Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours

Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail 3 Days

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Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail 3 Days
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Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail 3 Days
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Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail 3 Days
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Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail 3 Days
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Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail 3 Days
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Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail 3 Days
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Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail 3 Days

Pisac, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, Km104, Wiñay Huayna, Sun Gate, Machu Picchu
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Physical Level
Easy
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Trip Style
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Max Altitude
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Group Size

This amazing tour package offers an extensive exploration of the Sacred Valley, revealing its hidden gems and archaeological wonders, followed by the Short Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu! During the Short Inca Trail hike, you will encounter stunning Inca ruins, breathtaking mountain vistas, lush subtropical foliage, and diverse ecological zones. The historic Inca Trail winds through the National Park and culminates at the Sun Gate, providing unforgettable views of Machu Picchu! You’ll traverse through cloud forests and subtropical terrain. This trek allows you to experience the renowned Machu Picchu Citadel in the afternoon of the first day and revisit it the next morning. This trek is perfect for those with limited time who still wish to savor a segment of the Historic Inca Trail.

Itinerary

DAY 1:

SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS (Pisac, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo)

Our journey begins at 7:30 am, when your guide collects you from your hotel in Cusco in a private van. We head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, starting with Pisac. Our first stop is the Mirador of Taray, offering expansive views of the Urubamba Valley and its traditional farming communities. Witness how agriculture in the Sacred Valley has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Next, we visit the archaeological site of Pisac, renowned for its impressive Inca cemetery featuring over 2,000 tombs. Admire the intricately engineered farming terraces carved into the mountainside, explore the Inca tunnel, and visit the religious precinct of this significant site. After approximately 2 hours of exploration, we proceed to the colorful Pisac market for a brief 20-minute visit before heading to Urubamba for lunch (not included).

Our journey continues to the archaeological site of Moray, often called “The Greenhouse of the Incas.” This site features a deep bowl-shaped basin with terraced levels, designed by the Incas to study optimal growing conditions and experiment with crop hybridization.

We then drive to the colonial town of Maras, where we can view the ancient pre-Inca salt “mines” known as salineras. These salt pans have been utilized for salt extraction since pre-Inca times. A hot spring at the valley’s top provides a stream of highly saline water, which is channeled into the pans to evaporate, producing salt. It is one of the few places globally where naturally pink salt can be found!

Finally, we arrive in Ollantaytambo to explore this Inca village that has preserved its historical integrity since Inca times. Our guide will take you on a tour of the extensive Inca ruins, including the impressive Sun Temple situated atop formidable terraces. Learn about the site’s significance during the early Spanish conquest. You will spend the night at a hotel in Ollantaytambo, preparing for the Inca Trail the following day.

2 Accommodation:* Veronica View Hotel or Tunupa Lodge
3 Accommodation:* Pakaritampu Hotel or El Alberge
Meals: Dinner

This exciting day starts early with your guide departing the hotel at 5:30 am. At the train station, you will receive a lunchbox for your daypack. The train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10 am, and you’ll have over an hour on board to enjoy the scenery before reaching the trek’s starting point. Your hotel can provide a box breakfast, or you can bring your own.

At Km104, where the hike begins (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level), you will cross the Urubamba River via a scenic footbridge. You’ll need to present your passport at the checkpoint and visit the first Inca archaeological site nearby. The first 90 minutes feature a gentle ascent with various shelters for resting from the sun or rain. Enjoy expansive views of the Urubamba River and traverse through different microclimates, including cloud forests. The subsequent 90 minutes involve a steeper ascent, culminating in a beautiful waterfall.

As you walk beneath the waterfall, take in the magnificent Wiñay Wayna (2,600m/8,500 ft. above sea level). These remarkable Inca ruins have an intriguing history, with some parts still concealed by dense jungle. The trail leads through lush subtropical jungle. Your guide will share insights about the ruins and the local flora and fauna before a short 5-minute walk to the lunch spot.

Post-lunch, you will have a mostly flat hike to the Sun Gate, with a few steep stairs just before arriving. Passing through the Sun Gate, you will be greeted by your first spectacular view of the Machu Picchu Citadel. Enjoy this moment and take photographs. The final hour down from the Sun Gate offers more opportunities for photos from a unique perspective. Several significant Inca sites lie between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, so take your time and ask your guide questions about these historical locations as you continue to Machu Picchu.

Upon reaching Machu Picchu, you’ll have time to take additional photos from the viewing platforms above the site, including the “House of the Guardians,” where you can capture iconic images of Machu Picchu. Arriving in the afternoon, you’ll benefit from fewer tourists for better photo opportunities in the afternoon light. Afterward, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to check into your hotel. Enjoy a delightful dinner and explore the charming town, visit the hot springs, or simply relax at your hotel after an exhilarating day.

Meals Included: Breakfast at your hotel, lunch, and dinner in Aguas Calientes
3 Accommodation:* Ferre´ Hotel Machu Picchu
Difficulty: Moderate
You will leave an overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo train station for direct transfer to Aguas Calientes.

