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Cusco & Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu 5 Days – Trip Details
ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO CITY TOUR – SACSAYHUAMAN – NEARBY RUINS
Upon your arrival to Cusco, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. There you will receive a short briefing having the rest of the morning at your leisure to rest and acclimatize to the altitude.
In the afternoon at 1pm, we will pick you up at your hotel and we will start our visit of the Imperial City of Cusco, a living example of the mix of Andean and Spanish cultures. Then, we continue our journey visiting the Santo Domingo Convent built over the Koricancha, as well as the ancient Inca Palace and the main worship center of the Sun God. You will have time to enjoy these beautiful sights; after we proceed to visit the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman with its military Inca architecture, which dominates the city.
Finally, we go to the archaeological sites of Qenqo, Puca Pucará and Tambomachay, located in the north east of the city. We take you back to your hotel in the early evening.
- 3* Accommodation: Maytaq Wasin or Waman Qorikancha
- 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel Hotels
DAY 2: CUSCO – PISAC – MORAY – SALT MINE – OLLANTAYTAMBO
We start this beautiful day at 7:30am, when your guide picks you up at your Cusco hotel in our private van. Our route to the Sacred Valley of the Incas leads us towards Pisac. We stop first at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy an expansive view of the Urubamba valley and its traditional farming villages. You will see how the agriculture in the Sacred Valley has changed little in the past five hundred years. Onward, we drive to the archeological site of Pisac, where you can see an impressive Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. There, we can admire the carefully engineered farming terraces carved into the mountain, explore the Inca tunnel and the religious area of this important citadel. Here, we will spend about 2 hours, exploring the Inca city. Then, we head down to the colorful market of Pisac, spend about 20 minutes visiting it and then drive to Urubamba for lunch.
Our next stop is the fascinating archeological site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouse of the Incas” a deep basin of architectural wonder. Levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, which was carefully engineered by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are placed. Archeologists believe that they were used by the Incas to discover the optimal growing conditions for their crops and experiment in hybridization.
Continuing on our journey to the colonial town of Maras, we look down onto the pre-Inca salt “mines,” called salineras in Spanish. Thousands of salt pans have been passed down through countless generations and used for salt extraction since before Inca times. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which is diverted into salt pans and evaporated to produce salt. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find naturally pink salt!
Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, where we spend the night.
- 2* Accommodations: Veronica View or Tunupa Lodge
- 3* Accommodation: Pakaritampu Hotel or El Alberge
- There are no 4* hotels in Ollantaytambo
- Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
After a delicious breakfast, we will have a guided tour of the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, and have time to explore attractive village of Ollantaytambo of Inca origin with remarkable channels and stone streets. In its high side, one rises to an impressive ceremonial center for worshiping water and a fortress that guarded the access to the inferior part of the valley. On the other mountainside, we can admire impressive ancient storehouses. After time to explore and enjoy this great sight, we take our train to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon with Vistadome train 1:27pm, with its great views of the Sacred Valley. This afternoon you will have time to go to the hot springs (10 soles entrance fee). We spend the night in our hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- 3* Accommodation: Ferre´ Hotel Machu Picchu
- 4* Accommodation: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Machupicchu (superior room)
- Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first busses up to Machu Picchu, so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! Your guide will give you a tour, which takes about two hours. You will see most of the important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel. You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up Huayna Picchu Mountain will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.
The Vistadome train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 4:22pm or 4:43pm or 6:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel between 8pm and 10:30pm.
Please note: In the rainy season, January through April, the Vistadome Train only runs to the Ollantaytambo station. We will drive you from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
- 3* Accommodation: Maytaq Wasin or Waman Qorikancha
- 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel Hotels
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: DEPARTURE FROM CUSCO
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your remaining time in Cusco city then in the afternoon, we will drop off at the airport to take your plane back to Lima.
- Meals: Breakfast
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Included
- Transfer in from the Cusco airport
- All private transports
- Four days tour, including Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu
- Admission tickets to all the Inca archeological sites
- Professional guide for four days that speaks fluent English
- Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and Aguas Calientes to Poroy or Ollantaytambo if it is the rainy season
- 4 nights hotel – Cusco 2N, Ollantaytambo 1N & Aguas Calientes 1N
- Delicious meals (3 Breakfasts)
- Round trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- Personal assistance
- Transfer out to the Cusco airport
Not Included
- Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
- Huayna Picchu Mountain-$75 USD
- Tips for your guide
***Huayna Picchu 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 in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
PRICES
- $657 USD per person Vistadome Train without hotels
- $857 USD per person Vistadome Train 4 nights 3* hotels
- $1,057 USD per person Vistadome Train 4 nights 4* hotels
***Private service is available for $150 USD more per person.
This fantastic package can be done on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 participants!
***All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 4 persons with a maximum of 8!
***This price includes a round trip Vistadome Train is which allows you to enjoy the gorgeous landscape of the Sacred Valley!
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: US$30. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: US$30. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: US$40. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD
- Hotel single supplement: $60 USD per night 3*(for solo travelers with single room)
- Hotel single supplement: $110 USD per night 4*(for solo travelers with single room)
- Upgrade to 5 star hotels
***Huayna Picchu 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 in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOUR TOUR
Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and tours.
ARRIVAL 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 prior to your trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board SAM Travel Peru at the arrival terminal.
THE BRIEFING
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 213 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Machu Picchu Tour your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, both are for free. Please don´t pack anything you will need for your hike.
HOW TO BOOK THE TOUR?
FIRST, to book your Cusco to Machu Picchu Tour, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an 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, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a your entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address: samtravelperu@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.
- 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@samtravelperu.com
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is No. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the tickets has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Cusco to Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other entrances and reservations.
In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter into Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter into Machu Picchu or get on the train.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE TOUR?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend to always dress in layers as it is more easier to add on of take off while passing though the various microclimates.
ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE 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!
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness are WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your tour. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
TRAIN INFORMATION
Our package includes the 14:55 or 15:20 Vistadome train for the way from Aguas Calientes to Poroy or Ollantaytambo, then we drive you back to Cusco in our van, arriving 19:00 – 19:30. If you have an extra hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we will buy the later Vistadome train at 15:20 or 16:22.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator, that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and its people.
WHAT TO BRING
- A small backpack or carry bag (larger not allowed on the train or in Machu Picchu)
- Changes of clothing
- Comfortable shoes or runners
- Camera
- Water to drink
- Rain jacket or poncho
- A fleece or jacket
- Warm jacket for nights
- Basic toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent for mosquitoes
- Hat for the sun
- Some extra money for lunch, snacks and souvenirs
- Original passport (cannot enter Machu Picchu without it)
- Valid University card if applicable.
- Swimsuit for the hot springs (optional)
