Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour 6 Days with the Short Inca Trail
This 6-day Cusco and Machu Picchu tour combines Peru’s essential sights with three of the region’s best hikes. You’ll explore Cusco and its Inca ruins and tour the Sacred Valley. Then you hike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, entering through the Sun Gate, and return the next day for a guided tour of the citadel.The trip ends with a day hike to Rainbow Mountain, followed by a direct transfer to the airport.
You stay in hotels every night, with no camping: Cusco, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. Private transfers, trains, buses, the Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu tickets and a bilingual guide are included. It suits active travelers who want more than a sightseeing tour but don’t want a multi-day camping trek.
Overview
Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour 6 Days Overview
Most Cusco and Machu Picchu packages reach the citadel by train. This one has you walk in. On Day 3 you hike the final stretch of the Inca Trail from KM 104, past Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). On Day 4 you return for a guided tour of the citadel. The first two days build up gently, with Cusco’s Inca sites and the Sacred Valley, so you acclimatize before the higher hikes at the end of the trip: Rainbow Mountain at about 5,036 m (16,520 ft).
The pace is active. Expect early starts and full days, especially on the Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain. You don’t need trekking experience, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours at altitude.
Tour Highlights
- Cusco and its Inca ruins. Visit the historic center and the hilltop sites of Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
- The Sacred Valley. Explore Pisac, the Maras salt ponds, the circular terraces of Moray and the Inca town of Ollantaytambo.
- The Short Inca Trail. Hike from KM 104 past Wiñay Wayna and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
- Two visits to Machu Picchu. See it from above on Day 3, then take a guided tour of the citadel on Day 4.
- Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley. Hike to the striped slopes of Vinicunca, with views of Ausangate.
- Hotels every night. No camping, with private transfers throughout.
Trip Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour 6 Days |
| Duration | 6 days, 5 nights |
| Accommodation | Hotels: 3 nights in Cusco, 1 in Ollantaytambo, 1 in Aguas Calientes |
| Hiking | About 25 km (15 mi) in total, over three hiking days |
| Highest point | Rainbow Mountain, about 5,036 m (16,520 ft) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Group size | Up to 12 travelers; private service available |
| Machu Picchu | Arrival via the Sun Gate on Day 3; guided tour on Circuit 3 on Day 4 |
| Permit | Short Inca Trail permit required and included |
| Season | March to January (the Short Inca Trail closes every February) |
| Price | From US$870 per person (groups of 5 to 8) |
Why Book With Ali Peru Treks
- Permits confirmed quickly. We buy your Short Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu tickets as soon as your deposit is processed.
- Clear pricing. Your price includes transfers, trains, guides, the Machu Picchu buses and hotels in Cusco, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. Optional extras are listed separately below.
- Local and independent. We are a Cusco-based operator. Your booking supports Andean communities and fair, ethical pay for our whole team.
- Culture and adventure in one trip. Cusco’s highlights, the Sacred Valley, the Short Inca Trail and two high Andean hikes in six days.
Itinerary
Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour 6 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco, City Tour and Nearby Inca Ruins
Our exclusive 6-day journey begins with your arrival in the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Your dedicated Ali Perú Treks guide will greet you at the Cusco airport and escort you in private transport to your hotel in the historic center. We recommend arriving before 11:00 a.m. to allow time for altitude acclimatization (3,400 m / 11,152 ft), rest, hydration, and a warm cup of coca tea offered by your hotel.
At 1:00 p.m., your guide will meet you at your hotel to begin our cultural exploration. We will start with a guided walking tour through Cusco’s iconic Plaza de Armas, featuring grand colonial architecture built atop ancient Inca foundations, flanked by the majestic Cathedral.
Next, we will visit the sacred Q’oricancha (The Temple of the Sun), the spiritual and geographical heart of the Inca Empire. During Inca times, its finely polished stone walls were covered in thick sheets of solid gold. After exploring Q’oricancha, our private vehicle will take us just outside the city to explore four major archaeological sites:
- Sacsayhuamán: A monumental fortress and ceremonial complex famous for its massive zigzagging megalithic walls. The precision of its engineering is awe-inspiring, with limestone blocks weighing over 120 metric tons fitted seamlessly together without mortar.
