One day trip Sacred Valley
The trip is Sacred Valley, the daily trip is wonderful, the guide Grobert and the driver are nice. We enjoyed the full trip.
Inca Trail Trekking, Sacred Valley Discovery & Rainbow Mountain 7 Days
- Duration 7 Days
- Type Group or private
- Group Size Up to 8 people
- Languages English, Spanish
From $997.00 / Person
Overview
This 7-day adventure package takes you through the very best of the Cusco region of Peru: the Inca capital, the Sacred Valley, the legendary Inca Trail, and Rainbow Mountain, with the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu as its crowning moment. After arriving in Cusco, you will travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a landscape filled with remarkable ancient sites and lively market towns. Then set out on the world-famous 4-day Inca Trail, crossing spectacular Andean mountains, passing snowcapped summits and hidden Inca ruins, and winding through cloud forests bursting with colorful wildflowers. Reach the Sun Gate and make your way down to Machu Picchu for an in-depth guided tour of the citadel. On your final day, head south of Cusco to hike to the extraordinary natural wonder of Rainbow Mountain before returning to the city.
7-Day Machu Picchu Package Highlights
- The Sacred Valley: Explore remarkable Inca sites such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo, famous for their impressive terraces and well-preserved ruins.
- The Classic Inca Trail: Walk the legendary 4-day route to Machu Picchu through stunning Andean scenery and fascinating archaeological sites.
- Sunrise at Machu Picchu: Watch the first light of day spread over Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- Optional upgrade to the panoramic Vistadome train for your return journey.
- Rainbow Mountain: Hike to the striking, multicolored slopes of Vinicunca, one of Peru’s most famous natural wonders.
- Authentic Cultural Encounters: Meet local communities and discover traditional Andean customs and crafts.
- Book with Confidence: 100% Guaranteed Departures
Trip Details
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco
Airport Welcome & Time to Acclimatize
When you land in Cusco, a member of our team will be waiting to welcome you and take you to your hotel. After a short briefing about your trip, the rest of the morning is yours to rest and let your body adjust to the altitude.
Free Afternoon in the Inca Capital
In the afternoon, explore Cusco at your own pace and discover how Inca stonework and Spanish colonial architecture blend together in the former capital of the Inca Empire. In the evening, enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere and try some local dishes at one of its many traditional Peruvian restaurants.
- 3-Star Accommodation: Maytaq Wasin or Waman Qorikancha
- 4-Star Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection, or Novotel
- Our Tip: Take a stroll around the Plaza de Armas and visit the colorful San Pedro Market.
Day 2: Cusco • Pisac • Moray • Maras Salt Mines • Ollantaytambo
Taray Viewpoint & the Pisac Ruins
At 7:30 AM, your guide meets you at your Cusco hotel and we head out in our private van toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop is the Taray Viewpoint, with sweeping views over the Urubamba Valley and its farming villages, where agricultural life has changed remarkably little in five centuries. We then continue to the archaeological site of Pisac, home to an impressive Inca cemetery with over 2,000 tombs.
Over about 2 hours, you will admire the skillfully built farming terraces that climb up the mountainside, walk through an Inca tunnel, and visit the ceremonial sector of this important citadel. Afterward, we spend around 20 minutes at the colorful Pisac market before driving on to Urubamba for lunch.
Moray & the Maras Salt Mines
Next, we visit Moray, often called the “Greenhouse of the Incas.” This remarkable site is made up of circular terraces built into a deep natural bowl, with each level enjoying its own microclimate depending on its depth. Archaeologists believe the Incas used it as an agricultural laboratory to find the best growing conditions for their crops and to experiment with new varieties.
We continue to the colonial town of Maras and look out over the Salineras, the pre-Inca salt mines. Thousands of small salt pools have been handed down from generation to generation and have been worked since before the time of the Incas. A spring high in the valley releases a trickle of extremely salty water, which is channeled into the pools and left to evaporate, leaving the salt behind. It is one of the few places on Earth where you can find naturally pink salt.
Ollantaytambo: A Living Inca Town
The day ends in Ollantaytambo, a village whose Inca layout has survived intact to this day. Your guide leads you through its massive ruins and up the steep terraces to the Sun Temple, explaining the key role this fortress played in the early years of the Spanish conquest. You spend the night at a hotel in Ollantaytambo, ready to begin the Inca Trail the next morning.
