3-Day Sacred Valley and Short Inca Trail Adventure

DAY 1:

Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Ollantaytambo

The first day is dedicated to discovering the fascinating Sacred Valley of the Incas, also known as the Urubamba Valley, a region renowned for its rich history and stunning Andean scenery. Along the Urubamba River, you will find important attractions such as ancient archaeological complexes, ancestral salt mines, traditional markets, cultural centers, and unique culinary experiences.

Because this region offers so many attractions, the excursion is divided into two options so you can enjoy it to the fullest. Both begin with hotel pickup in Cusco at 07:00 a.m.

First Option: Maras – Moray Route

(Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo)

The day begins with transportation from Cusco to the traditional town of Chinchero. Along the way, we will travel through beautiful rural landscapes and extensive agricultural areas typical of the Andes.

In Chinchero, local artisans will share the secrets of ancient Andean weaving, demonstrating techniques inherited from the Incas for dyeing and creating traditional textiles. We will also visit the Chinchero archaeological complex, where we will observe agricultural terraces and structures that played an important role in Inca agricultural management.

Next, we will continue to Moray, an extraordinary archaeological site famous for its enormous concentric circular terraces and advanced irrigation system. Located at 3,385 m (11,106 ft), these structures are believed to have functioned as an agricultural experimentation center where different crops were tested under varying microclimates.

After admiring the impressive views of valleys and mountains from Moray, we will continue to the famous Maras Salt Mines, where lunch is scheduled (not included). Here, you can observe more than 3,000 pink salt ponds fed by natural springs, which have been used since pre-Inca times and are renowned for the quality and distinctive flavor of their salt.

After visiting the salt mines, we will continue through the Sacred Valley to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we will explore one of the most important archaeological complexes of the Inca Empire.

Among its main attractions are the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Moon, and the Temple of the Ten Niches, monumental constructions built with massive stone blocks. In addition to its ceremonial and astronomical significance, this site played a strategic role as a fortress during conflicts between the Incas and the Spanish.

At the end of the guided tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Ollantaytambo, where you will spend the night.

Second Option: Pisac Route

(Camelid Center, Pisac Ruins, Pisac Market, and Ollantaytambo)

Your adventure begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 07:00 a.m. Our first destination is an alpaca farm or camelid conservation center, located approximately thirty minutes from the city.

Here, you will have the opportunity to meet the four South American camelid species: vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, and guanacos, animals that hold great importance in Andean culture. You will be able to feed them, take photos, and learn how to distinguish each species with the help of your guide.

Next, we will stop at the Taray Viewpoint, where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the Vilcanota River winding through its center.

We will then continue to the archaeological complex of Pisac, one of the most important sites in the region. Here, we will observe ancient irrigation systems, ceremonial centers, Inca cemeteries, and extensive agricultural terraces that demonstrate the extraordinary knowledge of this civilization.

After approximately one hour of exploration, we will descend to the town of Pisac to walk through its cobblestone streets and visit its traditional handicraft market, where you can browse and purchase local products.

We will then continue to Urubamba, following the course of the Urubamba River, where we will enjoy a buffet lunch at an Andean restaurant (not included).

Afterward, we will visit the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo. We will climb its stone stairways to enjoy incredible views and explore important structures such as the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon.

Once the visit is complete, we will return to your hotel in Ollantaytambo for the night.

Elevation: 2,792 m (9,160 ft)
Duration: 9 to 10 hours
Meals: Not included
Suggested Accommodation: El Albergue, Pakaritampu, or Tunupa Lodge (subject to availability).
Difficulty: Easy

Important: Ollantaytambo does not have four-star hotels.

DAY 2:

Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

At 07:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel in Ollantaytambo to begin the exciting two-day Inca Trail journey to Machu Picchu.

At 07:45 a.m., we will board the Vistadome train bound for Machu Picchu. During the trip, we will enjoy approximately one and a half hours of travel through Andean landscapes, cloud forests, and lush Amazonian vegetation.

Our hike begins at Km 104 – Chachabamba, where passports and permits will be checked. All required documentation will be arranged in advance by our team.

At Chachabamba, your guide will share information about Inca history and the importance of the Inca Trail. This fascinating archaeological site preserves plazas, ceremonial baths, and structures associated with ancient rituals.

From here, we will begin a gradual ascent of approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to Wiñay Wayna, whose name means “Forever Young.” Along the route, we will pass through trails surrounded by orchids, waterfalls, and spectacular mountain scenery.

After exploring this impressive archaeological complex and enjoying a packed lunch (not included), we will continue to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), located at 2,700 m (8,858 ft). From this point, we will enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains.

We will arrive at Inti Punku between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m., when visitor numbers are generally lower, allowing us to enjoy the scenery and capture outstanding photographs.

We will then descend toward Machu Picchu, where we will have the opportunity to experience the citadel in a much quieter atmosphere. Afterward, we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night.

DAY 3:

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

After a restful night, we will start the day early to visit the spectacular Machu Picchu Citadel.

Following breakfast, we will head to the bus station to board the first service at approximately 05:30 a.m. The journey takes about 25 minutes and brings us to the main entrance of the archaeological complex.

We will enter shortly before sunrise, when the first rays of sunlight illuminate the citadel with golden tones, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

Following Circuit No. 3, your guide will accompany you on a guided tour lasting approximately two hours, visiting the most important sectors of Machu Picchu. You will discover its temples, plazas, residences, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial areas while learning about the fascinating history of this masterpiece of Inca engineering.

You will also explore the sanctuary’s three main sectors: the agricultural area, the residential area, and the religious area.

At the end of the tour, you may choose to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain, where extraordinary panoramic views of the citadel await. This activity requires advance booking and is not included in the tour price.

Afterward, you will return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch (not included), exploring the town, or shopping for souvenirs at the local market.

In the afternoon, you will board the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo, departing at 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m., depending on availability. From there, our private transportation will take you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving approximately between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.

End of our services.