Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain 3 Days – Active Adventure

Looking for a short Inca Trail trek that also includes Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain?

This carefully designed 3-day itinerary from Action Peru Treks combines the classic Short Inka Trail to Machu Picchu with a full Rainbow Mountain day hike — two of Peru’s most iconic experiences in one seamless adventure.

Perfect for travelers with limited time who still want the highlight experiences of the Andes.

Whether you’re searching for a moderate Short Inka Trail hike, a guided Machu Picchu tour, or the famous Rainbow Mountain trek near Cusco, this itinerary delivers all three with professional guides, permits, and logistics handled.

Why Choose This 3-Day Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Itinerary?

Hike the original Inca Trail stone path to Machu Picchu
Enter Machu Picchu at sunset for quieter views
Summit Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) with views of Ausangate and the Red Valley
Suitable for both experienced hikers and fit first-timers
All permits, trains, buses, and English-speaking guides included

DAY 1: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – SHORT INCA TRAIL – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES

Start early from Cusco (around 4 am) and travel to Ollantaytambo.

Board the train to KM 104, the official starting point of the Short Inka Trail.

Begin your 6 – 8 hour hike along the historic Inca path through diverse Andean landscapes, cloud forest, and original stone steps.

Your professional English-speaking guide shares insights into Inca history, local flora, fauna, and traditions.

Reach the impressive terraced ruins of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”) with its famous seven-window structure, then continue to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate).

From here, enjoy one of the most spectacular first views of Machu Picchu.

Descend into the citadel and continue to the town of Aguas Calientes for the night.

Enjoy dinner and rest before your early Machu Picchu visit the next morning.

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch and Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft
Highest Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,920 ft
Distance to walk: 13 km/8 miles
Approximate walking time: 6-8 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU TOUR AND RETURN TO CUSCO

Catch an early bus to arrive at Machu Picchu at dawn, before the larger crowds.

Enjoy a peaceful introduction to the site under soft morning light.

Your guide leads a comprehensive 2-hour tour of the main temples, plazas, terraces, and sacred areas, explaining Inca daily life, ceremonies, and architectural achievements.

Optional Huayna Picchu tickets (pre-booked) are available for those wanting a higher viewpoint.

Later, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then board the train toward Ollantaytambo.

Private transport meets you at the station and takes you to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel on your own
Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/6,691 ft
Highest Elevation: 2,430 m/7,972 ft
Level of Difficulty: Easy

DAY 3: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE

Early hotel pickup (approximately 4 a.m.) for the scenic drive to Cusipata village.

Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local home, then continue to the trailhead at Llacto.

Hike approximately 1.5 hours to the summit of Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,470 ft).

The trail offers steady climbs with a steeper final section.

At the top, take in the famous multicolored mineral stripes, panoramic views of Ausangate (the highest peak in the Cusco region), and the striking Red Valley.

After time at the summit, descend to meet your transport, enjoy lunch in Cusipata, and return to Cusco by mid-to-late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel on your own
Lowest Elevation: 3,399 m/11,150 ft
Highest Elevation: 5,020 m/716,469 ft
Distance to walk: 13 km/8 miles
Approximate walking time: 3 hours
Level of Difficulty: Challenging

SERVICES INCLUDED

2-day Short Inca Trail permit
1-day Rainbow Mountain hike
Entrance fees to Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites on the itinerary
Professional English-speaking guide
Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 (start of the Short Inca Trail) and return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy
1 night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
Meals: 2 breakfasts, 1 box lunch, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner
Bus tickets between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes
Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance permits
Rainbow Mountain entrance fee
Ground transportation to all locations included in the itinerary
First aid kit

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

Hotel in Cusco
Huayna Picchu ticket: $75 USD per person
Vistadome: $80 USD per person
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Tips for your guide

Items to bring with you:

Backpack (if not waterproof bring waterproof backpack cover or a poncho that will cover your backpack)
Original passport
Sturdy Hiking boots
Sun protection: sunscreen (SPF 35+ recommended), sun hat, sunglasses
Insect repellent
Rain poncho or a good rain jacket
Toiletries / small towel
Bathing clothes for the hot springs (optional)

SHORT INCA TRAIL PRICE & ADD-ONS

Group: USD $660 per person
Private: USD $760 per person

Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?

Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Action Peru Treks is able to join that person with additional groups.

Discounts

Under 18 years Discount: USD $20
Under 7 years Discount: USD $35

Rentals

Hiking poles – USD $15 (pair)

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a few more questions? We’ll answer them below!

