Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu 7 days
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 7-day journey through Peru with the Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu. Begin your adventure in Cusco, exploring its vibrant city center and ancient temples. Discover the Sacred Valley's rich Inca heritage and bustling local markets. Experience the thrill of hiking the Short Inca Trail, arriving at the iconic Machu Picchu through the Sungate. Beat the crowds to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain, enjoying its stunning vistas with fewer people. This tour includes airport transfers, six nights in comfortable 3-star hotels, all transportation, entrance tickets, and a professional English-speaking guide. Delight in a memorable dinner at Aguas Calientes' best restaurant, Indio Feliz, and travel back to Cusco on the Vistadome Panoramic Train. By booking with a local operator, you also support social projects in the region. Perfect for couples and hiking enthusiasts, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Peru's most iconic sites. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival In Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Munay Wasi or similar
Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, you will meet your tour guide, and get transferred to your centrally located hotel. You will have the afternoon free to acclimatize to the altitude.
- Transfers included
- Meals not included
- Hotel: Munay Wasi or similar
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour – Ollantaytambo
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After Breakfast in your hotel, your tour guide will pick you up at 8:00 am and take you on a full-day tour to explore the best of the Sacred Valley. You will visit the Awanacancha alpaca center, Pisaq Market, Pisaq Inca Site, Ollantaytambo, and spend the night in a hotel near the town of Ollantaytambo.
- Exclusive transportation included
- Breakfast and Lunch Included
- Entrance tickets included
- Hotel: Tierra Viva or similar
Day 3: Short Inca Trail – Aguas Calientes
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Intipunku or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You will be collected from your hotel after breakfast and drive to the train station of Ollantaytambo, here, you will take the first trains to Chachabamba (km 104) where the Inca Trail Express begins. After the checkpoint, you will hike for 7 hours to Machu Picchu. on teh way, you will visit Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, and Sungate. Stay in a hotel in Aguas Calientes for the night.
- All transportation Included
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
- Tickets Machu Picchu and Inca Trail Included
- Hotel: Intipunku or similar
Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour – Return To Cusco
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Munay Wasi or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up early and explore the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu with your tour guide. The guided tour takes around 3 to 4 hours. In the afternoon, take the Vistadome Panoramic train back to Cusco. Arrive around 7:30 pm.
- All Transportation included
- Breakfast in the hotel Included, other not included
- Entrance tickets included
- Hotel: Munay Wasi or similar
Day 5: Free Day In Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Munay Wasi or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Early in the morning, start exploring the best of Cusco with your tour guide. You will visit the Cathedral, Koricancha, and Sacsayhuaman on a half-day tour. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a free afternoon in Cusco to shop in the San Pedro market or visit the local artisans in the San Blas neighborhood.
- All Transportation included
- Breakfast in the hotel Included, other not included
- Entrance tickets included
- Hotel: Munay Wasi or similar
Day 6: Rainbow Mountain Tour
Location: Rainbow Mountain
Accommodation Name: Munay Wasi or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The most beautiful day, wake up early to beat the crowds to the amazing Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, this will allow you to enjoy the magical places with fewer people. Rainbow Mountain has become one of the most famous day hikes, every day we have hundreds of visitors. We organize exclusive small group tours to arrive before this beautiful place gets crowded.
- Comfortable transportation included
- Entrance tickets included
- Breakfast and lunch included
- Hotel: Munay Wasi or similar
Day 7: Transfer Out
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast in your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport or bus terminal depending on your schedule
What's Included
-
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers in Cusco are included.
-
Accommodation
Six nights in 3-star hotels based on double occupancy are included.
-
Transportation
All transportation during the 7 days is included.
-
Entrance Tickets
Entrance tickets to all places visited are included.
-
Tour Guide
A professional English-speaking tour guide is included.
-
Bus to Machu Picchu
Bus up and down to and from Machu Picchu is included.
-
Train Tickets
Round trip train tickets are included.
-
Vistadome Panoramic Train
One way Vistadome Panoramic Train on the way back is included.
-
Dinner at Indio Feliz
Dinner at Indio Feliz in Aguas Calientes, the best restaurant in town, is included.
-
Safety Equipment
First Aid, Satellite Phone, and Oxygen tank are included.
What's Not Included
-
Meals
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
-
Extra Hikes
Hayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain extra hikes are not included.
-
Tips
Tips are optional and not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended but not included.