The day you’ve been waiting for has arrived! After an early breakfast at your hotel, board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise. It’s a truly remarkable sight not to be missed! Your guide will conduct a two-hour tour of Machu Picchu, covering many key areas of the Citadel.

Once you’ve soaked in the incredible views of Machu Picchu, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you might also have time for shopping, sightseeing, or visiting the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition train will return you to Ollantaytambo at either 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, following the picturesque Urubamba River. As the train approaches Ollantaytambo, enjoy views of the narrow canyon and beautiful whitewater sections. Look out for Wiñay Wayna on the steep canyon wall! Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, with an expected arrival time of 7:00 pm.

Meals Included: Breakfast at your hotel
For those who booked in advance, an extra hike up Huayna Picchu is available, though it does not include a guide.

IMPORTANT:

  • On the 2-day Inca Trail, you will follow circuit #3 or #4. It is not possible to take another circuit unless an additional Machu Picchu entrance is purchased.
  • You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same departure times, 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, or at 4:22 pm or 4:43 pm. The cost is $67 USD.
  • Early train departures can be arranged upon request at the time of booking.
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike availability depends on demand; inform us at the time of booking.

Inclusions

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

  • Sacred Valley Tour with entrance fees
  • Entrance tickets to Inca cities and archaeological sites
  • Professional guide for three days
  • Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Two nights of hotel accommodation with private room, bathroom, Wi-Fi, and breakfast (only if the package includes hotels)
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
  • Personal assistance

Not Included:

  • Hotel optional upgrades
  • Huayna Picchu Tickets: $75 USD per person
  • Upgrade to Vistadome: $67 USD per person (Return only Aguas Calientes to Poroy/Cusco at 4:43 pm)

Huayna Picchu Mountain is an optional trek within the Machu Picchu Citadel and is not included in the guided tour. This hike is typically done on your own after the main tour of Machu Picchu. If you prefer a guided climb, please request it in advance. An additional cost will apply for this extra guided tour.

What to Bring

Daypack Essentials:

  • Original Passport (must match the one used for booking)
  • Good daypack (preferably small)
  • Water storage: 2-3 liters Camelbaks recommended
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Toilet paper
  • Jacket (if cold season)
  • Waterproof gloves (rainy season)
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Wool hat (if cold season)
  • Rain gear (rainy season)
  • Snacks (e.g., chocolate bars, cereal bars, dried fruit)
  • Camera
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips
  • Valuables

Duffel Bag (sent by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes):

  • A change of clothes for visiting Machu Picchu the next day
  • Personal toiletries
  • Personal medications
  • Battery chargers

About ISIC Card

Valid Student ID for Classic Inca Trail Hike and Machu Picchu

To qualify for the student discount on Inca Trail Permits, travelers must meet the following requirements:

  • Age Limit: Students must be 25 years old or younger at the time of entering the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Those over 25 years old cannot enter as a student.
  • ID Requirements: The student ID must include:
    • The name of the university
    • The student’s name and photo
    • A valid expiration date
  • ISIC CARD: This card type is no longer valid anymore

Invalid Student IDs for the Inca Trail Discount

Student IDs will not be accepted for the discount under the following conditions:

  • The traveler is older than 25
  • The ID is expired
  • The ID does not have an expiration date
  • ISIC cards are not valid for obtaining the student discount for Inca Trail permits.

This information is crucial for travelers seeking to benefit from discounted permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

Why to Choose

Why choose “INCA´S EXPEDITIONS”?

“INCAS EXPEDITIONS” is a 100% Peruvian local company and tour operator in Cusco, with many years of experience in hikes, adventure tours, and travel packages. We are a 100% local company.

Our dream as a local company is to offer personalized travel and hiking experiences, operated solely by local professional staff, focusing on a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.

We are proud of our reputation as a travel operating agency, in addition to practicing RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE actions with the environment and local people.

We consider our staff as family and guarantee them a fair salary. We are very proud of our team! Without their support, we could not offer the quality of service that hundreds of our travelers have enjoyed.

At “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we are aware that our reputation and what our passengers say are crucial for our travelers to trust their next vacations; you can check the reviews our travelers leave on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google; in an honest and reliable operator to create your adventure in Peru.

We offer small groups of travelers.

To offer a more personalized service at “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we maintain a limit of 8 people for each of our groups. This distinguishes us from other companies that operate with larger groups.

About our tour guides

We are very proud of our guides. They are experts and professionals, fluent in English. They are experts and knowledgeable about the routes, and they are passionate about Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to their continuous personal and professional development, researching to offer you accurate and recognized theories about Inca and Andean culture. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

About our treatment of Inca Trail porters

Hiking with “INCAS EXPEDITIONS” is an uplifting experience, we prioritize your comfort and enjoyment throughout the hike, and you will have the assistance of our porters. You will interact with local people, explore incredible sites, and rediscover ancient Inca ancestral towns. Our porters carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up our camp tents, and take care of you while you relax.

We provide our porters for free with: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable travel bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All are hired from isolated communities, improving their economic circumstances and supporting the education of their children. We treat all our porters like family!

