Embark on the Sky Lodge & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – an electrifying 6-day/5-night odyssey that catapults you into the heart of Peru’s wild wonders and ancient enigmas!
Picture this: You’re scaling mist-shrouded Andean peaks, tracing footsteps etched by Inca warriors centuries ago, and awakening to a symphony of birdsong in a crystal-clear pod perched precariously on a sheer cliffside – your private portal to the stars above the Sacred Valley.
This isn’t your average getaway; it’s a pulse-racing fusion of raw adventure and timeless mystique. Conquer the kaleidoscopic stripes of Rainbow Mountain, where the earth erupts in vivid reds, golds, and emeralds under your boots.
Plunge into the Short Inca Trail’s lush paths, unveiling hidden ruins like Wiñay Wayna’s cascading terraces that whisper secrets of eternal youth. Then, stand breathless at the Sun Gate as Machu Picchu unfurls below like a forgotten dream, its stone sentinels guarding riddles of a lost empire.
But the thrills don’t stop there – ascend via ferrata to the legendary Sky Lodge adventures, where gourmet dinners unfold against a backdrop of twinkling constellations, and mornings greet you with coffee overlooking emerald valleys dotted with ancient fortresses.
Wander the enigmatic salt ponds of Maras, marvel at Moray’s sunken agricultural amphitheaters that toy with microclimates like Inca alchemists, and immerse in Chinchero’s weaving traditions amid ruins that blend empires.
Whether you’re chasing adrenaline highs or unraveling cultural threads, this compact Peruvian epic packs epic hikes, luxurious cliffside sleeps, and soul-deep connections into every moment. No filters needed – just pure, unfiltered awe.
Your legend begins now – grab your pack and let’s ignite the journey!
TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival to Cusco “The Old Capital of the Inca Empire”
Touch down at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco, the beating heart of the ancient Inca Empire. Your APT representative will greet you warmly, handle your bags, and whisk you to your cozy hotel in the historic center.
Spend the day easing into the high altitude (3,400 m / 11,154 ft) – rest up, sip coca tea, or wander out to the iconic Plaza de Armas. This lively square was once the epicenter of Inca ceremonies and is now framed by stunning colonial cathedrals, intricate stonework from the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, buzzing cafes, and street performers.
Grab a coffee, people-watch, and feel the magic of this living museum city!
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
- Highest Elevation: 3,400 m/11,154 ft
- Level of difficulty: Easy
Day 2: Rainbow Mountain Hike – Peru’s Color Explosion!
Rise early for one of Peru’s most Instagram-famous wonders: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) at a dizzying 5,200 m (17,060 ft)! After a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic drive through quaint villages, rolling farmlands, and dramatic Andean landscapes.
The round-trip hike is about 10 km (6.2 miles), roughly 2 hours each way, starting at 4,326 m (14,189 ft). Expect a steady, gradual climb with plenty of photo stops – llamas and alpacas will be your cheerful trail companions!
The trail winds through valleys and ridgelines, building to that final rewarding push where the mountain explodes in stripes of red, yellow, green, and turquoise minerals. It’s challenging due to altitude (take it slow, stay hydrated!), but the panoramic payoff is unreal.
Return to Cusco by late afternoon to unwind – maybe treat yourself to a pisco sour and local cuisine.
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
- Lowest elevation: 3,400 m/11,154 ft
- Highest elevation: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft
- Tour duration: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 3: Short Inca Trail Thrills + First Glimpse of Machu Picchu
Fuel up and head to charming Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley.
Hop on a scenic 2-hour train to KM 104, the launch point for the classic Short Inca Trail – a condensed but authentic slice of the legendary full trail!
This moderate 13 km (8 miles) trek takes 6-8 hours. You’ll power through a steep initial 3-hour uphill section, passing cloud forests, rushing rivers, and blooming orchids.
The highlight? Reaching the breathtaking ruins of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”), with its intricate terraces, fountains, and panoramic views over the Urubamba River – perfect spot for your boxed lunch!
The trail eases up toward the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at 2,720 m (8,920 ft), where Machu Picchu dramatically reveals itself below.
Savor that first magical view, then descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for a well-earned dinner and rest.
- Meals: Breakfast/Box Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodation: 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
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Machu Picchu Mastery and Cliffside Luxury at Skylodge!
Catch the early bus up to Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft) for a quieter, misty-morning experience.
Your expert guide leads a thrilling 2-hour tour through temples, plazas, terraces, the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Rock, and more – uncover the secrets of this New Seven Wonder!
Afterward, exit or (if pre-booked) tackle the exhilarating Huayna Picchu climb for vertigo-inducing views.
Lunch in Aguas Calientes, then catch an early train back to Ollantaytambo.
The real adrenaline kicks in: ascend to Sky Lodge Adventure Suites via ferrata – a safe, guided climb using cables, rungs, and stakes (no prior experience needed!).
Reach your transparent glass pod suspended 1,300+ feet above the valley – panoramic windows, starry skies, and gourmet dinner served right in your cliffside suite.
Fall asleep to the twinkling lights below and the rush of the river – pure magic!
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner at Skylodge
- Accommodations: Sky Lodge Inn and Suites
- Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/6,691 ft
- Highest Elevation: 2,870 m/9,416 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 5: Sacred Valley Wonders + Return to Cusco
Awaken to breathtaking sunrise views from your unique pod—savor a cup of freshly brewed Peruvian coffee as the valley stirs to life below!
After breakfast, descend (add an adrenaline rush with the optional zipline!) and dive into the Sacred Valley’s most iconic sites:
- Ollantaytambo Fortress: Stand in awe of the massive Inca stone terraces and sweeping panoramic vistas—feel the raw power of ancient engineering up close!
