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Inca Trail Trek To Machu Picchu 3 Days / 2 Nights
Discover the magic of Peru on the Inca Trail Trek 3 Days 2 Nights, a specially designed itinerary that blends cultural immersion with exhilarating adventure. This shorter version of the classic trek is ideal for travelers who want to experience the highlights of the Inca Trail in less time—without sacrificing the breathtaking beauty and historical richness of the route.
Begin your journey in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where ancient ruins and vibrant local traditions set the stage for your adventure. As you hike the legendary Inca Trail, you’ll follow original stone paths used by the Incas, pass through lush cloud forests, and witness stunning panoramic views of the Andes.
Along the way, explore hidden archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna before reaching the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at sunrise—your first glimpse of the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Experience the best of Peru with a unique combination of the Sacred Valley tour and the Inca Trail Trek 3 Days 2 Nights, designed for travelers who want cultural immersion and adventure in a short timeframe. Start your journey with a full-day guided exploration of the Sacred Valley, visiting key Inca archaeological sites such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo, rich with history, tradition, and breathtaking views. On the second day, continue with the Short Inca Trail, a 12 km hike through stunning Andean scenery, ancient ruins, and cloud forest. This scenic route brings you to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for a dramatic sunrise entry into Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Start your journey with a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, visiting Pisac and its impressive archaeological site. Continue through Urubamba before arriving in Ollantaytambo, where you will explore its historic Inca streets and ruins. Spend the night in Ollantaytambo and prepare for the following day’s trek. Take an early train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 and begin your hike along the Short Inca Trail. Visit Chachabamba and continue through the cloud forest toward the impressive Wiñay Wayna ruins. Continue to Intipunku before making your way toward Aguas Calientes for your second night. After breakfast, take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu for a guided visit of the ancient citadel. Explore the areas included in your assigned circuit while learning about the history and architecture of the Incas. Later, return to Aguas Calientes, take the train to Ollantaytambo, and continue by private transportation to Cusco.
Highlight of the Day: Explore Pisac and Ollantaytambo while traveling through the Sacred Valley. This tour will start at 7:45am when we pick you up at your hotel, and will immediately start heading out of Cusco towards the Sacred Valley. On the way there, we will stop at a local alpaca farm, where you will get the opportunity to meet with some of the locals and feed some of the animals. Our first stop in the valley will be Pisac, a local village with a thriving market and beautiful ruins. The guide will give an explanation of the ruins, then you will have time to explore the ruins and the market on your own. After Pisac, we will continue onto Urubamba, where we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant (Included). After lunch, we will continue onto our final stop of the day, Ollantaytambo. These famous ruins were built to match the sun’s cycle, aligning the temple with the nearby mountains to track the solstices. This temple also has quite intricate agricultural terraces, allowing you to experience some of the ancient technology that was available to the Incas. Our guide will give you an explanation of the site, after which you will have free time to explore the ruins on your own. After some time, we will drop you off at your hotel in Ollantaytambo Village. Where you will rest very well for the following day that will have a Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Highlight of the Day: Hike through Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna before reaching Intipunku. We will pick you up from your Ollantaytambo hotel early in the morning (about 5:00 am), followed by a short walk to the train station. From here, you will take the train to Kilometer 104 (Km 104), the starting point of your Short Inca Trail experience. At Km 104, you will pass the checkpoint and visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba (2,170 m / 7,170 ft), an important religious and administrative center used by the Incas before reaching Machu Picchu. From here, you will begin a gradual ascent for about 2–3 hours along original Inca stone steps, surrounded by lush vegetation and diverse flora and fauna. Along the way, you will pass a waterfall before reaching Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,700 ft), one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the Inca Trail. Here, you will explore its terraces, temples, and water channels, and enjoy lunch with stunning views of the Sacred Valley. After the visit, continue hiking for about 1½ hours along a relatively gentle section of the trail until reaching the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at 2,720 m (8,920 ft). From this point, you will enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu before descending toward the citadel and continuing to Aguas Calientes for the night. Highlight of the Day: Visit Machu Picchu with your guide before returning to Cusco. Start your morning with an early breakfast before boarding one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, arriving in time to watch the sun rise over the legendary Inca citadel—a magical moment that will stay with you forever. Once inside, your professional guide will lead a two-hour exploration through the most remarkable sections of the ancient city, revealing its engineering brilliance, spiritual significance, and daily life. Wander through the agricultural terraces, residential compounds, and sacred temples, where history and mystery merge in the morning light. After taking in the sweeping mountain views, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train schedule, you might stroll through the local market, visit the small Machu Picchu Museum, or unwind in the soothing hot springs. In the afternoon, board your scenic train following the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley, passing dramatic cliffs and glimpses of Wiñay Wayna ruins high above the canyon. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, your transport will drive you back to Cusco, where your unforgettable Inca journey comes to an end. Important Note: Machu Picchu archeological site is different from Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. The mountain requires a separate permit for those wishing to hike it. If you are interested in adding this experience, please let us know in advance so we can arrange it for you.
