3 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu + Huaynapicchu - 2025


Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Highlights: Chachabamba, Inca Trail, Wiñayhuayna “for Ever Young”, Inti Punku “Sun Gate”, Machupicchu Inca City and Huaynap
Type of tour: Adventure, Cultural
Place: Cusco - Perú
Price per person from $ 609.00 USD

The destination at the end of the Short Inca Trail is Machu Picchu, making the trek, although difficult in some parts, very rewarding! After your Inca Trail trek you can get a great view of the citadel after your Machu Picchu tour, you can also climb Huayna Picchu.

Availability for Inca Trail to Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu 3 Days / 2 Nights

The Peruvian government has strict limitations on how many people are permitted to use the Inca Trail (permits are issued to about 200 trekkers per day and about 300 porters/guides with a total of 500 permits issued daily). We recommend booking the Inca Trail as early as possible, sometimes even 6 months in advance!

We also recommend booking the Inca Trail trek before booking your hotels, flights, etc., since Inca Trail permits are limited!

Daily departures are available throughout the year (March through January-February the Inca Trail is closed), even though the recommended period for this trek is April to October because it is the dry season.

All private service departure dates are adapted to your request any day you choose. Also contact us for group departure date availability.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Transfer by ITEP Van from Cusco to Train station, later train service to Km 104 “Inca Trail Entrance”.

Day 1: Transfer by ITEP Van from Cusco to Train station, later train service to Km 104 “Inca Trail Entrance”.
Day 1: Transfer by ITEP Van from Cusco to Train station, later train service to Km 104 “Inca Trail Entrance”.

Meals: Box Lunch and dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel, “Camping on request”.
Distance: 16kms/10 mls (6 hours more or less of hiking)
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
Walking Time: Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch in route)
Walk and Terrain: Walk, canter, on open roads, some steep ascending trails


Trekking Km 104Chachabamba to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate


Today Our trek takes us along the most impressive stretch of the Inca Trail. We'll visit beautiful Inca sites, see a variety of flora and fauna and get to take in the fantastic panoramas of the Andes Mountains. Covering 16km of the trail our journey begins in the Sacred Valley and works its way up along an original Inca Trail to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna before continuing on to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
 
As we make our way to Machu Picchu we'll pass through the lush and verdant cloud forest that covers the mountain and get to see a variety of plants, flowers and birds along the way. We may also see some larger mammals such as Viscachas (rabbit-like Chinchillas) and Spectacled Bears (if we are very lucky).
 
After a full day trekking, we'll arrive to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the late afternoon and get our first views of Machu Picchu spread out on the mountain below. The light at this time of day is great for photos and with fewer tourists in the site it's a perfect time to take some pictures. After we've passed through the Sun Gate we'll carry on along the trail a little way before taking a side trail that leads us to Aguas Calientes in the valley below where we'll check in to our hotel.


Map - Day 1: Transfer by ITEP Van from Cusco to Train station, later train service to Km 104 “Inca Trail Entrance”.
Map - Day 1: Transfer by ITEP Van from Cusco to Train station, later train service to Km 104 “Inca Trail Entrance”.

Day 2: Machupicchu “The Sunrise Experience”

Day 2: Machupicchu “The Sunrise Experience”
Day 2: Machupicchu “The Sunrise Experience”

Waking up early (07:00am) “Time can Vary according your tour guide recommendation” we'll take one of the first buses back up to Machu Picchu to enter the site as soon as it opens.


We'll have 2 hours guided tour in the site where you'll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour you'll have free time to explore the site by yourself.


You will also have time to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own if you choose (not included in the price). Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or bathe in the hot springs.

MACHUPICCHU MUSEUM

The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, achieves the objectives of the preservation and dissemination of cultural and archaeological research. Within a modern and dynamic exhibition, the reopening of Site Museum Manuel Chavez Ballón has become the primary means of communication and information for the most important cultural Historical Sanctuary of Perú.


The museum is organized in seven phases, they emphasize the beauty and historical significance of the large collection of artifacts, construction tools (copper and bronze), pins, mirrors, tweezers and needles. Also appearing are the headed ornitomorfa ibis, toucans and oropendolas. The exhibit shows in detail the metallurgical expertise in the Inca city; the spectacular examples of dexterity in stone quarrying, as well as significant objects in various other materials. These displays express to the world, a view of the sustenance of life in Inca Machu Picchu, the strategic administrative center intertwined between the Amazon and the Andes.
 


