Sacred Valley to Inca Trail

The Inca Trail to Sacred Valley tour starts from the city of Cusco at 7:00 a.m. We will pass by your hotel to pick you up in our mobility then we will start the tour of the 3 day 2 night machu picchu trek led by a professional guide and expert, throughout this day we will have stops at important points to visit archaeological sites and craft markets. Our first stop will be in the handicraft market of Pisaq to buy some souvenirs made by the local people (super comfortable price) then another short stop at the pisaq viewpoint to take some pictures of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and part of the mountain range white, continuing our journey to the archaeological site of Pisaq. Here we will have a tour with our guide for an average of 1 hour and 30 minutes, we will visit the most important sectors of this archaeological zone, religious sector conformed by temples, the urban sector, the Inca cemetery and finally the agricultural terraces.

Then will travel along the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing through some typical towns such as, coya, calca, yucay and finally we will arrive at the capital of the Sacred Valley of the Incas: Urubamba. Here we will have an important stop to enjoy our lunch, the tourist restaurant offers the best presentations of typical dishes of the Cusco region.

After lunch, about 30 minutes away, we will visit the salt mines, close to the town of Maras, and then visit Moray, the agrarian experimentation center of the Incas. After the visit to this archaeological center we went to the town of Chinchero, where we can visit the colonial temple with interesting frescoes in the portico built on the foundations of an Inca building.

Then we continue for 30 minutes driving to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, where the town remains in its original splendor from the time of the Incas, we will also have the opportunity to visit the Inca fortress that was built by General Ollantay, we will travel through the religious, military and urban sector. as well as the temple of the sun, ceremonial fountains, collcas or barns (food storage) etc. After the guided tour in Ollantaytambo we will move to the hotel where we will spend the night and prepare to hike from Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu next day.

Places to visit on the Combo Sacred Valley tour

• Pisac market and archeological
• Moray
• Maras, 
• Chinchero
• Salineras (Salt mines)
• Ollantaytambo

Wake up early, breakfast and prepared to start the Sacred Valley to Inca Trail trip. Walk to the Ollantaytambo´s railway station. There, we catch a train and continue until Km 104, where a checking point of the Inca Trail is located. We start the hike from Inca Trail to Machu Picchu between the Andean mountains and tropical forest. The first archaeological site we will visit is Chachabamba (2,200 m / 7,218 ft) located on the side of the Urubamba River and Wiñaywayna (2650 m / 8.696 ft) is at the top. Then we will go to the Intipunku (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) where we will have a panoramic view of Machu Picchu (2,490 m / 8,169 ft), you can also find a variety of flora and fauna as well as a variety of birds. The walk lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours until you reach the Sun Gate known as "Inti Punku", where you can get the first panoramic views of Machu Picchu.

Places to visit on the 2 day Inca Trail

• Chachabamba
• Wiñaywayna
• Machu Picchu
• Intipata
• Inti Punku

After an early morning breakfast, we continue for about 2 hours up to the mysterious city of Machu Picchu that we enter for the early morning best photos opportunities. Then our tour guide shows us around the Incan city and explains us about its history and purposes. After the guided tour, we are given the opportunity to climb up for about 45 minutes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (peaks above Machu Picchu serving to take some panoramic pictures of the Inka city). 

The 3 days 2 night Machu Picchu trek ends up with a train ride to Ollantaytambo (alternatively to Poroy), from where we are taken by van back to Cusco.

Places to visit in the Machu Picchu tour

• Machu Picchu
• Huayna Picchu or the Machu Picchu Mountain (These mountain are extra cost. please contact with Inca Trail Machu staff and check the available for these mountains).

• Pre-trek briefing with your Tour Guide;
• Transfer to Sacred Valley from Cusco;
• Professional guide;
• Entrance fee to Pisac and Ollantaytambo archeological;
• Entrance fee to Moray and Chinchero;
• Entrance fee to Salt Mines or Salineras;
• Inca Trail Permit and entrance fee to Machu Picchu;
• Private transportation along 3 days 2 night Machu Picchu trek; 
• Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo (1 night), Hotel in Aguas Calientes (1 night); 
• Meals: 2x breakfast, 1x Buffet Lunch on the Sacred Valley, 1x Box lunch on the Inca Trail, 1x dinner (please advice us in advance if you are a vegetarian; this option is for NO extra additional cost);
• Train tickets from Sacred Valley to Inca Trail and from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo;
• A shuttle bus from Machu Picchu citadel to Aguas Calientes:
• Tourist transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco;

• Breakfast on the first and last day and lunch in Aguas Calientes Town on the last day
• A shuttle bus high from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (U$ 12 one way)
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain ($80)
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru, however, it is not obligatory)
• Travel Insurance

Here we explain you the important things you should not forget to bring for this Sacred Valley to Inca Trail tour:

• The original passport or document with which you booked the tour, the authorities on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are very strict and do not allow you to enter if you do not carry them, you must carry the Original Passport or the Identity Document, Identity Card, Canet ISIS. The authorities do not accept any type of photocopy of the aforementioned documents.
• A small 50-liter backpack that allows you to enter all the things you will carry with you
• Suitable clothing for walking, waterproof and comfortable shoes for long walks, shorts and long, dry fit sports shirts, rain jacket or rain jacket.
• Warm clothes (We recommend cotton clothes that are very comfortable to sleep in, a hat and gloves for the cold, socks to walk, sandals to be worn when you arrive at the camps, you should also take with you Plastic bags so you can separate things in the backpack (clean, damp, dirty and other clothes).
• A canteen with water for the first day of the walk.
• Personal hygiene items: a small towel, soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, toilet paper, hand sanitizer gel. These last two articles are very important.
• Personal medications, within this list also includes muscle relaxers, pain tablets and blessed for scratches, blisters on the feet that can be generated after several hours of walking.
• Items to protect from the sun and mosquitoes, a sunscreen, sunglasses, hat or sun hats and a mosquito repellent.
• Extra cash, for personal expenses such as the first breakfast, lunch on the last day, those of the porters, cook, guide, and other eventualities.

IMPORTANT:

When preparing for the short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, there are several important things to keep in mind. Here are some key points to consider:

• Permits: Obtain the necessary permits in advance. The Inca Trail has a limited number of daily permits, so make sure to secure them well ahead of time.
• Physical Fitness: The short Inca Trail is a moderately challenging hike, covering approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) over two days. Ensure that you are in good physical condition to handle the trek. Regular exercise and cardiovascular training will help you prepare.
• Acclimatization: Cusco, the starting point for the Inca Trail, is located at high altitude. It's important to spend a few days in Cusco or other high-altitude locations to acclimatize and minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
• Packing Essentials: Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing suitable for hiking. Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, a rain jacket, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, a headlamp, and a small backpack. Consider bringing trekking poles for additional stability.
• Weather Considerations: The weather along the Inca Trail can be unpredictable, with temperature variations throughout the day. Layer your clothing to adjust to changing conditions. Be prepared for rain, as the region experiences both sunny and wet weather.
• Snacks and Water: Carry enough water to stay hydrated during the hike. There are water stations along the trail where you can refill your bottle. Additionally, pack lightweight, energy-rich snacks to keep your energy levels up.
• Altitude Medication: If you are concerned about altitude sickness, consult with a healthcare professional before your trip. They may prescribe medication such as acetazolamide to help prevent or alleviate symptoms.
• Sustainable Practices: Respect the environment and the cultural heritage of the Inca Trail. Follow the instructions of your guides, stay on designated paths, and avoid littering. Leave no trace and help preserve this unique ecosystem.