3 Days / 2 Nights
This exceptional tour package is a comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley, with its fascinating archaeological sites, followed by the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The Short Inca Trail is a breathtaking hike that showcases the impressive Inca ruins, magnificent mountain views, lush subtropical vegetation, and diverse ecosystems. The trail takes you through the National Park and leads you to the Sun Gate, offering an unforgettable panoramic view of Machu Picchu. As you hike, you’ll pass through cloud forests and tropical vegetation, culminating in a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu Citadel in the afternoon of the first day and again the following morning. The Short Inca Trail is perfect for those with limited travel time but still want to experience the historic Inca Trail.
Group
Trekking, Cultural and Adventure
Up to 8
Camping and Bus
Moderate
3 Days / 2 Nights
Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
We start the day at 7:30 am with a private pickup from your Cusco hotel. Our first stop is the Mirador of Taray, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Urubamba Valley and centuries-old farmland that has changed little over 500 years.
Next, we visit the Pisac Archaeological Site, home to over 2,000 Inca tombs. Explore the mountain terraces, ceremonial area, and Inca tunnel as your guide shares the rich history of this impressive stronghold. Afterward, we head to the vibrant Pisac Market for a short visit before driving to Urubamba for lunch.
In the afternoon, we explore Moray, the ancient Inca agricultural laboratory with its unique terraced amphitheater, used to experiment with crops and microclimates. Then, we continue to the pre-Inca Salt Mines of Maras, where thousands of salt pans have been in use for centuries, some naturally pink from mineral content.
Our final stop is Ollantaytambo, a living Inca village where we explore massive terraces, temples, and the Sun Sanctuary, learning about its strategic role during the Spanish conquest. The day ends with an overnight stay in Ollantaytambo, ready for tomorrow’s Inca Trail adventure.
Accommodations:
Your day begins early at 5:30 am with a private pickup from your Cusco hotel. We head to Ollantaytambo, where your guide will provide a lunch to take in your daypack. The 6:10 am train carries you through the stunning Sacred Valley scenery to Km 104, the starting point of your Inca Trail trek.
Crossing the Urubamba River, the trail begins gently, weaving past small Inca sites and through lush cloud forests. Along the way, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the valley and encounter several waterfalls—a refreshing reward for your climb.
Next, we arrive at Wiñay Wayna (2,600 m/8,500 ft), an impressive Inca ruin nestled in the jungle. Take your time exploring its terraces, temples, and water channels, while your guide shares stories of the Incas and the unique tropical flora around you. Lunch is served here, with plenty of time to relax and soak in the scenery.
The final stretch is the iconic walk to the Sun Gate. From this vantage point, you’ll glimpse your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu—a magical moment to savor and photograph. The last hour descends through a series of Inca sites, stepping in the footsteps of the Incas, before arriving at the citadel itself.
Once inside Machu Picchu, you’ll enjoy the afternoon light for unobstructed photos from the viewing platforms, taking in the temples, terraces, and plazas at your leisure. Afterwards, we transfer you to your hotel in Aguas Calientes, where a delicious dinner awaits. Free time follows to explore the town, visit the hot springs, or relax.
Rise early and enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before catching one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. Watching the sunrise over this ancient citadel is magical, with mist rising from the mountains and terraces glowing in the morning light.
Your guide will lead a detailed tour of the most important areas of the site, including the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry, and House of the Inca. You’ll also learn how the site is divided into agricultural, residential, and religious sectors.
For those who booked in advance, there’s the option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for sweeping panoramic views.
After soaking in the views, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). If time allows, explore the town, visit the museum, do some shopping, or relax in the natural hot springs.
Later, board the train back to Ollantaytambo, enjoying the stunning scenery along the Urubamba River. Upon arrival, a private vehicle will take you back to your Cusco hotel, arriving around 7:00 pm—perfect for reflecting on a day of unforgettable memories.
**Huayna Picchu Mountain is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after you tour Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request it in advance. Applies an extra cost.
***Private service is available for $100 USD more per person.
***All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 people with a maximum of 8!
**Huayna Picchu Mountain is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after you tour Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request it in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
As a family-owned travel agency, APPLE Travel Peru works closely with local tour operators based in Cusco who have extensive personal experience in trekking over the years. We are proud to be a 100% Cusqueñian Company, with no shareholders.
Our owner’s dream was to provide small, personalized tours and treks exclusively operated by local, professional staff who offer high-quality service. We take great pride in our reputation as a responsible and sustainable tour operator, and our staff is like an extended family to us. We ensure that they receive good wages and financial support, which is essential to us.
Our team is the backbone of our success, and we’re immensely proud of them. We couldn’t offer the best service and amazing experiences to our clients without their dedication and hard work.
