Photo gallery
Sacred Valley & Inca Trail tour photos
Tour overview
Sacred Valley & Inca Trail tour at a glance
Arrive in Cusco and let us handle the rest. Two days in the lower Sacred Valley prepare your body, then the 4-day Classic Inca Trail takes you to Machu Picchu.
Our Cusco team checks the services, timings and availability for your dates and sends the options in a written quote.
Journey highlights
Highlights of the Sacred Valley & Inca Trail tour
- Two days in the Sacred Valley to acclimatize
- Pisac, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo
- The Classic Inca Trail to the Sun Gate
- Pickup straight from your Cusco arrival
Detailed itinerary
Sacred Valley & Inca Trail tour itinerary: day by day
Times and services are indicative. Your final schedule is confirmed in your written quote.
Day 1 — Arrival and the Sacred Valley
We meet you at Cusco airport and drive straight down to the Sacred Valley, about 500 m lower than Cusco, so your body starts adapting gently. The rest of the day is free to rest at your hotel.
Day 2 — Pisac, Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo
An easy day of short walks that also helps your acclimatization: the terraces of Pisac, the circular terraces of Moray, the Maras salt pools and the Ollantaytambo fortress, with lunch in the valley. In the evening your guide holds the trek briefing at your hotel.
Day 3 — Sacred Valley to Km 82 and Ayapata
After an early pickup from the Sacred Valley, hike from Km 82 along the Urubamba River past Willkarakay and Llactapata to the Ayapata camp. This is the first day of the Classic Inca Trail.
Day 4 — Dead Woman's Pass and Sayacmarca
Climb through Llulluchapampa to Dead Woman's Pass (4,215 m), descend to Pacaymayo, then cross the second pass and visit Runkurakay and Sayacmarca before camping at Chaquicocha. This is the hardest day of the Classic Inca Trail.
Day 5 — Cloud forest, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna
Follow the cloud-forest trail past the Inca tunnel and Phuyupatamarca, then descend the stone steps to Intipata and Wiñay Wayna, where you camp for the night. This is Day 3 of the Classic Inca Trail.
Day 6 — Sun Gate and Machu Picchu
Walk from the Wiñay Wayna checkpoint through the forest to the Sun Gate (2,720 m), descend to the classic viewpoint and take the guided Machu Picchu visit before the train back to Cusco. This is the final day of the Classic Inca Trail.
What's included
What's included in the Sacred Valley & Inca Trail tour
Included
- 2 hotel nights in the Sacred Valley (basic; 3★ or 4★ upgrades on request)
- Sacred Valley tour with all entrance fees
- Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entry (Circuits 1C and 3B)
- hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
- private transport to Km 82
- Professional guide (two guides for groups of 10), chef and porters
- Personal porter who carries 7 kg for you in the duffel bag we provide (sleeping bag and pad count toward the 7 kg)
- 4-person tents shared by 2, foam mattress and pillow
- Dining tent with tables and chairs, and a private portable toilet tent
- Satellite phone, radios, emergency oxygen and first-aid kit
- Hot water for washing every morning and evening
- Boiled and filtered water at every meal from Day 2 (bring 2 liters for Day 1)
- Rain poncho and daypack cover
- Pre-trek briefing in Cusco the evening before
- Free luggage storage in Cusco during the trek
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and 3 snacks, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options on request
- bus down from Machu Picchu
- Expedition train to Ollantaytambo
- transfer to Cusco
Not included
- lunch on Day 4
- water for Day 1
- sleeping bag
- hot springs in Aguas Calientes
- travel insurance
- tips for the crew
Optional extras
Ways to tailor this trip
- Huayna Picchu +US$ 75 (Machu Picchu Mountain is not possible after the trek because of its entry times)
- second Machu Picchu ticket to visit the citadel again +US$ 55
- Vistadome return train +US$ 55
- sleeping bag rental (rated to −15 °C) US$ 20
- trekking poles US$ 20
- air mattress US$ 20
- extra porter: 5 kg US$ 50, 10 kg US$ 100, 15 kg US$ 150
Optional services are subject to availability. Mention your preferences in the booking form notes; your quote will list the selected extras and final total.
Plan with confidence
Duration, difficulty and price
Good to know
Good to know before you go
Entrance route
This tour uses the Machu Picchu circuit available for your date, confirmed in your quote. See Machu Picchu circuits explained.
Planning guides
Planning guides
What to bring
What to pack
- Original passport (and student ID if applicable)
- Daypack of 20–30 liters (larger packs are not allowed inside Machu Picchu)
- Sleeping bag rated to −5 °C or colder (or rent one), and a sleeping bag liner
- Broken-in hiking boots, sandals for camp and 4 pairs of wool socks
- Rain jacket and rain pants (essential from November to March), fleece, warm jacket, wool hat and gloves
- Headlamp, power bank, refillable water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent and toilet paper
- Personal medication, blister plasters and snacks
- Cash in soles for tips, drinks and toilets along the trail
Carry the original passport used to book. Check your confirmed ticket and operator instructions for current baggage and site rules.
Frequently asked questions
Sacred Valley & Inca Trail tour FAQs
Is 2 days in the valley enough to acclimatize?
For most people, yes. If you are sensitive to altitude, add a night and we adjust the dates.
Can I upgrade the valley hotel?
Yes. 3★ and 4★ hotels are available on request; trek camping stays the same.
Where do I sleep after the trek?
The tour ends in Cusco on the evening of Day 6. Add a Cusco hotel night in your quote if you need one.
Why start in the Sacred Valley instead of Cusco?
The valley (about 2,900 m) is lower than Cusco (3,400 m), so your body adapts gently before Dead Woman's Pass. The trek pickup from the valley is also later than from Cusco.
What do we visit on Day 2?
An easy day of short walks: the terraces of Pisac, the circular terraces of Moray, the Maras salt pools and the Ollantaytambo fortress, with lunch in the valley and the trek briefing in the evening.
When should I arrive?
Land in Cusco on Day 1 before midday. We meet you at the airport and drive straight down to the valley.
What do I do with my luggage?
Leave it at the Cusco hotel or Airbnb where you will stay after the trek, so it is ready when you return. We can also store it for you.
Tripadvisor reviews
What travelers say about our team
Reviews of Traveleez Peru SAC, the operator of Machu-Picchu.tours, on our Tripadvisor profile Machu Picchu by Traveleez.
★★★★★
Seamless Last-Minute Machu Picchu Trip!
“The entire process was seamless, and everyone was absolutely wonderful to work with.”
★★★★★
Once in a lifetime experience, curated by kind professionals.
“All this mess of mine was treated with kind understanding, prompt replies, and genuine friendliness.”
★★★★★
Professional attention and impeccable support
“Always responding quickly, clearly, and professionally.”
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