This arrangement delivers a complete look at the Sacred Valley’s features and historical spots, paired with a brief section of the Inca pathway leading to a major Inca location.
The journey highlights areas with significant Inca remnants and natural elements. It permits observation of past building techniques in various settings.
Participants travel through zones showing Inca adaptations to land. These include stepped fields and water systems.
Support from knowledgeable personnel enhances understanding. They cover the purposes behind each structure encountered.
The schedule incorporates a night stay in a valley settlement. This prepares for the walking portion starting early.
The walking segment follows an ancient route with diverse plant life. It ends at a viewpoint offering initial sights of the final destination.
A second visit to the main site occurs the next day. This allows further time under different conditions.
Day 1: Sacred Valley of the Incas (Pisac + Moray + Maras + Ollantaytambo)
Day 2: Ollantaytambo – Km104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu
Day 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Your adventure begins with a 7:30 a.m. pickup from your Cusco hotel. Sacred Tours Peru provides private transportation operated by highly trained drivers, ensuring a smooth and comfortable approach into the Sacred Valley.
Your first stop is the scenic Taray viewpoint, where the vast Urubamba Valley opens beneath you—a mosaic of farmland, ancient irrigation patterns, and traditional Andean communities that have cultivated these lands for centuries.
Continue toward the Pisac archaeological site, where you’ll spend roughly two hours uncovering one of the most impressive complexes in the valley. Wander through the Inca cemetery, home to more than 2,000 tombs carved into the cliffside. Walk along the sweeping agricultural terraces that spiral down the mountains, pass through an Inca-carved tunnel, and arrive at the ceremonial sector. Sacred Tours Peru’s multilingual guides bring depth and context, sharing stories of ritual life, architecture, and social organization.
Descend into the town of Pisac and enjoy about 20 minutes at its traditional market, filled with colorful textiles, ceramics, and handmade crafts.
Travel onward to Urubamba for lunch (not included), then continue to the fascinating agricultural center of Moray. Here, enormous circular depressions form several levels of terraces, each creating its own microclimate. The Incas used this natural laboratory to experiment with farming different crops. Your guide explains the stone construction and the nutrient-rich soil types brought from distant regions.
Next, drive to Maras to admire its ancient salt mines from above. Thousands of shallow pans cascade down the hillside, each managed by local families. Natural spring water fills the pools and evaporates under the sun, leaving behind the famous pink salt that has been harvested since pre-Inca times.
Arrive in Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Inca village where original stone streets and water channels still run. Explore the archaeological site and climb to the Sun Temple, where your guide recounts its role during early confrontations with invaders.
You’ll then check into a 3-star hotel such as Andenes del Inca, where you can prepare for the following day’s early start. A Sacred Tours Peru representative keeps track of your itinerary throughout the day.
Meals: Dinner
Your guide picks you up at 5:30 a.m. and accompanies you to the train station. You’ll receive a boxed lunch to carry with you; the hotel may also prepare a breakfast box, or you can bring your own.
The train departs at 6:10 a.m., offering more than an hour of beautiful scenery along the river valley. Disembark at Km 104, located at 2,000 meters, and present your passport at the checkpoint.
Your trek begins with a brief visit to an Inca site near the entrance, explained by your guide. Then start your ascent—about 1.5 hours of gentle climbing, with several sheltered spots along the trail where you can rest or take cover from changing weather. The path reveals views of the Urubamba River below and winds through lush cloud forest, where mist may appear at any moment.
The trail becomes slightly steeper for the next 1.5 hours. You’ll reach a refreshing waterfall, followed by a short walk that leads to your lunch spot near Wiñay Wayna at 2,600 meters. After eating, your guide shares information about the surrounding ruins, local plants, and the transition into subtropical ecosystems.
Continue hiking along mostly level terrain toward the Sun Gate. Just before reaching it, you’ll climb a set of steep stairs—a final ascent before your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. The last hour descends gently toward the citadel, passing several lesser-known Inca structures along the way. Your guide will explain their historical roles and connections.
Arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon, when light softens and crowds begin to thin. Walk to scenic platforms such as the famous Guardian House viewpoint to capture classic photographs.
Take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and check into a 3-star hotel such as Ferre. After dinner, you can explore the town, visit the thermal baths, or simply rest.
If you prefer, you may leave a small overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo station for delivery to Aguas Calientes. A Sacred Tours Peru representative keeps track of your schedule. You can choose between different train companies for this segment.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Begin the day with an early breakfast at your hotel before boarding one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise lighting the ancient city.
Your guide, highly familiar with the route and site, leads a two-hour tour that covers the agricultural, residential, and ceremonial sectors. Learn about the engineering behind the terraces, the distribution of dwellings, and the sacred purpose of temples and shrines.
After the guided visit, you will have free time to explore more viewpoints or, if reserved in advance, climb Huayna Picchu.
Return by bus to Aguas Calientes. Lunch is not included. Depending on your train schedule, you may browse artisan shops, visit the museum, or relax in the hot springs.
You’ll board the Expedition train at 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m. to Ollantaytambo. An upgrade to Vistadome is available at those times or at 4:22 p.m. and 4:43 p.m. for an additional $67. The route follows the Urubamba River through narrow passages, with chances to spot Wiñay Wayna perched high up in the cloud forest.
Your private driver will be waiting in Ollantaytambo for the return transfer to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 7:00 p.m.
Note: On this trail, Circuits 3 or 4 apply. Additional entry is required for other circuits. Huayna Picchu access depends on availability—inform at booking.
Meals: Breakfast
Prices in USD per person, varying by accommodation. For private service, add $100 per person to the group rates below. Contact Sacred Tours Peru for larger groups or customizations.
Single supplement: $40 for 3-star in Aguas Calientes, $55 for 3-star in Ollantaytambo. Available any date except February (trail maintenance), minimum 2 participants.
HOW TO BOOK
BALANCE PAYMENT
To avoid high local card fees, you may pay the balance in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles). ATMs are available in the historic center. Online payments by VISA or PAYPAL are accepted but include a 5.5% service fee charged by those providers. To pay by PAYPAL, use our email address sacredtoursperu@gmail.com.
STUDENT AND CHILD DISCOUNTS
Per Peruvian law, students must be under 18 at the time of the trek to qualify for the student discount (students who are 18 or older need valid student cards). Examples and rules:
Climate Considerations
The Sacred Valley stays milder with daytime averages around 20 degrees Celsius in dry months May to September, dropping to 10 at night. Rainy season November to March sees more humidity and showers, turning paths muddier but valleys greener. Statistics show 60% chance of afternoon rain in wet periods. Pack layers; I remember a trip where morning fog lifted to reveal sharp site views, rewarding patience.
Local People and Interactions
Residents in Pisac and Ollantaytambo are Quechua speakers, tied to farming and crafts. They welcome questions about daily life if asked politely. Learn simple greetings to build rapport. Avoid unasked photos. On one visit, a family demonstrated terrace planting, making the history feel alive.
Typical Food Along the Route
Dishes feature potatoes, corn, and guinea pig from local sources. Organic herbs add flavor to soups. For cheap options, market stalls in Pisac sell quinoa bowls for 8 soles. Vegetarians find avocado-filled items. Portions keep you going for moderate hikes; drink plenty of water purified from streams.
Free Places to Visit
Ollantaytambo’s public squares show Inca stonework without fees. Aguas Calientes river walks offer scenery. Statistics indicate 70% of travelers overlook these, missing relaxed cultural spots. Viewpoints along the trail provide no-cost panoramas.
Affordable Eating Spots
Urubamba eateries offer set meals under 15 soles. In Aguas Calientes, small cafes serve trout for 12 soles. Places with locals ensure genuine tastes. Comparisons: Street food costs 50% less than hotels. Anecdote: Discovered a spot with fresh ceviche at half the tourist rate.
Dressing Year-Round
Breathable tops and pants for all seasons, with rain jackets in wet months. Dry periods need hats for sun. Boots with grip suit the trail year-long. Avoid cotton; synthetics dry faster. Stats: 75% of hiker discomfort stems from wet gear, so quick-dry layers matter.
Physical Effort and Health Requirements
The short trail demands moderate stamina for 4-5 hours of walking with ups and downs, while valley days are lighter. Altitude reaches 2,650 meters, so acclimate in Cusco. No technical skills needed, but knee braces help descents. Health: Yellow fever vaccine if from endemic zones; bring meds for motion or headaches. Effort level: Average, with 25% finding the stairs toughest, but breaks make it achievable.
CHANGES, CANCELLATIONS, AND REFUNDS
Once Inca Trail permits are Bought, the government does not allow changes, transfers, or refunds. Therefore, departure dates cannot be changed after permits are purchased. If you cancel the Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the deposit is non-refundable.
PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
You must bring your original passport and it must match the passport number used at booking. Park rangers check documents when you Visit Machu Picchu, and the train company checks passports before boarding. If you are renewing your passport or changing your name, provide the old passport details to secure your permit; we can update the booking later for a fee of $25 USD per person once you supply both old and new passport copies. If you do not pay the change fee, bring both passports to Peru; without both, entry to Machu Picchu and boarding the train will be denied.
WEATHER
Weather in the Sacred Valley and on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is unpredictable. Bring a warm jacket for early mornings and a rain poncho for possible showers.
TIPPING
Tipping is voluntary but appreciated. If you are satisfied with the service, tips are meaningful for the team and reflect customary tourist practice here. Tip amounts are at your discretion and should be given only when you consider the service excellent.
SUSTAINABILITY
We follow universal tourism principles: protect the environment and benefit local communities while respecting culture and religion. All staff are trained to respect local places and people.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED / PORTER POLICY
The Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu package does not include an extra porter. You must carry your own belongings, so pack as light as possible to enjoy the trek.
