Inca Trail Express

Tour the splendours of Cuzco and the Sacred Valley, and then take a short exciting hike along part of the Inca Trail to arrive at the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu. The next day you have another chance to visit the incredible ruins before returning by train to Cuzco. This thrilling 1 day Inca Trail is reduced version of the classical 43-km Inca Trail, and is a great alternative for those short on time or fitness. click for the classical 4 day Inca Trail leaving from Cuzco

Day 1: Arrive in Cusco
On arrival in Cusco transfer to your hotel. Explore the magical capital of the Incas on a tour including a visit to Plaza Regocijo, Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and the Santo Domingo Convent Monastery. The Santo Domingo monastery was built over the Koricancha temple, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. According to the chronicles, it was covered in gold sheet and filled with golden representations of nature. Then walk around the old town with its very narrow streets.  After seeing the most interesting sites of the city, you will drive to the countryside outside Cusco to visit some of the remarkable Inca ruins in the area: the cult centre of Sacsayhuaman, the temple and amphitheatre of Kenko and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara.

Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas
Drive to the "Sacred Valley of the Incas", a sucession of picturesque towns, agricultural terraces, and many archaeological sites, as well as the world´s most famous corn, combine with an exceptional climate to visit Ollantaytambo, the Inca fortress, which guarded the entry of this part of the valley and protected it from possible invasion from the lower jungles. The fortress consists of a series of superimposed terraces of carved stones accessed by long staircases. An opportunity to walk through the quaint streets of the nearby town, the design and foundations of the majority of its buildings date from the Inca era, when it was a strategic military, religious, and agricultural center. Lunch at a nearby inn. Visit Pisac, a lively and colorful Indian market where locals sell or exchange their products, as the ancestors did hundreds years ago. B, L

Day 3: Express Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Transfer to Cusco´s train station to board the train to Km. 104. Get off the train and start climbing up a steep path to join the last and best part of the Inca Trail. Hike to Machu Picchu passing by Wiñay Wayna Inca Fortress ("for ever young") an exquisite example of Inca architecture with its spectacular system of terraces, and Inca way stations calles, tambos and observation platforms rising our of tree fern forests with dozens of orchids growing among their polished stones. Enter the citadel through the "Sun Gate". Overnight at selected hotel. An official guide will accompany you in the hike and will guide you the next day in Machu Picchu. B, L

Day 4: Machu Picchu - Cusco
Early in the morning, visit Machu Picchu, a proof of the highly developed political and social organization of the Inca civilization. Its works are notable for the application of a great knowledge of mathematics, astronomy, architecture, hydraulic engineering, medicine and particularly agriculture. And, because of its incomparable beauty, its harmonious landscape and the spiritual strength it transmits, this Inca citadel has the privilege of making part of that chosen group of world class monuments that millions of people in the five continents dream of visiting. Afternoon rail coach service to Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer to selected hotel. B, L

Day 5: Cusco - Fly out from Lima
Transfer to Cusco airport, assistance on departure flight. B

Key: B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner