Sacred Valley – Short Inca trail combination

Sacred Valley – short Inca trail 3 days

Day 1.- Cusco – Chinchero – Maras Moray – Salt mines – Ollantaytambo
We leave Cusco in the morning and drive all the way to Chinchero, a beautiful town with a lot of history and traditions, we are going to visit the amazing archeological site of Chinchero, like altars, farming terraces, and of course the colonial church which was built on the Incan temple fundation. Chinchero produce extraordinary textiles, woven with ancestral tools with Incan designs and natural colors.

The Maras Moray tour starts with a visit of the Inca site of Moray, a magnificent series of terraces circles set into the ground that were once used by the Incas for agricultural laboratory.
Our next destination is the salt Mines which has been in use since Pre-Inca times. Water from a subterranean stream is channeled through pools where it evaporates and leaves behind pure salt crystals. With thousands of stark white pools stretching down the valley, the views are stunning.
Ollantaytambo an attractive Inca living museum with remarkable channels and stone streets, in its high part one rises to an impressive ceremonial center of cult to the water as well as a fortress that guarded the access to the inferior part of the valley. Ollantaytambo was a strategic Military, Agriculture, and Religious place to control de Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Day 2.- Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – Inca trail – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
we will take the 6:10am train. This scenic route follows the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River until we get to the 104th km mark located 2,000m (6,561ft) above sea level which is the starting point of the Short Inca Trail.
We will begin this adventure to Machu Picchu by visiting the ruins of Chachabamba—a gorgeous Incan site composed of ancient stone-carved walls. Next, we will travel for about 3 hours (4km) across a mountain completely covered by lush vegetation with incredible views of mountain, glaciers and the turbulent waters of the Urubamba River. Once we finish this hike from the first section, we will arrive to Wiñay Wayna—an awe-inspiring Inca ruin located at 2,700m / 8,858ft in the cloud forest. This mysterious site features one of the most beautiful buildings made by the Incas, and it is a perfect illustration of one of the agricultural laboratories used during the Inca Empire. It contains numerous terraces where the Incas used to grow all sorts of plants and vegetables, including the popular coca leaf.
From Wiñay Wayna, we will continue walking on the beautiful Classic Inca Trail until Inti Punku or the “Sun Gate”. It is at this point where hikers get to see the most amazing views Machu Picchu has to offer. After this, it is only an hour descent to Machu Picchu (2400m / 7873ft). We’ll arrive at just the perfect time to enjoy the amazing sunset without having to deal with large crowds. Afterwards, we will catch a bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes where our accommodations will be at a nice hotel.

Day 3.- Machu Picchu tour– Ollantaytambo – Cusco
After breakfast in the hotel, it is only a 30-minute bus ride to the Sacred City (Machu Picchu). We will travel through the mountainous rainforest featuring incredible views of the lush green and misty cloud forest Macchu Picchu. Once we arrive to the gate, your tour guide will offer you a wonderful tour through the most important temples and palaces of this beautiful Inca site. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore the ruins on your own. Notably, if you have bought a permit to climb Huayna (Wiñay) Picchu or the Machu Picchu Mountain, you will begin your next exciting adventure here. After enjoying this amazing monument, you have to catch the bus back to Aguas Calientes followed by the train back to Cusco. Usually our train depart is by afternoon to Ollantaytambo, then bus to Cusco.

What is Included in the package?

• Transfer from Cusco Airport to the hotel
• Professional tour guide English Spanish speaking
• A minivan for the sacred Valley tour
• Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu round trip (day two)
• Meal: Box lunch for the Inca trail hike
• Dinner in one of the most beautiful restaurants in (Aguas Calientes).
• Entrance fees to the inca trail and Machu Picchu
• Entrance fee to the Sacred Valley
• Train service is expedition class 2 ways
• 1 night Hotel in Aguas Calientes town, we offer 2 or 3 stars hotel, depending on the availability.

What is not included in the Package?