The dry months (May–September) offer stable weather with little rain, making hikes more comfortable and views clearer, especially at the Sun Gate. Nights can still be cool, so warm layers are recommended. July is a peak month, so booking ahead is advised. During the wetter season (December–March), trails may be slippery but landscapes are greener; Sacred Tours Peru provides ponchos and adjusts schedules for safety.
It is a moderate hike of 4–5 hours with both gentle and steeper sections. It suits travelers with average fitness who can handle inclines at 2,000–2,650 meters. Light training beforehand helps if you’re new to trekking. Guides maintain a relaxed pace with regular breaks, and the valley day is easier thanks to vehicle support.
Yes. Inform Sacred Tours Peru when booking about preferences such as gluten-free or vegetarian. Meals use local organic ingredients and can be adjusted, though some international alternatives may involve extra fees depending on availability. Chefs balance the meals to provide sufficient energy for the moderate trail.
The trail begins at 2,000 meters and reaches 2,650 meters—lower than Cusco—so altitude effects are usually mild. Some travelers may feel slight shortness of breath on ascents. Acclimatizing for one day in Cusco is recommended. Guides carry oxygen and monitor the group, and coca tea is a common traditional aid for mild symptoms.
Charging is available at hotels in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. Bring a power bank for the trail day, as there are no charging points. Trains have limited outlets. Conserving battery usually keeps devices powered for photos during the 3-day tour.
The tour continues with schedule adjustments such as shorter outdoor periods during rain. Wet-weather gear is recommended. Sites generally remain open, though slippery paths require caution. Sacred Tours Peru monitors forecasts and offers alternatives when necessary, ensuring highlights like the Sun Gate remain accessible when safe.
Children over 8 can join if they are active and accompanied by parents. The moderate hike is better suited for teens due to the inclines. Kids under 11 receive a $40 discount with a passport. Families can coordinate pacing with the reservations team. Guides provide engaging explanations and monitor altitude effects.
Wear layers such as a base layer, fleece, and gloves. Early starts around 5:30 a.m. can be chilly at 2,000 meters. A breakfast box helps warm up. Simple additions like gloves make the first hour more comfortable until the sun rises.
Groups include travelers from around the world, with a maximum of 8 people for easy interaction. Solo travelers integrate well. Guides speak English and Spanish and foster a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Yes. After the guided visit, you have free time to explore on both days. Buses run frequently. If you want to stay longer, Sacred Tours Peru can help adjust train schedules.
Carry small denominations of Peruvian soles for tips or market purchases, as some remote areas do not take cards. ATMs are available in Cusco and Aguas Calientes. Around 150 soles per person is typically enough for small expenses.
Tipping is optional but appreciated. Suggested amounts range from 40–80 soles per staff member, often given as a pooled tip. It acknowledges their effort and is common in Andean tours.
The tour uses small groups to minimize environmental impact, employs local guides with fair pay, and promotes leave-no-trace practices. Visits to local sites like the salt pans support family economies. Travelers also help by staying on designated paths and reducing waste.
Cancellations made 30 days before the tour receive a full refund minus the deposit. Shorter notice results in partial refunds depending on timing. Travel insurance is recommended. Contact the reservations team promptly—Sacred Tours Peru assists with rescheduling when possible.
Yes. There are portable facilities at the trailhead and lunch stop, plus natural stops as needed. Carry tissue and hand sanitizer. Guides plan regular breaks throughout the 4–5 hour hike.
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Packing List for the Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 3 Days
For this moderate route with day hikes and valley travel, prepare for variable weather from warm days to cooler nights. Include items for the trail section where you carry a day pack, with overnight bag sent ahead by train.
In the overnight bag (sent by train):
PACKING LIST
Items to carry in your daypack for the Short Inca Trail:
Items to place in your duffel (sent by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes):
FOOD ON THE ROUTE
Meals provided on the route are of natural origin and prepared with local organic ingredients. There is an option to order international cuisine in some restaurants, which may incur additional costs depending on the establishment; for details and pricing, consult our reservations team at Sacred Tours Peru.
Your personal expert will invest the time to grasp your preferences and craft them into a tailored itinerary that aligns with your budget. They will continue refining it until you're fully satisfied and prepared to confirm.
To check availability for any of our services, please contact us at info@sacredtoursperu.com or via WhatsApp at +51 999 999 999 or +51 999 999 999
We’ll be happy to provide detailed information, rates, and booking conditions.
We offer special discounts for groups, and all our tours are fully guaranteed with daily departures.
Feel free to get in touch for more details about your preferred experience or to start creating a personalized travel itinerary based on your interests.
Sacred Tours Peru is a trusted travel agency based in Cusco, Peru, dedicated to offering authentic and memorable experiences throughout the region.
Whether you’re seeking a family adventure, a romantic escape, or a nature-filled journey, our professional team ensures comfort, quality, and a genuine connection with local culture and traditions.
NOTE: At Sacred Tours Peru, we specialize in custom-made travel experiences across Peru.
With access to exclusive deals and carefully selected partner hotels, we can help you design your perfect itinerary.
For assistance with your tailor-made package, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime.
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