day 1
Welcome to Cusco, City
- Meals: Not applicable
- Maximum altitude: –
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Minimum altitude: 3,350m/10,991ft
- Duration: 1Hrs (13:00-18:30)
- Hotel: Not applicable
Upon arrival, we’ll fetch you from Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport and take you to your Cusco city hotel. You’ll have the day to settle in, adjust, and discover the city. Later, we’ll meet to brief you on your trip.
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’ll pick you up from your hotel to begin the Sacred Valley tour. We’ll visit Saqsayhuaman Archaeological Park and head to the Taray viewpoint to admire Inca terraces and expansive cultivated lands along the “Wilkamuayu,” the sacred river of the Incas. Next, we’ll explore the renowned Pisac artisan market, famous for its silver jewelry. Then, we’ll explore the Pisac archaeological site, showcasing distinct neighborhoods, impressive two-level constructions, and a stunning regional cemetery. Afterward, we’ll return to the vehicle for a delicious lunch in Urubamba.
Following lunch, we’ll proceed to Ollantaytambo, the last living Inca village, to discover its impressive terraces, staircases, and ritual areas. You’ll see megalithic structures with precise cutting and reliefs, along with Qolcas or storehouses opposite the archaeological park. Learn about the love story of General Ollantay and Cusi Qoyllor. At the tour’s end, the guide will provide instructions, and we’ll drop you off at your Ollantaytambo hotel for relaxation and preparation for your next adventure.
What is this day like? check our photos
day 3
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
In the early morning, following your breakfast, we’ll collect you from your hotel and transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station. There, you’ll board a train bound for Km 104 “Chachabamba”. Upon arrival, after instructions and clearance at the INRENA control center, your Inca Trail adventure to Machu Picchu begins.
Accompanied by your guide, you’ll enter the Chachabamba archaeological complex for a detailed explanation. The hike then leads through the high jungle, offering sightings of orchids, including the Wiñayhuayna or “Forever Young,” leading to the next archaeological site of the same name. Wiñayhuayna, perched on the steep slope of the Urubamba River valley, is believed to have been the dwelling of Machu Picchu’s priests.
Continuing, you’ll reach “Inti Punku” or Sun Gate, offering the first breathtaking vista of Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. Descending to the Machu Picchu citadel, you’ll witness a stunning sunset and capture memorable photographs.
Afterward, accompanied by your guide, you’ll board a bus to Aguas Calientes, where your hotel awaits. Here, you’ll settle in, dine, and receive further guidance from your guide regarding the following day’s activities.
What is this day like? check our photos
day 4
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco & Airport Transfer
- 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: Not applicable
“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.
Upon arrival in Cusco, you will have the opportunity for some last-minute shopping. We will then pick you up from your hotel and 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
- 1 night of accommodation in Cusco
- 1 night of accommodation in Ollantaytambo
- 1 night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner
- Snack for the hike (1st day of the Inca Trail)
- Tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Visit to Machu Picchu
- 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.
PACKING LIST
- Original Passport
- Valid STUDENT CARD (if booked as a student)
- Immigration card (delivered on the plane upon entering Peru)
- Good backpack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: the water tank such as Camelbaks or bottles are good for this walk.
- Water for the beginning of your walk. We will stock you at lunch.
- Comfortable hiking boots (light with good soles)
- 1 wick / hiking shirt and hiking pants
- Nice shirt and pants for Machu Picchu day: remember that you will always treasure these photos, wear something you love
- 2 sets of underwear that include a pair of hiking socks
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Sun hat
- Bathing suits for hot springs (Optional on your own in Aguas Calientes)
- Sunscreen cream
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
- Personal first aid kit
- Camera
- IPhone / iPod for music
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks and tips
RECOMENDATIONS
- Book your Inca Trail Expedition as soon as possible since permits sell out quickly.
- Arrive at least 1 day before your Expedition as it will serve as a prior acclimatization to your hike.
- Remember that the city of Cusco is at an altitude of 3400 meters above sea level.
- Check your personal items that you will be taking on the trip.
- Visit us at our main office located in the Historic Center of the city of Cusco, 1 day before your hike at 7:00 pm, to receive an informative talk about the journey led by the Tour Guide.
- This will help you be much more informed, secure, and ready for your tour.
- Leave the luggage you won’t take on the Expedition for free at our main office storage.
- Don’t forget to carry your updated Personal Documents as they will be required by Peruvian authorities at the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu checkpoints.
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.
Map Sacred Valley & Inca Trail Km.104 – 4D/3N
