Discover the best of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the Short Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu in a private luxury journey. This Luxury Cusco, Sacred Valley, Short Inca Trail & Machu Picchu 5 Days package is designed for travelers who want comfort, culture, beautiful hotels, and a meaningful arrival to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Intipunku).
Start with Cusco’s most important sites, explore the upper Sacred Valley, and hike the famous Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. With private guides, 4-star hotels, chef-prepared picnic meals, and the Vistadome Observatory train return, every detail is handled with care.
Tour Type Private, Luxury
Duration 5 Days / 4 Nights
Activities Cultural, Adventure
Accommodation 4-star hotels
Difficulty Easy to Moderate
Tour Language English, Spanish
Destinations Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu,
Starts/Ends Cusco - CuscoCusco, Valle Sagrado, Camino Inca Corto y Machu Picchu de Lujo 5 días
Este tour de lujo Cusco, Valle Sagrado, Camino Inca Corto y Machu Picchu 5 días es un viaje privado, bien organizado y diseñado para viajeros que quieren disfrutar lo mejor de Cusco, el Camino Inca y Machu Picchu sin apuros. Empiezas explorando Cusco, continúas por el Valle Sagrado y luego caminas el Camino Inca Corto para llegar a Machu Picchu por Inti Punku, la Puerta del Sol.
El itinerario está pensado para combinar comodidad y aventura. Te alojas en hoteles cuidadosamente seleccionados en Cusco, el Valle Sagrado y Aguas Calientes, viajas con transporte privado y disfrutas el acompañamiento de guías locales expertos de principio a fin.
En el Camino Inca Corto, visitarás Chachabamba, caminarás entre bosque nuboso y antiguos senderos de piedra, explorarás Wiñay Wayna y llegarás a la Puerta del Sol para tener una de las primeras vistas más emocionantes de Machu Picchu. Durante la ruta, disfrutarás un desayuno picnic y almuerzo fresco preparados por nuestros chefs de trekking con ingredientes locales.
Después de tu visita completa a Machu Picchu, disfruta un almuerzo cerca de la ciudadela en Tinkuy Restaurant / Sanctuary Lodge antes de regresar en el escénico tren Vistadome Observatory. Este paquete privado de lujo es operado por TreXperience, un operador local 100% peruano enfocado en turismo responsable, logística cuidada, trato justo para guías, chefs, conductores y equipo de apoyo, y un servicio cálido y humano.
Highlights del tour
- Paquete completo de lujo en 5 días: Cusco, Valle Sagrado, Camino Inca Corto, Aguas Calientes y Machu Picchu.
- Servicio privado: Guías privados, transporte privado, logística hotel a hotel y atención personalizada.
- Hoteles cuidadosamente seleccionados: Descansa cómodamente en Cusco, el Valle Sagrado, Aguas Calientes y Cusco.
- City Tour privado en Cusco: Visita el centro histórico, Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara y Tambomachay.
- Experiencia de lujo en el Valle Sagrado: Explora Chinchero, Moray, Salineras de Maras y Ollantaytambo.
- Camino Inca Corto desde Km 104: Camina hacia Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Inti Punku, la Puerta del Sol, y Machu Picchu.
- Comidas preparadas por chef en la ruta: Disfruta desayuno picnic y almuerzo fresco con ingredientes locales.
- Llegada por la Puerta del Sol: Entra a Machu Picchu desde lo alto por una de las rutas más emocionantes.
- Tren Vistadome Observatory: Retorna con ventanas panorámicas, coche observatorio, momentos culturales, snacks, bebidas y hermosas vistas del Valle Sagrado.
Cusco, Valle Sagrado, Camino Inca Corto y Machu Picchu de Lujo de un vistazo
Día 1: Llegada a Cusco – City Tour privado
Recojo privado en el aeropuerto, check-in en el hotel y City Tour por la tarde con Plaza de Armas, Catedral, Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay y parada al atardecer cerca de Cristo Blanco.