How Difficult Is The Rainbow Mountain Trek?

The Rainbow Mountain Trek (or Rainbow Mountain Hike) is one of the more difficult locations due to its high altitude, requiring a few hours to complete and giving experienced hikers a challenge.

However, newer hikers can still enjoy themselves thanks to our seasoned guides and well-rounded itinerary!

What is the Short Inca Trail?

The Short Inca Trail (also called the 2-Day or Short Inca Trail 1 day) is a shorter alternative to the classic Inca Trail in Peru, leading to Machu Picchu. Spanning 1-2 days and 10-12 km (6-8 miles), it starts at Km 104 after a train from Ollantaytambo or Cusco, passing sites like Chachabamba ruins, cloud forest, Wiñay Wayna, and entering via the Sun Gate.

It offers Inca history, lush scenery, and moderate hiking (6-8 hours on uneven terrain), ideal for beginners or those short on time, with required permits; often combined with treks like Salkantay.

Short Inca Trail Difficulty

The Short Inca Trail is perfect for first-timers or people short on time who have basic fitness and have acclimatized to altitude (spend 1 – 2 days in Cusco first).

Not a casual walk — the steps and altitude hit hard if you’re not ready – but most fit people finish feeling great, not wrecked. Train stairs, wear good shoes, bring poles, and you’ll be fine.

One of the easiest authentic Inca Trail experiences to reach Machu Picchu on foot.

Can A Beginner Climb Machu Picchu?

Absolutely. Machu Picchu is a beloved destination for both experienced and beginner hikers.

At Action Peru Treks, our tour guides regularly lead travelers of all shapes and sizes to ensure everyone walks away with happy memories.

What Food Will I Need For My Trip?

A well-rounded meal full of protein and vitamins is essential for a long Short Inca Trail hiking trip.

At Action Peru Treks, we provide a box lunch for your two-day hike with trail mix, a chicken sandwich, a quinoa wrap, an energy bar and a seasonal fruit.

Where Will I Stay During My Short Inka Trail Trek?

You need to get plenty of rest so you can enjoy your hike to the fullest, so we also provide a comfortable hotel in our package at Aguas Calientes.

This little town is popular tourist destination that many travelers visit to eat, unwind, and rest.

Why choose Action Peru Treks for my next Peru trek?

Choosing Action Peru Treks means supporting a fully local, indigenous-owned company founded in 2015 that prioritizes sustainable, eco-friendly tourism and community empowerment, like funding school projects in Cusco.

We offer tailored treks (e.g., Inca Trail, Salkantay) with professional English-speaking guides, high-quality gear, delicious meals, and ethical treatment of porters and animals.

With a perfect 5.0 Tripadvisor rating from 1,228 reviews, travelers praise our reliability, detailed briefings, and unforgettable experiences.

PRICE PER PERSON IN USD:

Group: $660

Private: $760

DURATION:

3 Days and 2 Nights

Hiking Pole (pair) – USD: $15 per person
Return Vistadome Train per person – USD: $80 per person
Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (5-star hotel) – USD: $270 per person per night (double occupancy)
Inkaterra Machu Picchu El Pueblo hotel (5-star hotel) – USD: $260 per person per night (double occupancy)
El Mapi Hotel by Inkaterra (4 star hotel) – USD: $120 Per person per night (double occupancy)
Tierra viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – USD: $60 per person per night (double occupancy)
Huayna Picchu Permit – USD: $75 per person
Single Hotel Room – USD $45 per person

INQUIRE ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE

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Is anyone in your group 17 or under?, If you answer yes, we need a copy of their passport. Please e mail to info@actionperutreks.com
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Trekker Details: Name as written on passport, Passport Number, Date of Birth and Nationality. Please list Full Names (as written on passport), Passport Number, Nationality, Dates of Birth and Gender for all in your party

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WHY WE'RE DIFFERENT

Your Full Satisfaction or Your Money Back

We understand planning a big trip like ours at APT takes a lot of trust, and we’re here to make sure that trust pays off from the moment you book to the day your adventure wraps up. We’re fully committed to making your experience unforgettable. If something doesn’t go as planned—whether it’s an issue with the service or something unexpected along the way—we’ll step in to fix it.

That even includes offering a refund if needed so you can book with total peace of mind.

Your Peruvian adventure means the world to us, and we’ll go the extra mile to make sure it not only meets but exceeds your expectations. With our satisfaction guarantee, you can relax and focus on taking in all the incredible beauty and culture Peru has to offer.

