This is the perfect hiking tour for those short on time who want to see all of the highlights in the Sacred Valley and also walk in the footsteps of the Inca on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate! On this tour, we will travel through the Sacred Valley, which played a key role in Inca culture and history. The Valley has a milder climate and is at a lower altitude than Cusco. You will see a sequence of picturesque villages, ancient Inca terraces, and the most important archeological sites on your way to Ollantaytambo. Your second day is the awe-inspiring hike to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Machu Picchu.
Personal Safety: All of our guides are certified in high mountain first aid training. They always carry a first aid kit on our treks (including pills for altitude sickness, diarrhea, vomiting, cuts, and cream for muscle aches). They also carry extra oxygen in cases of emergency.
We Provide: an oxygen tank & a first aid kit.
Food During The Walk: Our chefs are trained to do BOX LUNCH and use fresh products to provide the best Peruvian food. We have vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
We start this day at 7:30am, when your guide picks you up at your Cusco hotel in our van. Our route to the Sacred Valley of the Incas leads us towards Pisac. We first stop at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy a wide view of the Urubamba valley.
You will see be able to observe the extensive agriculture in the Sacred Valley, crobs such as quinua and kiwicha are intensively grown in the valley. Onward, we drive to the archeological site of Pisac, where you can see an impressive Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. There, we can admire the carefully engineered farming terraces carved into the mountain.
Here, we will spend about 2 hours, exploring the Inca city. Then, we head down to the colorful market of Pisac, spend about 20 minutes visiting it and then drive to Urubamba for lunch.
Our next stop is the archeological site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouse of the Incas” a deep basin of architectural wonder. Levels of terraces are carved into the form of a huge bowl, which was carefully engineered by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are placed.
We continue our journey to the colonial town of Maras, we look down onto the pre-Inca salt “mines,” called salineras in Spanish. Thousands of salt pans have been passed down through countless generations and used for salt extraction since before Inca times.
Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, taking the time to explore the Inca village that has remained intact since Inca times and the massive Inca Ruins, with a tour provided by our guide. Here you spend the night at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, ready to start the Inca Trail the next day.
Your guide will go with you from your hotel at 5:30 am for the Ollantaytambo train station for the 6:10am Expedition train. Before boarding the train, your guide will provide your picnic lunch. After 75 minutes train ride, your guide will get off the train with you at the famous Km104, where your hike begins! (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level) After crossing the Urubamba river on a picturesque foot bridge, you will show your passport at the checkpoint and visit your first Inca site nearby.
The first hour and a half are a gentle up, with several shelters along the way to pause for a bit out of the sun or rain, depending on the season. Along the way, you will stop at several outlooks where you have an expansive view of the Urubamba River. You will also pass through several microclimates, including cloud forest. The next hour and a half are a slightly steeper uphill, with a beautiful waterfall on the way.
Cross the bridge below the waterfall, take some time for photos and then you will find yourself gazing up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna! (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level) This close to Machu Picchu, you are hiking through lush sub-tropical jungle. Your guide will tell you all about the ruins, plus the incredible flora and fauna of this microclimate and answer any questions you have before the short 5 minute walk to your lunch spot.
You will enjoy your lunch at a covered shelter at the Wiñay Wayna campground, which is the last campground for those hiking the four day Inca Trail. Nearby are outdoor sinks to wash your hands and also restrooms. Take your time enjoying your hearty, gourmet box lunch and admiring the tropical flowers around the campground. Be sure to notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you book!
After lunch, you will have a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate, from which you have your first view of Machu Picchu! Though the hour long walk is a gentle rolling up and down, it does end with a set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca. Once you reach the stairs you will know that you’re almost at the Sun Gate! It is a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, so take some time to savor the moment and take photos. The last 45 minutes down from the Sun Gate provide many opportunities to take more photos of Machu Picchu from this unique vantage point. There are also a couple more important Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, so make sure to go slowly, enjoy your time walking in the footsteps of the Inca on the Inca Trail and ask your guide questions about these historical places on the last bit of your hike to Machu Picchu.
in the afternoon you will take the bus down to aguas Calientes, you will have dinner and you will spend the night in a hotel.
on your last day of adventures you will wake up around 6 am. then you will take bus up to Machu Picchu, once you reach Machu Picchu, your guide will start giving you all the information about Machu Picchu inmersing you in the inca culture, you will have time to take photos from the viewing platforms above the site. as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists, which gives you the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in your shots. Your guide will give you the full tour, which takes about two hours. You will see all of the most important parts of Machu Picchu, including the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry and the House of the Inca. You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.