Día 2: Valle Sagrado – Chinchero – Moray – Maras – Ollantaytambo
Explora Chinchero, una cooperativa textil local, Moray, Salineras de Maras y Ollantaytambo antes de pasar la noche en un hotel cuidadosamente seleccionado en el Valle Sagrado.
Día 3: Camino Inca Corto – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Puerta del Sol – Aguas Calientes
Toma el primer tren hacia el Km 104, visita Chachabamba, camina hasta Wiñay Wayna, disfruta comidas picnic preparadas por chef, llega a la Puerta del Sol y continúa a Aguas Calientes para pasar la noche en tu hotel.
Día 4: Machu Picchu – Almuerzo en Tinkuy – Tren Vistadome Observatory – Cusco
Regresa temprano a Machu Picchu para una visita guiada completa, disfruta almuerzo cerca de la ciudadela y vuelve a Cusco en tren Vistadome Observatory y traslado privado.
Día 5: Traslado privado de salida
Desayuno en tu hotel de Cusco y traslado privado al aeropuerto o estación de bus según tu horario.
Incluido
- Recojo privado en el aeropuerto y traslado a tu hotel en Cusco.
- Traslado privado de salida el Día 5.
- 2 noches en hotel en Cusco.
- 1 noche en hotel en el Valle Sagrado.
- 1 noche en hotel en Aguas Calientes.
- City Tour privado en Cusco.
- Tour privado del Valle Sagrado con Chinchero, Moray, Salineras de Maras y Ollantaytambo.
- Permiso del Camino Inca Corto y entrada a Machu Picchu.
- Guía profesional privado para los tours culturales, Camino Inca Corto y Machu Picchu.
- Transporte privado durante el tour.
- Tren hacia el Km 104 para iniciar el Camino Inca Corto.
- Desayuno picnic y almuerzo picnic preparados por chef en el Camino Inca Corto.
- Cena en Aguas Calientes.
- Desayunos en hotel.
- Buses entre Aguas Calientes y Machu Picchu.
- Almuerzo cerca de Machu Picchu en Tinkuy Restaurant / Sanctuary Lodge.
- Tren Vistadome Observatory de Aguas Calientes a Ollantaytambo.
- Traslado privado de Ollantaytambo a tu hotel en Cusco.
- Botiquín de primeros auxilios, oxígeno y teléfono satelital durante el Camino Inca Corto.
No incluido
- Comidas no mencionadas en el itinerario.
- Entrada a la Montaña Huayna Picchu o Montaña Machu Picchu.
- Bebidas no indicadas específicamente en el itinerario y gastos personales.
- Seguro de viaje, altamente recomendado.
- Propinas, opcionales.
Caminatas opcionales y upgrades adicionales
- Montaña Huayna Picchu - US$75 por persona, aproximadamente 2 horas ida y vuelta.
- Montaña Machu Picchu - US$75 por persona, aproximadamente 2 horas ida y vuelta.
- Upgrades de hotel: Categorías superiores de habitación u hoteles boutique/de lujo pueden solicitarse según disponibilidad.
- Upgrades de tren: Hiram Bingham u otros servicios premium pueden solicitarse si son compatibles con el itinerario.
Caminatas opcionales como Huayna Picchu o Montaña Machu Picchu deben solicitarse con anticipación porque tienen disponibilidad limitada. Conoce más en nuestra guía de entradas y circuitos de Machu Picchu.
¿Por qué viajar con TreXperience?
- Ruta completa de lujo: Cusco, Valle Sagrado, Camino Inca Corto, Machu Picchu, hoteles, trenes y traslados privados en un solo paquete.
- Guía privado experto: Viaja con un guía que hace que la historia, cultura y paisajes se sientan claros y significativos.
- Comodidad en hoteles seleccionados: Descansa en alojamientos elegidos con cuidado antes y después de la caminata.
- Comidas preparadas por chef en la ruta: Desayuno picnic y almuerzo fresco en el Camino Inca Corto.
