Itinerary
ITINERARY FOR THE SACRED VALLEY TOUR TO MACHU PICCHU 2 DAYS.
Day 1: Pisac – Moray – Maras Salineras – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
When you sign up for our 2-day Sacred Valley tour to Machu Picchu, we’ll make sure you’re ready to go bright and early at 7:30 am. Your personal guide will pick you up right from your Cusco hotel in our comfy private van. From there, we’ll head out towards Pisac, the first stop on our journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Before we get there, we’ll make a quick stop at the Mirador of Taray to take in the breathtaking views of the Urubamba valley and the charming farming villages dotting the landscape. You’ll be amazed at how little has changed in agriculture in the Sacred Valley over the past five centuries.
Next, we’ll make our way to the fascinating archaeological site of Pisac, where we’ll explore an incredible Inca cemetery boasting over 2,000 tombs. You’ll marvel at the intricate farming terraces that people have expertly carved into the mountain, as well as explore the Inca tunnel and religious area of this significant citadel. We’ll spend around 2 hours discovering this historic city.
After that, it’s time to check out the colorful market of Pisac for about 20 minutes before we make our way to Urubamba for a delicious lunch.
Visit to Moray: The Greenhouse of the Incas
Our next stop is the archeological site of Moray otherwise as “The Greenhouse of the Incas” a profound basin of compositional marvel. The Incas, cautiously, cut level porches into enormous dishes. Archeologists accept that the Incas involved them to find the ideal developing circumstances for their yields and trial with hybridization.
Visit The Pre-Inca Salt Mines of Maras
Forging ahead with our excursion to the pioneer town of Maras, we peer down onto the pre-Inca salt “mines,” called salinas in Spanish. Endless ages have passed down a huge number of salt dishes, which they utilized for salt extraction since before Inca times. A hot spring at the highest point of the valley releases a little stream of intensely salt-loaded water, which is towards into a salt container and vanishes to deliver salt. This is one of a handful of spots in existence where you can see it as normally pink salt!
Visit Ollantaytambo: A Living Inca Village and Massive Ruins
At last, we drive to Ollantaytambo, finding an opportunity to investigate the Inca town that has stayed in salvageable shape since Inca times and the monstrous Inca Remains, with a visit given by our aide. Visit the gigantic engineering of the Sun Temple at the highest point of the impressive patios and find out about the significance of this site for the Inca during the start of the Spanish success.
After time for dinner, we take the train to Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night in our hotel. The train departs Ollantaytambo at 7:04 and arrives in Aguas Calientes at 8:45.
- 3* Accommodations: Ferre´ Hotel Machu Picchu
- 4* Accommodations: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Superior
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Get ready for an unforgettable day! We’ll start with an early breakfast at your hotel before hopping on one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise. You won’t want to miss this stunning view, it’s truly extraordinary! During the two-hour tour, your guide will take you through the agricultural, residential, and religious sectors of Machu Picchu Citadel. You’ll learn about the history and culture of this magnificent site.
Exploring Huayna Picchu and Other Activities After Your Machu Picchu Tour
After the tour, those who have booked in advance can enjoy extra hikes up Huayna Picchu Mountain, while others can take a bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). If time allows, there’s plenty of shopping and sightseeing to do, or you can visit the museum or hot springs.
Riding the Expedition Train: A Scenic Journey Back to Ollantaytambo and Beyond
After your visit to Aguas Calientes, you can catch the Expedition train for your return trip to Ollantaytambo. The train departs at either 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm and travels alongside the stunning Urubamba River. As you approach Aguas Calientes, the river passes through a narrow canyon with breathtaking stretches of whitewater. Keep an eye out for Wiñay Wayna, you can see it high up on the canyon wall!
Once you arrive back at Ollantaytambo, your friendly driver will be waiting for you at the train station exit. They will take you to your hotel in Cusco in our comfortable private vehicle. The journey back to Cusco takes around 4 hours, and you can expect to arrive at your hotel at approximately 7:30 pm. We hope you enjoyed your trip and have a safe journey back!
