Sacred Valley, 2 day Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Tour Package 4 days

$727 /per Person Book Now

Overview


This super costumized itinerary; Sacred Valley + 2 day Short Inca Trail + Rainbow mt 4 days package is perfect for those who want both the ancient Inca history and outdoor adventure! Visit the most important places in the Sacred Valley, trek part of the Inca Trail to the famous Machu Picchu and the spectacular Rainbow Mountain!

In the Sacred Valley you visit the extensive archeological area in Pisac, the fascinating sites at Moray and Maras, then Ollantaytambo. You will trek the last day of the Inca Trail, up to the spectacular Wiñay Wayna! Get up early the next morning to be among the first to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu, then travel back to Cusco that same day. The hike up Rainbow Mountain will be unlike anything you have ever seen and is certainly quite different from the climate of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu!

About this activity


TYPE SERVICE

Group

ACTIVITIES

Hiking, Cultural and Self-guided

GROUP SIZE

Up to 8

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel, Bus and Hiking

DIFFICULTY

Moderate

Duration

4 Days

BEST TREKKING PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU TRIP DETAILS!

Itinerary

ITINERARY FOR THE BEST TREKKING PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU.

DAY 1: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS (Pisac + Moray + Maras + Ollantaytambo)

We start this beautiful day at 7:30am, when your guide picks you up at your Cusco hotel in our private van. Our route to the Sacred Valley of the Incas leads us towards Pisac. We stop first at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy an expansive view of the Urubamba valley and its traditional farming villages. You will see how the agriculture in the Sacred Valley has changed little in the past five hundred years. Onward, we drive to the archeological site of Pisac, where you can see an impressive Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. There, we can admire the carefully engineered farming terraces carved into the mountain, explore the Inca tunnel and the religious area of this important citadel. Here, we will spend about 2 hours, exploring the Inca city. Then, we head down to the colorful market of Pisac, spend about 20 minutes visiting it and then drive to Urubamba for lunch.

Our next stop is the fascinating archeological site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouse of the Incas” a deep basin of architectural wonder. Levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, which was carefully engineered by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are placed.  Archeologists believe that they were used by the Incas to discover the optimal growing conditions for their crops and experiment in hybridization.

Continuing on our journey to the colonial town of Maras, we look down onto the pre-Inca “Salt mines” called salineras in Spanish. Thousands of salt pans have been passed down through countless generations and used for salt extraction since before Inca times. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which is diverted into salt pans and evaporated to produce salt. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find naturally pink salt!

Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, taking the time to explore the Inca village that has remained intact since Inca times and the massive Inca Ruins, with a tour provided by our guide. Visit the massive architecture of the Sun Temple at the top of the formidable terraces and learn about the importance of this site for the Inca during the beginning of the Spanish conquest. Here you spend the night at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, ready to start the Inca Trail the next day.

  • 2* Accommodation: Veronica View Hotel or Tunupa Lodge
  • 3* Accommodation: Pakaritampu Hotel or El Alberge
  • There are no 4* hotels in Ollantaytambo

DAY 2: OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM104 – WIÑAY WAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU

We start this exciting day early; your guide will leave the hotel with you at 5:30am. When you arrive at the train station, you will receive your lunch to add to your daypack. Your train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10am and you will have just over an hour on the train to enjoy the scenery and have breakfast (not included). Your hotel can provide you a picnic breakfast to take with you or you can pack your own breakfast.

You get off the train at the famous Km104, where your trek begins! (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level). After crossing the Urubamba River on a picturesque foot bridge, you will show your passport at the checkpoint and visit your first Inca site nearby. The first hour and a half are a gentle upward climb. Along the way, you will stop at several outlooks where you have an expansive view of the Urubamba River. You also pass through several microclimates, including cloud forest, so be ready for damp or even rain at any season of the year. The next hour and a half are a slightly steeper uphill with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end of the hike!

