Short Inca Trail, Chinchero, Maras and Moray - Small Group

Day 1 · CUSCO NAVEL OF THE WORLD

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   Centro Historico De Cusco

   7 hours

   Upon arrival at the Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a member of the Inkayni Peru Tours team. We’ll escort you to your accommodation, a charming hotel located in Cusco 3,400 meters (11,000 feet). This day is set aside for rest and acclimatization. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon and get to know your surroundings.

   In the afternoon, meet your expedition group for a briefing about the incredible adventures ahead.

Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.

Day 2 · MARAS, MORAY AND CHINCHERO

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   Sacred Valley

   7 hours Admission not included

   Our adventure begins as we ascend to the high plains, stopping first at Chinchero (3,762 m / 12,343 ft), a sacred Inca site known as the birthplace of the rainbow. Here, we’ll visit its colonial church, built upon ancient Inca foundations, and explore its archaeological remains. We’ll then head to a local textile center, where Andean artisans will share the ancestral art of weaving, using minerals, plants, and seeds to create stunning natural dyes.

   Continuing through rolling hills, we’ll reach Moray (3,500 m / 11,482 ft), a fascinating complex of circular terraces once used as an agricultural laboratory by the Incas. Nearby, we’ll visit the Maras salt mines (3,380 m / 11,089 ft), a breathtaking landscape of thousands of salt pools that have been harvested by local families for centuries.

   In the afternoon, we’ll travel to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft), where we’ll board our train to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft), the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.

Day 3 · FIRST DAY SHORT INCA TRAIL: CUSCO – KM 104 – AGUAS CALIENTES

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   Stop 1

   6 hours Admission included

   Today's trek takes us along the most impressive stretch of the Inca Trail, covering 10 km (6.2 mi). We begin in the Sacred Valley, following an original Inca pathway to the stunning archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna before continuing to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate or Inti Punku (2,720 masl / 8,924 ft.).

   As we hike, we pass through the lush cloud forest, home to a diverse array of plants, flowers, and birds. If we're lucky, we might even spot Viscachas (rabbit-like chinchillas) or the elusive Spectacled Bear.

   By late afternoon, we arrive at Inti Punku, where we get our first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu (2,430 masl / 7,972 ft.). The soft golden light at this hour creates ideal conditions for photography, with fewer tourists around. After soaking in the views, we follow a short side trail down to Aguas Calientes (2,040 masl / 6,693 ft.), where we’ll check into our hotel and rest before the next day's visit to Machu Picchu.

Golden Sunrise Hotel *** or similar.

Day 4 · SECOND DAY SHORT INCA TRAIL: MACHU PICCHU

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   Stop 1

   8 hours Admission included

   The day begins early with breakfast before boarding one of the morning buses to Machu Picchu (2,430 meters or 7,972 feet). Upon entering the Inca citadel, your guide will lead you on an in-depth tour, sharing the captivating history of this iconic site and explaining its most remarkable features, such as temples, ceremonial areas, terraces, and storage structures.

   If you’ve secured an additional ticket in advance, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore either Huayna Picchu (2,720 meters or 8,924 feet) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082 meters or 10,111 feet) for a breathtaking perspective of the surroundings.

   After the guided tour, the group will return to Aguas Calientes for a brief rest and lunch (not included). In the afternoon, you’ll board a train back to Ollantaytambo, where a private van will be waiting to take you to Cusco.

Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.

Day 5 · FLY TO LIMA

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   Stop 1

   Passing by

   Free morning to relax, your airport transfer will be scheduled according to your flight time, ensuring a smooth departure from Cusco. This marks the end of your incredible journey through the Andes.