- Q’enqo: A mystical ceremonial labyrinth carved directly out of a single limestone monolith. Its underground chamber houses a stone altar used for sacred rituals, mummification, and offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth).
- Puka Pukara: Known as the “Red Fortress” due to the reddish hue its stones take on at sunset. This complex served as a strategic military checkpoint, barracks, and rest stop for royal entourages entering Cusco.
- Tambomachay: Commonly known as the “Inca Baths,” this site was dedicated to the worship of water and fertility. It features a sophisticated hydraulic engineering system of canals, aqueducts, and cascading fountains that still flow with crystal-clear water from underground springs.
At the end of the tour, we will drop you off safely back at your hotel to rest and enjoy your evening in Cusco.
| Day 1 | Details |
| Highest point | Sacsayhuamán area, about 3,700 m (12,140 ft) |
| Activity level | Easy, mostly flat walking with some Inca steps |
| Overnight | Hotel Tierra Viva Cusco Centro |
| Meals | Not included |

Day 2: Sacred Valley, Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo
Your second day begins at 7:00 a.m. as your private Ali Perú Treks guide meets you at your hotel to head into the legendary Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Our first stop will be Awanakancha, a living textile center where you can meet native Andean camelids (llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas) and learn about ancient weaving and natural dyeing traditions. We will then stop at the Taray Viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic photos of the valley before exploring the Pisac Archaeological Site, renowned for its sweeping agricultural terraces and ancient cliffside Inca cemetery. Following Pisac, we will drive to the town of Urubamba to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch showcasing local flavors.
In the afternoon, we will continue exploring three iconic Sacred Valley highlights:
- Moray (3,500 m / 11,483 ft): A fascinating Inca agricultural laboratory consisting of sunken concentric circular terraces. Its unique design created varying microclimates with temperature differences of up to 15 °C (27 °F) between levels allowing the Incas to experiment and acclimatize crops from across the empire.
- Maras Salt Mines: A stunning complex of over 3,000 salt pans fed by a subterranean hyper-saline spring. Mined since pre-Inca times, local families still harvest this world-renowned pink salt using traditional solar evaporation methods.
- Ollantaytambo: The only living Inca town that preserves its original urban planning. We will explore its massive stone terraces and the Temple of the Sun, a masterpiece of megalithic architecture featuring finely polished granite blocks and intricate stone carvings.
At the end of the tour, your guide will drop you off at your hotel in Ollantaytambo to relax and enjoy the charm of this ancient town.
| Day 2 | Details |
| Duration | About 8 hours |
| Activity level | Easy to moderate |
| Overnight | 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch, dinner |

Day 3: Short Inca Trail from KM 104 to Machu Picchu
Your third day begins at 5:30 a.m. as your dedicated Ali Perú Treks guide meets you at your hotel in Ollantaytambo. A short 5-minute walk brings us to the train station to board the train heading to Km 104 / Chachabamba. The scenic train ride takes approximately 1.5 hours along the Urubamba River Canyon.
Upon arrival at Km 104, we will clear the official Inca Trail checkpoint (please ensure you have the original physical passport used for your booking in hand). After checking in, our team will hand you your trail snack pack. We will then begin our trek by exploring the archaeological site of Chachabamba (2,100 m / 6,890 ft), where your guide will share the history and spiritual significance of this ancient complex.
Next, we will begin a steady 3 to 4-hour uphill climb through lush cloud forests, offering breathtaking scenery, until we reach the magnificent ruins of Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft). You will tour its steep agricultural terraces and fine stone temples alongside your guide. After the tour, a freshly cooked warm lunch prepared by our Ali Perú Treks mountain chef will be waiting for you.
After lunch and a short rest, we will hike for about an hour along a scenic trail to reach the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku – 2,720 m / 8,924 ft). From this sacred vantage point, you will get your very first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. There will be plenty of time to relax, take in the views, and capture unforgettable photos.
