These are the absolute highlights! If you want to see the most important places from the Inca Empire and relax in luxury in the most scenic part of the Sacred Valley, this is the perfect tour package! In only three days you will see the most sacred archeological sites of the Sacred Valley and visit the fabled Machu Picchu!
Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Tour – ITINERARY
Day 1: Chinchero – Maras – Moray – Relaxation and Spa treatment in nature
We will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 7:30am, with our private van and head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You begin your visit at the village of Chinchero. Whereby you will find an adobe colonial church in the main plaza, dating from the early seventeenth century. It was built upon the foundations of an Inca temple or palace and is a marvelous example of the marriage of Inca and Spanish architecture. The ceiling and walls are covered in beautiful floral and religious designs. In addition, you will discover Inca archeological ruins and agricultural terraces, which are attributed to Inca Tupac Yupanqui who possibly used Chinchero as a kind of country resort.
Our second stop is the Salt Mines, called Salineras in Spanish, close to the colonial town of Maras. Hundreds of saltpans decorate the hillside and have been used for salt extraction since before the Inca era. A natural spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of water heavily laden with salt, which is diverted into saltpans and evaporated to produce a high quality salt. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find naturally pink salt!
Third, we visit the stunning Inca site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouses of the Incas.” Different levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, part of which was further excavated by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the basin they are placed. It is believed they were used by the Incas to research hybridization and the optimal conditions for their crops.
You will have lunch and spend the night at the spectacular Veronica View Hotel with the snowy peak of Veronica right in front of you. Enjoy exquisite cuisine, the spa, massages, the swimming pool and relaxing gardens full of native flowers and wildlife.
- Accommodation: Veronica View Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 2: Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu
In the morning we drive you to the Ollantaytambo train station for your trip to Machu Picchu! Take the Vistadome train departing at 7:05 or the Expedition train departing at 6:10.
Travel in style with all of the comfort of Peru Rail through the Andes, leading into deep valleys as you follow the sacred Vilcanota River. As you approach Machu Picchu and get closer to the amazon jungle, you will pass through lush jungle. Look across the river to see layers of handmade Inca farming terraces, some of which are still farmed by local Quechua people in the same way their Inca ancestors did. As you approach Aguas Calientes, look up to see the astonishing Wiñay Wayna, perched on the canyon wall as if floating high above the river.
Your guide will meet you at the train station in Aguas Calientes and transfer you to Machu Picchu on the shuttle bus. Get 2.5 hours guided tour about the history of Machu Picchu. On your private tour, your guide will walk you through the rediscovery of these enigmatic ruins.
After your tour, descend by bus to Aguas Calientes with time for a leisurely lunch and a visit to the local flea markets or hot springs.
Your return journey is from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, the gateway between the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu, a journey lasting just under 2 hours. Departing at 16:22 you arrive in Ollantaytambo at 18:10. On arrival, you will be transported by private van to Veronica View. You will get there just in time for an extraordinary experience dining in luxury at the hotel restaurant.
***Please note it is not possible to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu with this time schedule.
- Accommodation: Veronica View Hotel
- Meal included: Breakfast
DAY 3: Ollantaytambo – Pisac – Cusco
We begin your last day in the Sacred Valley at Ollantaytambo, exploring the archeological site for about an hour. You will learn about the incredible architecture of the Sun Temple, admire the water fountains, the Intihuatana and the carefully engineered storehouses.
Onward, we drive to the archeological site of Pisac, where you can see an immense Inca cemetery with more than 2000 tombs. You will learn about the incredible farming terraces carved into the mountain. We will spend about 1.5 hours here, exploring the ancient Inca city. These ruins are quite extensive and you will see many examples of original Inca architecture. Then we head down to the colorful market of Pisac, which we visit for about 20 minutes.
We end the day by taking you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 2pm.
WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE SACRED VALLEY TO MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
NOT INCLUDED IN THE SACRED VALLEY TO MACHU PICCHU TOUR
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
***The Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Tour is available on any date that is best for you as long we have a minimum of 2 people.
Price: $637 USD per person without hotels
Price:$737 USD per person with 2 nights 3* hotels
Price:$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.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Spa services at the Veronica View Hotel
- Vistadome Train: $67 per person
- Single Supplement: $60 USD 3*, $120 USD 4* for solo travelers
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read the following information carefully. It will help answer all your questions about our services and Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour Package.
WELCOME TO CUSCO!
We will welcome you at the airport in Cusco and taken to your hotel. Please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to your arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange Veronica Group sign at the arrival terminal.
THE BRIEFING
The evening before the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Tour you will receive a briefing at your hotel.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT THE HOTEL?
Of course! During the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Tour your main luggage can be stored in our secure storage facility at the hotel.
HOW TO BOOK
FIRST, to book your Machu Picchu Tour Package, 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 Tour to Machu Picchu, 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, or any 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.
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 climates.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as: 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 in Cusco, you may want to spend a few days in the Sacred Valley when you first arrive.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – 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 VV Hotel & Tours destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you feel is appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality of service and the length of your tour. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
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 have to take with you for the Sacred Valley tour to Machu Picchu
- Original Passport (it has to be the same as the one used when booking your trek)
- Valid university card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3 liter reusable bottles (please do not bring disposable)
- Comfortable walking shoes or runners
- Jacket if cold season
- Hand sanitizer
- Personal medications
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Wool hat if cold season
- Rain gear – rainy season
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or dry fruit
- Rain poncho
- Camera
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