- 3-Star Accommodation: Andenes del Inca Hotel, Ollantaytambo
- Please Note: There are no 4-star hotels in Ollantaytambo.
Day 3: Ollantaytambo • Km 82 • Wayllabamba • Ayapata
The Classic Inca Trail Begins
Today, the adventure of a lifetime begins: the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Our private van collects you from your hotel at 6:00 AM and takes you to Piskacucho, better known as Kilometer 82, the official starting point of the trail. We arrive around 8:30 AM, leaving time to use the restrooms, put on sunscreen and insect repellent, and get organized. At the first checkpoint, have your entrance permit, passport, and (if you booked at a student rate) your student card ready.
A Gentle Warm-Up Through the Valley
From the trailhead (2,720 m / 8,923 ft), we cross the Vilcanota River and follow its course to the right. The first day is fairly easy, a warm-up along mostly flat Inca paths. Along the way, you will enjoy great views of the Huillca Raccay fortress, the vast Inca complex of Llactapata (officially named Patallacta), the Urubamba mountain range that separates the Andes from the jungle, and the snowy summit of Wakay Willca, also known as Veronica (5,860 m / 19,226 ft).
First Night at Ayapata
After passing the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000 m / 9,842 ft), set in a mild, green valley of the same name, a further hour and a half of walking brings us to our first campsite at Ayapata. Throughout the day, you will be surrounded by lush scenery, snowcapped peaks, and a wide variety of plants and wildlife. Night temperatures here are usually around 5°C (41°F), depending on the month.
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Hiking Time: About 6 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite at Ayapata
Day 4: Ayapata • Dead Woman’s Pass • Pacaymayu • Chaquicocha
The Climb to Dead Woman’s Pass
After a wake-up call between 5:00 and 5:30 AM and a hot breakfast, we begin the steep climb to the highest point of the trail, Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft). On the way up, look out for hummingbirds and many other bird species, as well as native plants and the twisted Polylepis (Q’euña) trees of the cloud forest around 3,650 m (11,975 ft). Reaching the summit is a truly rewarding moment.
Lunch at Pacaymayu & the Runkuraqay Pass
After a well-earned break at the top, we descend to Pacaymayu (3,550 m / 11,646 ft) for lunch. In the afternoon, a second steep climb of about two hours takes us to the Runkuraqay Pass, at nearly 4,000 m (13,123 ft). We reach camp at Chaquicocha by around 5:00 PM, where night temperatures fall to about 4°C (39°F).
- Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
- Hiking Time: About 9 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite at Chaquicocha
Day 5: Chaquicocha • Phuyupatamarca • Intipata • Wiñay Wayna
Phuyupatamarca, the Town in the Clouds
Many trekkers consider this the most beautiful day on the trail, so keep it in mind as motivation during yesterday’s climbs. After breakfast at 6:00 AM, a gentle ascent brings us to the third pass, the third-highest point of the Inca Trail (3,680 m / 12,073 ft), with breathtaking views of mountains and deep canyons. Just a few minutes beyond lies the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, whose name means “Town in the Clouds.”
The Inca Steps Down to Intipata & Wiñay Wayna
From there, we descend around 3,000 stone steps through the cloud forest to the impressive farming terraces of Intipata. After exploring the site, we continue to our final campsite at Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m / 8,792 ft), arriving in time for lunch after only 4 to 5 hours of walking. Nights here are milder, at around 12°C (54°F).
Just a short walk from camp lies the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna, meaning “Forever Young.” Even if your legs are tired, do not miss it: many consider it the most stunning ruin on the entire Inca Trail.
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Hiking Time: About 5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite at Wiñay Wayna with hot showers
Day 6: Wiñay Wayna • Sun Gate • Machu Picchu • Cusco
Sunrise at the Sun Gate
We wake at around 4:00 AM and have breakfast before the last stretch of the Inca Trail. By about 6:00 AM, we reach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, where Machu Picchu appears below in all its splendor, much as it did for the Inca travelers who walked this same path centuries ago. From there, a 40-minute downhill walk brings us to the citadel (2,430 m / 7,972 ft), which we enter from above through the Guardhouse, the perfect spot for the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu. We then continue to the checkpoint to register and leave our bags.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Your guide leads a complete 2-hour tour of the citadel along Circuit 3, sharing its history and explaining how Machu Picchu was organized into three sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious. Afterward, those who reserved the optional Huayna Picchu climb in advance will have free time to make the ascent on their own.