When you cross the bridge below the waterfall, be sure to take some time for photos and as you do you will find yourself gazing up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna! (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level) These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle. This close to Machu Picchu, you are hiking through lush sub-tropical jungle. Your guide will tell you all about the ruins, plus the incredible flora and fauna of this microclimate and answer any questions you have before the short 5-minute walk to your lunch spot.

You have lunch at a covered shelter at the Wiñay Wayna campground, which is the last campground for those hiking the Classic Inca Trail. Nearby are outdoor sinks to wash your hands and also restrooms. Take your time enjoying your hearty, gourmet lunch and admiring the tropical flowers around the campground. Be sure to notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you book!

After lunch, you have a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate, from which you have your first view of Machu Picchu! Though the hour-long walk is a gentle rolling up and down, it does end with a set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca. Once you reach the stairs you will know that you’re almost at the Sun Gate! As you turn the corner from the Sun Gate, you will enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. So, take some time to savor the moment and take photos. The last 60 minutes down from the Sun Gate provide many opportunities to take more photos of Machu Picchu from this unique vantage point. There are also a couple more important Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, so make sure to go slowly, enjoy your time walking in the footsteps of the Inca on the Inca Trail and ask your guide questions about these historical places on the last bit of your hike to Machu Picchu.

Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will have time to take more photos from the viewing platforms above the site (Guard House), where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. You will arrive in the afternoon, as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists, which gives you the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in your shots. Take your time to enjoy this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to check into your hotel. Your will have a delicious dinner, then have time to walk around this picturesque little town, visit the hot springs or just go to your hotel to rest after such an exciting day.

  • Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel, box lunch, dinner at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
  • Distance: 12 kms/7.5 miles
  • Time: 6hrs approximately
  • 3* Accommodations: Ferre´ Hotel Machu Picchu
  • 4* Accommodation: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (superior room)
  • Difficulty: moderate

You will leave an overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes.

DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! Your guide will give you a guided tour of Machu Picchu, which takes about two hours. You will see many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel.

After your tour, those who have booked in advance for an 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, 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 by 7:00pm.

  • Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • 3* Accommodation: Waman Qorikancha or Maytaq Wasin
  • 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada or Casa Andina Private Collection

***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 $67 USD.
  • Early trains can be organized by requested 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.

DAY 4: CUSCO – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – CUSCO

We will pick you up from your hotel at 4am, and begin with our amazing Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure.  We set out on our drive for 3 hours through the South Valley; ending up at the trailhead at Llacto (4,638m / 15,216 ft).  Along the way, there are amazing views of farming Inca terraces, traditional villages, valleys and high Andean peaks.

The herds of alpacas and llamas near your breakfast place will entertain you in the early morning. Once we reach the trailhead, we start on our hike following a lovely stream. As you start your hike, you will have views of the Ausangate Mountain and glaciers. You can interact with the local people, who are still keeping traditional Quechua culture aliveLearn about their traditional clothes and the significance of the different hats worn by the men. Ask your guide to teach you a few words of Quechua!

After a total hike of 1.5 hours, we finally reach our destination: the Rainbow Mountain (5,020m /16,466ft). After admiring the unique beauty, you will have time to explore the area. You can take pictures or just soak up the view. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top. Afterwards, there is an optional hike across to the top of the Red Valley.  This walk takes about 45 minutes longer to get back to the trailhead.

At this point, we hike back down the way we came. The hike takes 1 hour, then we enjoy our lunch which will prepare by our cook.

We will embark on the3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at yourCusco hotelarriving around 6:00pm.