Map - Day 2: Machupicchu “The Sunrise Experience”
Map - Day 2: Machupicchu “The Sunrise Experience”

Day 3: Machupicchu Second entrance to Machupicchu Sacred mountain or Huaynapicchu Sacred Mountain.

Day 3: Machupicchu Second entrance to Machupicchu Sacred mountain or Huaynapicchu Sacred Mountain.
Day 3: Machupicchu Second entrance to Machupicchu Sacred mountain or Huaynapicchu Sacred Mountain.

Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 8.9kms/5.5mls “By Bus in 25 minutes”
Difficulty: Easy


1.-Machupicchu Sacred Mountain is different than the Machupicchu Inca City”.

2.- Huaynapicchu Mountain is in front of Machupicchu Sacred Mountain, Machupicchu Inca City is in the middle of the two mountains “Spaces are limited in both mountains and for Machupicchu inca city”.

3.- Machupicchu Sacred Mountain is higher than Huaynapicchu Mountain

4.-The climb for these mountains are without tour guides, it means by yourself “the trek duration in each mountain “one way” is 1 hour to 1:30 hours.

5.- The trail is full of signs and park rangers and this day is an exclusive personal day for you”.

Waking up early (05:00am) we'll take one of the first buses back up to Machu Picchu to enter the site as soon as it opens (06:00 am). After it, you'll have free time to explore the site by yourself and with your permits, you going to have the opportunity to climb either Huayna Picchu mountain (2 hours round trip) or Machu Picchu mountain (3 hours round trip). You will also have time to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own if you choose (not included in the price)

Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there. Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or bathe in the hot springs

Back to Cusco: You will descend to Aguas Calientes by bus (included) and later board the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo Train Station “Train departure time can vary according train schedule and availability”. In Ollantaytambo Train station you will meet our private van and be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.

*** We only take ITEP EcoTravel clients in our vans / cars – We do not use public transport.

About Machupicchu Hotels: 
Please note: Hotels may change (be different according your request) depending on booking time and availability; Campsite for Inca Trail 3d2n also is possible, we just need to follow Machupicchu government conditions or on restrictions undertaken for safety reasons by the Peruvian Government.
 


Map - Day 3: Machupicchu Second entrance to Machupicchu Sacred mountain or Huaynapicchu Sacred Mountain.
Map - Day 3: Machupicchu Second entrance to Machupicchu Sacred mountain or Huaynapicchu Sacred Mountain.

End of our Services

INCLUDES

  • Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your royal Inca Trail guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. In case you can´t come at this time “please let us know” to coordinate another time. 
  • Touristic Transport: You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and will travel by private transportation to Ollantaytambo Train Station.
  • Touristic Train Expedition Service: Train leaves from Ollantaytambo Train Station until Chachabamba “Km 104” the starting point of the Short Inca Trail to Machupicchu. Optional upgrade for Vistadome Train at extra cost.
  • Adventure Experienced Short Inca Trail Tour Guide: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time along the inca path and will ensure you are safe and happy.
  • Tour Guide in Machupicchu Cultural Experienced: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. For visit the sacred city of Machupicchu.
  • Overnight in Machupicchu Village: Each hotel is carefully choosed for having a very local experience “please check options”.
  • Night 1st and 2nd: The 1st and 2nd night in the 2 star Hotel House of the Luz is included, which is in the town of Aguas Calientes; It is also known as Machupicchu Village; but if you prefer we can upgrade to 3 star hotel more USD 45 per person, the prices of hotels will vary according to your expectations and budget. However, we can offer you the option of joining us at 2 star Hotel House of the Luz "at no extra cost". the 2 star hotel in Aguas Calientes have single, double and triple rooms, elevator, private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi, breakfast, restaurant and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu.
  • Entry ticket to The Short Inca TrailInti Punku (Sun Gate) to Machupicchu
  • Entry ticket to Machu Picchu Inka Site by circuit 1: Upper Terrace (first day), circuit 3: Designed route (second day)
  • Entry ticket to Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu sacred Mountain: 2nd entrance ticket for Machupicchu Inka city which includes the permit for climb the Machupicchu sacred mountain or Huaynapicchu Sacred Mountain. Note: the climb for the sacred mountain is not including a tour guide. The whole path of ascent to the sacred mountain is well signposted and has park rangers from the Machupicchu government. Therefore, the service of a guide is not necessary. However, if you think it is important to have a guide on this route. please contact us
  • Meals: Breakfasts at the hotel, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost) Please be in mind (1st breakfast and last lunch after Machupicchu 2nd day of trek is not included”
  • Water:  Inka Trail Expeditions will supply all the water needed only at our office in Cusco “for your 1st day trek”, after you arrive to Machupicchu Village/Aguas Calientes, you will be able to find plenty shops and restaurants. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. 
  • Medical kit and Oxygen bottle: Our crew will bring a first-aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
  • Train tickets back: From Aguas CalientesMachupicchu village” to Ollantaytambo train station (departure time is confirmed the day of briefing and it´s subject to availability)
  • Transfer back to Cusco: Private touristic transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco (Day 3)
  • 24-hour guest service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.
  • 05 Bus Concetur to / from Machupicchu inca City: Most of the times the wait to board the  bus to Machupicchu is from 1 hour to 1:30 min, So we prefer that you decide a day before your visit to the Inca city of Machupicchu. If you wish to take the bus considering the waiting time. Or if you prefer to do the last stretch of ascent walking up 45 to 1 hour "everything will depend on your physical state, after the trekking done".

