Tour Cusco, Sacred Valley and Inca Trail to Machu picchu 08 Days
Peru is one of the countries in South America with a variety of landscapes, from mountains and beaches to deserts and rain forests. Lima is the capital of Peru. Most people live along the coast of Peru.
Peru has one of highest mountain range in the world runs through Peru. Cusco is located in the south of Peru, where was developed the Inca’s Empire. Under the Inca ruler Pachacutec, Machu picchu was builted, and nowaday is one the new seven wonder in the World.
If you chose this package you can trek on the traditional Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Considered one of the best treks in the world due a rare combination of its exquisite natural beauty of flora, existence of endangered species and mysterious Inca sites. You will have very pleasant views such as Cusco city, savor the rich culture, artisan markets and mouthwatering food of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Also in this package you can visit the 7 Lagunas de Ausangate, one of the most impressive walks around the highest snow-capped peak in Cusco, El Ausangate.
The tour of the 7 lagoons is a beautiful day hike, where you can admire a variety of lagoons of different colors; such as the turquoise green, the blue color, the red lagoon, the green lagoon, the black lagoon, all under the imposing snowy Ausangate and other beautiful mountains that belong to the Cordillera de Vilcanota.
Highlights of the Tour:
- Tour the city of Cusco, declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
- Get to know the most impressive archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Visit a traditional community near the Ollantaytambo ruins.
- Take a four-day hike through the Inca Trail to Machu.
- Spend a day immersed in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, wonder of the world.
General information
Itinerary
Day 01: City Tour Cusco
Our staff will welcome you at the airport upon arrival and then transfer you to your respective hotel, where you can rest and / or perhaps explore the city of Cusco on your own, also take advantage of having lunch before starting your first excursion in the afternoon at 1:15 pm approximately.
Our guide with transportation picks you up at your hotel to start the tour; which begins with a visit to the Cathedral of Cusco, which houses masterpieces from the colonial era that crossed the city of Cusco. Then we visit the wonderful Qoricancha (temple of the sun), which was the first and most important religious site of the Inca period. Later we will move to the imposing archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman (characteristic for its cyclopean constructions). This trilogy is calmly visited. Once the tour is finished (6:00 pm approximately) you will be left near the Plaza de Armas so that you can take advantage of having dinner.
Day 02: Tour 7 Lagoons Ausangate
We will pick you up from the hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. at 5:00 a.m. Then we will travel by tourist transport for approximately 3 hours to the town of Pacchanta. In this place we will have breakfast and start the walk, we will ascend little by little until we arrive at our first lagoon, and so on the subsequent ones.
The walk lasts 5 hours between round trip. During the journey we will visit the different colored lagoons characterized by their blue, turquoise and green colors. Also, some of them are large and look like natural mirrors. The lagoons to visit are: Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo and China Otorongo.
On the way, we will also see Andean birds, alpacas, llamas, and vizcachas. After that, we will return to Pacchanta. Where we will enjoy a delicious lunch, then we will relax in the Hot Springs.
After the hot springs we will return to the city of Cusco, arriving in Cusco at 7:30 p.m. to soon.
Day 03: Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour
In the morning we will pick you up at your hotel from 7:30 to 8:00 a.m., then we will travel by tourist transport towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The first visit will be in the Pisac Archaeological Park and then we will visit the typical native market of the town of Pisac where we will have the opportunity to appreciate the different forms of commerce and crafts.
Afterwards, our next stop will be in Urubamba, traveling along the banks of the Vilcanota river, prior coordination with the guide, we will have a buffet lunch. After lunch in the afternoon we will visit the Ollantaytambo Fortress, there we will have the opportunity to explore this archaeological, religious and cultural center. Returning to Cusco, we will make a stop in the town of Chinchero, where we will observe the process of alpaca wool and we will also visit the Archaeological Complex of Chinchero, where the remains of the royal estate of Túpac Inca Yupanqui are located. At the end of the excursion we will return to Cusco.
- Pisac: It is made up of groups of archaeological remains, including platforms, aqueducts, paths associated with walls and portals, canalized water channels, cemeteries and bridges.
- Ollantaytambo: It was built during Inca times as a fortified area that includes a temple, platforms and an urban sector. Two sectors can be distinguished: one called «Araqama Ayllu», an area linked to worship and religion; and the second «Qosqo Ayllu», a complex dedicated to housing.
- Chinchero: In the workshops of the artisan associations, the entire weaving process is exposed daily, from the wool washing to the final product, in which one can witness the spinning, dyeing and weaving techniques that are still practiced. the chincherino town.
Currently the textiles of Chinchero are highly recognized for their dedication in the elaboration and for maintaining the Inca textile tradition as a base, mainly for their weaving.
