Sacred Valley to Inca Trail

The Sacred Valley to Inca Trail Tour begins at 6:30 am with hotel pickup in Cusco. Led by a professional and knowledgeable guide, this 3-day, 2-night Machu Picchu trek includes visits to archaeological sites and handicraft markets along the Sacred Valley.

The trip begins with a visit to Chinchero, where you'll explore a colonial temple built on Inca foundations and observe traditional weaving techniques. Next, head to Moray, an Inca agricultural experimentation center, followed by the nearby Maras Salt Mines, a stunning landscape of salt pools used since pre-Inca times.

Continuing our journey, we will enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba, offering a variety of local dishes from the Cusco region. After lunch, the tour continues to Ollantaytambo, one of the last remaining Inca cities. Explore its impressive Inca fortress, including the Temple of the Sun, ceremonial fountains, and ancient storehouses. Overnight at the hotel in Ollantaytambo.

In the evening, enjoy some free time to explore the Inca and colonial streets of Ollantaytambo before returning to your hotel and preparing for the next day's trek from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu.

Places to visit on the Combo Sacred Valley tour

• Chinchero
• Maras, 
• Moray
• Salineras (Salt mines)
• Urubamba (Lunch)
• Ollantaytambo

Wake up early, have breakfast, and prepare to start the Sacred Valley to Inca Trail trip. Walk to the Ollantaytambo railway station, where we catch a train to Km 104, the starting point of the Inca Trail. After passing the checkpoint, we begin the hike between the Andean mountains and tropical forest.

The first archaeological site we will visit is Chachabamba (2,200 m / 7,218 ft), located along the Urubamba River, followed by Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,696 ft) at the top. Then, we continue to Intipunku (2,720 m / 8,924 ft), the Sun Gate, where we enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu (2,490 m / 8,169 ft). Along the route, you will observe a variety of flora, fauna, and colorful birds.

The hike lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours, culminating at the Sun Gate, offering the first spectacular views of the ancient Inca citadel.

Places to visit on the 2 day Inca Trail

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

After an early morning breakfast, we walk to the bus station to take a shuttle bus up to the Inca citadel. Upon arrival, we enter Machu Picchu and start the guided tour on Circuit 2 Machu Picchu. If, at the time of your booking, you reserve a different circuit, our guide will accompany you on the selected route.

The guided tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. After the tour, you will exit the citadel and take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. If you have added the Huayna Picchu Mountain hike during your booking, you can climb the mountain to enjoy a unique panoramic view of the Inca citadel.

Once in Aguas Calientes, our guide will recommend the best local restaurants for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

Why choose Circuit 2 Machu Picchu?
This circuit allows you to explore the entire Inca citadel, offering a comprehensive view of its most important sites. The ticket is limited daily and is highly requested by all travelers, making it the most popular option for visiting Machu Picchu.

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;
• Tourist ticket to the Sacred Valley;
• Entry ticket to Salt Mines or Salineras;
• Inca Trail Permit;
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
• 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, 1x snack bag (please advice us in advance if you are a vegetarian; this option is for NO extra additional cost);
• Train tickets round trip to Machu Picchu;
• A shuttle bus up and down to Machu Picchu:
• Tourist transportation during the combo Sacred Valley
• Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco;

• Breakfast on the first and last day and lunch in Aguas Calientes Town on the last day
• Huayna Picchu tickets ($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.