Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Walk
10 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Cusco, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Pisac, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SVT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Peru with the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Walk. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and breathtaking landscapes, starting in the historic city of Cusco, where you'll explore its churches, cathedrals, and markets. Wander through the Sacred Valley, visiting ancient ruins and the famous Inca salt pans. Trek the final section of the Inca Trail to the Sun Gate, leading to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, which you'll visit twice at optimal times. Enjoy comfortable accommodations each night, including stays at Casa Andina hotels, and savor the convenience of private transportation and expert bilingual guides. This adventure promises a rich experience of Peru's natural beauty and historical treasures.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Standard Cathedral or similar
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel located in the historic centre then you will have some time to explore the city and also enjoy a few hours of rest, essential to initiate successful acclimatisation to the altitude. In the evening you will meet with your guide at 6pm at your hotel for an initial trip briefing.
Overnight Casa Andina Standard Cathedral or similar.
Day 2 : Walking Tour Of Cusco And Nearby Ruins
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Standard Cathedral or similar
Today we have a guided tour of Cusco and its nearby ruins. The city, once capital of the extensive Inca Empire, has seen many changes since Francisco Pizarro's men took the city with such apparent ease in November 1533. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Coricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most famous monument of the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The impressive ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practised agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then finally visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua), an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings, squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated. Afterwards, we return to our hotel. In the afternoon you may have time to explore some of the central parts of the city and have a chance to look at some of the great varieties of local craft work on sale in open-air artisan markets and shops.
Overnight: Casa Andina Standard Cathedral or similar.
Day 3 : Chinchero, Walk To Urquillos In The Sacred Valley Of The Incas (Trek 8 Km, Approx 3 Hours)
Location: Sacred Valley of the Incas
Accommodation Name: La Casona de Yucay Hotel or similar
We drive to the Chinchero Plateau where we visit a famous tradtional weaving cooperative. After visiting the picturesque colonial church we will make our way down through the spectacular Inca terraces. Here we'll start a 3 hour downhill walk along a beautifully restored Inca highway to the Urquillos valley. After reaching the small town of Urquillos we drive along the Sacred Valley to Yucay where we spend the night.
Overnight La Casona de Yucay Hotel or similar. Walking Approx 8 km, 3 hours, elevation 3760m
Day 4 : Pisac Walk (Trek 6Km, Approx 2.5 Hours)
Location: Pisac
Accommodation Name: La Casona de Yucay Hotel or similar
After a leisurely breakfast we drive up to a hill high above the valley that affords superb views across to the snowpeaks of the Urubamba Range. From here we walk down through the extensive terraces and ruins of the Pisac Inca fortress and citadel. These ruins are a rare combination of residential, military and religious construction that offer some of the best examples of the stunning stonework for which the Incas were famed. After lunch in Pisac we continue to wander around the extensive crafts market before heading back to Yucay.
Overnight La Casona de Yucay Hotel or similar. Walking Approx 6 km, 2.5 hours, max elevation 2972m
Day 5 : In Sacred Valley, Visit Moray & Maras And Walk To Pichingoto (Trek 12 Km, Approx 4 Hours)
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar
Drive to Moray, where we'll experience brilliant views of many of the snow peaks and glaciers that surround this high plateau. We also explore the unusual amphithreatre-like circular terraced ruins which are believed to have been an Inca agricultural research station with different micro-climates at each terrace level. From here we head to the salt mines of Maras. This village is a salt-producing centre that dates back all the way to pre-Inca times. There are thousands of salt pools all carved into the mountain side. Due to a change in regulations, visitors are not allowed to walk through the salt mine anymore to avoid contamination of the salt. We will go to a lookout point from where we have stunning views of the salt pools. From here we will walk for about 1 hour mainly downhill to Pichingoto where the salt miners live. Enjoy this rarely walked path and soak up the incredible setting of the Sacred Valley. Our car will be waiting for us in Pichingoto and we will be driven the short distance to our hotel in Ollantaytambo. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the beauty of this famous town.
Overnight: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar. Walking Approx 12 km, 4 hours, max elevation 3500mx
Day 6 : Patacancha Valley Walk (Trek 14 Km, Approx 5 Hours)
Location: Ollantaytambo
Accommodation Name: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar
After breakfast we explore Ollantaytambo. It is the best pre-served Inca village in Peru with its traditional cobbled streets, trapezoidal doors and water canals. We also walk up to the Inca Citadel/Fortress which rests majestically above the village and which is second only in beauty to Machu Picchu. We then drive up the scenic Patacancha valley to the gorgeous hamlet of Marcacocha with its beautiful chapel. After this we walk up an ancient Inca trail to Pumamarca - a unique example of circular Inca and Pre-Inca buildings. From here we walk down past Inca terraces, still used for agriculture, and back into the village of Ollantaytambo.
