Altitude
4326 m.s.n.m
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days
5 best places to visit
Group size
Up to 8
Service
Group or private
Type Tour
Adventure
Difficulty
Challenging
Duration
2 Days
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days
2 day
from $437 per person
Tucked under the tawny skirts of formidable foothills about 15kms/9.3 miles north of Cusco as the condor flies, via a narrow road and hairpin turns, the Sacred Valley holds its head high. The valley has long been the home of attractive colonial towns, isolated weaving villages, handicraft markets and lofty 10th and 11th century Inca Citadels of Pisac, Ollyantaytambo and Urubumba.
Visiting the Salt Mines and Moray terraces which were made by building containment walls filled with fertile earth. They were watered through a complex irrigation system. At the base of the terraces, there is a rain water storage system. The entire system allowed for the cultivation by the Incas of over 250 types of vegetables.
Following in the ancient and remote footsteps of the Lost City of the Incas, begin your connection to the great citadel of Machu Picchu, as you catch yourself traveling back in time as you experience this magical, sacred and mysterious place named Machu-Picchu, “The Old Sacred Mountain.” Take your time exploring the majestic Machu Picchu, with its Incan ruins rich in the history of its past and the thriving culture of the people who once resided there.
ITINERARY FOR THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
Day 1: Cusco – Pisac – Moray – Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby at 7am. First, we drive to a close-by Camelid farm. Here you have an opportunity to feed and pet different breeds of alpacas, llamas and vicuñas (a rare and national animal of Peru). Watch local women using wool from the animals around to weave beautiful garments with different patterns. They have their natural dyeing process with all the organic material needed on full display. Visit their museum and souvenir shop with the option of purchasing a good selection of fair-trade alpaca and vicuña apparel. Best part is that inside the shop, there are shopping assistance to answer all your question but they do not pressure you into purchasing anything. Be sure to grab your certification if you purchase merchandise made with Vicuñas wool, they are protected by the government of Peru.
Next stop is the Mirador of Toray. Enjoy unspoiled views of the valley below, with its lush vegetation and the serene Urubamba River gently curving its way through the entire the Sacred Valley. Perfect spot to stop for selfies, this area has the most panoramic views of the valley and the lighting is perfect at this time of the morning.
After a short uphill drive, we make our way to the historical Archeological site of Pisac. Learn about the agricultural practices of the Incas. How they used the different terraces below with varying micro-climates for their farming and then built their living quarters and food storage warehouses at the top of the hills, to take advantage of the cooler temperatures in order to preserve their produce. Discover at this Sacred Valley entry point the value this region had in terms of sustenance to the Incas and modern Cusco alike. The biggest Inca cemetery is also located here, with thousands of niches wrapped around the mountain side adjacent to the archeological site. According to local legend, there are still human remains inside some of the gravesites.
We follow that with a scenic drive through the valley, passing small rural town, with locals going about their normal day to day lives. We stop on the outskirts of Sacred Valleys´ commercial town of Urubamba for our lunch. Enjoy a scrumptious buffet lunch, with an impressive spread. The food is in abundance, with a great selection for different dietary needs. (Lunch is not included)
After feeling up our bellies, we head over to the Pre-Inca Salt Mines of Salineras. As you approach the salt mines you will be met by thousands of salt pans that has the valley coated in white and a murky brown color. The locals have been mining salt for generations. They have full ownership and rights to these pans and have passed them from one generation to the next. The small stream at the top fills up all the salt pans and once the water evaporates, they cultivate the salt to be sold for profit. Over 90% of the salt consumed in Peru comes from this humble small town. Any salt bought from the vendors at the mines, directly supports this small local community.
Next, we visit another set of Inca Ruins. The ruins of Moray are a great example of how advanced the Incas were for that period. Even though they did not build initial structure, they did however see the opportunity to use this as a natural ¨greenhouse¨. Each layer has different temperatures, they used these different micro-climates to test the optimum growing point of their crops. They brought in different samples of soil from the Empire to achieve maximum results. The sun also hit each level at different angles, making sun absorption different at every section, they also built an intricate irrigation system. The locals were still using this for farming until it was reserved for tourism in the 70s.
Finally, we head to the bustling town of Ollantaytambo, the gateway to Machu Picchu and the world-famous Inca trail. Watching over the town is the Archeological site of the same name. This is where the last and greatest battle was fought between the Incas and the Spanish Invaders. Even though, the Incas won this battle, they later retreated further into the jungle because their numbers had been continuously depleting from the Spanish flue and the many wars they had endured. The site has many boulders that had been carved, which had either been damaged from the war or a sign that this site was still incomplete at the time of the invasion. Your guide will give a comprehensive tour of this site and share all the important history associated with it.
Then at 7pm, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night in our hotel, to ready ourselves for an exciting day ahead.
