Peru Trip 10 –Cusco, Short Inca Trail & Manu 10 Days / 9 Nights

We know how exhausting flights and long journeys can be, so upon your arrival in Cusco, we will make sure your welcome is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Your Inka Trail Backpacker representative will be waiting for you at Cusco Airport with a sign displaying your name to welcome you and comfortably transfer you to your selected hotel.

After check-in, you will have time to rest, take a refreshing shower, and recover from your journey. If you prefer, you can also go out and explore the surrounding area and begin discovering the imperial city of Cusco at your own pace.

Overnight stay in Cusco.

We will pick you up from your respective hotel at 7:00 a.m. to begin the SACRED VALLEY VIP excursion. During this tour, we will visit and appreciate several picturesque towns, including:

CHINCHERO: A very traditional and authentic place known for its handicrafts and colorful textiles. One of its main attractions is the archaeological complex, as well as the Sunday market, where barter is still practiced and local residents exchange products, preserving traditions dating back to Inca times. Studies carried out in the 1960s revealed that some of the walls belonged to an Inca palace that was later covered with earth by the Spanish. After completing our visit, we will continue to:

MORAY: Here we will find a series of amphitheater-like terraces, where each level has a different microclimate, allowing crops to vary according to the altitude of each terrace.
The Moray complex contains more than 20 miniature ecological zones where different crops were cultivated according to temperature conditions so they could adapt. A complete visit to Moray takes approximately 1 hour if you would like to walk around all the terraces and experience firsthand one of the most remarkable sites in Peru.

MARAS SALT MINES: Located in the upper area of the Sacred Valley, the Maras Salt Mines consist of a small stream that carries naturally salty water into hundreds of salt pools. The water remains in the pools and slowly evaporates under the heat of the sun, producing the salt that is so characteristic of this region of Peru. The use of the terraces and salt pools by local families is hereditary, although the production and management of Maras salt is carried out collectively. The visit to the Maras Salt Mines lasts approximately one hour. At the end of the visit, we will continue in our vehicle toward Cusco (3:00 p.m.).

URUBAMBA: A beautiful area historically known for important Inca agricultural production, especially corn, and today surrounded by fertile countryside with extensive fruit production. This is an excellent place to enjoy our typical regional buffet lunch. After lunch, we will continue our journey toward:

OLLANTAYTAMBO: The foundation of Ollantaytambo is attributed to Ollántay, and its military fortress stands out as a strategic structure that protected this part of the valley between two mountains. Today, visitors can explore this fortress as well as its important archaeological remains, including the Temple of Inti (the Sun God), the Baths of the Ñustas (Inca princesses), the chullpas of Cachiccata, and a series of steep, symmetrically arranged terraces built along the mountainside.

The present-day town of Ollantaytambo still contains many houses built on the foundations of the ancient Inca settlement, where local residents continue to preserve deeply rooted ancestral customs. Ollantaytambo is located 97 km (60 miles) from Cusco at an altitude of 2,846 m.a.s.l. It is also home to the train station for Machu Picchu.

PISAC: A town located at the foot of Intihuatana Hill, whose name means “the place where the sun is tied.” It features one of the finest agricultural terrace systems built by the Incas.

Near the town is the Pisac Archaeological Park, which contains Inca archaeological remains, structures built with finely polished and perfectly fitted stones, a citadel, towers, military fortifications, an astronomical observatory, and more. We will also observe the Inca cemetery, considered one of the largest in the Americas. Pisac is located 32 km (20 miles) from the city of Cusco at an altitude of 2,972 m.a.s.l.

.Overnight stay in Cusco

We will meet you between 1:40 p.m. and 1:50 p.m. at the main entrance of Cusco Cathedral. From there, we will walk toward the Qoricancha Temple to begin the Cusco City Tour, during which you will visit:

Qoricancha Temple.- It is evident that the Qoricancha Temple, whose name means “House of the Sun,” was one of the richest places in precious metals because gold and silver from throughout the Inca territory were stored here. These metals were presented as offerings to the sacred temple. During Inca, or Quechua, times, these precious metals had no economic value but held great religious importance. Its remarkable architecture and precisely constructed stone walls demonstrate that this was one of the most important religious sites of the Inca Empire.

Sacsayhuamán.- The name Sacsayhuamán in Quechua means “satisfied falcon.” It is said that this falcon was the bird that watched over the entire Inca Empire. The ceremonial complex of Sacsayhuamán is located approximately 2 km from Cusco. Today, the famous Festival of the Sun, known as Inti Raymi, is celebrated here every year on June 24.

Qenqo.- Its name in Quechua means “labyrinth,” and it is located approximately 6 kilometers from the city of Cusco. This archaeological park has been described as an amphitheater because a semicircular structure can be seen on the outside. The exact purpose of the site remains uncertain, although it contains a ceremonial table, zigzag channels, niches, and other structures that may have been used as an altar. It is believed to have been one of the most important sanctuaries of the Inca period.

