Service:
Premium
Type of Activity:
Type of walk:
group service
Level:
This program combines the essentials of Cusco into a compact and well-balanced experience. First, you’ll explore the imperial city with a Cusco City Tour, allowing you to understand the Inca legacy and gradually acclimatize to the altitude. Then, the Sacred Valley tour offers expansive landscapes, ancestral architecture, and traditional villages, completing the cultural experience of the destination. It’s a combination designed for those who want to make the most of their time without missing out on history, photography, and the Andean context.
The most intense part comes with the 3-day Salkantay Trek, a dynamic version of the famous Salkantay route to Machu Picchu. In a short time, you’ll traverse high-altitude landscapes, glaciers, and transition to more temperate zones, making this trek an attractive alternative to the classic Inca Trail. The final stop at Machu Picchu doesn’t feel like a mere visit, but rather the natural culmination of a journey that blends culture, physical challenge, and pristine nature.
ITINERARY
Day 1: City Tour Cusco
📅 Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco City Tour
- 🕐 Hotel Pickup
The tour begins with pick-up from your hotel (historic center). The guide will provide a brief introduction to the history of Cusco, the altitude (3,399 m), and basic recommendations to help you enjoy the tour at your leisure.
- 🏛 Visit to Qorikancha
First stop at the ancient Temple of the Sun, one of the most important religious centers of the Inca Empire.
- Here you will be able to:
- Observe the original Inca walls and their architectural precision.
Understand the importance of the sun (Inti) cult. - Learn how colonial construction was integrated on top of Inca foundations.
- 🚌 Transfer to the Archaeological Parks
Departure by tourist transport to the upper part of the city (approx. 20 minutes). During the journey, you will enjoy panoramic views of Cusco.
- 🗿 Sacsayhuamán
One of the most impressive complexes due to its gigantic stone blocks.
- Here, the guide explains:
- Inca construction techniques.
- The ceremonial and strategic use of the site.
- Current events such as Inti Raymi.
- 🔮 Q’enqo
A ceremonial center with underground passages and rock formations. Its possible ritual and symbolic use is interpreted.
- 🏰 Puka Pukara
An ancient military post or checkpoint. Good views of the valley are available from here.
- 💧 Tambomachay
Known as the “Temple of Water.” It stands out for its still-functioning hydraulic channels. The importance of water in the Andean worldview is explained.
DAY 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas (full day) – Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo
DAY 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas (full day) – Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo
- Departure for the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with an explanation of the landscape, microclimates, and why this area was key to the Inca economy.
- Stop at a panoramic viewpoint to locate the valley and understand its geography before entering the archaeological sites.
- Visit to the Pisac archaeological complex, exploring terraces and main sectors, with a focus on agricultural engineering and urban planning.
- Free time at the Pisac market, ideal for textiles and handicrafts; practical recommendations are provided for leisurely shopping.
- Stop in Urubamba for lunch (depending on the service), prioritizing a light meal to arrive energized for the next site.
- Guided tour of Ollantaytambo, highlighting temples, canals, terraces, and the importance of the town as a “living city” of the valley.
- Return to Cusco. Recommendation: Prepare a trekking backpack and set aside clothing for cold and rain.
Day 3: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon – camp
Day 3: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon – Camp
You’ll depart very early from Cusco towards the starting point of the trek. Along the way, you’ll usually stop in Mollepata for breakfast and final preparations. Once in Soraypampa, the landscape changes: a high Andean valley, crisp air, and towering mountains. Today’s hike takes you to Humantay Lagoon, one of the most sought-after spots on the 3-day Salkantay Trek, renowned for its turquoise waters and the glacier that feeds it.
- Early departure from Cusco + transfer to Mollepata/Soraypampa.
- Hike to Humantay Lagoon (challenging climb, steady pace).
- Time for photos and rest, then return to Soraypampa.
- Dinner and overnight stay at a campsite or lodge (depending on category).
