Explore Inca Trail Peru Tours 5D/4N

The adventure begins early 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, the starting point of your Short Inca Trail. At this checkpoint, you’ll need to show your original passport and get it stamped if you wish, marking the beginning of your Inca Trail Peru tour.

Once ready, you’ll begin your hike with a visit to the Chacabamba Inca site, located at the trailhead. Here, your guide will provide a fascinating historical tour of the site. The journey continues with a gradual uphill climb lasting about 3.5 hours, where you will stop at scenic points to capture breathtaking views, enjoy some snacks, and take in the natural surroundings. As you walk through a cloud forest, you’ll have the opportunity to spot exotic flora, particularly orchids, and observe hummingbirds fluttering in the air.

The next stop on your Inca Trail Peru tour is the impressive Wiñay Wayna, a spectacular Inca site often described as a “small Machu Picchu.” Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour to learn about its significance and have some free time to explore this amazing archaeological site.

Afterward, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before resuming your hike. With about an hour left, you’ll ascend to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), an exclusive vantage point for Inca Trail hikers, offering a spectacular view of Machu Picchu. Arriving around 2:00 PM, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the citadel, especially in the afternoon light, and possibly witness the sunset over the ancient ruins.

From the Sun Gate, the trail descends gradually for another hour until you reach the Machu Picchu citadel. The trail leads you to the upper part of the site, providing some of the best panoramic views of the iconic Machu Picchu ruins. You’ll have plenty of time to explore, take photos, and soak in the incredible scenery.

Finally, you’ll take a bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you’ll check into your hotel. After a refreshing shower, enjoy a well-deserved dinner at a local restaurant to conclude your unforgettable day on the Short Inca Trail Peru.

Accomodation: Tierra Viva Machu Picchu *** or similar
Tickets: Included
Meals: breakfast – lunch and dinner

Today is the most anticipated day of your Inca Trail Peru tour! After an early breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, your guide will take you to the highest point of the site, where you’ll have the chance to witness the sunrise (season-dependent) and capture breathtaking photos of Machu Picchu in its early morning splendor.

Take your time to absorb the awe-inspiring beauty of the New Wonder of the World. Your guide will then lead you on a comprehensive walking tour of Machu Picchu, exploring the most significant sectors and palaces within this incredible Inca citadel. This guided tour typically lasts about 2.5 hours, providing historical insights and in-depth details about the site’s fascinating past.

After the tour, if you’ve secured a Huayna Picchu ticket, you’ll have the option to hike this famous mountain. The Huayna Picchu trek is a challenging yet rewarding ascent that takes approximately 2 hours. The hike offers unparalleled views and a unique perspective of Machu Picchu from above. Please note that Huayna Picchu tickets must be booked in advance and cost $75 each.

If you do not have a Huayna Picchu ticket, you’ll say farewell to the Lost City of the Incas and take a bus down to Aguas Calientes. Here, you’ll enjoy a final lunch with the group (lunch not included).

In the afternoon, you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will be waiting to take you back to Cusco and your hotel. The estimated arrival time in Cusco is around 8:00 pm, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

Accomodation: Tierra Viva Hotel or similar
Tickets: Include
Meals: Only breakfast at hotel.

Prepare for an exhilarating full-day adventure! Your guide will pick you up from your hotel promptly at 4:00 AM to begin the journey. After a scenic 2-hour drive, we’ll arrive in Mollepata, a charming local village, where we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast. From there, we continue on a 1-hour drive along a dusty road to Soraypampa, located at an elevation of 3,850 meters. Due to the high altitude, the air can be chilly, so be sure to layer up with warm clothing, gloves, and a hat.

From May to October, the weather is typically sunny, so don’t forget a good sunhat and sunscreen. Once we’re all set, we begin our Humantay Lake hike, a 2-hour ascent leading us through stunning landscapes. The final stretch is steeper, but the best Salkantay trek views that await make every step worth it. Humantay Lake is nestled among towering mountains and is adorned with gleaming glaciers, including the Salkantay glacier, the second-highest peak in the Cusco region.

Upon reaching the lake, you’ll be mesmerized by its beauty. The tranquil surroundings are perfect for soaking in the serenity of this incredible natural wonder. After fully immersing ourselves in the magic of Humantay Lake, we retrace our steps back down the trail, a hike that takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Once we return to Soraypampa, we’ll board our transportation for the journey back to Mollepata, where a delicious lunch awaits. After lunch, we will embark on the 2-hour drive back to Cusco, where you can expect to arrive around 6:00 PM, concluding this unforgettable day filled with stunning landscapes and awe-inspiring experiences.

Accomodation: Tierra Viva Hotels.
Ticket: Included
Meals: breakfast and lunch

Get ready for an unforgettable day! Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 AM, and we’ll begin our 3-hour drive to the trailhead. Along the way, we’ll stop for a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the journey ahead.

Once we reach the trailhead, situated at an elevation of 4,350 meters, it’s time to prepare for the Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley 1 day hike. The region is known for its cold and dry climate due to the high altitude, so be sure to dress warmly and get ready for the adventure. The trek is approximately 4 kilometers long, lasting about 2.5 hours, as we ascend to the summit of Rainbow Mountain (also known as Winikunqa), which stands at a staggering 5,150 meters above sea level.

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll have plenty of time to absorb the stunning views of Rainbow Mountain, capturing memorable photographs of its vibrant, multicolored slopes. The striking hues of Rainbow Mountain are a sight to behold, making this one of the best day hikes in Cusco.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. We’ll continue our hike to explore the Red Valley, located on the backside of Rainbow Mountain. From a higher vantage point, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of this unique all-red valley, offering another breathtaking and photogenic landscape.

After relishing the wonders of both Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley, we’ll retrace our steps along the same path, returning to where our driver awaits. We’ll then enjoy a scenic 50-minute drive to a local restaurant, where you’ll indulge in a delicious and well-deserved lunch. Following the meal, we’ll head back to Cusco, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel. Expect to return to Cusco by approximately 5:30 PM, concluding this extraordinary adventure filled with stunning natural landscapes and unforgettable experiences.

Accomodation: Tierra Viva Hotelsor similar
Ticket: Included
Meals: B – L.