Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the Short Inca Trail and Super Sacred Valley – 2 Days
day 1
DAY 1: CUSCO - CHINCHERO - MORAY - MARAS - OLLANTAYTAMBO
History, culture and extraordinary landscapes in the Sacred Valley.
A day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where ancestral traditions, farming knowledge and Inca architecture have been kept alive for generations. This day is done in a shared group of up to 16 travelers.
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Pick-up in Cusco and Chinchero weaving
By tourist transport, from 6:20 a.m. · Cusco → Chinchero
The tour begins with pick-up at your hotel in Cusco. Our first stop is Chinchero, one of the most representative towns of the Andean textile tradition. You will discover the art of weaving with sheep, llama and alpaca wool, passed down from generation to generation: local artisans keep ancestral techniques alive and dye their textiles with natural colors from local plants.
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Circular terraces of Moray
By tourist transport · Chinchero → Moray
We continue to Moray, an impressive set of circular terraces linked to Inca agriculture. Its huge terraces, built in concentric circles, reflect Inca agricultural engineering and make it one of the most unique archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley.
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Maras Salt Mines
By tourist transport · Moray → Maras
We visit the Maras Salt Mines, where hundreds of salt pools spread across the mountainside. Salt extraction here dates back to pre-Inca times, and local families still work these ancient sources using traditional techniques.
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Buffet lunch in Urubamba
By tourist transport · Maras → Urubamba
We head on to Urubamba, one of the main towns of the Sacred Valley, surrounded by fertile land and mountains and known for its great variety of corn. Here we enjoy a buffet lunch prepared with fresh local products.
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Guided visit to Ollantaytambo
Guided visit on foot · Urubamba → Ollantaytambo
In the afternoon we reach Ollantaytambo, considered a true living museum of Inca architecture for its urban layout, narrow streets, water channels and stone buildings. With our guide, we visit its archaeological center and learn about the importance of this ancient settlement.
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Free afternoon and night in Ollantaytambo
At your own pace · Ollantaytambo
After the visit, we go to the hotel to drop off our luggage and rest. The afternoon is free to stroll the streets of Ollantaytambo and enjoy its calm before starting the 1-Day Inca Trail the next day.
Day details
- Group: Shared, up to 16 travelers
- Meals: Buffet lunch in Urubamba
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo
What is this day like? check our photos
day 2
DAY 2: OLLANTAYTAMBO – CHACHABAMBA (KM 104) - MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
More than a hike: a journey to enjoy every step.
Today we walk the 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, connecting with the history and nature of the Andes.
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Train to Km 104
By tourist train, with your guide · Ollantaytambo → Km 104
Together with our guide, we go to Ollantaytambo station to board the tourist train to Km 104, the starting point of the hike. There we register our Inca Trail entry permit and go through the checkpoint.
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Chachabamba archaeological site
On foot, a few minutes · Km 104 → Chachabamba
After a few minutes of walking, we reach Chachabamba, our first archaeological site, surrounded by the beautiful cloud forest landscape.
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Ascent to Wiñaywayna
On foot, approx. 2 hours · Chachabamba → Wiñaywayna
We begin a gradual ascent along an original stretch of the Inca Trail, with the Urubamba River winding between the mountains and a high-jungle landscape of orchids, birds and flowers. Before arriving, we take a short break at a small waterfall. Wiñaywayna amazes with its terraces, water channels and ceremonial spaces in the middle of the forest, and it is also part of the 4-Day Classic Inca Trail.
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Lunch and on to the Sun Gate
Box lunch and hike · Wiñaywayna → Intipunku
After exploring Wiñaywayna, we enjoy our Andean box lunch and continue along the trail for the next few hours to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, where we get our first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, surrounded by mountains.
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Machu Picchu Highlight
On foot, approx. 30 minutes · Intipunku → upper sector of Machu Picchu
We descend to the upper sector of Machu Picchu to take the classic panoramic photos of the citadel. Then we continue to the exit.
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Down to Aguas Calientes
By bus · Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes
We take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we have time for dinner before the return train.
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Return to Cusco
By tourist train and transport · Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo → Cusco
We board the tourist train to Ollantaytambo, where our transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. We arrive at night.
