Short Inca Trail Lodge Based Trek to Machu Picchu
Inn-Based Hiking Tours
6 Days, 5 Nights 20+MI / 32+KM
Trip Highlights
This 6-day, 5-night lodge-based tour combines the best of Peru’s cultural and natural wonders, including Cusco, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu. Guests explore historic sites around Cusco before setting out on a remote trek to an ancient Incan quarry. The tour includes a hike on the scenic Short Inca Trail, passing incredible ruins and arriving at the iconic Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu. A full day is dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu with a knowledgeable local guide. With comfortable lodge accommodations and rich cultural experiences, this tour offers a deep and adventurous immersion into the heart of the Inca Empire.
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Hiking Sections of the Inca Trail
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Cozy, Modern Lodges
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Machu Picchu from Sun Gate
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Breathtaking Mountain Views
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Fantastic Peruvian Cuisine
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Ancient Inca Rock Quarry
Book This Trip
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Trip Details
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Trip Type
Inn-Based Hiking Tours -
Trip Length
6 Days, 5 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
Up to 8 mi -
Group Size
2-12 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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Is This Trip Right For me?
This trip requires significant elevation gains and losses on rocky trails, and tops out at nearly 11,500 feet. The higher elevations make the trekking more difficult but this trip is considered easy-moderate.
Difficulty Level
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Solitude Level
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Trip Itinerary
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however occasionally trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to: lodging/campground availability, extreme weather, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding and more. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
On this hiking tour to Machu Picchu, a Wildland representative will pick you up from the International airport in Cusco, Peru. We will drive to our hotel for the night, have showers, and then meet for an orientation meeting to get acquainted with our itinerary. After our meeting we will go to our favorite local Peruvian restaurant for dinner in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Be sure to drink copious amounts of water en route today, as flying and traveling will certainly dehydrate you. Being well hydrated will also help your body adapt and acclimatize to the higher elevations of Cusco.
Day 2
Today is an acclimatization day and opportunity to explore the amazing history of Cusco. We start the day with our first Peruvian breakfast in Cusco. After breakfast, we will meet for a tour of the ancient ruin of Saksaywaman, the historic citadel of Cusco on the northern edge the city. Parts of Saksaywaman were first constructed around 1100 AD but were occupied since 900. The complex was expanded around 1200, when the Inca built dry rock walls constructed of massive stones. The builders painstakingly cut the boulders to piece them together without the use of mortar, and the ruins miraculously still stand to this day showing the true quality of Inca engineering and building techniques.
After Saksaywaman, we will have lunch before visiting an amazing, colonial cathedral in Cusco and the Qoricancha (Sun Temple). After these tours, we have some free time to relax before dinner. At dinner your guides will provide the plan for the following day and answer any last minute questions.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,100 feet (640 m)
Highest Elevation: ~11,400 feet (3,475 m)
Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours
This morning after breakfast, we’ll depart for the main city in the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo. Today’s hike is to an ancient Inca rock quarry and is absolutely stunning (this quarry is somewhat of a secret from the main tourist trail in the Sacred Valley). Many of our groups see very few, or no other tourists on this trail. The hike takes approximately 3 hours up to the ruin, and roughly 2 hours down. Our hike features amazing views of Ollantaytambo and the surrounding valleys, as well as the incredible experience of visiting these historic ruins and ancient quarries. During the hike, we’ll have lunch and learn about the area’s rich history and the significance of the ancient town of Ollantaytambo. After the hike, we will head to our hotel for the night, freshen up, and go out for another fantastic Peruvian dinner.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 7 miles (11.3 km)
Elevation Gain: 1,805 feet (550 m)
Elevation Loss: 890 feet (271 m)
Highest Elevation: 8,860 feet (2,700 m)
Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
This morning after breakfast, we’ll drive from our hotel to Ollantaytambo and take a train to the starting place for the ‘Short’ Inca Trail. The train journey takes us by views of snow-capped mountains, through cloud forests, and by authentic Quechua villages. The train takes about 1.5 hours to reach Chachabamba, the beginning of our hike. From Chachabamba, we begin following the original path of the Incas, a beautiful hike with amazing views, wonderful flora and fauna, and of course tremendous historic significance. One of the many highlights will be reaching the Wiñaywayna Incan ruins (8,366′), a collection of stone houses built into a steep hillside with agricultural terraces above and below the houses. At the ruins we will have lunch and your guides will provide a tour of this fascinating, ancient Inca settlement.
After lunch and a short rest, we will continue trekking for roughly 1.5 hours until we reach the Inti Punku or Sun Gate of Machu Picchu, which is also our high point at 8,860 feet in elevation. The Sun Gate is a stone structure that served as the southern security checkpoint for the Incas coming from Cusco, and it is the first point where we can see all of Machu Picchu. Here we will rest and take in the stunning iconic views of Machu Picchu before hiking down for roughly 1 hour to the bus station. We then take a short bus ride to Aguas Calientes (6,692′) where we will check into our hotel. Tonight, over a wonderful Peruvian dinner, we will eagerly discuss the day’s amazing experiences and the anticipation we all feel for fully exploring Machu Picchu in the morning.
Day 5
Hiking Mileage: varies
Elevation Gain/Loss: minimal
Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
This morning, we’ll have an early wake up call for our sunrise arrival to Machu Picchu! At Machu Picchu, (7,972 ft.) our guide will lead us on a thorough and fascinating tour of the ancient Inca city for the next 3-4 hours. We will learn about the amazing cultural history of the Inca and Machu Picchu and delve into some of the mysteries that surround the remote mountain city. After our Machu Picchu tour we will head back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. We will then board a train to the historic town of Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, we board our private van to the town of Urubamba. Depending on the time, we may have dinner in Urubamba or continue on to Cusco (11,200 ft.) where we will have a celebratory dinner and end at our hotel in Cusco.