- Hotel Accommodation: Ferre Hotel
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Bursting out with excitement on your final surreal day, we take the 5.30am bus to the Machu Picchu archeological site, arriving in time for the sunrise, to tour this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. On your 2.5 hours private tour, your guide will expertly direct you through the energetic ruins and its diverse main streets. Then on your own, you can wonder around the town squares of the world’s spiritual center of esoteric wisdom as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone until the end of your session time.
If you wish to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own, you can (not included in the price)
- Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu (An additional fee)
- Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs. (Entrance fee to enter)
After exploring Machu Picchu, you will descend to Aguas Calientes at 12pm. You can take in a leisurely lunch or explore Aguas Calientes handicraft market and board the Expedition train by 4:22pm for the return trip to Cusco. Disembark at the Ollantaytambo Train Station and then you will be driven back to your hotel in our private van, arriving around 8:30pm.
- Meals: breakfast.
EXPEDITION CLASS TRAIN
The Expedition service is designed for traveller’s comfort, being able to share your experience with four passenger seats located opposite each other. Find a luggage compartment above the seats offered for that faithful backpacker. Andean music is played throughout the journey with panoramic windows, air conditioning and heating.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
INCLUDED
- Pick up at your hotel.
- Entrances to the archeological sites
- Private transportation by van from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
- Roundtrip Expedition Train Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back
- Hotel accommodation in Aguas Caliente
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Roundtrip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- English speaking guide
NOT INCLUDED
- Meals not included in itinerary
- Entrance fee to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes optional (10 soles)
- Tips
BEST PRICE FOR THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
“The Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour is available on any date that is best for you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers”
- US$457 per person with hotel
- US$437 per person without hotel
Small groups with English speaking guide of an average of 5 and not exceeding 8!
DISCOUNTS
- Under 18 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 12 years old: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Huayna Picchu Hike: US$75. Needs to be booked in advance, let us know about it at the time of booking.
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$75. Needs to be booked in advance, let us know about it at the time of booking.
- Upgrade to Vistadome Train: US$67
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Please read the following information carefully; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour
WELCOME TO CUSCO
You will be welcomed at the airport in Cusco and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board with INCA TRAIL HIKE at the arrivals terminal. It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!
THE BRIEFING
It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm in our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE:
Of course! During the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, both are free. Please don´t pack anything you will need for your hike in your stored luggage.
HOW TO BOOK THE TOUR?
FIRST, to book your Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an entrance to Machu Picchu or the train without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.O.B. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$211.00 per person in order to purchase a your entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of info@incatrailhikeperu.com to complete the payment.
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
- According to Peruvian Law you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
- All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30.
- For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40.
- Children between the ages of 0 to 2 are free.
- All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.
- Send us a copy at info@incatrailhikeperu.com
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is “No”. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the tickets has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable.
If you cancel your Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour, the deposit is non-refundable!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT FOR THE TOUR?
You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other entrances and reservations. The rangers will check when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train.
In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or update your name for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both old and new passports to be able to enter Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter Machu Picchu or get on the train. They are very strict about this!
BOLETO TOURISTICO (Tourist Ticket )
You have the Option to Purchase a 1 Day or a 10 Day Boleto Turistico.
The partial ticket, or 1 Day ticket costs70 soles (US $20) and is valid for 1 day. You can visit as many sites as you like in one day with no further charge. There are no discounts with this ticket.
Both tourist tickets,1 day or 10 day, allows access to different archeological sites around Cusco, and the Sacred Valley. This is the best way to visit all the archeological sites of the region and the Sacred Valley. Most of the main archeological sites are not accessible for free.
The general ticket allows you to enter16 archeological and cultural sites over the next 10 days in Cusco, the south valley and the Sacred Valley. The price of this ticket is 130 soles (about US $40) and is valid for 10 days. This is the cheapest and most convenient way to plan to see different sites in a few days. The cost for students under 25 (with the presentation of a valid ISIC card) and for teenagers under 18 (with the presentation of an identity card) is 70 soles (US $20). Children under 11 are free.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE TOUR?
The weather is very unpredictable and difficult to foresee. We recommend that you bring a warm jacket for early mornings and a rain poncho in case it rains.
ARE WE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TOUR?
Absolutely! Included in our packages is dropping you off at your hotel on the return from your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, in towns like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you off there too!
If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will pick you up from there as well.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
In general if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatisation to the altitude, you may be fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. Click on the link to see detailed information about Altitude Sickness.
We offer the Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our Day Tours on our Home Page.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many INCA TRAIL HIKE destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as your budget will allow, depending on your perception on the quality of service and the length of your tour. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and it´s people.
PACKING LIST
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING?
- A small backpack or carry bag 20 to 30 liters (larger bags not allowed on the train or in Machu Picchu)
- A change of clothing for the second day
- Comfortable shoes or runners
- Camera
- Water to drink
- Rain jacket or poncho
- A fleece or jacket,
- Basic toiletries,
- Sunscreen,
- Insect repellent for mosquitoes
- Hat for the sun
- Some extra money for lunch, snacks and souvenirs
- Original passport (cannot enter Machu Picchu without it)
- ISIC Card if applicable.