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

  • Walking Sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
  • Day 1: Breakfast: Approx. USD 5 to USD 10.00, Price can vary according your selection.
  • Panoramic Vistadome train (+ USD 50.00)
  • Meals in Machupicchu village: Lunch and Dinner in Aguas Calientes. Approx. Usd 20 to 25.00, Price can vary according your selection.
  • Personal clothing and gear
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for our staff: Please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish “Recommendation usd 6 to usd 8 per day per traveler for all the trek staff”- Once again it is optional and can vary according your satisfaction. 
  • Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)

YOU NEED

  • Original Passport
  • Day Pack   
  • Full rain gear or poncho
  • Gloves (thin riding and warm gloves) 
  • Headlamp Sunglasses             
  • Hiking Socks Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent Bathing suit
  • Trekking pants
  • Breathable dry fit top-wear 
  • Comfortable shoes/flip-flops
  • Cold-weather jacket
  • Long-sleeve fleece/sweater Wool hat
  • Hiking boots
  • Baseball cap, sombrero and bandana
  • Headlamp Sunglasses             
  • Hiking Socks Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent 
  • Bathing suit
  • Casual mountains wear for evenings 
  • Photo/video cameras and chargers 
  • Binoculars
  • Refillable water bottle (hydration bags are recommended)

RESERVATIONS

For availability of spaces for this service, please contact us info@salkantaytrek.org or by WhatsApp (+51) 970 506 205 and we`ll send you detailed information, prices, terms and conditions.

Please keep in mind that significant price reductions are available for groups. All our tours are fully guaranteed, departure every day. Contact us for more information for the tour that you are choosing, or to begin customizing your own itinerary. recommendations:

"Inka Trail Expeditions Perú is a tour operator travel agency in Peru and the city of Cusco, We really know what we do and offer, We are well managed, with several offices in Peru and a long list of travel destinations, offering all travel alternatives in Perú, from family trips, honeymoon trips and luxury travel, including adventure tours and exploring trips to the jungle, for almost any budget

NOTE: Inka Trail Expeditions Perú, specializes in organizing the ideal travel plan to Peru, with hotels and destinations that you choose, because we have all confidential and promotional rates. For guidance on how to organize your custom package. Please write us.

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Traveler reviews

Best experience, no regrets!
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Written: Nov 23rd 2024
5 star rating 5/5 stars

We initially tried booking with one of the more popular companies, but they were fully booked. So, we decided to give this smaller company a try—and it turned out to be the best decision! Smaller groups made the experience more intimate, and the guides were incredibly attentive. Here are some...


Couldn’t have asked for a better experience
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Written: Nov 16th 2024
5 star rating 5/5 stars

The trip was perfectly paced and absolutely gorgeous! Percy was funny, helpful, knowledgeable and personable. He handled everything the group or nature threw his way, and made sure everyone was well taken care of. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide! Pauline and Christian made 3 delicious...


Salkantay Trek
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Written: Nov 13th 2024
5 star rating 5/5 stars

Had an amazing time, Adrian the guide was really fun and knowledgable. The scenery was stunning, food yum and campsites really comfortable and well equipped. Would do again for sure!...


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