Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Explore the Sacred Valley and Hike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Skip camping and enjoy a comfortable 3-day Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu experience, combining cultural exploration with a rewarding hike. Your journey begins in the Sacred Valley, where you acclimatize while visiting key Inca sites before starting the Short Inca Trail (KM 104), a scenic 12 km (7.5-mile) trek along the original Inca path to the impressive ruins of Wiñay Wayna. From there, continue to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu in the afternoon light. Complete the experience the next day with a guided tour of the citadel, exploring its temples, history, and incredible engineering.

Tour Overview: Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail | 3 Days, 2 Nights

Trip Length: 3 days and 2 nights
Destinations: Sacred Valley (Pisac and Ollantaytambo), Short Inca Trail from KM 104, and Machu Picchu.
Difficulty: 3/5 (Moderate). Suitable for travelers with basic fitness; includes a 12 km (7.5-mile) Inca Trail hike.
Maximum altitude: 2,972 meters (9,750 feet) in Pisac and 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) at Machu Picchu.
Transportation: private hotel pickup, touring vehicle for the Sacred Valley, and Expedition Train ride back to Cusco.

Meals provided:

• Day 1: Lunch in the Sacred Valley

• Day 2: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the trek

• Day 3: Breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes

Accommodation: 1 night in Ollantaytambo and 1 night in Aguas Calientes (3-star hotels). No camping required.

Perfect for: Travelers who want to experience the Short Inca Trail, enjoy cultural immersion, and travel in comfort.

Highlight Moment: Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) after hiking the original Inca Trail

2026 Booking Alert: Limited permits. Book 3 - 4 months in advance to secure Short Inca Trail access and Machu Picchu tickets.

Tour Highlights – Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail 

Sacred Valley Immersion: Explore the renowned agricultural terraces of Pisac and the historic Inca town of Ollantaytambo. These visits provide a meaningful introduction to the region’s culture.

Active Acclimatization Strategy: Begin your journey with a relaxed day in the Sacred Valley to help your body acclimate to the altitude before starting the Inca Trail.

Wiñay Wayna Ruins: Experience one of the trail’s most impressive archaeological sites, known as “Mini Machu Picchu,” featuring dramatic terraces and intricate stonework within the cloud forest.

The Sun Gate (Inti Punku): Arrive at Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate, as the Incas once did, and enjoy a unique afternoon panoramic view.

Boutique Hotel Comfort: Experience both adventure and comfort with an overnight stay in a quality hotel in Aguas Calientes, featuring hot showers and modern amenities.

Machu Picchu Guided Tour (Circuit 3-B): Return the following morning for a guided tour of the Royalty Sector, including the Temple of the Sun and the citadel’s most sacred areas.

Scenic Train Return: Relax on the Expedition Train as you travel through the Urubamba Canyon, enjoying panoramic views of the Andean landscape. An optional Vistadome upgrade is available.

Comfort & Safety | Your Well-Being Is Our Priority

At Qoricancha Expeditions, we combine expert logistics with comfort to ensure a safe, seamless experience. Our 3-day Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail is designed to support acclimatization and minimize physical stress.

Mountain Preparedness: Our experienced guides are trained in high-altitude safety and emergency response. Every trek includes medical-grade oxygen and pulse oximeters, ensuring a secure, well-monitored journey to the Sun Gate.

Boutique Hotel Recovery: Skip camping and enjoy real comfort. We select quality 3-star hotels in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, with private bathrooms, hot showers, and a restful environment to recharge.

High-Performance Nutrition: Fuel your journey with fresh, locally sourced Andean ingredients for endurance and recovery. All meals follow strict hygiene protocols and can be adapted to your dietary needs.

Scenic Rail Experience: Return in comfort aboard the Expedition Train through the Urubamba Canyon. Panoramic windows offer stunning views, with optional upgrades to the Vistadome for an enhanced experience.

Expert 2026 Logistics: We handle all permit regulations, Machu Picchu circuit assignments, and transport logistics. From hotel pickup to drop-off, every detail is handled to ensure a smooth, worry-free experience.

Why Book With Qoricancha Expeditions

• We are a Cusco-owned and operated company. Booking directly with us eliminates international intermediaries, ensures the best local prices, and supports families and mountain communities in the Peruvian Andes.

• Guaranteed 2026 Permit Security: Machu Picchu regulations are often complex. We secure your Short Inca Trail permits, Sun Gate (Inti Punku) access, and Machu Picchu Circuit 3-B tickets upon booking to ensure your entry.

• Small Group Experience: We prioritize quality over quantity. Our small groups provide personalized attention, a flexible hiking pace, and greater opportunities to enjoy the experience and capture memorable photos.

• Seamless Logistics & Comfort: We manage all logistics, from hotel pickup to your return by train. Our comprehensive planning ensures a smooth and stress-free experience throughout your trip.

