Sky Lodge & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 6D/5N
Get ready for six days of epic adventure in Peru! Enjoy stunning natural beauty and ancient sites as you head out on this unforgettable 6-day journey. Along the way, you’ll hike to the colorful heights of Rainbow Mountain, visit the legendary Machu Picchu, and experience the Sacred Valley through exciting activities, topped off with a night of luxury at the famous Sky Lodge adventures.
Unwind in the world’s first hanging hotel—a glass pod clinging to the mountainside with panoramic views and gorgeous sunsets over the Urubamba River. This one-of-a-kind overnight stay will leave you speechless as you gaze at the stars from your cliffside suite.
The adventure continues as you lace up your hiking boots and set off on the Inca Trail, leading you to the breathtaking Lost City of Machu Picchu, a World Heritage Site and one of the World’s New Seven Wonders. This is your chance for unstoppable adventure, luxury, and history all in one. Get ready for a Peruvian trip like no other!
Get ready for a unique SkyLodge and Inca Trail journey to explore the treasures of Peru in a very short frame time!
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival to Cusco “The Old Capital of the Inca Empire”
Upon arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco, an EAT representative will greet you and assist with your luggage before escorting you to your hotel. After settling in, you may relax the rest of the day to acclimate to the altitude, or if you’re up for a light exploration, head to the nearby Plaza de Armas for a taste of Cusco’s rich history.
The Plaza de Armas, located in the city center, was once the hub of the Inca Empire, hosting ceremonies and celebrations. Today, it’s surrounded by stunning colonial architecture, vibrant shops, and lively cafes. You can explore Cusco Cathedral, admire the detailed Inca stonework at the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, or simply relax at a café and people-watch while enjoying the atmosphere of the historic public square.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
- Highest Elevation: 3,400 m/11,154 ft
- Level of difficulty: Easy
Day 2: Rainbow Mountain Hike
Get ready for an early start as day two’s adventure takes you to one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders, Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca. Located high in the Andes, this stunning geological formation is known for its vibrant, multicolored bands of mineral deposits. It is at an elevation of 5,200 meters (17,060 feet).
After breakfast, you’ll head out of Cusco on a scenic drive through traditional villages and farmland, watching as the scenery transforms into the rugged beauty of the Andes. The hike’s starting point is 4,326 meters (14,189 feet), and the trek itself is about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) round-trip, taking approximately 2 hours each way. The hike begins with a gradual ascent through valleys and along ridgelines, with llamas and alpacas grazing in the distance. While the hike is challenging due to the high altitude, the pace will be slow and steady to ensure your comfort. You’ll have plenty of time to stop for photos and enjoy the dramatic views along the hike.
We’ll return to Cusco in the late afternoon, where you can relax and unwind after a full day of adventure. Spend the evening at your leisure, enjoying a local restaurant or strolling through the charming streets of Cusco.
- 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 Adventure and Overnight in Aguas Calientes
After breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, we’ll begin the day by driving to Ollantaytambo, a charming village in the Sacred Valley. From Ollantaytambo, you’ll board a scenic train that takes you to KM 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail.
This famous trail, once used by the Incas, is a significant part of Peru’s history. Our hike starts with a challenging but rewarding 3-hour uphill climb that gives us a peek at what’s coming on this unforgettable trek to Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail leads uphill to the stunning ruins of Wiñay Wayna, meaning “forever young” in Quechua.
Wiñay Wayna is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It’s perched on a steep hillside overlooking the Urubamba River and is often seen as a final stop before reaching Machu Picchu. It features upper and lower housing complexes connected by a staircase and fountains, with visible agricultural terraces cut into the lush mountainside.
We’ll stop here to enjoy our boxed lunch, taking in the incredible views of the green mountains and orchids. After our break, the trail becomes more manageable as we make our ascent to the famous Sun Gate (2,720 m / 8,920 ft), where we’ll catch our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. From here, we’ll take a bus to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,691 ft) to check into your hotel. Dinner will be at a local restaurant (drinks not included).
- 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: Exploring Machu Picchu and Overnight in Ollantaytambo in the Sky Lodge Adventure Suites
On Day 4, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the magnificent ancient city of Machu Picchu before returning to Ollantaytambo for your overnight stay at the Skylodge adventure, a one-of-a-kind cliffside retreat.
Your day will start by boarding an early bus to experience Machu Picchu during the quieter morning hours. After a scenic 25-minute ride up to 2,430 meters (7,972 feet), your expert guide will take you on a 2-hour walking tour through the ancient city’s stone temples, terraces, and plazas. Highlights include the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Rock, and the water mirrors, an ancient astronomical place used by the Incas.
