Peru package
Short Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
7 days, from $2,250 per traveler
The taste of the Inca Trail without the full four-day trek: a one-day hike along the final stretch to arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, wrapped in a complete, comfortable trip. It is the trekker's arrival without committing to camping the whole way.
Right for / not right for
Right for
- Travellers who want the trail's arrival without a multi-day trek
- Reasonably active people comfortable with one full hiking day
- Anyone short on time who still wants to walk in
Not right for
- Travellers set on the full four-day Classic Inca Trail
- Anyone who would rather not hike at all (take a train trip instead)
- Trips planned too late to arrange permits (plan ahead)
Sample itinerary
A starting shape, not a fixed plan. We tailor the days, pace, and hotels with you during planning.
- 1
Arrive in Cusco
Pickup and a gentle day to start acclimatising.
- 2
Cusco and acclimatisation
An easy day to be ready for the hike.
- 3
Sacred Valley
A lower-altitude day and a good warm-up.
- 4
The Short Inca Trail
Train to the trailhead, then the guided hike to the Sun Gate and down into Machu Picchu.
- 5
Machu Picchu in full
A second, unhurried guided visit to the citadel.
- 6
Back to Cusco
Return by train and transfer, with an evening to rest.
- 7
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Machu Picchu access
Sun Gate arrival (Inti Punku)
This trip walks the final stretch of the Inca Trail to reach the citadel through the Sun Gate, on a permit arranged through our licensed operator. We confirm availability for your dates during planning; the current permit rules are linked below.
Highland Adventures plans complete Peru trips around the right Machu Picchu access. We do not sell standalone tickets.
Where you stay
Comfortable hotels in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Aguas Calientes. The trek day itself is a day hike, so you sleep in a hotel, not a tent.
What's included
Included
- Short Inca Trail permit and licensed trekking guide
- Machu Picchu entry, arranged through official channels
- Trains, transfers, and hotels with breakfast
- The guided Sun Gate hike
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Most meals off the trek
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
What changes the price
- Permit availability and travel dates
- Hotel level and group size
- Private versus small-group guiding
- Add-on nights or extensions
Straight talk
Permits for this hike are arranged ahead through our licensed operator and can run out for popular dates, so timing matters. If they are gone for your dates, we will tell you straight and offer the train arrival or an alternative, never a workaround.
Common questions
- How hard is the hiking day?
- It is one full day on Inca stone with some uphill, moderate rather than extreme. Reasonable fitness is enough; we can talk through it honestly for your group.
- Do we need permits, and can you get them?
- Yes, this hike runs on a permit our licensed operator arranges. We confirm availability for your dates during planning; the Permit Tracker explains how releases work and the current rules are on our Rules Center.
- What if permits are sold out?
- We offer the train arrival to Machu Picchu or another route. We never promise a sold-out permit.
Request a quote
Tell us your dates, party, and budget and a trip specialist replies personally with a plan and exact pricing.
Other Peru packages
- Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Essential
7 days, from $1,650 per traveler
- Classic Peru Explorer
9 days, from $1,950 per traveler
- Family Machu Picchu Comfort
9 days, from $2,150 per traveler
- Private Machu Picchu Comfort
7 days, from $2,450 per traveler
- Classic Inca Trail Complete
9 days, from $2,650 per traveler