  • Meals included: hot breakfast & lunch
  • Difficulty: moderate to challenging

Inclusions

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE BEST TREKKING PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Sacred Valley Tour
  • 2 Day Inca Trail
  • Rainbow Hike 1 day
  • Entrances to the Inca cities and archeological sites
  • Professional guide fluent in English
  • Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Three nights hotel accommodation with private room, bathroom and breakfast included if option with hotel chosen (This applies ONLY if you are choosen the price which includes hotels)
  • Meals a indicated on the itinerary
  • 2 hot meals at Rainbow Mountain
  • 3 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu -Aguas Calientes.
  • Personal assistance

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR THE BEST TREKKING PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Hotel – optional upgrades
  • Huayna Picchu Tickets: $75 USD per person
  • Upgrade to Vista Dome: $67 USD per person  (Only return Aguas Calientes to Poroy at 4:43pm)
  • Tips for your guide

**Huayna Picchu Mountain is optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour. 

ADDED VALUES FOR FREE

  • Transfer from the airport to hotel: (Cusco only)
  • SMALL GROUPS: up to 8 hikers
  • EARLY TRAIN: for the return to Cusco from Aguas Caliente

Price & Availability

BEST PRICE FOR THE BEST TREKKING PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU.

***The Best Trekking Package to Machu Picchu is almost always available, except February when the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance. Join in with our group and get the best deals!

PRICES:

  • $727 USD per person without hotels
  • $837 USD per person with 3 nights 3* hotels 
  • $1022 USD per person with 3 nights 4* hotels

***Private Service is available for $150 USD more per person.

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

EXTRAS

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu mt: $75 USD per person
  • Upgrade Hotel in Ollantaytambo: $55 USD to 3* (4* not available in Ollantaytambo)
  • Upgrade to Vista Dome: $67 USD per person
  • Hotel single supplement: $40 USD 3* & $60 USD 3* (depends on hotel selection)

**Huayna Picchu Mountain is a optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour. 

Why SAM

WHY CHOOSE SAM TRAVEL? 

SAM Travel Peru is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. SAM Travel Peru is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.

 Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.  

We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are proud of our team without them , we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.

SAM Travel Peru knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create your adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on, TRIPADVISORfor yourself! .

SMALL GROUPS

To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at SAM Travel Peru we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.

OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES FOR THE BEST TREKKING PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU

We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate for Inca heritage and history.  Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun lovinggreat sports and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.

OUR SERVICE PROJECTS

SAM Travel Peru has always believed that we should give back to the communities we pass through on our treks. Therefore, as part of our commitment in responsible tourism, we socially support and employee from these communities.

SAM Travel Peru is proud to be able to support these beautiful people, not only in hiring them for work but to bring things back to grassroots, to share  in their home and families. This makes us  happy to have a holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!

A beautiful reflection of our attitude in everything we do, is that we wish to make life richer and more meaningful for all involved.

Important Info

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the Best Trekking Package to Machu Picchu.

WELCOME 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 arrival. Look out for our representative holding an orange board SAM Travel Peru at the exit from the arrival terminal. It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!

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 Garcilazo 210; office 213 (second floor).

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Of course! During the Best Trekking Package to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.

HOW TO BOOK 

FIRST, to book your Best Trekking Package to Machu Picchu, 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 Inca trail permit, 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 Inca Trail permit, entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket.  You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPALsymbols 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.

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

Unfortunately the answer is no. Once the Best Trekking Package to Machu Picchu Permits have been bought, the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the tickets has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable.
*** If you cancel your Best Trekking Package to Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?

Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and it´s people.

Packing List

The Best Trekking Package to Machu Picchu does not include extra porter. Please try to pack as light as possible which is the key to enjoy this amazing Best Trekking Package to Machu Picchu.

WHAT TO BRING IN YOUR DAYPACK ON THE BEST TREKKING PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage:  2-3 litre reusable bottles (please do not bring disposable bottles)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Fleece liner if cold season
  • Gloves
  • Toilet paper
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Wool hat in the cold season
  • Rain jacket
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or dried fruit
  • Rain plastic poncho
  • Camera
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
  • Valuables

****WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL THAT WILL BE SENT TO AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN

  • Change of clothes for visiting Machu Picchu the next morning
  • Personal toiletries
  • Personal medications
  • Battery chargers