- Viaje responsable: Visitas respetuosas a sitios protegidos, comunidades locales y la antigua ruta inca.
- ¿Buscas solo la caminata corta? Mira nuestro Camino Inca Corto de Lujo 2 Días.
Luxury Cusco, Sacred Valley, Short Inca Trail & Machu Picchu 5 Days Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – Private City Tour
Welcome to Cusco. Our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you privately to your hotel. The first part of the day is kept easy so you can rest, drink water, and begin adjusting to the altitude before your private afternoon tour.
In the afternoon, your private guide will introduce you to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Visit the Plaza de Armas area, the Cathedral, the 12-Angled Stone area, Loreto Street, and Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun.
Then continue by private vehicle to the Inca sites above the city: Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. On the way back, stop near Cristo Blanco for a beautiful sunset view over Cusco.
- Tour duration: Half-day.
- Guide: Private professional guide.
- Transportation: Private airport transfer and private tour vehicle.
- Meals: Not included.
- Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Cusco, Costa del Sol or similar.
- Difficulty: Easy, with light walking and some stairs.
Day 2: Sacred Valley – Chinchero – Moray – Maras – Ollantaytambo
After breakfast, your private guide and driver will take you into the Sacred Valley. This day is a beautiful mix of culture, landscapes, local traditions, and Inca history, with a comfortable pace before the Short Inca Trail.
Start in Chinchero, where you will visit the Inca site, the colonial church, and a local women’s weaving cooperative. Learn about natural dyes, alpaca wool, traditional patterns, and Andean weaving techniques still practiced by local families.
Continue to Moray, known for its circular terraces, and the Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt ponds create one of the most unique landscapes in the Sacred Valley. Later, enjoy a fresh lunch prepared with local ingredients.
In the afternoon, visit Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive living Inca towns in Peru. After the tour, continue to your 4-star hotel in the Sacred Valley, located closer to the train station for a smoother start the next morning.
- Tour duration: Full day.
- Guide: Private professional guide.
- Transportation: Private vehicle.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.
- Accommodation: 4-star hotel in the Sacred Valley, Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley or similar.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with walking at archaeological sites.
Day 3: Short Inca Trail – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes
Today is one of the most memorable days of the journey. After an early breakfast, your private guide will take you to the train station for the first train toward the Short Inca Trail checkpoint at Km 104. At the checkpoint, you will show your original passport and begin the hike.
Before starting the main ascent, enjoy a fresh picnic breakfast prepared by our trekking chefs. Then visit Chachabamba, an important Inca site surrounded by cloud forest and mountain energy.
Continue hiking along original Inca stone paths, forested sections, waterfalls, terraces, and beautiful views toward Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the Inca Trail. Nearby, your chef will serve a fresh picnic lunch prepared with local ingredients.
In the afternoon, continue toward Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. This is the most emotional moment of the hike: your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu from above. After time to enjoy the view, continue down toward the upper area of Machu Picchu, then take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
Check in to your 4-star hotel in Aguas Calientes and enjoy dinner. You will return to Machu Picchu the next morning for the full guided visit, rested and ready to explore.
- Hiking distance: Approximately 13 km / 8 mi.
- Hiking time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours.
- Highest altitude: 2,720 m / 8,923 ft.
- Meals: Breakfast, picnic breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner.
- Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, Tierra Viva, El Mapi or similar.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Tinkuy Lunch – Vistadome Observatory Train – Cusco
After breakfast at your hotel, take one of the early buses up to Machu Picchu. At the entrance, you must show your original passport and official ticket.
Your private guide will lead a complete guided visit through the most important areas allowed by your assigned official circuit. You will learn about terraces, temples, water channels, royal areas, sacred spaces, and the meaning of this extraordinary Inca citadel.
The Short Inca Trail permit normally gives access to a strong Machu Picchu experience with panoramic viewpoints and key areas of the citadel. The exact route depends on official ticket availability and regulations at the time of booking.
