Inca Trail Package 5 Days | Cusco + Short Inca Trail

Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our representative, who will assist you with transportation to your hotel. Upon check-in, you will be offered an aromatic cup of coca tea, a traditional Andean remedy known to help alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness. This tea will help you feel more at ease and better adjust to Cusco’s high altitude.

You will have the morning free to relax and recover from your journey. We suggest you take it easy and avoid heavy meals; a light lunch either at your hotel or in one of the nearby restaurants is recommended. The city of Cusco, situated at over 11,000 feet (3,400 meters), requires time for acclimatization, so it’s essential to rest and take things slowly during the first few hours.

In the afternoon, we will begin your City Tour at around 1:30 PM. The first stop is the Main Square (Plaza de Armas), the heart of Cusco, surrounded by impressive colonial buildings. From there, we will visit the Cusco Cathedral, a majestic example of colonial architecture, housing a remarkable collection of religious artwork.

Next, we will explore the Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), once the most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated to Inti, the sun god. The remnants of its walls, still covered in gold leaf, speak to its former glory.

We will continue the tour by visiting the nearby archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Q’enko, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. Sacsayhuaman is an ancient Inca ceremonial center with massive stone walls that have withstood the test of time. Q’enko is another archaeological site, known for its labyrinth of tunnels and carvings. Puka Pukara is a military outpost, and Tambomachay is an Inca site dedicated to water worship, with fountains and aqueducts still functional today.

The City Tour concludes around 6:30 PM at the Main Square, giving you ample time to stroll around the area, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy dinner at one of Cusco’s many exquisite restaurants. Afterward, you will return to your hotel to rest and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay.

Note: No meals are included during this part of the tour, but plenty of dining options are available for your convenience.

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up at 8:15 AM for a full-day excursion to the Urubamba Valley. First, we’ll visit the colorful Pisac market, where you can interact with local artisans, practice your bargaining skills, and shop for handmade souvenirs. Pisac is located 31 km (19 miles) from Cusco, at an altitude of 2,970 meters (9,700 feet), and serves as the gateway to the Sacred Valley.

Next, we’ll head to Ollantaytambo, an ancient town that has been continuously inhabited since Inca times. The town’s narrow streets and water channels remain unchanged since the Inca period. We’ll explore the Ollantaytambo archaeological site and enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we’ll take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, a 2-hour journey through lush landscapes. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

Included: Breakfast, lunch, and overnight accommodation in Aguas Calientes.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred from your hotel to the train station, where you’ll board the train to KM 104. Once at KM 104, the trek begins, lasting approximately 3 hours to the well-preserved ruins of Wiñay Wayna, situated at an altitude of 2,900 meters. During the hike, you’ll pass by stunning waterfalls and enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Sacred Valley.

After exploring Wiñay Wayna, you’ll have a lunch break before continuing your trek for another 2 hours. This final stretch leads to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. From the Sun Gate, you’ll descend to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes) to rest and overnight.

Included: Trek, lunch, and overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.

Today we visit the remarkable Machu Picchu. There is no way to describe the feeling of the first views of Machu Picchu, as the mist rises off the mountains early in the morning and the famous ruin appears in front of you. It may be called the Sun Gate but bear in mind we are in the cloud forest and sometimes “Cloud Gate” would be a more suitable name. The morning is dedicated to exploring the extraordinary site of Machu Picchu, where your guide will be on hand to explain and give you an insight into the life of the Incas at Machu Picchu. For the keen, there’s also the opportunity to climb the sacred peak of Huaya Picchu. In the afternoon, we take the train from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco. Approx. walking time 2 hours.(HOTEL)

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, transportation will be provided to take you to the airport. (B) END OF THE SERVICE.

If you’re interested in extending your trip, we offer additional tours and treks. You can explore the Nazca Lines, the Amazon Rainforest, the stunning Colca Canyon, and much more. Let us know, and we will help you plan the perfect extension to your journey.