At APPLE Travel Peru, we believe in providing a more personalized service for our guests, which is why we have a policy that limits our groups to a maximum of 8 people. This sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
We take great pride in our highly professional guides who speak fluent English, are very knowledgeable, and are passionate about Inca heritage and history. We have guides who are continuously developing themselves, and conducting research to provide you with accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Our fun-loving and well-educated crew holds degrees in Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we believe in giving back to the communities we pass through on our treks. We support employees from these communities and aim to bring things back to the grassroots level, share in their homes and families, and make life richer and more meaningful for all involved. We take great pride in supporting these beautiful people, not only by hiring them for work but also by socially supporting them. This approach demonstrates our attitude toward everything we do, and we strive to create a positive impact on the people and communities we interact with.
Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Package.
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6 pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 2010 Office 2012.
Of course! During the Sacred Valley & Short Inca trail to Machu Picchu Package, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
FIRST, to book your Sacred Valley & Short Inca trail to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on Book Now on our homepage or click here on BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Inca trail permit, entrance to Machu Picchu, or the train without the following information:
In order to purchase your Inca Trail permit, entrance to Machu Picchu, and train ticket, we require a deposit of US$200.00 per person. You can easily make your deposit by clicking on either the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, on our booking page, or by clicking on the payment method of your choice, whether it is VISA or PAYPAL.
As for the balance, you can pay in cash at our office in Cusco (in US dollars or Peruvian soles) to avoid high credit card fees in Peru. There are many ATMs located within the historical center that you can use to withdraw money. Alternatively, you can also pay online through VISA or PAYPAL, but please note that there is a 5.5% service fee charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you simply need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address, which is appletravelperu@gmail.com.
The response is NO. When the tickets for the Inca Trail have been purchased the government allows no changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the tickets have been purchased. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable.
*** If you cancel your Sacred Valley & Short Inca trail to Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!
To enter Machu Picchu and board the train, you must bring your original passport with you. It is crucial that the passport number you sent us while booking your entrance, train tickets, and reservations is the same as that on your passport. The rangers and the train company will check your passport before allowing you to enter Machu Picchu or board the train.
In case you renew your passport or change your name, please send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it for a fee of $25 per person when you get your new passport number or updated name. To make the change, we require copies of both your old and new passports. We recommend that you keep a copy of your old passport before changing it.
Alternatively, you can avoid the fee by bringing both passports to Peru with you. You can use your new passport to enter Peru, but you must show both passports (old and new) to enter Machu Picchu or board the train. If you fail to produce both passports, you will not be allowed to enter Machu Picchu or board the train. Please note that officials in Peru are strict about this matter.
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you bring a warm jacket for early morning and a rain poncho in case of a rain shower.
If you’re content with the services we provide, a tip – however not necessary – but is valued. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of extraordinary importance for individuals who will take care of you during the journey. It moves them to give brilliant help and is a dug-in element of the travel industry across numerous Apple Travel Peru destinations. Obviously, you are allowed to tip however much you feel is suitable.
Indeed, we are a local, sustainable, and dependable tour operator for that we integrate the universal standards of the travel industry which is to safeguard the climate and advantage the local communities by respecting their way of life and religion. Considering this, we have prepared all our local staff to be aware and comprehend, and regard the places and the nearby individuals.
The Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Package does not include an extra porter. You will need to carry all your things. Please try to pack as light as possible which is the key to enjoying this amazing trek.
In your daypack for the Short Inca Trail, you should have:
In your duffel that will be sent by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes:
January 10, 2024 · Apple Travel Peru
It was my best experience with Apple Travel. I had incredible excellent service. The team is very attentive and friendly.
Read moreOctober 21, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
Incredible service and experience in Inca Trail 4 days travel. Everything was top of the notch. Thanks Ivanoe, my guide.
Read moreOctober 19, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
The 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was everything I expected and more. Gorgeous from beginning to end. The tour guides were great and very knowledgeable.
Read moreOctober 11, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
It was a great experience with all the team Apple Travel. I enjoyed my whole trip. Thanks a lot for being part of my vacation in Cusco.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A very organized Salkantay experience with caring guides, strong support at altitude, and memorable food after long hiking days.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide and chef made the trek feel safe, enjoyable, and personal, even when altitude made the journey challenging.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A difficult hike became possible thanks to a patient guide who encouraged the group and helped through the hardest sections.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide adapted the pace and itinerary well, combining knowledge, courtesy, and flexibility throughout the tour.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A smooth multi-day trip with patient guiding, careful logistics, clean transport, and thoughtful help at every site.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The experience exceeded expectations with a local guide whose knowledge and enthusiasm made the journey feel meaningful.
Read moreOct 29, 2025 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide brought history and culture to life while keeping the group comfortable and helping capture great memories.
Read moreFeb 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The team handled planning easily and adjusted the route around weather and walking ability without losing key highlights.
Read moreApril 21, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
Expert guides, strong porters, and memorable meals helped turn a demanding trail into a remarkable group experience.
Read moreApril 18, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guides kept the schedule smooth and attentive, making the first visit to Machu Picchu easy to recommend.
Read moreApril 9, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide, cook, and porter team brought great energy, answered questions, and even helped celebrate a birthday.
Read moreApril 17, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide respected a slower pace, shared useful knowledge, and made the route feel supportive and enjoyable.
Read more
Permits
