Sacred Valley cultural tour and Machu Picchu 3D/2N
Immerse yourself in a cultural experience in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
In this Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu 3-day tour, you will embark on a journey through the mountains of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Its picturesque towns are dedicated to their work in the traditional practices of crafts, ceramics and agriculture, giving you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of the native culture.
Day 1 will treat you to the archaeological complex of Chinchero, the famous circular terraces of Moray and the extraordinary, stepped salt mines of Maras. Finally you will be welcomed to share a cultural experience with the Andean community of Misminay, who will encourage you participate in some of their native customs. These include wearing traditional clothing, enjoying indigenous music and dance and sitting around the campfire amid stories and legends of the region. You will also be invited to stay the night in one of the Misminay family homes.
Day 2 will offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself into the lives of the residents. Taking part in chores such as tilling the land, harvesting, planting, agriculture and paying offerings to Pachamama. You will also be given the chance to learn the processes of spinning, weaving and dyeing their traditional garments with natural ingredients.
The spectacular Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo will complete the second day of your Sacred valley tour, before you take the train to Aguas Calientes and visit one of the 7 wonders of the world, Machu Picchu on day three!
Places to visit :
- Sacred Valley
- Misminay
- Chinchero
- Maras Salt Mines
- Moray
- Ollantaytambo
- Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu
- Huayna Picchu
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Overview
Itinerary Sacred Valley and Cultural Tour to Machu Picchu 3 Days
DAY 1 – CUSCO – CHINCHERO – MORAY – MARAS – MISMINAY COMMUNITY
The Sacred Valley Cultural Experience tour to Machu Picchu begins at 7:30am with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
After a 1-hour drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you will arrive in the town of Chinchero. Your guide will then accompany you around the local market and take you on a tour of the archaeological site and the Colonial Temple.
The next destination of the day will be the circular, agricultual platforms of Moray. An experimental and research centre of the Incas, due to its ever changing micro-climate and surrounding mountain range. After visiting Moray, you’ll be driven the short distance to the salt mines of Maras. A unique collection of salt wells that have been formed into stepped terraces, fed by a nearby irrigation channel. Here your tour guide will educate you on the traditional ‘mining’ practices of the local people and the historical significance of the salt mines to the region.
The final stop of the day will be in the nearby community of Misminay. Where the residents will give us a warm welcome amid music and dance, and then have a delicious lunch, prepared by your hosts, with natural products from the area.
After lunch you will be treated to a tour of the town to learn about its customs and traditions. Aswell as a walk to the viewpoint, where you will have spectacular view of entire Sacred Valley and the agricultural terraces of Moray.
As evening falls, you will join your host family for dinner, dress in traditional costumes of the region, and share stories and legends around a bonfire. Before returning to the family home within the community to stay the night.
DAY 2 – MISMINAY CULTURAL EXPERIENCE – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
After taking breakfast with your host family, you will have the opportunity to experience a day in the life of the Misminay community. Participating in activities such as tilling the land, harvesting and planting crops, and offering thanks to Mother Earth ‘Pachamama’. You will also have the chance to learn the processes of textile making, including spinning, weaving and carefully dyeing garments with natural ingredients. As the custom of the community puts the women in charge of this important work, they will bestow upon you their ancestral techniques passed down through generations.
Your final gift of the day from the Misminay community, will be an invitation to join in them in preparing a traditional Peruvian lunch. The dish is popularly known by its Quechua name of “La Pachamanca”, meaning ‘earthpot’, or ‘food from the land’ in Aymara. It is prepared using a combination of meats such as beef, pork, chicken and cuy (guinea pig), that have been previously seasoned with local spices including chincho, huacatay and regional chillies. The meat is accompanied by native Andean produce, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, and yuca. All baked using pre-heated stones in an earthen oven known as a Huatia.
At 2pm, after indulging in the fresh taste of La Pachamanca, you will say goodbye to your hosts in Misminay and depart for the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo. Here your guide will accompany you through the bustling local markets and the famous Inca fortress that towers above the town. The strategic position and architectural sophistication of the site, offers visitors some of the most spectacular views of the sacred valley from above. The exquisite stonework and rich history of Ollantaytambo will take you and your guide on an impressive journey through Inca antiquity, before you complete the days’ tour of the sacred valley at Ollantaytambo train station.
The final journey of the day will be aboard the tourist train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). The 1 hour 45 minute train ride will treat you to breathtaking scenes of snow-capped mountains, Inka farming terraces and of course more remarkable Inka ruins. After which you will once again be greeted by your tour guide, and escorted to your hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes, the home of Machu Picchu.