We Help You Experience Peru Through The Eyes of a Local

We’re 100% locally owned and operated, with guides, porters, and chefs who grew up in the Cusco region. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Quechua, our team brings unmatched cultural and historical knowledge to share with you. Traveling with us means gaining insight into Peru’s traditions, landscapes, and stories from those who know them best.

We Work With Professional Guides Who Provide Exceptional Service

Our guides are the best of the best. Truly skilled experts with at least 5 years of experience, every guide we employ is ready to share their expertise on Peru’s trails, culture, and history. Our porters are no exception. They work hard to make your journey one for the books, while our chefs will prepare you delicious meals along the way. With a 99% recommendation rate, we’re dedicated to making every detail of your trip unforgettable.

We’re Committed to Our Team

Our porters and horsemen are easily the backbone of every trek. That’s why we are fully committed to prioritizing their well-being. We ensure they’re paid above-average wages—higher than those offered by most tour companies—recognizing their hard work and dedication to the team. Beyond fair pay, we truly care for their well-being, providing proper gear, meals, and working conditions so they’re not just safe but comfortable, too.

We Look Out for Our Community

A portion of every trek we sell supports local projects, like helping fund a much-needed school roof in Sacsayhuaman, where many of our team live. For years, children in the area had no nearby school and faced grueling four-hour walks in harsh conditions to get an education. Today, thanks to these contributions, they have a local school, and we continue to donate to its upkeep—because making an impact goes beyond the trek.

We Customize Our Adventures to Suit Your Travel Style

We want every trip to feel like it was made just for you. Whether you’re keen on hiking the famous Inca Trail, exploring lesser-known spots in the Sacred Valley, or tackling our one-of-a-kind Ancashcocha + Inca Trail trek, we’ll plan your adventure to fit your travel style. To keep things personal, we keep group sizes small—and if your group is larger than eight, we’ll bring in an extra guide so no one misses out on the experience.

We Travel with Purpose – Serving the Women, Children, & Men of Peru

Every journey with us has a ripple effect. Your adventure supports ethical tourism, fair wages for porters, and opportunities for female trekkers–many of whom are breaking barriers on the Inca Trail–and children. We’re passionate about creating opportunities for local children to grow up healthy and learn about everything their heart desires. Through initiatives like repairing schools, donating educational materials, and funding projects, we make it a mission to build a brighter future for kids in the Cusco region. Every trek you take with us contributes to this mission. When you book with us, you’re not just exploring Peru; you’re investing in it and setting a standard for all other tourism companies and tourists.

Our Reputation is Built on Trust

Year after year, Action Peru Treks has earned top ratings on TripAdvisor and the prestigious Certificate of Excellence. We’ve worked hard for these awards and are proud to see our hard work recognized. Even prouder to know our travelers leave with unforgettable memories and stories worth sharing.

We Travel Sustainably & Responsibly

Peru's landscapes are magnificent. That's why we work so hard to protect them. We prioritize sustainable traveling by working with our local communities and employing indigenous guides––thus promoting economic empowerment and preserving cultural heritage. Along the journey, we'll always encourage travelers to embrace responsible practices as advocates for the environment.

Life on the Trail: Your Safety on Peruvian Adventures

Food on our Treks

Inca Trail vs. The Salkantay Trek: Choosing the Perfect Path to Machu Picchu in 2026

Trekking the Inca Trail with Children in 2026

Dalyan7

Wonderful trip to Machu Picchu We had a wonderful trip with our guide Ali. He was very knowledgeable and organised everything very well. We had a unique experience to visit this legendary place

Lara L

Unforgettable experience, cannot recommend enough This was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had, and it was all thanks to the amazing team at Action Peru Treks.Every detail was thoughtfully considered — the behind-the-scenes organisation that made each day feel seamless truly blew our minds. The gear provided was top-notch, and everything ran smoothly from start to finish.A special thank you to our guide, Lino. He was not only incredibly knowledgeable and patient, but also just a wonderful human being to be around. He had an answer for every single question we asked, and we loved immersing ourselves in the rich Inca culture.We’re also so grateful to the team of cooks and horsemen who prepared the most delicious meals and handled all the logistics with such care and professionalism.This tour was absolute perfection — I couldn’t recommend it more highly.

