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Sacred Valley Hiking & Machu Picchu 4 Days

Cusco 4 days / 3 nights Max 16 Code SV-HIKE-MP-4D
Duration4 days / 3 nights
DifficultyChallenging
Max. altitude3,900 m
Group sizeMax 16
Tour type
Adventure and cultural
Languages
EN / ES
Starts in
Cusco
Ends in
Cusco
The journey

Overview

The Sacred Valley of the Incas offers spectacular hikes that combine Andean landscapes, history, and local communities. Ideal routes range from leisurely strolls to challenging treks. Top options near Cusco: To unify their burgeoning empire, the Incas built over 30,000 kilometers of roads, also known as Qhapaq Ñan. Many sections of these roads have survived to this day. Perhaps the most famous is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a part of the Inca paths that led to the Inca city. However, in Cusco, there are many other sections worth visiting and exploring. Discover the Inca Trail from the towns of Chinchero to Urquillos. Take advantage of explore it with specialist! In Cusco, there are several sections of Inca trails. One of the most popular is the Inca Trail from Chinchero to Urquillos, a route of approximately 8 kilometers (about a 2.5-hour hike). The Incas built these trails amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The trail begins in the town of Chinchero, at 3,762 meters above sea level. This Andean village is famous for its Inca constructions, such as the palace of Inca Túpac Yupanqui. Sometimes all it takes is a moment. One day, you wake up with that feeling in your chest an urge to discover the heart of the ancient Inca empire - the Sacred Valley. From the very first stop at the archaeological sites of Chinchero, Moray, Inti Punku these trips would be different. The Incas weren’t just masters of terraces and stone constructions they were also brilliant at choosing where to build. Throughout Machu Picchu From Cusco, you will tell about the route through the Sacred Valley, the places you will visit, and everything you will learn with your guide will be the lifetime experience so you can get an idea of what you will see and fall even more in love with Inca culture. will also tell you how you can combine this wonderful place with the jewel of Peru - Machupicchu

  • Chinchero–Urquillos Inca path
  • Moray to Maras and Pichingoto
  • Inti Punku above Ollantaytambo
  • Guided Machu Picchu visit
4 days, step by step

Day-by-day itinerary

3,762 m 3,500 m 3,900 m 2,430 m
Day 1Highest point of each dayDay 4
  1. Day01

    Hiking from Chinchero to Urquillos

    Today we begin our tour. Your pickup will be at 7:00 AM from your Cusco hotel. Then we will head to our starting point, Chinchero. The journey will take approximately one hour by van. First, we will visit a textile cent…

    8 km6–7 h3,762 m Box lunch, Snacks
  2. Day02

    Hiking from Moray to Salt and Pichingoto

    We will start at 8:00 am from your hotel - the route is entirely downhill (point to point), so you must plan your transportation to and from the start. Starting point: Moray Agricultural Laboratory (3,500 m above sea le…

    5–6 h3,500 m Lunch, Snacks
  3. Day03

    Ollantaytambo – Inti Punku – Ollantaytambo

    The tour begins at 8:00 a.m. from Lomada Lodge, where we will start a hike to the majestic Inca Sun Gate (Inti Punku) accompanied by a guide. Along the way, we will explore the historic Inca quarries of the Ollantaytamb…

    5–6 h3,900 m Lunch, Snacks
  4. Day04

    Machupicchu Full Day and Return to Cusco

    Today we will visit our full day Machupicchu trip one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Your pick time up will be early because it is a tradition to visit Machu Picchu in the morning in order to enjoy the sunrise. At 4…

    Full day2,430 m Breakfast
Clear prices

What's included

Included

  • Professional English/Spanish speaking Tour Guide (días 1–4)
  • Chinchero Inca site permit – trail permit (día 1)
  • Moray Inca site permit – trail permit (día 2)
  • Inti Punku Inca site permit – trail permit (día 3)
  • Machu Picchu permit – Ticket Circuit #2 (día 4)
  • Permit to Poc Poc waterfall (día 1)
  • Permit to salt mine (día 2)
  • Transport from Cusco/hotel to trail head and from end of hike back to your hotel (días 1–3)
  • Box lunch + snacks (día 1) / Lunch + snacks (días 2 y 3)
  • Bus up and down to Machu Picchu (round trip) (día 4)