Day 4: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass (Abra) – descent to the jungle
Day 4: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Descent to the Cloud Forest
This is the most challenging day and the one that defines the experience. We ascend to Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the route. The view of the snow-capped peak and the valley below is usually the most breathtaking moment of the trek. Then comes a long descent where the change in ecosystem is noticeable: less cold, more vegetation, and a different atmosphere than in the morning. It’s a day for concentration, a good pace, and short breaks to catch your breath.
- Departure very early to take advantage of the weather.
- Ascent to Salkantay Pass with strategic stops.
- Descent to a temperate zone (transition to high jungle).
- Dinner and overnight stay at a campsite or lodge.
Day 5: Hydroelectric Plant – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – return to Cusco
Day 5: Hydroelectric Plant – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
The final day focuses on your arrival at Machu Picchu. Many tours connect with the Hydroelectric Plant, from where you hike to Aguas Calientes, an easy route through the cloud forest landscape. Very early in the morning, you’ll ascend to Machu Picchu for a guided tour (circuit subject to availability). After the tour, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cusco (combined with road transport to the city).
- Transfer to the Hydroelectric Plant (depending on your overnight stay).
- Hike to Aguas Calientes (scenic route).
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu + time for photos.
- Return to Cusco (train + transport, depending on the service).
INCLUDES
✅ INCLUDES
🔹 Organization and Logistics
- Tourist transportation for all 3 days (City Tour, Sacred Valley, and Salkantay Trek).
- Ongoing assistance throughout the itinerary.
- Round-trip tourist transportation.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English).
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba (depending on the chosen option).
🔹 Safety and Support
- Operational supervision during the tour.
- Pre-trip information on weather, altitude, and recommendations.
- Organized group for a better experience and logistical control.
- Basic first-aid kit and on-route assistance.
DOES NOT INCLUDE
❌ DOES NOT INCLUDE
🎟️ Tickets
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (for the archaeological sites on the City Tour).
- Entrance to Humantay Lagoon (municipal fee).
🍽️ Meals not mentioned
- Breakfast on the first day.
- Last meal after the return trip.
💼 Additional expenses
- Tips for the guide, cook, and muleteers.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Extra snacks or drinks.
- Trekking poles (optional).
- Personal mountain clothing and equipment.
RECOMMENDATIONS
💡RECOMMENDATIONS
🔹Before your trip
- Arrive in Cusco at least a day early, if possible, so your body can better acclimatize to the altitude (3,399 m).
- Avoid heavy meals and alcohol on your first night.
🔹Documents and tickets
- Bring your passport or original ID (it must match your reservations).
- Have cash in soles for small expenses such as restrooms, snacks, or local purchases.
🔹Appropriate clothing (Andean climate is variable)
- Dress in layers: light shirt + fleece + windbreaker.
- Bring a raincoat or poncho.
- Wear trekking shoes with good traction.
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (the sun in Cusco is intense).
🔹Health and altitude
- Walk at a steady pace, without rushing.
- Stay hydrated throughout the trek.
- Consume coca tea or coca candies if needed.
- Inform the guide if you experience severe headache or dizziness.
FAQ´S
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this package suitable for beginners?
Yes, because it combines cultural tours with a day hike. In Humantay, you go at your own pace, and there are support options (horseback riding) on some sections.
- Do I need acclimatization for Salkantay in one day?
It’s highly recommended. That’s why the Day 1 City Tour works well: you move gently and allow your body to adjust.
- How difficult is the hike to Humantay?
It’s challenging due to the altitude, but short. With a good pace, breaks, and water, most people complete it without problems.
- Can I do the Sacred Valley and then take the train to Machu Picchu on the same day?
There are versions that end in Ollantaytambo to connect with the train, but this itinerary is designed to return to Cusco and keep it organized over three days.
- What should I absolutely bring on Day 3?
Water, snacks, a raincoat, sunscreen, a hat, thin gloves, and a warm jacket.
