3 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

3 Days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu by train

PRICE FROM

$ 780
$ 680.00 USD

price per person in group service

3 Days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu by train
3 Days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu by train
3 Days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu by train
3 Days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu by train
3 Days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu by train

3 Days Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu via Sun Gate & Maras Salt Flats (New Version from Km 104)

This 3-Day Inca Trail and Moray and Maras Salt Flats Hike is ideal for travelers short on time in Cusco who still want the full Inca Trail experience. You’ll hike the most iconic section of the trail, visit remarkable sites like Wiñay Wayna, and enjoy an authentic camping adventure. The journey allows you to experience Machu Picchu twice, at sunset and at sunrise, surrounded by spectacular scenery.

The adventure begins in Cusco or Ollantaytambo and follows the final stretch of the Classic Inca Trail, a 6–7 hour hike. You’ll enter Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for your first unforgettable view, then camp beside the Urubamba River with all equipment provided and a freshly prepared dinner.

On the second morning, return early to Machu Picchu for a guided tour before the crowds arrive, while our porters take care of all camping logistics.
On Day 3, you’ll return to Ollantaytambo by train and visit the fascinating Moray agricultural terraces and the iconic Maras Salt Flats before heading back to Cusco

Cusco | Ollantaytambo Train Station | km 104 | Wiñayahuayna | Sungate | Puente Ruinas Campsite | Machu Picchu | Moray Maras Salt Falts Salineras
Duration of the trip:

3 Days 2 Nights

Total Distance

11 Miles

Physical Level:

Moderate

Altitude:

2900 msnm

Type of Tour:

Trekking Nature & Culture

Group SIze:

08ppl Max

3 Days Short Inca Trail Overview

  • TOUR NAME: 3 Days Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu via Sun Gate & Maras Salt Flats
  • 100% LOCAL COMPANY: fully licensed Inca Trail Operator, Highly Recommended! Check out our reviews on Trip Advisor & Youtube what our Passengers say about us
  • GROUP SIZE: 02 People Minimum (04 – 06 Average) and 08 People Maximum
  • STARTING POINT: Pick-up from Cusco & Sacred Valley Hotel/Airbnb. From 4:30 am to 5:00 am
  • ENDING POINT: Drop-off in Cusco at Hotel/Airbnb 6:30 pm Aprox
  • DEPARTURE: Daily (Based on Availability, INCA TRAIL SPACES By Clicking Here). If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as large group service). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in cusco.
  • HIKING DISTANCE: 17km /8miles
  • PHYSICAL LEVEL: Level 2. Inca Trail Requires some physical preparation and we also recommend to Aclimatize 2 days before we begin the inca trail
  • ALTITUDE: Highiest Point. Inti Punku (Sun Gate) 2,720 m/8923 ft. and Aguas Calientes Hotel Lowest Point 1,900 m/ 6233 ft.
  • TRANSPORTATION: Private Van/Bus to Ollantaytambo & Expedition Train at 6:40am to Km 104 (Trailhead) as well as Expedition Train Back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo in the morning of the Day 3, and Transporation to explore Ollanatytambo, Moray and Maras Salt Falts and back to Cusco
  • ACCOMMODATIONS: 2 Nights in Camping in 4 Season Tents/02 ppl per Tent (Therm-a-rest Self-Inflating air Mat is included)
  • MEALS: 2 breakfast, 2 lunch, 2 dinner (Vegetarian, Vegan and Free Gluten with NO extra cost, Upon Request)
  • SHORT INCA TRAIL & MACHU PICCHU: Inca Trail Permits & Machu Picchu entrance fee Included.

3 Day Short Inca Trail Short Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 (Chachabamba) – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate (Inti Punku) – Machu Picchu – Puente Ruinas Campsite (Overnight camping)
  • Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Guided Visit of Machu Picchu – Puente Ruinas Campsite (Overnight camping)
  • Day 3: Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo – Visit to Moray & Maras Salt Flats – Return to Cusco