- Maras Salt Mines: Wander among thousands of shimmering evaporation ponds forming a surreal white-and-green mosaic—an ancient salt-harvesting tradition still thriving today!
- Moray Circular Terraces: Discover these mind-bending concentric rings, an ingenious Inca agricultural lab with varied microclimates for crop experimentation. Pure brilliance!
- Chinchero: Experience live traditional weaving demonstrations and explore vibrant, colorful markets filled with local handicrafts.
Enjoy a relaxing lunch in Urubamba, then return to Cusco for your final night.
Reflect on the trip of a lifetime and all the wonders you’ve encountered!
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
- Lowest Elevation: 2,792 m / 9,160 ft
- Highest Elevation: 3,762 m / 12,342 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 6: Departure Day
Savor one last breakfast, then your APT rep transfers you smoothly to CUZ airport. Fly home with memories of mountains, ruins, stars from a cliff, and the unbreakable spirit of Peru!
- Meal: Breakfast
Note: Weather, strikes, or unforeseen events may adjust plans—Action Treks Peru prioritizes safety and will adapt seamlessly.
INCLUDED
- Professional English-speaking guide. Additional guide for groups over 8 people
- Pre-Inca Trail briefing
- Transport from airport to Cusco hotel
- Transport to the airport or bus station at the end of the tour
- Admission fees to all the visited sites in the Sacred Valley tour.
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on day 1 of the Short Inca Trail trip. Round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on day 2 of the Short Inca Trail trip.
- Return Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to either Poroy or Ollantaytambo.
- Transport by private vehicle from Ollantaytambo to the Sky Lodge base
- Admission Ticket to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Archaeological site.
- 1 box lunch on the Short Inca Trail
- 1 dinner in Aguas Calientes and 1 dinner at the Sky Lodge
- Breakfast at all hotels
- 3 nights accommodation in a nice and comfortable hotel in Cusco city (double occupancy)
- 1 night accommodation at the cliffside pod hotel in the Sacred Valley (double occupancy)
- 1 night accommodation in a nice and comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)
- Private guided walking tour of Machu Picchu and all the visited sites associated with our package.
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank for all tours
NOT Included
- Flights
- Airport taxes
- Hiking poles for the Short Inca Trail
- Meals (unless they are specified in the tour itinerary)
- Tip for your staff
- Huayna Picchu Mountain permit
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
PRICES & ADD-ONS
Group: USD $1430 per person
Private: USD $1530 per person
Rentals:
- Hiking poles for the trek – USD $15 (pair) per person
Train Upgrades
- Vistadome return train – USD $80 per person
Hotel at Machu Picchu
- Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (5-star hotel) – USD $270 per person per night (double occupancy)
- Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – USD $60 per person per night (double occupancy)
What to bring:
- Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both)
- Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, a few t-shirts, socks, sun hat, warm underwear, light long pants, gloves, rain jacket)
- Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
- Sunscreen SPF 35+ recommended
- Head lamp
- Sunglasses
- Camera with spare batteries (batteries run down faster at high altitudes)
- Binoculars
- Book to read (you will have some spare time at every camp to read your favorite book)
- Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, but poles can be rented from us)
- Insect repellent
Upgrades
- Return Vistadome train – USD $80 per person
- Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (5-star hotel) – USD $270 Per person per night (double occupancy)
- El Mapi Hotel by Inkaterra (4 star hotel) – USD $115 Per person per night (double occupancy)
- Tierra viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – USD $60 Per person per night (double occupancy)
- Single occupancy – USD $200 per person
SKY LODGE TRIP FAQs.
What Does the Machu Picchu Trip Price Include?
Our price includes transportation, accommodations, and whichever meals are specified on the itinerary. Not all meals are included on all days. The trip price also includes entrance fees to the trail and safety gear. Flights to and from Cusco are not included in the price.
Do You Need Climbing Experience for this Trip?
No specific climbing experience is needed. This trip is suitable for beginner hikers. The Inca Trail is a moderate hike, while all other parts of this trip are very beginner-friendly. Our guides assist on all hikes.
Will I Experience Altitude Sickness?
Cusco and other locations on our trip are at elevations above 7,800 feet, and altitude sickness can happen to anyone. The best way to help prevent this is to stay hydrated and arrive at least 24 hours before any strenuous activity.
What Should I Pack?
Light, moisture-wicking clothing is preferred. You should also pack a rain jacket and comfortable hiking attire, including shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and layers of clothing.
What If I Need to Cancel This Trip?
We offer flexible booking policies. Cancellations or changes to bookings may be subject to fees depending on how far away your trip is. Please see our full cancellation and rescheduling policy page for more details.
What Else Do I Need to Know About This Trip?
Most primary expenses are covered, but you should bring extra cash for meals not listed on the itinerary and personal expenses. The minimum age for this trip is 15 years old. All activities occur rain or shine except in the event of severe weather, in which case some adjustments may need to be made.
Why Choose Action Peru Treks for Salkantay Trek?
Among 800+ Peruvian operators, Action Peru Treks is a Quechua-owned indigenous company that excels in authentic, ethical adventures.
- Ethical Roots: Fair wages, community fundraisers, sustainable Andean immersion.
- Top Reviews: TripAdvisor Excellence; raves for “exceptional service” and organization.
- Expert Guides: Locals deliver fun, cultural insights in small groups.
- Gourmet Comfort: Chef buffets for all diets, cozy camps, smooth logistics.
- Community Focus: Education aid in remote areas; adaptable treks with epic views.
