Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu + Rainbow Mountain

3 Days/ 2 Nights

COMPLETE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR + RAINBOW MOUNTAIN 3 DAYS

Day 1: Pisac – Moray – Maras – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

We will pick you up at your hotel at 7:30am, with our private van and head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking the direct route to Pisac.  We stop first at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy a classic view of the Urubamba valley and its traditional farming villages. You will see how the agriculture in the Sacred Valley has changed little in the past five hundred years. Onward, we drive to the archeological site of Pisac, where you can see the biggest Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. There, we can admire the incredible farming terraces carved into the mountain, explore the Inca tunnel and the religious area of this important citadel. Here, we will spend about 2 hours, exploring the Inca city. Then, we head down to the colorful market of Pisac, spend about 20 minutes visiting it and then drive to Urubamba for lunch.

With timeless charm, we visit the archeological site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouse of the Incas” a deep bowl of architectural wonder. Levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, which was excavated by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are placed.  Archeologists believe that they were used by the Incas to discover the optimal growing conditions for their crops.

Continuing on our journey to the colonial town of Maras, we look down onto the pre-Inca salt “mines” called salineras in Spanish. Thousands of saltpans have been passed down through countless generations and used for salt extraction since before Inca times. 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 salt. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find naturally pink salt!

Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, having time to explore the age old and bustling Inca village and the massive Inca Ruins, with a tour provided by our guide. Visit the ruins of the Sun Temple at the top of the formidable terraces and learn about the importance of this site for the Inca during the beginning of the Spanish conquest. After some time for dinner, you will take your train to Aguas Calientes to spend the night in your hotel. The train departs at 19:04 and arrives at 20:45.

• 3* Accommodations: Intipunku Machu Picchu or Waman Machu Picchu
• 4* Accommodations: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Superior

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

This is the day you’ve been waiting for! 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 2.5 hours private tour, your guide will expertly direct you through the enigmatic ruins and its most important sites. You will see the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry, the House of the Inka, the urban areas, agricultural terraces and many different types of architecture.

You may wish to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own (not included in the price).

• Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu ($75 please choose at time of booking)
• 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 a local museum or to the hot springs. (Entrance fee to enter)

After your time to enjoy Machu Picchu, you will descend to Aguas Calientes around noon. You can take in a leisurely lunch or explore Aguas Calientes handicraft market and board the Expedition train by 14:55 or 15:20 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 19:00.

• 3* Accommodation: Qoricancha Waman or Mataq Wasin Hotel
• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina or Novotel
• Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3: CUSCO – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – CUSCO

We will pick you up from your hotel at 4am, and begin with our amazing Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure.  We set out on our drive for 3 hours through the South Valley; ending up at the trailhead at Llacto (4,638m / 15,216 ft).  Along the way, there are amazing views of farming Inca terraces, traditional villages, valleys and high Andean peaks.

The herds of alpacas and llamas near your breakfast place will entertain you in the early morning. Once we reach the trailhead, we start on our hike following a lovely stream. As you start your hike, you will have views of the Ausangate Mountain and glaciers. You can interact with the local people, who are still keepingtraditional Quechua culture alive.Learn about their traditional clothes and the significance of the different hats worn by the men. Ask your guide to teach you a few words of Quechua!

After a total hike of 1.5 hours, we finally reach our destination the Rainbow Mountain  After admiring the unique beauty, you will have time to explore the area. You can take pictures or just soak up the view. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top. Afterwards, there is an optional hike across to the top of the Red Valley.  This walk takes about 45 minutes longer to get back to the trailhead.

At this point, we hike back down the way we came. The hike takes 1 hour, then we enjoy our lunch which will prepare by our cook.

We will embark on the 3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel, arriving around 5:00pm.

