7 Days Tour Machu Picchu & Short Inca Trail

¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Lima, Peru’s largest city and one of the country’s main cultural and metropolitan centers.

Lima has a fascinating history shaped by pre-Columbian cultures, the Inca Empire, the Spanish colonial period, and diverse cultural influences.

Its location along the Pacific Ocean and its mild desert climate make it an interesting city to explore.

After your arrival, you will have free time to relax or begin discovering the city.

Suggested activities:

• Explore Lima’s Historic Center and its Spanish colonial architecture.
• Visit Lima Cathedral in the Plaza Mayor.
• Visit Casa Aliaga, one of Lima’s historic colonial residences.
• Explore the Larco Museum and its collection of pre-Columbian art.
• Visit Miraflores and the famous Love Park overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
• Enjoy dinner or drinks at one of Miraflores’ cafés or restaurants.

Important: These activities are presented in the original itinerary as suggested activities and are not confirmed as included services.

Overnight: Lima.
Included meals: Not specified in the source itinerary.

Head to Lima Airport for your flight to Cusco.

Cusco was the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and remains one of Peru’s most important historical and cultural destinations.

Because of the altitude, take your first day at a relaxed pace and remember to stay hydrated.

After arriving in Cusco, enjoy free time to walk through the historic center and discover the city at your own pace.

Suggested activities:

• Visit Cusco Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas.
• Explore the archaeological complex of Puka Pukara.
• Visit the traditional neighborhood of San Blas.
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and sample Peruvian flavors.

Important: These activities are described as suggestions in the source itinerary and are not confirmed as included tours.

Overnight: Cusco.
Included meals: Not specified in the source itinerary.

Today you will depart from your hotel in Cusco for a visit to the Sacred Valley.

Your first stop will be Chinchero, a traditional Andean village known for its Inca terraces and textile traditions.

You will learn about traditional weaving techniques and the process used to clean, prepare, and dye wool before it is transformed into colorful textiles.

Continue toward Moray, a fascinating complex of circular stone terraces associated with Inca agricultural experimentation and different microclimates.

From Moray, continue toward the Maras Salt Flats, an extensive network of salt pools used for centuries to produce salt through evaporation.

These salt pools remain in use today and are maintained by local families.

After visiting Maras, continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the most remarkable historic towns in the Sacred Valley.

You will spend the night in Ollantaytambo and may explore its cobblestone streets, archaeological remains, and Inca stonework.

Overnight: Ollantaytambo.
Included meals: Not specified in the source itinerary.

Early in the morning, you will take the train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104, where the Short Inca Trail begins.

During the train journey, the Sacred Valley gradually narrows into a canyon and the scenery begins to change as the cloud forest appears.

After disembarking at Km 104, you will begin the hike along an uphill trail.

Your first archaeological site will be Chachabamba, a well-preserved Inca complex located near the beginning of the trail.

From Chachabamba, continue ascending for approximately three hours toward Wiñay Wayna, located at approximately 2,732 meters / 8,964 feet above sea level.

Here you will stop to enjoy a boxed lunch surrounded by green mountains and native vegetation.

After Wiñay Wayna, the trail becomes gentler and continues through the cloud forest toward Intipunku – the Sun Gate.

From Intipunku, you will enjoy your first panoramic views of Machu Picchu.

You will then descend for approximately 30 minutes toward the archaeological complex.

According to the itinerary, the complete guided archaeological visit is scheduled for the following day.

After crossing the site, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will check into your hotel and rest.

Maximum altitude: 2,732 m / 8,964 ft
Minimum altitude: 2,088 m / 6,850 ft
Distance: 10.79 km / 6.67 miles to Intipunku
Approximate walking time: 7 hours

Overnight: Aguas Calientes.
Meal mentioned in the itinerary: Boxed lunch.

Begin the day early for your visit to Machu Picchu.

From Aguas Calientes, the bus journey to the entrance of Machu Picchu takes approximately 25 minutes.

Machu Picchu is located at approximately 2,430 meters / 7,970 feet above sea level.

During your visit, your guide will lead you through the archaeological complex and explain its history, architecture, buildings, terraces, and important sectors.

After the tour, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes.

You will have time for lunch before heading to the train station.

Board the train to Ollantaytambo.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, meet your driver for your transfer back to Cusco.

Overnight: Cusco.
Included meals: Not specified in the source itinerary.

Your day begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.

According to the itinerary, the drive to the starting point of the trek takes approximately 3.5 hours.

Upon arrival at the trailhead, you will enjoy breakfast before beginning the hike.

The itinerary describes the hike as starting from Chillca at approximately 3,700 meters / 12,139 feet.

From here, the program describes an approximately 4-hour uphill hike toward Rainbow Mountain.

Along the route, you will enjoy views of the Andes, glacial peaks, red mountains, rocky hills, and llamas and alpacas grazing in the valley.

Once you reach Rainbow Mountain, you will have time to enjoy the scenery and surrounding valleys.

The itinerary also describes views toward Ausangate and the Cordillera Vilcanota.

After taking in the views, descend toward the vehicle and begin the drive back to Cusco.

Overnight: Cusco.
Meal mentioned in the itinerary: Breakfast.

Today is your final day in Peru.

You will be met at your hotel for a transfer to Cusco Airport.

From Cusco, you will take your flight to Lima and then continue with your international departure.

Alternatively, you may choose to extend your stay in Peru.

Accommodation: None.
Included meals: Not specified in the source itinerary.