Sacred Valley and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 3D/2N
Sacred Valley and Inca Trail 3-Day Tour
Enjoy a 3-day experience combining some of the highlights of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Short Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu. This program is designed for travelers who want to discover archaeological sites, Andean landscapes, and traditional villages while also experiencing the unforgettable journey of entering Machu Picchu on foot along one of the historic routes of the Inca Trail network.
During the tour, you will visit Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo. The following day, you will travel by train to Km 104, where you will begin the Short Inca Trail, visiting Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna before reaching Intipunku, the Sun Gate.
After spending the night in Aguas Calientes, you will return to Machu Picchu on the third day for a guided tour along the designated route for travelers arriving via the Inca Trail. Finally, you will return by train to Ollantaytambo and continue by private ground transportation to Cusco.
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Overview
DAY 1: CUSCO – CHINCHERO – MORAY – MARAS – OLLANTAYTAMBO
- 7:30 a.m. Pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
- Drive from Cusco to Chinchero.
- Visit to the Chinchero archaeological site.
- Continue to the Moray archaeological complex.
- Visit the Maras Salt Mines.
- Free time for lunch in the Sacred Valley.
- Afternoon visit to the Ollantaytambo archaeological site.
- Approximately between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m., transfer and check-in at your hotel.
- Free time to explore the town of Ollantaytambo.
- Overnight stay in Ollantaytambo.
DAY 2: OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 104 – CHACHABAMBA – WIÑAY WAYNA – INTIPUNKU – AGUAS CALIENTES
- Early breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station.
- Train journey to Km 104 according to the assigned train schedule.
- Start of the Short Inca Trail and entrance checkpoint.
- Visit to the Chachabamba archaeological site.
- Uphill hike toward Wiñay Wayna.
- Guided visit to Wiñay Wayna and box lunch.
- Continue hiking toward Intipunku, the Sun Gate.
- Descent from Intipunku toward the Machu Picchu area.
- Afternoon bus ride down to Aguas Calientes.
- Dinner and overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
- Early breakfast at the hotel.
- At approximately 6:00 a.m., bus ride to Machu Picchu according to the assigned entrance time.
- At approximately 7:00 a.m., entrance and guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Approximate guided tour duration: 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Bus ride back down to Aguas Calientes.
- Free time for lunch.
- Afternoon train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Ground transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Estimated arrival in Cusco between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m., depending on the assigned train schedule.
- Transfer to your hotel.
Please note: All times are approximate and may vary depending on train schedules, Machu Picchu entrance availability, weather conditions, traffic, and regulations issued by the relevant authorities.
DAY 1: CUSCO – CHINCHERO – MORAY – MARAS – OLLANTAYTAMBO
Our 3-Day Sacred Valley and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour begins at approximately 7:30 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, a city located at approximately 3,399 m / 11,152 ft above sea level.
From Cusco, we will travel toward Chinchero, located at approximately 3,762 m / 12,343 ft. This traditional Andean town preserves important archaeological remains, agricultural terraces, and structures that form part of its historical heritage. During the visit, we will explore the archaeological site and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of this region of the Andes.
We will then continue to Moray, located at approximately 3,385 m / 11,106 ft. This fascinating archaeological complex is known for its large circular terraces built into natural depressions in the landscape.
Our next stop will be the Maras Salt Mines, an impressive collection of thousands of salt pools spread across the side of a mountain valley. The pools are supplied through a traditional system of channels and continue to be used by local communities for salt production.
After the visit, you will have time for lunch in the Sacred Valley. Lunch on this day is optional and is not included unless otherwise specified in your reservation.
In the afternoon, we will continue to Ollantaytambo, located at approximately 2,792 m / 9,160 ft. Here, we will visit its archaeological site, where you can see impressive agricultural terraces, ceremonial areas, stone walls, and structures dating back to the Inca period.
After the visit, we will transfer you to your hotel. Arrival is expected between approximately 4:30 and 5:30 p.m., depending on traffic and the amount of time spent at each attraction.
