Hike the Short Inca Trail to reach the lost city of the Incas with this 4-day trek to Machu Picchu. Visit the most representative places surrounding Cusco and follow the same itinerary that King Manco Inca did guiding his army through the mountains.
Machu Picchu, Huchuy Qosqo & Short Inca Trail 4-Day Tour
Day 1: Cusco - Tambomachay - Pucamarca
At 7 am, we'll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to begin this 4-day trek. After about 20 minutes, we'll arrive at the archaeological complex of Tambomachay, where we'll begin a four-hour hike up to Koriccocha lagoon. Here you'll have the chance to check out the Peruvian fauna, including llamas and alpacas, as well as magnificent views of the mountains surrounding Cusco.
We'll have lunch at the lagoon and continue for another three hours through high Andean villages until we reach Pucamarca, a town located at 3800 meters (12467 ft.) above sea level. Here we'll prepare the tents for the night.
Day 2: Pucamarca - Huchuy Qosqo - Ollantaytambo
We'll wake up early and have breakfast surrounded by the incredible views of Pucamarca valley. Then we'll get started with an hour-long hike to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the most famous of all Peru. The first spot we'll see in the valley is the Inca citadel of Huchuy Qosqo, which in Quechua means "Little Cusco". Located in the upper area of the valley, this archaeological site has a large number of Inca stone and adobe buildings built on the green terraces of the mountain, an incredible sight to see.
After visiting Huchuy Qosqo, we'll begin our descent to Lamay, located on the banks of the Urubamba River. Here we'll refuel with a Peruvian pachamanca, a traditional dish prepared on hot stones. After lunch, we'll hop on a bus and head to Ollantaytambo, the last Inca city, where we'll have the chance to explore its historic streets. At the end of the day, we'll spend the night in a hotel in this town.
Day 3: Ollantaytambo - Chachabamba - Aguas Calientes
On the third day, we'll get started early to take the first train to Chachabamba, the beginning of the Short Inca Trail. Historians say that Manco Inca, the last king of the empire, followed this route in reverse, leading his army to attack Francisco Pizarro's troops in Cusco. We'll hike for about seven hours, passing through the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna and the beautiful waterfalls of the valley.
After stopping for lunch, we'll continue to Inti Punku, the gateway to Machu Picchu. From here, you'll enjoy fabulous views of the citadel, considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world. We'll leave you the afternoon free to explore and experience the magic of the legendary lost city of the Incas at your own pace. Then, we'll enjoy the unique spectacle that is the sunset in Machu Picchu, followed by dinner in Aguas Calientes and finally getting some rest in a hotel.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Cusco
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll take the first bus back to Machu Picchu. The last day will be dedicated to a hike to the Inca Bridge, used to protect the entrance to the city from invaders. Then we'll go on a guided tour of Machu Picchu, discovering all the secrets hidden in its temples, palaces and stone altars.
After the tour, you'll have free time to visit the sanctuary and take a hiking route through the mountains of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu.
Next, we'll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then take the Vistadome train to return to Ollantaytambo, enjoying the breathtaking views of the valleys along the way. Once in Ollantaytambo, a bus will be waiting for us to take us back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 7:30 pm.
Important
In case the activity is cancelled due to strikes or unfavourable weather conditions, we'll give you an alternative date for the tour. If it's not possible to reschedule, please note that you will be refunded the full amount of the activity, except for the Inca Trail entrance fees (S/ 222 (US$ 58.40) approx), which are non-refundable.
Accommodation
This tour includes three nights' full board accommodation:
- First night: camping tents
- Second night: 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo
- Third night: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
Other routes
If you don't have enough days to participate in this itinerary, we recommend the Huchuy Qosqo 2-Day Trek or the 2-day hike on the Inca Trail.
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