Day 04: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba
Distance: 8 km, duration: 5 hours
At 4:00 am you will be picked up by minibus at your accommodation and we will begin the tour that will take us to Piskacuchu, also known as “km 82”, at 2,700 meters above sea level. From that point we will start our route along the Inca Trail.
After a stop for lunch we will continue walking along the Urubamba River through flat terrain until we reach Miskay. There we will ascend to a viewpoint in the highest area of the mountain to see the impressive Inca city of Llactapata.
We will continue the walk through the valley created by the Kusichaca River, a five-hour stretch where we will enjoy the views, the native flora and fauna, until we finally reach the camp in Wayllabamba (3,000m high).
Day 05: Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo
Distance: 12 km, duration: 8 hours
We will get up early, have breakfast and continue to face the hardest section of the route, a steep climb where the landscape changes from sierra to puno (very dry landscape with little vegetation). We will pass through Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman Pass – 4,200m high), in this area you can see domesticated llamas and alpacas.
We will pass by a cloud forest where many types of typical Andean birds live. Finally we will go to the Pacaymayo valley (3,600m high) where we will spend the night in our campsite.
Day 06: Pacaymayo – Wiñaywayna
Distance: 16 km, duration: 12 hours
From Pacaymayo we will go up to the second pass of Abra Runkurakay, which is also an archaeological complex at 3,970 meters above sea level.
We will walk to Yanacocha and pass by the cloud forest to reach the beautiful archaeological complex of Sayacmarca (3,624m). We will continue the route passing through an Inca tunnel until we reach the Phuyupatamarca archaeological complex, which means «city on the clouds», since it is at the highest point of the mountain.
We will continue the walk up the long descending stone steps until we reach Wiñaywayna, where there is an impressive Inca complex in which they were dedicated to agriculture, where we will camp for the night.
Day 07: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We will get up early to walk an hour along a cobbled road built by the Incas that connects directly with Machu Picchu. We will access the site through the Puerta del Sol, known as Inti Punku, and we will experience one of the most magical moments of the tour: watching the sunrise over the sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Later, we will do a two-hour tour with an expert guide who will explain all the details of this incredible place. Finally, we will have free time to enjoy ourselves and we can visit places such as the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge.
Around 1:00 pm we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will eat and then take the train back to the city of Cuzco.
Day 08: Hotel Cusco – Airport
Our staff will pick you up at the Hotel at the time you have to transfer to the airport and / or Terminal, normally it is 2 hours before the departure of your flight, which is recommended. (You can take advantage of this day to take some time off before your flight).
INCLUDED:
- Pick up from your hotel at the beginning of each tour.
- Private bus for all routes.
- Entrance fees to the Classic Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Professional English-speaking guide (two guides for groups of more than 9 people).
- 2 person tents with capacity for 3 people, for more space for your backpacks
- Double thickness foam mattress.
- Chef and kitchen equipment.
- Meals on the Inca Trail: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners.
- Porters (to carry tents, food and kitchen equipment).
- Dining tent with camping tables and chairs.
- Kitchen tent.
- First aid kit that includes an emergency oxygen bottle.
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
- Round trip transfers to the airport of arrival and departure from Cusco.
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
- All transfers, tours and excursions specified in the itinerary.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Breakfast the first morning: some hotels offer an early morning breakfast service.
- Lunch at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes on day 4 of the trek.
- Extra carrier to carry your things. (US $ 140.00).
- Entrance to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes US $ 3.50.
- Sleeping bags can be rented from our office for US $ 16 for the 4-day trek.
- Tips for the guide, cook and porters.
- International air tickets and associated taxes.
- Domestic flights.
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses.
- Travel insurance
What do you need to bring?
- Backpack.
- Sleeping bag (it can be hired in our office for US $ 16 for the 4-day trek).
- Rain jacket or poncho (ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few dollars).
- Comfortable shoes.
- A complete change of clothes.
- Sweater.
- Bottle of water and purification tablets.
- Flashlight and batteries.
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun.
- Sunblock (sun protection cream).
- Insect repellent.
- Toiletries, towel and toilet paper.
- Selection of small snacks, chocolate, nuts, cookies, etc.
- Camera, film galore, and spare batteries.
- Swimsuit (if you plan to visit the hot springs of Aguas Calientes after the hike, the entrance is not included in the price).
- You must also bring your original passport on the way and your student ISIC card (if claiming a student discount).
Frequent questions:
About the City Tour in Cusco:
Can everyone do the tour?
Yes, people of any age can enter the archaeological sites included in the tour.
Can I book the tour with a guide in another language?
The tour includes a bilingual tour guide: English and Spanish. To request a guide in another language, you must ask your sales consultant.
How many people make up the tour group?
