Peru Destinations
Lima
Arequipa
Puno
Manu
Sacred Valley and Short IncaTrail to Machu Picchu 3 Day adventure
Trip Styles
TREK
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
Duration
3 DAYS
Max People
8 PAXS
Tour Details
The Sacred Valley and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 3-Day Tour combines breathtaking landscapes with rich history. On the first day, you will explore the Sacred Valley. Visit the impressive sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, surrounded by stunning Andean scenery. Discover vibrant local markets, traditional villages, and the fascinating legacy of the Incan civilization.
Day two takes you on the Short Inca Trail. This scenic hike leads through lush forests and ancient ruins. Walk along a well-preserved section of the legendary path. You will encounter the beautiful Wiñay Wayna ruins and enjoy mesmerizing views. The journey culminates at the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Here, you will get your first glimpse of the majestic Machu Picchu.
On the third day, explore the mystical city of Machu Picchu in depth. A guided tour unveils its architectural wonders and spiritual significance. This experience combines trekking, ancient history, and the beauty of the Andes. It is a truly memorable 3-day adventure. Join our small group tours to witness these wonders from a unique perspective.
Highlights:
Chachabamba: Start your trek at this ancient Inca site. It served as a checkpoint and a place of water worship.
Wiñay Wayna: Explore this site with its terraced fields and ceremonial baths. It offers great insights into Inca agriculture.
Inti Punku (Sun Gate): Reach the ancient entrance to Machu Picchu. Enjoy the first breathtaking view of the iconic citadel.
Machu Picchu: Complete your trek with a visit to this New Seven Wonder. Take in the magnificent ruins and panoramic views.
Urubamba River: Enjoy the scenic beauty of the river. It provides a soothing backdrop to your hike through the valley.
Photos
Itinerary
Day 1Cusco - Sacred - Valley - Pisac - Urubamba - Ollantaytambo
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, our Samex Tours Peru guide will greet you in the lobby between 7:00 am to 7:30 am. Our private transport from Cusco will take you on a scenic journey, passing through historic sites such as Sacsayhuaman and Puca Pucara. Our first stop is at the Manos de la Comunidad rescue center, where you can observe Alpacas, Llamas, and Vicuñas in their natural habitat. Continuing our descent, we pause at the Taray
lookout for breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley, capturing classic photos of this picturesque landscape. We then ascend to the Pisac Inca site, offering stunning panoramic vistas over the valley.
Explore the intricacies of this ancient citadel with temples, residences, altars, and irrigation channels, while our expert guides share insights into Incan agricultural methods. Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the
village of Pisac as we visit its traditional market. Interact with local artisans, sample delicious Andean cuisine, and purchase unique souvenirs crafted by skilled hands.
After this enriching experience, we journey to Urubamba for a delectable buffet lunch (not included). Energized and rejuvenated, we proceed to Ollantaytambo, an extraordinary Inca site renowned for its architectural marvels. Discover the significance of this ancient citadel, including the impressive rock formation representing the Inca god Wiracocha.
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, you will be escorted to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps strolling through the charming streets of this historic town or simply relaxing and soaking in the ambiance of this enchanting destination.
- Overnight: Ollantaytambo
Day 2Ollantaytambo - Km 104 Chachabamba - Wiñay Wayna - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
Today, we’ll pick you up at 6:00 am from your hotel and transfer you to the train station to board the train to Km 104, the starting point of our Inca Trail hike. During this one-hour train journey, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the captivating scenery along the sacred Vilcanota River. Upon reaching kilometer 104, we’ll disembark the
train and cross the bridge over the Urubamba River to reach the control point, where we’ll check passports and Inca Trail permits.
Next, we’ll explore Chachabamba, a charming Inca site featuring water channels, fountains, and more. After a brief guided tour, we’ll begin our hike, primarily uphill, for approximately 3.5 hours until we reach Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young), an impressive Inca site that served as an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector, and an urban area. Following the guided tour, we’ll enjoy our boxed lunch.
Continuing our hike for an additional hour, we’ll reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), offering the first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. After a brief stop for photos, we’ll descend for an additional 40 minutes to the enigmatic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. From there, we’ll board a bus for a 30-minute ride to Aguas
Calientes town to check in to your accommodation.
After check-in, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the charming Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) and dine at its restaurants.
- Total distance: 13 km (8.08 miles), Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours, Altitude gain: 600m
- Overnight: Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)
Day 3Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Cusco
After an early wake-up call at 4:30 am, indulge in a hearty breakfast before immersing yourself in the rich history and mystique of Machu Picchu and the Incas. Experience the perfect blend of nature and ancient civilization, feeling the harmony that resonates in this captivating and singular place.
We catch the first bus around 5:20 am, arriving at the gates of the ruins before 6:00 am when the park opens. At this hour, the site is still relatively quiet, allowing us to savor the tranquility of this sacred space. Embark on a guided tour of Machu Picchu, led by our expert guide, who will unravel its mysteries and provide archaeological insights for approximately 2 hours. After the tour, you’ll have around 6 hours of free time to explore further (duration may vary depending on train timetables in high season). Around 2:00 pm, we begin our descent to Aguas Calientes for lunch and your return train journey.
While some may opt for the bus descent (additional cost of $12, not included), many enjoy the scenic walk along the old Inca trail to Aguas Calientes. The train departs Aguas Calientes late afternoon, approximately at 4:30 pm, with an estimated arrival in Cusco between 8:30 pm and 9:00 pm.
- Distance: Approximately 4 km
- Duration: 3-4 hours walk
- Maximum Altitude: 2400m/7872ft
- Minimum Altitude: 2100m/6888ft
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John
Solo Traveller
I recently went on the “Sacred Valley and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 3 Day Adventure” and it was a phenomenal experience! The first day was an enriching journey through the Sacred Valley, where our guide expertly led us through historical sites like Sacsayhuaman and the Pisac Inca site. We also had the chance to visit the Manos de la Comunidad rescue center and the vibrant Pisac market, which offered a deep dive into the local culture and traditions. The scenic beauty and architectural marvels of Ollantaytambo were a perfect end to the day.
The highlight, of course, was the trek to Machu Picchu. Starting from Km 104, the hike was challenging yet incredibly rewarding, especially with the breathtaking views at Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate. Arriving at Machu Picchu was a surreal experience, made even more special by our knowledgeable guide. The final day provided an early and serene tour of Machu Picchu, followed by some free time to explore. The return journey to Cusco was smooth, rounding off an unforgettable adventure. Highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to explore Peru’s rich history and natural beauty!
May 20, 2023