day 1
Welcome to Cusco, City Tour & Visit to Saqsayhuamán Archaeological Park
- Meals: –
- Highest elevation: 3,760m/12,336ft
- Difficulty: Fácil – III
- Minimum elevation: 3,399m/11,152ft
- Tour time: 5Hrs (13:00-18:30)
- Hotel: Cusco
Early in the morning, upon your arrival in the city of Cusco, we will pick you up from Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport and then head to your hotel in the city of Cusco. There, you can rest, acclimatize, and have a meal before starting with the scheduled activities.
At the agreed time, we will come to pick you up from your respective hotel to begin the tour. We will start by visiting the Cathedral of Cusco (optional), where we can explore the Temple of the Sagrada Familia and the Temple of Triumph, spaces filled with myths and legends that also hold historical significance from the conquest period. Next, we will head to the “Qoricancha,” a marvelous temple considered one of the most important constructions of the ancient inhabitants. It was adorned with gold sheets and decorations and served as a dwelling for Andean priests who worshipped Andean deities such as the sun, the moon, the stars, lightning, and the rainbow.
After concluding the city tour, we will proceed to the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman, located to the north of the city. Sacsayhuaman is one of the most significant archaeological sites due to its massive construction made of enormous stone blocks. It is known that the construction of Sacsayhuaman lasted for more than 50 years and involved the labor of over 20,000 men. Later, we will continue our journey and head to the archaeological complex of Q’enqo, carved caves by the ancient Incas, which probably served as a place for the mummification of important figures. Then, we will visit Puka Pukara, a place used for access control, similar to customs nowadays. The last site to visit will be Tambomachay, a ceremonial site with flowing water sources, and it is known to have been a resting place for the Inca. After concluding the tour, we will return to the city of Cusco.
Later in the evening, we will gather to provide you with instructions and details for your Sacred Valley and Inca Trail journey.
What is this day like? check our photos
day 2
Sacred Valley Tour
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch
- Maximum altitude: 3,350m/10,991ft
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Minimum altitude: 2,792m/9,160ft
- Duration: 8Hrs (08:00-16:00)
- Hotel: Ollantaytambo
At the agreed time, we will pick you up from your hotel to start the Sacred Valley tour. We will pass through the Saqsayhuaman Archaeological Park and continue until we reach the Taray viewpoint, a beautiful space where you can appreciate Inca terraces and vast cultivated lands surrounded by the “Wilkamuayu,” the sacred river of the Incas. We will then proceed to the famous Pisac artisan market, known worldwide for its silver jewelry. We will also visit the Pisac archaeological site, where we will discover distinct neighborhoods, impressive two-level constructions, and one of the most stunning cemeteries in the region. After the visit, we will return to the vehicle, which will take us to Urubamba, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch.
After lunch, we will continue the journey to the last living Inca village, Ollantaytambo, where we can explore impressive terraces and staircases leading to the ritual area. Here, we will find megalithic structures that showcase impressive precision in cutting and some reliefs. In front of the archaeological park, you will also discover the Qolcas or storehouses. You will also learn about the love story between General Ollantay and Cusi Qoyllor. At the end of the tour, the guide will provide you with instructions, and we will drop you off at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, where you can rest and relax for your next adventure.
What is this day like? check our photos
day 3
"Inka Trail" Ollantaytambo – Km. 104 – Wiñayhuayna – Aguas Calientes
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Maximum altitude: 2,792m/9,160ft
- Difficulty level: Moderate III
- Minimum altitude: 2,040m/6,693ft
- Duration: 12Hrs (06:00-17:00)
- Hotel: Aguas Calientes
Early in the morning, after you’ve had your breakfast, we’ll come to pick you up from your hotel to take you to the train station in Ollantaytambo. There, you’ll board the train that will take you to Km 104 “Chachabamba”, where, after receiving instructions and passing through the INRENA control center, you’ll begin the adventure of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
You will start the hike and enter the Chachabamba archaeological complex along with your guide, where you will receive a detailed explanation of this important site. You will then continue on a walk that will immerse you in the high jungle. Along the route, you will have the opportunity to observe various species of orchids, including one known as Wiñayhuayna or “Forever Young,” which is also the name of the next archaeological complex situated on a steep slope of the Urubamba River valley. This Inca archaeological group is located on the way to the Sun Gate and is believed to have been the ancient residence of the priests of Machu Picchu.
You will continue the hike until you reach the “Inti Punku” or Sun Gate, where you can enjoy the first breathtaking view of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary in all its splendor. From this point, you will begin your descent to the citadel of Machu Picchu, where you can marvel at a beautiful sunset and take stunning photographs.
After enjoying the views, you will board a bus with your guide to the town of Aguas Calientes, where your hotel is located. Here, you can settle in, rest, have dinner, and receive further explanations from your guide regarding the activities for the next day.