From Inti Punku, a gentle 1-hour downhill walk leads to the upper viewpoint of the Inca citadel to capture the iconic classic postcard picture of Machu Picchu. Finally, we will take a short 10-minute walk to the bus station for a 25-minute ride down to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town), where you will check in to a comfortable 3-star hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
| Day 3 | Details |
| Hiking distance | About 12 km (7.5 mi) |
| Hiking time | 6 to 7 hours |
| Highest point | Sun Gate, about 2,720 m (8,920 ft) |
| Overnight | Hatun Inti Classic or similar, Aguas Calientes, 2,040 m (6,690 ft) |
| Meals | Breakfast,lunch, dinner |
| Difficulty | Moderate |

Day 4: Guided Tour of Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
The fourth day begins early in the morning. After enjoying a nutritious breakfast at your hotel, you will only need to carry your daypack with essentials, as the hotel will securely store your main luggage. To make the most of our morning and beat the crowds, we will board one of the first shuttle buses up to the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft) on a scenic 25-minute drive.
Having enjoyed that unforgettable first view from the Sun Gate yesterday, today we re-enter Machu Picchu for an in-depth, immersive tour under the soft morning light.
Your expert Ali Perú Treks guide will lead you on a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour through the most iconic sectors of the citadel. You will dive into the history, architecture, and mysteries of the Inca Empire while visiting sacred temples, ceremonial plazas, and stunning viewpoints.
Following the guided tour, we will take the shuttle bus back down to Aguas Calientes. You will have free time to enjoy lunch (not included) at one of the town’s charming local restaurants before your train departure.
At the designated time, your guide will escort you to the train station to board the evening train back to Ollantaytambo—a 2-hour scenic journey along the Urubamba River. Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo station, our private Ali Perú Treks team will be waiting to transfer you back to Cusco, dropping you off directly at your hotel door to conclude an unforgettable adventure.
| Day 4 | Details |
| Main activity | Guided tour of Machu Picchu, Circuit 3 (about 2 to 3 hours) |
| Return | Train to Ollantaytambo, private transfer to Cusco |
| Overnight | Hotel Tierra Viva Cusco Centro |
| Meals | Breakfast |

Day 5: Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
Your fifth day begins at 6:00 a.m. as your private Ali Perú Treks guide picks you up directly from your hotel. We will drive in private transport on a 3-hour scenic journey toward the high-Andean community of Chillihuani, the starting point of our trek. Upon arrival, you will have plenty of time to stretch your legs, gear up, and use the restrooms.
We will begin a steady 2-hour hike (3 km / 1.9 miles) surrounded by grazing alpacas and dramatic mountain scenery until we reach the summit of the iconic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca – 5,036 m / 16,522 ft). Standing proudly right in front of Rainbow Mountain, you will be awed by the majestical snow-capped Mount Ausangate (6,384 m / 20,944 ft), the sacred guardian peak and the highest mountain in the Cusco region.
Thanks to our smartly planned schedule, we arrive at a time when the morning day-tour crowds have already left. This allows you to experience this natural wonder in a serene atmosphere ideal for capturing stunning photos while your guide explains the fascinating geology and history of the area.
After soaking in the views of Vinicunca and Mount Ausangate, we will trek toward the breathtaking Red Valley (4,940 m / 16,207 ft), one of the hidden gems of the Andes, where deep crimson slopes make you feel as if you are walking on another planet.
After exploring the Red Valley, we will follow the trail back to our private vehicle and head to the town of Cusipata for a delicious, hearty lunch. Finally, we will drive back to Cusco, dropping you off safely right at your hotel door in the afternoon.
| Day 5 | Details |
| Hiking distance | About 7 km (4.3 mi) round trip, plus the Red Valley |
| Hiking time | 3 to 4 hours |
| Highest point | Rainbow Mountain, about 5,036 m (16,520 ft) |
| Overnight | Hotel Tierra Viva Cusco Centro |
| Meals | Breakfast Hotel, lunch |
| Difficulty | Challenging (because of altitude) |

Important Note – Day 6 : Farewell and Airport Transfer
Enjoy the morning of your final day relaxing, exploring Cusco’s charming historic center at your own pace, doing some last-minute shopping, or savoring one last Andean coffee.
Please inform us of your flight details in advance so we can seamlessly coordinate your departure transfer. Our private transport will pick you up directly from your hotel at the agreed time to take you directly to the Cusco airport (Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport), bringing your unforgettable adventure with Ali Perú Treks to a wonderful close. Safe travels back home!
| Day 6 | Details |
| Activity | Free morning in Cusco & private airport transfer |
| Difficulty | Easy / Relaxing |
| Highest point | Cusco City, 3,400 m (11,152 ft) |
| Meals | Breakfast (at your hotel) |
| Transport | Private transfer from hotel to Cusco Airport |
Included
What’s Included in the Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour
Included
- Hotels: 3 nights at Hotel Tierra Viva Cusco Centro, 1 night at a 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo and 1 night at Hatun Inti Classic or similar in Aguas Calientes, all with daily breakfast
- Airport transfers: Arrival transfer on Day 1 and departure drop-off on Day 6.
- Private van for all tours and transfers
- Trains: Ollantaytambo to KM 104 (Day 3) and Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 4)
- Machu Picchu buses: down on Day 3, and up and down on Day 4
- Short Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance tickets (Day 3 via the Sun Gate and Day 4 on Circuit 3)
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico), which covers Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, Pisac, Moray and Ollantaytambo
- Professional bilingual guide for all tours
- Day 2: Hotel Breakfast, Buffet Lunch in Urubamba, & Dinner in Ollantaytambo
- Day 3: Hotel Breakfast, Trail Snacks, Cooked Mountain Lunch, & Dinner in Aguas Calientes
- Day 4: Hotel Breakfast in Aguas Calientes
- Day 5: Hotel Breakfast, Lunch in Cusipata (Rainbow Mountain)
- Day 6: Hotel Breakfast & Airport Transfer Drop-off
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
Not Included
Please carefully read the not included services in this itinerary before booking. Any meals, services, or extra expenses not explicitly listed as Included are the traveler’s responsibility.
- International and domestic flights
- Accommodation after Day 6
- Day 1: None (Arrival & City Tour)
- Day 4:Lunch in Aguas Calientes And dinner in Cusco
- Day 5:dinner
- Day 6:Lunch and dinner.
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets
- Horse rental Rainbow Mountain (about S/ 70–90, paid locally)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal expenses and extras: Bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, extra snacks, souvenirs, telephone calls, and laundry services.
- Tips and personal expenses
Packing List
Packing List for Your Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour
Your Daypack
Use a 25 to 30 L pack. Machu Picchu does not allow bags larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm (16 × 14 × 8 in).
- Original passport, the same one used for your booking. You need it at the Inca Trail checkpoint, on the trains and at Machu Picchu.
- Water: a 2-liter reusable bottle. Single-use plastics are restricted in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
- Waterproof jacket or poncho and a light fleece or windbreaker
- Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm with UV protection and sunglasses
- Insect repellent (at least 30% DEET), hand sanitizer and toilet paper
- Snacks: energy bars, dried fruit or coca candies
Your Luggage
- Warm layers for Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake: a thermal base layer, gloves and a warm hat
- Moisture-wicking shirts (avoid cotton) and a brightly colored shirt for photos
- Broken-in hiking boots with good grip, plus light shoes for the hotels
- Trekking poles with rubber tips. Rubber tips are required on the Inca Trail. Poles aren’t allowed inside Machu Picchu on Day 4.
- Power bank
- Swimwear, if you’d like to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes on the evening of Day 3
How Your Luggage Moves
For Days 2 to 4, pack a small overnight bag and leave your large suitcase at the Cusco hotel, where storage is free. PeruRail allows one piece of hand luggage of up to 8 kg (17.6 lb) and 157 cm (62 in) in total dimensions per passenger on Machu Picchu trains. On Day 3 we arrange for your overnight bag to reach your hotel in Aguas Calientes, so you hike with only a daypack.
