Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail – 6 Day Machu Picchu Adventure

You’ll explore the historic city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a guided Cusco city tour from your hotel.

You’ll visit the impressive Inca archaeological sites surrounding the city, including the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, the ceremonial center of Qenqo, the military complex of Puka Pukara, and the water temple of Tambomachay, all showcasing the incredible engineering of the Inca civilization.

Next, you’ll continue to one of our favorite local restaurants, where you’ll enjoy lunch while experiencing authentic Peruvian cuisine in Cusco.

Afterwards, you’ll visit the sacred Coricancha Temple (Temple of the Sun), one of the most important religious sites of the Inca Empire, once covered in gold during Inca times.

You’ll then explore the traditional San Pedro Market, where you’ll discover local flavors such as chuta bread, fresh fruits, vegetables, handicrafts, and typical Cusco street food.

Finally, you’ll return to your hotel after a full cultural experience in Cusco city and Inca archaeological sites.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel at 7:50 a.m. to begin your Sacred Valley of the Incas tour, one of the most iconic cultural and archaeological experiences in Peru.

Your first stop is the archaeological site of Pisac, where you’ll explore impressive Inca agricultural terraces built along the mountainside and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.

You’ll then visit the vibrant Pisac handicraft market, a colorful traditional market where you can interact with local artisans and shop authentic handmade souvenirs.

Next, you’ll continue to Urubamba, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Andean lunch in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

After lunch, you’ll explore the archaeological site of Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory used to experiment with different crops and microclimates, showcasing Inca engineering and innovation.

You’ll then visit the famous Maras Salt Mines, where salt has been extracted since Inca times using traditional methods still in use today, offering one of the most unique landscapes in the Andes.

On your way back, you’ll stop at the Chinchero archaeological site, a stunning Inca complex known for its agricultural terraces, colonial church, and spectacular mountain scenery.

Finally, you’ll return to Cusco in the afternoon after a full-day Sacred Valley tour from Cusco.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel at 4:00 a.m. and transferred to the train station to board the 6:10 a.m. train to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting for you and you’ll proceed to the checkpoint for registration (you must bring your original passport). Then you’ll walk a short distance to the archaeological site of Chachabamba, where you’ll enjoy a guided visit.

You’ll then begin a gradual uphill hike, surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes, until you reach the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive archaeological complexes on the Inca Trail.

Here you’ll enjoy lunch near the Wiñay Wayna checkpoint, in a stunning natural setting.

Afterwards, you’ll continue the hike for approximately 2 hours to reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll get your first panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel, an unforgettable moment.

From there, you’ll descend into Machu Picchu for an initial visit and free time to explore the citadel, usually with fewer crowds in the afternoon.

Finally, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night in the town of Machu Picchu.