Itinerary: VIP Sacred Valley & Inca Trail Connection 2 Days
day 1
Cusco - Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo
The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco approximately between 6:20 and 7:00 am. On our way to Ollantaytambo, we will visit the different tourist places of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The first stop will be Chinchero, a place where people have preserved their artisan traditions. During the Inca civilization, Chinchero used to be a summer palace for the Incas. After the Spanish conquistadors conquered Chinchero, they demolished the palace and built a church on its ruins.
Our next stop will be Moray, which was an agricultural laboratory. The Incas used these circular cultivation terraces with different temperatures to test the growing conditions of crops.
Then, we will visit Maras, known for its salt terraces where ancient methods are still used to extract salt.
Afterwards, we will stop in Urubamba for lunch.
Finally, we will visit Ollantaytambo, a charming town that was the administrative capital of the Incas. After a tour or guided tour, you can tour the town of Ollantaytambo that still retains its Andean identity.
Here we will spend the night to leave the next day towards km 104 or Chachabamba.
day 2
Ollantaytambo – km 104 or Chachabamba – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Food: Box Lunch
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Total Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
- Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours
- Maximum altitude: 2,720 m. / 8,924 ft.
We will pick you up at approximately 5:50 a.m. to head towards the train station in Ollantaytambo.
From there, you’ll board the Expedition or Voyager tourist train, enjoying a scenic journey along the Urubamba River, with breathtaking views of mountains and cloud forest. We will disembark at Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail, located at 2,100 meters (6,927 feet) above sea level.
After registering at the checkpoint, we begin the hike by visiting the archaeological site of Chachabamba, an ancient Inca ceremonial center dedicated to water worship. From here, the trail ascends gradually along original Inca stone paths, surrounded by lush Andean vegetation and cloud forest, home to orchids, birds, and butterflies.
After a few hours of hiking, we’ll reach Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail. This site features agricultural terraces, temples, ritual fountains, and a stunning cliffside location. We’ll enjoy a box lunch in a designated rest area equipped with shelter and bathrooms.
We then continue our journey towards Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), the ancient ceremonial entrance to Machu Picchu. From this natural viewpoint, you’ll have your first panoramic view of the Inca citadel—a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
We will descend on foot to the upper area of Machu Picchu to begin the final visit.
Visit to the Guardian’s House – Panoramic View and Final Walkthrough
Upon entering the archaeological site, we head towards the Guardian’s House, one of the most iconic panoramic viewpoints of Machu Picchu. From here, you’ll capture the classic postcard view of the Inca citadel—perfect for high-quality panoramic photos.
Our professional guide will provide a 30-minute interpretive explanation covering topics such as Andean worldview, Inca architecture, astronomy, and the cultural and spiritual importance of Machu Picchu, recognized as a Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You will then have free time to explore, take pictures, and soak in the scenery. Afterwards, we’ll exit the site by walking along the upper section of the agricultural terraces, descending to a lower platform near the main gate—offering final scenic photo opportunities.
Return to Aguas Calientes and Transfer to Cusco
We will board the tourist bus down to Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu Pueblo). If you would like to have dinner before returning, we can recommend local restaurants with excellent service.
In the evening, you’ll take the return train to Ollantaytambo on Expedition or Voyager service, depending on availability. Upon arrival, a shared tourist transport will take you back to the city of Cusco.
Estimated arrival time in Cusco: between 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., depending on the assigned train schedule.
VIP Sacred Valley & Inca Trail Connection 2 Days
What includes and not includes
WHAT INCLUDED?
- Pre-trip information: One day before the start of the trip, you will have a meeting with the guide to receive detailed information. The meeting can be in a group at our office or at your hotel, and will be held at 6:00 p.m.
- Sacred Valley Vip (chinchero / Moray/sal mine /Urubamba / Ollantaytambo
- Entrance Sacred Valley
- Transportation: We will pick you up in a private vehicle from your hotel and take you to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you will take the train to Km 104.
- Train ticket: Includes train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Km 104.
- Experienced guide: You will have a professional licensed guide for the Inca Trail, who will explain the culture and environment along the route and keep you safe and comfortable during the hike.
- TICKETS TO MACHUPICCHU
- Entrance to Machu Picchu with one of the three official circuits, subject to availability – all provide stunning views of the Inca citadel.
- Entrance to the Inca Trail Km 104
- Hotel *** + breakfast
- Meals: 2 lunch 1 Breakfast hotel + snack will be provided, as well as snacks (with vegetarian, vegan or special options at no extra cost).
- Snacks: Snacks include local fruits, cookies, chocolates, candies, etc. that will be delivered at the beginning of each day in a cloth bag.
- Cloth bag for snacks: To avoid the use of plastic bags that pollute the environment, we will provide a cloth bag for your snacks.
- Medical kit: Our team will carry a first aid kit, which includes an emergency oxygen bottle.
- Train tickets: Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo are included (Peru Rail “Expedition” service at 6:20 p.m., subject to availability).
- Transportation: Private transportation from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco is included (day 2).
- 24-hour customer service: A 24-hour telephone service is available to facilitate communication and preparation with the travel agency.
- Memorable experience: We will provide you with an unforgettable experience.
- Bus ticket Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
NOT INCLUDED
- dinner on the first day
- Day pack.
- Hygiene products: a small towel will be provided before each meal to wash your hands.
- Personal clothing and equipment.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for our staff: keep in mind that our agency staff is well paid, so feel free to tip or not as you wish.
- Additional costs or delays beyond the control of the administration (landscape, bad weather, modification of the itinerary due to a security problem, illness, change in government policy, political instability/strike, etc.).
Additional Services
- Trekking poles ($15.00 USD)
- Budget lunch in Aguas Calientes ($15.00 USD)
- Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge ($45.00 USD)
- Extra porter for 14kg ($80.00 USD)
- Entry to Huayna Picchu, subject to availability and times: 7:00 am / 8:00 am / 9:00 am / 10:00 am ($60.00 USD)
- Entry to Machu Picchu mountain*, subject to availability and times: 8:00 am / 9:00 am ($60.00 USD)
- Guided tour of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain* ($75.00 USD per group)
- Upgrade your train service to “Vistadome” for the return trip ($50.00 USD)
- Upgrade your train service to “Vistadome Observatory” for the return trip ($75.00 USD)
- Assistance with hotel reservations (standard and luxury) throughout Peru
- *Note: “Machu Picchu mountain” refers to the peak/mountain opposite the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
Recommendations:
- Travel insurance: A highly important requirement to cover any unexpected events during travel, such as medical assistance, extended stay due to illness or accident, baggage loss, or forced trip cancellation due to protests or natural disasters.
Packaging list VIP Sacred Valley & Inca Trail Connection 2 Days
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.
WILL THE INCA TRAIL BE FOR ME?
- Definitely YES! The Inca Trail is one of those things that nobody should miss the opportunity to do, at least once in a lifetime; whether you’re a woman or a man, young or old, in good or bad physical condition… the Inca Trail is simply for EVERY
F.A.Qs
- How to know if it is Inca Trail Tour is for me? The 2-day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu is one of the original preserved roads of the Inca era where not everyone manages to buy the quota, it is made for every passenger that you can walk without having to do a lot of training just really want to walk, but that you can mobilize alone, However, you always recommend having a little time in Cusco to acclimatize yourself by the altitude of the city of Cusco before starting the Inca trail .
- What is the best time to do the Inca Trail tour? The climate in the Andean region is marked by two seasons: the best dry season (from April to October) and the rainy season (from November to March). Keep in mind that, despite being a rainy season, on the same day there may be rain and sun rising, cloudy skies and even a lot of sun.The Inca trail opens from the first day of March of each year until the end of January by day, tourists from all over the world come to visit Machu Picchu 365 days a year. The months with the highest influx of tourists are from April to September. Machu Picchu is in the jungle, so its climate is warm and humid. Temperatures vary between 8 º and 20 º C. It is advisable to wear clothes for cold and heat.
- IS THE INCA ROAD TOUR CLOSED IN FEBRUARY? Since it is a rainy season the road is closed for maintenance.
- HOW MANY DAYS BEFORE I NEED TO BE IN CUSCO TO ACLIMATE ME? It is very important to be well accustomed to the altitude before straining on a hike. so that you can acclimatize and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while you are on the hike.We can help you organize day trips and other tours of Cusco for acclimatization: City tour Cusco – Half day tour / City Tour Matinal Tour Valley Sacred – Full day tour If you have already been in another area of Peru of high altitude before arriving in Cusco, we recommend that you have a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your trip and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before leaving for the walk.
- How is the reservation process: FIRST To make a reservation, send us an email [email protected] to check availability and receive personalized reservation forms: All customers must complete a Passenger Details form at the time of booking. Go to the reservation This form is prepared with the following information (OF EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot buy any Salkantay Trek Classic permit or ticket 5 days without the following information: * Personal information (full name, exactly as in your passport): * Gender * Passport number * Date of birth (dd / mm / yyyy) * Nationality Once you make your reservation we will reserve as quickly as possible for the large number of Operators looking to get space for the whole year.SEGUNDO, Sakura Expedition will ask to complete a reservation form with all the details and then a deposit of $ 200 per person . Once we have all the deposits and details, we will reserve your permits. When the permits are in our hands, we will send you your confirmation invoice indicating that everything is 100% confirmed and will be guaranteed.
- BEFORE TRAVELING, WILL I RECEIVE TRAVEL INFORMATION? One day before the departure of your trip, you will receive detailed information with your Guide, this may be group or personal in your Hotel
- UPDATE OF PASSPORT NUMBERS The government will only allow us to change passport numbers if we have a copy of the new passport and the previous passport. If you no longer have your previous passport, any government identification document will be accepted, provided the name is the same. Also, make sure your passport does not expire after six months and less during the course of your trip.
- HOW TO GET TO CUSCO Most people will arrive in Cusco by air. Remember that Cusco airport is only for national trips. If you come directly from abroad through Lima, you must get your bags in Lima and check them again for your flight to Cusco. Four airlines fly back and forth between Lima and Cusco. That includes LATAM Airlines, AVIANCA Airlines, Sky airlines. All offer similar schedules, but we generally recommend LATAM or AVIANCA airlines. They tend to be the most formal when unexpected flight cancellations or delays occur.
- CAN I SPEND AN ADDITIONAL NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES ? Of course, if you agree to take the same train from Aguas Calientes that is part of your original itinerary, which is usually at 18:20 at night, then there is no additional charge To return the train one day. If you need us to insure your hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu, this will have an additional cost. If you choose to spend another night in Aguas Calientes, be sure to inform the Sakura Expeditions office at least one month in advance, so that your train ticket is purchased for the correct day.
- DO YOU NEED WALK BOOTS? We always recommend hiking boots. Those who have ankle support are helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be going down so many steps created by the Incas, now uneven and at different heights, the additional support helps protect the ankle.
- SHOULD I USE WALK STICKS? The canes are always useful for hikers, and are recommended for this hike. There are so many stairs that will go down and all made by the Incas. They vary in height and are not all straight. The use of canes can help relieve knee pressure by making this part of the path. In addition, they will help you climb the mountain too. For those who bring their own, make sure you have rubber tips, or the rangers will not allow you to use them. You can buy rubber tips in Cusco if you forget before leaving.
- THE PENDING BALANCE? It would be highly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many ATMs in the historic center to withdraw money.
- HOW MANY LITERS IS THE WALK BACKPACK RECOMMENDED? Generally, a backpack of 30 to 60 liters is enough.
- CAN I LEAVE MY LUGGAGE IN YOUR OFFICE? Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored in our office or in your hotel, both free of charge.
- DO YOU TIP? Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. While it is true we pay good salaries to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Keep in mind that this is not mandatory and that you should never feel pressured by this.
- Is it better privately or in a group? We recommend that if you want to enjoy the 2-day Inca Trail tour more, do it privately with fewer people. You will have the opportunity to have more time and walk at your own pace without rushing, your guide will pay more attention. We also recommend it for older people or people who are not used to walking much.
