Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the Short Inca Trail and Sacred Valley – 4 Days
day 1
DAY 1: CUSCO
Your adventure begins in the ancient Inca Empire.
Fresh mountain air, ancestral architecture and lively streets welcome you to Cusco, a city where history and Andean culture are present in every corner.
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Welcome at Cusco airport
Transfer · Airport → hotel in Cusco
On arrival, our staff will meet you and accompany you to your hotel, where you can settle in, rest and receive your first instructions for the next days of your experience with Sakura Expedition.
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Acclimatization and Cusco at your own pace
Free day · Cusco
This day is dedicated to acclimatization. If you feel energetic, you can stroll through the historic center, visit the traditional San Pedro Market, see the famous Twelve-Angled Stone and walk around the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by churches, colonial balconies and cafés. You can also visit local craft shops or enjoy a cup of muña tea overlooking the city.
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Optional experiences in Cusco
In the afternoon, at an additional cost · Cusco
If you wish, you can add one of these half-afternoon experiences: Cusco City Tour + Hands of the Community (Sacsayhuamán, Qoricancha, llamas, alpacas and vicuñas, and the art of Andean weaving), City walk + San Pedro Market or a Cusco food experience with Andean ingredients and contemporary Peruvian cuisine. See their rates under Additional services (Prices tab).
Day details
- Altitude: 3,350 m / 10,991 ft (Cusco)
- Activity: Light, to help you acclimatize
What is this day like? check our photos
day 2
DAY 2: TARAY VIEWPOINT - PISAC - URUBAMBA - OLLANTAYTAMBO
From the Andes to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
A day to discover the landscapes, history and traditions of the Sacred Valley before starting the Inca Trail.
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Pick-up in Cusco and Taray viewpoint
By tourist transport, 8:30 a.m. · Cusco → Taray
Our guide will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco. The first stop is the Taray viewpoint, with panoramic views of the valley.
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Pisac: market and archaeological park
Guided visit · Taray → Pisac
In Pisac we explore its craft market and its impressive archaeological park, famous for its agricultural terraces and Inca buildings.
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Buffet lunch in Urubamba
By tourist transport · Pisac → Urubamba
We continue to Urubamba, where we enjoy a buffet lunch with local flavors.
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Ollantaytambo, the living Inca town
Guided visit · Urubamba → Ollantaytambo
In the afternoon we discover Ollantaytambo, with its cobbled streets, ancient canals and an extraordinary archaeological complex, highlighted by its terraces and the Temple of the Sun. Afterwards we check into the hotel, and you will have the afternoon free to explore the town and rest before the Inca Trail.
Day details
- Duration: 8 hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Altitude: minimum 2,792 m / 9,160 ft · maximum 3,350 m / 10,991 ft
- Meals: Buffet lunch
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo
What is this day like? check our photos
day 3
DAY 3: OLLANTAYTAMBO - CHACHABAMBA (KM. 104) - WIÑAYWAYNA - INTIPUNKU - AGUAS CALIENTES
An adventure you will always remember.
Today we walk the Short Inca Trail to the Sun Gate and our first view of Machu Picchu.
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Train to Km 104 and Chachabamba archaeological site
By tourist train, with your guide · Ollantaytambo → Chachabamba (Km 104)
Your guide will pick you up in Ollantaytambo to go to the station and take the train to Chachabamba (Km 104), the start of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. After the checkpoint, where we show our permit, we walk a few meters to the first rest stop and visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba.
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Ascent to Wiñaywayna
On foot, approx. 3 hours · Chachabamba → Wiñaywayna
We climb to Wiñaywayna, “Forever Young”, famous for its Inca planning in the middle of the cloud forest: beautiful terraces, Inca water channels perfectly designed, religious centers and an impressive view of the Vilcanota River. This is where the 2-Day and 4-Day Inca Trails meet, and the most important site for those arriving on the 4-Day Classic Inca Trail.
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Lunch and the Sun Gate
Box lunch and hike · Wiñaywayna → Intipunku
After lunch and a rest, we continue to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, where you get the long-awaited first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Here we take a few minutes to catch our breath and admire the Inca buildings in all their splendor.