Puca Pucara.- In Quechua, its name means “Red Fortress” because of the reddish color of the rocks. This ancient tambo served as a military structure and lookout point overlooking the Cusco Valley and the Quechua road system. The fortress was built with large walls, stairways, and terraces that formed part of the defensive system of the Inca Empire. Its architecture is rustic and includes streets, houses, and courtyards.

Tambomachay.- Located approximately 12 km from the city, Tambomachay is known as the “Baths of the Inca” because of the design of its water fountains. It may also have been a ceremonial site dedicated to the worship of water. After our visit, we will return to the city of Cusco, where the City Tour excursion will come to an end.

Overnight stay in Cusco

The 2-day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins with pickup from your hotel or hostel at approximately 4:00 a.m. We will travel for approximately one and a half hours to Ollantaytambo, where we will stop for breakfast (not included in the tour price). After our stop, we will take you to the train station, where you will board the train departing from Ollantaytambo toward Km 104, the starting point of our hike. The train journey takes approximately one and a half hours, during which you will enjoy beautiful landscapes and different ecosystems.

Upon arrival at Km 104, we will cross a suspension bridge to reach the checkpoint, where you will need to present your passport or the identification document used to make your reservation. After completing the corresponding entry procedures, we will begin an uphill hike lasting approximately 4 hours until we reach the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna. In Quechua, Wiñay Wayna means “Forever Young.” Located at an altitude of 2,680 m.a.s.l., it is considered one of the most impressive archaeological sites along this route. After your guided visit, we will stop to enjoy our box lunch or snack.

After recharging our energy, we will continue hiking for approximately one and a half hours until we reach Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate, where you will enjoy your first panoramic views of Machu Picchu.

Finally, we will continue walking along the last section of the Inca Trail until we reach the viewpoint where you can take the classic postcard photograph with the ancient citadel. After a short break, we will descend to the main entrance, where we will board the bus to Aguas Calientes for our overnight stay. Once we arrive in Aguas Calientes, you will have time to relax at the hotel before dinner and prepare for your tour of the citadel on the final day of the tour.

Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes

Today is the day you will visit Machu Picchu

After planning your trip, today you will finally visit Machu Picchu, one of the most impressive wonders of the world.

To begin your visit, from Aguas Calientes you will take the bus that will take you directly to the entrance of the citadel. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes, and the bus ticket is included in our package.

Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Buses depart from Aguas Calientes and take you directly to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

Duration: approximately 25 minutes
Bus ticket: included in the tour

Machu Picchu Entrance Time

Your entrance time will depend on availability at the time of booking and the circuit assigned on your admission ticket.

We recommend reviewing your entrance time in advance so you can properly plan your arrival at the citadel entrance.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

Once inside Machu Picchu, you will enjoy a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours.

During the tour, you will visit some of the main areas of the citadel, including temples, Inca enclosures, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial areas.

Our guide will share the history of Machu Picchu with you and explain its architecture, culture, and the extraordinary engineering techniques developed by the Incas.

Return to Aguas Calientes

At the end of the visit, you will once again take the bus back to Aguas Calientes.

Once in town, you will have free time for lunch and to rest before heading to the train station. Remember to arrive with enough time to board your return train.

Would You Like to Visit Huayna Picchu?

You can also add the hike to Huayna Picchu, provided there is availability and you have purchased the corresponding ticket in advance.

Entrance times are:

Group 1: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Group 2: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

The time of your hike will depend on the ticket purchased and may take place before or after your visit to the citadel.

Important: Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and Machu Picchu Mountain are different attractions. Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain requires an additional ticket and is subject to availability.

If you would like to include Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain in your experience, please let us know in advance so we can check ticket availability.

Overnight stay in Cusco

After a restful night, you will have the morning free to relax, take care of personal activities, or explore the city at your own pace.

You can begin by visiting Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, the heart of the historic center, surrounded by colonial architecture, churches, restaurants, and vibrant local life.

Cusco also offers many ideal spots for taking photographs and experiencing the essence of the city. A great option is to visit San Pedro Market, where you will find colorful fruit stalls, local products, handicrafts, and traditional textiles.

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, you can head to the San Blas Viewpoint, where you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city’s rooftops.

You can also explore the picturesque streets of the San Blas neighborhood, known for its artistic atmosphere, narrow cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, and small local shops.

Overnight stay in Cusco

We will leave Cusco very early in the morning in one of our vehicles. We will travel through fascinating valleys between the Andes Mountains and picturesque rural communities. We will visit the pre-Inca tombs of the Lupaca culture and then stop in Paucartambo, a beautiful colonial town, where we will visit its interesting museum. Along the way, we will have lunch in the cloud forest.

We will continue descending through this region, which is rich in endemic species such as the spectacled bear and the cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird, known for its unique courtship ritual. We will also be able to observe orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and many other species.

We will continue enjoying the spectacular natural surroundings throughout our journey until we arrive at our lodge, Pilcopata Inn, where we will spend our first night.

Overnight stay at our lodge in Pilcopata

We will have breakfast very early before visiting a coca plantation and a wildlife rescue center. We will then travel to Puerto Atalaya, located along the banks of the Alto Madre de Dios River at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level.