Train Ride & Return to Cusco
When you are ready, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train time, you may have a chance to shop, visit the local museum, or relax in the hot springs. The Expedition Train departs at 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM and follows the Urubamba River, which near Aguas Calientes rushes through a narrow canyon full of whitewater. Look up at the steep canyon wall and you may even spot Wiñay Wayna. At Ollantaytambo station, your driver will be waiting to take you back to your Cusco hotel in our private vehicle, arriving at around 7:00 PM.
- Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- 3-Star Accommodation: Maytaq Wasin or Waman Qorikancha
- 4-Star Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection, or Novotel
Important to Know:
- Inca Trail trekkers visit Machu Picchu on Circuit 3. Visiting a different circuit requires buying an additional Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD, with departures at 2:55 PM, 3:20 PM, 4:22 PM, or 4:43 PM.
- Earlier train departures are possible on request, but must be arranged when you book.
Day 7: Cusco • Rainbow Mountain • Cusco
Drive Through the South Valley
Your final adventure begins with a 4:00 AM hotel pickup. A 3-hour drive through Cusco’s South Valley, past Inca farming terraces, traditional villages, and high Andean peaks, brings you to the trailhead at Llacto (4,638 m / 15,216 ft).
Hike to Rainbow Mountain
After breakfast surrounded by grazing alpacas and llamas, we hike alongside a pretty stream with views of the glaciers of Mount Ausangate. Along the way, you will meet local families who keep their Quechua traditions alive, and you can learn about their traditional clothing and the meaning of the different hats worn by the men. Ask your guide to teach you a few words of Quechua.
After about 1.5 hours, you reach the summit of Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,470 ft). Spend around 30 minutes at the top taking photos and soaking up the unique colors. Afterward, you can take an optional detour to the top of the Red Valley, which adds about 45 minutes to the return.
Lunch & Return to Cusco
We walk back down the same trail in about 1 hour and enjoy a freshly cooked lunch prepared by our chef. A 3-hour drive then takes you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving at around 5:00 PM.
- Hiking Time: About 2.5 hours (3.25 hours with the Red Valley)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Meals Included: Hot Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
What Does the 7-Day Inca Trail Package Include?
- Airport Welcome: Reception at Cusco airport and transfer to your hotel on Day 1.
- Sacred Valley Tour: Full-day guided tour of Pisac, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo in a private van.
- Rainbow Mountain Day Trip: Hotel pickup, round-trip transport, guide, hot breakfast, and lunch.
- Hotels (if selected): Accommodation in the 3-star or 4-star category of your choice, as listed in the itinerary.
- Inca Trail Transport: Hotel pickup and private transport to Piskacucho (Km 82), the start of the trail.
- Permits & Tickets: Inca Trail entrance permit, Machu Picchu entrance ticket, and guided tour of the citadel.
- Machu Picchu Bus: Bus ticket from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes.
- Return Journey: Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport to your Cusco hotel.
- Professional Guide: English-speaking guide with extensive experience in the Andes.
- Trek Crew: Chef and porters who carry the tents, food, and cooking equipment.
- Personal Porter: An extra porter carries up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your belongings in a duffel bag we provide, so you only need a daypack.
- Camping Equipment: Roomy 4-person tents shared by just 2 trekkers, foam sleeping pads, camping pillows, dining and kitchen tents, tables, and chairs.
- Meals & Water: Meals as listed in the itinerary (vegetarian options on request), plus boiled drinking water to refill your bottles at every meal.
- Comfort Extras: Hot water for washing and rain covers for your daypack.
- Safety Equipment: First-aid kit with an emergency oxygen tank.
What Is Not Included?
- Huayna Picchu Climb: $75 USD.
- Sleeping Bag Rental: $20 USD.
- Air Mattress Rental: $20 USD.
- Trekking Poles: $15 USD per pair for the whole trek.
- Snacks: Personal energy snacks such as chocolate bars or dried fruit.
- Final Lunch: Lunch in Aguas Calientes after visiting Machu Picchu.
- Vistadome Train Upgrade: $67 USD per person to return on the Vistadome instead of the Expedition Train.
- Tips: Optional gratuities for your guide, chef, and porters. Our crew is paid fairly as soon as each trek ends, but tips are always warmly appreciated.
Please note: The Huayna Picchu climb is unguided and is usually done on your own after the Machu Picchu tour. If you would like a guide to accompany you, please let us know in advance, as this service has an additional cost.