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Classic view from the Guardhouse
On foot, approx. 30 minutes · Intipunku → upper terrace of Machu Picchu
We reach the upper terrace, near the Guardhouse, to take the classic photo and a panoramic view where each sector of Machu Picchu can be clearly seen.
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Night in Aguas Calientes
By bus · Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes
At the end of the hike, we take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we enjoy dinner and spend the night.
Day details
- Hiking time: approx. 6 hours
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Weather: Warm and humid
- Altitude: minimum 2,000 m / 6,562 ft (Aguas Calientes) · maximum 2,719 m / 8,921 ft (Intipunku)
- Meals: Andean box lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
What is this day like? check our photos
day 4
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
An experience to enjoy at an easy pace.
Today we calmly explore one of the most impressive wonders of the world: Machu Picchu.
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Breakfast in Aguas Calientes
At the hotel · Aguas Calientes
After a night of rest, we start the day with breakfast to recharge.
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Up to the citadel
By bus · Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu
We take the bus up to the Machu Picchu citadel.
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Machu Picchu Highlight
Guided visit on foot, approx. 2 to 3 hours · Circuit 3B
We begin the guided visit with our professional guide. Traveling in a small group, we enjoy the tour calmly, pausing to listen to the explanations, discover the main sectors and take photos without rushing. Your guide stays with you throughout the visit, sharing the history, architecture and meaning of this extraordinary place.
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Free time at Machu Picchu
At your own pace, approx. 1 hour · Machu Picchu
After the guided tour, you will have time to enjoy Machu Picchu at your own pace, take in the scenery and take photos.
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Down to Aguas Calientes and free lunch
By bus · Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes
We return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch on your own.
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Return to Cusco
By tourist train and private transport · Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo → Cusco
We board the tourist train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusco.
Day details
- Hiking time: 2 hours visiting with the group + 1 hour exploring on your own
- Distance: Variable, depending on the areas you explore
- Difficulty: Easy
- Weather: Warm and humid
- Altitude: minimum 2,000 m / 6,562 ft (Aguas Calientes) · maximum 2,400 m / 7,874 ft (Machu Picchu)
- Meals: Breakfast
The Sacred Valley and the magic of the Inca Trail in a short and comfortable version, ideal if there is no availability for the 4-Day Classic Inca Trail: the essence of the trek to Machu Picchu in less time.
Includes
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco
- Pick-up at Cusco airport.
- Personalized assistance one day before: A member of our team will contact you to give you all the information you need and help you prepare your trip.
Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Upgraded small group: Shared, up to 16 travelers.
- Partial Sacred Valley entrance ticket.
- 1 buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley: With fresh products from the valley.
- 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo: Upgraded double or matrimonial room.
Days 3 and 4: 2-Day Short Inca Trail
- Small group of 2 to 6 travelers: For a more personalized experience.
- Professional guide in Spanish and English, licensed for the Inca Trail: Will accompany you from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, assisting and guiding you throughout the tour.
- 2-Day Inca Trail entry permit.
- Machu Picchu ticket: Circuit 3B.
- 1 night in Aguas Calientes: Hatun Inti 3-star hotel or similar.
- 1 Andean box lunch: With vegetarian and vegan options.
- 1 dinner: At Mapacho restaurant or similar, with vegetarian and vegan options.
- 1 breakfast: On day 4, in Aguas Calientes, before going up to Machu Picchu.
- Water refill: To start the hike well hydrated.
- Duffel bag up to 8 kg: Travel light: we carry your luggage to Aguas Calientes. Request it up to 2 days in advance.
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen tank.
Transportation (days 3 and 4)
- Private transport: From your hotel in Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
- Tourist train: Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba (Km 104).
- Bus on day 3: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes, after the hike.
- Bus on day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes, for the guided visit.
- Tourist train: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Private transport on return: From Ollantaytambo station to your hotel in Cusco.
Not include
Flights and meals
- Domestic flights.
- Day 1: Meals.
- Day 2: Breakfast and dinner.
- Day 4: Lunch.
Optional
- Optional experiences in Cusco and additional services: See rates under Additional services (Prices tab).
- Tips: Optional.
- Travel insurance (recommended): For greater peace of mind, we recommend insurance covering flight cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruptions, loss of tourist services due to delays, as well as medical assistance and personal protection throughout your adventure.
