Hiking in the Sacred Valley vs Machupicchu 4days
Duration
4D/3N
Difficulty
Challenging
Language
Español / Ingles
Max. Altitude
4,200 msnm
The Sacred Valley of the Incas offers spectacular hikes that combine Andean landscapes, history, and local communities. Ideal routes range from leisurely strolls to challenging treks. Top options near Cusco:
To unify their burgeoning empire, the Incas built over 30,000 kilometers of roads, also known as Qhapaq Ñan. Many sections of these roads have survived to this day. Perhaps the most famous is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a part of the Inca paths that led to the Inca city. However, in Cusco, there are many other sections worth visiting and exploring. Discover the Inca Trail from the towns of Chinchero to Urquillos. Take advantage of explore it with specialist! In Cusco, there are several sections of Inca trails. One of the most popular is the Inca Trail from Chinchero to Urquillos, a route of approximately 8 kilometers (about a 2.5-hour hike). The Incas built these trails amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The trail begins in the town of Chinchero, at 3,762 meters above sea level. This Andean village is famous for its Inca constructions, such as the palace of Inca Túpac Yupanqui.
Sometimes all it takes is a moment. One day, you wake up with that feeling in your chest an urge to discover the heart of the ancient Inca empire – the Sacred Valley.
From the very first stop at the archaeological sites of Chinchero, Moray, Inti Punku these trips would be different. The Incas weren’t just masters of terraces and stone constructions they were also brilliant at choosing where to build.
Throughout Machulas Journey, you will tell about the route through the Sacred Valley, the places you will visit, and everything you will learn with your guide will be the lifetime experience so you can get an idea of what you will see and fall even more in love with Inca culture. will also tell you how you can combine this wonderful place with the jewel of Peru – Machupicchu
Prices
Today we begin our tour. Your pickup will be at 7:00 AM from your Cusco hotel. Then we will head to our starting point, Chinchero. The journey will take approximately one hour by van. First, we will visit a textile center where local women will demonstrate the textile process, including weaving and dyeing alpaca, llama, and sheep wool. Afterward, you will have some time to purchase a souvenir to take home, which we highly recommend.
After that, we will begin our hike from Chinchero to Urquillos, finally ending in the town of Huayllabamba. From there, we will continue by van to your hotel, arranged by your tour company. Along the way, we will observe the impressive landscape and a 50-meter-high waterfall called Poc Poc. We will also see the extensive agricultural fields of Urquillos and Huayllabamba.
Overview:
- Tour Location: Chinchero – Cusco
- Tour Type: Hiking tour / Van driving
- Start/End Time: Pick up is at 7 am from your Cusco hotel and you should be arriving to your hotel 3 PM
- Highes altitude: 3762 meter /12342.52
- Lowest altitude: 2868 / 9409.449
- Tour duration: 6 – 7 hours
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary things or follow the company recommendations
We will start at 8:00 am from your hotel – the route is entirely downhill (point to point), so you must plan your transportation to and from the start. Starting point: Moray Agricultural Laboratory (3,500 m above sea level). You begin by exploring the impressive concentric circular terraces of Moray. Here, the Incas experimented with microclimates. You need the Cusco Tourist Ticket to enter.
Section 1: Moray to the Town of Maras. You walk along dirt paths surrounded by fields of local crops (potatoes, quinoa, barley). You will enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range. You cross the colonial town of Maras, famous for its stone doorways with heraldic shields.
Section 2: Maras to the Maras Salt Mines. The trail continues its gradual descent into the canyon. You will reach the Maras Salt Mines viewpoint, where you will see more than 3,000 artisanal salt ponds. They have been in operation since Inca times. Entrance to the salt mines has a separate cost of about 20 soles.
Section 3: Salt Mines to the Community of Pichingoto. You begin a steep and zigzagging descent from the salt mines towards the bottom of the Sacred Valley. You will arrive at Pichingoto, a unique quechua community settled at the base of the basalt mountain. The fascinating thing about this place is its houses: many facades are made of adobe, but their interiors are carved directly inside natural caves of the mountain.
Overview:
- Tour Location: Maras Urubamba – Cusco
- Tour Type: Hiking tour / Van driving
- Start/End Time: Pick up is at 7 am from your hotel and you should be arriving to your hotel 3 PM
- Highes altitude: 3500 m / 11482.94 ft
- Lowest altitude: 2832 m / 9294.619 ft
- Tour duration: 5 – 6 hours
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary things or follow the company recommendations
The tour begins at 8:00 a.m. from Lomada Lodge, where we will start a hike to the majestic Inca Sun Gate (Inti Punku) accompanied by a guide. Along the way, we will explore the historic Inca quarries of the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, a place steeped in history and mysticism.
You will also enjoy spectacular views of the Urubamba River, the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, and the imposing Nevado Verónica, an icon of the Andes. Upon arriving at the Sun Gate, you will have 30 minutes to explore the area, enjoy the surroundings, and appreciate the unique connection between history and nature.
Finally, we will begin our descent to the town of Ollantaytambo, arriving at approximately 2:00 p.m.
