Sacred Valley Tour & 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Orange Nation Peru

Sacred Valley Tour & 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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From $497
OVERVIEW

This tour package visits the hot spots of the entire Sacred Valley with all of it’s ancient treasures and Incan sites, plus a 1-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate where the most famous photos of Machu Picchu have been taken! The Sacred Valley is very large and stretches from Pisac to Ollantaytambo with many small indigenous towns, secluded weaving villages, outdoor handicraft markets and 10th and 11th century Inca Ruins including Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Urubamba.

The 1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu brings you to many ancient Inca ruins, towering mountains, various types of flora & vegetation and interesting micro-climates. The trail goes through the National Park and enters through the Sun Gate with breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, through cloud forest and sub-tropical climates. When we arrive at Machu Picchu, we will have a private guided tour, visiting all the hidden nooks and crannies of this magical Inca hideaway. You will have plenty of time to explore Machu Picchu on your own after learning about the history and secrets of its past and the culture of the Incas who lived there.

***The 1-Day Inca Trail is exactly the same as the 2-Day Inca Trail, but at a faster pace. Hikers need to be in good physical condition to do this trek and arrive to Machu Picchu on time. If you have doubts about the altitude or this Trek, it may be better to book the 2-day Inca Trail which arrives to Machu Picchu at a slower pace and later in the day. Then, you would spend a night in Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu the next morning. There is also time to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain with the 2-day trek.

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Service Level: Standard-Comfortable mid-tier hotel, buffet lunch, above average box lunch and private van with chauffer.
Physical Rating: First day is very relaxed with minimal physical activity. Whereas the second day is moderate to difficult . Fast pace trekking is required to reach Machu Picchu on time.
Travel Style: Hiking, trekking, adventure, cultural immersion, mid-tier hotel, train, shuttle bus and private transportation.
Group Size: Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5.
machu picchu custom package - Orange Nation Peru

ITINERARY

We will pick you up from your hotel at 7:30 am with our private van and head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Our first stop is the Manos de la Comunidad, which has a variety of Camelids that are indigenous to Peru, including the llama, alpaca, guanacos and the Vicuna that produces very fine wool and can only be shorn every three years. At the farm you get to pet, feed and take pictures with these adorable animals. Additionally, we find local women dressed in traditional clothing, demonstrating the weaving process using the wool from the camelids. As you exit, you will pass through a museum and souvenir shop. The workers are always around to answer any questions, but you never feel pressurized to buy anything.

Then, we stop at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Urubamba valley, which accents the surrounding mountains and the gushing Urubamba river. Next, we head to the Pisac archaeological site, where you can see the biggest Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs lining the mountain side. Rediscover the agricultural importance of this site by exploring the many Inca farming terraces, food storage warehouses at the top of the hill and the water channels built for irrigation purposes.

Then, we start driving towards Urubamba for lunch, passing small farming towns like Coya and Calca before stopping at the foot of Urubamba for a delectable buffet lunch. The restaurant has an impressive spread and is vegan and vegetarian friendly. It offers a variety of fresh vegetables, salads, protein dishes, desserts and tea and coffee.

After lunch, we continue towards the colonial town of Maras, to reach the Pre-Inca salt mines. Enjoy this incredible historical site, that has been mined pre-Inca and continues to be the bread and butter for this small community. The salt stream above feeds the thousands of salt pans, once the water has evaporated, the salt is than collected and sold. The salt mines are one of the few left in the world that produce a natural pink salt and have not adopted any modern techniques for mass salt mining. The locals have full mining rights and all the salt sold on site belongs to the locals. It still supplies Peru with over 90% of its salt. A great place to grab another souvenir.

Next, we visit Moray, which was an experimental farming site built in the form of an amphitheater. Each level naturally has a different micro climate and helped optimize the growth of different crops. These levels of terraces were carved before the Incas took control of the Sacred Valley and was subsequently used by the Incas to research optimal growing conditions for their crops. They brought in different soil samples from other regions, to optimize their research. The locals were still using it for growing their crops, until the 1970s when it was preserved and protected for tourism.

Then, we drive to Ollantaytambo to explore this quaint Inca village and the amazing Inca Ruins on the hilltop above. These ruins are where the Incas fought their last battle with the Spanish conquerors, before they had to retreat and flee into the dense jungle. Most of the structures were unfortunately incomplete. There is a section with a number of boulders that were carved, but didn’t make it to their destination. Another possibility, is that the battle was so intense, it caused a lot of damage to this massive Inca site.

Finally, we head to our hotel, so you can enjoy your dinner (not included) and get some rest for the hectic but magical day tomorrow.

  • 2* Accommodation: Tunupa Lodge or similar
  • Boleto Turistico * Allows you entry to many archeological sites along the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 5:30 am in Ollantaytambo to escort you to the Ollantaytambo train station, for the 6:10 am Expedition train. From there we take the train to KM 104, the starting point of the Inca Trail. After crossing the Urubamba River on a picturesque foot bridge, you need to show your passport at the checkpoint. We then visit our first Inca site nearby.