After the guided tour, enjoy lunch near the citadel at Tinkuy Restaurant / Sanctuary Lodge. Later, return by bus to Aguas Calientes and board the Vistadome Observatory Train to Ollantaytambo.
On the return train, enjoy panoramic windows, the open-air observatory carriage, cultural moments, snacks, drinks, and beautiful views along the Sacred Valley route. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, your private transfer will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Machu Picchu guided tour: Approximately 2 to 3 hours.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant / Sanctuary Lodge.
- Return: Vistadome Observatory Train and private transfer to Cusco.
- Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Cusco, Costa del Sol or similar.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with stairs and uneven stone paths.
Day 5: Private Transfer Out
After breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, enjoy free time depending on your flight or bus schedule. At the arranged time, our team will transfer you privately to the airport or bus station.
- Meals: Breakfast included.
- Transportation: Private transfer out.
- Difficulty: Easy.
Luxury Cusco, Sacred Valley, Short Inca Trail & Machu Picchu 5 Days Price
This is a private luxury package that includes Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the Short Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, handpicked 4-star hotels, private guiding, permits, transportation, chef-prepared picnic meals, and Vistadome Observatory train return.
| Number of Travelers | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 | US$ 2990 |
| 2 | US$ 1990 |
| 3 | US$ 1690 |
| 4 | US$ 1550 |
| 5 | US$ 1450 |
| 6 | US$ 1350 |
| 7 | US$ 1290 |
| 8 | US$ 1250 |
| 9 or more | Contact us for a personalized quote |
Booking and Payment
- Deposit: US$ 800 per person to reserve your spot. The balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us to verify alternative payment options.
- For each traveler, we require the full name exactly as shown on the passport, passport number, date of birth, passport expiration date, and nationality.
- Please inform us in advance of any vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, or other dietary needs.
Student and Child Discount
- US$30 off per person
This discount applies to travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To qualify, the ID must include:
- Student name, photo, and university name.
- A valid expiration date. Expired IDs will not be accepted.
- ISIC cards are not accepted.
The child discount is applied automatically. Students must send a copy of their university ID when booking; if the ID is not accepted, the adult rate will apply.
5-Day Luxury Machu Picchu Tour Packing List
What to Pack for Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the Short Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
Packing for this private luxury Machu Picchu tour is simple. You will travel comfortably with your main luggage during the hotel portions of the trip, but for the Short Inca Trail and train journeys, you only need a practical daypack with the essentials. This lets you hike light, move easily, and enjoy the trail without carrying unnecessary weight.
Packing Essentials
These are the most important items to bring for your 5-day Cusco, Sacred Valley, Short Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu experience.
What to Wear on the Short Inca Trail
The weather can change quickly in the Andes, so we recommend comfortable hiking clothes and light layers. You may start the day cool, feel warm while hiking, and need a rain jacket later in the afternoon.
What to Carry in Your Daypack
Your daypack should be light and practical. Keep your passport, water, rain protection, sun protection, camera or phone, and personal medication with you during the hike. Everything else can stay in your main luggage or small overnight bag.
Small Overnight Bag for Aguas Calientes
For your comfort, we can arrange for a small overnight bag of up to 5 kg / 11 lb to be sent by train to your hotel in Aguas Calientes. This way, you can hike the Short Inca Trail with only your daypack and still have clean clothes and personal items waiting for you after the hike..
- Maximum recommended weight: 5 kg / 11 lb.
- Sent by train to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Must be requested in advance.
- Ideal for clean clothes, toiletries, and personal items after the hike.
What TreXperience Provides
To make your experience easier and more comfortable, TreXperience provides the key services and support needed for your private Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu journey.
Packing Tips for a More Comfortable Trip
- Keep your original passport with you, as it is required for the Inca Trail checkpoint and Machu Picchu entrance.
- Dress in layers so you can adjust easily to changing weather.
- Use comfortable hiking shoes that are already broken in.
- Bring a rain jacket or poncho, even during the dry season.