Day 6
This morning we will have our last Peruvian breakfast in Cusco and say our good-byes before heading to the airport. From here it’s of course your option to continue exploring Peru on your own or have a flight booked to return home. For our Machu Picchu Treks you can depart Cusco any time on this final day. Service ends after transportation to the airport. If planning to stay longer in Peru, we have day hikes and tours available leaving from Cusco. Thank You for choosing Wildland Trekking!
Trip Dates
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What's Included
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A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
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A professional Wildland guide, trained in 1st Aid, risk management and assessment and responsibility to provide overall standard of excellence in service quality
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Transportation for the duration of the tour starting on Day 1 and ending on the day you depart
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Vistadome train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
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Lodging for the duration of the tour
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Meals for the duration of the tour
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Use of a backpack and trekking poles
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Gratuity for in-country crew: Porters, Chefs, Waiters, and Drivers. *Please Note: Gratuities for Guide(s) are not included in trip rate.
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
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Transportation to Cusco, Peru -
Bar bills, drink bills, extra snacks, telephone bills, wifi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/ laundry)
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All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
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Clothes, rain gear, and footwear
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Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight (disposable plastic water bottles are prohibited; please have refillable water bottles or hydration bladders)
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Guide gratuities are optional and at the discretion of each customer. A suggested guideline is to reward outstanding service with a tip of 10-15% of the total trip cost. Local currency is preferred, or USD is also appreciated.*Please Note: Gratuities for Porters, Chefs, Waiters, and Drivers are included in the trip rate.
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Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $200,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (strongly encouraged)
Accommodations
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
TIERRA VIVA CENTRO
3 NIGHTS
This inviting Cusco hotel maintains the feeling of a historic residence built with stone, tiles, adobe and wood. It is the beautifully restored home of the Velasco Ordoñez family, historic residents of Cusco. The rooms offer modern comfort and are spacious, with large windows and wood floors.
TIERRA VIVA VALLE SAGRADO
1 NIGHT
This wonderful Tierra Viva hotel is in Urubamba, the heart of the Sacred Valley. We stay here on the night of Day 3 because it is the perfect location between Ollantaytambo and the beginning of our hike to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu the next day. This hotel is modern with amazing views of the mountains.
TIERRA VIVA MACHU PICCHU
1 NIGHT
This hotel is in the quietest area of Aguas Calientes, facing the Urubamba River and surrounded by the Forest of Clouds. Modern and stylish, it features spacious and comfortable rooms, a lounge with a fireplace, and wonderful local art hung on the walls of the lobby and rooms.
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
We will meet you at the airport on Day 1 and transport you to the first night’s hotel (included), where we’ll conduct an orientation meeting at 5:00 PM the first evening (your flight should arrive before 3:00 PM). Our Peru communications team will be in contact approximately 45 days before your trip to coordinate your rendezvous and answer any last-minute questions you have.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Cusco, Peru
BOOKING FLIGHTS
For our Peru treks you will need to arrive in Cusco, Peru on the day the trip begins earlier than 3:00 PM. Your guide will rendezvous with you at the airport and transport you to our hotel. An orientation meeting, dinner and accommodations are included on Day 1. Your return flight should be scheduled for the final day of the tour leaving at any time.
Flights to and from Cusco are the guest’s responsibility. Multiple airlines operate flights into Cusco, and nearly all connect through Lima. You can reach Lima from many U.S. and European international airports. Some of the primary U.S. departure cities include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Minneapolis, Chicago, New Orleans, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. The duration of nonstop flights to Lima is 5-9 hours. The duration of flights from Lima to Cusco is 80 minutes.
Pre and Post-trip On Request Lodging
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in Cusco, Peru as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
In the interest of your safety, it’s important to refer to the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date recommendations on immunizations before your trip.
Guides
Our approach to international travel is to combine the best of two worlds: the dialed-in details, professionalism and consistency Wildland trips are known for; and the cultural immersion and intimate regional knowledge that only locals can provide. To excel with this approach, we vet and hire the best local guides, welcome them into the Wildland family and train them to meet our standard of excellence with every aspect of a trip. But along with managing logistics and safety, your guides will teach you about the area’s history and culture, and provide a level of familiarity and intimate detail only locals can.
Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled or private trips
Reviews
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Doug S
3 years agoGreat trip, highly recommend it for those who want more comfortable accomodations.
We really loved this trip and itinerary. We were a group of people in their late 50s/early 60s, and just didn't want the whole sleeping in a tent on the ground scenario. The accomodations were fine except the Tierra Hotel in Cusco. The other hotels were very nice. The best part of the trip, other than the hiking and Machu Picchu itself, was Edgar our guide. I can't say enough how nice, helpful, and knowledgeable he was. The meals were fantastic, Edgar knew everyone at the restaurants and we were always made to feel like special guests.
Melinda B
1 year agoShort Inca Trail to Machu Pichu
This was our third trip with Wildland and it did. not disappoint. The logistics were perfect and our guide was exceptional. Everything was well planned and our guide made sure we had a great adventure in a (relatively) safe environment. It was a truly an amazing way to experience Machu Pichu.
Leslie W
1 year agoFantastic
Our short Inca Lodge trail was everything we hoped it would be! Our guide was fantastic, pacing us to ensure success, providing information about the history, culture, and landscape, and otherwise making for an enjoyable trip. The food and accommodations were wonderful, and everything ran smoothly!
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