Winding up and down through cultures, past and present, enjoy Sacred Valley and the Inca vestiges of Machu Picchu on this 2 day privately guided tour. The tour slowly climbs it’s way out of Cusco passing through small ethnic communities over the high plains. The scenery is a masterpiece spectacular to the eye, with nature at its purest, exposing views of eternal mountains, snow peaks ready to fall upon the avalanche of the Andes.
Visit three of the most interesting and unique Inca archaelogical sites, the”Green Houses” of the Incas in Moray an impressive deep amphitheater like terraces swirling around in agricultural beauty and the Salt Mine of Maras, where you can watch the salt streams naturally evaporate as they bask in the sunshine to be harvested by the local farmers as they have done for centuries. Continuing to enhance your journey of discovery we travel to the quaint village of Ollantaytambo, following on the cobblestone covered pathways to where you will explore the Massive Inca Archaelogical remains there with our guide.
Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes via the panaramic expedition train, begin your connection to the natural world and cultural show at the citadel of Machu Picchu, catch yourself as you travel back in time to this magical place, sacred and mysterious, with the name of Machu-Picchu, “The Old Sacred Mountain.” Take your time exploring the magestic Machu Picchu, the Incan ruins rich in history of its past and the thriving culture of the people who once resided there.
Note: All entrance fees are included and small groups averaging 5 persons with a maximum of 8!
Day 1: Cusco – Moray – Salt Mine – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, navigating through the hairpin bends with each motion in change of direction stirring the excitement within, as you arrive at the stunning Inca site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouses of the Incas.” Different levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, part of which was further excavated by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are placed. It is believed they were used by the Incas to provide the optimal conditions for their crops.
With renewed energy you will explore the next beautiful Inca sight, the colonial town of Maras and the Pre-Inca Salt Mine (Salineras). Thousands of saltpans have been used for salt extraction since before the Inca era. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which is diverted into saltpans and evaporated to produce a salt that is used for human and animal consumption even today.
Continuing to enhance your journey of discovery we travel to the quaint village of Ollantaytambo, walking on the cobblestone covered pathways to explore the Massive Inca remains there with your guide. In preparation for our connection to the legend Machu Picchu Citadel, we board our train to Aguas Calientes at 7pm. On arrival, the hotel representative will greet and transfer you for your night in your hotel.
- Hotel Accommodation: Wiracocha Inn Hotel or Andean Terra Hotel
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Bursting with excitement on your final surreal day, we take the bus to Machu Picchu archeological site, making sure we tour every nook and cranny of this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. On your 2 hour private tour, your guide will expertly direct you through the energetic ruins and its diverse main streets. Then on your own, you can wander around the town squares of the world’s spiritual center of esoteric wisdom as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone until the end of your session time.
If you wish to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own, you can (not included in the price)
- Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu (An additional fee US$75)
- You can also take time to walk to the Sun Gate, 2 hours round trip or the Inca Bridge, 1 hour round trip. (No additional fee)
- Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs. (Entrance fee to enter)
After your time to enjoy Machu Picchu, you will descend to Aguas Calientes at 12pm. You can take in a leisurely lunch or explore Aguas Calientes handicraft market and board the Expedition train by 4:22pm for the return trip to Cusco stopping at the Ollantaytambo Train Station and then you will be driven back to your hotel in our private van, arriving around 8:30pm.
- Meals: breakfast
***There are now 2 sessions to enter the Machu Picchu Citadel; 6am to 12pm and 12pm to 5:30pm. If you wish to stay after 12pm, you must purchase a second entrance ticket.
***Passengers that purchase Huayna Picchu tickets are given an extra 2 hours at the Machu Picchu Citadel and those that purchase Machu Picchu Mountain tickets get 3 hours extra.
WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR MORAY, SALT MINES & MACHU PICCHU TRIP
- Pick up at your hotel
- Tour to Moray and the Salt mine with entrance tickets included.
- Van transportation to the train station in Ollantaytambo
- Expedition train to Aguas Calientes
- Pick up from Aguas Calientes train station and transfer to the hotel
- Free afternoon to visit the hot springs or the flower garden
- Accommodation in hotel (2 star hotel) with private room, bath, & wifi.
