Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 10 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
Experience the best of the legendary Short Inca Trail in just one day from Cusco. Begin your hike at Km 104 and follow the most scenic final stretch of the trail to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll enjoy your first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu.
Accompanied by an expert local guide, discover hidden Inca ruins along the route before arriving at the magical, UNESCO-listed citadel, where you’ll explore its most important temples and viewpoints. After your visit, descend by bus to Aguas Calientes and unwind on a scenic train ride back to Cusco—a perfect blend of adventure, history, and comfort for travelers short on time.
Important Note:
We highly recommend booking your tour at least 5 months in advance, as Inca Trail permits are limited and tend to sell out very quickly, especially during high season. Early booking ensures availability for your preferred departure date.
What's included
Bus ticket between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes
Early morning hotel pickup with shared transport to Ollantaytambo, then train to Km 104
Lunch
First-aid kit and oxygen tank
Professional English-speaking trekking guide
Trekking poles (1 pair per person)
Short Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance ticket (Circuit 3, postcard photo viewpoint)
Breakfast
Tips(optional)
What to expect
Cusco
3m
Early Morning Departure
Begin your adventure with an early hotel pickup in Cusco, followed by a comfortable bus journey through the Sacred Valley to the Ollantaytambo train station. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of traditional Andean villages, farmland, and snow-capped mountains. From Ollantaytambo, board a scenic train that follows the Urubamba River, offering stunning views of lush valleys, dramatic cliffs, and the surrounding Andes Mountains as you travel toward the start of the Inca Trail.
4h · Admission ticket included
Km 104 (Chachabamba) – Inca Trail Entrance
Start the Short Inca Trail at Km 104, passing the official checkpoint and visiting the Chachabamba archaeological site. From here, begin a scenic uphill hike of approximately 3.5 hours toward Wiñay Wayna.
Winay Wayna
45m · Admission ticket included
Wiñay Wayna Archaeological Site
Explore the impressive Inca complex of Wiñay Wayna, famous for its stunning terraces, fountains, and ceremonial structures. Learn about Inca history and engineering before enjoying a boxed lunch surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.
Intipuncu
20m · Admission ticket included
Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
Continue hiking to the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the original entrance to Machu Picchu, where you’ll enjoy your first breathtaking panoramic views of the ancient citadel.
Duration: Approx. 20 minutes
Machu Picchu
2h
Machu Picchu Citadel (Guided Tour)
Arrive at the magical Machu Picchu Citadel and enjoy a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting its most important temples, plazas, terraces, and viewpoints.
Aguas Calientes
3h
Aguas Calientes – Return to Cusco
After your guided visit to Machu Picchu, descend by shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Board a scenic train through the Sacred Valley, following the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo Station. Upon arrival, continue by comfortable bus transportation back to your hotel in Cusco, with an evening arrival at approximately 10:00 pm.
Meeting and pickup
Pickup details
Please note: Pickup and drop-off are only available for hotels in Cusco’s historic center (downtown).
Kindly send us your hotel name and address
If you're staying outside the center, we’ll coordinate the nearest meeting point for you.
Additional information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
