Complete Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2 Days
Cusco may have been the capital of the Inca Empire and was called the "navel" of their world, hower, Sacred Valley was the heart of their world. Only about 15kms/9.3 miles north of Cusco as the condor flies, the Sacred Valley brings you the most important Inca sites besides Machu Picchu. The valley has long been the home of attractive colonial towns, isolated weaving villages, handicraft markets and lofty 10th and 11th century Inca Citadels of Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Urubamba. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Pre-Inca Maras Salineras and Moray terraces, which were made by building containment walls filled with fertile earth. These terraces were watered through a complex irrigation system and an impressively constructed rainwater storage system. Your tour culminates with the amazing Citadel of the fabled Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. The Inca City of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is a masterpiece of art, urbanism, architecture and engineering of the Inca Civilization. The harmony of the architecture with the mountain, at the foot of the Huayna Picchu, is the exceptional result of integration with its environment, the result of a gigantic effort to blend advanced architecture with nature.
COMPLETE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR
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Day 1: Pisac – Moray – Maras Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
We will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 8:00am, with our private van and head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking the direct route towards Pisac. We will drive towards the scenic outlook of Taray, to enjoy a classic view of the Urubamba valley with crops extending through the valley like a colorful carpet. Then, we drive towards the archaeological site of Pisac, where you can see the biggest Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. There, we admire the incredible farming terraces carved into the mountainside, explore the Inca tunnels and the religious area of this important citadel. We will spend more than 2 hours, exploring this Inca citadel. Then, we head back towards the colorful market of Pisac, to spend some time shopping all of its handicrafts and treasures. Afterwards, we drive to Urubamba for lunch (not included within the package).
After lunch,we visit the archeological site of Moray, also known as “The Greenhouses of the Incas”, an evolutionary bowl of ecological terraces. The terraces are carved into a huge bowl, which were excavated by the Incas for agricultural purposes. The terraces have varied microclimates, depending on how deep into the bowl they are placed. It is believed they were used by the Incas to discover the optimal growing conditions for their different crops.
We continue our journey towards the colonial town of Maras, where you will have a short walk downhill to view the pre-Inca salt mines. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of water heavily laden with salt, which is diverted into saltpans and evaporated to produce a high quality salt.
Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, having time to explore the age old and bustling Inca village and the massive Inca Ruins, with a tour provided by our guide. Then at 7:00 pm, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hotel.
- Hotel Accommodation: 3* Ferre´ Hotel Machu Picchu
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Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
On your final incredible day, we take the bus to Machu Picchu archeological site, at 5:30am just in time for the sunrise. Your private tour of about 2 hours, will introduce you to many of the astonishing and important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel. All of our guides are thoroughly versed in the history of Machu Picchu and their culture, so feel free to pepper your guide with all of the questions you can think of!
You may wish to indulge in a few of the following extra opportunities (not included in the price)
- Climb up Huayna Picchu and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu ($75 must be requested in advance)
- Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs. (Entrance fee to enter)
After your time enjoying Machu Picchu, you descend to Aguas Calientes on the bus. 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 Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 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 around 7:30pm.
- Meal included: breakfast at your hotel
***IMPORTANT:
- Hiking up to the Sun Gate and Inca Bridge is not possible anymore due to new regulations.
- Return Expedition Train time depends on availability and how much in advance you have booked.
- You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the following times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
- Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done by booking time.
What Is Included
- Small group averaging 2 to 8 people (Big groups can be arranged by request)
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel (Please send us the flight information 14 days in advance)
- Pick up at your hotel
- Professional English and Spanish speaking guide
- Private comfortable transportation
- All entrance tickets for the different archeological sites
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Round trip Expedition train ticket Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary
- 3* Hotel at Aguas Calientes with private room, bathroom, and wifi
- Round trip Bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco via private van
What is not included
- Water and snacks
- Huayna Picchu -$75 USD
- Upgrade to Vistadome Train $67 USD (return trip only)
- Upgrade to 4* Accommodations: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Superior - check with Spider Travel for price.
- Meals
- Tips for your guide
The Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour can be done on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 people!
PRICES:
- $477 per person USD per person with 1 night hotel
- Private service is available for $100 USD more per person.
- Hotel single supplement: $40 USD 3* for solo travelers
- All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 4 persons with a maximum of 8!
EXTRAS
- Huayna Picchu Climb: $75 USD. This will need to be booked in advance, let us know about it at the time of booking.
- Upgrade to Vistadome Train: $67 USD per person
DISCOUNTS:
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. 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: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Group of 5 people or more: $30 USD. All you need to do is book the trek together at the same time.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour.
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 a Glamping Peru Treks outside of the arrival terminal.
THE BRIEFING
Your briefing will take place the night before your trek. It will be held at our office at 6 or 6:30pm, depending on your confirmation email details. The office 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 Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
HOW TO BOOK THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
FIRST, to book your Sacred Valley & 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 US$211.00 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 or click here on the payment method of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL.
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 info@spidertravel.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, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need valid student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
- All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30.
- For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40.
- For 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 glmapingperutreks@gmail.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 your departure date after the tickets has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT FOR THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
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.
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?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend to always dress in layers as it is easier to adjust throughout the day to the different micro-climates.
ARE WE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TOUR?
Absolutely! Included in our packages is door to door service for your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, for example in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!
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 Spider Travel Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you feel warranted, 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.
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 local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING FOR THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
- A small backpack or carry bag (larger bags or luggage are not allowed on the train or in Machu Picchu)
- A change of clothing for the second day
- Comfortable shoes or runners
- Camera
- Water to drink
- Rain jacket or poncho
- A fleece or jacket
- Personal toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent for mosquitoes
- Sun hat
- Some extra money for lunch, snacks and souvenirs
- Original passport (cannot enter Machu Picchu without it)