Day details
- Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Altitude: maximum 2,720 m / 8,924 ft (Intipunku)
- Meals: Andean box lunch
- Group: 2 to 6 pax
The best of the Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail in just 2 days. Just want the hike? Check out our Inca Trail Express Full Day.
Includes
Day 1: Super Sacred Valley
- Upgraded small group: Shared, up to 16 travelers.
- Personalized assistance one day before: A member of our team will contact you to give you all the information you need and help you prepare for your experience.
- Partial Sacred Valley entrance ticket.
- 1 buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley: With fresh products from the valley.
- 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo: Upgraded double or matrimonial room.
Day 2: 1-Day Inca Trail
- Small group of 2 to 6 travelers: For a more personalized experience.
- Professional bilingual guide licensed for the Inca Trail: Will travel with you from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, assisting you and answering your questions at every stage.
- Inca Trail entry permit.
- Machu Picchu ticket: Circuit 1, panoramic route with views of Machu Picchu.
- Andean box lunch: With vegetarian and vegan options.
- Water for the start of the hike: A bottle of water to start the hike well hydrated.
Transportation
- Private tourist transport: Pick-up at your hotel in Cusco and transfer to Ollantaytambo.
- Tourist train: Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba (Km 104), starting point of the Inca Trail.
- Bus down: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Tourist train: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Private tourist transport on return: From Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
Not include
Meals
- Day 1: Breakfast.
Optional
- Tips: Optional.
- Travel insurance (recommended): For greater peace of mind, we recommend insurance covering flight cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruptions, loss of tourist services due to delays, as well as medical assistance and personal protection throughout your adventure.
Unforeseen events
- Additional costs due to causes beyond the agency’s control: adverse weather, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes or other similar circumstances.
Prices Short Inca Trail and Super Sacred Valley – 2 Days
Rates per person
Traveling solo? The tour is confirmed with a minimum of 2 people. Message us to check availability for your date.
Requirements for the student discount
Accepted
- Physical university ID card (PVC card)
- Valid during the year of travel
- Showing full name, photo, university and expiration date
Not accepted
- ISIC cards
- Digital certificates
- Screenshots
Send a copy when you book.
Payment
Option 1
Full payment at booking
Pay the total when you make your booking.
Option 2
Deposit of US$ 200 per person
Secure your spot; the balance is paid no later than the day before the tour.
Additional services
- Vistadome train upgrade (return) – US$ 45 per person: A panoramic train with large side and roof windows to enjoy the Andean scenery. Includes an on-board snack and an alpaca fashion show.
- Vistadome Observatory train upgrade (return) – US$ 66 per person: The most exclusive train, with large panoramic windows, on-board snacks, alpaca fashion show, open-air observatory car and live music.
- Trekking poles – US$ 15 per pair: They improve stability and comfort during the hike, especially on stairs and uneven ground.
Need accommodation in Cusco?
Our team will help you find the best option for your stay.
Packaging list
- Documents and money: Original passport and cash in soles, in small bills.
- Clothing and footwear: Waterproof hiking boots with non-slip soles, light and breathable trekking clothes, thermal and warm clothing, a waterproof jacket or rain poncho, a hat or cap, and a special outfit for your photos at Machu Picchu.
- Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Health and hygiene: Personal medication, a basic personal first-aid kit, wet wipes or toilet paper, and hand sanitizer.
- Gear: Small hiking backpack, trekking poles with rubber tips, energy snacks, a camera or phone, and a portable charger / power bank.
Recomendations
- Book in advance: Inca Trail permits are limited and subject to availability. We recommend booking as early as possible.
- Acclimatization in Cusco: We recommend arriving at least 1–2 days before the hike to acclimatize. Cusco is located at approximately 3,400 m (11,155 ft) above sea level.
- Check your luggage: Review in advance all the personal items you will need during the hike and try to pack light.
- Briefing: One day before the hike, you will receive detailed information about the route, recommendations and important aspects of your experience.
- Luggage storage: You can leave the luggage you won’t need during the excursion at our office free of charge.
- Personal documents: Carry your original, valid passport, as it will be requested at the Inca Trail checkpoints and at Machu Picchu.
