Sacred Valley & Short Inca To Machu PIcchu – 3 Days

Detailed Itinerary – 3-Day Inca Trail with Sacred Valley

Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo

The Sacred Valley is a vast region filled with important archaeological sites and cultural attractions. Because one day is not enough to visit everything, we offer two carefully designed options. Both options begin with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 a.m. Please review the options below and let us know which one you prefer.

Option A: Pisac Route

We will pick you up from your hotel lobby at 7:00 a.m. and travel toward Pisac. Along the way, we will visit Awana Cancha, where you can see alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and guanacos. We then continue to the Pisac archaeological site and the traditional Pisac Market.

At midday, we will stop in Urubamba for lunch. After lunch, there is an optional visit to a local brewery. In the afternoon, we will explore the impressive archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. After the visit, we check into our hotel, enjoy dinner, and spend the night in a comfortable 2-star hotel in Ollantaytambo.

Option B: Maras Route

This option also begins with hotel pick-up at 7:00 a.m. Our first stop is the traditional textile center of Chinchero, followed by a visit to the colonial town of Maras. From there, we continue to Moray, a fascinating Inca agricultural laboratory made up of circular terraces.

Next, we visit the Salt Ponds of Maras, which have been in use since pre-Inca times. Thousands of salt pools cascade down the valley, creating a spectacular landscape. Our final stop is the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, where we spend about one hour exploring. Afterward, we check into our hotel, have dinner, and overnight in a 2-star hotel in Ollantaytambo.

Day 2: Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu

We will pick you up from your hotel in Ollantaytambo and transfer you to the train station. The train journey to Kilometer 104 takes approximately two hours and follows the scenic Urubamba River. Upon arrival, we begin with a guided tour of the Chachabamba archaeological site.

We then start our hike, ascending gradually along the Inca Trail with impressive views. As we enter the cloud forest, we will see orchids, birds, and waterfalls. After about three hours of hiking, we reach the spectacular Wiñay Wayna ruins, one of the best-preserved sites on the trail. After lunch, we continue hiking for another two hours to reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

From the Sun Gate, we enjoy a stunning sunset view of Machu Picchu before continuing on foot for approximately 45 minutes. We then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night in a hotel.

• Elevation Gain: 695 m / 1,683 ft
• Elevation Loss: 391 m / 820 ft
• Walking Distance: 15 km / 9.32 miles
• Trailhead Elevation: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
• Highest Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,923 ft
• Highlights: Original Inca Trail, Wiñay Wayna ruins
• Weather: Hot and humid

Day 3: Machu Picchu – Full Day Visit – Cusco

Today is the most magical day of the tour. We will wake up early to take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu and witness the sunrise over the ruins.

Your guide will lead a guided tour of approximately two hours, explaining the most important areas of Machu Picchu. After the tour, you may hike Huayna Picchu if you have reserved this option in advance (additional ticket required, USD 65).

Afterward, you will return to Aguas Calientes and board the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, private transportation will take you back to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hot

• Includes
• Private tourist transportation for the Sacred Valley tour
• English-speaking guide for all 3 days
• 2-star hotel in Ollantaytambo (Tunupa Lodge or similar)
• Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner on Day 2 (special diets available)
• Porter service to carry lunch on Day 2
• Breakfast on Day 3
• Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance fees
• Tourist ticket for Sacred Valley archaeological sites
• Round-trip train ticket Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
• Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
• Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit
• Pre-trek orientation briefing
• Three bus tickets Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
• 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Tara Machu Picchu or similar)
• Day pack cover
• Rain poncho

• Not Included
• Lunch and dinner on Day 1 in the Sacred Valley
• Lunch on Day 3

INFO IMPORTANT:

A maximum of 250 people per day are allowed to access the short Inca Trail at km. 104; This number includes all support staff such as authorized porters, chefs, and Guides and is most tightly controlled; when the short Inca trail reaches its limit of 250 hikers, the Trail is closed off for the day and no further reservations could be made; Booking are not held on the Trail and all permits to trek must be bought a year in advance, if possible.

THINGS TO KNOW

• This Machu Picchu 2-day hike is not recommended for travelers with back problems
• You will have a tour guide during your, Sacred valley, the short Inca trail, and on the Machu Picchu tour.
• Daily departures with a group of 2 or more.
• No departures in February due to trail maintenance.
• There is no access to a wheelchair.
• Don’t FORGET THE ESSENTIALS: Original passport, insurance card, personal medications.
• This short Inca trail will have a maximum of 8 travelers

STRIKES

Strikes and roadblocks are often in Peru and can disrupt our short Inca trail to Machu Picchu hike and rail service to and from Machu Picchu. We will do our best that your hike to Machu Picchu continues as planned with some changes.