• Expert Local Guides: Our senior licensed guides are experts in Inca history and Andean culture. Their expertise enriches your journey and provides meaningful insights.

• Travel with Purpose: Your trip creates a positive impact. A portion of each booking supports our Local Library Project, providing books and educational resources to children in remote Andean communities.

Qoricancha Expeditions 

Authentic | Trusted | Reliable | Safe | Community-Focussed | Smaller Groups

Day 1: Sacred Valley Tour: Alpaca Farm, Pisac, Ollantaytambo

Begin your Sacred Valley adventure with an 8:00 AM pick-up from your hotel for a day of discovery. Your first stop is a traditional Alpaca Farm, where you’ll meet llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas and learn about their importance in Andean life and textile traditions. Next, explore the Pisac Inca Ruins, famous for their vast agricultural terraces and views over the valley. Afterward, stroll through the lively Pisac Market, the perfect place to browse colorful handicrafts, jewelry, and local souvenirs.

Continue your journey to Urubamba, where you’ll enjoy an Andean lunch surrounded by stunning landscapes. In the afternoon, visit the Ollantaytambo Inca Site, a fortress and ceremonial center known for its massive stone terraces, intricate temples, and history as one of the last strongholds of the Incas.

You’ll spend the night in the historic town of Ollantaytambo, where cobblestone streets, old canals, and Inca foundations give the town a special feel that links the past with the present.

This tour blends history, culture, and natural beauty, giving travelers a memorable introduction to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

• Accommodation: Sol Natuare or similar
• Ticket: Included
• Meals: Lunch

Day 2: Hike Short Inca Trail: Wiñayhuayna - Sun Gate.

On Day 1 of the 2-Day Short Inca Trail, you’ll start with an early 5:45 am pick-up from your hotel in Ollantaytambo, then head to the train station for a scenic ride to Km 104, the trek’s starting point. At Km 104, the hike begins with a visit to Chachabamba, an important Inca archaeological site. Here, you’ll learn about the area’s history and significance as a ceremonial center. From there, the trail ascends through lush cloud forests and Andean landscapes, where you’ll be surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including diverse flora and fauna.

After a moderate climb of around 3hrs, you’ll arrive at Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive Inca ruins on the trail. Set at 2,650 meters (8,694 feet), Wiñay Wayna is known for its large agricultural terraces, Inca stone structures, and breathtaking views of the valley below. After exploring this remarkable site, you’ll enjoy a camping-style lunch at the Wiñayhuayna Campsite, freshly prepared by our chef. A hot meal is the perfect way to recover energy before continuing your hike.

From Wiñay Wayna, you’ll hike toward the Sun Gate, also known as Inti Punku. Here, you’ll get your first amazing view of Machu Picchu, with the citadel set among the mountains. It’s a moment you’ll always remember.

After enjoying the views, you’ll head down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll stay overnight. This town at the foot of Machu Picchu is a great place to relax and get ready for your guided visit to the ancient citadel the next day.

• Accommodation: Inti Punko Machu Picchu or similar
• Ticket: Included
• Meals: Lunch - Dinner

Day 3: Machu Picchu Guided Tour & Return to Cusco

Today is the highlight of your journey: a visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
You’ll start the day early, waking up around 5:00 am. Breakfast is ready from 5:30 am. Soon after, your guide will meet you at the hotel to walk to the bus station together. The bus ride to Machu Picchu takes about 30 minutes. At the entrance, have your original passport and entry ticket ready for inspection.

Your visit will begin with Circuit 3, the standard route for all Inca Trail hikers as required by current regulations. If you want to visit Circuit 2, which offers some of the most iconic panoramic views of Machu Picchu, you can add this for an extra $55 per person. In that case, you’ll first complete your guided walk on Circuit 3, then re-enter with your Circuit 2 ticket. Confirm this option with your travel advisor when booking.

The guided tour of Machu Picchu lasts about 2 hours, covering the most remarkable temples, terraces, and ceremonial spaces. If you have tickets to Huayna Picchu Mountain, which must be booked in advance at an additional cost, you’ll enjoy a memorable 2-hour round-trip hike with incredible views of the citadel from above. If you do not hike Huayna Picchu, you’ll conclude your guided visit with time to take in the beauty of the citadel and bid farewell to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu is divided into three circuits, each slightly different, and none cover the entire citadel. This system was introduced to preserve the site, so make sure you know which circuit is included in your ticket before booking.

In the afternoon, you’ll board the return train to Ollantaytambo, enjoying the scenic ride through the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you at the station and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 8:00 pm.

• Accommodation: None - book on your own
• Ticket: Included
• Meals: only breakfast at your hotel

Packing List for Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail | 3 Days / 2 Nights

Packing the right items is key to enjoying a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu. Here’s a complete packing list with recommendations to ensure you're fully prepared.