After check-in, you will have free time to explore the streets and main square of Ollantaytambo on your own.
Overnight in Ollantaytambo.
DAY 2: OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 104 – CHACHABAMBA – WIÑAY WAYNA – INTI PUNKU – AGUAS CALIENTES
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the train toward Km 104.
The exact train departure time will depend on the available service and will be confirmed in advance. Travelers taking this route must use an authorized train service that allows passengers to get off at Km 104.
Upon arrival at Km 104, located at approximately 2,150 m / 7,054 ft, we will get off the train and walk to the Inca Trail checkpoint.
You must present the original identification document used when making your reservation. Once the entrance procedure is complete, we will begin our hike along Route 5 of the Short Inca Trail.
A short distance from the starting point is Chachabamba, located at approximately 2,150 m / 7,054 ft. We will enjoy a guided visit to this archaeological site before beginning the uphill portion of the hike.
From Chachabamba, we will continue along ancient stone trails and stairways surrounded by the vegetation of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. During the ascent, you will be able to admire views of the Urubamba River valley, surrounding mountains, and beautiful cloud forest landscapes.
After several hours of hiking, we will reach Wiñay Wayna, located at approximately 2,650 m / 8,694 ft.
Wiñay Wayna is one of the most important archaeological sites along this route. It is especially known for its extensive agricultural terraces built into the mountainside, stone structures, stairways, and sophisticated water channels.
We will enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological complex and take a break to rest and enjoy our box lunch.
Afterward, we will continue hiking along ancient Inca paths and stone stairways toward Inti Punku.
After approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of hiking from Wiñay Wayna, we will reach Intipunku, the Sun Gate, located at approximately 2,720 m / 8,924 ft.
From this point, weather permitting, you will enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains.
We will then continue descending along the Inca Trail for approximately 30 to 45 minutes until reaching the Machu Picchu area, located at approximately 2,430 m / 7,972 ft.
The complete hike from Km 104 to Machu Picchu covers approximately 12 to 13 kilometers (7.5 to 8 miles) and generally requires around 5 to 6 hours of actual hiking time, not including all stops for archaeological visits, rest, and meals.
On this day, we will not take the complete guided tour of Machu Picchu, as the main visit will take place the following morning.
We will then head to the bus departure area for the ride down to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machupicchu Pueblo, located at approximately 2,060 m / 6,759 ft.
The bus ride takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we will transfer to the hotel for check-in and rest.
In the evening, you will enjoy an included dinner.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
Today begins early with your visit to Machu Picchu.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will walk to the bus departure point in Aguas Calientes. Depending on your assigned entrance time, the bus to Machu Picchu will depart at approximately 6:00 a.m.
The bus ride takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
Machu Picchu is located at approximately 2,430 m / 7,972 ft above sea level.
For an entrance scheduled at approximately 7:00 a.m., we will begin the visit accompanied by our professional guide.
Travelers arriving through the Inca Trail Network may enter Machu Picchu through Route 3-B of Circuit 3 – Machu Picchu Royalty, provided that the corresponding ticket has been reserved and confirmed in advance in accordance with current regulations and availability.
The guided visit lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. During the tour, you will explore the main areas permitted along your assigned route while learning about the history, architecture, and organization of the Inca city.
The exact route will depend on the confirmed entrance ticket and the regulations in effect at the time of your visit.
Optional: Travelers interested in hiking Huayna Picchu Mountain must request this option in advance. This hike requires a separate ticket for Route 3-A, has limited availability and specific entrance times, and must be compatible with the rest of the itinerary. Please check availability and additional costs before booking.
After completing the visit, we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.
You will have free time to enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants in town. Lunch on this day is not included.
In the afternoon, we will make our way to the train station. We recommend arriving approximately 30 minutes before the departure time indicated on your ticket.
We will board the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. The exact departure time will depend on the assigned train service.
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our transportation will be waiting to continue the journey by road to Cusco.
The drive from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Arrival in Cusco is expected between approximately 7:00 and 9:00 p.m., primarily depending on the return train schedule.
