Machu Picchu Lodge-Based Trek with Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain 

Arrive in the historic city of Cusco, where ancient Inca stone walls line colonial streets. After a warm airport welcome, you’ll transfer to your boutique hotel in the city center. In the evening, meet your guide and fellow travelers for an orientation and enjoy a welcome dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants.

Meals Included: Dinner                                                                                                   Overnight: Cusco – Hotel

Begin your Peru adventure with a deep dive into Cusco’s cultural and historical treasures. Visit the mighty fortress of Sacsayhuamán, marveling at its massive stone walls, followed by the sacred temples of Q’enqo. At a nearby farm, meet llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas, and learn their importance to Andean life. After a traditional lunch, stroll through the lively San Pedro Market, filled with colors, flavors, and local traditions.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner                                                         Overnight: Cusco – Hotel

Travel into the lush Sacred Valley of the Incas. Begin with a visit to Chinchero, where Andean weavers preserve centuries-old dyeing and weaving techniques. Continue to the dazzling salt terraces of Maras, cascading down the mountainside, before exploring the fascinating concentric terraces of Moray, thought to be an ancient agricultural laboratory. In the evening, settle into your hotel in the Sacred Valley to prepare for tomorrow’s trek.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Sacred Valley – Hotel

Board the train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. Your trek begins with a gradual climb to the stunning ruins of Wiñayhuayna, where water still flows through ancient stone channels. From there, continue along lush, forested trails until you crest the ridge at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) - your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu in the afternoon light. Descend into Aguas Calientes for a hot shower, hearty dinner, and well-earned rest. 

Distance: 7.4 miles

Elevation: 7,053 ft to 8,759 ft

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Aguas Calientes – Hotel

Return to Machu Picchu at sunrise to experience the citadel with fewer crowds. Wander among temples, plazas, and terraces as your guide reveals the mysteries and history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a morning of exploration, board the scenic Vistadome train back to Cusco for your final evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Cusco – Hotel

Leave Cusco early for a scenic drive through Andean villages to the trailhead at Phulawasipata (approx. 15,000 ft). Begin your trek up the slopes of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), with its colorful mineral bands creating one of the most iconic vistas in Peru. After reaching the summit (over 16,000 ft), continue into the quieter and equally stunning Red Valley before returning by vehicle to Cusco. This high-altitude day hike is a challenging but unforgettable highlight of the trip.

Distance: ~5.4 miles

Elevation: 15,150 ft to 16,500 ft

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Cusco – Hotel

Share one last breakfast before heartfelt farewells and airport transfers. Depart Cusco for home - or continue your travels in South America - with memories that will last a lifetime.

Meals Included: Breakfast

The Machu Picchu Lodge-Based Trek is less strenuous than the full Inca Trail, but still an active adventure at altitude. You’ll spend time in Cusco (~11,000 ft / 3,350 m) and the Sacred Valley, where even light activity can feel more challenging due to thinner air.

The highlight is the Short Inca Trail trek (KM 104), a one-day hike (~7 miles / 11 km) that includes gradual climbing, visits to Wiñayhuayna, and an unforgettable first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. It’s moderately demanding but accessible to most active travelers.

Another feature is the Rainbow Mountain hike (~16,500 ft / 5,030 m). Although it’s only a day hike, the high altitude makes it a challenge and requires good fitness and acclimatization.

This trip is right for you if you:

• Enjoy active days of sightseeing and hiking but prefer to return to comfortable lodges and boutique hotels at night.
• Want a taste of the Inca Trail without committing to four days of camping and rugged ascents.
• Are excited by the combination of culture, history, and one unforgettable high-altitude day hike.

If you’re craving a tougher challenge with longer days on the trail and the classic experience of a trekking and camping adventure, our Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu might be the better fit.

• Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu Entrance tickets
• Airport transfers between Cusco Airport and Cusco hotel
• Private transportation provided for duration of trip 
• Experienced, licensed, and medically-trained guides with extensive experience leading Inca Trail hikes and Machu Picchu tours 
• All meals from dinner on the first day through breakfast on the last day 
• Tickets for train ride from Ollantaytambo to trailhead and returning from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
• All lodging for duration of trip (6 nights)
• All necessary hiking gear: backpacks, trekking poles, etc.
• Upon booking you will receive a detailed trip information packet with packing list, travel guidance, and training information for how to properly prepare for this adventure

• Flights to and from Cusco, Peru
• Trip Insurance (essential for international trips) 
• Clothing, raingear, and footwear
• Personal toiletries, sunscreen
• Water bottles/hydration bladder 
• Guide gratuity (Suggested 15% of trip cost)

Our Peru trekking tours can accommodate up to 12 people but will operate with as few as 2 people. Larger groups can occasionally be accommodated. Please contact us for details.

Participants must be 12 years of age or older.

In order to confirm a reservation, we require an initial deposit of $300 per person, with the final balance due 90 days prior to the trip’s departure. If you book a trip within 90 days of the trip’s scheduled departure, then full payment is due at the time of booking.

Once we confirm availability, you will be provided with an online registration link. Your deposit is payable online by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or ACH transfer.

This trip will begin/end in Cusco, Peru. You will likely need to fly into Lima, Peru and transfer to Alejandro Valasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, where you will be met by our team to transport you to your hotel in Cusco. Please plan your arrival to Cusco prior to 3:00 PM as this will allow for you to attend the pre-trip orientation meeting. 

For post-trip travel, your flights can be scheduled for any time on the last day of the trip. 

For your Peru adventure, you’ll need to arrive in Cusco prior to 3:00 PM on Day 1 of the trip. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our hotel in the heart of Cusco. That evening, we’ll host a short orientation meeting to go over details of your upcoming trek, followed by a welcome dinner. Lodging is included on this first night. 

On the final day of the tour, you may schedule your return flight from Cusco at any time.

Flights to and from Cusco are arranged individually. Most international travelers first fly into Lima, Peru, which is easily accessible from many major U.S. and European cities. U.S. departure options include Miami, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, and more, with nonstop flights ranging from 5 to 9 hours. From Lima, it’s just an 80-minute domestic flight to Cusco.

A passport is required for travel to Peru and needs to be valid for at least 6 months past the planned date of departure. A Visa is issued at the port of entry into Peru. 

Travelers will need to show proof of departure from Peru to customs and immigration upon arrival in the country (i.e. a return airline ticket).

Due to the remote and challenging nature of international trekking, we strongly recommend that all guests purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and repatriation coverage (minimum $200,000 USD).

While not mandatory, please note that Four Season Guides cannot assume financial responsibility for costs associated with medical care, evacuation, repatriation, or trip interruption. Guests who choose to travel without insurance acknowledge and accept full responsibility for these risks.

We recommend IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel LX plan or a comparable policy from another provider. If using another insurer, please confirm your coverage meets the minimum recommended limits.

If you're interested in learning more about the iTravelInsured Travel LX policy—what it covers, daily pricing options, and how to enroll - please click here.