Cusco + Sacred Valley + Inka Trail

Welcome to the Imperial City of Cusco! Upon arrival at Cusco airport (3,400 m / 11,150 ft), our staff will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Due to the altitude, it is recommended to take it easy, stay hydrated, and allow your body time to acclimatize. Your Cusco City Tour begins at 1:00 PM with hotel pickup. The tour includes visits to Cusco’s main historical and archaeological highlights such as the Cusco Cathedral, located in the Plaza de Armas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its impressive architecture and art. We then walk through ancient Inca streets to visit Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), the most important religious center of the Inca Empire, where you will see the contrast between Inca and Spanish colonial construction. Afterward, we travel outside the city to explore the surrounding Inca sites: Sacsayhuamán, famous for its massive stone walls; Qenqo with its ceremonial altars; Puca Pucara, a military checkpoint; and Tambomachay, a beautiful water temple. The tour ends in Cusco with drop-off at your hotel.

The day starts with hotel pick-up around 8:30 AM from Cusco. We drive for approximately one hour to the traditional Andean village of Chinchero. In Chinchero, you will meet a local women’s association and enjoy a unique cultural experience, including a gentle walk with alpacas through the countryside. After the walk, you will enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by the community. You will also witness a live demonstration of traditional Andean textile techniques, learning about the entire process from shearing the alpaca fiber to dyeing with natural pigments and weaving the final product. This is a great opportunity to purchase authentic handmade souvenirs. In the afternoon, we continue to a scenic location with stunning views of the Andes, where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset experience in the Sacred Valley before settling into your accommodation.

After breakfast, we head into the Sacred Valley to visit Moray, an impressive Inca archaeological site made up of deep circular terraces believed to have been used for agricultural experiments. The precision of the construction and the unique design will leave you amazed. We then continue to the village of Maras to visit the famous Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of small salt pools have been used since Inca times and are still harvested by local families. You will have time to explore the area and visit small shops selling natural salt products. In the afternoon, we visit Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns and often called the “Living Inca City.” Here, you will explore terraces, temples, water channels, and learn about its importance during the Inca Empire. After the guided visit, we transfer you to your hotel in Ollantaytambo and provide a briefing for the next day.

The day begins early with pick-up from your hotel in Ollantaytambo around 5:30 AM. We board the 6:10 AM train to Aguas Calientes, enjoying scenic views of the Urubamba River, Inca terraces, and snow-capped mountains. After approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, we arrive at KM 104 (Chachabamba), the starting point of the hike. After passing the first checkpoint, you will visit the Inca site of Chachabamba and begin the hike along the Short Inca Trail. The trail gradually ascends and offers beautiful views of the Machu Picchu Mountain, waterfalls, and lush cloud forest. After about three hours of hiking, we reach the stunning archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m), where you will explore its terraces, fountains, and temples. Lunch is served near the campsite before continuing through the cloud forest to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you will enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. We then descend to Machu Picchu and continue by bus to Aguas Calientes. In the evening, we enjoy dinner at one of the town’s best restaurants and rest for the final day.

This is the most important day of the tour. After an early breakfast, you will take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu (from 5:30 AM). Your hotel will store your luggage, allowing you to carry only a daypack. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes. Upon arrival, your guide will take you to the classic panoramic viewpoint to enjoy the sunrise and unforgettable views of Machu Picchu. You will then enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2.5 hours, learning about the history, culture, and architecture of the Inca Empire. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own or, if previously arranged, hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional, subject to availability, additional cost). You will return to Aguas Calientes by bus and later take the train to Ollantaytambo. Our staff will be waiting to transfer you by private vehicle back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the evening.