Overnight: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar. Walking Approx 14 km, 5 hours, max elevation 3800m
Day 7 : Cachicata Inca Quarry Walk (Trek 10 Km, Approx 7 Hours)
Location: Ollantaytambo
Accommodation Name: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar
From our hotel in the village, we walk across a bridge built on superb Inca foundations and then follow the left bank of the Urubamba river before starting to ascend to the Inca quarries of Cachicata perched high on a hillside littered with massive chiselled rocks and small burial towers. From here there are spectacular views of the classic snowpeak of Veronica (5590 m). After exploring the quarries we descend to the village of Cachicata near the river below before making our way back to Ollantaytambo for our last overnight in the village.
Overnight: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar. Walking Approx 10 km, 7 hours, max elevation 3898m
Day 8 : Train To Km104, Walk To Machu Picchu On The Classic Inca Trail (Trek 12 Km, Approx 5 - 6 Hours)
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: El Mapi Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Lunch
Today begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel, taking you to the train station where you'll embark on a journey to KM 104 the start of our trek. Upon crossing the suspension bridge over the Urubamba River, we visit the archaeological gem of Chachabamba (2,150m). The trail then ascends, going through 8km of lush forested paths over approximately 4 hours, guiding us to the awe-inspiring site of Wiñayhuayna (2,700m). This remarkable complex showcases the ingenuity of Incan architecture, with its expansive agricultural terraces, sacred religious areas, and a well-preserved urban sector.
After a box lunch we continue for about an hour towards 'Inti Punku '(the 'Sun Gate'), (2,730m). It is here that you'll be rewarded with your first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu (2,430m). After a brief look at the site from above we head down by bus to our hotel in Aguas Calientes for a well-deserved soak in the nearby hot springs (optional).
Overnight: El Mapi Hotel or similar. Walking Approx 12 km, 5 - 7 hours, max elevation 2745m
PLEASE NOTE: All trekking distances and walking hours per day are approximate and the length, distance per day, start and finish time can vary depending on the group size, ability and weather conditions.
Day 9 : Explore Machu Picchu And Return To Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Cathedral Hotel or similar
This morning we get up early to savour the views and atmosphere of the mystical morning light over Machu Picchu. We will enjoy a guided tour of the sanctuary. We return by bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (at your own expense, there are many options to choose from) before we depart from Machu Picchu for the train ride back to Ollantaytambo where we transfer to our vehicle for the drive back to Cusco.
Overnight Casa Andina Cathedral Hotel or similar.
NB - depending on train schedules, we may arrive into Cusco very late at night.
*Important: To ensure the protection and conservation of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and enhance the visitor experience, several restrictions and regulations are in place. The site features three main circuits divided into ten predetermined routes. Visitors are limited to a maximum of four hours within the site to reduce congestion and preserve the ruins, and admission is not permitted after 4pm. Additionally, all visitors must be accompanied by a guide. Despite these restrictions, World Expeditions endeavours to ensure you have a memorable and fulfilling Machu Picchu experience.
OPTIONAL HUAYNA PICCHU CLIMB OR MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN CLIMB - For the adventurous, you can purchase a permit for either the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb (please enquire for costs). Choosing this option means forgoing the guided tour of Machu Picchu, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. Huayna Picchu, with its narrow trails, reaches an elevation of 2,963m, while Machu Picchu Mountain, with a wider path, peaks at 3,082m. Both climbs are steep, slippery, exposed, and involve vertiginous drops, requiring a minimum of 3 hours return. Note that these climbs are not guided. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable, and a waiver form must be signed before purchase. Both permits are limited and sell out quickly, so please contact us if interested.
Day 10 : Transfer To Airport In Cusco, Trip Concludes
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport in Cusco where our trip concludes.
What's Included
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Accommodation
9 nights hotel -
9 breakfasts and 5 lunches
Enjoy 9 breakfasts and 5 lunches during your tour.
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Airport transfers
Airport transfers are included if arriving or departing on the first or last day of the trip.
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Comfortable and central hotels
Stay in comfortable and centrally located hotels, primarily Casa Andina Classic hotels.
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Expert bilingual walking guide
An expert bilingual walking guide will accompany you throughout the tour.
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Group medical kit
A group medical kit is provided for safety.
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Private internal transportation
Private internal transportation is included for all transfers during the tour.
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Sightseeing and site entrance fees
Sightseeing and site entrance fees as listed, including two entrances to Machu Picchu, are covered.
What's Not Included
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International flights and taxes
International flights and taxes are not included.
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Internal flights
Internal flights are not included.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as beverages, laundry costs, and phone calls are not covered.
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Excess baggage costs
Excess baggage costs are not included.
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Meals not stated in itinerary
Meals not stated in the itinerary are not included.
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Tips
Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory but not included.
