Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour 3 Days

DAY 1: CUSCO CITY TOUR

In the afternoon, we will have a tour of the Imperial City of Cusco, a living museum with a mix of Andean and Spanish culture. You will be able to see the Cusco Cathedral, which was completed in 1560 after nearly 100 years of construction. Then, we will see Qorikancha, the ancient Inca Palace, and the main worship center of the Sun God. You will also see the fortress is known as Sacsayhuaman (Not sexy woman) and its military Inca architecture, which was created to protect the city. Finally, we will explore the archaeological wonders of Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay before heading back to your hotel in Cusco around 6:30 pm.

• Accommodation: Maytaq Wasin or Waman Qorikancha

DAY 2: CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY (PISAC – MORAY – SALT MINES – OLLANTAYTAMBO) – AGUAS CALIENTES

We pick you up from your hotel at 7:30 am with our private van and head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking the route to Pisac. Our first stop is the Ccochahuasi Animal Sanctuary, which has a variety of Peruvian animals, including Pumas, Condors, the national bird of Peru Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, llamas and more. Then, we stop at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy a beautiful overhead view of the Urubamba valley, which accents the surrounding mountains. 

Next, we head to the Pisac archaeological site, where you can see the biggest Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. There, we can admire the hand-carved farming terraces on the side of the Mountain, explore the Inca tunnel, and the religious site of this great Inca ruin. Here, we will spend approximately 2 hours exploring the Inca city. Then, we will visit the colorful Pisac Market, which is the largest market in the area, and spend a little time visiting the different handicrafts before driving to Urubamba for lunch.

After lunch, we visit Moray, which was an experimental farming site built in the form of an amphitheater, which each level naturally with a different temperature to grow different types of crops. These levels of terraces were carved before the Incas and then used by the Incas.

We continue our journey to the colonial town of Maras, walking downhill to the pre-Inca salt mines. Over three thousand salt ponds have been used for salt extraction since before Inca times and still supply Peru with over 90% of its salt. A hot spring at the top of the valley trickles a stream of salt water into salt ponds and evaporates to produce a salt that is used for human consumption.

Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, where we have time to explore the age-old and traditional village and ruins. Then at 7 pm, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night in a hotel.

• Accommodation: Inti Punku Tambo, Wiracocha Inn Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

On this very exciting and early day, we will take the 5:30am shuttle bus to Machu Picchu, arriving in time for the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Our guide will give us a 2.5-hour private tour, teaching us the history and liitle secrets hidden away by the Incas who once resided there. Then, you have plenty of time to explore on your own until 12noon.

Here are some other activities you can do on your own:

• Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and enjoy the amazing views of Machu Picchu from above. (Additional fee)
• Walk to the Sun Gate, 2 hours round trip or the Inca Bridge, 1 hour round trip. (No additional fee)
• Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs. (Entrance fee to enter)

Around 12 noon, we will depart Machu Picchu and descend to Aguas Calientes. You can have a relaxing lunch and explore Aguas Calientes beforing boarding the Expedition train by 4:22pm returning to Ollantaytambo Train Station and then we will drive you 1.5 – 2 hours back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving at approximately 8:30pm.

• Meals: breakfast

***There are now 2 sessions to enter Machu Picchu; 6am to 12pm and 12pm to 5:30pm. If you wish to stay after 12pm, you must purchase a second entrance ticket. If you book Huayna Picchu, you have an extra 2 hours and an extra 3 hours if you hike Machu Picchu Mountain.***

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Pick up at your hotel
• Entrances to the Inca Cities and all Archeological Sites
• Private transportation
• Round Trip Expedition Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
• Hotel accommodation with breakfast in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
• Meals as indicated on itinerary
• Roundtrip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
• Entrance fees to Machu Picchu
• Professional English-speaking guide

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED   

• Meals not indicated on the itinerary
• Entrance fee to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes (optional)
• Entrance of Wayna Picchu –$35 USD
• Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain –$30 USD
• Upgrades train/hotel – For Vistadome train add $57 USD per person
• Tips for your guide

This fantastic Cusco, 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 participant.

***All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 persons with a maximum of 8!***

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 at booking is required & 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.

