Sacred Valley Tour 1 Day
& Inca Trail Hike 2D/1N
Trip Overview
Tour Location: Sacred Valley, Inca Trail.
Tour Type: Trekking/Hiking, cultural, adventurous
Good For: Those in moderate shape, families.
Difficulty: Moderate. It’s not a technical hike but the altitude may affect some individuals.
Consideration: Permit is required, but a separate permit process for the 4 day hike and generally available with little notice.
Season: Opened March through January. Closed February
Campsite: Our private campsite is only for Alpaca trekkers and includes a well deserved hot shower and areas to charge batteries/phones.
Tour Price
Sacred Valley Tour 1 Day & Inca Trail Hike 2D/1N
Price $
775
USD
Per Person
Group Size
minimum 2 people
Activity Level Challenging
Trip Details
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Highlights
Stretched across two days with six hours hiking along the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, is the short Inca Trail hike. Start your first day with a four-hour hike gradually uphill to Winawayna ruins, a beautiful spot for your lunch. From there, its one more hour to the Sun Gate where you will see Machu Picchu for the first time. You won’t head into the ruins on your first day, instead, you will go to your campsite, which is closer to the town of Aguas Calientes. Enjoy another meal by your amazing trekking chef and then sleep under the stars. The next morning you will go inside Machu Picchu for your tour of the marvelous ruins.
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Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Sacred Valley Tour
- Day 2: Inca Trail – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu (Walking Distance: 15 km / 8 miles)
- Day 3: Machu Picchu! (You will be back in Cusco around 8:30 PM)
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Special Offers
Add Rainbow Mountain: $150 US
Enjoy a full-day hike to the striped mountain at a very special rate. This can be done before or after your Inca Trail, arrange with your sales team member.
Highlights
Itinerary
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Day 1: Sacred Valley Tour (small group)
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.
Entry fees: Included
Meals: on your own
Accommodation: Sol Natura or similar included -
Day 2: Inca Trail – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu
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.
Highlight: Trekking the Inca Trail, enjoying the views from the Sun Gate, sunset views from Machu Picchu, camping at the foot of Machu Picchu
Walking Distance: 15 km / 8 miles
Meals: Included
Elevations: Trek starting point 2,000 m, the highest point is Sun Gate 2,720 m, the camp is at 1,900 m
Weather: Hot and humid
Accommodation: Camping -
Day 3: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of the Incas) & Return to Cusco
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.Highlight: The most exciting and magical day – arrival at Machu Picchu!
Area: High Cloud Forest and Subtropical Zone
Weather: Hot and very humid (bring plenty of water)
Meals: Breakfast Only
Accommodation: On your own (Cusco city)
Inclusions
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Included
- Professional Guides: All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in the Cusco region, and are committed to teaching others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe and happy.
- Permits: As soon as we receive your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits (pending availability, check our Inca Trail Availability). These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They can´t be changed once confirmed. Only your passport number is allowed to be updated. The permit includes an entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Briefing: The evening before your trek, you will attend a 6:00 p.m. briefing at our office with your guide and the rest of your group. During this meeting, your guide will review the final details of the adventure and answer any last questions you may have.You will also receive your duffel bag, which will be carried by the porters throughout the trek. This bag can hold up to 7 kg / 14 lbs in total, including your sleeping bag and air mattress if you choose to bring or rent them from us. Packing in layers works best for changing weather conditions along the trail.
- Porters: We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag. There is no additional fee for this. You will not have access to your duffel bag until your evening campsite.
- Transportation: Transportation is included in this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel in Cusco and driven to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you will board the train to KM 104, the starting point of your trek.
At the end of the tour, the Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo will be included (with the option to upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $75 per person). Upon arrival at the train station, our team will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Your round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are also included. - Equipment: Alpaca Expeditions has the best equipment. We use Eureka Timberline 4 person tents that are shared by only two people. You will also have a spacious dining tent to enjoy your meals in.
- Food: The Alpaca Expeditions chefs cook delicious meals that many previous trekkers have loved. We honor all food restrictions, so be sure to add any that you have on your booking form and let your guide know at your briefing. Food is typically all served family-style.
- You will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day for the trek along with a happy hour of tea and snacks. A snack will be provided each morning for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on day four. Lunch the last day is not included.