3 Days Short Inca Trail & Moray and Maras Salt Flats Highlights:G

  • Scenic journey from Cusco through the Sacred Valley, surrounded by dramatic Andean landscapes and living Inca history.
  • Exclusive start of the Short Inca Trail at Km 104 (Chachabamba), entering Machu Picchu through the original pilgrimage route.
  • Guided walk to the impressive archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful ruins on the trail.
  • Arrival at Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the most iconic and emotional first view of the citadel.
  • Sunset views over Machu Picchu before descending to Puente Ruinas Campsite for an overnight camping experience in nature.
  • Overnight camping surrounded by mountains and river sounds, offering a unique connection with the sacred landscape.
  • Early access to Machu Picchu Citadel with a guided tour to explore its temples, terraces, and hidden corners.
  • Free time in Aguas Calientes to relax, explore the town, or enjoy optional hot springs.
  • Scenic train journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo through the lush Urubamba Valley.
  • Visit to the fascinating Moray agricultural terraces and the iconic Maras Salt Flats, before returning to Cusco

DAY 1
Cusco – Kilometer 104 (Chachabamba) – Wiñayhuayna – Puente Ruinas Campsite+

DAY 2
Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco+

DAY 3
Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Moray & Maras Salt Flats – Cusco+

3 Days Short Inca Trail & Moray Maras Salt Flats Includes:

  • Pre-departure safety briefing held the day before the tour
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco
  • All tourist transportation throughout the program, including private transfers to Ollantaytambo, Moray, and the Maras Salt Flats
  • Licensed professional tour guide
  • Expedition train to Km 104 (Inca Trail trailhead)
  • Return journey aboard the comfortable Tourist Expedition train
  • Inca Trail permit and entrance ticket to Machu Picchu – Circuit 1 (Day 1)
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu – Circuit 3 (Day 2)
  • 2 nights of camping accommodation at Puente Ruinas campsite
  • Fully equipped dining tent with tables and chairs
  • All meals during the trek: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunch, 2 dinner, snacks
  • High-quality sleeping tents
  • Comfortable Self-inflating Thermarest mattress
  • Safety equipment including first-aid kit, and oxygen supply

3 Days Inca Trail Doesnt Include: (Please, No hidden costs or surprises)

  • Breakfast – Day 1
  • Lunch – Day 3
  • Tips (optional)
  • Travel and health insurance.(bring copies with you please):Quechuas Expeditions highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance and emergency medical expense insurance.

RENTALS

  • Goose Down sleeping bag (Mummy style): US$30 for the entire trip
  • (Black Dimond) Walking Poles Rubber Tips Included: US$20 for the entire trip
  • Day Pack 20 – 30 liters (Rain cover included): US$15 for the entire trip

ADITIONAL INFO:

  • BRIEFING for all our treks is a Night before we do the trek at 6:30pm in our office, But if you want us to come to your Hotel let us know in advance.(You will get a chance to meet you guide and as well as to give you your duffel bags)
  • STORAGE Most Hotels have storage where you can leave the rest of your stuff while you hike to Machupicchu, But if they dont have a place you can leave your stuff in our storage with no extra cost. (Let us know at the time of briefing)

We need at least 02 of you and Leave any day you suit. All Departures 100% Guaranteed If You’re Booked, You are Going !!! To Confirm and Secure the Inca Trail Permits. Send us the filled out booking form as well as a deposit of 30% and you are ready to go…

3 Days Inca Trail to Machupicchu (Prices for 2026)

Availability (Based On Availability): Daily Departures All Departures are 100% Guaranteed. If You’re Booked, You are Going, We wont Cancel your Trip !!!

How to Book?: Send us all Your Personal information as well as a Deposit of 30% and the Final Balance will be paid once you are in Cusco.

Group Service: Price per person: US$680

(You will be joined into a formed group of people who come from different countries/Nationalities): From 04 Persons to 08 Persons (Maximum)

Private Service: Price per person: US$780

Recommended for Honeymooners, Families with children & Groups of Friends (02 Persons Minimum)

 

If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as GROUP SERVICE). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in cusco.

What you need to bring on Inca Trail:

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.

List of things you must bring:

  • Original Passport (and some copies) If you have changed your passport Bring a couple of copies of the one that you have used to purchase the inca trail permit.
  • Travel insurance  is essential (and some copies)
  • Airline tickets (and some copies)
  • US$ cash and Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
  • Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
  • Camera and Memory cards
  • Rechargeable batteries and adapters
  • Reading/writing material
  • Binoculars
  • Cover for backpacks
  • Pocketknife.
  • Fleece top
  • Windproof/waterproof jacket
  • Small towel and swim wear
  • Shirts/t-shirts
  • Sun hat
  • 2 pairs of shorts
  • 2 pairs of long trousers *zipp off
  • 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
  • Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes (with ankle protectors)
  • Knee-length socks (to be used with rubber boots, if provided at the jungle lodge)
  • Sport hiking sandals
  • Sun block
  • Sunglasses
  • Toiletries (biodegradable)
  • Watch or alarm clock
  • Water bottle
  • Purifying tablets or filter (Micropur recommeded)
  • Insect Repellent (for mosquitos)25 % of deet at least you can also by in cusco.
  • Flashlight (head light recommended)
  • Money belt
  • Sleeping silk liner (for sleeping bags)
  • Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof)
  • Rain poncho, plastic bags for your personal stuff to keep dry
  • Sleeping bag (it can be hired form us) we have goose down or syntetic sleeping bag
  • Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
  • Thermal underwear
  • Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

