11-Day Cusco Adventure:
Short Inca Trail & Ausangate Trek

On the first day of our adventure in Cusco, our representative is going to pick you up from Cusco Airport based on your flight itinerary. We will transport you to your hotel in Cusco so you can acclimatize to the altitude there. Keep in mind that Cusco is about 3,360 meters (nearly 11,023 feet) above sea level, so if you're coming from a lower altitude, you may need some time to acclimatize.

This is the most popular tour in Cusco, and it is the highlight of everyone's trip. Vidal Expeditions has designed a special tour that allows you to explore before the crowds arrive. In this tour, we’ll drive from the highlands of Cusco, across the Andes, into the fertile lands of the Sacred Valley, enjoying the spectacular views. Our tour will begin with a pickup from your accommodation, and we will drive to Chinchero. Here we will visit the archaeological site and the colonial church.

We will continue to Moray, the site of circular Inca terraces. You will have plenty of time to explore Moray, while your guide will explain the purpose of this impressive Inca farming laboratory. Following our itinerary, we will be heading to Maras town. Maras is a picturesque Andean town with a great history and traditions. Here we will enjoy our delicious lunch with a stunning view of the mountains. The next stop will be at salt mines used in ancient times. Then we drive to Ollantaytambo, where we explore the ancient Inca site, one of the most important after Machu Picchu. After that, we will spend the night here.

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the perfect option for those who are short on time but want to experience a part of the full-length Inca Trail. This hike combines beautiful scenery, history, diverse flora, and fauna. The hike takes you on the best section of the original 4-day Inca Trail, with incredible views of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna.

We begin our journey by taking the train from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104, where the trail officially begins. The first 3 hours is ascending through the ancient trail, along the way to get breathtaking views of Urubamba Valley, the main stop will be in Wiñaywayna Inca site where is one of the best along the classic trail. After we continue hiking to Sun Gate where you have the first glimpse of Machu Picchu, take a time to enjoy this magical moment.

We descend to Machu Picchu and explore it by following the circuit 1, which allows us to get the panoramic views, we'll take our time and enjoy it. We will be here in the afternoon, once the large groups already left. Later we get out of Machu Picchu and drive to Aguas Calientes, our guide will accommodate at your hotel to have well deserver rest for the next day.

This day will have an early start. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to one of the first buses to Machu Picchu (2,430 m/7,972 ft). This early bus will allow us to arrive at Machu Picchu before the crowds and explore the site in peace. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the sunrise as the sun casts a stunning orange glow over the huge stones.

Your guide will take you to the sight so that you can feel the powerful energy of this fantastic archaeological site as you start exploring Machu Picchu. Our guide will show you the most important areas here, then you'll have some free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own.

You can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you book in advance. Your guide will show you the trail and provide the necessary information to reach the summit. You will return to Aguas Calientes by bus around midday..

In Aguas Calientes you will find a variety of restaurants to have lunch. After lunch you will board the train heading to Ollantaytambo, following by bus drive to Cusco. We will drop you off at the door of your hotel.

You will take it easy on this day, you can rest or explore Cusco city center by your own, it has some many things to see, such as local markets, museums, and more

Enjoy a half-day Cusco City Tour that takes you through the heart of the former Inca capital. Visit iconic landmarks such as Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay while learning about Inca history and colonial heritage from expert guides.

This guided tour is perfect for travelers with limited time, offering a great introduction to Cusco’s culture, architecture, and panoramic views. Ideal for acclimatization, the tour combines history, culture, and light walking, making it suitable for all ages and travel styles.

Today we will begin our expedition to the wonderful Ausangate mountain, which is located south of Cusco. The tour start with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco and drive for 3 hours to Tinki town. Here we’ll stop for breakfast and have the chance to explore this picturesque town.

Then, we continue to Upis 4,100 m / 13,351 ft. Here, at the trail head, we will meet with our trekking team (chef, assistant, and horse driver). On this first day, we will hike for a few hours till we reach our lunch spot and campsite located at over 4,400 meters (14,435 feet).

This day we will wake up early, and after our energizing breakfast, we will start hiking to the first Arapa Pass, at 4,860 m (15,944 ft). Here you will have an incredible view of the Apu Ausangate. We will descend to the Pucacocha lake, where we will have our lunch in front of the mountain.

After lunch, we camp here. In the afternoon you will have option to walk around the lakes. You will see stunning blue and turquoise lakes at the base of Ausangate Mountain. This is one of the best spot to appreacite and feel the energy of the mountains, take your take and enjoy this magical moment.

This is the most fascinating day in this trek. Your day will start with a cup of coca tea at 5:00 am, and after our breakfast we will head to the next pass, Puca pass (4,980 m; 16,338 ft). The first hour of the day will be asceding through steep path, but the views will turn more incredible while you reach the pass. Once you reached the pass, have a look the most stunning view, more than three lakes located at the base of Apu Ausangate, those are formed thank to the glacial watermelt.

After have enjoyed the view, you will continue hiking to the lunch spot located in Anantapata. Enjoy the lunch and keep walking to the next pass called Warmisaya 5,000 m (16,404 ft). From this pass, you will appreciate the first view of Rainbow Mountain. We will descend down the switchback to Surineqocha lake. Here we have the camp.

This is the most fascinating day in this trek. Your day will start with a cup of coca tea at 4:00 am, and after our breakfast we will head to the famous Rainbow Mountain. It will take around 1,20 hours to reach this iconic mountain before the crowds arrive, once we reach the incredible Rainbow Mountain (5,036m / 16,522 ft), which is also called the Mountain of the Seven Colors. Enjoy the best view before the large groups, your guide will explain you about thw natural colors formation, the history of it and capture the best photos.

After, we will hike to the Red Valley, this is another stunning spot wherw you can observe the incredible red mountains and the valley. The Red Valley near Cusco offers stunning red-hued landscapes, scenic hiking trails, and breathtaking Andean views, providing a quieter, alternative trekking experience away from crowds.

Later, we descent to the bus station where we board our bus to drive to Cusco

Today you deserve to rest and relax during the morning. In the afternoon our staff will transfer you to the Airport