3 day short inca trail & sacred valley
About this experience
The Sacred Valley Peru + Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 3D/2N is a carefully designed experience for travelers seeking the best of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the Short Inca Trail in one complete journey.
This tour begins with a Sacred Valley tour, visiting iconic sites such as Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo, combining Inca culture, Andean landscapes, and local traditions. The adventure continues with the famous Short Inca Trail trek, one of the best alternatives to the classic Inca Trail, offering a perfect mix of history, nature, and breathtaking scenery.
The journey culminates with a guided visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, providing a complete experience that blends trekking, culture, and comfort in Peru. This tour is ideal for those looking for a Machu Picchu hiking tour, Sacred Valley exploration, and a short Inca Trail adventure in just 3 days and 2 nights.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1:
Sacred Valley VIP Tour: Maras, Moray & Ollantaytambo (Overnight in Ollantaytambo)
Day 1: Sacred Valley VIP Tour: Maras, Moray & Ollantaytambo (Overnight in Ollantaytambo)
Your journey begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco to start the Sacred Valley VIP tour. You will visit Chinchero, known for its Inca and colonial architecture and traditional weaving culture. Then, explore Moray’s circular terraces, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory.
Next, discover the Maras Salt Mines, a spectacular landscape of thousands of salt pools in the Andes. After a buffet lunch in Urubamba, continue to Ollantaytambo to visit its impressive Inca fortress and living town. Overnight stay in Ollantaytambo for a strategic start to the Inca Trail.
Day 1 Statistics:
- Maximum altitude: 3,760 meters above sea level (Chinchero)
- Minimum altitude: 2,790 meters above sea level (Urubamba)
- Duration: 9–10 hours
- Distance: approx. 120 km
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Day 2:
Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
Day 2: Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
Early departure to begin the Short Inca Trail trek, following ancient stone paths surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation. Along the way, visit important Inca sites, including the impressive Wiñay Wayna archaeological complex.
Continue to Intipunku (Sun Gate), where you will enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Then descend and transfer to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night.
Day 2 Statistics:
- Hiking distance: 10–12 km
- Maximum altitude: 2,720 meters above sea level (Sun Gate)
- Minimum altitude: 2,040 meters above sea level (Aguas Calientes)
- Hiking time: 6–7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 3:
Machu Picchu Guided Tour & Return to Cusco
Day 3: Machu Picchu Guided Tour & Return to Cusco
The final day begins with the ascent to Machu Picchu, where you will enjoy a complete guided tour of the citadel, exploring its urban, agricultural, and ceremonial sectors while learning about its historical and spiritual significance.
After the tour, you will have free time to take photos and enjoy the natural surroundings of the sanctuary. Later, you will return by train from Aguas Calientes and continue by tourist transport to Cusco, ending the journey with a memorable and comfortable experience.
Day 3 Statistics:
- Hiking distance: 10–12 km
- Maximum altitude: 2,720 meters above sea level (Inti Punku)
- Minimum altitude: 2,040 meters above sea level (Aguas Calientes)
- Hiking time: 6–7 hours
- Difficulty level: Moderate
Inclusions & exclusions
What's included
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco on Day 1
- Sacred Valley VIP Tour + Maras and Moray (Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo)
- Tourist transportation throughout the Sacred Valley
- Professional tour guide (Spanish / English)
- Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley
- Overnight stay in Ollantaytambo (hotel according to selected category)
- Official permit for the Short Inca Trail (2 days)
- Professional guide specialized in the Inca Trail
- Entrance to Wiñay Wayna and Intipunku (Sun Gate)
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Round-trip bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- Tourist train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo or Poroy
- Tourist transport back to Cusco
- Permanent assistance throughout the tour
What's not included
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (partial or general BTC)
- Entrance to Maras Salt Mines
- Breakfasts and dinners not specified
- Drinks and snacks during the tour
- Trekking poles (optional rental)
- Tips for guides and staff (optional)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Recommendations
Before traveling
- Original passport
- Small backpack
- Comfortable clothing
- Warm jacket
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Trekking shoes or comfortable footwear
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Camera or phone
Policies
Tours that DO NOT include Machu Picchu:
- Cancellations 48 hours before the tour: 25% penalty + 6% payment processing fee
- Cancellations 24 hours before the tour: 50% penalty + 6% payment processing fee
- Cancellations within 24 hours or No Show: 100% penalty
- Promotional rates and special offers are non-refundable
Tours that DO include Machu Picchu:
- Cancellations up to 5 business days before the tour: 50% penalty + 6% payment processing fee
- Cancellations within 5 days prior to the tour: 100% penalty
- Machu Picchu entrance tickets, train, and bus tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable
Exceptional situations:
In cases of strikes, natural disasters, or health emergencies, rescheduling options will be offered subject to availability.
Cancellation request:
All requests must be sent via email to: info@machupicchutours.com
Frequently asked questions
We answer your questions about this tour
Frequently asked questions
We answer your questions about this tour
1 What is the Sacred Valley VIP + 2-Day Inca Trail tour?
It is a 3-day program that combines the Sacred Valley VIP tour with Maras and Moray, the Short Inca Trail, and a guided visit to Machu Picchu, ending with the return to Cusco.
2 How many days does the full tour last?
The itinerary lasts 3 days and 2 nights, including overnight stays in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.
3 Is it necessary to book the Inca Trail in advance?
Yes. The Inca Trail has limited availability, and booking months in advance is recommended, especially during high season.
4 What is the difficulty level of the Short Inca Trail?
The Short Inca Trail has a moderate difficulty level, suitable for people with basic physical condition and used to walking.
5 Does the tour include accommodation?
Yes. The tour includes one night in Ollantaytambo and one night in Aguas Calientes, depending on the selected hotel category.
6 Do I need a passport for the tour?
Yes. An original passport is required to enter the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
7 What is the best time to take this tour?
The best time is between April and October, when there is less rain. However, the tour operates almost all year, except February when the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance.
8 Is the tour suitable for seniors or children?
Yes, as long as they have an adequate physical condition. For children, it is recommended they are used to long walks.
9 What type of train is used for the return?
The return is by tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, followed by tourist transport to Cusco.
10 Does the tour include meals?
It includes lunch on Day 1 and meals during the Inca Trail according to the program. Some breakfasts and dinners may not be included.
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