Due to the rules established to combat Covid 19, the groups are made up of a maximum of 15 people.
Does the tour include food?
No. The tour does not include food. A good option is to bring mineral water and snacks with you.
Does the company comply with the security measures against Covid 19?
Yes. At each stage of the tour, we have implemented hand disinfection, temperature measurement, social distancing (1.5 meters) and the use of a mask are complied with. Travel in complete safety!
Is there free entry to archaeological sites?
No, currently the entrance to the archaeological sites of the tour has a cost that is already included in the service.
About the Tour to the 7 Lagoons in Ausangate:
How long do we travel to get to the town where the walk begins?
The starting point of the walk is 3 hours from Cusco.
At what time does the Tour to the 7 lagoons of Ausangate begin and end?
We pick you up from your hotel between 04:30 am and 5:00 a.m. and we return at 6:30 p.m.
Does the full day tour to the 7 lagoons of Ausangate include food?
Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included.
What is the maximum height reached during the Tour to the 7 lagoons of Ausangate?
The maximum altitude we will reach is 4,800 masl / 15.7 feet.
About the Sacred Valley Tour:
Where is located the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located 15 km from the city of Cusco. A drive to the Sacred Valley will take around 40 minutes.
How is the weather during the tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
Most of the towns in the Sacred Valley of the Incas have a pleasant climate. The temperature varies from 4ºC. at 23ºC. From April to October is considered the dry season. From November to March is considered the rainy season. Always prepare yourself, be sure to have waterproof clothing including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and gloves.
About the Inca Trail:
What is Inca Trail?
The network of Inca roads is a system of roads that linked the most important points of the immense empire of the Incas. This network of trails was called ‘qhapac’, words in the Quechua language that mean ‘way of the king or of the powerful. Many sections of these roads is preserved in good condition by several countries in South America. The Inca Trail is considered Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco. Today, a part of these sections is the famous Inca Trail route that ends in Machu Picchu.
Where is Inca Trail?
The Incas covered much of the South American continent. To maintain the communication in such a vast territory it was necessary to build a network of roads. Thus, the Inca ordered the construction of a network of roads called Qhapac Ñan (Inca Trail).
The Qhapac Ñan covered up to 30 thousand kilometers from the current countries of Peru, Ecuador and part of Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Colombia. The trekking route of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is only a small part of the extensive network of roads of the Qhapac Ñan.
The Inca Trail is located in Cusco, Perú. It has 2 versions. Even, the final destination of both routes is the Citadel of Machu Picchu, each one has a different starting point:
- Classic Inca Trail: 4 days and 3 nights (43 kilometers of walking).
The Inca Trail begins at kilometer 82 of the railway that leads to Machu Picchu (2 hours and 30 minutes by bus from the city of Cusco).
- Short Inca Trail: 2 days and 1 night (12 kilometers of walking).
The Short Inca Trail begins at kilometer 104 of the Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu railway (2 hours 45 minutes from the city of Cusco by car).
If you hire a guided tour, in any case, the starting point is the city of Cusco, in Peru.
All formal travel agencies pick up tourists from their respective hotels in Cusco and / or Ollantaytambo to start the Inca Trail tour.
Where does Inca Trail start?
The starting point of the Inca Trail is kilometer 82 of the railway that leads to Machu Picchu (2 hours and 30 minutes by bus from the city of Cusco).
How long is the Inca Trail?
The Classic Inca Trail is 40 kilometers long and 4 days of walking. The route will take you through mountains, until you arrive at Machu Picchu in the Amazon jungle of Peru.
The starting point is kilometer 82 of the railway that connects the towns of Ollantaytambo with Aguas Calientes. The end of the road is at the Puerta del Sol (Intipunku), the entry point to Machu Picchu used by the Incas. From there you have the first, scenic and unforgettable view of the wonder of the world.
During the 40-kilometer route, tourists will appreciate other citadels built by the Incas, such as: Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayaqmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñayhuayna and more.
Next, we specify the Inca Trail length:
DAY 1: KM 82 TO WAYLLABAMBA
- Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
- Approximate Walking Time: 5 – 6 hours
DAY 2: WAYLLABAMBA TO PACAMAYO
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Approximate Walking Time: 6 – 7 hours
DAY 3: PACAMAYO TO WIÑAY WAYNA
- Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
- Approximate Walking Time: 7 – 8 hours
DAY 4: WIÑAY WAYNA TO MACHU PICCHU
- Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
- Approximate Walking Time: 2 – 3 hours
How high is the Inca Trail?
The altitude of the Inca Trail varies greatly throughout the hike and your body will notice the differences, especially at the highest points.
Most of the trails on the Inca Trail begin in Cusco, which, at 3,400 meters, is already considerably higher than Machu Picchu. By staying there before your hike, you will give your body time to acclimate to the altitude of the Inca Trail.