• Meals included: hot breakfast & lunch

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Pick up at your hotel
• Tours of Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
• Rainbow Mountain trek
• Entrances to the Inca Cities and all Archeological Sites
• Private transportation for all tours
• Round Trip Expedition Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
• Hotel accommodation with breakfast in Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Cusco
• Meals as indicated on itinerary
• Roundtrip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
• Entrance fees to Machu Picchu
• Professional English & Spanish speaking guide
• 2 hot meals – breakfast and lunch at Rainbow Mountain

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Meals not indicated on the itinerary
• Entrance fee to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes (optional)
• Entrance of Wayna Picchu –$75 USD
• Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain –$75 USD
• Upgrades train/hotel – For Vistadome train add $67 USD per person
• Tips for your guide

**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour. 

The Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour can be done on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 people!

PRICES:

$567 USD per person without hotel

$687 USD per person with 2 nights 3* hotels

$857 USD per person with 2 nights 4* hotels

***Private service is available for $100 USD 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

• 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
• Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Under 11 years old: $40 USD.  Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS 

• Huayna Picchu Climb: $75 USD. This will need to be booked in advance, let us know about it at the time of booking.
• Machu Picchu Mountain: $75 USD.  This will need to be booked in advance, let us know about it at the time of booking.
• Upgrade to Vista Dome Train: $67 USD. (Aguas Calientes to Poroy, Cusco at 4:43pm)
• Upgrade Hotel – 3 star: $45 USD. (Can upgrade to 4 or 5 star also)
• Single Supplement: $30 USD 2* and $45 USD 3* for single travelers

**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour. 

WHY CHOOSE SAM TRAVEL 

SAM Travel Peru is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. SAM Travel Peru is a 1oo% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.

 Our dream as a locally based company is 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. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are proud of our team without them , we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.

SAM Travel Peru knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create your adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on, TRIPADVISOR for yourself! Also we are highly recommended on Conde Nast Travelers,  Lonely Planet and by many blogs like: Salkantay/Inka Trail ! July 14th to 20th 2016  Trek de Lares 4 hours, “It’s the journey, not the destination…”, Lares Pass – Day 3, Trekking in the Sacred Valley.

SMALL GROUPS

In an effort to provide a more personalized service to our passengers, we, at SAM Travel Peru have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.

OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES

We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate for Incan heritage and history.  Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Incan and Andean culture. Our crew is fun loving, great sportsmen and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.

OUR SERVICE PROJECTS

SAM Travel Peru have always believed that we should give back to the local isolated communities.  Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we always do many service projects and hire locally.

SAM Travel Peru is so proud to be able to support these people, not only employing them but go back to our grassroots as they share with their families. It makes us happy to have this holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour.

ARRIVAL IN CUSCO

You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek. Look out for our representative holding a board SAM Travel Peru at the arrival terminal. It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!

THE BRIEFING

Your briefing will take place the night before your trek. It will be held at our office at 6 or 6:30pm, depending on your confirmation email details.  The office is located at Calle Santa Teresa  Nº383 ; office 107 (second floor). We are next to Subway sandwich shop and share a lobby with Hotel Casona Corrales.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Of course! During the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour, your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, both are free. Please ony pack items you will need for the trek.

HOW TO BOOK THE  SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?

FIRST, to book your Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour, 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 $200.00 USD 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. 

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

1. According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example, if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
2. All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30 USD.
3. For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40 USD.
4. For children from the age of 0 to 2, are free.
5. All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.
6. Send us a copy at info@samtravelperu.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 Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT FOR THE  SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?

Yes! 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.

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 USD 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.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?

The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee.  We recommend to always dress in layers as it is more easier to adjust to the different climates.

ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?

Absolutely! Included in our packages is dropping you off at your hotel on the return from your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. 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 yo,u 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,  that  incorporates 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 its people.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING FOR THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR PLUS RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

• A small backpack or carry bag (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 insulated jacket
• Basic toiletries
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent for mosquitoes
• Hat for the sun
• Extra money for lunch, snacks and souvenirs
• Original passport (cannot enter Machu Picchu without it)