- Carry only what you need for the hike; traveling light makes the Short Inca Trail much more enjoyable.
- Bring a refillable water bottle to help reduce plastic waste.
- Pack personal medication, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent in your daypack.
For more preparation tips, read our Machu Picchu packing list.
Travel Information for the Luxury Cusco, Sacred Valley, Short Inca Trail & Machu Picchu 5 Days
This private luxury package combines Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the Short Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu in a comfortable 5-day itinerary. Below you will find the most important details about altitude, hotels, permits, tickets, luggage, circuits, optional hikes, weather, and responsible travel.
Who is this luxury package best for?
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a complete Machu Picchu experience without committing to the full 4-day Classic Inca Trail. It combines cultural touring, comfortable hotels, the Short Inca Trail, and a full Machu Picchu visit in one smooth private itinerary.
It is especially good for couples, families, active travelers, and guests who want a meaningful hike with premium service, but prefer hotel comfort instead of camping.
Cusco and Sacred Valley before the hike
The first two days give you time to understand the history and landscapes before hiking to Machu Picchu. You visit Cusco’s main sites, then travel through the Sacred Valley with stops at Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo.
For more planning details, read our Cusco travel guide and Sacred Valley guide.
Hotels included in this tour
This package includes handpicked 4-star hotels in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Aguas Calientes. Staying in the Sacred Valley before the hike makes the next morning easier, and sleeping in Aguas Calientes after the Short Inca Trail lets you return to Machu Picchu early the following day.
Exact hotels depend on availability for your travel date. Similar hotels may be used while keeping the same comfort level.
Short Inca Trail permits and Km 104 route
The Short Inca Trail begins at Km 104, near Chachabamba, and follows a beautiful section of the original Inca Trail through cloud forest, stone paths, Wiñay Wayna, and the Sun Gate before reaching Machu Picchu from above.
This route requires a government-issued permit and spaces are limited. For official route background, you can review the official Short Inca Trail / Km 104 route.
Why the Sun Gate arrival is special
Arriving at Machu Picchu through Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, is one of the most powerful moments of the Short Inca Trail. Instead of reaching Machu Picchu by bus first, you arrive on foot from the ancient Inca route and see the citadel from above.
This is one of the main reasons travelers choose the Short Inca Trail instead of a regular train-only Machu Picchu tour.
Machu Picchu tickets and circuits
Your Machu Picchu ticket is included, subject to official availability. The final route depends on the ticket and circuit assigned for your travel date.
The Short Inca Trail normally gives access to a strong Machu Picchu experience with panoramic viewpoints and key areas of the citadel. You can read our Machu Picchu tickets and circuits guide or review the official Machu Picchu circuits and routes.
Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain can be requested as optional add-ons, but they are not guaranteed with the standard schedule. These hikes require separate tickets, fixed entry times, and enough time before the return train.
You can only choose one of these hikes. If one of them is important to you, contact us before booking so we can review ticket availability, circuit type, and the best train timing. You can also read more about Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain.
Small overnight bag for Aguas Calientes
You hike the Short Inca Trail with only a daypack. If requested in advance, we can help send a small overnight bag of up to 5 kg / 11 lb to your hotel in Aguas Calientes by train.
This keeps the hike light and comfortable while allowing you to have clean clothes, toiletries, chargers, and personal items waiting at your hotel after the trail.
Difficulty and fitness level
The Short Inca Trail is moderate. The hike is about 13 km / 8 mi and includes uphill sections, stone steps, humid cloud forest, and changing weather.
You do not need to be an expert hiker, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours. A few weeks of walking, stairs, and light cardio before the trip will help you enjoy it more.
Altitude and acclimatization
Cusco is higher than Machu Picchu, so the first days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley help your body adjust before the hike. The Short Inca Trail reaches around 2,720 m / 8,923 ft, while Machu Picchu is around 2,430 m / 7,972 ft.
Drink water, eat light meals on arrival, avoid overexertion during your first day, and tell your guide if you feel unwell. For general medical guidance, review the CDC’s high-altitude travel advice.
