This incredible Sacred Valley and Short Inca Trail Tour is an extraordinary adventure that takes you through the wonders of the Sacred Valley, unveiling its hidden treasures and remarkable archaeological sites. Following this remarkable journey, embark on the Short Inca Trail, leading you to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. As you traverse the trail, you will be captivated by the grandeur of Inca ruins, mesmerized by the breathtaking mountain vistas, immersed in the lushness of subtropical vegetation, and amazed by the diverse ecological wonders that surround you.
Known as the “Ancient Inca Road,” this trail winds its way through the National Park, eventually guiding you to the renowned Sun Gate, be greeted by unforgettable panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Along the route, pass through enchanting cloud forests, gradually transitioning into a world of vibrant subtropical vegetation. What makes this journey even more special is that participants of the short Inca Trail Trek will have the privilege of witnessing the magnificent Machu Picchu Citadel in the afternoon of the first day, with the opportunity to explore it further the following morning.
Designed specifically for those with limited travel time, this trek offers a glimpse into the historic Inca Trail, allowing you to experience its splendor and significance firsthand. With each step, you will be transported back in time, uncovering the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes that make this region so revered.
We start this beautiful day at 7:30 am with pick up from your Cusco hotel in our private van. Our route to the Sacred Valley of the Incas leads us toward Pisac. We stop first at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy an expansive view of the Urubamba Valley and its traditional farming villages. See how agriculture in the Sacred Valley has changed little in the past five hundred years. Drive to the archeological site of Pisac, where you can see an amazing Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs.
Carefully admire the engineered terraces that are carved into the mountain. Explore the Inca tunnel as well as the religious area of this wonderful citadel. Spend around 2 hours exploring this impressive Inca city. Later head down to the colorful market at Pisac town.
Next we travel to the archeological site of Moray, also known as the ‘The Greenhouse of the Incas. If you havent heard of Moray, well the site is levels of terracing carved into a huge bowl, which was engineered by the ancient Incas. The terraces are varied microclimates which depends on how deep into the bowl they are placed. Scentists believe that the Incas used this site for optimal growing conditions for experimenting in crop production.
Travel to the town of Maras, not far from Moray, from Maras we travel to the pre Inca salt mines at Maras. Thousands of salt pans have been passed down through many generations and used to extract salt since before Inca times. A hot spring located at the top of the valley discharges a steady stream of salt laden water, which is diverted into the pans, when evaportated to produce salt.
Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, taking the time to explore the Inca village that has remained intact since Inca times and the massive Inca Ruins, with a tour provided by our guide. Visit the massive architecture of the Sun Temple at the top of the formidable terraces and learn about the importance of this site for the Inca during the beginning of the Spanish conquest. Here you spend the night at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, ready to start the Inca Trail the next day.
The train will depart Ollantaytambo at 610am. Travel through the Sacred Valley for 1 hour, immerse yourself in the fascinating scenery that is passing you by. It is a great idea to eat your breakfast on the train, ask your hotel to prepare or take your own.
Upon reaching the renowned Km104, a significant landmark, your experienced guide will accompany you as you disembark from the train. It is at this point that your thrilling hike officially commences, marking the start of an unforgettable adventure.
Along the way, you will stop at several outlooks where you have an expansive view of the Urubamba River. You will also pass through several microclimates, including cloud forests, so be ready for damp or even rain in any season of the year. The next hour and a half are a slightly steeper uphill trek with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end of the trail!
As you walk below the waterfall, be sure to gaze up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna as you pass! (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level) These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle. This close to Machu Picchu, you are hiking through a lush sub-tropical jungle. Your guide will tell you all about the ruins, plus the incredible flora and fauna of this microclimate, and answer any questions you have before the short 5-minute walk to your lunch spot.
Have lunch at the Wiñay Wayna campground, which is the last campground for those hiking the
Classic Inca Trail. Enjoy your hearty, gourmet lunch and admiring the tropical flowers around the campground. Be sure to notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you book!
When you have finished your lunch, you will have a mostly flat hike to the Sun Gate except for a set of steep stairs, known as the Gringo Killers, just before you arrive at the Sun Gate. As you walk through the Sun Gate, experience your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu Citadel, take some time to savor the moment and take photos. The last hour down from the Sun Gate provide many options to take more photos of Machu Picchu from many unique vantage points. There are also a couple more important Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, so make sure to go slowly, enjoy your time walking in the footsteps of the Inca on the Inca Trail. Ask your guide questions about the historical places on the last part of your hike to Machu Picchu.
On reaching Machu Picchu, spend some time taking photos from the viewing platforms above the site, the House of the Guardians is a great place to take the famous pictures of Machu Picchu. Arrive at Machu Picchu in the early afternoon, as Machu Picchu starts to empty of tourists, which gives a great chance to take shots with fewer people. Later travel by bus down to Aguas Calientes where you will check into your hotel. In the evening enjoy a delicious dinner and may walk around the town before returning to your hotel and resting for the big day ahead.
You will leave an overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes.
The fabulous Machu Picchu awaits today. You will need to have an early breakfast this morning and take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to witness a once in a lifetime experience, the sunrise. Dont miss this opportunity you may never get to experience this again. The guide will take you on an informative tour of around 2 hours and visit all the important parts of this site.
When you have had your fill of the amazing views of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for shopping, sightseeing, or visiting the museum or hot springs.
The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, following the stunning Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! 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 vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00 pm.
***IMPORTANT:
**Huayna Picchu Mountain is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
The fantastic Sacred Valley and Short Inca Trail Tour are available on any date that will suit you except in February when the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance! Join our group and get the best deals.
Private service is available for $100 USD more per person.
All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 people with a maximum of 8!
Huayna Picchu Mountain is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request it in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services for the Sacred Valley and Short Inca Trail Tour
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6 pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 213 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO.
Of course! During the Sacred Valley and Short Inca Trail Tour, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
FIRST, to book your Sacred Valley and Short Inca Trail Tour, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here on the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Inca trail permit, entrance to Machu Picchu, or the train without the following information:
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$200.00 per person in order to purchase your Inca Trail permit, entrance to Machu Picchu, and train ticket. You can make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address samtravelperu@gmail.com.
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify for the student discount.
All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at info@samtravelperu.com
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Once the tickets for the Inca Trail have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the tickets have been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable.
*** If you cancel your Sacred Valley & Short Inca trail to Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable!
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other entrances, and reservations. The rangers will check when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train.
In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passports to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter into Machu Picchu or get on the train. They are very strict about this here!!
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you bring a warm jacket for early morning and a rain poncho in case of a rain shower.
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Inca Trail HIke Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your tour. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Local sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and its people.
The Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Package does not include an extra porter. You will need to carry all your things. Please try to pack as light as possible which is the key to enjoying this amazing trek.
In your daypack for the Sacred Valley and Short Inca Trail Tour, you should have:
In your duffel that will be sent by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes:
Cusco
