ITINERARY FOR OUR MACHU PICCHU PACKAGE.
DAY 1: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS (Pisac + Moray + Maras + Ollantaytambo)
Your day begins at 7:30 AM with a private pickup from your Cusco hotel. We head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, stopping first at the Mirador of Taray for sweeping views of the Urubamba Valley and traditional farming villages—a glimpse of agricultural life that has barely changed in over 500 years.
Next, we explore the Pisac archaeological site, including its massive Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs, terraced mountainsides, a ceremonial tunnel, and the sacred area of the site. You’ll have around 2 hours to discover the history and grandeur of this important Inca city before heading down to the vibrant Pisac Market for a brief visit. From there, we drive to Urubamba for a traditional lunch.
Our journey continues to Moray, the fascinating Inca agricultural laboratory. This circular terraced complex was designed to experiment with crop cultivation across varied microclimates—an ingenious display of Inca innovation.
Next, we visit Maras and the pre-Inca Salt Mines, a hillside network of over 3,000 salt pools still in use today. Watch as naturally saline water is channeled into the pools and evaporates to produce pink salt, a truly unique Andean sight.
Finally, we reach Ollantaytambo, one of the last living Inca towns. Here, explore the well-preserved streets and monumental Sun Temple terraces, learning about the town’s historical significance during the Spanish conquest. After your visit, settle in at your hotel for the night, ready for the Inca Trail the following day.
Accommodations:
- 2★: Veronica View Hotel or Tunupa Lodge
- 3★: Pakaritampu Hotel or El Alberge
(No 4★ options available in Ollantaytambo)
Highlights: Pisac ruins & market, Moray terraces, Maras salt mines, Ollantaytambo town & Sun Temple
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 2: OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM104 – WIÑAY WAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU
Early Morning Departure – Train to Km104
Your day starts at 5:30 AM with a private hotel pickup in Cusco. We drive to Ollantaytambo train station, where your guide will provide a box breakfast and lunch for your trek. The train departs at 6:10 AM, giving you just over an hour to enjoy the scenic views of the Sacred Valley before arriving at Km104, the starting point of your hike (2,000 m / 6,560 ft).
Trek through the Inca Trail
Cross the Urubamba River via a picturesque footbridge, pass the checkpoint, and begin your hike. The first 1.5 hours are a gentle uphill through cloud forests, with multiple outlooks of the river and surrounding valleys. The following 1.5 hours are steeper, rewarding you with a stunning waterfall at the top.
Exploring Wiñay Wayna
At 2,600 m / 8,500 ft, the majestic Wiñay Wayna ruins await. Explore these partially hidden Inca structures amidst lush jungle while your guide explains their history and the unique local vegetation. After a short 5-minute walk, enjoy a gourmet lunch at the campsite, surrounded by tropical flora.
Hiking to the Sun Gate
Post-lunch, you’ll walk mostly level terrain toward the Sun Gate, the classic viewpoint where Machu Picchu first appears. A final set of Inca-carved steps leads to breathtaking vistas—perfect for your first photos of the citadel. The descent to Machu Picchu offers more opportunities for snapshots, with several important Inca sites along the way.
Arrival at Machu Picchu & Aguas Calientes
Upon arrival, take your time photographing and soaking in the views from the House of the Guardians and other scenic points. Arriving in the late afternoon, enjoy fewer crowds and softer light for incredible photos. Then, take the shuttle down to Aguas Calientes, check in to your hotel, and enjoy dinner or explore the charming town.
Extras: Overnight bag transported from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Aguas Calientes
Trip Details:
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Duration: ~6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Meals Included: Breakfast at your hotel, box lunch, dinner in Aguas Calientes
- 3★ Accommodation: Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu
- 4★ Accommodation: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (superior room)
DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Sunrise at Machu Picchu
Start your day with an early breakfast at your hotel before taking one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. Arrive in time to witness the magical sunrise over the citadel—a truly unforgettable experience.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Spend about two hours exploring the main highlights with your guide, including temples, terraces, and plazas. Learn how Machu Picchu is divided into agricultural, residential, and religious sectors.
Optional Huayna Picchu Hike
For those who pre-booked, a hike up Huayna Picchu offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Machu Picchu from above.
Lunch & Free Time in Aguas Calientes
Return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train schedule, enjoy some shopping, visit the museum, or relax at the hot springs.
