- 4 Day/ 3 Night
- Cusco - Machupicchu
The Sacred Valley Tour and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu combines two of Peru’s most rewarding experiences into one unforgettable trip: a full day discovering the Sacred Valley of the Incas, followed by a two-day trek along the original Inca stone path.
The journey begins with a full day in the Sacred Valley, visiting Chinchero, the agricultural terraces of Moray and the Salineras de Maras. You’ll spend the night in Ollantaytambo, a historic Inca town at the foot of the mountains and the starting point for the Inca Trail the following morning.
On day two, you’ll take the train to the trailhead and begin the Short Inca Trail, a two-day alternative to the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail that still follows the original Inca route. The trail passes through cloud forest and the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna before reaching Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the traditional Inca entrance to the citadel.
This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to experience the Inca Trail and the Sacred Valley without committing to the full four-day trek.
Prefer to hike first and finish with the Sacred Valley? See our Short Inca Trail + Sacred Valley Tour.
Itinerary Highlights
| Day | Location | What You’ll See |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 — Sacred Valley | Chinchero | Colonial church, traditional weaving demonstrations, Andean village |
| Day 1 — Sacred Valley | Moray | Concentric Inca agricultural terraces |
| Day 1 — Sacred Valley | Salineras de Maras | Ancient salt pans, still in use today |
| Day 1 — Sacred Valley | Ollantaytambo | Inca fortress and archaeological park; overnight stay |
| Day 2 — Short Inca Trail | Chachabamba | Inca archaeological site along the trail |
| Day 2 — Short Inca Trail | Wiñay Wayna | One of the most spectacular Inca sites on the route |
| Day 2 — Short Inca Trail | Sun Gate (Inti Punku) | Original Inca entrance to Machu Picchu |
| Day 3 — Machu Picchu | Machu Picchu | Guided tour of the citadel |
Inca Trail Permits
Access to the Inca Trail is limited each day by Peru’s Ministry of Culture, and these permits also apply to this 3-day Sacred Valley and Short Inca Trail package. During high season (May to September) permits can sell out weeks or months in advance, so we recommend booking at least 2–3 months ahead.
Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is why access is strictly regulated and can only be booked through a licensed tour operator.
Why Choose This Sacred Valley Tour and Short Inca Trail
This tour combines the two best parts of a Machu Picchu trip into one efficient itinerary:
Briefing for the Sacred Valley and Short Inca Trail Tour
Your adventure begins with an in-person briefing one day before the tour starts. Your guide will explain every detail of your Sacred Valley and Inca Trail days, from pickup times to what to pack, and answer all your questions. This is also when you’ll pay the remaining balance of your tour.
Already explored the Sacred Valley? Book our standalone Short Inca Trail tour and hike to Machu Picchu in just 2 days.
Day 1: Chinchero – Moray – Maras Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo
At 8:00 a.m., we’ll pick you up to start an unforgettable journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop is Chinchero, a traditional Andean village with an Inca archaeological site, a colonial church and weaving demonstrations.
Next, we visit Moray, an impressive Inca agricultural laboratory with circular terraces, followed by the Maras Salt Mines, a natural wonder with spectacular views of the Andes. We then continue to Ollantaytambo, a fascinating Inca town and the gateway to Machu Picchu, where you’ll spend the night.
This Sacred Valley tour offers a deep dive into the origins of the Inca civilization, setting the stage for your hike to Machu Picchu.
Day 2: Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – Inca Trail – Machu Picchu
We will pick you up in Ollantaytambo (or Cusco) and take you to the train station, where you’ll board the train to KM 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. At the trailhead, we pass through the checkpoint to enter the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary.
Once the hike begins, we’ll visit two remarkable sites: Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, also known as the “mini Machu Picchu.” From there, we continue to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for your first view of Machu Picchu, then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for the night.
Day 3: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
After breakfast at your hotel, we take a 30-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu. Your guide will show you the most iconic areas of this ancient Inca city, including the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Palace, the Temple of the Condor, the agricultural terraces and the House of the Priest.
After the guided tour, we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo and continuing by van to Cusco.
What our travelers say ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Amazing 3-day experience on the Inca Trail! We did the Inca Classic 3-Day / 2-Night tour including the 104 km trailhead and had an incredible experience. Our guide Ronald was knowledgeable, kind, and clearly passionate about Inca history, which made the trip truly meaningful. The views from the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu were unforgettable, and Ronald helped us capture great photos along the way. The accommodations and inclusions were excellent, everything was well organized, comfortable, and stress-free. Our driver Elvis was safe and punctual, and the itinerary flowed smoothly. This tour was a highlight of our time in Peru. I highly recommend this company. Thank you for making this a memorable experience.” — Natasha, Coolum Beach, Australia · 3-Day Inca Trail
Part of our 49 verified reviews on TripAdvisor See all reviews →