Here’s a complete and detailed checklist of essential items to pack for your Inca Trail Trek 3 Nights 2 Nights, ensuring you’re fully prepared for an unforgettable adventure.
We offer flexible departure dates and operate the Inca Trail Trek 3 Days / 2 Nights, subject to availability. ✔ Small-group experience for greater comfort and personalized service ⚠️ Limited availability due to Inca Trail Fee. Early booking is highly recommended. A more personalized experience with flexible pacing and tailored logistics. 2 Persons: $729 per person * All our tours are priced in US dollars. To confirm your reservation for the 3-Day Inca Trail, a deposit is required in advance. We accept credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers. If you prefer a different payment method, feel free to contact us for alternative options.
This 3-day tour combines a visit to the Sacred Valley with the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You will explore Pisac and Ollantaytambo before starting the hike at Km 104. Along the trail, you will visit Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and Intipunku before continuing to Aguas Calientes. The Short Inca Trail covers approximately 12 km (7.4 miles) and usually takes around 5–6 hours to complete. The route includes several uphill and downhill sections, with visits to Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna before reaching Intipunku and continuing toward Machu Picchu. Yes, the tour is suitable for travelers with a moderate level of fitness. The trail includes stone steps and some steep sections, so children and first-time hikers should be comfortable walking for several hours. Children over six can join, although younger travelers may need additional assistance. We recommend booking several months in advance, especially during the busiest travel periods. The Short Inca Trail requires a limited number of permits, and availability can become difficult to find closer to the travel date. Booking early also gives you more options for your preferred departure date. Wiñay Wayna is one of the main archaeological sites along the Short Inca Trail. The site features agricultural terraces, stone structures, temples, and water channels built by the Incas. Its location on the mountainside makes it an important and memorable stop along the route. The hike includes a mixture of stone steps, narrow trail sections, forested areas, and mountain views. You will walk at a steady pace with time to stop at the archaeological sites along the way. The final section leads to Intipunku before continuing toward Aguas Calientes. Basic restroom facilities are available at some points along the route, but they are limited and rustic. It is a good idea to carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer in your daypack. Your guide can also indicate where the available facilities are located during the hike. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 1–2 days before the tour so your body has time to adjust. During these days, take it easy, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activities at first. You can use the time to explore Cusco or nearby attractions at a relaxed pace. No. Machu Picchu tickets are valid for a single entry, so you should plan your visit carefully. Your guide will accompany you through the route included with your entrance ticket, allowing you to see the main areas covered by your assigned circuit before leaving the citadel. The route inside Machu Picchu depends on the circuit assigned to your entrance ticket and current regulations. Your guide will take you through the areas permitted by that circuit and explain the history of the citadel during the visit.