If you bought the entrance ticket for the Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, after your guide you will have enough time to climb and visit the mountain of your choice.
Take your time to enjoy this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. In the evening you will take the return Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo and catch our private van to Cusco and your hotel. You will arrive around 8:00 pm.
Please read carefully the following information. It will help you answer all of your questions about our services and Sacred Valley Conection To Machupicchu.
Your briefing will take place the night before your tour. It will be held at our office at 6 or 6:30pm, depending on your confirmation email details. The office is located at Calle Santa Santa Teresa 399.
Of course! During the tour your main luggage can be storde at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please don’t pack anything you will need for your tour.
FIRST.- To book your Tour or Trek to Machu Picchu, you need to complete the tour date and then our reservation form by clicking on BOOK THIS TOUR on our home page, after completing the form click on SENT YOU RESERVATION.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase to Machu Picchu permits and entrance tickets without the following information:
Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
Gender
Passport number
D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
Nationality
*** We require clear photos of each participants’ passport at the booking.
SECOND.- we require a deposit of 50% per person in order to purchase a permit for the Tour or Trek to Machu Picchu. the fastest ways to send and receive money with fairly low fees, are through:
machupicchutrekking.pe@gmail.com
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
50% balance, to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay IN CASH at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATM within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by your CREDIT CARD but you will have to pay a 5% service fee, to the iZipay collection company.
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need ISIC student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you must have a valid ISIC (International Student Identity Card) card to qualify for the student discount.
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 machupicchutrekking.pe@gmail.com
Yes for sure! 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 with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter into Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter into Machu Picchu or get on the train. Government controls are very strict about this!!
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 like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!
If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will pick you up there.
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not obligated – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, 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 Machupicchu Trekking Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your tour. Remember, a tip is not obligated and should be adjusted on how happy you are with the service provided.
This walk has no age restriction, however, it is recommended for parents to take into account the travel of children under 8 years of age and also for older people.
The dry season between April and October, with sunny days, cold nights with frost and an average temperature of 13 ° C. The rainy season, between the months of November to March, the average temperature in this season is 12 ° C. On sunny days the temperature reaches 20 ° C, although the light mountain wind is usually cold.
The greatest influx of people to the Inca Trail occurs during the dry season between the months of May to September, however, July and August are the months that the Inca Trail receives the most visitors. It is important to make reservations in advance because although it is true there are 500 spaces for the Inca Trail Tour, these spaces include the porters and guide staff.
The season with the least influx of visitors on the Inca Trail, occurs between the months of October and April.
NOTE: During the month of February, the entrance to Machu Picchu is restricted due to problems of the rainy season, others that are used this month for the respective maintenance of the seventh wonder of the world.
Yes! 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 Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit. Your passport will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu , the Inca Trail and when you board the train. In case, you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. If so, please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan to always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. See our detailed information about Altitude Sickness under FAQS.
The maximum group service size is 16 persons. Our private groups are usually between 2-8 persons. Machupicchu Trekking Peru specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service.
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 42km (24.4 mile) hike through the Andes within the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is at (4,217m/13,907ft). On the second day of the trek, we will climb two mountains. The trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. In preparation: try walking 15kms/9 miles in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
This has been highly appreciated by most of our clients, especially by our trekkers, who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! Machupicchu Trekking Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to health reasons, Machupicchu Trekking Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on our treks for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance is required and recommended). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they continue the journey towards Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
Absolutely!! Hotel pick ups and drop offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.
NOTE: During the month of February, the entrance to Machu Picchu is restricted due to problems of the rainy season, others that are used this month for the respective maintenance of the seventh wonder of the world.
The Sacred Valley tour + Short Inca Trail is available on any date that is best suited to you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers
Groups of more than 5 members have a discount of $20 USD
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS THAT YOU CAN ADD TO YOUR INCA TRAIL
Waynapicchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
There are several extensions you can include to your Inca Trail. (group services)
"WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE INCA TRAIL IS FULLY BOOKED FOR MY PREFERRED DATES?"
"If permits Inca Trail Trek are unavailable on your preferred date, there are plenty of alternative trekking options that will still allow you to enjoy the Andes en route to Machu Picchu. These alternative treks offer the same breathtaking beauty as the Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek but with fewer crowds, as we take you off the beaten path in the Andes and ensure you don't miss any highlights on your journey to Machu Picchu."
Machupicchu trekking Peru requires only a 2 participant minimum for our departures! You can choose any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers.
If you are a solo traveler and are flexible with your start date, we will make sure you have a group to travel with and you won’t miss out on any of the fun.
ALTERNATIVE TREK OPTIONS:
SALKANTAY TREK 4D/3N
HUCHUY QOSQO TREK 3D/2N
CHOQUEQUIRARO TREK 4D/3N OR 8D/7N
AUSANGATE & RAINBOW TREK 4D/3N
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Machupicchu Trekking Peru E.I.R.L. Tour operator travel agency, friendly with our customers. From the moment you contact us, during your stay and during the walk or tour, you will receive personalized advice and an unforgettable trip.
1.- Machupicchu Trekking Peru rates do not include:
In some locations, the services of a representative are not included, and, particularly if you have so requested, you may have only a driver who speaks a little English.
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
The 50% down payment
Important: services, tours, treks and packages booked with Machupicchu Trekking Perú is non-refundable, but could be changed of date without any administration charge.
DEADLINE TO CHANGE TOUR DATE
Tour date changes will be subject to availability of income to the Inca Trail, Machupicchu and hotels, without any administration charge, in the following time frame:
Inca Trail – at the latest 20 days prior to the departure date.
Tour with hotel – at the latest 15 days prior to the departure date.
Tours without hotel – at the latest 10 days prior to the departure date.
Important: Third party administration fees have to be paid at the moment of the date change (airline fees, transport companies, hotels, partner agency charges & entrance fee)
• If the client wants to change the date tour within the days timeframe prior to departure, the client will be charged an Administration Fee.
DEADLINE OF CANCELLATION
** In case of cancellation due to a serious illness or another serious situation, the following procedures are applicable (situations will be judged at the discretion of the Machupicchu Trekking Perú reservations department):
In case of cancellation due to a serious illness or another serious situation (measured by the Machupicchu Trekking Perú reservations department), the following procedures are applicable:
Machupicchu Trekking Perú Travel Agency will refund the respective amount at the latest 30 days after the date it received the written cancellation statement, in most cases by wire transfer.
BOOKING AND PAYMENTS
FIRST.- To book your Tour or Trek to Machu Picchu, you need to complete the tour date and then our reservation form by clicking on BOOK THIS TOUR on our home page, after completing the form click on SENT YOU RESERVATION.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase to Machu Picchu permits and entrance tickets without the following information:
Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
Gender
Passport number
D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
Nationality
*** We require clear photos of each participants’ passport at the booking.
SECOND.- we require a deposit of 50% per person in order to purchase a permit for the Tour or Trek to Machu Picchu. the fastest ways to send and receive money with fairly low fees, are through:
machupicchutrekking.pe@gmail.com
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
50% balance, to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay IN CASH at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATM within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by your CREDIT CARD but you will have to pay a 5% service fee, to the iZipay collection company.
ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY FOR CHANGES
• There will be no cost of the Administrative Penalty in the date changes of a tour, walk or package in the indicated periods.
• Administrative fees charged by third parties such as (airlines, transport companies or associated providers, entrance fee) will be paid by the passenger, at the moment of the date chage.
The client will be charged an Administration Fee of US $20.00 Fee for all changes in bookings before the days frame time.
INSURANCE
We recommend that all customers obtain a travel or medical insurance policy in their home countries.
VISAS
PRIVACY POLICY
Machupicchu Trekking Perú Tour Operator is committed to maintaining your confidence and trust concerning the privacy of the personal information you give us and/or we collect from you. Your email address nor any other data will never be given to a third party.
COPYRIGHT
Machupicchu Trekking Perú Tour Operator reserves the right to use all possible photos taken during the passenger’s program unless the passenger refuses permission.
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