Upon arrival, we will provide transportation to your hotel.
This marks the end of our 3-Day Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu Tour.
End of services.
What’s Included?
Included
- Hotel pickup in Cusco.
- Tourist transportation throughout the Sacred Valley tour.
- Professional tour guide.
- Entrance tickets to Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo, according to the booked program. 1-night hotel accommodation in Ollantaytambo.
- Breakfast at the hotel in Ollantaytambo.
- Transfer from the hotel to the Ollantaytambo train station.
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Km 104.
- Entrance permit for Route 5 of the Inca Trail: Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket corresponding to travelers arriving via the Inca Trail, subject to availability and current regulations.
- Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish).
- Box lunch during the Inca Trail hike.
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes at the end of Day 2. 1-night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
- Dinner in Aguas Calientes.
- Breakfast at the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on Day 3.
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes after the Day 3 visit.
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen.
- Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Ground transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Final transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Not Included
- Breakfast on Day 1. Lunch on Day 1 in the Sacred Valley.
- Lunch on Day 3 in Aguas Calientes.
- Beverages not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain – Route 3-A, subject to advance request and confirmed availability (additional cost: USD 75 per person).
- Optional activities or entrance fees not specifically listed in the “Included” section.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for guides and service staff.
Recommendations
- Bring the original identification document used when booking the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- If traveling with a passport, make sure it is valid and complies with the applicable immigration requirements.
- If requesting a student rate, you must provide the required valid documentation at the time of booking.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes or trekking boots with good traction.
- Bring trekking poles with rubber tips. They can be rented with advance coordination.
- Carry a small, comfortable daypack for the hike.
- Sunscreen.
- Hat or cap.
- Sunglasses.
- Insect repellent.
- Comfortable, lightweight hiking clothing.
- A warm jacket for the early morning hours.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Personal medications.
- Camera or smartphone.
- Portable charger or power bank.
- Additional cash in Peruvian soles for meals not included, beverages, personal purchases, and tips.
- Swimsuit only if you plan to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
Important: Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entrance tickets have limited availability and should be booked well in advance. Train schedules, entrance times, and visitor routes may change depending on availability, operational conditions, and regulations established by the relevant authorities. The order and timing of the itinerary may also be adjusted due to weather, operational, or safety considerations.
ESSENTIAL ITEMS:
- Original Passport
- Valid student id card (if booked as a student)
- Immigration card (delivered on the airport upon entering Peru)
- Good quality backpack (medium sized)
- Water storage bottle or canteen: Camelbak bottles are recommended, but all need to be sufficient to hold 1-2 litres
- Comfortable shoes, preferably light with good soles (waterproof goretex for rainy seasons)
FOR YOUR BAGGAGE:
The train has a luggage limit of 7-8 kilograms per person. We therefore recommend bringing only important and necessary items to Aguas Calientes.
- 3 Long sleeve shirts
- 3 Breathable t-shirts
- 2 Hiking trousers
- 3 Sets of underwear
- 3 Pairs of socks
- 1 Shorts (suitable for hiking)
- 2 Fleece
- 1 Waterproof coat and pants (for rainy seasons)
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Sandals – In case you want to visit the hot springs in Machu Picchu town
- Small quick-drying travel towel
- Portable battery charger for your phone and cameras
TOILETRIES:
- Sunscreen
- Facial moisturiser
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.
ITEMS TO TAKE INSIDE MACHU PICCHU:
We recommend taking a backpack into the citadel, however please be aware that bags of more than 25 liters will not be allowed. Larger backpacks will need be stored outside the gates of the citadel.
- Water bottle/canteen
- Sun hat
- Rain clothes
- Camera or phone camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper & small plastic bag for waste
- Extra cash for souvenirs, drinks and tips
Additional Information
VISTADOME TRAIN FIRST CLASS OR INCA RAIL 360º TRAIN : For an additional payment of $40 USD per person, you can upgrade your tour package to the Vistadome class train or the Inca Rail 360º train for the return journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. The upgrade is subject to the availability of trains on the dates you wish to travel.
