Short Inca Trail 5 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco Airport – Sacred Valley (Chinchero, Moray, Maras) – Ollantaytambo
We meet you at Cusco airport and drive straight down into the Sacred Valley, so your first night is at a lower, easier altitude. On the way we stop in Chinchero for a traditional weaving demonstration, then visit the circular terraces of Moray and the Maras salt mines, still worked by local families. In the late afternoon we arrive in Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town, for the night.
Overnight: hotel in Ollantaytambo · Meals: lunch
Day 2: Ollantaytambo Experience – warm-up day
A relaxed day to acclimatize before the trail, based on our
Ollantaytambo Experience tour. With your guide you explore the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park, including the Temple of Water and the ceremonial channels used by Inca priests. Then a short drive takes you to Ñaupa Iglesia, a volcanic rock shrine with a carved chakana and the “Inca Portal”. The climb of about 200 m on stone steps is the perfect leg warm-up for tomorrow. Afternoon free in Ollantaytambo.
Overnight: hotel in Ollantaytambo · Meals: breakfast
Day 3: Short Inca Trail – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes
An early train takes you from Ollantaytambo to Km 104, where the hike begins. You walk about 12 km (around 7 hours) on the original
Inca Trail, between 2,100 m and 2,700 m, past the ruins of Chachabamba and the terraces of Wiñay Wayna. An organic box lunch is served on the trail. In the afternoon you reach the Sun Gate and see Machu Picchu for the first time. A 25-minute bus ride takes you down to Aguas Calientes.
Overnight: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes · Meals: breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Day 4: Machu Picchu guided tour – Cusco
After breakfast you take the bus up to Machu Picchu for a 2.5-hour guided tour, followed by free time. In the afternoon you take the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo, and our transport drives you to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight: hotel in Cusco · Meals: breakfast
Day 5: Cusco walking tour – departure
After breakfast, your guide meets you at your hotel for a morning walking tour of Cusco, the old Inca capital. You visit the main square (Plaza de Armas), the Cathedral and Qorikancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, where Spanish walls were built on top of perfect Inca stonework. You also walk through the narrow Inca streets of Hatun Rumiyoc to see the famous Twelve-Angled Stone. Around midday we transfer you to Cusco airport for your flight, or you can stay longer and add another day trip.
Overnight: none · Meals: breakfast
Short Inca Trail 5 Days Price
From
US$895 per person in a small group of 2 to 8 travelers. Private departures are available on request. We buy your Inca Trail permit as soon as you book, so reserve early, especially for May to September.
Short on time? See our
Short Inca Trail 2 days or the
Sacred Valley and Short Inca Trail 3 days.
Short Inca Trail 5 Days FAQ
- Is this the real Inca Trail? Yes. From Km 104 you walk the final 12 km of the original Inca Trail and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, the same way as on the Classic Inca Trail 4 days.
- How hard is the hike? Moderate. It is one day of about 7 hours, between 2,100 m and 2,700 m, with some steep stone steps. Two nights in Ollantaytambo and the Day 2 warm-up help your body adjust first.
- Do I need a permit? Yes. Inca Trail permits are limited and can only be booked through a licensed operator. We buy yours when you book. Read more about Inca Trail permits for 2027.
- Why start in the Sacred Valley and not in Cusco? The Sacred Valley is about 600 m lower than Cusco. Sleeping low first is gentler on your body and lowers the risk of altitude sickness, as the CDC recommends for travelers to Cusco.
- Can I do this tour in February? The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. In February we run the same trip with an alternative route to Machu Picchu. Ask us for options.
- What should I pack for the trail day? A daypack with rain jacket, warm layer, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water and your original passport. Your main luggage can stay at the hotel in Ollantaytambo or Cusco.
- How do I book? Message us on WhatsApp +51 954 400 642 or email [email protected] with your dates and passport details.