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Visas
Visa costs are not included.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, snacks, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc. Please note, the following items are prohibited in Machu Picchu: drones, selfie sticks, tripod for cameras, walking stick without rubber tip, backpack that exceeds 40cm x 35cm x 20cm, aerosol spray, heals, sharp objects, banners or posters. As of December 2018, single-use plastic bottles and any other single-use plastics (bags, cups, straws, etc) are prohibited in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, on the Inca Trail and all other protected natural areas in Peru. This regulation was established by the Ministry of Environment, following the Sustainable Tourism Regulation which aims to conserve these protected natural areas. Please ensure to bring your reusable water bottle on all our Peru trips. Water refill stations have been installed in areas near Machu Picchu and other national parks. Your guide will brief you where you can refill your water bottles with drinking water.
Accommodation
9 nights hotel. While in Lima or Cusco, you will typically stay at a Casa Andina hotel, or another property of a similar style. The Casa Andinas specialise in integrating the characteristics of each destination such as architecture, decoration, gastronomy and music to create an authentic experience for our travellers. They are centrally located and come with good service and comfort. Most of the hotels and lodges we use can be described as 3 star accommodation, some of them are categorised as 4 stars. In smaller towns and villages hotel options are often limited and we might have to use more basic accommodation with a lower or without star rating. Please note that the star rating in South America is very fluid and can’t be compared to a western standard star rating, however you can be assured of clean, comfortable and well located lodgings.
Grading
Introductory adventures are designed with the first time trekker in mind. They are challenging enough to make it a real adventure holiday, however the daily physical exercise is around six to eight hours and altitudes generally less than 4100m. Introductory adventures are not necessarily easy. There will be some long steep ascents and some rough ground to cover. Remember trekking rarely involves flat terrain.
Two to three months prior to departure you should spend thirty minutes to one hour exercising, three or four times per week eg. Hard walking, jogging or cycling. To prepare for a walking holiday we recommend you take every opportunity to walk up and down stairs and/or hills, for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. Please remember the fitter you are the more you will enjoy your holiday.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, snacks, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc.
Please note, the following items are prohibited in Machu Picchu: drones, selfie sticks, tripod for cameras, walking stick without rubber tip, backpack that exceeds 40cm x 35cm x 20cm, aerosol spray, heals, sharp objects, banners or posters. As of December 2018, single-use plastic bottles and any other single-use plastics (bags, cups, straws, etc) are prohibited in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, on the Inca Trail and all other protected natural areas in Peru. This regulation was established by the Ministry of Environment, following the Sustainable Tourism Regulation which aims to conserve these protected natural areas. Please ensure to bring your reusable water bottle on all our Peru trips. Water refill stations have been installed in areas near Machu Picchu and other national parks. Your guide will brief you where you can refill your water bottles with drinking water.
Mode of Transport
Tourist train to Km104 and from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo. Private internal transportation is provided for the duration of the tour, including airport transfers if arriving/departing on the first or last day of the trip.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in hotels for 9 nights. In Lima or Cusco, you will typically stay at a Casa Andina hotel or a similar property. These hotels integrate local characteristics such as architecture, decoration, gastronomy, and music to create an authentic experience. Most of the hotels and lodges used are 3-star accommodations, with some categorized as 4 stars. In smaller towns and villages, hotel options may be more basic and have a lower or no star rating. However, you can be assured of clean, comfortable, and well-located lodgings.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 9 breakfasts and 5 lunches. Meals not stated in the itinerary are not included.
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What should I carry in my daypack during the tour?
In your daypack, you should carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location, and weather), a rain jacket, snacks, a water bottle, camera gear, valuables, and personal items such as sunscreen and lip balm. Note that certain items are prohibited in Machu Picchu, including drones, selfie sticks, tripods for cameras, walking sticks without rubber tips, backpacks exceeding 40cm x 35cm x 20cm, aerosol sprays, heels, sharp objects, banners, or posters. Single-use plastic bottles and other single-use plastics are also prohibited.
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What kind of physical preparation is recommended for this tour?
This tour is designed for first-time trekkers but involves daily physical exercise of around six to eight hours and altitudes generally less than 4100m. It is recommended to spend thirty minutes to one hour exercising three or four times per week, such as hard walking, jogging, or cycling, two to three months prior to departure. Walking up and down stairs or hills is also recommended for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.
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Are there any restrictions or regulations for visiting Machu Picchu?
Yes, several restrictions and regulations are in place to protect and conserve Machu Picchu and enhance the visitor experience. Visitors are limited to a maximum of four hours within the site, and admission is not permitted after 4 pm. All visitors must be accompanied by a guide. Additionally, certain items are prohibited, including drones, selfie sticks, tripods for cameras, walking sticks without rubber tips, backpacks exceeding 40cm x 35cm x 20cm, aerosol sprays, heels, sharp objects, banners, or posters. Single-use plastic bottles and other single-use plastics are also prohibited.
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Is there an option to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, you can purchase a permit for either the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb. Choosing this option means forgoing the guided tour of Machu Picchu, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. Huayna Picchu reaches an elevation of 2,963m, while Machu Picchu Mountain peaks at 3,082m. Both climbs are steep, slippery, exposed, and involve vertiginous drops, requiring a minimum of 3 hours return. Note that these climbs are not guided, and permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. A waiver form must be signed before purchase, and permits are limited and sell out quickly.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.