A very enriching experience, full of history and good coordination even with changing weather during the route.
See moreSacred Valley and Easy Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (5 Days / 4 Nights)
Embark on a wonderful adventure along the Easy Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, an exhilarating introduction to Peru‘s ancient wonders. Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of the past and present amidst the hills surrounding Cusco. Delight in the breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley as you journey by rail towards Machu Picchu. This train journey offers ample time to explore fascinating ruins and vibrant local markets. Witness the spectacular panorama of Machu Picchu from Inti Punku (Sun Gate), before descending into the world-famous Lost City of the Incas.
Highlights
- Cusco
- Sacred Valley
- Inca Trail
- Machu Picchu
- Cathedral of Cusco
- Koricancha (Temple of the Sun)
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Cusco & City Sightseeing Tour
Cusco City Tour & Inca Sites
1
Upon arrival at Cusco, you’ll be warmly received and transferred to your hotel. Here, you’ll be welcomed with a traditional coca leaf infusion (mate de coca) to help you acclimate to the high altitude. Enjoy a free morning to relax, take a leisurely stroll around the ancient Inca capital, or continue acclimatizing. After lunch, at 1:30 PM, begin your comprehensive Cusco city tour. This includes a visit to the magnificent Cathedral of Cusco, where you’ll admire beautiful colonial artwork featuring extensive Incan iconography. Next, explore the Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), a historically significant site where the Santo Domingo Convent was built. Legend has it that this temple was once entirely coated in gold, astonishing the conquistadors upon their arrival. Ascend to the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park to visit the impressive citadel, a royal house dedicated to the Sun God and other deities. Admire its colossal stone structures and enjoy the magnificent, tranquil landscape. Continue to Qenqo, the ancient Temple of the Puma, where you can see a sacrificial altar carved from a massive stone. At Tambomachay, discover the sacred fountains of life and health. Finally, visit Pucapucara, which once safeguarded the city gates and the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The tour concludes with a detailed exploration of Cusco.
Day itinerary details
Day 02: Sacred Valley of the Incas Exploration
Pisac Market & Ollantaytambo Fortress
1
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before being picked up at 8:30 AM for a full-day tour of the spectacular Sacred Valley of the Incas. Explore the beautiful Peruvian countryside, beginning with a visit to the town of Pisac, renowned for its bustling market. This traditional town was once a hub for «exchange transactions» where goods were bartered instead of using currency. Discover beautifully crafted handmade products by local artisans. On Sundays, a unique mass celebrated in Quechua and conducted in Spanish is a main attraction, attended by mayors and their attendants playing traditional pututos (conch shells). Afterward, savor a typical Peruvian lunch (included) before heading to the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo Fortress. These magnificent ancient ruins offer superb vantage points overlooking the valley. Originally the royal estate of Emperor Pachakuteq during the Inca Empire, this site later served as a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui during the Inca rebellion against the Spanish. In the afternoon, return to Cusco for your overnight stay.
Day itinerary details
Day 03: Train to Km 104 & Easy Inca Trail Hike
Easy Inca Trail to Wiñay Wayna & Sun Gate
1
After breakfast at your hotel, our representative will pick you up from your Cusco hotel and transfer you to the Poroy railway station. Enjoy a scenic 3.5-hour train journey to Aguas Calientes. The train will then take you to Kilometer 104 (Km 104), the starting point of your hike. Begin by visiting the Chachabamba archaeological site (2150m/7052ft). Then, embark on an 8 km (5 miles) ascending trail, which after approximately 4 hours, brings you to the remarkable archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna (2650m/8692ft). This impressive complex features an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector, and an urban sector. Continue your climb to Inti Punku (Sun Gate). From this fabulous vantage point, you will behold the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. Afterward, take a bus down to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night at your Aguas Calientes hotel.