DAY 3 – AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU TOUR – CUSCO
Day 3 of your tour to Machu Picchu, with start with breakfast in your hotel, after which your guide will meet you at reception and escort you the bus station where you will board the tourist bus to Machu Picchu. The scenic route from Aguas calientes takes you on a 30 minute bus ride up the mountainside to the entrance of the Inca citadel. Once inside, you will be taken on a 3-hour journey through the rich history of Machu Picchu as you make your way through the Inca city with your personal tour guide. Aswell as visiting the famous sites of the temple of the sun, the central plaza and the stepped terraces, you will have plenty opportunity to take the bucket list photos you came for atop the panoramic viewpoint of Machu Picchu. Before boarding the bus back down the mountain, your guide will also allow you time to explore the mysteries of the sanctuary alone.
Once you have regrouped with your guide and taken the bus back to Aguas Calientes, there will be time to take lunch in one of Machu Picchu towns’ many restaurants (optional extra), before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. There you will be greeted by your guide and private transportation who will take you on the 2-hour drive back to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival time in Cusco is approximately 6.30pm.
*There will also be time to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain in this tour after your guided tour of the Inca citadel. However please be aware, this will be an extra cost of $70 USD per person and will involve an extra 2-hours hiking. Return to Cusco will therefore be aboard a later train and arrival time in Cusco will be approx 8.30pm.*
Included
- Pick up from the hotel in Cusco
- Professional English/Spanish speaking tour guide
- Entrance to Chinchero, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu citadel
- Comfortable private transport in Sacred Valley
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Cultural experience with Misminay community (including clothing, food and activities)
- Food at homestay: 2 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast
- 1 night stay in Misminay family home
- Round trip train ticket : Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Round trip bus ticket : Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes (inc. breakfast)
Not Included
- Food not mentioned in itinerary
- Optional lunch in Machu Picchu town : $ 27 USD (upon client request)
- Hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain : $ 70 USD (upon client request)
- Optional entrance to thermal baths in Aguas Calientes (S / .10 soles)
Recomendations to bring
- Original passport – expiration date no less than 7 months
- Walking shoes or light shoes or tennis shoes.
- Canteen water bottle as you should drink plenty of fluid on the tour
- Raincoat or long poncho during the rainy season
- Long sleeve shirts
- Long pants
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Wide-brimmed hat – UPV is strong at altitude
- Sunglasses
- Medicine/personal effects (eg. contact lens liquid)
- A light backpack or briefcase
- Camera or phone camera
- Cash/coins – small denominations – soles & dollars
- Face mask and face shield (if preferred)
- Swimming suit for the thermal baths in Aguas calientes (optional)
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.
- 2-3 long sleeve shirts
- 2 trousers
- 3 sets of underwear
- 3 sets of socks
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Raincoat and pants (for rainy seasons)
- 1 Sun hat
- Sandals – In case you want to visit the hot springs in Machu Picchu town
- Small quick-drying 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 $30 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 $30 USD per person, you can upgrade your hotel stay in Aguas Calientes and the hotels can be one of the following options.
* Hotel Tierra Viva Machu Picchu.
* Hotel Taypikala Machu Picchu.
PRIVATE SINGLE ROOM:
* Hotel 3***: For an extra payment of $40 USD, you can get 01 private single room in category hotels 3***.
* Hotel 4****: For an extra payment of $60 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 $ 70 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 $ 70 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.
What will you do on the Cultural Experiance Tour and Machu Picchu 3 Days
- In the town of Misminay you will be surprised with beautiful Andean landscapes, lagoons, canyons, inter-Andean valleys and archaeological remains.
- You will learn how to prepare the land for planting and harvesting the native products of the area.
- We will visit high Andean communities located in the middle of the mountains and we will be able to observe their customs and traditions.
- We will have the opportunity to observe the breeding of domestic animals such as guinea pigs, cattle, chickens, etc.
- You will be part of their customs, traditions, textile and ceramic techniques as well as cultivation techniques, among others.
Why choose "Machu Picchu Viajes Peru"?
Recommended on Tripadvisor
We are a highly recommended company in Tripadvisor, rated as one of the best tourism companies tour operator nationwide, Winners of the 2024 Excellence Award.
Sustainable and Responsible
We have the highest social and environmental standards in the market of tour operators, which means that we practice a sustainable and responsible tourism with the environment.
Certificates and Authorizations
We are a tour operator company, which has all the authorizations from the Peruvian government, authorizations that certify us as a legally constituted company .
Certificate in TourCert
We are one of the few companies in Peru certified by TourCert, European certifier with a management system oriented to work on aspects of Business Social Responsibility (BSR).
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