- 4 Day/ 3 Night
- Cusco - Machupicchu
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu combined with the Sacred Valley of the Incas in 3 days is an excellent option for travelers who want a complete Cusco experience in a limited time. This tour is ideal for those looking to combine history, nature and adventure in one well-organized itinerary.
Many travel agencies offer the Sacred Valley tour first and then the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. However, Inca Trail Classic offers a different and more traveler-friendly approach.
Our itinerary begins with the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, allowing you to gradually adapt to the altitude while enjoying ancient Inca sites and breathtaking landscapes along the trail. After visiting Machu Picchu, the tour continues with the Sacred Valley of the Incas, for a more relaxed and enjoyable end to your trip.
One of the main advantages of this itinerary is that after Machu Picchu your acclimatization will be much better. This allows you to keep exploring Cusco comfortably and join other popular tours such as Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and other day trips from Cusco.
Prefer to start with the Sacred Valley? See our Sacred Valley Tour + Short Inca Trail.
Sacred Valley Tour After Machu Picchu
This 3-day tour combines the 2-day Short Inca Trail with a relaxing Sacred Valley tour at the end. You start by hiking 12 km from KM 104 through the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, passing cloud forest and Inca sites like Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, and entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
After your guided tour of Machu Picchu on Day 2, you spend the night in Ollantaytambo. On Day 3 you explore the Sacred Valley at an easy pace: the Ollantaytambo fortress, lunch in Urubamba, and the terraces and artisan market of Pisac, before returning to Cusco.
Ending with the Sacred Valley means you finish your trip with a gentle, scenic day after the hike, and you return to Cusco well acclimatized for your next adventure.
Briefing for the Short Inca Trail & Sacred Valley Tour
The day before the tour starts, your guide will meet you for a briefing. You will receive detailed information about each day: pickup times, the Inca sites you will visit, what to pack and how everything will work. It is also the perfect moment to ask any questions so you feel fully prepared for your trip to Machu Picchu.
The hike lasts approximately 7 hours, covering 12 km (7.5 miles) through the Inca Trail archaeological park. This route passes through a cloud forest ecosystem, rich in flora and fauna, and follows ancient Inca paths once used by the Inca civilization.
Along the trail, you will visit several archaeological sites, walk through original Inca stone steps, and enjoy breathtaking mountain views before reaching Machu Picchu Citadel.
After your first visit and photo opportunities at Machu Picchu, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). Arrival time is around 4:30–5:00 p.m. Overnight at a hotel in Machu Picchu Town.
Day 1 Details
Enjoy a 2.5 to 3-hour guided tour, where you will learn in depth about the history, architecture, and cultural significance of Machu Picchu. Your guide will also help you find the best photo spots inside the citadel.
After the guided tour, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch. In the afternoon, we take the train to Ollantaytambo, where you will spend the night in a hotel, preparing for the Sacred Valley tour the next day.
Day 2 Details
We then continue to the Pisac archaeological site, enjoying a guided visit through its terraces and temples. Afterward, we visit Pisac town and its famous artisan market. In the afternoon, we return to Cusco, ending the tour in the city.
Because the Sacred Valley is located at a lower altitude than Cusco, this day is ideal for relaxing travel, better breathing, and smooth acclimatization after Machu Picchu.
Day 3 Details