- Water: Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, Alpaca Expeditions will supply all the water needed. This water is boiled, filtered, and then cooled before distributing. You must bring personal water bottles and or a camelback. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. You will be able to refill your water at each meal.
- First Aid: Every Alpaca Expeditions guide has received training in first aid from a physician. We conduct mandatory training sessions every February, which every single Alpaca tour guide must attend. Your tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical situations (traveler´s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. We will get you off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible if needed, and ensure you get directly to a clinic for treatment.
- Extras: We believe it´s the attention to small details that separates us from other tour companies. Every trekker receives a small pillow to sleep with, a foam mattress for insulation, a day pack cover to protect their things while hiking, and a rain poncho. We will work hard to create your best vacation.
- Satellite Phones: Our top priority will always be the safety of our clients and our team. While all our guides are prepared and trained to deal with most issues clients have on the mountain. Being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps everyone feel assured that they are safe. Radios, which all our guides have, are limited in how far they can reach, so Alpaca Expeditions has added Satellite Phones to every trek. Every guide will have a fully charged phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to connect us anywhere in the world. And they can be used by our clients for non-emergencies as well. While they are not cheap to use, they are available just in case you need to check in on the puppy you left at home with grandma.
- Rentals: Every trekker needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but encouraged. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent:Sleeping Bag: $15
Inflatable Air Mattress: $10
Walking Sticks (Pair): $10 - Huayna Picchu: Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You would do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.
Price
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Group Price
We can depart any day of the week, as long as permits are available. Please remember, permits are only needed for your start date.
$775 per person
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Student or Under 17 Discount
$25 off per person
Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.
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Additional Items
As you see in our Additional Options, there are several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices:
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Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu is the iconic peak that rises beside Machu Picchu, famous for its steep stone pathways and breathtaking views. The hike typically takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the summit, depending on your pace. Although this portion is done independently, your guide will accompany you to the checkpoint and point out the trail entrance before you begin.
This hike requires an additional entrance ticket, which we can secure for you in advance, as availability is very limited.Huayna Picchu tickets are issued in timed entry groups to manage trail capacity. The sessions currently offered are:
• Group 1: Entry from 7:00–8:00 AM
• Group 2: Entry from 9:00–10:00 AMWe usually book the 9:00–10:00 AM entry so you can fully enjoy your guided tour of Machu Picchu first, then begin the hike without rushing. Once inside the checkpoint, you may take your time ascending and descending.
The additional ticket cost is $75 USD per person.
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Vistadome Train
All our tours include the Expedition Train, which is typically booked between 2:30 pm – 3:20 p.m. from Aguas Calientes.
If you prefer an upgraded experience, the Vistadome Train offers larger panoramic windows, more spacious seating, and onboard entertainment. The departure time for the Vistadome depends on availability and is usually scheduled at 1:37 p.m., 2:55 p.m., or 4:43 p.m. This train generally travels to the Ollantaytambo station, where private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.If you would like a train that travels to Poroy or directly to Cusco, this can also be arranged with advance notice, though it is subject to availability and may incur an additional cost.
The Vistadome upgrade from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is $75 per person
Travel Info
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Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Even when you will do this hike on your own, your guide will still show you the trail entrance. This trek is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you with advance notice.
The ticket is $75 per person.
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Vistadome Train
If you prefer an upgraded experience, the Vistadome Train offers larger panoramic windows, more spacious seating, and onboard entertainment. The departure time for the Vistadome depends on availability and is usually scheduled at 1:37 p.m., 2:55 p.m., or 4:43 p.m. This train generally travels to the Ollantaytambo station, where private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.
If you would like a train that travels to Poroy or directly to Cusco, this can also be arranged with advance notice, though it is subject to availability and may incur an additional cost.
The Vistadome upgrade from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is $75 per person
Packing List
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ESSENTIALS
- Passport
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
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FOR YOUR DUFFEL
Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.
- 1 wicking t-shirt, 1 shirt for Machu Picchu (that you want to see in photos
- 1 hiking pant, 1 short or pants for Machu Picchu
- 2 sets of undergarments.
- Hiking socks, regular socks
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
- Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
- Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
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TOILETRIES
- Sunscreen
- Face moisturizer
- Bug spray
- Handsanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toiletpaper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
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INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.
- Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
- Sunhat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (IPhone)
- Handsanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
Sacred Valley Tour 1 Day & Inca Trail Hike 2D/1N
Please fill in our BOOKING FORM carefully with your correct personal details.
The Alpaca Difference
Alpaca Expeditions is a 100% peruvian, indigenous owned company. Started by Raul Ccolque, a former porter and tour guide, Alpaca Expeditions separates ourselves by our dedication to both our customer and our team. We work very hard to make sure that all our clients needs are taken care of throughout the tour with us. At the same time, we never forget about our brothers and sisters working tirelessly for us to make all of this possible. Responsible and sustainable tourism that gives as much to our community as to our clients.
Meet the AE Trekking Team!
Everyone on the Alpaca Team is from Cusco region, living the traditions and history they share with you while on one of our tours. Our guides are all graduates of university studying tourism, history and english. Our chefs are trained every February by a professional cooking team learning new meals, adding varieties of entrees for all types of eating. And all our porters are from HUARQUI, HUACAHUASI, PATACANCHA, QUISWARANI, CANCHACANCHA, QUEYUPAY, UMACHURCO and CCACCACCOLLO villages, very often working this job on top of maining their farms back at home. Most of our team has been with us for years, as we have the most loyal, hard working, happy employees in Cusco. We know how lucky we are to have the best team trekking and you will immediately fall in love with all the men and women who call Alpaca Expeditions their home.
AE súper porters
Our Porters represent the Peruvian people, both men, and women who are at the heart of our...
Equality Matters
Alpaca Expeditions aims to promote gender equality and empower women, hiring first Peru Wo...
Our Guides
Travelling and trekking along the mountains is one of the best activities in the World. Co...
Our Chefs
Trekking along the mountain on your way to conquer Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime ex...
What do we do for our porters?
Alpaca Expeditions would not be where we are today without these hardworking men and women. We could not imagine a harder job and our team does it smiling. We do our best to thank them for their hard work and loyalty by doing as much as we can to make their lives and their families lives better. All our porters receive all their equipment for free from warm winter hats to proper hiking boots. They sleep in proper tents and are given warm sleeping bags for night. They enjoy the same food we serve our clients and all leftovers are donated to their families. We visit their villages with doctors and dentists, donate school supplies and sports equipment. And our favorite time of the year is when we bring a group of porters and their families to Machu Picchu to visit the ruins for the first time.
AE súper porters
Our Porters represent the Peruvian people, both men, and women who are at the heart of our company. It is not possible to ...
Equality Matters
Alpaca Expeditions aims to promote gender equality and empower women, hiring first Peru Women as Porters opening the door ...
Free Medical Assistance to Porters
In 2019, we hired our first Alpaca Expeditions Medical Doctor to help tend to our guides, drivers, chefs…
Our Porter’s bus
We treat our porters with the same dignity and respect as we do our clients. Just as our clients enjoy our…
Our Porter’s House
As we mentioned above, our Porters like many Peruvian people come from distant villages to work our treks…
Tents and Sleeping bags
Again, this is something unique that Alpaca Expeditions provides, and sad others are not doing. We supply…
Proper Equipment for our Porters
Every porter of ours receives proper equipment. That includes moisture-wicking long/short sleeve shirts…
Nutritious Meals for our Porters
A general comment from trekkers on an Alpaca Expeditions tour is that we serve too much food. Well…
Videos of our Porters
Extra information
Alpaca Expeditions is always ready to make your trip safe and as easy as possible for you. Because these trips are a bit more complicated than your typical tour, we have put together some notes on logistics, storage, and even recommendations on where to stay in Cusco. And of course our team is ready to answer any other question, as we promise to be your partner from the moment you first contact us to our last goodbye in Cusco.
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Alpaca Expeditions Recognitions
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
In the pursuit to stand out from the rest, Alpaca Expeditions has obtained four ISOs plus our carbon footprint certificate to date. These achievements result from our efforts to implement the internationally-recognized integrated management system. They also represent our commitment to all of our clients and staff of operating sustainability and responsibility in every way possible.
World Travel Awards
Alpaca Expeditions is internationally recognized as a leading tourism company in Peru. As proof, we have been awarded the World Travel Award for Peru´s Best Tour Operator 2021 for the second time.
TRIPADVISOR RECOGNITIONS
Our goal at Alpaca Expeditions is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We create journeys that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Journeys you can be proud of and can share with everybody around you.
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Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items, which must include your sleeping bag and air mat (if you bring or rent one). From us, these two items weigh a combined total of 3.5 kg.