EXTRAS

• Huayna Picchu Climb: $35 USD. This will need  to be booked in advance, let us know about it at the time of booking.
• Machu Picchu Mountain: $30 USD.  This will need  to be booked in advance, let us know about it at the time of booking.
• Upgrade to Vista Dome Train: $57 USD. (Aguas Calientes to Poroy at 4:43pm)
• Upgrade Hotel: 3 star $45 USD (Can upgrade to 4 or 5 star also)
• Single Supplement: $30 USD 2* and $45 USD 3* for single travelers.

Please read the following information, it will help answer any questions you may have.

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

We will pick you up from the Cusco airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading ORANGE Nation outside the arrivals. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangments). 

THE BRIEFING

The briefing will be the night before the trek at 6pm in our office which is located at Calle Santa Teresa  Nº383; 107 (first floor), next to SUBWAY restaurant and across the street from Sunat.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE:

ABSOLUTELY! During the Machu Picchu Tour your main luggage can be kept in our office or stored at your hotel, both are free.

HOW TO BOOK THE  SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?

FIRST, to book your Machu Picchu Tour, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.

We will need the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). This information is necessary to purchase the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu the train tickets:

• 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 your entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket. You can make you deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbols on our booking page or click here on the payment method of your choice, either PAYPAL.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

It is best if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco to avoid the additional 5.5% International Transaction Fee. We have many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money.  You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address orangenationperu@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, tour, or visit 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 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.
• Children under the age of 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 orangenationperu@gmail.com.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as: shortness of breath, a discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract Soroche, Quechua for high-altitude sickness.

Don’t do anything other than rest

If you travel from Lima to Cusco, the effect can be immediate. This lack of oxygen, scientifically known as hypoxia, begins to manifest itself at 7,874 ft (2,399 m) above sea level. That’s why right after landing in Cusco, visitors can feel fatigued and have difficulty walking. Walking one block could feel like walking ten blocks carrying a backpack full of rocks. It is advisable to take it easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.

Stay hydrated

How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty! That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.

Discovering coca

No one knew better the effects of high altitude than indigenous peoples. Coca is the best natural medicine to combat altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its curative powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. It contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2 and calcium, among other nutrients. Coca makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb oxygen, suppresses hunger, combats fatigue, headaches and can ease your stomach. If you do not feel like chewing leaves (which can be bitter, apart from numbing your mouth), you can try drinking coca tea, which is most commonly found in the lobby of hotels in Cusco.

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Unfortunately No. Once the tickets have been bought, the government does not allow any changes, so we cannot change any departure date after the tickets has been purchased. Tickets are also non transferable nor refundable.  If you cancel your Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is lost!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT FOR THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?

DEFINITELY! You MUST bring your original passport with the SAME passport number you sent to us to book your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other entrances and reservations. They will check when you enter Machu Picchu and to board the train.

In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, please send us a COPY of your old passport to secure your permit, and we can change it when we receive a COPY of your new passport 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 enter 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.

Remember to check your current passport to make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of your arrival to Peru!!! The Government of Peru is enforcing the existing law that requires all foreign travelers to have a passport valid for a minimum of six months past the time of entry into Peru. Peruvian authorities will deny entry into Peru for travelers not meeting this requirement.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?

The weather is very unpredictable and always changing in the Andes Mountains, so it is difficult to say with any certainty. We recommend that you be prepared for warm weather, possible rain showers (Orange Nation provides rain ponchos) and a warm jacket in case of cold. We recommend that you dress in layers so you may take off or put on clothes as needed.

ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?

OF COURSE! We will drop you off at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley when we return from the tour. We will also pick you up from the Sacred Valley if you are staying there.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip is appreciated. It means a lot to the staff, and their families, who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires better service and is a major part of the tourism industry across many ORANGE Nation destinations. Of course you are free to tip more or less what you want, depending how you feel about the quality of service and the length of your tour.

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?

We are a local sustainable & responsible tour operator which functions according to the ethical principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the indigenous communities respecting their culture and religion. We have trained all of our staff to know, understand and respect the local communities and the people living there.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING

• A small backpack or carry bag (larger bags are not allowed on the train or in Machu Picchu)
• A change of clothing
• Comfortable shoes
• Camera
• Water to drink
• Rain jacket or poncho (Provided by Orange Nation)
• A fleece or jacket
• 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)