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Itinerary
Sacred Valley + Inca Trail 5-days Itinerary
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, farming terraces, and of course the colonial church which was built on the Incan temple fundation.
Chinchero was a setting of Inca Tupac Yupanqui, that is, a court residence in the middle of a rural environment. The Inca ordered the construction of temples, baths, cultivation terraces and the great royal palace in 1480. Moreover 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 civilitatons. 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.
Afterward we will continue to Urubamba a lovely place where you can stop and enjoy you lunch. And then you will drive for 20 minutes, and visit 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 – Piscacucho – Ayapata
You will be picked up from your hotel at scheduled time, and we will take you in our private van to the comunitie of Piscacucho – km 82, this is the starting point of the trek. The first day hike is relatively easy going and help you settle in to the trek. Covering 14km of the trail up the Miskay and Cusichaca valley, on the way you get to pass by amazing Inca ruins and great views of mountains, many spices of plants. Our campsite for the night is at Ayapata 3,350m/1,0850ft it is further along the trail than most groups go. As you are going farther up for camping the next day´s hike up to the pass will be shorter for you and you can enjoy the peace and tranquility with fewer tourists.
Day 3: Ayapata – Chaquicocha
Today is a big day for you, you have two passes to cross in one day, after a great breakfast you will start this adventure with 3-hours all uphill, but you will be hiking into the native forest, which makes more enjoyable until we get the summit – dead woman pass 4,200m/13,768ft the highest point of the Inca trail. On reaching the pass we’ll stop for a short break to enjoy the scenery, afterward you will descend for two hours dawn the side of the valley to the lunch spot.
After lunch you begin ascending again to the second pass of the trek. It is 2 hours to the summit and on the half way up you do a little stop at a small Inca site (Runcu Raqay. After the second pass, it´s another hour downhill hike to rich the amazing Inca site SAyacmarca. You´ll stop here for a rest and have a quick tour, for sure you will be amazed with the beautiful Sun Set over the Vilcabamba mountain range. From here the second campsite is 25m away (Chaquicocha 3,600m/11,736ft. After dinner, if you are interested in the magnificent southern hemisphere sky, you can do some star gazing and we´ll point out the fascinating Inca constellations.
Day 4: Chaquicocha – Wiñaywayna
After survived dead woman pass, runkuraqay pass and beginning day 4 certainly you deserve a pat on the back! You begin early again on the most beautiful path from the whole trail. The first two hour of the hike is what we usually call Inca flat (gradual inclines) the trail goes into a jungle area, knew as a Cloud Forest. As you are walking you enjoy the majesty of Salkantay the tallest snowcapped mountain. From this area and fantastic stunning view of the Vilcabamba mountain range.
On the last section of the Inca flats you begin to make your way up to the last peak at Phuyupatamarca 3,650m/11,899ft from here you will have spectacular views overlooking the Urubamba River, if you are lucky with the weather you will get your first views of Machu Picchu Mountain. From Phuyupatamarca you will start descending on steep steps to your last campsite, this is the last stretch of today where you will find more buildings and beautiful farming terraces.
After you reach the camp and after lunch you will visit the last Inca ruins called Wiñay Wuayna (forever young) is the most spectacular Inca site on the trail, for sure after Machu Picchu.
We like spoil our guest as we enjoy our last feast with the porters and chefs. It is a tradition to organize a ceremony in the evening to thank them for the amazing job done
DAY 5: Wñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
On the last day you will wake up early, at 03:30 in the morning. After breakfast, you will quickly go to the last check point of the Inca trail, and pass the control gate to start you hike for 1hour to Sun Gate, from this place you will have your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu.
It was just a legend for long time, until 1911 when the American explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered it only after many expeditions in the area. Machu Picchu rises to a height of 2430masl – 7972ft, in the middle of a tropical forest with extraordinary mountains around. It was without any doubt one of the most amazing hand works on 15th century.
Its massive buildings, terraces and temples are a masterpiece. You will have a guided tour for about two hours; where you will visit the most impressive temples, and palaces from city, after that you will have extra time to explore by yourself on your own taste and preference. Then catch the bus down to Aguas Calientes town, and then you will cash the train to Ollantaytambo, then bus back to Cusco. At the schedule time, your transfer will be waiting at the train station, to transfer to your hotel.