VISTADOME TRAIN
EXPEDITION TRAIN
HOTEL CATEGORY 4****: For an additional payment of $60 USD per person, you can upgrade your hotel stay in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes and the hotels can be one of the following options.
HOTEL SACRED VALLEY:
* Hotel Casa Andina Premiun Sacred Valley.
* Hotel Taypikala Sacred Valley.
HOTEL AGUAS CALIENTES town:
* Hotel Tierra Viva Machu Picchu.
* Hotel Taypikala Machu Picchu.
PRIVATE SINGLE ROOM:
* Hotel 3***: For an extra payment of $80 USD, you can get 01 private single room in category hotels 3***.
* Hotel 4****: For an extra payment of $120 USD, you can get 01 private single room in category hotels 4****.
DISCOUNTS:
* Peruvian Tourists with their valid DNI, Tourists with a passport from the Andean Community (Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia), get a discount. «Does not apply to the Inca Trail tour»
* Foreign tourists with a student card, under 25 years old, current expiration date of the same year, get a discount.
For more information write to us by email: machupicchuviajesperu@gmail.com or to WhatsApp +51 995050803
- Extra tickets will need to be purchased to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain
- There are limited number of spaces available per day, so we recommend requesting booking the tickets in advance
- Once the mountain tickets are sold out for that day, there are no options available for extra tickets
- The cost to climb the Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu mountain is $ 75 USD per person. This will be added to the total cost
- Those hiking Inca Trail that wish to do Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, will also be charged an extra $ 75 USD
- IMPORTANT: Before requesting tickets to the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, check availability by contacting us!
- The hotel reservation is subject to space availability.
- The cost of the tour packages is based on a double or matrimonial room. For an individual room, an additional payment must be made.
- We can also organize a travel itinerary according to your requirements and the places you want to visit. These can be with category 3, * 4 *, and 5 * hotels.
- For more queries and information write to us by email:​machupicchuviajesperu@gmail.com
WHY CHOOSE MACHU PICCHU VIAJES PERU?
- We are a local tour operator based in Cusco with 15 years of experience as a Tour operator 100% Cusquenian Company.
- We have all the Authorizations and licensed by the Peruvian government as proof that we are an official tour operator.
- We have the Best Tour guides (Fluent in English and Spanish): We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional, licensed and degrees by the Peruvian government and speak fluent English and Spanish. They are very knowledgeable and passionate about Incan heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurately and recognized theories in Incan and Andean cultures.
- Small groups & Personalized and High-quality service (Customized Private Tour), This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
- No hidden prices or Surprises/ We Never Pass you onto another operator as most travel agencies do here. We will depart even if you are a group of 02 persons (Departure of tours is 100% guaranteed).
- We never share services with other companies as most travel agencies do here to Minimize cost
- We are a Sustainable and eco-friendly tour company, Machu Picchu Viajes Peru has always believed that we should “give back” to the communities we pass through on our treks. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we socially support and employ these communities.
- We are committed to social projects and improving living conditions for the children of Peru.
- Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering to Personalized and High-quality service.
- We treat our team of porters the best with a HOUSE for them to sleep in and proper equipment, wages, and health insurance for everyone
- Master Chefs The best in the Cusco region
- The food provided on our treks is the best( buffet Style and plenty of food)
- The best Camping Equipment for the Inca Trail and alternative treks (spacious tents 4 season aluminum poles tents, Eating & Cooking tents, Portable table & chairs, comfortable mattresses, and more…)
- Our tourist transports are exclusively for our services, which are completely reliable, comfortable, safe and with all the necessary authorizations.
“Machu Picchu Viajes Perú” We know how important it is to trust a trustworthy honest operator to create the adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Take a look at our reviews and certificates of excellence in Tripadvisor
Where does the tour start and end?
- All ours tours begins with the pick up to the tourists at the door of their hotels “We pick up to our clients from any hotel located in the city of Cusco”, We recommend to stay close to the historical center of the city of Cusco, it will make it easier to find your hotel.
