3 day short inca trail & sacred valley

Duration
3 days / 2 night
Service
Group
Pickup
Hotel
Cancel
Non-refund
Guide
Difficulty
Easy

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)

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

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

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
Note: itineraries are subject to change.

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

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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$648
per person
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Traveler Experiences

What our travelers say about our Machu Picchu tours

Our reputation is built on the experiences of real travelers. With more than 1,200 verified reviews across TripAdvisor and Google, we are consistently rated 4.9 out of 5 — one of the top-rated Machu Picchu tour operators in Cusco.

4.9
out of 5 based on
PS
MR
DK
AC
SE
+1k
+1,200 reviews
See all on TripAdvisor
Tripadvisor

"Punctuality, very attentive guide and perfect organization. From the hotel exit, transit by train, lunch schedule and guided tours."

AS

Andrey S.

October 14, 2025

Google

"Machu Picchu Peru Tours full day Sacred Valley was an amazing highlight of our trip to Peru. Do not miss it! Our driver Julio Cesar took us on time and safely to all amazing places and experiences beating the crowds. The guide, Erik, was the most passionated guide I've met. An incredible story teller, knowledgeable and giving us a superb experience. It was a real perfect day and an amazing almost private tour feeling like a super engaging history class. Don't think twice."

PN

Patricia N.

A year ago

Tripadvisor

"A very enriching experience, a lot of history, although it rained that day, was a good for nothing our tour. Our guide was very attentive and professional."

MR

Maria R.

October 12, 2025

Google

"We had a amazing tour with Machu pichu Peru tours to the vinicunca mountain, or the rainbow mountain. Tour was well organised and your tour guide took really good care of us. Also the breakfast and lunch was quite good. We can totally recommend this tour organisation."

DK

Daniel K.

2 years ago

Tripadvisor

"The tour starts very early type 3-4 am, how good you can sleep on the way, we breakfast in a very good buffet and then depart for the mountain. Here the height is the problem, you can walk up but it requires a lot of condition, the good thing is that there are horses that you can pay and for 90 suns they leave you 15-20 minutes from the top. Wear layered clothes as you can warm up when climbing. We already walk down and the road is much easier. On horseback you go up in 40 minutes, you are on the mountain an hour to take pictures and the return is about 1 hour or so. In the end we still had lunch in the same very rich buffet!"

AC

Alejandra C.

October 12, 2025

Google

"I highly recommend Machu Picchu Peru Tour. Their service is incredible. I highly recommend their guides, especially Rocio and Jhordi. They are very professional and super friendly. My recommendation is because they have everything arranged and structured so we can fully enjoy the experience: transportation, lodging, food, and tourist attractions. I hope you can take advantage of traveling with them and enjoy it as much as we did."

CG

Cesar G.

8 months ago

Tripadvisor

"I liked the Service and attention I received, plus the quality of the guide who touched us to know the sacred valley on the way to Machu Picchu was first class, with extensive knowledge of the Inca culture and with very good explanation, I highly recommend them."

SM

Salvador M.

September 19, 2025

Google

"It was a wonderful experience. Getting to know one of the wonders of the world and learning its history in detail was very rewarding. We had an excellent guide who answered every one of our questions and her support was unconditional. The guide, Veronica Quispe, and the drivers who supported us were incredible. Thank you so much. They made the trip wonderful."

PN

Patty N.

10 months ago

Tripadvisor

"They were exceptional! Everything very organized, took care of all the details, we hired all the tours, lodging and transfer, we do not regret!"

SE

Sarah E.

October 12, 2025

Google

"The quality and friendliness of the staff were impressive. Wendy served us and was always very attentive to everything, responding quickly. They offer good options without breaking your budget. A short but substantial excursion. The guide Jaime knew everything in detail and provided excellent explanations. I recommend him, especially if you're traveling with children or older adults, as he really has everything under control."

AS

Ara S.

3 years ago

Tripadvisor

"Recommended! What a beautiful place!!! Most of us went up there on mules. Important to clarify if the person weighs more than 110 kg he will not be able to carry it and will have to walk up. It is still very expensive, to have proper footwear."

VL

Veronica L.

October 12, 2025

Google

"I had the wonderful experience of coordinating a group trip with Carolina from this agency, and it was very positive. They were always willing to help and facilitate the trip. On the tours, we had the opportunity to meet Alex on the Sacred Valley tour. He is an excellent guide, very friendly and knowledgeable about all the sites, making the tour very entertaining. In Machu Picchu, we were guided by Edmar, an excellent, knowledgeable, and friendly guide."

KD

Kevin D.

2 years ago

Google

"I loved that the travel agency made everything easy for me in Cusco. All I had to worry about was being on time for pickup and choosing what to eat at the buffet. The agency itself took care of everything. If I could highlight anything, it's the fact that I had a different guide on each tour, and they were all very kind and polite. They did their jobs well and knew how to explain the history of each place."

EG

Enrique G.

10 months ago

Google

"The excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas was a great one. Our guide, Veronica, accompanied us the entire time and did her best to make the experience as informative as possible."

AG

Agustin G.

A year ago