Next, we specify the altitudes reached during the Classic Inca Trail:
DAY 1: KM 82 TO WAYLLABAMBA
- Maximum altitude: 3,000 masl / 9,842.5 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,600 masl / 8,530.2 ft
DAY 2: WAYLLABAMBA TO PACAMAYO
- Maximum altitude: 4,600 masl / 15,091.9 ft
- Minimum altitude: 3,000 masl / 9,842.5 ft
DAY 3: PACAMAYO TO WIÑAY WAYNA
- Maximum altitude: 4,000 masl / 13,123.3 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,650 masl / 8,694.2 ft
DAY 4: WIÑAY WAYNA TO MACHU PICCHU
- Maximum altitude: 2,650 masl / 8,694.2 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,100 masl / 6,889.8
Is the Inca Trail hike difficulty?
The difficulty of the 4-day Inca Trail hike is moderate.
The trail begins at a place called Km 82 at 2,600 meters and slowly descends downward during the morning before ascending in the afternoon to Yuncachimpa at 3,152 meters.
The second day is the most difficult on the Inca Trail, as it is spent ascending above the Dead Woman Pass at 4,200 meters. Maybe you can feel the effects of the altitude here.
From Chaquiccocha it is generally easy to go as you descend to Puerta del Sol and then to Machu Picchu, where the Inca Trail comes to an end.
Next, we detail the level of difficulty of each day of the Inca Trail hike:
DAY 1: KM 82 TO WAYLLABAMBA
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Distance traveled: 9 km
- Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours
DAY 2: WAYLLABAMBA TO PACAMAYO
- Difficulty level: Difficult
- Distance traveled: 12 km
- Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours
DAY 3: PACAMAYO TO WIÑAY WAYNA
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Distance traveled: 16 km
- Approximate walking time: 8 hours
DAY 4: WIÑAY WAYNA TO MACHU PICCHU
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Distance traveled: 6 km
- Approximate walking time: 2 hours
Permits for Inca Trail 2022
There are only 500 spaces available per day for the Inca Trail, approximately 200 are assigned to tourists and 300 to porters, cooks and guides.
If the number of spaces runs out, you will have to choose another date to hike the Inca Trail. Remember that if the permits run out on a particular date, any travel agency will be able to offer a space. Permits to hike the Inca Trail can only be purchased with the visitor’s name and passport number.
One thing to consider is the following: once the reservation is confirmed, there is no option to change the date or name.
Packing list for Inca Trail
Here are some ítems you should consider for your Inca Trail packing:
- Passport (or identity document).
- Extra money in cash.
- Walking stick.
- Sleeping bag.
- Cell phone batteries.
- Hat.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Plastic bags (to store garbage).
- Repellent against mosquitoes.
- Poncho for rains.
- Flashlight.
- Photographic camera.
- Clothing (shirts, sweaters, windbreakers, gloves, pants, socks, underwear, etc).
- Snacks.
- Fruit.
- Rehydrating water.
- Medicines (if you consider it necessary).
- Personal hygiene items.
When to hike the Inca Trail?
We recommend you to hike the Inca trail during the dry season: From May to September. These months are generally good for the crossing due to the infrequency of rains.
During the rainy season: From November to March is not recommended to hike the Inca Trail.
Is it advisable to acclimatize before hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
We highly recommend that you acclimatize for 2-3 days in a high place (such as Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Arequipa, or Lake Titicaca) before attempting any of these treks. Altitude can affect anyone at a moderate to high altitude (more than 3,000 meters).
Keep in mind that altitude sickness can be serious, so if your guide advises you to rest or descend, do as directed.
As most of our hikes are a combination of ascents and descents, altitude sickness is usually short-lived and having it does not necessarily mean that you will not be able to complete the hike. Medications are available to combat the effects of altitude sickness; for more information, consult your doctor.
Should I take out insurance to do the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu?
As indicated in our booking conditions, we strongly recommend that you have your own travel insurance before taking one of our treks
We strongly recommend that you check with your current medical insurance about coverage in the event of an emergency evacuation.
Is there a minimum or maximum age limit for the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu?
We do not recommend this trek for children under 8 years old and adults over 68 years old. All children under the age of 18 must also be accompanied by an adult. We recommend that if you are over 60 years old, you talk to your doctor well in advance about the best way to plan the hike and make sure your travel insurance covers such adventure activities.
Should I train to do the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu?
Generally speaking, you should do exercise that improves your current fitness level. Hiking days are long, so if you can take long walks 2-3 times a week (i.e. about 1 hour), this will help you improve your overall fitness.
As the Andes region is mountainous, if you can hike on hilly or steep terrain, it will also help you on your trek through the Andes.
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