Not included

  • Trekking poles (recommended) (días 1, 2 y 3)
  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes on day 4 (the guide will recommend a good restaurant)
  • Extra hike: Huayna Picchu mountain (request in advance if you want to climb)
  • Tips for guide and driver
Get ready

Packing list and tips

  • Original passport
  • Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
  • Layers of clothing and a warm jacket
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Small backpack and water bottle
  • Some Peruvian soles in cash

Recommendations

Original passport (mandatory for Machu Picchu entrance and train tickets — must match your booking)
Daypack (20–30 L) with rain cover
Trekking poles with rubber tips (recommended for the descents on Days 2 and 3)
Comfortable hiking shoes or trekking boots (already broken in)
Layered clothing: mornings are cold (especially the 4 AM start on Day 4) and afternoons can be warm
Rain jacket or poncho, especially from November to March
Sun protection: sunblock, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat — UV radiation is very strong at high altitude
Reusable water bottle (at least 1.5 L per day) — plastic bottles are not allowed inside Machu Picchu
Insect repellent (essential in Aguas Calientes and the lower Sacred Valley)
Cash in soles for the Maras salt mines entrance (approx. 20 soles), souvenirs at the Chinchero textile center, lunch in Aguas Calientes, and tips
Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
Camera or fully charged phone + power bank (no charging points on the trails)
General Advice
Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the tour to acclimatize to the altitude (up to 3,900 m on Day 3). Drink plenty of water, eat light, and try coca tea.
Book in advance: Machu Picchu Circuit #2 and Huayna Picchu tickets sell out weeks or even months ahead, especially May–September.
If you plan to climb Huayna Picchu, request it at the time of booking — spaces are limited to a fixed daily quota.
Days 1–3 are point-to-point downhill or moderate hikes suitable for anyone with average fitness; no technical experience is required.
Keep your luggage light on Day 4: the train to Aguas Calientes allows only a small bag or backpack (max. 7 kg per passenger).
Weather in the Andes changes quickly — pack for sun and rain on the same day.

Important information and precautions

  • Machu Picchu circuits and entry times are assigned by the Ministry of Culture based on availability at the moment of purchase
  • Tickets are nominal: bring the same passport you used to book
  • Train luggage is limited to one small bag of up to 5 kg per person
  • Hotel pickup is in the historic centre of Cusco; the exact time is confirmed the evening before
  • Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain have very limited spaces: request them when you book

Route map

  1. 1Cusco
  2. 2Chinchero
  3. 3Urquillos
  4. 4Moray
  5. 5Maras salt mines
  6. 6Ollantaytambo
  7. 7Aguas Calientes
  8. 8Machu Picchu

Frequently asked questions

A moderate fitness level is enough. Days 1 to 3 are mostly downhill or gradual hikes of 5–7 hours at a relaxed pace, with plenty of stops for photos and explanations. No technical experience is required. The main challenge is the altitude, so we recommend arriving in Cusco 2 days early to acclimatize.

The tour operates rain or shine. Light rain is common in the Andes, especially from November to March, and the trails remain safe and walkable. Just bring a rain jacket or poncho and trekking poles for the descents. In the rare case of extreme weather, your guide may adjust the route for safety.

Yes. Since Days 1–3 end back at your hotel, you only need a daypack each day. For Day 4 (Machu Picchu), the train allows only a small bag or backpack of up to 7 kg per passenger, so you can leave your main luggage safely stored at your Cusco hotel.

No, Huayna Picchu is an optional extra hike with a separate permit and limited daily spaces. If you want to climb it after the guided tour (approximately 9–11 AM slot), let us know at the time of booking so we can check availability — permits often sell out weeks in advance.

Machu Picchu can only be visited through fixed circuits. Circuit #2 is the most complete option: it includes the upper platform with the classic postcard view plus the main areas of the citadel. Circuit #3 only covers the lower section, without the panoramic viewpoint. That's why we include Circuit #2 in this package whenever spaces are available.

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