Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Sacred Valley with our Day Trip from Ollantaytambo or Urubamba. This option is the famous and popular Classic Sacred Valley but visited in the opposite way, this way you will avoid the crowds.

This tour allows you to visit the Inca settlement at Ollantaytambo and explore the ruins of its fortress and the Temple of the Sun, a mysterious structure composed of giant 12-foot (3.5-m) stones, and visit the market of Pisaq and wander around the magnificent enclosures at the peak of Pisaq complex.

You will be involved in culture, history and architecture, the people are friendly, where I will be pleased to show all the best of the sacred valley, on backwards way; that will allow me to show you each place without the crowds.

TRIP DETAILS

• Pickup location: Hotels in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba
• Drop off Location: Hotels in Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, or Cusco city
• Pick-up Time: @8:00 – 8:30 AM (Based on the tour option you choose)
• Duration: 9 – 10 Hours approx.
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Group Size: You decide! This is a private tour so you will have the Guide and transportation only for your group.
• Difficulty: EASY – MODERATE, you don’t need to be super-fit. Just mobile. Suitable for Everyone, although there is quite a lot of walking, there will be a couple of uphills (Inca steps). Altitude acclimatization is recommended but not mandatory.
• Customizable? Yes! Private, custom and add-ons are all available. You can add this tour to any trek or tour

Highlights of the Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo

• Hike around that amazing site of Ollantaytambo and learn all about its history from your private local guide
• Reveal the secrets of the Ollantaytambo Inca living town and marvel with with well-preserved examples of Incan stonework, terracing, and city planning.
• Enjoy the extensive Pisac Inca complex, which boasts many impressive examples of Inca architecture.
• Wander around the colorful Pisac market and observe local people who are keeping traditional culture alive.
• Take in the stunning views as you drive through the Sacred Valley and observe locals going about their daily lives and lots of local produce growing in the fields.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

• Hotel Pickup (it can be from Hotel in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba as well as from the train station); and drop-off at your Hotel
• Professional English-speaking Local Guide
• Private transportation

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Sacred Valley Pass (We can add to your tour)
• Lunch (You can add to your tour)
• Gratuities

Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu on this guided 2-day trip from Ollantaytambo, Urubamba or from Cusco City. Visit key sites such as the Maras Salt Mines, Moray, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo in a tour of Sacred Valley.

After discovering their individual archaeological sites with your guide. Spend the night at Aguas Calientes, the village at the base of Machu Picchu, and rest up before catching the sunrise at the famous Inca citadel the next day.

Finish the adventure with the guided visit to the magnificent Machu Picchu, leaded by an expert local. This 2 day Machu Picchu tour will give you the opportunity to get immersed in the local culture, history, and traditions, with a customized itinerary that will allow us to run away from the crowds that tourist places has. Join us on this 2-day tour to Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu and get the best of Peru!

TRIP DETAILS

• Tour Type: Private Tour
• Departure Point: Hotels in Cusco city, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo
• Ending Point: Upon the client’s request, Hotels in Ollantaytambo, Urubamba and Cusco city
• Duration: 2 Days
• Mode: Train, private car, walking as well as the Public shuttle bus
• Difficulty: EASY – MODERATE, you don’t need to be super-fit. Just mobile. Suitable for Everyone, although there is quite a lot of walking, there will be a couple of uphills (Inca steps). Altitude acclimatization is recommended but not mandatory.
• Group Size: You decide as this is a private tour
• Customizable? Yes! You can customize this tour, add-ons are also available. Please contact us at: info@cuscolocalfriend.com

ITINERARY

Day 1: Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo

Start your private tour of the Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo by meeting your tour guide in the lobby of your hotel in Ollantaytambo, Airbnb or the main square of Ollantaytambo – at your choice!

First, you will visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo at the northwest end of the Sacred Valley. Here, explore its gorgeous remaining houses, terrace fields, water channels, and the impressive fortress reached by steep steps. On top of it, you’ll learn about the fascinating architecture and theories about the constructions as you enjoy magnificent views.

We will then drive along the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley to visit Maras salt ponds, which was the main salt source to provide to Cusco and other settlements in Urubamba valley like Machu Picchu, today this place is still used by locals where locals farm salt by hands as the Incas used to make it centuries ago.

Our last place to visit is Moray, a unique Incan farming testing center, where the Incas built terraces in rounded-shape especially to generate many microclimates because of this, today, Peru has over 3000 sorts of potatoes. Our journey continues to Machu Picchu Pueblo at 3:37 pm by Vistadome train (glass roof train) or Expedition train at 7:04pm.

Day 2: Explore the Machu Picchu Citadel – Back to Ollantaytambo

Enjoy your early breakfast and then take the 25-minute bus up to Machu Picchu. After soaking the speactacular views and get nice photos. You will have private guided tour at Machu Picchu Citadel for about two-hours, where you will visit the most important areas: the Guard House, the Sun Temple, the royalty area, the Main Plaza, the Three Windows Temple, and the Sacred Sun Dial among other attractions. All areas are connected by narrow paths and steps, so be prepared for a bit of walking.

