Machu Picchu Highlights & Short Inca Trail - 4D/3N

Upon arrival at the Cusco airport, our representative will transfer you to your hotel. We recommend arriving early. In the afternoon, we embark on a half-day tour of the Sacred Valley to help you acclimatize. We visit the Pisac archaeological site, known for its massive agricultural terraces curving around the mountain, and the vibrant Pisac artisan market. We then drive along the Urubamba River to the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo. You will explore its impressive stone fortress before returning to your hotel in Cusco for the night. • Highest Altitude: 3,400m / 11,154ft (Cusco)

We pick you up early from your hotel and drive to the Ollantaytambo train station. We board the train and travel along the scenic Urubamba River until we reach KM 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. We cross a suspension bridge and begin our hike. The trail climbs steadily for about 3 hours through lush cloud forest until we reach Wiñay Wayna (2,650m), a stunning terraced Inca complex. We enjoy our boxed lunch here. We then continue hiking for another 2 hours along a relatively flat stone path until we reach Inti Punku (The Sun Gate). From here, you get your first breathtaking, panoramic view of Machu Picchu in the late afternoon light. We descend into the citadel for photos and take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we check into our hotel and enjoy a celebratory dinner. • Trekking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles • Estimated Hiking Time: 6 hours • Highest Altitude: 2,720m / 8,924ft (Sun Gate)

We wake up early to take one of the first buses back up the zigzag road to Machu Picchu. Your guide will lead you on a comprehensive 2.5-hour walking tour of the citadel, explaining the significance of the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, the Sacred Plaza, and the intricate agricultural and residential sectors. After the guided tour, you will have time to explore independently or climb Huayna Picchu (if tickets were booked in advance). In the afternoon, we take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, board the panoramic train back to Ollantaytambo, and transfer via private transport to your hotel in Cusco. • Highest Altitude: 2,430m / 7,972ft (Machu Picchu)

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to do some last-minute shopping around the Plaza de Armas, visit the San Pedro Market, or explore the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas. At the coordinated time, our transport will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Cusco airport for your onward flight, concluding your spectacular Andean adventure.