Original Passport: You must bring the same physical passport you used when booking. It’s required at all trail checkpoints and for entering Machu Picchu.

High-Quality Daypack (25L–30L): Make sure your daypack has a rain cover. You’ll use it to carry just your daily essentials, water, and some extra clothing.

Hiking Boots: Choose boots that are durable, waterproof, and already broken in. The trail has old Inca stone paths that get slippery when it rains.

Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are very helpful for the steep stone stairs at Wiñay Wayna. Be sure to use rubber tips.

Hydration: Bring a 2 to 3-liter CamelBak or reusable water bottles. Staying hydrated is especially important on Day 2 of the climb.

Moisture-Wicking Layers: Pack 2 or 3 non-cotton trekking shirts and a mid-weight fleece for chilly mornings.

Rain Gear: Bring a breathable rain jacket and a lightweight waterproof poncho. The weather in the cloud forest can change quickly.

Hiking Trousers: Take 1 or 2 pairs of comfortable, quick-drying trekking pants.

Sun Protection: Wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap and polarized sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong UV rays at high altitude.

Sun & Bug Shield: Use SPF 50+ sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and insect repellent. These are especially important around Machu Picchu.

Power Bank: Bring a power bank so your phone or camera stays charged for photos at the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu.

Personal Medical Kit: Pack blister treatment (like Moleskin), Ibuprofen, and any personal or altitude medicine you need.

Small Cash (Peruvian Soles): Carry some small cash (Peruvian soles) for snacks, restroom fees (about 2 soles), and tips for your guide.

What’s Included in the Sacred Valley + 2-Day Short Inca Trail Tour

Booking with Qoricancha Expeditions means a seamless and enriching experience. Here’s everything that’s included in your tour package:

Comprehensive Transportation: Private door-to-door transportation for all three days, including Cusco hotel pickups and transfers between the Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail trailhead.

Expert Expedition Guide: Professional English-speaking licensed guide specialized in Inca archaeology and high-altitude safety, oxygen and first-aid certified, for the entire journey.

2026 Official Permits & Entrance Fees: Includes 100% guaranteed Short Inca Trail permits (KM 104), Sun Gate (Inti Punku) entry, and Machu Picchu Circuit 3-B (Royalty Route).

Full Archaeological Access: All guided visits and Boleto Turístico entrance fees for the Sacred Valley, including Pisac ruins and Ollantaytambo fortress.

Scenic Rail Service: Confirmed Expedition Train tickets to the trailhead and for your scenic return. Optional Vistadome upgrades offer panoramic 360° views and onboard cultural experiences.

Boutique Accommodations: 2 nights in hand-picked 3-star hotels: 1 in Ollantaytambo for acclimatization and 1 in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).

Daily Meals & Nutrition: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches including a traditional Sacred Valley buffet, and 1 dinner. All dietary requirements are accommodated on request.

Shuttle & Safety Equipment: Round-trip bus transfers between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. High-altitude sections include medical-grade oxygen and pulse oximeters for safety.

Extra Porter Service (7 kg): You’ll receive a duffle bag and porter support for up to 7 kg of personal belongings, allowing you to hike light with just your daypack.

Not Included

Travel Insurance: Recommended for high-altitude trekking, with medical coverage and emergency evacuation.

Personal Gear: Trekking poles available for rent and personal hiking equipment.

Unguided Meals: some meals are not include accoring the itinerary

Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and support staff.

Optional Upgrades

Customize your journey with premium upgrades:

• Vistadome Train: $65 per person – panoramic windows and onboard snacks.

• Luxury Hiram Bingham Train: $520 per person – the ultimate luxury rail experience.

• Optional Peaks: Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain must be booked at least 4 months in advance. its $75 each ticket.

Sacred Valley + 2-Day Inca Trail Tour Pricing

Group Service

$745.00 USD per person
(Minimum 2 hikers)

Join a small group and enjoy a cost-effective way to experience the beauty and culture of the Sacred Valley and the Short Inca Trail. Perfect for travelers looking to share the adventure and meet fellow explorers.

Private Tour Experience

Upgrade your journey with a fully personalized private tour designed specifically for your group. Whether you’re interested in an active hike, a relaxing sightseeing experience, or both, we’ll tailor the itinerary to suit your group’s pace, interests, and fitness level.

Private Tour Pricing:

• 2–3 People: $1,160 per person
• 4–5 People: $1,050 per person
• 6–7 People: $980 per person
• 8+ People: $850 per person

Opt for a private tour with expert guides, flexible scheduling, and added comfort—perfect for families, couples, or friends seeking a deeper and more exclusive experience.

Contact Qoricancha Expeditions today to customize your unforgettable Sacred Valley + Inca Trail adventure!