At Cusco Journeys, we’re committed to making your adventure in Peru memorable, safe, and easy to enjoy. This brief guide includes the most important details to review before starting your trek or tour from altitude preparation and luggage management to Machu Picchu entry and health tips. Take a moment to read it carefully; it will help you get ready and experience the magic of the Andes with comfort and confidence. All pre-trek briefings are personally conducted at your hotel in Cusco around 5:00 pm, one or two day before your trek or tour begins. The meeting lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes and is an essential part of your preparation. During this session, our guide will go over the itinerary in detail, provide your duffel bag, and answer any final questions to ensure you’re fully prepared for your adventure. It’s very important to be well acclimated to the altitude before starting any trek. Cusco lies at 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) above sea level, and your body needs time to adjust to the thinner air. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before your trek begins to prevent altitude sickness and to enjoy your trip without discomfort. During your acclimatization days, take it easy and explore some nearby attractions: These short tours are perfect for getting used to the altitude while discovering the region’s rich history. If you have an outstanding balance, please make the payment at least two days before your trek or tour. Otherwise, your reservation cannot be confirmed. Whenever possible, we kindly ask you to settle the remaining balance in cash (USD or Peruvian Soles) during your briefing session. There are several ATMs along Avenida Sol where you can withdraw both currencies. You may also pay by credit/debit card or PayPal, either online or in person; however, please note that a 5% service fee will be applied by our payment gateways (Niubiz and PayPal). You’ll receive a duffel bag or canvas case during the briefing. Size: 60 × 24 × 22 cm (23.6 × 9.45 × 8.66 in), Maximum weight: 6 kg / 13 lb, including clothes and personal items. Our team of porters will carry your bag throughout the trek and hand it back to you at each camp. Remember that this limit includes your sleeping bag and any personal belongings you wish to take. Absolutely! During your trip, you may store your main luggage safely at our office (arrange it with us during your briefing or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge. Any items you won’t need during the trek can remain at your hotel, most hotels offer secure luggage storage. Please avoid leaving valuables in your bags; instead, place them in the hotel safe and request an itemized receipt, as many insurance companies require this in case of loss. For added security, you can also store important items such as credit cards in a sealed and signed envelope. Machu Picchu now operates with specific timed entries and fixed circuits to preserve the site and ensure an enjoyable experience for all visitors. For our Inca Trail groups, the standard visit is usually Circuit 3, around 8:00 or 9:00 a.m., depending on ticket availability and government regulations. After completing your route, park rangers will guide you toward the exit, re-entry is not allowed. If you wish to explore another route or stay longer, you can request an additional entrance ticket (subject to availability and extra cost). All pick-ups are made from your hotel within Cusco City. We recommend staying in the historic center for easier access. Our guide will confirm your pick-up time one day before the tour, but please note that it may vary by 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and hotel locations. Cusco is an ancient city with narrow, cobbled streets, and some hotels or Airbnbs may not have direct vehicle access. If your accommodation is in such an area, we’ll coordinate the closest possible meeting point for your convenience. Returning from Machu Picchu involves several steps, but don’t worry — everything is included in your tour. After visiting Machu Picchu, you’ll take a 25-minute bus down to Aguas Calientes (buses operate on a first-come, first-served basis). From there, you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo; your guide will provide the tickets and indicate your departure time. Please arrive at the platform 30 minutes before departure. The train ride takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, followed by a 2-hour bus journey back to Cusco City. Our group tours bring together travelers of different ages and fitness levels. Everyone can walk at their own pace, and our guide will manage the group so that all participants enjoy the experience comfortably. If changes to the itinerary are needed, the guide will decide after consulting with the group. Occasionally, strikes or protests may occur in Peru, which can affect roads or train schedules. In these cases, Cusco Journeys will make every effort to maintain your itinerary or adjust departure times if needed. Your safety always comes first, and all decisions will be made to protect it. You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. Please be mindful of where you leave your items and make sure to remove everything from our vans, tents, and restaurants after each stop. Avoid leaving anything unattended during the hike, as other trekkers or staff might mistake it for lost property.
Overview
Overview
Highlights
Inca Trail Trek 3 Days 2 Nights at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Pisac – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo
Day 2: Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Intipunku – Aguas Calientes
Day 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Why Choose This Tour
Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Taray – Pisac – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo.
Day 2: Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
Day 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
Inclusions
Included
Not Included
What You Need to Take
Prices
💰 Prices
Price: USD $629 per person
✔ Professional guides and full trekking logistics included
Private Service
3 Persons: $699 per person
4 Persons: $669 per person
5 Persons: $639 per person
6 or more Persons: $619 per person
Booking and Payment
Discounts
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
Upgrades
Hotel Upgrades
Train Upgrades
Rentals
Inca Trail Availability
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Inca Trail Trek
1.- What makes the Sacred Valley and Short Inca Trail tour special?
2.- How long is the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
3.- Is the tour suitable for beginners or families?
4.- How far in advance should I book this tour?
5.- What is the significance of Wiñay Wayna?
6.- What should I expect during the Short Inca Trail hike?
7.- Are there toilets along the Short Inca Trail?
8.- What is the best way to acclimate to the altitude?
9.- Can I re-enter Machu Picchu the same day?
10.- Which Machu Picchu route will I follow on this tour?
Before You Go
Travel Information
Briefing Before the Trek
Acclimatization in Cusco
What to Do Before Your Trek
Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco)
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept bank checks or traveler’s checks for balance payments.Duffel Bag or Canvas Case
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Machu Picchu Entrance Circuits and Schedule
Pick-Up of Guests
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco
Group Tours
Strikes and Demonstrations
Lost Objects
Contact Us
Book Now
Map
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