Weather and best season
Weather changes quickly between Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the Short Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu. You may experience cool mornings, sun, mist, humidity, and rain in the same trip.
The dry season from April to October usually offers clearer conditions, while the green season from November to March brings more rain and lush landscapes. For more planning tips, read our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide or check the official Machu Picchu weather forecast.
Machu Picchu rules and responsible travel
Machu Picchu is a protected cultural and natural site. Your guide will help you follow the assigned route, respect entry times, and protect the citadel by staying on marked paths.
Before traveling, review our Machu Picchu rules guide. You can also learn more from the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu protected area page.
Other luxury options
If you only want the trek portion, see our Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 Days. If you want the longer classic route, see our Luxury Classic Inca Trail 4 Days.
Luxury Cusco, Sacred Valley, Short Inca Trail & Machu Picchu 5 Days FAQs
Who is this tour best for?
This tour is best for travelers who want a complete luxury Machu Picchu experience with Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the Short Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu in one private itinerary. It is ideal if you want a meaningful hike but prefer hotels instead of camping.
How is this different from the Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 Days?
The Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 Days focuses only on the hike and Machu Picchu. This 5-day package includes Cusco, the Sacred Valley, 4-star hotels, private cultural tours, the Short Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, and private transfers from arrival to departure.
If you only want the trek, see our Luxury Short Inca Trail 2 Days.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. This package is designed as a private luxury tour, with private guides, private transportation, handpicked hotels, and personalized logistics throughout the journey.
Which hotels are included?
This package includes 4-star hotels in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Aguas Calientes. Example hotels may include Costa del Sol in Cusco, Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley or similar, and Tierra Viva or El Mapi in Aguas Calientes. Final hotels depend on availability.
Do I need a permit for the Short Inca Trail?
Yes. The Short Inca Trail requires an official permit, and spaces are limited. Your permit is included in the tour and must be booked with your passport information.
How difficult is the Short Inca Trail?
The Short Inca Trail is moderate. You will hike about 13 km / 8 mi on stone paths, uphill sections, and cloud forest terrain. You do not need to be an expert hiker, but you should be comfortable walking several hours in one day.
Do we enter Machu Picchu twice?
Yes. On the Short Inca Trail day, you arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate and enjoy your first views from above. The next morning, you return for the full guided Machu Picchu tour with your private guide.
Which Machu Picchu circuit is included?
The final circuit depends on official ticket availability and the regulations in place for your travel date. The Short Inca Trail normally gives access to a strong Machu Picchu experience with panoramic viewpoints and important areas of the citadel.
You can learn more in our Machu Picchu tickets and circuits guide.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, if tickets are available and the schedule allows it. You can only choose one optional mountain hike, and it must be requested in advance. These hikes depend on ticket type, entry time, assigned circuit, and train schedule.
Read more about Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain before choosing your add-on.
What train is included?
This package includes the train to Km 104 for the Short Inca Trail and the Vistadome Observatory Train on the return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transportation back to Cusco.
Can I send a small bag to Aguas Calientes?
Yes. If requested in advance, we can help arrange a small overnight bag of up to 5 kg / 11 lb to be sent by train to your hotel in Aguas Calientes. This allows you to hike with only your daypack.
What meals are included?
The tour includes hotel breakfasts, selected meals during the Sacred Valley portion, picnic breakfast and picnic lunch on the Short Inca Trail, dinner in Aguas Calientes, and lunch near Machu Picchu at Tinkuy Restaurant / Sanctuary Lodge. Meals not mentioned are not included.
What should I pack?
Bring comfortable hiking shoes, layers, rain jacket, sun protection, insect repellent, original passport, personal medication, and a light daypack. For a detailed list, read our Machu Picchu packing list.
When is the best time to travel?
The dry season from April to October usually offers clearer skies and better hiking conditions. The green season from November to March has more rain but beautiful landscapes and fewer crowds. You can read our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide for more details.