Unforeseen events
- Additional costs due to causes beyond the agency’s control: adverse weather, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes or other similar circumstances.
Prices Short Inca Trail and Sacred Valley – 4 Days
Rates per person
Availability 2027: This tour departs every day of the year except February (Inca Trail closure), with advance booking and a minimum of 2 participants.
Traveling solo? The tour is confirmed with a minimum of 2 people. Message us to check availability for your date.
Requirements for the student discount
Accepted
- Physical university ID card (PVC card)
- Valid during the year of travel
- Showing full name, photo, university and expiration date
Not accepted
- ISIC cards
- Digital certificates
- Screenshots
Send a copy when you book.
Payment
Option 1
Full payment at booking
Pay the total when you make your booking.
Option 2
Deposit of US$ 200 per person
Secure your spot; the balance is paid no later than the day before the tour.
Additional services
- Cusco City Tour + Hands of the Community (half afternoon) – US$ 110 per person, minimum 2 people: History, living culture and tradition: Sacsayhuamán and Qoricancha, llamas, alpacas and vicuñas, and the art of Andean weaving, from natural fiber to traditional textiles.
- City walk + San Pedro Market (half afternoon) – US$ 110 per person, minimum 2 people: Walk the historic streets of Cusco and visit San Pedro Market, with its Andean products, aromas and flavors.
- Cusco food experience (half afternoon) – US$ 95 per person, minimum 2 people: The flavors of contemporary Peru: Andean ingredients, local products and traditional techniques reinterpreted by modern cuisine.
- Huayna Picchu entrance – US$ 70 per person: Add one of the most exclusive hikes at Machu Picchu, with panoramic views from the famous Huayna Picchu Mountain. Spaces are very limited; we recommend booking at least 5 months in advance.
- Private guide for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain – US$ 75 per group: An expert guide who will enrich your experience with exclusive information and personalized attention.
- Vistadome train upgrade (return) – US$ 45 per person: A panoramic train with large side and roof windows to enjoy the Andean scenery. Includes an on-board snack and an alpaca fashion show.
- Vistadome Observatory train upgrade (return) – US$ 66 per person: The most exclusive train, with large panoramic windows, on-board snack, alpaca fashion show, open-air observatory car and live music.
- Upgraded hotel in Aguas Calientes: Rest better in a 4- or 5-star hotel, more comfortable and exclusive.
- Trekking poles – US$ 15 per pair: Good support during the hike, especially on stairs and uneven ground.
- One night in the Sacred Valley: Helps you acclimatize better before the Inca Trail.
Packaging list
- Documents and money: Valid passport, Andean Migration Card (TAM) and extra money (preferably in soles).
- Clothing and footwear: Waterproof hiking boots or shoes, light shoes or sandals, hiking pants and socks, liner socks, long-sleeved shirts, a jacket, a thermal jacket, a poncho, shorts, a hat that protects your face and neck, a neck scarf or buff, 1 extra change of clothes and a swimsuit if you want to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
- Protection and health: SPF 70+ sunscreen, insect repellent, UV-protection sunglasses and personal medication.
- Personal hygiene: Towel, toothpaste, soap and deodorant.
- Gear: Medium hiking backpack (15 to 25 liters), trekking poles, flashlight, water bottle or camelback (optional: purification tablets) and a camera with charger and power bank (optional).
- Snacks: Energy bars, electrolytes, nuts, energy gels, etc.
Recomendations
- Acclimatization in Cusco: On the first day, keep physical activity light, stay well hydrated and rest to adapt better to the altitude.
- Travel times: We recommend arriving in Cusco before 10:00 a.m. on the first day and scheduling your departure from 6:00 p.m. on the last day.
F.A.Qs
How far in advance should I book?
The sooner, the better. The government limits Inca Trail access to 200 hikers per day, not counting support staff and porters, and permits usually sell out months in advance. Ideally, book about 8 months ahead and, in high season (April to October), at least 6 months ahead.
What is the booking process?
1. Availability check: Contact us via WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 or at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check availability on the Inca Trail, at Machu Picchu and at the hotels.
2. Traveler details: To process the permits, we need each traveler’s full name, gender, passport number, date of birth and nationality, exactly as they appear on the passport. Your passport must be valid for more than 6 months, as the immigration office is strict.