Scenic Train Ride Back to Ollantaytambo
Board the Expedition Train at 14:55 or 15:20, winding along the Urubamba River. Spot Wiñay Wayna from the train as the canyon narrows and the river flows through sections of whitewater. At Ollantaytambo, your private driver will transfer you back to Cusco, arriving around 19:00.
Trip Details:
- Meal Included: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
- 3★ Accommodation: Waman Qorikancha or Maytaq Wasin
- 4★ Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada or Casa Andina Private Collection
***IMPORTANT:
- You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, 4:22 pm, or 4:43 pm. The cost is $67 USD.
- Early trains can be organized as requested and it has to be done by booking time.
- The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on the availability, let us know about it at the booking time.
DAY 4: CUSCO – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – CUSCO
Early Morning Pick-Up & Scenic Drive
Your Rainbow Mountain adventure begins with a 4:00 am pick-up from your Cusco hotel. Enjoy a 3-hour drive through the South Valley, passing Inca terraces, traditional villages, valleys, and high Andean peaks until you reach the trailhead at Llacto (4,638 m / 15,216 ft).
Hiking & Local Culture
At the trailhead, alpacas and llamas greet you as you start the 1.5-hour hike along a mountain stream. Interact with locals and learn about Quechua traditions, including the meaning of different hats and garments, and pick up a few Quechua words from your guide.
Rainbow Mountain Summit
Reach Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,466 ft), where you can explore, take photos, and soak in the incredible colors of this natural wonder. Spend around 30 minutes at the summit, or opt for an additional 45-minute hike across the Red Valley for even more breathtaking views.
Lunch & Return to Cusco
After descending, enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our cook before starting the 3-hour drive back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 6:00 pm.
Trip Details:
- Meals Included: Hot breakfast & lunch
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Altitude Range: 4,638 m – 5,020 m / 15,216 ft – 16,466 ft
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE 2-DAY INCA TRAIL & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK?
- Sacred Valley Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail
- Rainbow Hike 1 day
- Entrances to the Inca cities and archeological sites
- Professional guide fluent in English
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Three nights hotel accommodation with a private room, bathroom, and breakfast included if an option with the hotel is chosen (This applies ONLY if you are chosen the price which includes hotels)
- Meals a indicated on the itinerary
- 2 hot meals at Rainbow Mountain
- 3 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu -Aguas Calientes.
- Personal assistance
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR THE 2 DAY INCA TRAIL & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK?
- Hotel – optional upgrades
- Huayna Picchu Tickets: $75 USD per person
- Upgrade to Vista Dome: $67 USD per person (Only return Aguas Calientes to Poroy at 4:43 pm)
- Tips for your guide
**Huayna Picchu Mountain is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after you tour Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request it in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel: (Cusco only)
- SMALL GROUPS: up to 8 hikers
- EARLY TRAIN: for the return to Cusco from Aguas Caliente
BEST PRICE FOR THE SACRED VALLEY + SHORT INCA TRAIL AND RAINBOW MT.
***The Best Trekking Package to Machu Picchu is almost always available, except in February when the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance. Join our group and get the best deals!
PRICES:
- $727 USD per person without hotels
- $837 USD per person with 3 nights 3* hotels
- $1022 USD per person with 3 nights 4* hotels
***Private Service is available for $100 USD more per person.
***All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 people with a maximum of 8!
EXTRAS
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
- Upgrade Hotel in Ollantaytambo: $55 USD to 3* (4* not available in Ollantaytambo)
- Upgrade to Vista Dome: $67 USD per person
- Hotel single supplement: $40 USD 3* & $60 USD 3* (depends on hotel selection)
**Huayna Picchu Mountain is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. After touring Machu Picchu Citadel, you usually climb on your own. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request it in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
Why Apple Travel?
As a family-owned travel agency, APPLE Travel Peru works closely with local tour operators based in Cusco who have extensive personal experience in trekking over the years. We are proud to be a 100% Cusqueñian Company, with no shareholders.
Our owner’s dream was to provide small, personalized tours and treks exclusively operated by local, professional staff who offer high-quality service. We take great pride in our reputation as a responsible and sustainable tour operator, and our staff is like an extended family to us. We ensure that they receive good wages and financial support, which is essential to us.
Our team is the backbone of our success, and we’re immensely proud of them. We couldn’t offer the best service and amazing experiences to our clients without their dedication and hard work.
Apple Travel Peru knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create your adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on, TRIPADVISOR for yourself.