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Round trip bus ticket from Aguas calientes to Machu Picchu
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- Professional English speaking tour guide for Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
- Return Expedition train ticket to Ollantaytambo then by bus to Cusco and to your hotel
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR MORAY, SALT MINES & MACHU PICCHU TRIP
- Meals which are organised at the restaurants in various locations.
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu US$75
- Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain US$75
- Entrance fee to the hot springs
- Tips for your guide.
The “Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Trip” its available on any date that its bets for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 people.
PRICE – US$437 per person
***Private service is available for $50 more per person.
***All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 persons with a maximum of 8!
DISCOUNTS
- Students with ISIC CARD: US$25 Please send us a copy of your ISIC at the time of booking.
- Under 18 years old: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: US$40 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Huayna Picchu Climb: US$75. This will need to be booked in advance, let us know about it at the time of booking.
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$75. This will need to be booked in advance, let us know about it at the time of booking.
- Upgrade to Vista Dome Train: US$57. (Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Cusco) at 4:43pm)
- Upgrade Hotel – 3 star US$40. (Can upgrade to 4 or 5 star also)
- Single Supplement – US$30 2* for single travelers
WHY CHOOSE SAM TRAVEL “SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TRIP”
SAM (initials of Saul Alvarez Montalvo) Travel Peru is a family owned travel agency and direct local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. SAM Travel Peru is a 1oo% Cusquenian Company without any shareholders.
My dream as the owner was to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
We take pride in having a reputation as being a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. My staff are my extended family. I ensure they are supported financially by paying them a good wage. I am proud of my team without them I couldn’t give the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
SMALL GROUPS
In an effort to provide a more personalised service to our passengers, we in SAM Travel Peru have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES
I am very proud of my guides! Highly professional, speaking in fluent English and very knowledgeable. Passionate for the Inca heritage/ history, dedicated to a steady personal development and learning to ensure that you receive accurate and recognised theories about the Inca Andean culture. Fun loving, great sportsmen and well educated some having a degree in Archaeology, Botany, History or Anthropology. Others are great entertainers and the best “Salsa Dancers” on this side of Machu Picchu.
OUR SOCIAL PROJECTS
SAM Travel Peru has always believed that we should “give back” to the communities we pass through on our treks. Therefore, as part of our commitment in responsible tourism, we socially support and employee from these communities.
SAM Travel Peru is proud to be able to support these beautiful people, not only in hiring them for work but to bring things back to grassroots, to share in their home and families. This makes us happy to have a holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!
A beautiful reflection of our attitude in everything we do, is that we wish to make life richer and more meaningful for all involved.
Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Trip
WELCOME TO CUSCO
You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board SAM Travel Peru at the arrival terminal. It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!
THE BRIEFING
It will take place the night before the “Moray, Salt mines & Machu Picchu Trip”departure at 6pm in our office which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, Office 207, La Casa de mi Abuelo.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE:
Of course! During the “Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Trip” your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, both are for free. Please don’t pack anything you will need for your hike.
HOW TO BOOK THE MORAY, SALT MINE TO MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
FIRST, to book your Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Trip, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an an entrance to Machu Picchu or the train without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$200.00 per person in order to purchase a your entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page or click here on the payment method of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of samtravelperu@gmail.com.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is “No”. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the tickets has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable.
*** If you cancel your Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Trip, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes for sure! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other entrances and reservations. The rangers will check when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train.
In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter into Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter into Machu Picchu or get on the train. They are very strict about this here!!
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you feel, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your tour. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and it´s people.
Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Map
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING FOR MORAY, SALT MINES & MACHU PICCHU TRIP.
- A small backpack or carry bag 20 to 30 liters (larger not allowed on the train or in Machu Picchu)
- A change of clothing for the second day
- Comfortable shoes or runners
- Camera
- Water to drink
- Rain jacket or poncho
- A fleece or jacket,
- Basic toiletries,
- Sunscreen,
- Insect repellent for mosquitoes
- Hat for the sun
- Some extra money for lunch, snacks and souvenirs
- Original passport (cannot enter Machu Picchu without it)
- ISIC Card if applicable.