Here we will begin our journey downstream by boat, observing the great diversity of bird species such as herons, vultures, cormorants, and many others until we reach the Amazon Manu Lodge.

There, we will enjoy a delicious lunch before taking a hike to Machuwasi Lake, where we will navigate on traditional balsa rafts to observe birds such as the primitive hoatzin and, with a little luck, spot caimans, monkeys, and capybaras. We will spend the night at the lodge.

Overnight stay at our lodge in the Cultural Zone

Early in the morning, we will board our boat and travel to the parrot and macaw clay lick, a wall located along the riverbank where different species of parrots gather every morning, including blue-headed parrots, white-eyed parakeets, and chestnut-fronted macaws, among others.

Here, the birds consume mineral-rich clay, which helps them digest their food and eliminate toxins from their bodies.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will pack our belongings and travel by boat back to Puerto Atalaya, where our bus back to Cusco will be waiting for us. We will have lunch along the route and arrive in Cusco at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Overnight stay in Cusco

At the previously coordinated time, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and transfer you to the airport for your return flight.

This service marks the end of our 10-day journey through Peru after visiting Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the Short Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, and the Manu Cultural Zone.

We recommend booking as far in advance as possible, especially if you are traveling during the high season.

Machu Picchu entrance tickets are sold for specific time slots and circuits, and availability may sell out several months in advance.

Booking early allows us to better arrange your admission ticket, visiting time, available circuit, train tickets, and other services related to Machu Picchu.

If you book with little advance notice, we can check the available options, but we cannot guarantee a specific circuit or entry time until the tickets are officially confirmed.

This package combines private or coordinated transfers with group tourism services in the different destinations. During excursions, you may share the service with other travelers, while our representatives coordinate the transfers, tickets, and included services according to the itinerary.

Pickup times and the details of each excursion will be confirmed in advance by our team.

The package includes accommodation for 8 nights distributed between Lima, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes.

We work with different hotel categories, so you can select the option that best fits your needs and budget. The category and available hotels will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Hotel availability may vary depending on the season and how far in advance the reservation is made.

Yes. The listed times are approximate and may be modified due to weather conditions, traffic, train availability, buses, entrance tickets, flights, or other operational circumstances.

Any necessary changes will be communicated by our team in a timely manner while making every effort to maintain all activities included in the program.

The package includes only the meals specifically mentioned in each day’s itinerary.

Scheduled services include breakfasts and lunches on certain excursions, such as the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and other tours included in the program.

Any breakfasts, lunches, or dinners not specified in the itinerary must be paid for directly by the traveler.

During the 15-day package, transfers are provided through a combination of tourist transportation, intercity buses, trains, and coordinated transfers between hotels, terminals, and airports.

Our team will inform you in advance about pickup times, meeting points, and the details of each transfer. At destinations where applicable, a representative will be waiting for your arrival to assist you and transfer you to the selected hotel.

Some routes, such as Nazca – Arequipa, Chivay – Puno, and Puno – Cusco, are operated using tourist services or scheduled buses, while the journey to Aguas Calientes is by train.

We recommend being ready in advance for each departure and following the indicated schedules, especially for bus and train services.

During the trip, you will experience different weather conditions due to Peru’s geographic diversity.

Lima, Paracas, Ica, and Nazca generally have milder or warmer climates, while Arequipa, Colca, Puno, and Cusco can experience considerably lower temperatures, especially in the mornings and evenings.

At high-altitude destinations such as Puno and Rainbow Mountain, temperatures can drop significantly. For this reason, we recommend bringing lightweight clothing, thermal layers, a waterproof jacket, and several warm layers.

Because the program includes overland transfers, tourist buses, trains, and different hotels, we recommend traveling with practical luggage and avoiding unnecessary items.

For daily excursions, we recommend using a small daypack where you can carry water, sunscreen, documents, a camera, warm clothing, and personal items.

Specific luggage restrictions established by the railway company may apply to the train journey to Aguas Calientes. Our team will inform you in advance about the conditions that apply to your service.

During this trip, you will visit several high-altitude destinations, including Cusco, Puno, the Colca Valley, and Rainbow Mountain.

We recommend getting adequate rest, staying hydrated, avoiding intense physical exertion during your first hours at altitude, and following your guide’s instructions.

If you have a medical condition or regularly take medication, we recommend consulting your doctor before traveling and informing us of any relevant information before your arrival.

You do not need to be an experienced traveler, but we do recommend having a basic level of physical fitness, as the itinerary includes hikes, archaeological visits, and activities at high-altitude destinations.

Most tours are conducted at a moderate pace and accompanied by professional guides. However, some activities, such as Rainbow Mountain, require greater physical effort because of the hike and altitude.

If you have a medical condition, difficulty walking, or concerns related to altitude, we recommend informing us before booking so we can advise you appropriately.

Yes. Depending on availability, some activities may be modified, replaced, or extended before the reservation is confirmed.

We can also evaluate additional services, different hotel categories, special admission tickets, or complementary activities.

Any modification may result in a change to the final package price and will be subject to availability.