- All our tours ends at the door of the hotels, it means the tours will finish with transfer to your respective hotel located in Cusco.
How to prevent altitude sickness?
- The altitude sickness or soroche can cause you some discomfort during your visit such as dizziness, fatigue or nausea. Try to avoid alcoholic beverages and fatty foods before the visit.
- To reduce symptoms, try to acclimatize yourself one day before to the altitude of the city of Cusco. We recommend to drink infusions of coca leaf (natural plant used by the Incas) is an excellent option to avoid the actitude sickness.
How is the accommodation?
- For all the tours which include hotels. We offer hotels of 3* and 4* category, it has spacious and comfortable rooms, bathrooms, hot showers and bueffet breakfast. If the tourist like, you can change the accommodation to a better service. You just have to request it via email for an additional cost.
Which season is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
- The dry season months between April to December are the best time to come and visit Cusco. During those days the possibility of rain is very little, so the roads are not swampy and the landscapes can be better to enjoy and takes the best pictures. On the other hand, the months with the most rain are January, February and March.
What are the coldest months in Cusco Peru?
- The coldest season in Cusco are in the months from May to July. During this time the sun is strong in the day, but once it goes down or you spend much time in the shade, it can get very cold. It can go below zero at night, so warm clothes and Jackets are necessary to bring during these months.
How long in advance can I request the tour?
- We recommend to purchase the tours weeks or months in advance, this because the train and Machu Picchu tickets has a limit of spaces, dont wait until the lust minute to book your tour, other ways you will not be able to find spaces.
During the trip to Machu Picchu, where the big luggages will stay?
The train company that operates to Machu Picchu does not allow the traveler to carry a suitcase that weighs more than 7 kilograms. To go up and visit the city of Machu Picchu, it is recommended to carry a light and small backpack for your convenience; the rest of the luggages you can leave them without any problem at the storage of your hotel in Cusco, or you can also leave at our office in Cusco city, we have an storage too.
Very Important in case you want to book the Inca trail to Machu Picchu:
- CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS: If you want to book the Classic Inca Trail 4 days, you must to book early to get your desired date. Depending on the month you prefer to do the hike, you may need to book 6 months or more in advance, the limit of spaces for the inca trail 4 days is 400 people per each day.
- SHORT INCA TRAIL: If you are booking the 1 or 2 day Inca Trail, it is preferred that you also book in advance, however 2 to 4 month in advance would be good, the limit of spaces for the short inca trail is 200 people per each day.
When is the best season to hike the Inca Trail?
- The best time of year to do the inca trail is between May to October, with August and September being the best months of all. The trail is dry and the weather is lovely. During the rainy season between November to April the trail will be wet and can make it more difficult.
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At Machu Picchu Viajes Perú, our goal is to create the best possible experience for all our clients. Proof of our commitment is reflected in our customer recommendations.
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Over 10,000 travelers servedMore than a trip, we create authentic experiences in Peru
We specialize in designing personalized trips to Machu Picchu and the main destinations in Peru, combining impeccable organization, personalized attention, and deep local knowledge.
Proven Experience
Years of experience operating routes such as the Inca Trail, Salkantay, and cultural tours, with packages throughout Peru.
Specialized Local Team
Certified guides and trained staff who guarantee quality service and professional support.
Safe and Official Operations
Company registered and authorized by official tourism entities in Peru.
Commitment to the Community
We work with local providers promoting sustainable development and responsible tourism.
National and international distinctions that support our commitment to quality and excellence in every experience.
Machu Picchu Viajes Peru is a highly recommended company on Tripadvisor, ranked as one of the best tour operators nationwide, winner of the 2025 Excellence Award.
Certificates and Authorizations
Machu Picchu Viajes Peru is a company fully authorized by the Peruvian government, certifying us as a legally established company with multiple excellence certificates.
Machu Picchu Viajes Peru meets the highest social and environmental standards in the tour operator market, meaning we practice sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism.
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