Day 1: Sacred Valley (Pisac – Moray – Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo) – Aguas Calientes
We will pick you up from your hotel at 7:30 am with our private van and head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Our first stop is the Manos de la Comunidad, which has a variety of Camelids indigenous to Peru like the llama, alpaca, guanacos and the Vicuna that produces very fine wool and can only be shorn every three years. We visit this farm to pet, feed and take pictures with these animals. Also, in the center are local women dressed in local garments, weaving items using the wool from these animals. As you exit, you will encounter a museum and souvenir shop. The workers are always around to answer any questions, but you never feel pressurized to buy anything.
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 lining the mountain side. We learn more about the value of this site in terms of Agriculture. Explore the many inca farming terraces, food storage warehouses at the top of the hill and the water channels for irrigation purposes.
Then, we start driving towards Urubamba for lunch, passing small farming towns like Coya and Calca before stopping at the foot of Urubamba for a delectable buffet lunch. The restaurant has an impressive spread of different foods and is vegan and vegetarian friendly. There is a variety of fresh vegetables, salads, protein dishes, desserts and tea and coffee. (Lunch is not included)
After lunch, we continue towards the colonial town of Maras, to reach the Pre-Inca salt mines. Enjoy this historical site, that has been mined pre-Inca and continues to be the bread and butter for this small community. The salt stream above feeds the thousands of salt pans, once the water has evaporated the salt is collected and sold. The salt mines are one of the few left in the world that produce a natural pink salt and have not adopted any modern techniques for mass salt mining. The locals have full mining rights and all the salt sold on site belongs to the locals. It still supplies Peru with over 90% of its salt. A great place to grab another souvenir.
Next, 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 took control of the Sacred Valley and then used by the Incas to research optimal growing conditions for their crops. The Incas brought in different soil samples from other regions, to optimize their research. The locals were still using it for growing their crops, until the 1970s when it was preserved and protected for tourism.
Then, we drive to Ollantaytambo to explore this quaint Inca village and the amazing Inca Ruins on the hilltop above. These ruins are where the Incas fought their last battle with the Spanish conquerors, before they had to retreat and flee into the dense jungle. Most of the structures were unfortunately incomplete. There is a section with a number of boulders that were carved, but didn’t make it to their destination. Another possibility, is that the battle was so intense, it caused a lot of damage to this massive Inca site.
Finally, at around 7pm, we take the train to the small town of Aguas Clientes where we spend the night in our hotel
3* Accommodation: Ferre hotel or similar – This hotel can be upgraded.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
On this very exciting and early day, we will take the 5:30 AM shuttle bus to arrive in time for the sunrise over Machu Picchu. This is a magical sight that you will not want to miss! Our guide will give us a 2-hour private tour, teaching us the history and little secrets hidden away by the Incas who once resided there. Then, you have time to take photos on your own.
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping or sightseeing.
The Expedition Train at 2:55 or 3:20pm will take you back to Ollantaytambo, 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 7:00pm.
- Meal: breakfast from your hotel
***IMPORTANT:
- You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $57 USD.
- Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done by booking time.
- The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.
WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE 2 DAY SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel (Please send us the flight information)
- Pick up at your hotel
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Private transportation
- All entrance tickets for the different archeological sites
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Round trip train ticket (Expedition service) Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary
- 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 FOR THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
- Water and snacks
- Huayna Picchu – $75 USD
- Upgrade to Vistadome Train – $57 USD
- Hotel upgrade – Request pricing at booking time
- Meals
- Tips for your guide
The Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour can be done on any date as long as we have a minimum of 2 people!
| No. OF PEOPLE | PRICE |
| 2 to 8 people (with 1 night hotel) | $ 437 USD per person |
| 2 to 8 people (without hotel) | $ 417 USD per person |
***All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 people with a maximum of 8!***
DISCOUNTS
- 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: $75 USD This needs to be booked in advance, please let us know at the time of booking.
- Upgrade to Vistadome Train: $57 USD (Aguas Calientes to Poroy at 4:43pm)
- Upgrade La Cabaña Hotel 3*: $50 USD per person
- Upgrade Tierra Viva Hotel: 4* $90 USD per person
- Upgrade El Mapi Hotel: 4*¨$120 USD per person
- Hotel single supplement: $35 USD
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read the following information carefully. It will help answer all of your questions about our services and Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour 2 days.
ARRIVAL IN 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 terminal. 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 arrangements).
THE BRIEFING
The Briefing will be the night before the trek at 6pm in our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
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 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 – 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 it appears on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.O.B. (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.
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 by PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address orangenationperu@gmail.com to complete the payment.
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.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Yes, but with some restrictions. Once we purchase Machu Picchu tickets, the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after we bought the tickets. Tickets are also not transferrable nor refundable. If you cancel your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek, the deposit is non-refundable!
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, any entrance ticket, 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 update your information 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 prepare for warm weather, possible rain showers (Orange Nation provides rain ponchos) and a warm jacket in case it gets cold. We recommend that you dress in layers so you may take off or put on clothes as needed.
ARE WE DROPPED 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 promotes better service and is a significant part of the tourism industry across many ORANGE Nation destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you feel is appropriate, depending on how you happy you are with 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 help the indigenous communities by 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 FOR THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
- A small backpack or carry bag (large bags are not allowed on the train or in Machu Picchu)
- A change of clothing for the second day
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera
- Water
- Rain jacket or poncho
- A fleece or jacket
- Basic toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hat for the sun
- Some extra money for lunch, snacks and souvenirs
- Original passport (you cannot enter Machu Picchu without it)
Christian B
10/10 Amazing experience
If you’re thinking about which agency to use, look no further- Ray and Jimmy went well above and beyond and made this a memorable, safe, fun, and professional experience.
Ray is the most knowledgeable guide I’ve ever had in any country for any excursion - during both the Short Inka Trail and the actual tour of Machu Picchu, Ray’s expertise shined through in his ability to give us a detailed background on every aspect of the history, climate, nature, flora, animals.. anything!
Likewise, Ray and Jimmy were truly the friendliest, kindest hosts that I could have imagined our group having.
Thank you both so much and I will definitely book with you again if (when) I come back!
Matt A
Awesome experience!!
Did the 2 day Inca trail with Ray and Jimmy they were great and knowledgeable. Ray not only guided us along trail to Machu Picchu but also was an excellent photographer and taught us the history. It was a group of 10 and we had a great time. Even everything going on in Peru, we always felt in good hands.
Rius
Short Inca Trial (2-Day)
This tour was the perfect experience for our (group of 10) short trip to Peru. The trail was sometimes challenging, but the views and history made it all worth it. Ray and Jimmy were our guides and imparted sooo much knowledge about the history of Peru, Inca, and beyond. I would definitely recommend!