Travel Info
Travel Information for the Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour
Passport and Permits
Bring the original passport you used to book. If you renew it after booking, tell us right away and bring both the old and the new passport. Digital copies are not accepted. The Short Inca Trail (KM 104 route) is limited to 250 trail users per day by Peru’s Ministry of Culture, and permits are issued in your name for a specific date.
They can’t be transferred or changed once purchased, so book well in advance.
February Closure
The entire Inca Trail network, including the Short Inca Trail, closes every February for maintenance. This itinerary isn’t available in February. Contact us for a February alternative that reaches Machu Picchu by train.
Arrival and Acclimatization
Our driver meets you at Cusco airport with an Ali Peru Treks sign. On Day 1, rest for a couple of hours after arriving, drink plenty of water, eat lightly and avoid alcohol. The itinerary is designed to help you acclimatize. The Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail are lower than Cusco, and the highest hikes come at the end.
See our guide to acclimatizing in Cusco.
Difficulty
“Days 1, 2, and 4 are easy to moderate. The Short Inca Trail on Day 3 is a moderate 6- to 7-hour hike. Rainbow Mountain (Day 5) is a short but steep hike at high altitude; however, horses can be hired directly from local community members if you need assistance.”
Best Time to Go
The dry season, from April to October, has the clearest skies and the coldest mornings. From November to March, expect afternoon rain, greener scenery and fewer crowds. Remember the Inca Trail closes in February.
Deposit and Payment
A US$400 deposit, which counts toward your total price, secures your booking. We use it right away to buy your permit, Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets. You can pay it securely through WeTravel. The balance is paid in Cusco at your pre-trip briefing, in cash or by card. See our booking information.
Electricity and Connectivity
Peru uses 220V with Type A and C sockets. Hotels have Wi-Fi and outlets. Bring a power bank for long tour days.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn’t included, but we strongly recommend a policy that covers trekking at altitude, medical care, evacuation and trip cancellation.
Price
Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour 6 Days Price
Prices are per person in US dollars and include everything listed under What’s Included.
| Group size | Price per person |
| 1 person (private service) | US$2,500 |
| 2 people | US$970 |
| 3 people | US$930 |
| 4 people | US$900 |
| 5 to 8 people | US$870 |
| 9 or more people | Contact us for a special rate |
- Deposit: US$400, part of the total price, payable through WeTravel
- Optional extras: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets (subject to availability), horse rental (paid locally), trekking pole rental
Faq
Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour FAQs
Yes. On Day 3 you see the citadel from the Sun Gate and walk down to the viewpoints above it. On Day 4 you return for a guided tour inside.
Day 3 is your arrival on foot through the Sun Gate, with views from above. Day 4 is a guided tour of about two to three hours on Circuit 3, through the temples and royal sector.
It is moderate to challenging. The Inca Trail is a six- to seven-hour hike, and Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake are steep climbs at high altitude. Horses can be hired at both mountain hikes.
No. The Short Inca Trail closes every February. Contact us for an alternative itinerary by train.
No. You hike with a daypack. Your overnight bag goes to your hotel in Aguas Calientes, and your large suitcase stays in free storage at the Cusco hotel.
Yes, “At Rainbow Mountain, horses can be hired directly from local community members for approximately 70–90 PEN (paid locally in cash .
“Hotel pickup is around 5:30 AM on the Inca Trail day and 6:00 AM for Rainbow Mountain. Full-day tours usually finish in Cusco between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. We will confirm your exact pickup times during your mandatory briefing.”
Yes. WeTravel is a secure payment platform for travel companies, and your US$200 deposit counts toward your total price.
Your guide carries emergency oxygen and a first aid kit, and the itinerary builds up altitude gradually. Let your guide know at once if you feel unwell.
Yes. Vegetarian, gluten-free and allergy-friendly meals can be arranged if you tell us when you book.
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