Requirements
- Comfortable clothes
- Rain gear, Suncream
- Wáter, snacks
- Extra Money in cash for souvenirs
- Original Passport (a copy will not be accepted)
- Hiking boots (light, comfortable and broken in)
- A good quality daypack (light, small and comfortable)
- Water storage for at least 2 liters; either a camel bag or water bottle(s)
- Personal medication
- Band-aids, moleskin
- Camera, extra batteries
- Extra snacks, power bars, chocolate
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
- Swimsuit for hot springs in Aguas Calientes (optional)
Please Note
- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Infant seats are available on request if advised at time of booking
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Passport name, number, expiry, and the country is required at time of booking for all participants
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Mode of Transport
All transportation is included, featuring airport transfers, exclusive transport for tours, round trip train tickets, and a Vistadome Panoramic Train ride back to Cusco.
Accommodation
Enjoy six nights in comfortable 3-star hotels, including stays at Munay Wasi, Tierra Viva, and Intipunku, offering double occupancy accommodations throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes six nights in 3-star hotels based on double occupancy.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Breakfast is included on most days, and some lunches and dinners are provided, such as dinner at Indio Feliz in Aguas Calientes. Meals not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
-
What is the main highlight of the Inca Trail Express tour?
The main highlight is hiking the Short Inca Trail and arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sungate, as well as visiting the Rainbow Mountain with fewer crowds.
-
Is transportation included throughout the tour?
Yes, all transportation is included during the 7 days, including airport transfers, bus rides, and train tickets.
-
What should I bring for the tour?
You should bring comfortable clothes, rain gear, suncream, water, snacks, extra money for souvenirs, your original passport, hiking boots, a good quality daypack, water storage for at least 2 liters, personal medication, band-aids, a camera with extra batteries, extra snacks, and a swimsuit for hot springs in Aguas Calientes if desired. ...more ...less
-
What is the itinerary for the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in Cusco, meet your tour guide, and be transferred to your centrally located hotel. The afternoon is free for you to acclimatize to the altitude.
-
What activities are planned for the free day in Cusco?
On the free day in Cusco, you can explore the Cathedral, Koricancha, and Sacsayhuaman with your tour guide in the morning. In the afternoon, you have free time to shop in the San Pedro market or visit local artisans in the San Blas neighborhood.
-
When is the best time to travel to Cusco?
The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. The weather is perfect for trekking and exploring the city, with clear skies and little chance of rain. This is also the peak travel season, so it can be busier. If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind a little rain, the shoulder seasons (April and October) can also be great times to visit.
-
When do you have to arrive in Cusco?
It’s a good idea to arrive in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before your trek starts. This gives your body time to adjust to the high altitude, which is crucial since Cusco sits pretty high up at 11,152 feet (3,400 meters). The extra days also give you time to explore the city and its surroundings before your big adventure begins.
-
How to prevent altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is pretty common when you head to places like Cusco, so it’s smart to be prepared. Here are a few things you can do to avoid or lessen it: - Arrive early: Give yourself a couple of days to acclimate. - Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is key. - Try coca tea: Locals swear by it. It's made from coca leaves and can help with altitude adjustment. - Avoid heavy meals and alcohol: These can make it harder for your body to adjust. - Take it easy: Don’t push yourself too hard on the first day or two. - Medication: Talk to your doctor about altitude sickness pills like Diamox if you're worried. If you start feeling dizzy, tired, or get a headache, slow down, rest, and stay hydrated.
-
Which is better, Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek?
Both treks offer incredible experiences, but they’re different in key ways: - The Inca Trail is all about history, as you’ll walk the same paths the Incas did and pass through several archaeological sites. It’s a shorter trek but highly regulated, with limited permits. - The Salkantay Trek is a bit more off the beaten path. It’s longer and tougher but offers stunning scenery, including glaciers and cloud forests. There are fewer crowds, and no permit is required. If you want the classic Machu Picchu experience, go for the Inca Trail. If you're looking for a more rugged adventure, Salkantay might be the better choice.
-
How many people are allowed in each group?
The size of each group on the Inca Trail is typically limited to 16 people. This ensures a more personalized experience and allows for easier management on the narrow paths of the trail. TreXperience, like most tour operators, adheres to this limit to comply with government regulations and to preserve the environment along the trail.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026
Saturday - Friday
Feb 22, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Feb 23, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025Monday - Sunday
Feb 24, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 03, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Feb 26, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Feb 27, 2025 - Mar 05, 2025Friday - Thursday
Feb 28, 2025 - Mar 06, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
TreXperience requires a minimum deposit of 140 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 2 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trexperience charges.
Up to 3 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 2 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 0 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu 7 days
7 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain
Tour operator:
Tour code:
387272
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
10-80
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking