Tour Location: This whole tour covers the city of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting the towns of Pisaq, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Maras, Moray and Chinchero.
This is a perfect tour that will take you to explore the best of the city of Cusco, visiting the most beautiful and important neighborhoods, streets, squares, temples and archaeological sites: Be amazed by the magnificent architecture of the colonial buildings that are about the Inca foundations, visit the temples and palaces of the city center. To finish later, visit Saqsayhuaman, Quenqo, PukaPukara, Tambomachay.
Prices
- Tour without hotels $675 per person
Tour with hotels (three star hotels) $845 per person (based on two in a room)
- Student discount:
(with valid university student card) – $25 per person
Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or is 17 years or younger. For those using a university student card to receive the discount, we need to see a copy of the card at the time of booking. For those booking children 17 years or younger, we need a copy of their passport at the time of booking. Please send everything to info@sacredexpeditionsperu.com .
More information about STUDENT CARD
- Discount:
Discount for children under 18: $25
Student discount for Huayna Picchu climbing permit – $10
Student discount for Machu Picchu mountain climbing permit – $5
Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or is 17 years or younger. For those using a STUDENT CARD to receive the discount, we need to see a copy of the card at the time of booking. For those booking children aged 17 or younger, we need a copy of their passport at the time of booking. Please send everything to info@sacredexpeditionsperu.com .
More information about STUDENT CARD
4. Hotel:
Hotels can be upgraded (some suggested hotels below):
Hotel in Cusco: An additional day can be added before and/or after your tour. Please consult your Sacred Expeditions Peru specialist for pricing and options.
In Cusco: Hotel Aranwa + $90 per person (+ $120 per single room)
In Ollantaytambo: Hotel Pakaritampu + $30 US per person, (+ $100 per single room)
In Aguas Clients: El Mapi + $70 per person (+ $120 per single room)
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco City – Inca Ruins
We’ll meet you in your hotel lobby at 1pm to start our tour. We’ll begin by visiting Cusco’s Plaza de Armas and the impressive cathedral. From here, we’ll walk down an ancient Inca street until we reach the Q’oricancha, the Temple of the Sun. This key spiritual center of the Incas displays a fascinating fusion of Inca and Catholic architecture. We’ll continue along Avenida El Sol and then take a short bus ride out of the city to Sacsayhuaman, where we’ll explore its impressive structures. Afterwards, we’ll head to Quenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay before returning to Cusco and dropping you off at your hotel.
- Accommodation: Rumi Punku (or similar)
- Meals included: none
- Entrance fees: included
Day 2: Alpaca Farm – Pisaq – Ollantaytambo
We will pick you up at your hotel at 8 am to head towards the Sacred Valley. Along the way, we will visit Awanacancha, a weaving center and alpaca farm where you will learn about the local fauna and flora. Then, we will explore the archaeological complex of Pisaq with its agricultural terraces and Inca religious and astronomical aspects. Afterwards, we will enjoy the Pisaq artisan market and have lunch with local delicacies. We will continue to Ollantaytambo, a stunning example of an intact Inca city. There, your guide will help you settle into the hotel so you can relax and enjoy dinner.
- Accommodation: Sol Natura or Tunupa (or similar)
- Meals: breakfast only
- Tickets: included
Day 3: Maras – Moray – Chinchero – Train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
We will pick you up at 8 am to head to Salineras/Maras, famous for their terraced salt mines. Then we will visit the archaeological complex of Moray, an Inca agricultural laboratory, and Chinchero, known for its terraces and textiles. We will return to Ollantaytambo to take the train to Aguas Calientes, where you will be taken to the hotel to rest and prepare for the visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
- Accommodation: La Cabaña (or similar)
- Meals: breakfast only
- Tickets: included
Day 4: Machu Picchu (the Sacred City of the Incas)
This day is crucial, so we recommend you wake up early to have breakfast and take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu at 5.30am. You will enjoy the views and your guide will take you to the highlights to capture the best photos of Machu Picchu. Afterwards, you will begin a guided tour of the citadel for 2.5 hours to learn about its history and Inca culture.
You will have free time to explore on your own or choose to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (with prior reservation and additional cost). After the tour, you will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and take the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, our Sacred Expeditions Peru driver will take you back to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel.
END OF THE TOUR
Includes/Does not include
Includes
Professional Guides : Our guides are all graduates of universities and institutes in Cusco and have deep ties to the region. They are dedicated to sharing their cultural heritage and will ensure your well-being and wonder throughout the trip.
Hotels : This tour includes one night in Cusco, one night in Ollantaytambo, and one night in Aguas Calientes. If you wish to add additional nights before or after the tour, please let us know so we can arrange this. Rooms are based on double occupancy and there is a supplement for single rooms. We also offer the option to book the tour without accommodation if you prefer to organize it on your own.
Transportation : All necessary transportation is included. We will pick you up at your hotel around 1pm on the first day and escort you back to your hotel around 8pm on the last day.
Tickets : We include all necessary entrance fees such as the tourist ticket for the city tour, Sacred Valley, and entrance to Machu Picchu. Round-trip bus tickets to/from Aguas Calientes are also covered. Train Tickets: Train tickets are in Expeditions tourist class. The train departs from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes at 7:00 pm and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo at 4:20 pm. For those choosing the Vistadome service, the schedule is 3:37 pm from Ollantaytambo and 4:43 pm from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.
Transfers : Regardless of which train you choose to return from Machu Picchu to Cusco, transfer from the train station to your hotel is included.
Not Included
Huayna Picchu : This mountain adjacent to Machu Picchu requires a 45-minute hike to the top, with a steep descent that can be challenging for those with a fear of heights. This activity is done without a tour guide after the Machu Picchu tour and costs $75 per person. Arrangements must be made 2-3 months in advance due to high demand. Please note that weather conditions are beyond our control.
Flights : Flights to Cusco can be complicated with frequent delays or cancellations. We recommend arriving in the city at least two days before the start of the tour. LAN Peru is the most reliable airline, while Avianca and Peruvian Airlines are also acceptable options. Since the tour’s return is not before 8 pm on the last day, be sure to schedule your return flight for the following day.
Tipping : Tipping is always appreciated and should be based on your satisfaction with the service received. Although it may not be a normal custom for you, it is of great importance to those who accompany you during the trip.
Travel insurance : Although not mandatory, it is always recommended. Adjustment to altitude may take one or two days for those coming from sea level. If you need assistance for altitude-related problems, it is advisable to have coverage to cover additional expenses.
Meals : When meals are not included, our guides will be happy to recommend great local options.
What to take on the tour?
What should I pack for the tour? This is the most common question.
Firstly note that:
When traveling to a new distant destination like South America, you’ll need to arrive a couple of days earlier than your tour, especially if you’re going to hike to get acclimatized to the altitude of above 3000m at Cusco.
However, for your trip to Peru, you will bring one or two large pieces of luggage depending on the time you spend on your vacation;
Essentials for all tours:
- Valid original passport (a copy will not be accepted) – Please note that your passport must be at least 6 months valid to enter and leave Peru.
- Valid student card (if you booked as a student).
- Trekking boots (light, comfortable).
- A good quality backpack (light, small and comfortable).
- Water storage for at least 2 liters; either a camel-bag or a bottle(s) of water.
What to put in backpacks for Machu Picchu:
Below is a list of items that we recommend you carry with you at all times in your backpack. Remember, you will take it with you every day of the hike, so we recommend you bring a good quality, light and comfortable backpack.
It is important to note that due to local regulations on the INCATRAIN, your backpack must not exceed 25L. All larger packages cannot be brought into Machu Picchu and will need to be stored outside the gates.
- Hat and sunglasses.
- Rain gear insta
- Warm coats (long-sleeved polos).
- Sunscreen, insect repellent.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Toilet paper.
- Personal medication.
- Band-Aids.
- Camera, additional batteries for Machu Picchu.
- Additional snacks, energy bars, nuts, chocolate – apples are a good source of hydration, sugar and stay whole in the bag!
- Extra money for unforeseen events, drinks and tips (coins are useful for paying for the use of toilets).
What to put in the suitcases?
Sacred Expeditions Peru will provide you with a suitcase to pack any items that you do not need to carry with you during the day. Our porters will carry this bag throughout the trek. Please note that this bag must weigh a maximum of 7 kg, including your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring or rent one). These two items weigh about 3 kg together (2 kg sleeping bag, 1 kg air pad). During the Inca Trail, you will travel through different temperatures as you ascend/descend. It can also be cold at night in the camp. Therefore, the layers work better!
Canvas bags will be provided in our office during the safety briefing held the day before; we can also deliver them to your hotel if you need to arrange your belongings in advance.
- Sleeping bag for the Inca Trail (can be rented with us).
- Air mattress for the Inca Trail (can be rented with us).
- Comfortable and light shoes for camping.
- Jacket, hat and warm gloves for the Inca Trail.
- 4 t-shirts (absorbent t-shirts are the best).
- 1-2 hiking pants/pants.
- Four sets of underwear.
- Four sets of hiking socks.
- 1 thick and soft cloth.
- 1 warm down jacket for the coldest nights.
- Quick drying towel.
- Soap.
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste.
- Facial moisturizer & sunscreen.
- Portable batteries and chargers.
- Plastic bags to keep wet or muddy clothes separate.
Covid-19 measures to keep you safe while traveling
- Covid-19 measures to keep you safe while traveling shall be updated as and if needed.
Why Choose Sacred Expeditions Peru?
Here’s how booking with us, you make a positive impact:
- Intimate Experiences: We focus on creating intimate travel experiences by capping our group sizes at 8 participants during the pandemic and 16 during standard operations. This allows us to provide personalized service tailored to each traveler’s needs.
- Fair Treatment of Staff: Our dedication to equity is reflected in the fair wages and respect we extend to all our porters, cultivating a nurturing and inclusive work environment for both men and women.
- Social Impact: Your reservation plays a vital role in supporting social initiatives in Cusco, enabling us to provide local children with essential resources such as computers and internet connectivity.
- Comfort in Nature: We prioritize your comfort on all camping tours by providing portable toilets and hot showers, ensuring a more enjoyable outdoor experience.
- Transparent Practices: We uphold a commitment to transparency, which is why we do not charge any booking or credit card fees, allowing you to plan your trip without unexpected costs.
- Join Us: Experience the beauty of travel with Sacred Expeditions Peru, where your journey not only enriches your life but also positively impacts the communities we serve.
