Sacred Valley Tour & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 3 days - Orange Nation Peru

Sacred Valley Tour & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 3 days

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From $517
OVERVIEW

This adventure tour & trek package is an excellent experience visiting the of the most important sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate where the most famous photos of Machu Picchu have been taken, all in 3 Days. The Sacred Valley is very large and stretches for miles with many small indigenous towns, secluded weaving villages, outdoor handicraft markets, and ancient Inca Ruins including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Urubamba.

The Inca Trail displays many ancient Inca ruins, towering mountains, and various types of flora & vegetation with various micro-climates. The trail goes through the National Park and enters through the Sun Gate with breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, through cloud forests 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 small 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.

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Service Level: Mid tier hotels with an option to upgrade. Exclusive modern vehicles with chauffer.
Physical Rating: Easy with moderate trekking with a few inclines on the second day.
Travel Style: Cultural immersion, trekking, adventure, mid-tier hotels, train, shuttle bus and private van.
Group Size: Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5.
machu picchu custom package - Orange Nation Peru

ITINERARY

For the Sacred Valley Tour & Short Inca Trail Package, 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 you might have, 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 of different foods and is vegan and vegetarian friendly. There is 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 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 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, which each level naturally with a different temperature to grow different types of crops. These levels of terraces were carved before the Incas took control of the Sacred Valley and then used by the Incas to research optimal growing conditions for their crops. The Incas 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. 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, that it caused a lot of damage to this massive Inca site and displacing a lot of boulders.

Finally, at around 5:30pm we head to our hotel to spend the night and prepare for the early once in a lifetime hike we will embark on.

  • Hotel in Ollantaytambo: Tunupa Lodge or similar
  • Boleto Turistico *Allows you entry to many archeological sites along the Sacred Valley of the Incas
  • Buffet lunch

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 5:30 am to go to the Ollantaytambo train station, which is very close, to take 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.

There we visit the 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, including a cloud forest. We are then challenged by a slightly steeper uphill trek and rewarded at the end with a beautiful waterfall to enjoy.

Upon reaching Wiñay Wayna, we will rest, eat your gourmet box lunch and enjoy the dazzling views of this amazing site. Here at Wiñay Wayna we finally intersect with the Classic Inca Trail. These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle. Be sure to ask your guide to share about its history.

After having our well-deserved rest, just one last one hour trek before reaching the Sun Gate (2,730m/9,00ft). We know we are close to the Sun Gate when we experience our last challenge with a final set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca Trail. Upon passing through the Sun Gate and taking a turn, we get the first glimpse of the mysterious Machu Picchu Citadel. It is just an hour hike down the flat rock stairs to Machu Picchu. Be sure to have your camera ready to take all of the incredible views of Machu Picchu Citadel along the way.

Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will have time to take more photos from the viewing platforms above the site (Guard House). Where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. You will arrive in the afternoon, as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists, which gives you the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in your shots. Take your time to take in this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to check into your hotel. Your will have a delicious dinner. Then you have time to walk around this picturesque little town, visit the hot springs or just go to your hotel to rest after such an exciting day.

  • Meals: lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Ferre Hotel
  • Difficulty: Moderate

After an early breakfast at your hotel, we are ready to get an early bus at 5:30am up to Machu Picchu just in time to witness the sunrise. It is a truly mystical site out of history and not something you’ll want to miss! After enjoying the sunrise your guide will provide a guided tour of Machu Picchu, which takes around two hours. You will see many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel during your tour.

After the tour, those people that have booked in advance for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu will have time to hike it on their own. When they have had their fill of the incredible views of Machu Picchu, a bus back down to Aguas Calientes will be waiting. Upon arriving at Aguas Calientes lunch is waiting with numerous restaurants to choose from (lunch not included). Depending on your train departure time, there may be some time for shopping, or sightseeing.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. You can expect to arrive at your hotel at about 7:00 pm.

  • Meals: Breakfast

***IMPORTANT:

  • On the 2-day Inca Trail, we will be doing circuit #3 and there is no way to do another circuit unless you buy an additional entrance to Machu Picchu.
  • You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, 4:22 pm, or 4:43 pm. The cost is $57 USD.
  • Early trains can be organized as requested and it has to be done by booking time.
  • The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.
Prices

***The Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail Tour Package is available on any date as long as there are at least 2 people in the group (except February when it is closed for maintenance). This trek still takes you into Machu Picchu by walking through the SUN GATE. You will get to explore some incredible Inca ruins along the way.***

No. OF PEOPLE PRICE
2 to 12 people (with 2 nights hotel) $ 597 USD per person
2 to 12 people (without hotel) $ 517 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

  • 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

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
  • Upgrade Hotel in Aguas Calientes: $50 USD to 3*** (Can upgrade to 4 or 5 star)
  • Upgrade Hotel in Ollantaytambo: $60 USD to 3*** (Can upgrade to 4 or 5 star)
  • Hotel single supplement: $35 USD

ADDED VALUES FOR FREE:

  • Transfer from the airport to hotel: (Cusco only)

Inclusions

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE SACRED VALLEY & SHORT INCA TRAIL?

  • Sacred Valley Tour
  • Boleto Turistico:  Entrances to the Inca cities and archeological sites
  • Professional guide for three days
  • Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Two nights hotel accommodation with private room, bathroom and breakfast included
  • Meals as indicated on the itinerary
  • Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
  • Personal assistance

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR THE SACRED VALLEY & SHORT INCA TRAIL?

  • Hotel – optional upgrades
  • Huayna Picchu Tickets: $75 USD per person
  • Upgrade to Vistadome: $57 USD per person
  • Hotels before and after the trek
  • Travel insurance
  • Flight tickets
  • Tips for your guide

What you have to take with you for the Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail Tour Package?

  • Original passport (it has to be the same as the one used to book the trek)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Drinking Water: 2-3L reusable bottles (not disposable)
  • Comfortable hiking boots
  • Jacket
  • Waterproof gloves – rainy season
  • Toilet paper
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Personal medications
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Rain gear – rainy season
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit
  • Rain poncho
  • Camera
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
  • Valuables

What you should put in your bag that will be sent by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes while you hike the Short Inca Trail:

  • Change of clothes for visiting Machu Picchu the next day
  • Toiletries for the hotel
  • Camera and phone chargers
  • Extra snacks

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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