Explore Inca Trail Peru Tours, Hike to Machu Picchu and Discover Peru's Natural Wonders. Our expertly designed itinerary takes you through the Sacred Valley, the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the peaceful Humantay Lagoon, and the stunning Rainbow Mountain.
Your journey begins in the Sacred Valley, where ancient history meets breathtaking natural beauty. The Short Inca Trail is a rewarding trek that leads you directly to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. As you explore this ancient Incan city, you’ll be amazed by the impressive stone structures and the fascinating history behind them.
Next, visit the serene Humantay Lagoon, a peaceful destination surrounded by towering peaks. The stunning turquoise waters provide the perfect place to relax and reflect on your journey before moving on to the next adventure.
Finally, witness the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain. Known for its striking multicolored slopes, Rainbow Mountain is one of the most visually stunning natural wonders in the world. Its unique geological formations and bright hues make it a must-see for anyone exploring the beauty of Peru.
Qoricancha Expeditions offers the best Inca Trail tours, blending history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a first-time traveler, our tours provide an unforgettable experience. Discover the magic of Peru with us.
Experience the stunning Rainbow Mountain, known for its brilliant multi-colored slopes and unique geographic formations. This awe-inspiring site is among Peru's most visually beautiful aspects of nature and should be on the itinerary for any visitor to the Andes.
At Qoricancha Expeditions, we offer the best 5-day 4-night Inca Trail tours mixing history, culture, and exceptional landscapes in one great trip. Our guides are experts at making each moment on your journey through Peru safe, relevant, and inspiring for all walking levels, from seasoned hikers to first-time walkers. Go ahead, come discover the magic of the Andes with Qoricancha Expeditions, where adventure meets excellence.

Day 01: Sacred Valley Tour – Discover Inca Heritage and Culture
Your Inca Trail Peru Tour begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 8:00 am. You will enjoy the scenic ride through the Sacred Valley of the Incas while gazing at the stunning mountains and verdant landscapes. Your Qoricancha Expeditions guide will make a few stops along the way so you can enjoy the stunning Andes scenery and take pictures, a perfect introduction to your Classic Inca Trail Trek Peru experience.
One of the highlights of the day is a visit to an Alpaca farm, where you will get to see llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos up close. Your tour guide will explain the difference with the Andean animals, explain the significance of those animals in Incan culture and provide insights into the traditional weaving from skilled local artisans – the opportunity to experience and witness living history in Peru.
As your Inca Trail Peru Tour continues, you will visit the Pisac Inca archaeological site, which is one of the largest and most important archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with a primary focus on agriculture and ceremonial purpose. Pisac is comprised of unique sectors such as urban, religious and farming grounds.
After discovering Pisac, you'll head to the town's famous local market, a colorful melting pot filled with Andean villagers exchanging goods and artisans exhibiting handmade textiles and crafts. This is your chance to pick up some honest souvenirs and experience traditional Andean life up close.
You will then enjoy lunch in Urubamba at a fantastic restaurant nestled in the mountains before continuing to the Ollantaytambo Inca site, often referred to as “the last living Inca city.” Ollantaytambo is famous for its prestigious terraces, as well as the sacred rock formations symbolizing the god Wiracocha. Your knowledgeable guide will be able to explain how the city was constructed and what it meant in the scope of Inca history.
To close out your day, you'll check into your hotel in the quaint town of Ollantaytambo and have time to off and explore on your own. This satisfying first day of the 5 Day Trek to Machu Picchu highlights history, culture, and nature just as its meant to be - the perfect way to begin your 5 Days 4 Nights Inca Trail journey with Qoricancha Expeditions!
Accomodation: Sol Natura or similar.
Tickets: Included
Meals: Only Lunch.
Day 02: Hike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – A Journey Through Ancient Paths
The adventure starts at 5:45 AM when we pick you up from your hotel in Ollantaytambo. After a short walk to the train station we board the train to km 104, which is the start point for your Short Inca Trail. Here at the checkpoint you are required to show your original passport and request it to be stamped for you, which marks the start of your Inca Trail Peru tour.
Once ready, you will start the hike by going to Chacabamba Inca site located at the very start of the trail. Here your guide will give you a captivating tour with a history of the site. You will then make your way up an uphill climb which is gradual for about 3.5 hours, where you will stop at points of interest to see the spectacular views, savour some snacks, and enjoy your natural surroundings. You will walk amongst a cloud forest while you may have the chance to see different exotic flora, particularly orchids; and you may see the humming birds flutter in front of you in the air.
