Sacred Valley Tour in Peru

Explore the Sacred Valley and the Incan ruins throughout the region. We will begin with a tour of Cusco, this amazing town sits over 11,000 ft and is our base for exploring. Our tour will take us to incredible engineering feats and ancient ruins, the most famous being, Machu Picchu. We will take in the typical tourist sights, as well as some unique places with fewer crowds. Price based on a minimum of 10 participants. Registration closes on May 15, 2023.

Trip Dates: Tuesday, August 29 - Monday, September 4, 2023 (not including travel to/from Cusco)
Cost: $1390 (based on double occupancy)
Steep grade: 3/5 (high altitude)

Tuesday, August 29 - Arrive in Cusco and do a short walking tour around Cusco city. We will visit some of the local neighborhoods including the famous San Pedro Market. 
- Hotel in Cusco

Wednesday, August 30 - City Tour
A half day tour around Cusco to see the Inca sites within the city limits. Our guide will take us to explore 6 sites while giving us facts about the history and culture of these incredible places. We learn more about the Incas and Cusco while enjoying the vibrant environment of this magical city!
- Hotel in Cusco

Thursday, August 31- Sacred Valley
We will start our journey by visiting the town of Chinchero. Chinchero is located over 3,800 meters or 12,450ft (the highest town of the Sacred Valley). We will visit one of the famous textiles centers to see how these bright textiles are made and to give us an opportunity to purchase some of these beautifully handcrafted items. After that, we will visit the Inca site and the small church that belongs to the XVII century.

Next, we will drive to Urubamba district to enjoy a nice buffet lunch (not included). After we enjoy our lunch, we will continue our journey to the town of Ollantaytambo (2,790 meters or 9,153ft) to learn about the Inca site located there. It was the state of the Pachacutec Emperor who conquered the region, built the town and the ceremonial center we will learn more about. The Inca site in Ollantaytambo belongs to the 15th century!

We will head to the train station in Ollantaytambo to board our train which will take us to Aguas Calientes, which sits at the foot of Machu Picchu. We will check into our accommodations and enjoy a nice dinner in town (on your own).
- Hotel in Aguas Caliente

Friday, September 1 - Machu Picchu
The highlight of our trip, Machu Pichhu! We will wake up before the sun rises to catch one of the first buses that will take us up to Machu Picchu. Our guide will take us on a 2 hour tour which will include the history, culture, and fun facts about this magical and ancient place.  You will then have a little time to explore on your own or have the chance to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain (these need to be reserved in advance).

We will enjoy lunch back in Aguas Calientes and have a little time to relax before heading to the train to start our journey back to Cusco.
- Hotel in Cusco

Saturday, September 2 - Moray & Maras
We will take the morning train back to Ollantaytambo. Our driver will be waiting for us and we will make the trip to Moray and Maras. These two sites are much less traveled and you are able to truly soak in your surroundings without the large crowds. First, we will visit a very mysterious Inca site, Moray. It is still unclear what this group of terraces was used for and many experts have their hypothesis. Inca terraces were heavily used for agriculture but many experts believe that Moray was not used for agriculture but for experimenting.

After visiting Moray, you will visit the Maras salt mines. This site consists of thousands of individual salt ponds date back to the Incan times. Depending on the time of year you visit, these salt ponds will look vastly different because of the stages of the mining process they are in at that time. You will have the opportunity to purchase some of this locally mined salt which makes for great gifts to bring home!
-Hotel in Cusco

Sunday, September 3 - Perolniyoc Waterfall and Racaypata Inca site
We will head out to the Sacred valley in the morning to hike and explore a beautiful waterfall and Inca site. This is a moderate hike with amazing and breathtaking views!
- Hotel in Cusco

Monday, September 4 - Depart or continue on…
Begin your journey back to the States or continue exploring

Are you interested in this adventure, but want to go in 2024? Click here and get on the list.

Included:
6 nights lodging (double occupancy)
Breakfast at the hotel (when the schedule allows)
Ground transportation
English speaking tour guide
Entry fees
Steep Adventures host

Not included:
International airfare to Cusco
Meals (lunch & dinner)
Tips & Gratuities
Personal expenses