FAQS about the 3 days Inca Trail to Machupicchu

What about my luggage which I don’t need on the trek?

We suggest you to leave your entire luggage, which you don’t need during the trekking, behind in your hotel. Almost every hotel in Cusco has a safety deposit where you can store your luggage and do not charge for this service when you’ll return to the same hotel after your trek. But if they dont have a place we also have a place where you can leave with us. Let us know Please.

How much does the sleeping mat and sleeping bag weigh?

Sleep mat weight = 1 kg
Sleeping bag weight = 2 kg

What if I have a medical emergency while hiking the trail?

Guides carry a first aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts/ scrapes, etc.). They receive Red Cross First Aid and other emergency training every year. Our guides lead over 300 travelers along the Inca trail each year and we have rarely had a traveler unable to complete the hike. In these rare instances when someone has not felt well enough to finish the hike, he/ she has been escorted back to Cusco and generally felt well enough to re-join the group in Machu Picchu via train a few days later. Cusco has the nearest modern medical facilities so travelers with a serious medical emergency would need to be evacuated there. Guides and porters have pre-established evacuation strategies in place should this need occur.

What equipment is supplied by Quechuas Expeditions?

We supply the sleeping tents (4 season Aluminum poles tents, 2 people in each 3-people-capacity ten), dining tents, tables, chairs, toilet tents, cooking equipment, water purifiers, air Thermarest mattresses, and other camping equipment. Our outfitter purchases the highest quality equipment in Peru and older equipment is evaluated and replaced on a regular basis.

What do I need to carry?

We recommend that travelers carry the items that they will need each day while hiking such as water, snacks, camera and film. Porters will carry all of your other supplies including camping equipment, clothes, sleeping bags, etc. We generally ask travelers to bring only the belongings that they will need for the trail and leave any unneeded luggage at the hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. To prevent porters from becoming overloaded, we ask all travelers to limit their personal belongings to 12 lbs for the hike.
and if you have an extra porter he will carry all your personal stuff and depends on the pottering service you have requested
Full Porter(12kg) Half Porter(6kg) and Porter to carry Sleeping bag and Pad(4 kg)

What are the guides like?

Our Quechuas Expeditions Tours guides are among the very best and most experienced guides anywhere. They are from the surrounding Cusco/ Sacred Valley area and speak fluent English, in addition to Spanish and the native language of Quechua. Most have 5-10 years of experience leading Inca trail hikes and all have training in the history, spirituality, culture, and ecology of the area. We receive rave reviews on our guides. For more information, check out our Testimonials at: Our Testimonials Most of them are highly recommended by Lonely Planet, Trip Advisor.

What is the food like on the 3 days Inca Trail to Machupicchu?

A cook accompanies every group on the Inca trail. Almost invariably, travelers comment on the delicious menu. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and hearty snacks are provided for your hike. Meals are a mix of local specialties and international favorites. Check out our Inca Trail menu. Vegetarian meals are also available upon request. Other special dietary requests can usually be accommodated as well with sufficient notice. (You will never be hungry with us. there will be plenty of food)

How is drinking water supplied?

Although there are places to purchase bottled water occasionally along the trail, we recommend that travelers bring their own refillable bottles to limit plastic waste. Water is boiled, treated with iodine, and then filtered with one of our portable filters (Katadyn and PUR commonly used). It is available in the morning to fill your bottles and at every meal.

What about late cancellations?

Current regulations do not allow us to replace cancelled passengers with new passengers. Trek permits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

If I give you my deposit now, do you buy my permit immediately?
Not necessarily immediately, but we customarily purchase the permits within a few days of receiving your deposit.
and if you want us to act Asap (Send us Your deposit by Western Union wich is the fastest and safest way in Cusco, Peru and we can get the money in Minutes and Confirm the Trip in Minutes as well.)

Book now with us

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