Day itinerary details
Day 04: Full Day Machu Picchu Exploration & Return to Cusco
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
1
After breakfast at your hotel, begin your full-day excursion to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. An early transfer at 5:30 AM will take you to the bus stop for a short 25-minute ride up to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will participate in a guided tour of the citadel, visiting key areas such as the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the sacred Sun Dial (the most important preserved Intihuatana), the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, various houses, warehouses, and the large central square. All these structures are connected by narrow roads and steps, surrounded by terraces carved into the mountainside. After the guided tour, you will have leisure time to explore the archaeological site on your own. You may also choose to undertake some optional activities (not included in the price): 1. Climb to Wayna Picchu: For the most adventurous, ascend Wayna Picchu for an even more breathtaking, distant perspective of Machu Picchu. 2. Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant in Machu Picchu (included in the price). In the afternoon, you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for your train trip back to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day itinerary details
Day 05 Departure from Cusco
Departure Transfer
1
After breakfast, our representative will assist you with your transfer to the airport for your departure. We bid you farewell, hoping you had a wonderful journey.
Day itinerary details
A valid passport is strictly required for all travelers to secure Inca Trail permits and for entry to Machu Picchu. Please provide passport details at the time of booking.
Recommendations
Before Booking
- Check tour availability with the operator, especially for Inca Trail permits, as these are limited.
- Review the terms of service and privacy statement thoroughly before booking.
- Ensure all required fields in the booking form are accurately completed.
- Consult with the operator regarding any specific questions or needs you may have.
Before Traveling
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
- Pack layers of clothing, including warm items, waterproof outer shells, hats, and gloves, as Andean weather can be unpredictable.
- Bring comfortable, broken-in hiking boots and appropriate gear for the Inca Trail portion.
- Plan to arrive in Cusco at least one full day prior to the tour start for altitude acclimatization.
- Consult your doctor about altitude sickness prevention and any necessary vaccinations.
Included services
What is included
- Professional bilingual tour guide
- Meals as per itinerary (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner)
- All ground transportation and transfers as per itinerary (airport transfers, hotel transfers, train station transfers)
- Train tickets as per itinerary (Cusco/Poroy to Km 104, Aguas Calientes to Cusco/Poroy)
- Bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail (Km 104), and all archaeological sites visited during the Cusco City and Sacred Valley tours
What is not included
- Entrance ticket to Wayna Picchu
- Any private expenses not specified in the itinerary
- International or domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
Frequently Asked Questions
01 What is the luggage policy for the Inca Trail portion of the tour?
Due to train regulations and the nature of the hike, you are typically only allowed a small daypack (approximately 5-7 kg) for your personal belongings during the Inca Trail portion (Day 3). Your main luggage will be stored securely at your hotel in Cusco and reunited with you upon your return on Day 4. Please ensure any valuables are carried in your daypack.
02 Is travel insurance required or recommended for this tour?
While not explicitly required, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended. It should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost luggage, and any other unforeseen circumstances that may arise during your trip to Peru. Please arrange your insurance prior to your departure.
03 Are there any age restrictions or recommendations for participants on this tour?
This tour involves a moderate hike on the Easy Inca Trail on Day 3, which includes an 8 km (5 miles) ascending trail. Participants should be in good physical condition and able to walk for several hours. While there are no strict age limits, travelers with very young children or those with significant mobility issues should consult with the operator to ensure suitability and safety.
04 What kind of weather should I expect in Cusco and Machu Picchu, and what clothing should I pack?
The weather in the Andean region (Cusco and Machu Picchu) can be highly variable, often experiencing all four seasons in a single day. Days can be sunny and warm, while evenings and early mornings are typically cold. Rain is possible year-round, especially during the wet season (November to April). We recommend packing layers, including warm jackets, waterproof outer shells, hats, gloves, and comfortable, worn-in hiking shoes.
05 Can dietary restrictions or preferences be accommodated during the tour?
Yes, most dietary restrictions and preferences (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies) can be accommodated with advance notice. Please inform the operator of any specific dietary needs or allergies at the time of booking to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made with hotels and restaurants throughout the tour.
Traveler Experiences
Hear from travelers who experienced the magic of our tours
Recent comments