Price
7-Day Inca Trail Package Prices
This 7-day package runs on any date you prefer, with a minimum of 2 travelers. All prices include the personal porter who carries up to 7 kg of your belongings on the Inca Trail, plus the duffel bag we provide.
| Package Option | Price per Person (USD) |
| Without Hotels | $997 USD |
| With 3-Star Hotels | $1,297 USD |
| With 4-Star Hotels | $1,397 USD |
Discounts
- Under 18: $30 USD off. Please send a copy of the passport when you book.
- Under 12: $40 USD off. Please send a copy of the passport when you book.
- Groups of 5 or More: $30 USD off per person, as long as everyone books together.
Optional Extras
| Extra | Price (USD) |
| Sleeping Bag | $20 |
| Air Mattress | $20 |
| Trekking Poles (whole trek) | $15 |
| Single Tent | $30 |
| Extra Night in Aguas Calientes | From $60 |
| Huayna Picchu Mountain | $75 |
| Vistadome Train | $67 |
The Huayna Picchu climb takes place inside the Machu Picchu sanctuary and does not include a guide. Most travelers do it on their own after the citadel tour. A guide can join you for an additional fee if requested in advance.
Why Us
Why Book Your Inca Trail Package with Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu?
If you want to truly enjoy trekking in Peru, and especially in the Cusco region, you are in the right place. We specialize in designing original routes to Machu Picchu that you will not find with most other operators, including a wide range of Inca Trail options from 1 to 7 days. For you, that means more choice, more rewarding adventures, personal attention, and small groups that average 4 to 6 trekkers and never exceed 8.
Our approach is simple: fair prices, excellent service, and the best possible trekking experience. All you need to do is take in the incredible scenery and feel the magic of Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Andes. We carry your gear, cook your meals, pitch your tents away from the crowded campsites, and take care of every detail so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey.
Every tour is run by our own team, and we never hand you over to another company. All departures are 100% guaranteed: once you have booked and paid your deposit, your trip is confirmed.
Small Groups
To give every traveler more personal attention, our groups are limited to a maximum of 8 people. This alone sets us apart from the many companies that run much larger groups.
Expert Guides
We are very proud of our guides. They are true professionals who speak fluent English and are passionate about Inca history and heritage. They keep learning and researching so that what they share reflects accurate, well-established knowledge of Inca and Andean culture. They are also great company: friendly, fun, and well educated, with university degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Our Amazing Porters
Every trek is fully supported by porters, so your comfort always comes first. While you connect with local people, explore incredible sites, and discover remote Inca towns, our porters carry the gear, prepare meals, and set up camp away from the busiest spots.
We provide every porter, free of charge, with a jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, duffel bag, water bottle, back-support belt, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and travel insurance. Our porters come from remote highland communities, and working with us helps them improve their family income and support their children’s education. We treat every one of them like family.
Quality Equipment
- Tents: 4-season Eureka Timberline tents designed for 4 people but shared by only 2, with plenty of space for you and your duffel bags, plus a front vestibule to keep boots and poles outside.
- Sleeping Pads: Foam mats insulate you from the cold ground, and air mattresses can be rented for $20 USD.
- Dining & Kitchen Tents: The dining tent is our meeting place at mealtimes, perfect for relaxing and chatting with the group. It has tables and chairs and doors on both sides that can be opened or closed depending on the weather.
- Duffel Bags: Handed out at the briefing the evening before the trek.
- Extras: Pillows, backpack rain covers, a trek t-shirt to take home, and a private biochemical toilet.
Giving Back to Local Communities
We firmly believe in giving back to the communities we pass through on our treks. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we hire staff from these villages and support social projects that benefit them. We are proud to work closely with our highland team members and their families, helping strengthen their communities from the ground up.
Packing List
What to Pack for the 7-Day Inca Trail Package
Essentials
- Original Passport: It must be the same passport you used to book.
- Valid Student Card: Only if you booked at a student rate.
- Daypack: The smaller, the better (30L to 40L is ideal).
- Water Bottles: 2 to 3 liters of capacity in reusable bottles (please avoid disposable plastic).
- Hiking Boots: Comfortable boots with good ankle support.
- Sleeping Bag: You can rent one from us.
- Headlamp: Essential.