After you arrive at the next stop on your Inca Trail Peru tour Wiñay Wayna, which is an impressive Inca ruin that everyone describes as a “mini Machu Picchu”. Here you will tour the site with a guide which will allow you to learn it's significance, here you can also have free time to explore this amazing archaeological site.
Later, you will enjoy a tasty lunch before continuing your hike. With about an hour hiking you will arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), this is a special viewpoint the only hikers on the Inca Trail can access to get a stunning view of Machu Picchu. You should arrive around 2:00 PM to get some great views of the citadel in the afternoon light with potential views of the sunset over the ancient ruins.
After the Sun Gate, the trail descends for one hour until you arrive at the citadel of Machu Picchu. Your path will take you to upper part of the citadel to get a variety of panoramic views of the iconic Machu Picchu ruins. You will have ample amount of time to take pictures, walk around the site, and take in the wonderful scenery.
Finally, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to check in to your hotel. After a shower, you will sit down for a much needed dinner at a local restaurant and cap off your memorable day on the Short Inca Trail Peru.
Accomodation: Tierra Viva Machu Picchu or similar
Tickets: Included
Meals: breakfast – lunch and dinner
Day 03: Machu picchu and back to Cusco.
Today marks the day you've been hoping for all along, the day of your Inca Trail Peru tour! After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. When you arrive, your guide will take you to the highest point of the site where things are determined to be worth it, to see the sunrise (depending on the season) and snap some beautiful photos of Machu Picchu in the morning light.
Take your time to drink in every minute of the magnificent view of the New Wonder of the World. After taking in the incredible beauty, your guide will commence a full walking tour around Machu Picchu, seeing the key sectors and palaces in this incredible Inca Citadel. The guide will take your group on approximately a 2.5-hour walking tour, engaging with history and providing lengthier explanations about the incredible details of the site and its storied past.
When you finish the tour, if you have a Huayna Picchu ticket, you will have the opportunity to hike this renowned mountain. The Huayna Picchu trek is a challenging yet rewarding climb that lasts roughly two hours. The views from the top and the perspectives over Machu Picchu will be unmatched. Huayna Picchu tickets must be booked in advance, and each ticket costs $75.
If you do not have a Huayna Picchu ticket, you will say goodbye to the Lost City of the Incas and take a bus down to Aguas Calientes. In Aguas Calientes, you will enjoy one last lunch with the group (lunch not included).
After lunch, you will take a train back to Ollantaytambo, where a driver will be waiting for you to take you back to Cusco and the hotel. The anticipated arrival time in Cusco is around 8:00 pm and your adventure on the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu will come to an end.
Accomodation: Tierra Viva Hotel or similar
Tickets: Include
Meals: Only breakfast at hotel.
Day 04: Humantay Lake Hike – Best Salkantay Trek Views in One Day.
Embark on the Humantay Lake Day Hike from Cusco, one of the most beautiful experiences in Peru! An all-day excursion through the Andes awaits, featuring jaw-dropping scenery and turquoise glacial waters.
Your local tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 AM to kick-off your unforgettable Humantay Lake tour. After a scenic drive of roughly 2 hours, you will arrive in Mollepata, a charming Andean village, where breakfast is served, and the adventure continues. After breakfast, it’s time to get back on the road for about 1 hour, along a scenic mountain road, until you reach Soraypampa (3,850 m / 12,631 ft) - the jump-off point of your Salkantay trek to Humantay Lake!
At that altitude, the air can be chilly, so make sure to pack warm layers, gloves, and a hat. While the weather is typically sunny between May and October, it is wise to wear sunscreen and a proper hat to shield you from the sun at that altitude.
The journey to the Humantay Lake begins with a 2-hour vertical ascent through the stunning Andean landscapes. Although the last part is steep, the views of the Salkantay glacier, the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region, are truly amazing. Once we arrive at Humantay Lagoon, the turquoise color of its glacial waters reflecting the snow-capped peaks surrounding the lagoon will amaze you, truly one of the best hikes in Peru.
Please take some time to get comfortable, moment and enjoy some incredible photos of this wonderful site. Once we feel satisfied with our time at Humantay Lagoon we will descend approximately 1.5 hours back down to Soraypampa where our transportation will meet us.
We will stop again in Mollepata for a local lunch before heading back to Cusco. We will arrive back in Cusco by approximately 6:00 PM, the end of a busy day of adventure on this unforgettable Humantay Lake and Salkantay trek tour beautiful experience for any nature & hiking lovers visiting Peru.