Additional options: If your legs, lungs and energy still hold up after four days of hiking, it may be possible to climb the peak of Huayna Picchu, 2,700m/8,858ft behind the main site. However, a special permit is required and it is issued in limited quantities. So if you are interested do your request at the same time with Inca Trail.
Inclusions
What is Included?
- Pick up from the Airport/Hotel
- English Spanish speaking tour guide
- Professional cook
- Entrance Fee to the trail and Machu Picchu
- Entrance fee to the Sacred valley
- 3 nights camping + one night hotel in Ollantaytambo
- Briefing the night before the tour & trek
- Extra porter
- Porters to transport the camping equipment and food supplies
- Transportation for the Sacred valley
- Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the trailhead
- 4-man tent for every 2 people
- Inflatable Mattress
- Dinning tent
- Kitchen tent
- Train ticket, Vistadome class at 16:22 hours
- Pick up from the train station and drop off into your hotel – Cusco
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Meal: 3 breakfast, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Water: we will provide you water every day at breakfast time, at lunch time and at dinner time
What is not Included?
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking poles
- Huayna Picchu mountain
- Machu Picchu Mountain
- First day meal
- Last day lunch
- Extra expenses
- Tips
Price
Sacred Valley + Inca Trail Price – Only private service
Inka Trail Explorer warmly welcomes to you, and we really want to make the best experience for you. Our train tours can leave any days of the week, 12 months a year. As long as we have two people minimum, we would love to take you on our tour to one of the Wonders of the World.
Private Tour Service priced by party size
Do you want to visit Machu Picchu? Come with your friends or loved ones and enjoy your vacation choosing our private tours. Our private tours can start with any size and we will do all our best to make a lifetime experience for you.
- 1 person US$ 1,600 per person
- 2 people US$ 975 per person
- 3 people US$ 955 per person
- 4 people US$ 925 per person
- 5+ people US$ 800 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
Upgrades
Sacred Valley + Inca Trail Optional Extras
Optional Rentals
- Sleeping Bag US$25
- Walking Pole US$8
- Single Tent Supplement US$30
Optional Upgrades
- Huynapicchu: $70 per person
- Machu Picchu Mountain $70 per person
Huayna Picchu Mountain
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
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 Info
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 logo. 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 5 days SV + Inca trail. your guide will explain everything concerning the Inca trail tours in detail. This includes the 3-days Inca trail schedule and a few tips on how to make the Inca trail easier. You also will receive a duffel bag which is meant to contain all of your personal belongings and it will be carried by our porters.
Do I need to hire an extra porter? and how much it cost?
The Inca trail is quite challenging and even more if you decide to carry all your belonging by yourself. In order to have fun and enjoy better this trip, we highly recommend you to hire an extra porter who can carry part of your hiking gear up to 8kl or 15lib. The night before the trek we will provide you a duffel bag where you can pack your sleeping bag, air mat and some extra clothes for the trip. Our 3-days Inca trail hike includes the extra porter.
How big needs to be my daypack?
If you hired your extra porter, then you only need to bring a small daypack (25 to 30 Lts max). Big enough to pack you rain gear, snack, water, camera, fleece jacket and some small items that you might need for the day trek. Remember, you will have access to your duffel bag every day at the camping place and sometimes at the lunch place.
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 start the Inca trail tour, 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).
Packing List
Sacred Valley + Inca Trail Packing List
Essencials
- Passport
- Valid, GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack and small
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks highly recommended – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
In your Dafle Bag
Remember you are packing for 3 nights of camping . Our Porters are going to carry up to 8 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rented one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.
- 3 wicking t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- 1 Fleece
- Warm, down jacket: this trek includes 2 cold nights camping
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean
- Battery Charger: There are some places to plug in at the camping areas
- Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
- Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
Toiletries
- Face moisturizer
- Handsanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toiletpaper
In your Daypack
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend small one. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.
- Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Sunhat
- Woolhat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Handsanitizer
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