What is this day like? check our photos
day 4
Aguas Calientes Town – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Meals: Breakfast
- Maximum altitude: 3,350m/10,991ft
- Difficulty level: Moderate III
- Minimum altitude: 2,040m/6,562ft
- Duration: 12Hrs (05:30-17:300)
- Hotel: Cusco
At the agreed time, we will meet and head towards the bus station, where you will board the vehicle that will take you to the entrance gate of the Machu Picchu citadel. Your guide will provide some recommendations, and then you will pass through the access control to the Inca citadel, immediately beginning the guided tour lasting 2 to 2.5 hours. During this time, you will discover the history of Machu Picchu, visit different temples, plazas, and the Machu Picchu quarry. If you’re lucky, you may also spot orchids and species like the vizcacha or Andean rabbit. After some time for photography and capturing the experience, the visit will conclude, and we will guide you back to the bus station, where you will board the vehicle that will take you back to the town of Aguas Calientes. There, you can enjoy lunch (not included) and explore the town before heading to the train station, where you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo. At the Ollantaytambo station, a representative from our company will be waiting for you and will guide you to the bus that will bring you back to the city of Cusco.
What is this day like? check our photos
day 5
ATV Adventure: Moray & Maras Salt Mines
Meals: Breakfast
Maximum altitude: 3,350m/10,991ft
Difficulty level: Moderate III
Minimum altitude: –
Duration: 12Hrs (05:30-17:300)
Hotel: Cusco
At the agreed time, we will pick you up from your hotel in the city of Cusco to begin the adventure towards the impressive salt mines of Maras and the agricultural experimentation center of Moray.
We will embark on a 50-minute journey to the town of Cruz Pata, where we will have the opportunity to practice on the ATVs for 15 to 20 minutes. Once we are ready for this unique journey, we will start the ATV tour towards the experimental terraces of Moray, where our guide will tell us about the origin and importance of this archaeological site. After visiting Moray, we will return to the base to board the tourist transport, and then head to the Maras Salt Mines, an incredibly beautiful place where salt is produced manually. During this tour, we will have magnificent views of the Veronica and Chicon snow-capped mountains, accompanied by a magical landscape in contact with nature. At the salt mines, the guide will explain the natural process of salt production. Once the tour is finished, we will return to the city of Cusco.
day 6
Free Day & Airport Transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Maximum altitude: 3,350m/10,991ft
Difficulty level: Moderate III
Minimum altitude: –
Duration: 12Hrs (05:30-17:300)
Hotel: –
After having breakfast at your hotel, you will have free time to explore the city of Cusco and do some last-minute shopping. Later, at the agreed time (according to the flight itinerary), we will pick you up from your hotel to transfer you to Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport, where you will board your return flight home.
WHAT INCLUDED?
- Transfers: Airport – Hotel – Airport / Hotel – Train Station – Hotel
- 3 nights of accommodation in Cusco
- 1 night of accommodation in Ollantaytambo
- 1 night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 1 dinner
- Snack for the hike (1st day of the Inca Trail)
- City Tour & Saqsayhuaman Archaeological Park
- Tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Visit to Machu Picchu
- ATV Adventures: Moray & Maras salt mines
- All entrance tickets (Sacred Valley, Inca Trail & Machu Picchu)
- Tourist transportation to/from the Inca citadel (first day)
- Professional guides
- Continuous assistance
NOT INCLUDED
- Domestic flights (subject to an additional fee as mentioned)
- Tourist transportation for the descent on the second day
- Tips for the staff
- Additional costs or delays beyond our control
- Unspecified meals (lunch & dinner on the second day)
- Other items not mentioned
ADDITIONAL:
- If you want to visit Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu, you will need to add USD 75.00.
- If you prefer the Vistadome train service, you will need to add USD 60.00 per person.
- If you are traveling alone, please let us know so we can send you the supplement for the single room.
If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, feel free to ask.
F.A.Qs
¿HOW MAKE A RESERVATION?
- To make a reservation, we request that you have a valid passport or a passport with an expiration date of more than 6 months. This is to ensure that you have no issues entering Peru since our immigration office is strict.
- To check availability for spaces in Machu Picchu and choose your desired hotel, please contact one of our Travel Advisors via WhatsApp at +51 941411418 or send us an email at ventas@sakuraexpedition.com
- Once the passport validity and space availability are confirmed, you can proceed to reserve the travel package by making a 50% deposit using our different payment methods.
- For bank deposits, please consider that transaction fees are assumed by our clients. In other words, the deposited amount should cover the fees.
- For credit card payments, please add 5% of the total payment amount as this fee is charged by our providers.
- For PayPal payments, please add 7% of the total payment amount as this fee is charged by PayPal.
WHAT ARE THE SCHEDULED DEPARTURE DATES?
Sakura Expedition offers departures throughout the year.
WHAT TO BRING FOR THE HIKE:
- Personal documents (Identification Document (Passport, ID Card) and TAM (Andean Migration Card)
- Hiking boots
- Hiking clothing
- Travel backpack to carry:
- Camelback or refillable water bottle
- Extra set of clothes
- 2 sets of underwear, including hiking socks
- Rain poncho and/or waterproof jacket
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Swimwear (optional if you want to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
- Personal first aid kit, including any necessary medication
- Camera
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Extra money for souvenirs and other additional expenses.
HOW LONG IS THE TRIP?
The trip duration is 4 days and 3 nights. We recommend arriving in the city before 10:00 AM and departing from your city of origin after 06:00 PM.
WHAT TYPE OF SERVICE WILL I RECEIVE?
We provide “Group Service,” allowing you to enjoy the trip with a group of no more than 15 members. This limit enables a better experience of the attractions and explanations provided by our guides.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO TAKE THE TRIP?
Cusco offers the possibility of enjoying the trip throughout the year. However, the best months are from April to October since you can enjoy sunnier days.