- Toilet Paper
- Good Rain Gear
Your Duffel Bag (Max 7 kg / 15 lbs)
We hand out a duffel bag at your briefing, and your personal porter carries it on the trail. Peruvian law limits each duffel to 7 kg (15 lbs) to protect the health of porters and pack animals, and every bag is weighed before the trek. Anything over the limit must go in your daypack. Remember that your sleeping bag (about 2 kg) and sleeping pad (about 1 kg) count toward the limit, leaving roughly 4 kg for personal items.
- 2 t-shirts
- At least 2 pairs of hiking pants
- 4 changes of underwear
- 3 pairs of hiking socks
- 2 fleeces or thermal layers
- Warm clothing and a down jacket (the second campsite drops to around 3°C / 37°F)
- Waterproof gloves (ski gloves work well)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quick-dry towel (we provide small ones, but you may prefer a larger one)
- Small bottle of soap (warm washing water is provided daily)
- Power bank (there is no electricity on the trail)
- Large plastic bags to waterproof your things (ask for them at our office)
- Sleeping bag rated to at least -15°C / 5°F (available to rent for $20 USD)
Toiletries
- Moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medication
- Personal first-aid kit
Your Daypack
We recommend a small 30L to 40L backpack for daytime hiking, as large backpacks are not permitted inside Machu Picchu. Everything else stays in your duffel bag, which you will find waiting at camp.
- Water (bring your own until the first lunch stop; after that, we refill your bottles)
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp
- Wool hat and gloves
- Rain jacket and plastic poncho
- Fleece
- Snacks such as chocolate, cereal bars, or dried fruit
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and a small bag for your trash
- Cash for souvenirs, drinks, and tips
Important Info
When and where is the pre-trek briefing?
The briefing takes place at 6:00 PM the evening before the Inca Trail begins, at our office in Cusco (Calle Garcilaso 265, Office 201).
Can I leave my luggage at your office?
Of course. While you are on the Inca Trail, your main luggage can stay at our office or at your hotel, whichever is easier for you. Just pack what you need for the 4 days on the trail.
How do I book the 7-Day Inca Trail Package?
Step 1: Fill out our booking form by clicking BOOK NOW. We cannot buy your Inca Trail permit without the following details for every traveler in your group:
- Full name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
- Gender
- Passport number
- Date of birth (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
- A copy of each traveler’s passport
Step 2: Pay a deposit of $316 USD per person so we can purchase your Inca Trail permit. You can pay by VISA or PayPal directly on our booking page.
How do I pay the remaining balance?
You can pay in cash in Cusco or online. To avoid Peru’s high card fees, pay in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office in Cusco; there are plenty of ATMs in the historic center. You can also pay online by VISA or PayPal, which adds a 5.5% service fee charged by those platforms.
Who qualifies for the student discount?
Travelers under 18 on the date of the trek, and university students with a valid card. Under Peruvian law, age is counted on the day you visit Machu Picchu, not the day you book. For example, if you book at 17 but turn 18 before the trek, you will need a valid university card to get the discount.
- University students: Send a copy of your student card showing your photo, university name, and expiry date. The card must be valid for the current academic year.
- Ages 11 to 17: $30 USD discount.
- Ages 2 to 11: $40 USD discount.
- Under 2: Free.
To receive any student discount, please send us a copy of the passport when you book.
Can I change my date after the permits are purchased?
Unfortunately, no. Once your Inca Trail permits have been bought, the Peruvian government does not allow any changes. Permits cannot be transferred or refunded, and if you cancel your trip, the deposit is non-refundable.
Do I need my original passport on the trip?
Yes. You must bring your original passport, and it has to be the same one you used to book your Inca Trail permit. Park rangers check it every day on the trail and at the Machu Picchu entrance, and the train company checks it before boarding. If you are renewing your passport, book with your old one to secure the permit and send us a copy of the new one as soon as you have it so we can update your details.
What is the weather like on the Inca Trail?
Very changeable. Mountain weather is hard to predict, and as the trail passes through many different microclimates, conditions vary from place to place. Dress in layers and always keep good rain gear in your daypack.
How can I avoid altitude sickness?
Stay active before your trip and give yourself time to acclimatize. People who exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley first usually adapt better. The best remedies are plenty of water, coca tea, and oxygen if needed. Our guides are trained to recognize and treat altitude sickness. This package already includes two days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley before the trek, and you can also add a Cusco City Tour while you acclimatize.
How many people are in each group?
