Experience the magic of the Andes on this 7-day luxury journey through Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, combining cultural discovery, breathtaking landscapes, and the unforgettable adventure of the Short Inca Trail.
Your journey begins in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, where you will explore impressive colonial architecture built upon Inca foundations and visit remarkable archaeological sites surrounding the city. From there, continue to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a region known for its spectacular scenery, traditional villages, and fascinating history.
The highlight of this exclusive itinerary is the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, one of the most scenic sections of the legendary Inca Trail. This carefully designed trek allows you to walk through cloud forests and ancient stone pathways while discovering impressive archaeological sites along the route. The trail culminates at the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you will enjoy your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
After this unforgettable arrival, explore the legendary Inca citadel with an expert guide who will reveal the secrets of its temples, terraces, and ceremonial spaces. You will also have time to relax in the charming town of Aguas Calientes before returning to Cusco.
This luxury tour to Machu Picchu has been designed for travelers seeking comfort, exclusive experiences, and a deeper connection with the history and culture of the Inca civilization. With carefully selected hotels, personalized service, and expert guides, this journey offers the perfect balance of adventure, culture, and luxury in the heart of Peru.
Inclusions and Exclusions
What's Included
- VIP reception at the Cusco airport and a private luxury transfer to your hotel.
- 6 nights' accommodation in carefully selected luxury or boutique hotels 5 stars, renowned for their comfort, personalized service, and prime locations.
- Daily gourmet breakfasts at the hotel.
- Curated dining experiences (lunches and dinners as per itinerary) at the region’s top restaurants.
- High-end private transfers throughout the program to ensure comfort and exclusivity.
- Private bilingual expert guide (Spanish/English) during excursions, specializing in history, Andean culture, and Inca heritage.
- Private tour of the imperial city of Cusco and its impressive archaeological sites.
- Exclusive excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, exploring its Andean landscapes, traditional markets, and ancient monuments.
- Premium or luxury tourist train to Machu Picchu, offering an unforgettable panoramic experience through the Andes.
- Official permit for the Short Inca Trail, one of the most iconic hikes in the world.
- Admission to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- A specialized guide for the Short Inca Trail hike, providing cultural insights and personalized support.
- Lunch at a selected restaurant in Aguas Calientes following the visit to Machu Picchu.
- Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu site.
- Ongoing assistance and personalized coordination throughout the trip.
- First aid kit and oxygen available during excursions.
What is not included
- International flights to and from Peru.
- Domestic flights (Lima – Cusco – Lima), unless specified in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance or personal medical insurance.
- Alcoholic beverages or additional drinks not specified in the itinerary.
- Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff (optional).
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, or shopping.
- Tickets for additional mountains at Machu Picchu (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain), subject to availability and prior request.
- Personal trekking equipment or specialized clothing for the hike.
- Any service not specified in the “What’s Included” section.
Detailed Itinerary
Your luxury tour in Cusco begins with a meet-and-greet at Alejandro Velasco Aste Airport, where a professional guide and private transportation will be waiting to take you to the breathtaking Sacred Valley. During the 1.5-hour drive, you’ll enjoy views of traditional villages, majestic mountains, and the Urubamba River, while your guide shares stories about the culture, history, and traditions of the Inca region.
The first stop is Pisac, famous for its artisan market, perfect for purchasing textiles, ceramics, and local jewelry. Next, you’ll visit the archaeological site of Pisac, exploring agricultural terraces, temples, and plazas that showcase Inca engineering.
Finally, we’ll continue our journey to your hotel in the valley, where you can rest and prepare for the upcoming destinations: Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Machu Picchu.
The day begins with a private transfer from your hotel to the historic town of Ollantaytambo, where you’ll enjoy Andean landscapes, crystal-clear rivers, and traditional communities.
Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a moderate hike to Pinkuylluna (30–40 minutes), exploring the ancient Inca granaries (colcas) and learning about their engineering and strategic relationship with the citadel. From the summit, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the valley, the Urubamba River, and the agricultural terraces.
Next, you’ll visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, exploring agricultural terraces, the Temple of the Sun, plazas, and irrigation channels, while your guide explains the Inca resistance to the Spanish conquest and the site’s strategic importance.
After the visit to Ollantaytambo, lunch will be in Urubamba.
The day concludes with the return transfer to the hotel.
The day begins with a private transfer from your hotel to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there, you’ll board a Panoramic train to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail.
The guided hike visits Chachabamba, an Inca ceremonial site, and continues along trails surrounded by lush vegetation to Wiñay Wayna, with its impressive terraces and Inca houses. You’ll enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch prepared with local ingredients.
The final stretch takes you to Intipunku or the Sun Gate, offering the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, before descending to the citadel for iconic photos. In the afternoon, a private bus will take you to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll relax at a luxury boutique hotel featuring a spa and exclusive amenities, rounding out a unique experience of adventure and Andean comfort.
This day begins early with a gourmet breakfast at your boutique hotel in Aguas Calientes. You’ll then board a private bus to Machu Picchu, arriving just in time to watch the sunrise over the Inca citadel—a magical and unforgettable experience.
During the private guided tour, you’ll explore the temples, plazas, viewpoints, and agricultural terraces, while your expert guide shares the history, architecture, and mysteries of Machu Picchu, highlighting its cultural and spiritual significance.
After the visit, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes to enjoy some free time and have lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll take a luxury train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer back to the Sacred Valley Hotel, concluding an exclusive tour that combines adventure, history, and premium comfort in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
The day begins with a private transfer from your hotel in the Sacred Valley, during which your expert guide will share the history and strategic importance of the valley during the Inca Empire.
The first stop is Moray, an Inca agricultural laboratory featuring circular terraces and advanced irrigation systems, designed to experiment with crops in different microclimates.
Next, we visit the Maras Salt Mines, with over 3,000 salt pools, where you can appreciate Inca hydraulic engineering and traditional salt production—the perfect setting for spectacular photos.
Finally, the private transfer back to Cusco offers views of mountains, rivers, and Andean fields, rounding out a unique cultural and archaeological experience in the Sacred Valley.
The day begins with a private transfer from your hotel in Cusco to Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, the religious and astronomical center of the Inca Empire. During the 45-minute guided tour, you’ll explore perfectly carved stone walls, advanced drainage systems, and the site’s integration with the colonial church of Santo Domingo.
Next, a private transfer takes you to Saqsayhuaman, with its cyclopean walls, terraces, and panoramic views of Cusco, as you learn about its military and ceremonial significance.
The next stop is Qenqo, known as the “labyrinth,” where you’ll discover underground chambers, ritual altars, and ceremonial channels related to Inca cosmology.
The tour concludes with a return to the hotel, wrapping up a comprehensive cultural experience that combines the history, architecture, and spirituality of the Inca Empire.
The day begins with a private transfer from your hotel to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, ensuring comfort and punctuality from the very start. Your guide will assist you with your luggage and escort you to the vehicle, guaranteeing a smooth and hassle-free service.
The journey takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the hotel’s location and local traffic, while you enjoy panoramic views of Cusco. This premium service eliminates waiting and stress, offering a calm and safe experience before your flight.
Upon arrival at the airport, the guide will assist you through check-in, providing helpful recommendations to streamline the documentation and security process. This luxury private transfer ensures you begin your journey with total comfort, punctuality, and personalized attention, completing the exclusive experience of your stay in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