- Pack light: Bring only what you need. A light backpack will make you enjoy the hike much more.
- Weather: Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes have a warm, humid climate typical of the cloud forest. Be prepared for possible changes in temperature and humidity along the way.
- Valuables: Always keep your passport, money, electronic devices and other personal valuables with you.
F.A.Qs
How far in advance should I book?
As soon as possible. Ideally, book about 8 months ahead and, in high season (April to October), at least 4 to 6 months ahead. The government strictly limits access to the Inca Trail: daily permits are issued to only 200 hikers, not counting support staff and porters. That is why we recommend booking as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
What is the tour like?
On day 1 you explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas: Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, where you spend the night. On day 2 you hike the 1-day Inca Trail from Km 104 to Machu Picchu, go down to Aguas Calientes and return by train and road to Cusco, arriving at night.
What kind of service is it, and how big is the group?
On day 1, the Sacred Valley visit is done in a shared group of up to 16 travelers. On day 2, the Inca Trail is done in a small group of 2 to 6 travelers, for a more personalized experience. The tour is confirmed with a minimum of 2 people.
What time does the tour start?
On day 1 we pick you up at your hotel in Cusco from 6:20 a.m. The day before, a member of our team will contact you to give you all the information about the tour.
Where do we stay?
On the first night you stay at a 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo, in an upgraded double or matrimonial room. The afternoon is free to stroll its streets before starting the Inca Trail the next day.
Which meals are included?
The tour includes the buffet lunch on day 1 in Urubamba, prepared with fresh produce from the valley, and the Andean box lunch on day 2, with vegetarian and vegan options. Other meals are not included, such as breakfast on day 1 and dinner in Aguas Calientes before the return train.
Which Machu Picchu circuit is included?
You enter Machu Picchu via Inca Trail Route 5, the panoramic route: you arrive through the Sun Gate (Intipunku) and walk down to the upper sector of the citadel, where you will get the best views and the classic photos of the site.
How long is the Machu Picchu visit?
The walk from Intipunku to the Guardhouse, with the panoramic view of the citadel, takes about an hour and a half. If you also want to see the inside of Machu Picchu, you can buy a second ticket for Circuit 2B, at about US$ 60 per person; you must reach the main gate before 2:30 p.m., as the last entry is at 3:00 p.m. If you don’t arrive in time, the ticket is lost and non-refundable, so we only recommend it for people with good stamina.
How difficult is the hike?
Its difficulty is moderate. You hike about 12 km (7.5 mi), in around 6 to 7 hours. The hike starts at Chachabamba (Km 104), at 2,170 m (7,119 ft), and climbs to 2,720 m (8,924 ft) at Intipunku, the highest point of the route.
What is the best time of year for the tour?
The Andes have two seasons: the dry season, from April to October, and the rainy season, from November to March; even in the rainy season, a single day can bring cloudy skies and plenty of heat. The Inca Trail is open from March 1 to the end of January, and the busiest months are April to September. Machu Picchu lies in the cloud forest, with a warm, humid climate and temperatures of 8 °C to 20 °C (46 °F to 68 °F), so bring clothes for both cold and warm weather.
How do I know if this tour is right for me?
It is ideal for couples, groups of friends and families who want to see the best of the Sacred Valley and hike one of the best-preserved sections of the Inca Trail in just 2 days. You don’t need trekking experience or intense physical training, but you do need basic fitness, to be used to walking for several hours and to be able to move independently along the route.
What is the recommended minimum age, and is there a maximum age for adults?
We recommend the hike for children aged 8 and over, especially if they are used to walking and enjoy outdoor activities. There is no maximum age for adults; what matters is being able to walk for several hours at a comfortable pace. We advise a medical check-up beforehand and travel insurance covering hiking and medical emergencies.
From what age do children pay on the Inca Trail and at Machu Picchu?
Children pay a special rate from age 3. To enjoy the experience more, we recommend it from age 8, as the trails are steep and have many stone steps.
Is there a discount for Andean Community (CAN) countries?
No. Andean Community (CAN) citizens do not get a discount on the Inca Trail or the Machu Picchu ticket. The CAN benefit applies only to programs that do not include the Inca Trail.