At this point, we begin our 3-hour trek to Wiñay Wayna archaeological site (2,650/8,747ft) also known as Forever Young in Quechua. The first hour and a half is a gentle hike upward. Along the way, we stop at several outlooks where you have an expansive view of the Urubamba River and pass through several microclimates like the fruitful cloud forest. We are then challenged by a slightly steeper uphill trek, but rewarded with a soothing waterfall at the end.

Upon reaching Wiñay Wayna, we will rest, eat our gourmet box lunch and enjoy the dazzling views from this stunning Inca site. At Wiñay Wayna this where the path intersects with the Classic Inca Trail. These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle.

After having our well-deserved rest, we continue on for one last hour to reach the Sun Gate (2,730m/9,00ft). Before reaching the Sun Gate, we take on our final challenge climbing a set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock, aptly named the gringo killer or monkey steps. On arrival, we get the first glimpse and jaw dropping view of the mysterious Machu Picchu Citadel. It is just an hour hike down the flat rock stairs to Machu Picchu. There are plenty of picture opportunities along the way.

Once we reach Machu Picchu, you will have time to get more photos from the viewing platforms above the site, the “House of the Guardians” where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. Your guide will give you a tour, which takes about two hours. You will see some of the most important parts of Machu Picchu.

Take your time to enjoy in this magical Inca ruins, before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. In the evening at 6:20PM you will take the return Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo and catch our private van back to Cusco and your hotel. You will arrive around 10:00PM.

  • Meals: Breakfast from your hotel (please request for a boxed breakfast) and Picnic lunch
  • Difficulty: Moderate

***At Machu Picchu we will follow circuit #3 and there is no way to do another circuit unless you buy an additional entrance to Machu Picchu.

***It is not possible to do the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb due to time restraints

***You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $57. This train will depart from Aguas Calientes at 6:10pm to Ollantaytambo only.

Prices
No. OF PEOPLE PRICE
2 to 12 people (with 1 night hotel) $ 537 USD per person
2 to 12 people (without hotel) $ 497 USD per person

**All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 people, with a maximum of 12!**

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 at booking is required & 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

  • Upgrade to Vistadome Train: $57 USD.
  • Hotel single supplement: $35 USD for solo travelers
  • Upgrade Hotel – La Cabaña Hotel 3*: $50 USD per person
  • Upgrade Hotel – Tierra Viva Hotel: 4* $90 USD per person
  • Upgrade Hotel – El Mapi Hotel: 4* $120 USD per person

Inclusions

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE SACRED VALLEY TOUR & 1 DAY INCA TRAIL?

  • Sacred Valley Tour with entrances included.
  • Entrances to the Inca cities and archeological sites
  • Inca Trail permit
  • Professional guide for two days
  • Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • One night hotel accommodation with private room, bathroom and breakfast included
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Bus tickets from Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
  • Personal assistance
  • Boleto Turistico

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR THE SACRED VALLEY TOUR & 1 DAY INCA TRAIL?

  • Hotel – optional upgrades
  • Upgrade to Vistadome: $57 USD per person – return train in the afternoon at 6:10pm to Ollantaytambo only
  • Tips for your guide
  • Hotels before and after  the  trek
  • Breakfast and dinner  on day  1
  • Dinner on day 2

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING FOR SACRED VALLEY TOUR & 1 DAY INCA TRAIL

  • Original passport (it has to be the same as the one you have used for booking your trek)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water bottle: 2L reusable bottles (please do not bring disposable)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Toilet paper
  • Jacket
  • Dress in layers
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Personal medications
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Wool hat in the cold season
  • Rain gear, weather is always unpredictable.
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Rain poncho
  • Camera
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
  • Valuables

WHAT YOU SHOULD PUT IN YOUR BAG TO BE SENT BY TRAIN TO AGUAS CALIENTES

  • Second set of clothes for visiting Machu Picchu the second day
  • Personal medications
  • Toiletries for the hotel
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Camera and phone chargers
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

Learn more

EXPERT GUIDES : Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry - they are our secret to success

SMALL GROUPS: Travelling with us will always feel like going with friends and not with a group of strangers in an organized tour.

OUR EXPERIENCE: With fifteen years’ experience and over 25 Packages to Machu Picchu alone, our team knows how to deliver a successful expedition.

ENVIRONMENTAL: ENVIRONMENTAL: Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.

Travelers' Choice Awards 2022
Excellent based on 280 reviews based on 280 reviews
Triadvisor

Letty C

Excellent worker

Jun. 2023

Joaquín excellent 👍 Very Caballero helped me with my 🎒 offered me oxygen does very well His work ⁇ in singing to Subme to the 🐎 And what a beautiful mountain it cost me to Climb but with the Joaquín's help I did!

Mariana D

A great adventure!

May. 2023

We made 4D / 3N of the Inka Trail. The experience was challenging, but it was worth it. Chef Fortunato's meals and explanations of Jony and David's places were very complete. Tmb the patience to make sure we all get there on time.

malala08

Fast and friendly service

Dec. 2022

We did not get to specify the service due to the political situation in the country, however the company quickly and carefully proceeded with the return. Very good service and when the situation calms down we will resume service with them.

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