Inca Trail Express Tour 5 Days

Morning – Airport Arrival & Transfer

Your Peruvian adventure begins as you arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco (3,400 meters / 11,150 feet). Our professional driver greets you at arrivals with a personalized welcome sign and provides transfer to your centrally-located hotel, taking a scenic route past the magnificent Plaza de Armas.

Afternoon – City Introduction

Get your first glimpse of this UNESCO World Heritage colonial city. The plaza showcases Cusco’s stunning architecture with the imposing Cathedral and La Compania de Jesus church, both built atop Inca foundations using massive stones from nearby Sacsayhuaman fortress.

Evening – Acclimatization & Rest

After checking into your comfortable hotel, spend the remainder of the day relaxing and beginning the crucial acclimatization process. We strongly recommend avoiding strenuous activity today.

• Drink plenty of water (3-4 liters throughout the day)
• Sip coca tea (mate de coca) to ease altitude symptoms
• Take a gentle evening stroll around cobblestone streets
• Browse artisan shops selling alpaca textiles and silver jewelry
• Relax at a cafe overlooking the vibrant plaza

Altitude: 3,400 m / 11,150 ft | Overnight: Cusco hotel

Morning – Pisac Archaeological Complex

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a full-day guided excursion through the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas. Depart Cusco around 8:00 AM and drive through snow-capped mountain passes with spectacular Andean panoramas before descending into the Urubamba Valley.

Your first stop is the hilltop archaeological complex of Pisac, where massive agricultural terraces cascade dramatically down the mountainside. Climb to the ancient citadel guarding the valley entrance and learn about Pisac’s strategic importance in the Inca defensive network.

Midday – Pisac Market & Lunch

Descend to the famous Pisac artisan market, one of Peru’s most vibrant. Local Quechua vendors sell colorful hand-woven textiles, ceramics, silver jewelry, and traditional handicrafts. Enjoy time to browse and purchase authentic souvenirs directly from the artisans.

Continue through the valley to Urubamba for a delicious buffet lunch featuring traditional Peruvian cuisine.

Afternoon – Ollantaytambo Fortress

Drive to the magnificent fortress-town of Ollantaytambo (2,792 meters), one of the best-preserved Inca settlements. This is one of the few places where the Incas defeated Spanish conquistadors in battle in 1537.

• Climb the impressive terraces to the Temple of the Sun
• View massive rose-colored granite blocks weighing up to 50 tons
• Explore cobblestone streets where residents still inhabit 500-year-old buildings
• See original Inca water channels flowing through the town

This lower Sacred Valley elevation provides excellent acclimatization for tomorrow’s trek. Check into your comfortable hotel in Ollantaytambo.

Distance: 80 km by vehicle | Altitude: 2,792 m | Overnight: Ollantaytambo hotel

Morning – Scenic Train to Km 104

After an early breakfast, walk to Ollantaytambo train station to board the scenic train at approximately 7:45 AM. Relax and enjoy the spectacular journey along the rushing Urubamba River through the dramatic canyon, watching the landscape transform from agricultural Sacred Valley to lush subtropical cloud forest.

After about 1.5 hours, arrive at Km 104 (2,250 meters), the official starting point for the short Inca Trail trek. Present your passport at the checkpoint for permit verification, then meet your expert guide and small trekking group (maximum 16 people).

Mid-Morning – Chachabamba Ruins

Begin your trek with a visit to the lesser-known archaeological site of Chachabamba, an important agricultural collection center. After exploring these impressive terraced ruins, start the gradual 3-hour ascent through dense cloud forest dripping with orchids, bromeliads, and hanging moss.

The well-maintained stone pathway winds along the mountainside with spectacular views down to the Urubamba River hundreds of meters below. Watch for exotic birds including hummingbirds, tanagers, and if lucky, the endangered Andean cock-of-the-rock with its brilliant orange plumage.

Midday – Winay Wayna Archaeological Marvel

Around midday, round a corner to suddenly encounter the breathtaking terraced ruins of Winay Wayna (“Forever Young”), one of the most spectacular archaeological sites along the entire Inca Trail. This magnificent complex features agricultural terraces cascading down the mountainside, ceremonial fountains, and residential areas, all remarkably preserved at 2,700 meters elevation.

Enjoy a packed lunch with stunning views of the ruins before your guide provides a comprehensive tour explaining the site’s agricultural and religious significance.

Afternoon – Descent to Aguas Calientes

After lunch, continue trekking another 2 hours along the final stretch of original Inca stone pathway. Pass through primordial cloud forest with glimpses of Machu Picchu mountain in the distance. In the late afternoon, descend via stone stairs to Aguas Calientes (2,040 meters), the small town at Machu Picchu’s base.

Check into your comfortable hotel and enjoy dinner at one of the town’s many restaurants. Rest well for tomorrow’s early Machu Picchu visit.

Trek distance: 11 km | Trek time: 6 hours | Altitude: 2,250m to 2,700m to 2,040m | Overnight: Aguas Calientes hotel

Pre-Dawn – First Bus to Machu Picchu

Wake very early for one of the highlights of your Peru adventure. Board the first bus at 5:30 AM for the thrilling 25-minute zigzag ascent up the mountain to Machu Picchu’s entrance at 2,430 meters. Arrive as morning mist still clings to the ancient citadel.

This UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World appears absolutely magical in the early morning light with far fewer crowds than later in the day.

Morning – Comprehensive Guided Tour

Meet your expert guide at the entrance for a comprehensive 2-hour tour of the archaeological complex. Learn how this 15th-century Inca estate was constructed without metal tools, wheels, or draft animals by master stonemasons who fitted granite blocks so precisely that not even a knife blade fits between them.

• Temple of the Sun with trapezoidal window aligned to June solstice sunrise
• Room of Three Windows overlooking the central plaza
• Intihuatana ritual stone carved from a single piece of granite
• Royal quarters with sophisticated water management system
• Extensive agricultural terraces that fed the city’s 750-1,200 inhabitants

Learn the fascinating story of Machu Picchu’s construction around 1450 CE, its mysterious abandonment, 400 years concealed by jungle, and the famous 1911 rediscovery by Hiram Bingham.

Late Morning – Free Exploration Time

After the guided tour, enjoy several hours of free time to explore independently. Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for aerial views (extra permits required, must be booked well in advance), visit the Inca Bridge, or simply find a quiet spot to absorb the unique energy.

Afternoon – Return Journey to Cusco

Descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the afternoon train at approximately 2:55 PM for the scenic journey through the Urubamba canyon back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our driver transfers you back to your hotel in downtown Cusco, arriving around 7:00-8:00 PM.

Celebrate your Inca Trail achievement with dinner at one of Cusco’s excellent restaurants.

Altitude: 2,430 m | Overnight: Cusco hotel

Morning – Final Cusco Exploration

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast at your Cusco hotel, savoring the incredible memories of your Inca Trail Express adventure. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few hours for last-minute activities.

• Shop for souvenirs around the Plaza de Armas
• Visit the bohemian San Blas artisan neighborhood
• Explore the Museo de Arte Precolombino featuring Inca artifacts
• Tour the Qoricancha Temple of the Sun
• Relax at a cafe enjoying Peruvian coffee

Transfer to Airport

Our driver collects you from your hotel at the appropriate time for transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, ensuring you arrive with plenty of time for your flight to Lima and international connections.

Consider extending your Peru adventure with optional add-ons including the Amazon rainforest, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa’s Colca Canyon, or additional days exploring Cusco’s culinary scene.

Our services conclude upon airport drop-off. Buen viaje!