Our team

Our team (guides, cooks, porters, muleteers) and our equipment make “INCAS EXPEDITIONS” stand out among our competitors. On our adventure hikes, we include:

  • Our tents: Enjoy a good rest in our 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents. Our tents are for 4 people, but only 2 sleep in each, providing space for greater comfort and storage. They have a small vestibule for boots and poles.
  • Our foam mats: Separate and insulate from the ground.
  • Air mattresses: Available for rent for $20 USD.
  • Kitchen and dining tents: Used as a meeting room during meals, ideal for relaxing and chatting.
  • Tables and chairs: In the dining area, adapted to the day’s weather.
  • Travel bags: Provided the night before the trek.
  • Others: Pillows, rain covers for backpacks, survival shirts, and chemical toilets are provided during the trek.

Our commitment to social projection

At “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we have always believed in giving back to isolated local communities. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we carry out various social projects and always hire local people.

We are very proud to support our local people. We not only employ them but also support their families, contributing to a holistic approach with our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones.

Pricing

Added Values for Free

  • Transfer from the airport to your Cusco hotel (for Cusco hotels only)
  • Small Groups: Maximum of 8 hikers
  • Early Train: Return to Cusco from Aguas Calientes

Prices & Availability

The fantastic tour package including the Inca Trail is available on any date except February when the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance. Join our group for the best deals!

  • $577 USD per person (without hotels; hotel needs to be booked separately)
  • $647 USD per person (includes 2 nights in hotels: 2* in Ollantaytambo and 3* in Aguas Calientes)
  • $712 USD per person (includes 2 nights in 3* hotels)

Private service is available for an additional $100 USD per person.

Note: All entrance fees are included. We operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 people, with a maximum of 8.

Discounts

  • 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD discount. Provide a copy of your student card with university name, student name, photo, and expiration date at booking.
  • Under 18 years old: $30 USD discount. Send a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 years old: $40 USD discount. Send a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

Extras

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
  • Vistadome Train: $67 USD per person (return only, from Aguas Calientes to Poroy/Cusco at 4:43pm)
  • Hotel Upgrade in Ollantaytambo: $55 USD to 3*
  • Upgrade to 4 or 5 Hotels in Aguas Calientes**
  • Hotel Single Supplement: $40 USD for 3* in Aguas Calientes; $55 USD for 3* in Ollantaytambo

Aditional information

Important Information

A pre-trek briefing will be held at 6:00 pm the night before your trek at our office, located at Calle Punacchupan 196, office 201 (second floor)

Luggage Storage: You can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel during the Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail tour.

How to Book

  1. Booking Form: Fill out our booking form by clicking on “BOOK NOW” on our homepage or here.
  2. Required Information: We need the following for each participant:
    • Full name (as per passport)
    • Gender
    • Passport number
    • Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
    • Nationality
  1. Deposit: A deposit of $200 USD per person is required to purchase your Inca Trail permit, entrance to Machu Picchu, and train ticket. Make your deposit via VISA or PAYPAL on our booking page or here.

Balance Payment: To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles). ATMs are available in the historical center. Alternatively, pay by VISA or PAYPAL online with a 5.5% service fee. For PAYPAL payments, use our email address: incasexpeditions@gmail.com.

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 or tour to Machu Picchu to qualify for the youth discount. Students who are 18 and older need to present a valid university ID card. For example, if you are 17 when you book but turn 18 before the trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify for the student discount.

Discount Details:

  • University Students: $30 USD discount. Provide a copy of your university ID card showing your photo, university name, and card expiration date. The card must be valid for the current academic year only.
  • Students Aged 11 to 17: $30 USD discount. Provide a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Children Aged 2 to 11: $40 USD discount. Provide a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Children Aged 0 to 2: Free.

Send the required documentation to info@incasexpeditions.com.

May I Change the Departure Date After Tickets Are Bought?

Unfortunately, once the tickets for the Inca Trail have been purchased, changes to the departure date are not permitted due to government regulations. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. If you cancel your Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail tour, the deposit is non-refundable.

Do I Need My Original Passport?

Yes, you must bring your original passport, which should match the number provided during booking for your Machu Picchu entrance, train tickets, and other reservations. The rangers will check your passport at Machu Picchu, and the train company will also verify it before boarding.

If you are renewing your passport or changing your name, send us your old passport information to secure your permit. We can update the details for a fee of $25 per person. Provide copies of both your old and new passports. If you prefer not to pay this fee, bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but must show both old and new passports to enter Machu Picchu or board the train. They are very strict about this.

What Is the Weather Like in the Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The weather is unpredictable, so prepare for various conditions. We recommend bringing a warm jacket for the early mornings and a rain poncho in case of rain showers.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated if you are happy with the services provided. It is an important part of the tourism industry and helps inspire excellent service. You are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate based on the quality and length of your tour.

Are You Sustainable?

Yes, we are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism. We follow universal principles to protect the environment, benefit local communities, and respect local culture and religion. Our staff is trained to understand and respect local places and people.

Incas Expeditions

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