Machu Picchu And Sacred Valley Tour

Highlights

• Witness the stunning sunrise over Machu Picchu, especially breathtaking during the dry season.
• Explore the pre-Columbian religious site and other remarkable attractions in the Sacred Valley.
• Immerse yourself in Peruvian culture by meeting Andean artisans and gaining insights into their deep cultural roots.
• Traverse picturesque villages, ancient Inca terraces, and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Enjoy comfortable round-trip transportation via bus and train.
• Benefit from the local perspective provided by our knowledgeable guide, offering insights you might miss on your own.
• Marvel at the incredible Andes mountains and the breathtaking landscapes.
• Travel along one of the world’s most beautiful railways, running parallel to the Urubamba River.

Why Choose Inca Trail Specialist for your Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Experience?

• Our Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley 2-day tour is operated by Inca Trail Specialist, a 100% local tour operator based in Cusco.
• We are known for our practicality, punctuality, and reliability, catering to both individuals and groups. Don’t just take our word for it; check out our outstanding reviews on TripAdvisor.
• At Inca Trail Specialist, our guides, drivers, and cooks receive their salaries promptly upon completing their tasks.
• We offer an exclusive experience, not shared with other companies, for your Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-day adventure.
• We keep our groups small, with a maximum of 2 to 8 people, ensuring a personalized and memorable experience—a distinctive feature setting us apart from companies that handle larger groups.
• Inca Trail Specialist is a 100% locally owned travel company, fully licensed to operate in the Sacred Valley.
• Our tour guides are committed to staying updated and continually improving their skills through comprehensive professional development. We are passionate about showcasing the fascinating and unique Inca Trail.
• Your return train ticket on day 2 departs at 02:55 pm from Aguas Calientes, allowing you to return to Cusco early and potentially embark on your next adventure, such as the Palcoyo Mountain tour, with ample rest.

Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley Itinerary

Day 1: Sacred Valley Tour

The Sacred Valley is a vast region with numerous captivating attractions, making it impossible to explore in just one day. To ensure you experience its wonders thoroughly, we offer two options for your visit, both starting at 7:00 am from your hotel in Cusco. Please select your preferred option:

Option 1: Pisac Route (Alpaca Farm, Pisac Ruins, Pisac Market, and Ollantaytambo)

Your day begins with a 7:00 am pickup from your Cusco hotel for the Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley tour. We embark on a journey to Pisac, where we’ll visit four significant sites: Awana Cancha (home to Alpacas, Llamas, Vicuña, and Huanacos), the Pisac Archaeological site, Pisac Market, and the Ollantaytambo Archaeological site. At midday, we pause for lunch in Urubamba, and if you wish, we can explore a brewery (optional). After lunch, we continue our adventure with a visit to the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Center. In the afternoon, we board a train to Aguas Calientes, departing at either 3:37 pm or 7:30 pm, subject to availability. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we check in at our hotel, savor dinner, and spend the night.

Option 2: Maras Route (Chinchero, Moray, Salt Ponds, and Ollantaytambo)

Similarly, our day begins with a 7:00 am pickup from your Cusco hotel. This option features visits to the Chinchero Textile Center, the charming Colonial town of Maras, the intriguing Inca site of Moray (comprising impressive terrace circles used by the Incas for crop experimentation), and the historic salt mines, which have been operational since Pre-Inca times. These salt mines channel water from an underground stream into pools, allowing evaporation to yield pure salt crystals, creating a striking visual with countless white pools cascading down the valley. Our final destination is the Ollantaytambo ruins, where we spend an hour exploring. In the late afternoon, we board a train to Aguas Calientes, departing at either 3:37 pm or 7:30 pm, depending on availability. Upon reaching Aguas Calientes, we check in at our hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night.

Day 2: Machu Picchu

The second day holds the enchanting visit to Machu Picchu. Rise early to catch the first bus to Machu Picchu, allowing you to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the ruins.

Your knowledgeable guide will lead a comprehensive 2-hour tour, unraveling the mysteries of Machu Picchu. Following the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore the ruins independently and, if you’ve secured tickets, embark on a hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain ($65 per person, separate entrance ticket required). Finally, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes, board a train to Ollantaytambo, and conclude your journey with a bus ride back to Cusco. We will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, marking the end of this unforgettable adventure.

Inclusions

• Professional English-speaking guides for 2 days.
• Hotel in Aguas Cabaña 3 stars or similar.
• Tourist transportation for Sacred Valley tour.
• All entrance fees to the archaeological sites visited.
• Round trip Train ticket from Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo.
• Breakfast at the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Round trip Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes- Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes.
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
• Guided tour for 2 hours in Machu Picchu.
• Salta mine ticket.
• Transportation to Cusco and to your hotel.

Not Included

• tips
• Snacks and drinks during the tour.
• Lunch and dinner on the first day(The are many restaurants which you can choose from at the moment).
• Lunch on the second day.