After the guided tour, you’ll still have time to explore on your own or opt for an exciting climb up Huayna Picchu (advance reservations required!) Afterward, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch, followed by an early train ride back to Ollantaytambo.
From here, the adventure continues as you begin your ascent to your cliffside accommodations at the famous Skylodge. First, you’ll rock climb up the mountain to the iconic Skylodge, but don’t worry—no experience is necessary! You’ll use a via ferrata, a designated climbing path equipped with cables, stakes, and embedded rungs for your safety.
The views from your cliffside hotel are unbeatable, especially at night. Before settling in for the evening, enjoy a gourmet meal served in your unique retreat as you gaze at the stars.
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner at Sky Lodge
- 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 Adventure and Overnight Stay Cusco
Start your day at the Skylodge with a cup of fresh, locally-grown coffee as you soak in the breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley below. Following breakfast, you’ll go sightseeing at the Sacred Valley’s most iconic sites.
Your first stop will be the towering fortress of Ollantaytambo, which sits at 2,792 meters (9,160 feet) and offers stunning views over the Sacred Valley. Once the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti, this historical site played an essential role during Manco Inca’s resistance against the Spanish conquistadors.
Next, you’ll head into the Urubamba Valley to the hidden treasure of the Maras Salt Mines, or salt evaporation ponds. These ancient salt terraces have been used for centuries, even before Inca times. What makes them truly special isn’t their age but how they collect mineral-rich water from a natural spring, which flows into thousands of small, shallow pools. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind layers of salt, creating a stunning, otherworldly sight.
After Maras, you’ll visit the intriguing circular terraces of Moray. While its appearance has sparked playful theories among visitors over the years, like being a landing pad for alien spaceships, experts believe these terraces were likely an Incan agricultural research center. Each concentric terrace is carved deep into the earth, promoting a different microclimate, which allowed the Incas to test crops and perfect their farming techniques—a brilliant example of their agricultural ingenuity.
After a morning of exploration, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch buffet near the town of Urubamba. Here, you can sample a mix of traditional Peruvian dishes and international cuisine.
Finally, you’ll arrive at the historic town of Chinchero, perched high in the Peruvian Andes at 3,762 meters (12,342 feet). Built by Tupac Inca Yupanqui around 1480, this ancient town is known for its impressive stonemasonry and rich cultural heritage. As you explore, you’ll see how the town blends the old with the new, with pre-Columbian walls, staircases, and altars alongside colonial buildings built on Inca foundations. The vibrant markets and traditional weaving demonstrations bring even more color and life to this incredible place.
As your day in the Sacred Valley ends, you’ll return to Cusco for your final night before departing the following day.
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch Buffet
- 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
After a final breakfast at your hotel, an EAT representative will meet you and assist with your transfer to the (CUZ) airport. If you’re heading home or continuing to your next destination, we’ll ensure you get there smoothly.
- Meal: Breakfast
Note: This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or other events which are beyond our control. At Action Treks Peru we will always do our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible.
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.
- Transportation from the Sky Lodge hotel to Ollantaytambo train station
- 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 or Poroy train station to Cusco.
- 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
- 3 breakfast at all hotels
- 2 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 $1350 per person
Private: USD $1450 per person
Rentals:
- Hiking poles for the trek – USD $10 (pair) per person
Train Upgrades
- Vistadome return train – USD $60 per person
Hotel at Machu Picchu
- Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (5-star hotel) – USD $255 per person per night (double occupancy)
- Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – USD $50 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 $60 per person
- Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (5-star hotel) – USD $255 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 $50 Per person per night (double occupancy)
- Single occupancy – USD $200 per person
SKY LODGE 2025 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.
PRICE PER PERSON IN USD:
Group: $1350
Private: $1450
DURATION:
6 Days / 5 Night
AVAILABLE ADD-ONS
- Hiking poles for the trek – USD $10 (pair) per person
- Return Vistadome train -USD $60 for trip from Aguas Calientes to either Ollantaytambo or Poroy
- Private hotel room for single travelers – USD $200 per person.
- Buffet lunch at the Tinkuy restaurant in the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu – USD $50 per person
OVERVIEW
- Day 1: Arrival to Cusco
- Day 2: Rainbow Mountain Hike
- Day 3: Short Inca Trail Adventure and Overnight in Aguas Calientes
- Day 4: Exploring Machu Picchu and Overnight in Ollantaytambo in the Skylodge Adventure Suites
- Day 5: Sacred Valley Adventure and Overnight Stay Cusco
- Day 6: Departure Day
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE
WHY WE'RE DIFFERENT
Your Full Satisfaction or Your Money Back
We understand planning a big trip like ours at EAT 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, Eco Andes Trekking 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.
