These are the absolute highlights! If you only have three days, this is the perfect tour package. Hiking the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you get to discover the Sacred Valley´s treasures and its most fascinating archeological sites. Walk in the footsteps of the Inca to arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. On the Inca Trail you visit the astonishing Wiñay Wayna on your way to Machu Picchu!
Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail Package to Machu Picchu – ITINERARY
DAY 1: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS (Pisac + Moray + Salt mines )
Mirador of Taray
We will pick you up at your Cusco hotel at 7:30am, with our private van and head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking the direct route to Pisac. First, we stop at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy a classic view of the Urubamba valley and its traditional farming villages. You will see how the agriculture in the Sacred Valley has changed little in the past five hundred years.
Pisac and Urubamba
Onward, we drive to the archeological site of Pisac, where you can see the biggest Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. There, you can admire the incredible farming terraces carved into the mountain, explore the Inca tunnel and the religious area of this important citadel. We will spend about 2 hours here, exploring the Inca city. Then, we head down to the colorful market of Pisac, spend about 20 minutes here and then drive to Urubamba for lunch. There are many restaurants to choose from. Just tell your guide what you’re in the mood for! (Lunch is not included).
Archeological site of Moray
With timeless charm, we visit the archeological site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouse of the Incas,” a deep bowl of architectural wonder. Levels of terraces are carved into a huge basin, which was excavated by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are placed. Archeologists believe that they were used by the Incas to experiment with hybridization and to discover the optimal growing conditions for their crops.
Maras
Continuing on our journey to the colonial town of Maras, we look down onto the pre-Inca salt mines. Thousands of saltpans have been passed down through countless generations and used for salt extraction since before Inca times. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which is diverted into saltpans and evaporated to produce salt. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find naturally pink salt!
Ollantaytambo
Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo. Here you spend the night at Veronica View Hotel in Ollantaytambo, ready to start the Inca Trail the next day!
- Accommodation: Veronica View Hotel
- Meals: Not included
DAY 2: OLLANTAYTAMBO –KM 104 – WIÑAY HUAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU
With a compacted 2 days of excitement ahead, we depart the Veronica View at 5:30am, and drive you to the train station nearby. You will have an hour and 20-minute ride on the Expedition train to KM 104 (2,100m/6,927ft), where you will begin your trek and show your passport at the first checkpoint. Afterwards, we initiate a moderate climb for three hours to the remote archeological site of Wiñay Wayna (2,650m/8747ft). Admire the fountains that have been flowing for hundreds of years and gaze down the spectacular, sheer mountainside, plunging down to the Urubamba River. After enjoying the architectural wonder of this ancient Inca site, we merge onto the traditional four day Inca Trail. We have lunch at the Wiñay Wayna campground, then continue onward towards the Sun Gate (2,730m/9,007ft). Following the ancient remote footpath, we finally get our first spectacular view of Machu Picchu in all its brilliance and majesty. As we move closer to the Citadel of Machu Picchu, you will enjoy views of the enigmatic ruins the whole length of the trail. After some time taking photos of the citadel from above, we take our bus to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night in our hotel.
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
- 3* Accommodations: Inti Punku Hotel or Waman Machu Picchu
- Difficulty: moderate
DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! We take the first bus at 5:30am to Machu Picchu archeological site, making sure we tour every nook and cranny of this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The Citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu, what a magical experience! Your guide will walk you through the rediscovery of these enigmatic ruins. After the tour, take some time to stay still and find the peace within as you admire your unforgettable surroundings.
You may wish to add on a few of the following activities on your own (not included in the price):
- Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain– appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from above. These extra hikes sell out quickly and must be requested at time of booking.
- Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or the hot springs. (entrance fee apply)
When you are ready, you will descend to Aguas Calientes, have a leisurely lunch on your own, and later board the train at 14:55 for the return trip on the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo train station to catch our private van back to your Cusco hotel. You will arrive in Cusco by 8pm.
- Meal included: Breakfast
WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE SACRED VALLEY & SHORT INCA TRAIL PACKAGE?
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR THE SACRED VALLEY & SHORT INCA TRAIL PACKAGE?
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE FOR FOR THE SACRED VALLEY & SHORT INCA TRAIL PACKAGE
***The Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail Package to Machu Picchu tour is available on any date that its best for you (except February when the trail is closed for maintenance). This trek takes you to Machu Picchu by walking through the Sun Gate! You will get to explore some amazing Inca ruins along the way like the Wiñay Wayna Inca city
Price:
$637 USD per person without hotels
$737 USD per person with 2 nights 3* hotels
$867 USD per person with 2 nights 4* hotels
***Private service is available for $100 USD more per person.
***All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 people, with a maximum of 8!
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
- 18 years and under: $30 USD. Copy of passport is required at booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
- Machu Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
- Vistadome Train: $67
- Single Supplement: $40 USD 2* and $60 USD 3*, $100 USD 4* for solo travelers
- Upgrade to 5* hotel in Aguas Calientes: Prices vary
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read the following information carefully as it will help you answer most of your questions about our services and the Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail Package to Machu Picchu.
WELCOME TO CUSCO!
You will be welcomed at the airport in Cusco and taken to your hotel in Cusco. Please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange Veronica Group sign at the arrival terminal.
THE BRIEFING
The evening before the tour you will receive a briefing at your hotel in Cusco.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT THE HOTEL?
Of course! During the Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail Package, your main luggage can be stored in our secure storage facilities at the hotel.
HOW TO BOOK
we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW. on our homepage or click on this 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 $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase your Inca Trail permit, 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 booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you can pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) in Cusco. There are many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee charged by PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address veronicaviewhotel@gmail.com to make the payment.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is generally No. Once the Machu Picchu tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
If you cancel your Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail Package, the deposit is non-refundable!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
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 entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other entrances and reservations.
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 updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change.
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.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you always dress in layers as that makes it easier to adjust to the different microclimates through which you trek.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as follows: shortness of breath, a discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract soroche, Quechua for high-altitude sickness.
The Veronica View Hotel, and all of the Sacred Valley, are at a lower altitude than Cusco. If you are concerned about the altitude of Cusco, you may want to spend a few days in the Sacred Valley when you first arrive.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes! Veronica View Hotel & Tours is a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator. We incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know, understand, and respect the places and its local people.
What you need with you for the Sacred Valley & Short Inca trail Package to Machu Picchu
What do put in your daypack for the hike:
- Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid university card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3L reusable bottles (please do not bring disposable)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Personal medications
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Wool hat and gloves if cold season
- Rain gear, poncho – rainy season
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit
- Camera
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
- Wallet and valuables
What to put in the duffel bag, which will be sent by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes:
- Extra clothes for visiting Machu Picchu the day after the hike
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and personal toiletries
- Personal medications
- Small umbrella (during the rainy season)
- Phone and camera chargers and extra batteries