After your tour, you’ll have free time to explore the citadel. If you want to hike Huayna Picchu, we typically purchase entrance tickets for the second group at 10:00 am to enjoy the sun rising over Machu Picchu. Our 2-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour will end with a train journey to Ollantaytambo, then take a short walk to your hotel in Ollantaytambo.

There are two hotels that we recommend you in Ollantaytambo: El Albergue Ollantaytambo 3* or Hotel Pakaritampu 3* (those hotels are closest to train station)

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

• Transportation for all tours + pickups and drop-offs.
• English-speaking licensed local guide.
• Entrance Tickets to the visited sites in the Sacred Valley
• Sacred Valley Tour is a private tour.
• Machu Picchu Guided Tour is a private service.
• Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
• Round trip shuttle bus tickets to/from Machu Picchu.
• Round trip Expedition Train (or Vistadome Train) to Aguas Calientes (upon request)
• Return Vistadome Train from Aguas Calientes (glass-roof train)
• Virtual support during your trip to Cusco

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Meals (You can add it to your booking)
• Accommodation in Aguas Calientes, Ollantaytambo, Cusco (You can add it to your booking)
• Optional Ticket to hike Machu Picchu Mountain ($75 USD per person) OR Huayna Picchu Mountain ($70 USD per person) These tickets can be added and they are subject to availability
• Travel Insurance

Embark on a memorable 2-day adventure along the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Follow the footsteps of the Inca civilization on a short 2-day hiking adventure along the original Inca Trail. Enjoy a walk through the Citadel of Machu Picchu, and witness the breathtaking panoramic views from the famous Inti Punku. This adventure can either start in Cusco or Ollantaytambo, and hiking will only take 6-7 hours along part of the Classic Inca Trail.

This is a perfect experience for those willing to explore the best of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu on an amazing 2-day adventure. This 2-day trek is great for families with children as it involves only one day of hiking (about 7 hours) and offers comfortable overnight accommodations in a hotel.

TRIP DETAILS

• Tour Type: History, Culture, Hiking, and Adventure
• Good For: Those who are willing to explore the Sacred Valley and reach Machu Picchu through a 7-hour hike to Machu Picchu. Perfect for Families, couples, and Those with a sense of adventure and in good hiking shape
• Duration: 02 Days
• Considerations: The hike itself on Day 01 will take about 7 hours; so we recommend being reasonably fit
• Hiking Distance: 12km/ 7.5miles
• Elevation: 2030m (6660ft) – 2650m (8690ft)
• Departure Point: Customer’s Hotel in Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, or Cusco City
• Ending Point: The Same or a different Hotel
• Pick-up Times: To be Confirmed
• Mode: Private Car, Train, Hiking as well as the Public shuttle bus
• Difficulty: Moderate (you should be able to walk stairs up and down)
• Group Size: This is a private Hike so you decide the group size

Short Inca Trail at a Glance:

Day 1: Cusco — Ollantaytambo — Km 104 — Machu Picchu (12km, 7 hrs)

Bright and early, start in Cusco 4:00am (in Ollantaytambo 5:30am)! From Cusco enjoy a car journey to the emblematic town of Ollantaytambo, to take the short and famous scenic train ride to the Short Inca Trail starting point – Km 104. Shortly after checking-in, you’ll be welcomed by a lush green forest and encounter the beautiful vestiges of Chachabamba, an important enclave said to be dedicated to water.

The next part of the hike is done at the cloud forest, beautifully decorated by rare orchids and endemic trees, towards the impressive site of Wiñaywayna, which combines the flawless Inca architecture with stunning natural scenery. After taking touring around and learning some interesting facts, you’ll step on some more original Inca Stairs in order to get to the Sun Gate just in time to unwind and be astounded by the breathtaking views over Machu Picchu. By the end, you’ll take the bus ride to Aguas Calientes for your overnight stay.

• Hiking time: 6-7 hours
• Total distance: 12 km/7.5 mi
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of The Incas) (3 hrs)

On the last day, you will wake up early, have breakfast at the hotel, take the first buses to Machu Picchu to see the sunrise over the “Lost City of the Incas.” Your guide will explain some of the theories about why the Citadel was built and more. Regress back in time and admire the incredible craftsmanship of the cobblestone streets and ancient temples of the Incas.

After exploring the citadel on a 3-hour guided tour. Return to Aguas Calientes in time to catch the train and be back in Ollantaytambo. If you tour ends in Cusco, we will transfer you to Cusco in a private Van from Ollantaytambo train station. Arrive in Cusco around 7.30 pm, back in your hotel.

• Hiking time: 2.5-3 hours
• Total distance: 4 km/2.5mi
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

• Fluent English/Spanish-speaking local guide
• Short Inca Trail Permits and Machu Picchu admission Tickets
• Transfers from Hotel to the train station and vice-versa
• Expedition Train ticket to the trailhead – Km. 104
• Return Expedition train to Ollantaytambo or Cusco
• Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Day 1)
• Round trip bus to Machu Picchu (Day 2)
• Meal as specified (Box Lunch and Dinner on Day 1 as well as breakfast on Day 2)
• 1- Night Accommodation in Aguas Calientes at a 3-Star Hotel

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Breakfast on day 1 and lunch on day 2
• Entry to Huayna Picchu Mountain
• Entry to Machu Picchu Mountain
• Travel Insurance
• Gratuities (Optional)