Overview:
- Tour Location: Ollantaytambo Urubamba – Cusco
- Tour Type: Hiking tour / Van driving
- Start/End Time: Pick up is at 8 am from your hotel and you should be arriving to your hotel 3 PM
- Highes altitude: 3900 m / 12795.28 ft
- Lowest altitude: 2792 / 9160.105
- Tour duration: 5 – 6 hours
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary things or follow the company recommendations
Today we will visit our full day Machupicchu trip one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Your pick time up will be early because it is a tradition to visit Machu Picchu in the morning in order to enjoy the sunrise. At 4.00am you will be pick up from your hotel and take by our private minivan then head towards the bus station to catch up our bus that will take us (25 minutes) to the main entrance of Machu Picchu. At 6:00.a.m Machu Picchu opens its doors and we will go straight to the view point, where you will be able to take the classical postcard photos of Machu Picchu. After that the guide will start a guided, 2 hours tour and teach you all the information you will need about Machu Picchu, visiting the most important areas of the citadel. Then you will have free time to explore the site by yourself.
If you have a ticket to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain you will do that second time from 9 to 11 am), after the guided tour. At mid day we will go back to Aguas Calientes to have lunch and then – take the train back to Ollantaytambo, from where you will continue by private van back to Cusco, finally dop off at your hotel.
Overview:
- Tour Location: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu, Peru
- Tour Type: Day tour / guide tour 4 hours
- Start/End Time: Pick up is at 4 am from your hotel and you should be back to Cusco at 7.00 PM
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary things or follow the company recommendations
Included
- Professional English/Spanish speaking Tour Guide (días 1–4)
- Chinchero Inca site permit – trail permit (día 1)
- Moray Inca site permit – trail permit (día 2)
- Inti Punku Inca site permit – trail permit (día 3)
- Machu Picchu permit – Ticket Circuit #2 (día 4)
- Permit to Poc Poc waterfall (día 1)
- Permit to salt mine (día 2)
- Transport from Cusco/hotel to trail head and from end of hike back to your hotel (días 1–3)
- Box lunch + snacks (día 1) / Lunch + snacks (días 2 y 3)
- Bus up and down to Machu Picchu (round trip) (día 4)
- Round trip train ticket Ollantaytambo ↔ Aguas Calientes (día 4)
- Private van return from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco (día 4)
Not Included
- Trekking poles (recommended) (días 1, 2 y 3)
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on day 4 (the guide will recommend a good restaurant)
- Extra hike: Huayna Picchu mountain (request in advance if you want to climb)
- Tips for guide and driver
- Original passport (mandatory for Machu Picchu entrance and train tickets — must match your booking)
- Daypack (20–30 L) with rain cover
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (recommended for the descents on Days 2 and 3)
- Comfortable hiking shoes or trekking boots (already broken in)
- Layered clothing: mornings are cold (especially the 4 AM start on Day 4) and afternoons can be warm
- Rain jacket or poncho, especially from November to March
- Sun protection: sunblock, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat — UV radiation is very strong at high altitude
- Reusable water bottle (at least 1.5 L per day) — plastic bottles are not allowed inside Machu Picchu
- Insect repellent (essential in Aguas Calientes and the lower Sacred Valley)
- Cash in soles for the Maras salt mines entrance (approx. 20 soles), souvenirs at the Chinchero textile center, lunch in Aguas Calientes, and tips
- Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
- Camera or fully charged phone + power bank (no charging points on the trails)
General Advice
- Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the tour to acclimatize to the altitude (up to 3,900 m on Day 3). Drink plenty of water, eat light, and try coca tea.
- Book in advance: Machu Picchu Circuit #2 and Huayna Picchu tickets sell out weeks or even months ahead, especially May–September.
- If you plan to climb Huayna Picchu, request it at the time of booking — spaces are limited to a fixed daily quota.
- Days 1–3 are point-to-point downhill or moderate hikes suitable for anyone with average fitness; no technical experience is required.
- Keep your luggage light on Day 4: the train to Aguas Calientes allows only a small bag or backpack (max. 7 kg per passenger).
- Weather in the Andes changes quickly — pack for sun and rain on the same day.
A moderate fitness level is enough. Days 1 to 3 are mostly downhill or gradual hikes of 5–7 hours at a relaxed pace, with plenty of stops for photos and explanations. No technical experience is required. The main challenge is the altitude, so we recommend arriving in Cusco 2 days early to acclimatize.
The tour operates rain or shine. Light rain is common in the Andes, especially from November to March, and the trails remain safe and walkable. Just bring a rain jacket or poncho and trekking poles for the descents. In the rare case of extreme weather, your guide may adjust the route for safety.
Yes. Since Days 1–3 end back at your hotel, you only need a daypack each day. For Day 4 (Machu Picchu), the train allows only a small bag or backpack of up to 7 kg per passenger, so you can leave your main luggage safely stored at your Cusco hotel.
No, Huayna Picchu is an optional extra hike with a separate permit and limited daily spaces. If you want to climb it after the guided tour (approximately 9–11 AM slot), let us know at the time of booking so we can check availability — permits often sell out weeks in advance.
Machu Picchu can only be visited through fixed circuits. Circuit #2 is the most complete option: it includes the upper platform with the classic postcard view plus the main areas of the citadel. Circuit #3 only covers the lower section, without the panoramic viewpoint. That’s why we include Circuit #2 in this package whenever spaces are available.
Prices
Payment Methods
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All Included:
Tours with hotel pick-up, transportation, professional guide, and entrance tickets.
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We’re here for you before, during, and after your journey.
Flexible Cancellation:
Cancel up to 30 days before your tour in case of emergency. (For Machu Picchu and Inca Trail tours, please check specific conditions.)
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