Why is the Inca Trail closed in February?
The Inca Trail closes for the whole of February for maintenance and conservation work, which coincides with the heaviest rainy season of the year. The route officially reopens on March 1.
How many days before should I arrive in Cusco to acclimatize?
We recommend arriving in Cusco, at about 3,400 m (11,155 ft), at least 2 days before to avoid altitude sickness. If you are coming from another high-altitude area of Peru, 1 full day in Cusco is enough.
What do I do with my luggage?
You can leave the luggage you won’t need during the tour at our office, free of charge. We recommend traveling light, with a small backpack for the hike.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
It is not mandatory, but for your peace of mind and safety we recommend having it. Travel insurance assists you with lost luggage, cancellations, strikes, natural disasters and other unforeseen events.
Is there phone signal or internet during the tour?
Signal is limited on some sections of the hike. Even so, our team carries a phone with coverage throughout the route to handle any emergency. Please note there is no signal on the train.
Can I change my passport number after booking?
The government only allows the change if we have a copy of both the new and the old passport. If you no longer have the old passport, any government-issued ID is accepted, as long as the name is the same. Also, make sure your passport does not expire within six months before or during your trip.
Do I need trekking poles?
They are highly recommended, as the trail has many steps carved by the Incas; poles ease the pressure on your knees going down and give you support on the climbs. If you bring your own, they must have rubber tips; otherwise, park rangers will not allow them. If you don’t have any, you can book them with the tour for US$ 15 per pair.
Can I bring a drone or a GoPro?
Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are protected by the Peruvian State and UNESCO, so drones may not be brought or flown. You can bring a GoPro or small cameras.
Can I upgrade the return train?
Yes, as an additional service. You can upgrade to the Vistadome train for US$ 45 per person or to the Vistadome Observatory for US$ 66 per person, with panoramic windows, snacks on board and an alpaca fashion show.
Can I stay a night in Aguas Calientes?
Of course. If you take the same return train time as in your original itinerary, usually 6:20 p.m., there is no extra charge for delaying your return by one day. If you need us to book your hotel or another Machu Picchu visit, there is an additional cost. Let us know at least one month in advance so we can buy your train ticket for the right day.
What happens if there are strikes or roadblocks?
Occasionally, external factors such as strikes, protests or roadblocks can change the itinerary’s schedules or services. Our operations team monitors the situation constantly and, if something unexpected happens, will arrange alternatives such as schedule changes, alternative routes or possible rescheduling, in line with the Ministry of Culture’s guidelines. Some of these changes may involve extra costs, which is why we recommend travel insurance.
What happens if I feel unwell during the tour?
If a traveler suffers from altitude sickness, exhaustion or any other problem, the guide will assess the situation right away and provide assistance. Depending on their condition and where they are on the route, we will arrange the return by the safest route or the necessary help with the authorities: the Ministry of Culture, SERNANP and the Peruvian National Police (High Mountain Division).
What is the booking process?
1. Availability check: Contact us via WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 or at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check availability on the Inca Trail, at Machu Picchu and at the hotel.
2. Traveler details: To process the permits, we need each participant’s full name, gender, passport number, date of birth and nationality, exactly as they appear on the passport. Your passport must be valid for more than 6 months, as the immigration office is strict.
3. Deposit: Secure your spot with a deposit of US$ 200 per person (or pay in full); the balance is paid no later than the day before the tour.
4. Confirmation: Once the permits are secured, you will receive your booking confirmation.
What payment methods do you accept?
- Bank deposit: transaction fees are paid by the client; we credit the amount that reaches our accounts.
- Credit card: a 5% fee is added to the total, charged by our providers.
- PayPal: a 7% fee is added to the total, charged by PayPal.
Can I cancel and get my deposit back?
Unfortunately not. The Inca Trail requires buying permits, tickets and train tickets in advance, so the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Before making any changes, check the cancellation conditions with your sales executive.
Is tipping customary?
Tipping is part of the tradition of hikes to Machu Picchu. It is always appreciated, but it is not mandatory, and you should never feel pressured.
Do you have more questions?
Contact us via WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 or at info@sakuraexpedition.com. We will gladly help you plan your trip.