A maximum of 8. Most of our groups have between 2 and 6 people. We specialize in small and private groups, so you always receive personal attention.
How many cooks and porters support the group?
Each group has 1 cook, and the number of porters depends on the group size:
- 2 trekkers: 4 porters
- 4 trekkers: 6 porters
- 6 trekkers: 9 porters
- 8 trekkers: 12 porters
How do the duffel bag and daypack work?
Your porter carries a 7 kg (15 lbs) duffel bag, and you carry a small daypack. We give you the duffel the evening before the trek. By Peruvian law, it cannot weigh more than 7 kg, a limit that protects the health of porters and animals, and all bags are weighed. Your sleeping bag (about 2 kg) and sleeping pad (about 1 kg) are included in that weight, leaving around 4 kg for your own things. Anything extra must go in your daypack.
Keep in mind that porters always walk ahead of the group, so you will not be able to reach your duffel until you arrive at camp each evening. Your daypack should hold everything you need during the day, such as a warm jacket, rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, and water. A 30L to 40L backpack is usually enough.
How difficult is the Inca Trail, and how fit do I need to be?
The Inca Trail is fairly demanding and requires a moderate level of fitness. The route covers 42 km (26 miles) through the Andes, reaching a high point of 4,215 m (13,829 ft) at Dead Woman’s Pass. On the second trekking day, you climb over two high passes. To prepare, try walking around 15 km in a day or train at the gym in the months before your trip. Good acclimatization is just as important, so plan to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350 m / 11,047 ft) before starting the trail.
Are there toilets on the Inca Trail?
Yes, we bring our own private toilet. Our travelers really appreciate this: a clean camping toilet with a proper seat, set up inside its own tent at a comfortable distance from the campsite. At night, it is always close by and hygienic, unlike the public facilities along the trail.
What happens if I cannot finish the trail?
Our team will help you get to safety. If a health problem prevents you from continuing, we will help you reach the nearest town and arrange transport. We always carry oxygen for breathing difficulties. In serious emergencies, a helicopter evacuation can be arranged at your own cost, so travel insurance is required. No refunds are given if you cannot complete the trail.
Trekkers who leave the trail are usually taken to Ollantaytambo. If they recover quickly, they can continue to Aguas Calientes (at their own expense) and still visit Machu Picchu as planned.
Will you take us back to our hotel?
Absolutely. Hotel drop-off is included at the end of every trek and tour. If you are staying in the Sacred Valley, for example in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will take you there instead.
What time does the return train leave?
Usually at 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM, depending on availability. We choose these times to give you as long as possible at Machu Picchu while still letting you enjoy the views from the train on the way back.
How much does the Vistadome upgrade cost?
$67 USD per person. The Vistadome offers more comfortable seats, panoramic side and ceiling windows, snacks, and a live dance show on board. It runs from Aguas Calientes to Poroy station, where our driver picks you up for the 25-minute ride to Cusco. Please request the upgrade in advance.
Should I tip the crew?
Tipping is optional, but it means a lot to the team. Even if it is not common in your country, tips are an important part of the tourism industry in Peru and reward the people who look after you on the trail. How much you give is entirely up to you and should reflect the quality of the service and the length of your trip.
Is Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu a sustainable operator?
Yes. We are a local, responsible tourism operator committed to two key principles: protecting the environment and benefiting local communities while respecting their culture and beliefs. All our staff are trained to understand and respect the places we visit and the people who live there.
What You'll Experience on the Trail
From the terraces of Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, every step brings you closer to the lost city of the Incas.
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Stop 01 / 03Wiñay Wayna
Its agricultural terraces cover half the mountainside, making it a trail favorite. Its name means "Eternally Young" in Quechua.
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Stop 02 / 03Inti Punku
The "Gate of the Sun" was the main entrance to Machu Picchu and gives you your first view of the citadel, a view you can only earn on the Inca Trail.
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Stop 03 / 03Machu Picchu
By far the most well known UNESCO world heritage site in Peru and the pinnacle of many people's visits to South America. This is where you wanted to be.
Lovely Words From Our Travelers
Real reviews from travelers who explored Machu Picchu and Cusco with us, straight from Tripadvisor, Google and Trustpilot.
