Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu (3 Days / 2 Nights)
3 days / 2 nights
3,400 m.s.n.m
Moderate
8 to 12 people
Este recorrido te lleva a través de los sitios más emblemáticos del Valle Sagrado, como Pisac, Ollantaytambo y las famosas minas de sal de Maras. El viaje concluye con una visita a Machu Picchu, el tesoro más emblemático de la civilización inca.
ITINERARY
Departure from Cusco
We’ll depart from Cusco in private transport, heading to the Sacred Valley. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning landscapes, passing through rural communities and the majestic Andes mountains.
Visit to Pisac: Archaeological Site and Artisan Market
Our first stop is Pisac, where we’ll explore the ruins perched atop a mountain. This archaeological site is renowned for its agricultural terraces and ceremonial temples. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Pisac artisan market, one of the most famous in the region, where you can purchase souvenirs such as textiles and handicrafts.
Lunch in Urubamba
After visiting Pisac, we’ll head to Urubamba for a buffet lunch offering a variety of traditional regional dishes.
Visit to Ollantaytambo
In the afternoon, we’ll explore the majestic archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, an Inca fortress with terraces and temples offering panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. You’ll learn about its importance as a military and religious center.
Train to Aguas Calientes
From Ollantaytambo, we’ll take the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival in the evening, we’ll transfer to the hotel, where you can rest and prepare for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
We’ll start the day early, taking the bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Once inside, you’ll enjoy a guided tour (2-3 hours) exploring the mysteries of the Inca citadel, including the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, agricultural terraces, and the Main Plaza.
Free Time in Machu Picchu
After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to continue exploring at your own pace. Walk along the trails, take photos, or climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance reservation required).
Train Back to Cusco
After your time in Machu Picchu, we’ll descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Then, we’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
Visit to Moray
After breakfast in Cusco, we’ll head to Moray, an Inca archaeological site famous for its circular terraces. This site served as an agricultural laboratory to experiment with different microclimates, showcasing the advanced engineering of the Inca civilization.
Visit to Maras Salt Mines
Next, we’ll visit the impressive Maras Salt Mines, a collection of over 3,000 salt ponds that have been used since Inca times and are still in operation today. You’ll learn about the traditional salt extraction process while enjoying the spectacular views of the salt terraces.
Return to Cusco
After exploring Maras and Moray, we’ll return to Cusco in the afternoon. You’ll have free time to relax or explore the city on your own before your departure.
INCLUDES
- Tourist transport for the entire tour.
- Entrance fees to all archaeological sites (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Maras Salt Mines).
- Entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish-English).
- Round-trip train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.
- Bus tickets to and from Machu Picchu.
- 1 night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
- 1 night of accommodation in Cusco.
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba (Day 1).
- Breakfasts at hotels.
NOT INCLUDED
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional, advance reservation required).
- Lunches and dinners (except the buffet lunch on Day 1).
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for guides or drivers (optional).
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations for the Tour
What to Bring:
- Comfortable layered clothing to adapt to changing temperatures.
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Water bottle and light snacks.
- Passport (required for entry to Machu Picchu).
- Small backpack for daily hikes.
Recommended Footwear:
- Comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots for exploring archaeological sites.
Local Remedies:
- Coca tea: Ideal for preventing altitude sickness, especially in Pisac and Moray.
- Coca or muña candies: Help maintain energy during walks.
Pharmaceutical Remedies:
- Pain relievers for altitude-related headaches.
- Stomach medications if sensitive to food.
Possible Issues During the Tour:
- Altitude Sickness:
- Some travelers may experience mild symptoms at high-altitude sites like Pisac and Moray. Rest and coca tea are recommended.
- Mild Fatigue:
- While the walks are not strenuous, visiting multiple archaeological sites can be tiring. Walk at a comfortable pace and rest as needed.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Yes, it’s recommended to book at least 1-2 months in advance due to limited availability.
Yes, the tour is accessible for all ages. The walks are gentle, and the archaeological sites are easy to explore.
Spending at least one day in Cusco to acclimate to the altitude is recommended before starting the tour.
Yes, the itinerary can be adjusted to your preferences. If you’d like to add more sites or make changes, coordinate with the tour operator.
Accommodation is in tourist-class hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes. Upgrades to higher categories are available upon request at an additional cost.
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