3. Deposit: Secure your spot with a deposit of US$ 200 per person (or pay in full); the balance is paid no later than the day before the tour.
4. Confirmation: Once the permits are secured, you will receive your booking confirmation.
What payment methods do you accept?
- Bank deposit: transaction fees are paid by the client; we credit the amount that reaches our accounts.
- Credit card: a 5% fee is added to the total, charged by our providers.
- PayPal: a 7% fee is added to the total, charged by PayPal.
Can I cancel and get my deposit back?
No. The Inca Trail requires buying permits, tickets and train tickets in advance, so the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Before making any changes, check the cancellation conditions and deadlines with your sales executive.
When are the departures?
We have departures every day of the year except February, when the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance. The tour is confirmed with a minimum of 2 participants.
What is the best time to travel?
You can do this trip all year round, but the best months are April to October, the dry season, when the days are usually sunnier. November to March is the rainy season, although a single day can combine sun, clouds and rain. Machu Picchu lies in the cloud forest, with a warm, humid climate, so bring clothes for both cold and warm weather.
How long is the trip, and what time should I arrive?
The trip lasts 4 days and 3 nights. We recommend arriving in Cusco before 10:00 a.m. on the first day and scheduling your return flight from 6:00 p.m. on the last day.
What kind of service is it?
It is a small-group service. The Sacred Valley visit is done in a shared group of up to 16 travelers, and the Short Inca Trail in a group of 2 to 6 travelers, so you can enjoy each place and the guide’s explanations more.
How difficult is it?
Its difficulty is moderate. The most demanding day is the third: about 12 km and around 6 hours of hiking on the Short Inca Trail, up to 2,719 m (8,921 ft) at Intipunku. On day 4, the Machu Picchu visit is easy.
Do I need to acclimatize before the trip?
The first day of the itinerary is dedicated to acclimatizing in Cusco, at 3,350 m (10,991 ft). We recommend keeping activity light, staying well hydrated and resting. If you are coming from another high-altitude area of Peru, you will adapt more easily.
Can children and older adults take part?
We recommend the hike for children aged 8 and over who are used to walking and outdoor activities. There is no maximum age for adults; what matters is being able to walk for several hours. We advise a medical check-up beforehand and travel insurance covering hiking and medical emergencies.
Where do we stay?
On the second night you will stay at a 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo, in an upgraded double or matrimonial room, and on the third night in Aguas Calientes, at the Hatun Inti 3-star hotel or similar. For more comfort, you can upgrade your Aguas Calientes hotel to a 4- or 5-star one.
Which meals are included?
The tour includes the buffet lunch on day 2 in the Sacred Valley, the Andean box lunch and dinner on day 3, and breakfast on day 4 in Aguas Calientes. The box lunch and dinner have vegetarian and vegan options. Meals on day 1, breakfast and dinner on day 2, and lunch on day 4 are not included.
What do I do with my luggage during the hike?
You can leave your main luggage free of charge at our office or at your hotel in Cusco. For the hike, we give you a duffel bag of up to 8 kg that we send to Aguas Calientes, so you only hike with a light backpack. Request it up to 2 days in advance.
How long is the Machu Picchu visit?
The guided visit lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours on Circuit 3B. Afterwards, you will have about 1 hour of free time to explore the citadel at your own pace and take photos.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, as an additional service. The Huayna Picchu ticket costs US$ 70 per person and spaces are very limited, so we recommend booking it at least 5 months in advance. You can also add a private guide for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for US$ 75 per group.
Is there a discount for Peruvian or Andean Community (CAN) citizens?
No. Peruvian and Andean Community citizens do not get a discount on the Inca Trail or the Machu Picchu ticket.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
It is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. Good insurance covers you for unforeseen events such as flight cancellations or delays, lost luggage, illness, strikes or natural disasters.
What if there are no Inca Trail permits on my date?
We will offer you other dates or alternative treks to Machu Picchu, such as Salkantay or Lares, which are just as spectacular and less crowded.
Is tipping customary?
Yes, tipping is part of the tradition of hikes to Machu Picchu. It is always appreciated, but it is not mandatory and should never feel like an obligation.
Do you have more questions?
Contact us via WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 or at info@sakuraexpedition.com. We will gladly help you plan your trip.