SMALL GROUPS
At APPLE Travel Peru, we believe in providing a more personalized service for our guests, which is why we have a policy that limits our groups to a maximum of 8 people. This sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES
We take great pride in our highly professional guides who speak fluent English, are very knowledgeable, and are passionate about Inca heritage and history. We have guides who are continuously developing themselves, and conducting research to provide you with accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Our fun-loving and well-educated crew holds degrees in Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we believe in giving back to the communities we pass through on our treks. We support employees from these communities and aim to bring things back to the grassroots level, share in their homes and families, and make life richer and more meaningful for all involved. We take great pride in supporting these beautiful people, not only by hiring them for work but also by socially supporting them. This approach demonstrates our attitude toward everything we do, and we strive to create a positive impact on the people and communities we interact with.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the Best Trekking Package to Machu Picchu.
WELCOME TO CUSCO
You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Look out for our representative holding an orange board Apple Travel Peru at the exit from the arrival terminal. It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!
THE BRIEFING
Your briefing will take place the night before your trek. It will be held at our office at 6 or 6:30 pm, depending on your confirmation email details. The office is located at Calle Garcilaso 2010 Office 2012.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Best Trekking Package to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
HOW TO BOOK?
FIRST, to book your Best Trekking Package to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here on the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Inca trail permit, entrance to Machu Picchu, or the train without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd/mm/yyyy)
- Nationality
To purchase your Inca Trail permit, entrance to Machu Picchu, and train ticket, a deposit of US$211.00 per person is required. There are several options to make your deposit. You can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols at the top of our home page, on our booking page, or simply click on the payment method of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
As for the balance, you can pay in cash at our office in Cusco (in US dollars or Peruvian soles) to avoid high credit card fees in Peru. There are many ATMs located within the historical center that you can use to withdraw money. Alternatively, you can also pay online through VISA or PAYPAL, but please note that there is a 5.5% service fee charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you simply need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address, which is appletravelperu@gmail.com.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
The response is NO. When the tickets for the Inca Trail have been purchased the government allows no changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the tickets have been purchased. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable.
*** If you cancel your Best Trekking Package to Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
To enter Machu Picchu and board the train, you must bring your original passport with you. It is crucial that the passport number you sent us while booking your entrance, train tickets, and reservations is the same as that on your passport. The rangers and the train company will check your passport before allowing you to enter Machu Picchu or board the train.
In case you renew your passport or change your name, please send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it for a fee of $25 per person when you get your new passport number or updated name. To make the change, we require copies of both your old and new passports. We recommend that you keep a copy of your old passport before changing it.
Alternatively, you can avoid the fee by bringing both passports to Peru with you. You can use your new passport to enter Peru, but you must show both passports (old and new) to enter Machu Picchu or board the train. If you fail to produce both passports, you will not be allowed to enter Machu Picchu or board the train. Please note that officials in Peru are strict about this matter.
Please be aware that it is essential to check the expiration date of your passport before traveling to Peru. The Peruvian government enforces a law that requires all foreign travelers to hold a valid passport for at least six months beyond the date of their entry into Peru. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in denial of entry into the country. Therefore, it is recommended that you check your passport validity well in advance of your planned travel dates to ensure that you have ample time to renew your passport if necessary.
TIPPING
If you’re content with the services we provide, a tip – however not necessary – but is valued. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of extraordinary importance for individuals who will take care of you during the journey. It moves them to give brilliant help and is a dug-in element of the travel industry across numerous Apple Travel Peru destinations. Obviously, you are allowed to tip however much you feel is suitable.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Indeed, we are a local, sustainable, and dependable tour operator for that we integrate the universal standards of the travel industry which is to safeguard the climate and advantage the local communities by respecting their way of life and religion. Considering this, we have prepared all our local staff to be aware and comprehend, and regard the places and the nearby individuals.
PACKING LIST
The Best Trekking Package to Machu Picchu does not include an extra porter. Please try to pack as light as possible which is the key to enjoying this amazing trek.
WHAT TO BRING IN YOUR DAYPACK ON THE INCA TRAIL
- Original Passport (it has to be the same one you have used for booking your trek)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3 liter reusable bottles (please do not bring disposable bottles)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Fleece liner if the cold season
- Gloves
- Toilet paper
- Hand Sanitizer
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Wool hat in the cold season
- Rain jacket
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars, or dried fruit
- Rain plastic poncho
- Camera
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
- Valuables
****WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL THAT WILL BE SENT TO AGUAS CALIENTES
- Change of clothes for visiting Machu Picchu the next morning
- Personal toiletries
- Personal medications
- Battery chargers
