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Sacred Valley + Short Inca Trail 3 days

Description

This tour offers the perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and an unforgettable adventure leading up to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Your journey begins with a visit to the Sacred Valley, starting in Chinchero, home to the palace of Tupac Inca Yupanqui. This charming town is renowned for its exquisite textiles and colorful markets. Next, explore the archaeological complex of Pisaq, where you’ll discover the largest Inca cemetery and its lively artisan market.

Continuing the adventure, you’ll visit Ollantaytambo, a testament to Inca engineering brilliance, featuring perfectly carved and preserved stone structures. The highlight of the tour is the short Inca Trail, which leads you to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), offering one of the most stunning panoramic views of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. This magical and unique place will awaken a whirlwind of emotions, leaving you with memories to cherish forever.

Itinerary

Day 1: Sacred Valley of the Incas (Pisaq, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero) > in a group. 10 hours tour

On this day, you’ll explore the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas, also known as the Vilcanota Valley. The adventure begins with a visit to an artisanal center along the way, where you’ll meet friendly llamas and interact with local artisans. Discover their traditional techniques and marvel at the richness of Peruvian handicrafts and textiles. This is the perfect spot to pick up unique souvenirs, so take your time to admire the intricate craftsmanship.

Next, we’ll head to the archaeological complex of Pisaq, perched atop a mountain. This stunning site features a series of terraces and architectural structures spread across the slopes and summit, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty and ancient engineering. Afterward, we’ll explore the handicraft market, where you’ll find a wide variety of traditional crafts.

We’ll then stop in Urubamba for a delicious lunch, savoring traditional Peruvian cuisine. The meal includes a variety of dishes such as salads, soups, hot plates, the famous ceviche, and mouthwatering desserts.

After lunch, we’ll visit the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, a living Inca village that once served as a strategic military, religious, and cultural center. Stroll through its ancient streets and gain insight into life during the Inca Empire.

Finally, we’ll explore the charming town of Chinchero, home to the remains of Tupac Inca Yupanqui’s royal estate. Here, you’ll visit textile centers and witness the artistry of local weavers. At the end of the day, we’ll return to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

  • Important Tips: Bring extra cash, as you’ll have the opportunity to shop at traditional markets for souvenirs.
  • Overnight: Hotel in Cusco or Ollantaytambo (at your own expense). We recommend staying in Ollantaytambo this night, as the next day we’ll continue to Km 104 to begin the hike.
  • Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2: Short Inca Trail: Cusco > Wiñaywayna > Águas Calientes > 12 km

We will pick you up from your hotel around 5:00 a.m. and head to either the Poroy or Ollantaytambo train station, depending on train availability. From there, the train will take us to Km 104, where our hike begins amidst the lush subtropical jungle.

Our first stop will be the Chachabamba archaeological site, located at 2,150 meters above sea level. After approximately 3 hours of hiking, we’ll arrive at Wiñaywayna, an impressive complex featuring agricultural terraces, religious structures, and urban ruins. From there, we’ll ascend to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, via a 1-hour walk along a flat stone path with breathtaking mountain views. This is where you’ll catch your first glimpse of the majestic Machu Picchu.

Next, we’ll make our way to the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. After exploring and taking plenty of photos—including the classic shot from the upper section—we’ll take a bus to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay.

The hike lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours, and you’ll spend the night in pre-selected accommodations. Use the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Meals Included: Box lunch and dinner

Day 3: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu > Cusco > 01h30m tour > Circuit 5

In the morning, at the scheduled time, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you to the bus station. From there, you’ll embark on a 20-minute ride along a winding road, ascending 400 meters to reach the awe-inspiring Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, also known as the Lost City of the Incas. Upon arrival, our guide will lead you through the entrance, and your exploration of this incredible citadel will begin.

For approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, you’ll visit the most significant sites within Machu Picchu. After the tour, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon, where you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants (lunch not included). Following lunch, you’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo (subject to train availability). The return journey will follow the same route as the outbound trip. Once you arrive in Ollantaytambo, a representative will be waiting to transfer you to a bus that will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Cusco (at your own expense)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

What's Included

  • Day 1- Sacred Valley Group Tour: Includes transportation, a professional guide, entrance tickets, and lunch.
    - Assistance: Full support and guidance throughout the tour.
  • Day 2- Pre-tour briefing: Detailed assistance and information session about the tour.
    - Transportation: Hotel pickup and transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station, and return to your hotel after the tour.
    - Train tickets: One-way ticket from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104 (operated by PERURAIL or INCA RAIL)
    - Special authorization: Permission to disembark at Kilometer 104 to begin the Short Inca Trail.
    - Entrance fees: Included for the Short Inca Trail.
    - Professional guide: Bilingual guide (English-Spanish) to accompany you throughout the tour.
    - Bus ticket: One-way ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
    - Assistance: Continuous support and guidance during the tour.
  • Day 3- Bus tickets: Round-trip transportation from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back.
    - Entrance fees: Included for Machu Picchu.
    - Guided tour: A 1.5-hour exploration of Machu Picchu with a professional guide.
    - Train tickets: One-way ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (operated by PERU RAIL or INCA RAIL).
    - Meals: 1 light box lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes.
    - Safety equipment: First aid kit and oxygen balloon for emergencies.
    - Agency services: Full support and organization provided by the agency throughout your journey.

What's Not Included

  • Drinks except those mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals except those mentioned in the itinerary
  • Snacks except those mentioned in the itinerary
  • Extra spending money
  • Tips/gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • walking sticks add USD 10.00 per each one
  • Phone calls

Optional Services

  • Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance: Additional cost of USD 80.00 per person (requires advance booking).
  • Upgraded return train service: Enjoy a scenic journey on the VISTADOME/360° train with panoramic views and a traditional dance show (Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo). Upgrade cost: USD 65.00 per person.

What to Take

  • Passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Light daypack
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Toilet paper
  • Sunscreen
  • Repellent
  • Sunglasses
  • Clothing for hot and cold weather conditions
  • Sunhat
  • Rain gear or poncho
  • Long-sleeved shirts, (due to there being mosquitos in Machu Picchu)
  • Walking shoes/boots
  • Camera
  • Extra memory stick and additional batteries
  • Personal medications (for headaches, anti-inflammatory´s etc).
  • Extra Cash in soles and small denominations if possible

Prices

Economic ★★★

Prices

Single Room
US$ 566.00 / person
Double Room
US$ 540.00 / person
Triple Room
US$ 525.00 / person

Hotels

Aguas Calientes

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