Accomodation: Tierra Viva Hotels.
Ticket: Included
Meals: breakfast and lunch
Day 05: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley 1 Day Hike – Best Day Hike in Cusco.
Prepare for a memorable journey to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley. Your local guide will collect you from your accommodation in Cusco at 4:00 AM, and we will continue our 3-hour ride to the start of the trek. On the way, you will have breakfast to eat before you hike.
When we get to the trailhead, at 4,350 meters (14,271 ft) above sea level, we will be ready for the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley 1-day hike. Because of the high altitude, it will be cold and dry, so please bring warm layers, gloves, and a hat.
The hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) will be about 4 kilometers (2.5 hours) of steady incline, while the group enjoys sweeping views of the entire Andes mountain range. At the top of Rainbow Mountain, we will be at 5,150 meters (16,896 ft), and you will have plenty of time to enjoy the stunning views and take amazing photos of the brightly colored Rainbow Mountain, which is undoubtedly a major highlight of any day trip from Cusco.
The journey proceeds to the Red Valley which can found just beyond Rainbow Mountain. From a higher vantage point, experience breathtaking views of this stunning red landscape which is one of the strangest geological formations in the Peruvian Andes. The contrasting colors and tranquility of the valley create a memorable time as a part of this hike.
After discovering Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley, we will head back down the same trail to meet our driver for a short 50-minute car ride to a local restaurant to enjoy a wonderful, traditional lunch before making the return trip to Cusco by 5:30 PM.
This Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley full day tour is a great hiking experience and a must-do for all nature lovers, photographers and adventurers wanting to see two of the most colorful landscapes in the Andes.
Accomodation: Tierra Viva Hotelsor similar
Ticket: Included
Meals: B – L.
Inca Trail Machu Picchu packing list
Original Passport
You will need your passport to enter Machu Picchu, as well as to hike any Inca Trail Peru tours. Your passport will be checked in several locations along the route, so it’s a good idea to keep it stored in a waterproof pouch. And of course, your passport will get stamped with an official Machu Picchu stamp while you are visiting, which would make for a great keepsake from your trip!.
Small Day Pack (25–30L)
Bring a small day pack that will be lightweight and comfortable to carry your personal items, snacks, and water bottle, as well as a camera. An ideal size would be a backpack that is 25–30 liters in volume for the Inca Trail or the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu backpacks, while keeping your hands free when trekking through the Andes.
Insect Repellent
The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are located very close to the jungle, where mosquitoes are present. Be sure to travel with a good insect repellent, especially when hiking in areas that are more lush and at lower elevation like the Short Inca Trail or Humantay Lake trail.
Hat and Sunscreen for the Sun
At this altitude, and with the Andean sun, you can always be exposed to intense sunlight even on cloudy days. A good hat with a brim will keep your face and neck protected from the sun, and high-SPF sunscreen will prevent sunburns at altitude. Sun protection is important regardless of what you are doing, but when you are hiking the Sacred Valley, the Rainbow Mountain, or the bus to the Salkantay trek, it is imperative.
Rain Gear
Peru's rainy season is roughly from November to April and can bring frequent rain during that time. Bring along your poncho or rain jacket to stay dry during your trek. It does not matter if you are hiking the Classic Inca Trail, the Short Inca Trail Peru, or to Humantay Lake; rain protection is important to keep you comfortable.
Camera
Document each incredible moment on your Inca Trail Peru adventure, from the ancient stone paths, to the stunning mountain views, to the intense colors of Rainbow Mountain and the vividly blue crystal waters of Humantay Lake. It is best to bring a few extra batteries and memory cards so you don’t miss a shot while trekking Machu Picchu.
Water
It is very important to stay hydrated while trekking at altitude. Carry enough water or enough for a refillable bottle with a filter so you can stay hydrated throughout hikes, from the Short Inca Trail to Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley or other excursions in the Sacred Valley. Hydration helps to prevent altitude sickness and allows you to keep your performance level throughout the day.
Snacks
Bring light, energy-boosting snacks like nuts, trail mix, granola bars, or fruit to boost your energy on long treks like the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or a full-day hike to Rainbow Mountain. Local coca candies may also help as you adapt to the altitude while touring the Peruvian Andes and surrounding climate.
Trekking Apparel:
Select breathable, moisture-wicking trekking apparel designed for habits lasting multiple days. The Andes can bring abrupt shifts in temperature so layering is key!! Quick dry shirts, convertible pants, and a cozy fleece or down jacket are ideal for the Inca Trail, Humantay Lake hike and the Salkantay trek.