• Huayna Picchu Mountain
• Machu Picchu Montaña
• First night hotel – We advice to arrange your hotel accomodation in Ollantaytambo town as the SV tours ends in this town.
• one way bus ticket from the first day
• Hiking poles
• Meal on the firt day
• Lunch on the last day
• Extra expences and gratitud

Sacred Valley – Short Inca Trail

We warmly welcome you, and we really want to make sure that you have the best experience on our combined Inca Trail tour. Our tours can be during any date of the year as long as there are available governmental permits for that day. Permits are only needed for your Short Inca trail.
Priced by party size, Only private service
Go on the most amazing adventure with your friends or loved ones by route of the alluring Inca Trail 2 days! It is the best way to experience all of Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Our private tours can be any size, and we all will do our best to make this the most positively unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

• 2 Hikers $580 USD per person
• 3 Hikers $560 USD per person
• 4 Hikers $540 USD per person
• 5 Hikers $520 USD per person
• 6 hikers $500 USD per person
• 7+ Hikers $480 USD per person

Student discount: $20 per student. To aply to student discount you shoud follow the below govenment requirements

Students from 18 to 25 years old get discount of $20

Students from 12 to 17 years old, they get discount of $20.

Children from under 11 years all they get discount of $20.

The Ministry of Culture has changed its regulations regarding student discounts for entrances to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail permits. For anyone wishing to obtain a student discount, the following requirements must be met: (1.- Must be under 25 years of age  2.- Must have a valid institutional student card with  A.- Photograph B.- Student´s full name C.- Expiry date in 2019 that includes the date of reservation and the date of visit to Machu Picchu). Please note ISIC cards or any alternative documents proving student status will not be accepted. Unfortunately, if you fail to meet any of the above criteria we will not be able to offer the student discount.

Some considerations

For example, if you book your trek at the age of 17 but, you turn 18 before you start your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.

Please send all documents to info@inkatrailexplorer.com

Sacred Valley – Short Inca Trail

Optional Rentals

Walking Pole $5 USD
Optional Upgrades
Casa Andina Hotel: $55 USD per person if sharing a room ($110 USD for a single)
El Mapi Hotel: $65 +USD per person if sharing a room ($120 +USD for a single)

Huayna Picchu Mountain $75
Huayna Picchu, is a stunning mountain that sits directly behind Machu Picchu, this is the infamous sugar-loaf mountain which sits at an elevation of 2,720m and 300m above the Machu Picchu Inca Citadel.
There are some archaeological remains as the Moon Temple and other precincts that are interconnected with authentic trails, steps, tunnels and natural formatted caves which made the view more interesting, without any doubt, Huayna Picchu mountain can be the highlight of your trip to Machu Picchu.
The last stretch to get the summit is very steep, narrow, and in some parts, you are required to use your hands for balance. There are some stone ladders to climb up the cliff face along the way. if you have problems with the heights this may not be the hike for you. The summit itself is not flat but is instead rocky, therefore when the crowd picks up it can be a bit difficult to move around.

• Difficulty – Due to the complexity and gradient of the trail, the hike is rather challenging.
• Duration – The round trip can take between 1.5 to 2 hours in average.
• Elevation – The mountain’s summit sits at 2,693masl, while the climb itself is 353m.

Huayna Picchu mountain can be climbed in 2 different sessions:

• The first session: from 7am to 8am
• The second session: from 10am to 11am

Machu Picchu Mountain $75
The climb up to Machu Picchu mountain is nearly twice as high as Huayna Picchu but has a more gradual ascent profile up to its summit at 1,850 feet (~620m) above the city ruins (3,051m above sea level).
The panoramic views are from another world. The Inca ruins, Huayna Picchu and Putucusi Mountains look so small behind the giant row of mountains that it makes you wonder if it is true what you are seeing. You will be astonished!
The awe-inspiring view is still composed by a bright blue sky, clouds and the Urubamba River snaking around colossal mountains covered with lush vegetation. What a gift from our mother nature!

• Difficulty – Due to the complexity and gradient of the trail, the hike is rather challenging.
• Duration – The round trip can take between 2.5 to 3 hours in average.
• Elevation – The mountain’s summit sits at 3,000masl, while the climb itself is 600m.

Machu Picchu mountain can be climbed in 2 different sessions:

• The first session: from 7am to 8am
• The second session: from 9am to 10am

Important Information

We know planning an adventure vacation is no small decision, so we’re here to make the process as easy as possible for you. We’ve been doing this for quite a while, so we’ve got the answers to everything you need to know!