What To Bring To Tour Maras, Moray and Sacred Valley

• Valid passport.
• Sneakers or running shoes.
• Long, comfortable trousers and a windbreaker.
• Sweater and a lightweight shirt.
• Raincoat or poncho – as it can rain at any time of the year.
• Camera with a fully charged battery and ample memory.
• Insect repellent (for sandflies).
• Sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Personal first aid kit (personal medications).
• Water bottle with 1-2 liters of water.
• Compact backpack.
• Snacks (prices are higher in Aguas Calientes!).
• Padlock for a locker at the hostel.
• Towel.

Aditional Info

The operator strives to offer tours and activities with a low level of risk and difficulty, ensuring the safety of the participants. However, it is important to take into account the following considerations:

•  Client’s Responsibility: Any loss of personal belongings or accident occurring during the tour is the sole responsibility of the client. It is recommended to take adequate precautions to protect your belongings and personal safety.
• Variations in the Service: The service is subject to variations without prior notice due to adverse weather conditions (rains, floods, floods, etc.), strikes, demonstrations or other unforeseen events that may affect the planned itinerary. In case of cancellation for these reasons, no refunds will be made. The operator will endeavor to offer a contingency plan with an alternative tour.
•  Itinerary Flexibility: The itinerary may be modified by the operator, always prioritizing the safety of the travelers and the optimal development of the service as a whole. These modifications will be made according to the operator’s criteria and in order to guarantee the best possible experience.
• Early Withdrawal: If a participant decides to withdraw before the end of the service, no refund will be made for the unused portion of the tour.
• Recommended Snacks: If you choose to bring or purchase snacks during the tours, we recommend that they be light, such as dried fruits, cookies and water, to maintain comfort during the activity.
•  Attendance on the Day of the Service: If a client does not attend the day of the service without prior notice, the service will be considered to have been carried out and there will be no room for claims, postponements or refunds.

Please be aware of these conditions when participating in tours and activities with this operator. The safety and well-being of travelers are a priority, but it is important to be prepared and understand the company’s policies in order to enjoy the experience to the fullest.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT CIRCUIT WILL YOUR MACHU PICCHU + SACRED VALLEY TOUR FOLLOW?

For our Machu Picchu + Sacred Valley tour, we purchase the circuit 2 ticket, which allows you to explore both the upper and lower parts of Machu Picchu. This circuit is recommended as it enables you to experience the entire Inca City.

HOW TO BOOK MACHU PICCHU & SACRED VALLEY 2 DAY TOUR WITH AB EXPEDITIONS?

To book the Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley 2-day tour with us, follow these steps:

• Click the “Book Now” button above.
• Select your departure date.
• Fill out the personal information of each participant.
• Complete the payment using a credit card or debit card. Please send us only the deposit.
• Once we receive your deposit, we’ll require passport pictures of each participant, as they are necessary when purchasing Machu Picchu train tickets. After securing your Machu Picchu tickets, we’ll confirm that everything is fully organized. All confirmed start dates are guaranteed.

WHAT ABOUT THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE?

Your remaining balance can be settled in cash (in USD or soles) one day before your trip or via PayPal at least one week before your trip (a 7% service fee applies). Alternatively, you can pay with a Visa credit card (a 5% service fee applies). Paying in cash is recommended to avoid transaction fees. Please let us know your preferred payment method.

HOW ABOUT THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

Peruvian law requires visitors to be under 18 years old at the time of their Machu Picchu visit to qualify for a student discount (for those 18 or older, valid student cards are needed). Discounts are as follows:

• All students aged 11 to 17 receive a $20 USD discount.
• Children aged 2 to 11 receive a $30 USD discount.
• To claim the student discount, all students must provide a copy of their passport and student card at the time of booking. Send these documents to info@incatrailspecialist.com.

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN PURCHASED?

Yes, it is possible to change your departure date. However, there is a 25% penalty of the deposit, which covers charges from Peru Rail and the Machu Picchu office.

DO I NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE MACHU PICCHU & SACRED VALLEY 2 DAY TOUR?

Yes, you must bring your original passport. It’s crucial that it matches the passport you provided when reserving your Machu Picchu ticket, as your passport will be checked at the Machu Picchu checkpoint when you board the train.

UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS

If you are renewing your passport, please email us a copy of your old passport to book your Machu Picchu ticket. If you no longer have your old passport, any government-issued ID with the same name will suffice. Once you receive your new passport, please send us a copy immediately to update your ticket information.

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE OF MY TRAIN TICKET?

The train schedule depends on availability. Typically, we book the 15:27 pm or 19:00 schedule from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes on day

1.   The return train ticket is at 02:55 pm, allowing you to arrive in Cusco at 06:30 pm, leaving enough time for activities the next day, such as the Rainbow Mountain tour.

CAN I STAY IN THE SACRED VALLEY FOR MY 2 DAY TOUR OF SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU?

We do not recommend staying in the Sacred Valley. It’s better to stay in Cusco.

CAN I BOOK MY OWN HOTEL IN AGUAS CALIENTES?

Yes, you can book any hotel in Aguas Calientes, reducing the tour price to $40 per person. If you choose to book your own hotel, please inform us of your accommodation details so our guide can safely take you there.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

During the 2-day Inca trail hike, you can store your luggage at our office or your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please bring only what you’ll need for your Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu trip.