Tripadvisor Reviews
Read all on Tripadvisor
Amazing experience with Sam travels
I had the best experience with Sam travels, we had an amazing time doing the 4d Salkantay trek, we had the best weather. Specifically want to mention Josep what an amazing cool guy he was. A real leader, great story teller, motivator and made you feel like you were taking on something special. Secondly another special mention for Andres and his catering team. The food was amazing, real nutritious and energising for the long trekking days.
Finally the horse man Donato, he managed to get all of our fresh clothing to the next camp very efficiently. Highly recommend a trip with this company.
Great experience at short Inca trail
We did the 2-day Short Inca Trail and it was a fantastic experience! Our guide, Fredy Zapata, was excellent. He told us so much about the history of the Incas and the region, and was able to answer every question we had. He did a great job and made the whole experience really enjoyable.
The highlight was definitely arriving at the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. An unforgettable experience that we would highly recommend!
Great experience because of the team!
Amazing trip! What a great experience, so well organized. Our guide Josep was a guiding star who knows so much and shared a lot of information. Very kind and helpful in every way. The cooking team of Andres was amazing and we had wonderful and a great variety of meals every evening. Donato the horseman made sure we got our stuff safe and in time to every stop. I could not ask for a better experience to be honest. Especially Josep, thank you for being so flexible, organized and sharing your knowledge.
Unforgettable Salkantay Experience with Sam Travel
We did the Salkantay Trek with SAM Travel and couldn’t have been happier with our choice! Our guide, Josep, was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and passionate. He answered every single one of our questions about nature, history and Peruvian culture honestly, even better than ChatGPT! ;) We especially loved being in such a small group. It made the whole experience feel much more personal, relaxed and authentic.. The accommodations throughout the trek were excellent, and the food prepared by Andrés was absolutely outstanding. We were honestly surprised by the quality and variety of the meals, especially considering we were in the middle of the mountains. We spent a long time researching different companies before booking the Salkantay Trek, and choosing SAM Travel was definitely the right decision. Everything was extremely well organized, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. We would 100% recommend SAM Travel, and especially Josep and Andrés, to anyone planning to do the Salkantay Trek!
SAM travel
Great trip. Great people. Loved my time with Joseph, Andres, Donato.and Elvis. Amazing world to explore made extra special with great people. Shout to my fellow travellers
Best trek ever!
It was amazing. We had the best Guide with Josep who is Sperling really good English and explaining so many things to us as well as introducing us perfectly to the altitude and the landscape. The Pick Up, accomodation and especially the food was so well organized and delicious. I highly recommend doing this trek, it was spectacular. 😍
Google Reviews
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We had an amazing experience on the 4 day/3 night Salkantay Trek with Sam Travel Peru. Everything was seamless from beginning to end.…
I joined the 2-day, 1-night tour to Cusco and Machu Picchu with SAM TRAVEL, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish.…
We had an incredible time on the 3D/2N Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour and would highly recommend it. It was fantastic to visit some of the highlights of the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, the Maras Salt Mines and Moray on the first…
We did the 4-day Inca Trail with Sam's Travel, and it was an absolutely unforgettable experience. It's something we will cherish for the rest of our lives.…
We had a great time on our 3d/2n tour of the sacred valley and short inca trail. The sacred valley prepared us very well for Macchu Picchu and the information provided was great. Our guide Rolando was very knowledgeable about the inca…
We’ve just done the 4-Days Inca trail with SAM travel. Our main guide Josep was very professional, knowledgeable and considerate. He really made sure that we enjoy the journey and our needs are addressed. Jimmy, our assistant guide, helped…
We had a great experience with Sam Travel Peru. Always felt well taken care of and safe. Our guide, Israel, was friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. The office staff were always quick to reply to emails.…
Trustpilot Reviews
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Awesome trip with Josef as our guide…
Awesome trip with Josef as our guide Mario the chef with amazing food and porters who were our hero’s.
We booked a day tour for the Rainbow…
We booked a day tour for the Rainbow Mountain and it had been just perfect. Fernando, our guide, was really kind and attentive. All the staff is professional and friendly, totally recommended!
Incredible Salkantay Trek with Exceptional Guide Jhordy
We recently completed the Salkantay Trail trek with Sam Travel, and we couldn't be happier with our experience. Our guide, Jhordy, was exceptional. He was highly professional, providing great insights, facts, and stories that enriched our journey. Jhordy was very patient with us and demonstrated remarkable flexibility, adjusting the itinerary when we weren't feeling our best. We highly recommend Sam Travel, especially Jhordy, for making our trek an incredible time.
