
(659 Review)
MACHU PICCHU FULLDAY BY TRAIN
  • Daily
  • Full-Day
  • Easy
From:
$315 USD Per Person
Explore This Trip
American Inca Trail
Traditional
(659 Review)
MORAY & SALT MINES BUS TOUR
  • Daily
  • 6 Hours.
  • Easy
From:
$45 USD Per Person
Explore This Trip
American Inca Trail
Traditional
(659 Review)
SACRED VALLEY FULLDAY
  • Daily
  • Full-Day
  • Easy
From:
$60 USD Per Person
Explore This Trip
More Inquiry +51 974994321

Join The Newsletter

To receive our best monthly deals

Starting at:
$585 USD

Per Person

BOOK NOW
Do you have any questions?