If the strike happens on the first day of your short Inca Trail tour, we will cancel the Sacred Valley tour on the first day and you will do Inca Trail 2 days. Of course, we will charge only for Inca Trail 2 Days.

If the strike happens on the second day, we will take you to Aguas Calientes the first day so you will spend the night in Aguas Calientes instead of Ollantaytambo. And the next day, you will hike an extra 1 hour and a half to Km 104 where your short Inca Trail.

If the strike happens the day that you finish your 3-day 2 nights Inca Trail. We will send our vans to Hidrolectrica. So you will need to hike extra 2 hours and a half from Aguas Calientes to Hydroelectric. Then we will drive 7 hours to Cusco. We will drop you off at your hotel around 01:00 am.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend you get travel insurance because if you cancel your three-day Machu Picchu hike at the last minute it can reimburse you for your pre-paid, non-refundable short Inca Trail permit. Also when you get sick or hurt while you are far away from home, it can reimburse you for care following a covered medical emergency while traveling.

SHORT INCA TRAIL WEATHER

The weather is unpredictable in the Andes. The dry season in 3 days Inca Trail is from April to October and the rainy season is from November through March, but this does not stop rain from falling in the dry season or the sun from coming out in the rainy season so just be prepared. No matter what season you are hiking the short Inca Trail, make sure that you get rain gear such as a rain jacket, rain pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. You might experience 4 seasons in only one day too. So you must be prepared. Layers are the key since they are easy to adapt to different temperature changes.

RETURNING FROM MACHU PICHU TO CUSCO.

Returning from Machu Picchu to Cusco needs a lot of logistics. But it is already organized by us.

Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, you will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes for about 30 minutes. Buses run every 15 minutes. Then Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station. Our guide will give you your train tickets. Make sure to get to the train station 30 minutes earlier.

• The estimated time on the train is 1 hour and a half from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• The estimated time on the train is 3 hours and a half from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.

Once at the train station, our transfer will wait for you with Pureq Travel logo. He/She will then transfer you back to Cusco and then to your hotel.

• The estimated time from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is 1 hour and a half.
• The estimated time from Poroy to Cusco is 40 minutes.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

During the short Inca trail 3 days, solo travelers will be paired to share a hotel room with another traveler of the same sex and couples will have a room to themselves.

PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING

There is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cusco Office one day before your departure to the sacred valley plus a short Inca Trail at 6 pm. You will meet your tour guide and He will give you detailed information about your hike, a list of what to bring, rental equipment, or questions in general. Our office is located at Marquez Street 250, Second Floor. Office 03. Cuzco, Peru.

FAQ´S

HOW TO BOOK THE SHORT INCA TRAIL 3 DAYS WITH Pureq Travel?

In order to book your Inca Trail 3 days with us, click on the BOOK NOW button above, then select the day of your departure, then, fill out all your personal information of each participant and the last step is the payment of your deposit of $150 per person. Once we get your deposit, we will send you a confirmation of your trip

When your Inca Trail 3-day permits are in our hands, we will send you a confirmation that everything is 100% organized. All start dates, once confirmed, are guaranteed.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Of course! During the 3 days Inca trail hike, you can store your luggage at our store or at your hotel, whichever is convenient for you.  Please bring what you will only need during your Inca Trail 3 days to Machu Picchu.

WHAT ABOUT THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE?

Outstanding balance you can pay us 2 days earlier your trip in USD or soles or if you prefer PayPal at least one week before your journey(a 7% service fee applies). Also, you can pay us with a Credit card (a 5% service fee applies).  Please let us know what you prefer. Cash payment MUST be paid 2 days before your trip.

HOW ABOUT THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

According to Peruvian law, you have to be under 18 years old at the time of your trek to the Inca trail 3 days (if you are 18 or over, you need valid student cards).

All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $30 USD.

For children from 2 to 11 years old, a discount is $40 USD.

All students have to send a copy of their passport and student card at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at info@PureqTravel.com

CAN I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN PURCHASED?

Unfortunately, it is not possible. The Peruvian government doesn’t allow us to change once the three-day Inca trail permits have been bought. Inca Trail permits are not transferable nor refundable.  The only information that the government allows us to change is passport numbers.

HOW HARD IS THE SHORT INCA TRAIL?

Day one is very easy and the second day is classified as moderate-difficult, and the third day is easy too. It is recommended to be in good physical condition.

DO I NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE SHORT INCA TRAIL 3 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU?

Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it should be the same passport you sent us to book your Short Inca Trail 3 days permit. Your passport will be checked at the Short Inca trail checkpoint, Machu Picchu, and when you board the train.

UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS

If you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to book your Inca trail 3 days permits. If you don’t have your old passport, any government issue ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Once you get your new passport. Please send us a copy of your new passport ASAP to change the information on your permit.

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE OF MY TRAIN TICKET?

We usually book the 06:10 am schedule from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104 on day 1 and the return train ticket is at 02:55 or 03: 20 pm so you arrive in Cusco at 07:30 pm and you have enough time to sleep and do any tour the next day, like Palcoyo Mountain. However, if you book Vistadome, we usually buy the schedule 3:48 pm or 4:22pm so you will get back to cusco 8 pm. 

CAN I STAY IN THE SACRED VALLEY FOR MY INCA TRAIL 3 DAYS?

Not, because the tour starts in Cusco.

CAN I BOOK MY OWN HOTEL IN AGUAS CALIENTES AND OLLANTAYTAMBO?

You can book any hotel in Aguas Calientes and Ollantaytambo. It will decrease the price of your hike by $65 per person. If you decide to book your own hotel, don’t forget to tell us where you plan to stay so our guide will take you there safely.

IS INCA TRAIL 3-DAY PET FRIENDLY?

Unfortunately, you can’t visit Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu with a dog. Only Guide Dogs are permitted. But you need permits to bring them.

WHAT KIND OF REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES SHOULD WE BRING TO THE INCA TRAIL 3 DAYS?

Starting on March 01st, 2022, single-use plastic water bottles and other plastic waste is prohibited in Inca Trail 3 days. You must bring your own personal reusable water bottles to fill out the wáter. You can buy a bladder or hard shell bottle, or pouch whichever is convenient for you.

IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL?

There is not any age limit for the Inca Trail 3-day hike. We at Pureq Travel recommend that the minimum age should be 7 because there is some steep section that would be difficult for Little legs.

HOW MANY KILOS IS IT ALLOWED TO CARRY ON THE SORT INCA TRAIL?

There is no weight limit for you, you can carry heavy or lightweight. However, the porters should carry no more than 20 kilograms.

WHAT TIME WILL WE GET TO MACHU PICCHU?

On day 02, our groups get to the Sun Gate at 2:00 pm approximately, and from sun gate to Machu Picchu takes 45 minutes so you will get to Machu Picchu at 3 pm roughly. You will take a postcard shot then you will take a bus to Aguas Calientes.

HOW MANY DAYS IN ADVANCE SHOULD I  ARRIVE TO HIKE THE  INCA TRAIL 3 DAYS?

It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days prior to your departure, especially if you are coming from sea level. However, if you live in places over 2000 m( 6,561 ft), you can arrive 1 day before your departure.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ALTITUDE OF THE INCA TRAIL 3 DAYS?

Cusco, where we pick you up? It is located 3,500 m (11,251 ft)

Sacred Valley, where you make the tour. Maximum altitude 3750 m (12,303 ft)

KM 104(Chachabamba), where we start hiking at 2,170 m (7,120 ft).

The highest point of Short Inca Trail is at 2,708 m (8,884 ft).

Machu Picchu, where the short Inca Trail ends, is 2,431m (7,973 ft).

Aguas Calientes village, where we board the train back to Cusco, is 2,042 m (6,693 ft).

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE THE SHORT INCA TRAIL?

The Best time to hike the Short Inca Trail is April to October which is the dry season in the Peruvian Andes. The driest months in Short Inca Trail are May, June, July, and August. But, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu will be very busy with tons of visitors.

The rainy season starts in November and finishes in March. It is possible to hike the short Inca Trail in the rainy season but you need to bring good rain gear.

WHEN IS THE SHORT INCA TRAIL CLOSED?

The short Inca Trail is closed all month of February due to landslides, heavy rain, and maintenance of the trail.

DO YOU INCLUDE PORTERS IN YOUR SHORT INCA TRAIL TOUR?

Porters are included in our Short Inca Trail for 3 days with the hotel. However, they only carry your box lunch, not your belongings. If you want to hire a personal porter, the Price will be $45 per porter. Note: Porters are not allowed all the way to Machu Picchu. They will only go to Wiñayywayna campsite then they go straight to Aguas Calientes where they will leave your belonging.

WHAT CIRCUIT WILL I FOLLOW IN MACHU PICCHU AFTER HIKING THE INCA TRAIL 3 DAYS?

 After having the first glimpse of Machu Picchu at the Sungate, you will hike for 45 minutes straight to Guardhouse where you will take a Classical shot of Machu Picchu on day 02 in the afternoon and the next day you will access Machu Picchu by the lower part and you have to follow the Circuit 03 to visit Machu Pichu. So this rule