- Meal included: breakfast
***IMPORTANT:
- Hiking up to the Sun Gate and Inca Bridge is not possible anymore due to new regulations.
- Return Expedition Train time depends on the availability and how much in advance you have booked.
- You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the following 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 by request and it has to be done by booking time.
Inclusions
What is included in the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour?
- A small group of 2 to 8 people.
- Pick it up at your hotel
- Professional guide fluent in English and Spanish
- Private comfortable transportation
- All entrance tickets for the different archeological sites
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Round trip Expedition train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary
- Hotel at Aguas Calientes with a private room, bathroom, and wifi
- Round trip bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco via private van
- Taxes
What is not included?
- Water and snacks
- Huayna Picchu -$75 USD
- Upgrade to Vistadome Train – $67 USD (for the return train only)
- Other meals as indicated on the itinerary
- 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 your tour of 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.
Price & Availability
The Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour can be done on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 people!
PRICES:
| Without Hotel | 3* Hotel (Included) | 3* Hotel (Others) | 4* Hotel | |
| Price Per Person | $437 USD | $457 USD | By request | US$547 |
- With Hotel – 3* Hotel Ferre´ Machu Picchu
- Hotel single supplement: $40 USD 3* for solo travelers
- 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!
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of the university, student name, photo of the student, expiration date, etc. A copy of the card is required for booking & government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Huayna Picchu $75 USD.
- Upgrade to Vista Dome Train: $67 USD.
- Upgraded Hotel – (Can upgrade to 4 or 5*)
- Hotel single supplement: $40 USD 3* for solo travelers
**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 your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request it in advance. There is an extra cost for these guided tours.
Why Apple Travel Peru
WHY CHOOSE APPLE TRAVEL FOR THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
At Apple Travel Peru, we are a family-owned travel agency and a local tour operator based right here in Cusco. With years of personal experience trekking through this beautiful region, we are passionate about creating personalized tours and treks that cater to your specific needs and preferences.
As a 100% Cusqueñian Company, we take pride in being locally owned and operated without any shareholders. Our goal is to offer a high-quality service that is tailored to each individual client, ensuring an unforgettable and personalized experience.
We are committed to being a responsible and sustainable tour operator, and we value our team like family. Our belief is to offer fair salaries to our staff, and we know that our success is only possible thanks to their dedication and hard work.
We take great pride in our team, and we are confident that their professionalism and expertise are what set us apart. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the exceptional service and amazing experiences that our clients have come to expect from us.
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 FOR THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR
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 Info
GENERAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read carefully the following information. It will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour.
THE BRIEFING
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6 pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 2010 Office 2012.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please don’t pack anything you will need for your hike.
HOW TO BOOK THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
FIRST, to book your Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour, 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 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
SECOND, 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.
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify for the student discount.
- University students must provide a copy of their ID card showing a photo, University name, and card expiration date. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.
- For all students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30 USD.
- For children from the age of 2 to 11, the discount is $40 USD.
- Children from the age of 0 to 2 are free.
All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at info@appletravelperu.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 Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT FOR THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
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 can not 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.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend you bring a warm jacket for early morning and a rain jacket in case of a rain shower. Apple Travel will provide a rain poncho for you!
ARE WE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
Absolutely! Included in our packages is dropping you off at your hotel on the return from your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!
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 can tip however much you feel is appropriate.
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 Checklist
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING FOR THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
- A small backpack or carry bag (larger bags not allowed on the train or in Machu Picchu)
- A change of clothing for the second day
- Comfortable shoes or runners
- Camera
- Water to drink
- Rain jacket or poncho
- A fleece or jacket
- Basic toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hat for the sun
- Some extra money for lunch, snacks, and souvenirs
- Original passport (you cannot enter Machu Picchu without it)
