SACRED VALLEY  & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

DAY 1: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS (Pisac + Moray + Maras + Ollantaytambo)

We start the day at 7:30 am with a private pickup from your Cusco hotel. Our first stop is the Mirador of Taray, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Urubamba Valley and centuries-old farmland that has changed little over 500 years.

Next, we visit the Pisac Archaeological Site, home to over 2,000 Inca tombs. Explore the mountain terraces, ceremonial area, and Inca tunnel as your guide shares the rich history of this impressive stronghold. Afterward, we head to the vibrant Pisac Market for a short visit before driving to Urubamba for lunch.

In the afternoon, we explore Moray, the ancient Inca agricultural laboratory with its unique terraced amphitheater, used to experiment with crops and microclimates. Then, we continue to the pre-Inca Salt Mines of Maras, where thousands of salt pans have been in use for centuries, some naturally pink from mineral content.

Our final stop is Ollantaytambo, a living Inca village where we explore massive terraces, temples, and the Sun Sanctuary, learning about its strategic role during the Spanish conquest. The day ends with an overnight stay in Ollantaytambo, ready for tomorrow’s Inca Trail adventure.

Accommodations:

• 2*: Andenes del Inca Hotel
• 3*: Pakaritampu Hotel or El Albergue

DAY 2: OLLANTAYTAMBO – Km104 – WIÑAY WAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU

Your day begins early at 5:30 am with a private pickup from your Cusco hotel. We head to Ollantaytambo, where your guide will provide a lunch to take in your daypack. The 6:10 am train carries you through the stunning Sacred Valley scenery to Km 104, the starting point of your Inca Trail trek.

Crossing the Urubamba River, the trail begins gently, weaving past small Inca sites and through lush cloud forests. Along the way, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the valley and encounter several waterfalls—a refreshing reward for your climb.

Next, we arrive at Wiñay Wayna (2,600 m/8,500 ft), an impressive Inca ruin nestled in the jungle. Take your time exploring its terraces, temples, and water channels, while your guide shares stories of the Incas and the unique tropical flora around you. Lunch is served here, with plenty of time to relax and soak in the scenery.

The final stretch is the iconic walk to the Sun Gate. From this vantage point, you’ll glimpse your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu—a magical moment to savor and photograph. The last hour descends through a series of Inca sites, stepping in the footsteps of the Incas, before arriving at the citadel itself.

Once inside Machu Picchu, you’ll enjoy the afternoon light for unobstructed photos from the viewing platforms, taking in the temples, terraces, and plazas at your leisure. Afterwards, we transfer you to your hotel in Aguas Calientes, where a delicious dinner awaits. Free time follows to explore the town, visit the hot springs, or relax.

• Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Time: ~6 hours
• Meals included: Picnic lunch, dinner in Aguas Calientes
• Accommodations: 3*: Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu or similar | 4*: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (superior room)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Circuit: 1B

DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Rise early and enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before catching one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. Watching the sunrise over this ancient citadel is magical, with mist rising from the mountains and terraces glowing in the morning light.

Your guide will lead a detailed tour of the most important areas of the site, including the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry, and House of the Inca. You’ll also learn how the site is divided into agricultural, residential, and religious sectors.

For those who booked in advance, there’s the option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for sweeping panoramic views.

After soaking in the views, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). If time allows, explore the town, visit the museum, do some shopping, or relax in the natural hot springs.

Later, board the train back to Ollantaytambo, enjoying the stunning scenery along the Urubamba River. Upon arrival, a private vehicle will take you back to your Cusco hotel, arriving around 7:00 pm—perfect for reflecting on a day of unforgettable memories.

• Meals included: Breakfast
• Train Options: Expedition train (upgrade to Vistadome available)
• Departure: 2:30–3:45 pm
• Difficulty: Easy
• Circuit: 3B

IMPORTANT:

• Our package includes the 2:55 or 3:20 Expedition train for the way from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, then we drive you back to Cusco in our van, arriving at 7:00 – 7:30. If you have an extra hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we will buy the later Expedition train at 3:20 or 3:22.
• If you’re interested in a more scenic train ride, you have the option to upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same departure time of 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, at an additional cost of $67 USD. In case you have booked an extra hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we’ll purchase the later Vistadome train at 3:20 pm or 4:43 pm to accommodate your schedule.