Sacred Valley Tour 1 Day
& Inca Trail Hike 2D/1N

Your Sacred Valley Tour begins at 8 a.m. when your guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby. You will be taken on a road that winds around the mountains north of Cusco. On the way, we will stop at a famous point known as El Mirador (Lookout Point). From there, we will be able to see the Sacred Valley and gain some insight into the Inca history. The Sacred Valley was one of the main areas the Incas settled. There is an unusual abundance of fertile plains in this high area of the Andes. You will also witness vast contour terracing and irrigation channels left behind by the Incas.

Later on, we will drive towards the ruins of Pisac. Here, you will witness and learn about the Inca culture. You will see amazing works of stone art and impressive agricultural terraces. After exploring, we will drive back to the lower town of Pisac to stop at a bustling handicraft market. After you spend some time walking around the market bargain hunting, we will meet for lunch at a local Andean restaurant.

After lunch, we will drive along the Urubamba River towards the town of Ollantaytambo. Once we reach Ollantaytambo, we will visit the ruins, an important area of Incan construction, built during the Inca’s heydays. This is an extraordinary Inca site because you can find rock formations representing the Inca god, Wiracocha. Afterwards, we will drop you off at your hotel in Ollantaytambo.

You will be picked up for your short Inca trail hike from your hotel at 4 a.m. Following, we will go to the train station and leave on the 6:10 a.m. train from Ollantaytambo. Being one of the most magnificent trains to ride in the world, with its phenomenal views of the rough-and-tumble Urubamba River, the soaring snow-capped mountain peaks, and cornfield farms. As we descend, you will see the micro-climate changes, from the mountains and cornfields to green jungle valleys with ferns, bromeliads, and orchids, as the temperature starts to get warmer. This train ride is one hour and 45 minutes to Km 104, where we’ll disembark to meet your trekking chef and porters. You will also enjoy breakfast before starting your trek. Be sure you bring your original passport since this is the very first checkpoint along the Inca Trail. After breakfast, you will have some time to prepare before beginning the hike. Soon after, we will get to explore the first Inca site, Chachabamaba. Chachabamaba was the first ancient Incan checkpoint for entering to the Inca trail. Your tour guide will give you some background history on this ruin, followed by the three-hour climb up to the most famous Inca site along the trail, Wiñay Wayna. You will see amazing views of Machu Picchu Valley and the Urubamba River along the trail, as well as the flora/fauna native to the area. There are also waterfalls and spectacular views of Machu Picchu Mountain. The trail itself has some flat areas, as well as some short uphill and downhill hikes. It also has steps arranged in sections that can be narrow in some areas, but not dangerous. Once you arrive at the Wiñay Wayna Inca site, you will have time for a tour by your tour guide. He will also provide time for exploring the Inca site, temples, waterfalls, gardens, storehouses, watchtowers, and farming terraces. Only a short walk to the lunch spot where your trekking chef and porters will be ready, with cold drinks and delicious fresh food prepared by our cook and served buffet-style. After lunch, there will be time for a short nap. Then, it will be a one hour gradual up and downhill hike to get to the Sun Gate. There you will have spectacular views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and the surrounding valleys. The Sun Gate was used by Incas to observe the sunrise from Machu Picchu during the summer solstice. From here, it is another hour hike to the Machu Picchu ruins. Once in Machu Picchu, you can explore the watchtower area where you can get charming pictures of Machu Picchu (without crowds). We’ll then take the 20-minute bus ride to the campsite of Puente Ruinas. When you arrive at the campsite, your tents will be all set up. You will meet your porters, and enjoy a social happy hour with hot drinks and dinner. Later in the evening, we’ll have a small ceremony with your chef and porters for your last night with them. They will still be there the next morning to cook breakfast and for a proper goodbye.

* This hiking route is identical to our 2 Day Inca Trail with Hotel.

Today marks the most anticipated day of your journey, the long-awaited visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
We’ll wake up early around 4:00 a.m., and breakfast will be served at 4:30 a.m. Short after, we’ll begin a short walk to the bus stop (30 minutes), where we’ll wait for bus departure starting around 5:30 a.m.

By 6:00–6:30 a.m., we’ll arrive at the main gate of Machu Picchu.
We’ll then re-enter to begin our 2-hour private guided tour along Circuit 3B, exploring temples, water fountains, and sacred plazas. Your guide will explain the fascinating history and mysteries behind the Incan architecture.

After your tour:

• Those with Huayna Picchu tickets will begin their hike independently (guided tours are not allowed).
• Others can continue exploring additional sectors such as the Temple of the Condor or take more photos around the terraces.

When finished, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local restaurant (not included). Your guide will provide your train tickets at this time.

Return Journey:
You’ll board your train to Ollantaytambo between 2:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. (Expedition or Voyager class, depending on availability). The scenic ride lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes, offering spectacular views of the river and surrounding mountains.
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, an Alpaca Expeditions driver will be waiting to transfer you by private bus back to Cusco (approx. 2 hours). You’ll arrive between 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., where your stored luggage will be returned, and you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.