Hiking Footwear
A good pair of hiking shoes/boots is essential for comfort and safety. Trails in the Inca Trail Peru, Humantay Lake, and Rainbow Mountain trek areas can be steep and rocky so opt for shoes that have a good grip and ankle support! Wear and break them in before your travelling location so you will not develop blisters during your Machu Picchu trek!
Inclusions for Your Inca Trail Peru Adventure and Machu Picchu Tour
Pre-Trek Briefing (6:00 PM)
Prepare for your adventure with a detailed briefing the evening before your departure on your Inca Trail Peru to Machu Picchu adventure. Your guide will provide explanations of the full itinerary, packing suggestions, safety information, and answer any last-minute questions so you are fully prepared for your adventure.
Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
Experience a trip of a lifetime with a professional English speaking guide who possesses extensive knowledge of Inca history, Andean culture, and the natural wonders of Peru. Your guide will lead you during your Sacred Valley tour, the Short Inca Trail, and your planned day at Machu Picchu, while providing fascinating details about the history and culture of your sites to help make each and every site that much more special!
Sacred Valley Entry Fees
All entrance fees to Archaeological sites throughout the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and many other beautiful highlights of the Sacred Valley are included in your package. You can focus entirely on enjoying all the beauty and history that this unique part of our world offers!
Round Trip Train (Expedition Tourist Class)
Travel in comfort on the Expedition Tourist Train and enjoy wonderful views of the Urubamba River along with magnificent views of the Sacred Valley. Your ticket includes a round trip between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes which makes for a nice, smooth, picturesque, and enjoyable ride!
Accommodation in 3 Stars Hotels
Enjoy a comfortable stay at our carefully selected 3-star hotels in Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Aguas Calientes equipped with modern amenities and a daily breakfast included. Our accommodations are set up for you to relax and certainly regain strength and comfort before and after your treks.
Meals Included
Enjoy delicious Peruvian cuisine for lunch on Day 1, and lunch and dinner on Day 2 of the program. You will also receive breakfast with hotel accommodations to fuel your body and spirits before hiking in the Andes.
Round-trip Bus to Machu Picchu
Your bus tickets to and from Machu Picchu are included to facilitate easy access to the iconic Inca citadel and to allow for more time at this Wonder of the World.
Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Entry Tickets
All permits and entrance tickets to the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu have been taken care of for you, so you can enjoy a stress-free structure from start to finish.
Fully Guided Experience
Your guided tour covers every piece of your adventure from visiting the archaeological treasures of your Sacred Valley trip to hiking the Inca Trail Peru through to your time at Machu Picchu so you can experience the culture and natural wonders of Peru.
Taxes & Service Fees
All local taxes and site fees are included in your tour cost so there are no surprises on your excursion.
Oxygen Tank & First Aid Kit
Your safety is our priority. An oxygen tank and first aid kit are on hand at all times during the trek for peace of mind during the high-altitude portions of your hiking experience in Peru.
EXCLUDED
❌ Hotel: Before and After the Tour.
❌ Meals. some meals are not includes according the itinerary.
❌ Gratuities: Optional gratuities for your guide and driver, appreciated but not mandatory.
❌ Travel Insurance: Recommended but not required for added peace of mind during your adventure.
UPGRADE ONES. you may upgrade the following:
❌ Huayna Picchu: $75 per ticket. Hike after your Machu Picchu tour (must be booked in advance).
❌ Vistadome Panoramic Train: $65 one-way or $120 round trip for stunning panoramic views.
❌ Hotel Upgrade: Upgrade from a 3-star hotel to a 4-star or luxury 5-star hotel for extra comfort.
Adults, Group service
$ 850.00 USD
per person (Min. 2 people)
Why Travel with Qoricancha Expeditions?
Expertise and Excellence
Qoricancha Expeditions is renowned for its commitment to excellence in guiding and customer service. With their experienced team, you’re in the hands of professionals who will ensure a memorable and hassle-free experience.
Cultural Immersion
Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Peru. Qoricancha Expeditions provides expert guides who will share their deep knowledge of the region, offering insights into the ancient Inca civilization and local traditions.
Small Group Advantage
Smaller tour group sizes allow for a more intimate experience, increased interaction with guides, and the opportunity to form connections with fellow travelers.
Memories for a Lifetime
Traveling with Qoricancha Expeditions guarantees not only an unforgettable adventure but also memories that will stay with you forever. It’s a journey that promises to leave you with a profound appreciation for the wonders of Peru.