Upon your arrival in Cusco City
You will be welcomed by one of our transfers at Cusco airport and then you will be transferred into your hotel. Find out your transfer in Cusco airport holding our Inka trail Explorer. Please you should provide us your flight schedule before you leave home.

The briefing
Your guide will meet you in your hotel 1 or 2 days prior you start the trek. your guide will explain everything concerning the trek in detail. This includes the 2-days Inca trail schedule and a few tips on how to make the Short inca trail easier. You also will receive a duffel bag which is meant to contain all of your personal belongings and it will be sent by train to the hotel where you will stay after the trek.

Can I leave my Suitcase in your storage?
Usually most of the hotels in Cusco city offers a free storage but, definitely you can leave your suitcase in our storage while you go on trek or tour, we offer a free storage.

How do I Pay my final Balance?
Your final balance should be paid in cash and it can be done in American dollars or in the local currency (Peruvian soles). We kindly request pay your final balance at least 24 hours prior you start the trek. You also can pay your balance via PayPal 10 days prior you start the trek. To pay your final balance via PayPal, you need to log into your PayPal account using our e-mail address – peruinkatrailtours@gmail.com

Can I cancel my trip or change my departure date?
As soon as you make your confirmation by paying your deposit we proceed to purchase the Inca trail permits, Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets. According the government regulations, the Inca trail and Machu Picchu permits or tickets cannot be canceled, changed of date or transferred into other traveler and unfortunately there is not a refund.

Do I need my Original passport when I travel into Peru?
Very important to bring the original passport with you. If you are a foreigner, you need a passport to enter Machu Picchu. Not just any passport. It has to be the passport you used to book your trip in Peru or buy your entry tickets to different attractions in Cusco – Peru.
If you renew your passport after you booked your trip in Peru, you must travel with both the old and the new passports. You also can send us via e-mail a copy of your new and old passports and we will be able to upgrade your new passport information.

How fit do I need to be to hike these trails?
As long as you enjoy hiking, you’ll love these trails – you’ll be hiking about eight miles a day, but there’s no rush, you can take it at your own pace. In fact, the slower the better I say, as that way you get plenty of time not only to enjoy your surroundings, but let your body acclimatize to the altitude as well.
We recommend doing plenty of exercise before you leave home, as the fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy your hike. We suggest you try to go for a short walks or running 2-3 times a week. If you have access to some walking trails that go over hills then go and explore, Hit the gym if you can’t do outdoor activities.
That said our trips are designed for regular active people, so you don’t need to be a triathlete or anything – though if you are you won’t be bored!

What if I need a special diet?
We cater all the food restrictions you might have; we work with responsable retaurants and cooks who will take care of you. You also can specify your particular requirements when you fill up our booking form.

• Vegan (no meat or animal products)
• Vegetarian (no meat products)
• Fishatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
• No red meat (eat chicken & fish)
• Gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
• Lactose intolerant (no dairy products)

Do you recommend buying travel insurance?
You should have full travel insurance cover – please be aware that some insurance companies require insurance to be purchased within 7 days of deposit payment. It is imperative for you to have medical cover and emergency repatriation and we strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that also includes trip cancellation and other travel mishaps (e.g. flight cancellations or delays, trip interruption, theft or loss of luggage and personal effects).

Sacred Valley + Short Inca Trail – Packing List

Essentials for the Sacred valley
Chinchero and Moray still located in the high elevation, and depending on the weather conditions you might need wear warm or light clothes during the tour of the saced valley tour

• Original Passport
• tennis shoes
• Small daypack
• Rain jacket
• Down jaket
• Sunhat
• Bugspray
• Sunspray
• Camera

Essentials for the Inca trail hike

Daypacks can be any size for hiking the Short Inca Trail, but we always recommend bringing a small one. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25-L will not be allowed inside. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside the citadel gate.

• Valid Passport
• GREEN ISIC card (if you are booking as a student)
• Water reservoir like Camelbaks is encouraged (You will need at least 2-3 liters.)
• Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
• Water
• Bugspray
• Sunspray
• Sunhat
• Rain gear
• Fleece jacket
• Camera
• Hand-sanitizer
• First-aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.
• Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
• Face-moisturizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste