Sacred Valley Tour & Inca Trail 3D/2N

Duration

3 Days/2 Nights

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English, Spanish

Description

In this tour package, you will explore the most important archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley: Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo, followed by the famous Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Once you begin the Short Inca Trail, you will discover impressive Inca ruins along the ancient path that winds through the National Park, entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, where you’ll enjoy unforgettable panoramic views of the citadel.

Hikers on the Short Inca Trail will have the privilege of seeing the Machu Picchu Citadel in the afternoon of the first day and exploring it again the next morning, providing two unique opportunities to experience this world wonder.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY TOUR – OLLANTAYTAMBO.

The tour begins in Cusco at 7:30 AM. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby, and we’ll travel in our private vehicle to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a journey of approximately 45 minutes. Along the way, we’ll make strategic stops at scenic viewpoints to take stunning photographs.

Upon arrival at Chinchero, we’ll visit its famous traditional craft market, the colonial church, and the Inca ruins.

Next, we continue to Moray, an ancient agricultural laboratory where the Incas experimented with different crop conditions. We’ll also visit the impressive Maras Salt Mines, where local families still harvest salt using traditional techniques.

After the visits, we head to Urubamba, where we’ll enjoy a buffet lunch at one of the local restaurants.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive along the Urubamba River toward the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo. Once there, we’ll explore its impressive Inca archaeological site, including ceremonial centers and terraces, all built during the height of the Inca Empire. Remarkably, descendants of the Incas still live in the original stone houses within the town.

At the end of the tour, we’ll leave you at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, where you can relax and enjoy free time to explore this charming village on your own.

Overnight at a hotel in Ollantaytambo.

DAY 2: OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 104 – INCA TRAIL – WIÑAYWAYNA – AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN.

At 7:20 AM, we will board the train in Ollantaytambo, which will take you to Km. 104—the starting point of your adventure. The train ride lasts approximately one hour. At Km. 104 (2,200 m / 7,217 ft), we will begin the hike, crossing a bridge over the Urubamba River (also known as Willkamayu, which means “Sacred River” in Quechua), highly significant in Inca times.

Upon reaching the checkpoint, you’ll need to present your identification document (passport, immigration card, or national ID). After a 15-minute walk, we’ll visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba, hidden within the semi-tropical forest. From here, we begin an uphill trek along a series of terraces. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Sacred Valley, waterfalls, and various orchids typical of the semi-tropical forest.

After approximately three hours, we’ll arrive at Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft)—a remarkable example of Inca agriculture, featuring an extensive system of terraces used for cultivating various crops. The name “Wiñay Wayna” means “Forever Young”, inspired by a beautiful orchid abundant in the area. This site includes over 20 structures, including the Temple of the Rainbow (also known as the Temple of Fertility). We’ll explore the site for about one hour before enjoying a box lunch to recharge.

In the second part of the trek, we’ll continue for approximately two hours along a stone-paved Andean trail, climbing stone steps and passing through tambos (Inca rest stops) until reaching the Inti Punku – Sun Gate (2,720 m / 8,923 ft). From here, you’ll enjoy your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valley.

We’ll then descend for about 45 minutes to the citadel of Machu Picchu (2,490 m / 8,169 ft), where we’ll board a bus for a 25-minute ride down to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) (2,160 m / 7,086 ft).

Upon arrival, you’ll check into a comfortable hotel. In the evening, if you’re feeling energetic, you may choose to visit the thermal baths, located about 10 minutes from town (entrance fee of 10 soles). Aguas Calientes also offers a lively atmosphere, with a variety of bars, restaurants, and ATMs available.

To conclude the day, we’ll enjoy a delicious à la carte dinner at a cozy local restaurant.

Overnight in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU TOUR – CUSCO.

This day, you will visit Machu Picchu once again. After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel lobby, and together you will head to the bus stop to board the shuttle bus for a 30-minute ride up to the Machu Picchu citadel.

At the entrance, you’ll pass through the checkpoint where you must present your ticket and passport. You will then enjoy a private guided tour of approximately two hours, visiting the most important sites within Machu Picchu, such as the Main Plaza, the Sun Temple, the Sacred Sundial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, and various ceremonial areas.

After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace. If you wish, you can opt to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (this requires an additional payment of $75 USD per person and advance reservation). Alternatively, you can choose to hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) or the Inka Bridge, both of which do not require additional tickets.

At the scheduled time, we’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco (approximately a two-hour drive).

End of our services.

Included / Excluded

INCLUDED

  • Pick up from the hotel in Cusco.
  • Tour Sacred Valley (transport, tour guide tickets and lunch buffet).
  • 1 Night of Hotel in Ollantaytambo.
  • Transfers from the hotel to the train station.
  • Train ticket from Ollanta to Km. 104.
  • Professional bilingual tour guide (English-Spanish).
  • Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machupicchu.
  • Food (1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner).
  • Bus ticket Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes (round trip).
  • 1 Night of Hotel in Aguas Calientes town.
  • First aid kit, oxygen ball.
  • Return train ticket Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
  • Transportation from Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
  • Transfer to the hotel.

EXCLUDED

  • Dinner at Ollantaytambo town the first day.
  • Lunch on the third day: after the guided tour to Machu Picchu.
  • Visit to the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes town (optional).
  • Opcional Hike to Huaynapicchu mountain (Extra cost of $ 75 USD per person).

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