davegoldschmidt

Unbelievably good service and hiking experience Roxner and the team at Action Peru Trek’s blew us away with a truly exceptional service. From the first enquiry we sent month before our hike, through till the final drop-off after our incredible trek, everything was so thoughtful and well-organised. The team on our 4-day trek were truly amazing: Lino our guide was kind, deeply knowledgeable, accommodating and always made us feel safe and cared for. Andres and Luis prepared insane banquets for every meal that blew us away again and again. The gear (tents, sleeping bags, poles and sleeping mats, in our case) were excellent quality: we had two mattresses, -18 rated sleeping bags, pillows, and fleece sleeping bag liners provided, and the tent was very generously sized for two people… safe to say, we were so comfortable each night. The organisation was seamless. Our MachuPichu tickets were booked for 6am - truly a gift, as we avoided the crowds and heat. Every transfer was comfortable. So many thoughtful touches every day, which all meant we felt so cared for, relaxed and could enjoy the beauty of Peru’s culture, history and breathtaking landscapes with total peace of mind.Couldn’t recommend this company highly enough. Thank you Roxner, Lino and the team for creating such a special experience for us.

Cam'Ron A

Inca Trail This experience was well worth the price we payed for it. One of the best guides I’ve ever had and I learned a lot about Inca Culture.

Tyler Richards

Great Tour! Wonderful Experience! The short Inca trail trip with camping was an amazing experience and I would highlight recommend to anyone! Our guide Nilton was extremely knowledgeable and was very passionate about Incan and Peruvian culture! The food prepared was also top notch!

brendan r

Great Salkantay trek experience Great trek and better people. Couldn’t ask for more from our guide (Lino) and cook (Albert). Genuinely great people to do the trek with! Great communication and they were willing to update our route based on rapidly changing weather conditions!

Sandra J

Amazing experience!!! The experience of this trek has been amazing. Eye, it is a demanding route, not only for the climbs and descents but for the height as well. Don’t underestimate the height, you have to acclimate and even if you are acclimate it makes everything cost more. It is your responsibility to go in good physical shape, it is not suitable for everyone. Now yes, the area is spectacular. The staff, both the guide and cook and very good and friendly porters. Food was a delicacy every time. Jose our guide knew a lot, both the route and the Inca culture and made everything very enjoyable. In this trek the whole camp is carried by mules, and they look well treated and not disproportionately weighted. On the Inca road you can no longer enter the mules but there we already had a hotel and our luggage went directly there. Watch out for the Inca trail of several days where there are only porters, I have not seen it in this Enterprise, but I have seen with other companies where the porters went with loads of almost the same size as the mules, it was a savage!! Level that even made it uncomfortable to watch and therefore will not be a good experience if what they are carrying is your stuff. It is also our responsibility as tourists to ensure that what we hire does not mean bad conditions for the workers there. If they are large groups, more porters will be needed and therefore you have to pay more, do not go to the cheapest, that will only mean worse conditions for them. In this Enterprise at least with this route all OK in that sense.

Taylor P

Salkantay & Machu Picchu Wow this trek was not for the weak but an absolutely amazing experience! Nilton was a great and very informative guide. He told us so much history and knowledge about the Inca’s, the Amazon, and anything else we asked. He has traveled the world as well to take in knowledge from many other countries. We were surprised to stay in tents the first 3 nights and a hotel the 4th night but it did make our hiking/camping in the wilderness experience more authentic. The horse men and chiefs were fantastic! You will not go hungry. All of the food is spectacular! Every view is breath taking, every climb can be difficult but the steep walk downs are more taxing, the hot springs is amazing, and we would do it all again as a first timer. Definitely go for it!

Ashleigh V

One of the most amazing experiences of our lives Lost for words! We have just completed the 5 day/4 night Inka trail trek with Action Peru Treks and we cannot recommend this company highly enough. The experience was truly unbelievable and we could not have been better looked after. Our guide William was so kind, caring and knowledgeable. Our porters truly outstanding and humble - what they carry for you from each camp is extraordinary and always with a smile on their face. We also had a professional chef Valerio who made the most incredible food. The route and scenery are breathtaking, every day is different and just awe inspiring! Honestly we could not fault Action Peru Treks from briefing us the night before in Cusco to the whole adventure lasting 5 days every detail was covered. If you are up for one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of your life we would highly recommend Action Peru Treks.

Elizabeth K

Unforgettable experience with Christian This trek was a truly unforgettable experience for my friend and I! At first we were a little nervous to be the only ones in our group, but we felt safe and supported the entire trip. Our guide Christian was knowledgeable, kind, encouraging, and fun to spend time with. The porters and chef were very sweet. Some of the coordination before and afterwards left something to be desired, but while we were on the trip everything went smoothly. The hike itself isn't for the faint of heart but totally worth it!