Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Salt Mines of Maras 5D / 4N 5 Days / 4 Nights

This tour is ideal for people who want to know the best of Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in a short time. In this tour we will include the income required to visit the tours mentioned in the itinerary, we will also pick you up from the airport and include you stays in hostels in Cusco

New Regulations

In January 2019, changes to the Machu Picchu visitation rules were implemented. Now, entrance tickets to the citadel are sold for specific time slots, starting at 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM.

With this new entry system, visitors board the bus to Machu Picchu one hour or 30 minutes before the visitation time printed on their ticket. This way, they do not have to endure unnecessary queues in Machu Picchu Pueblo, nor do they contribute to crowding at the entrances to the Inca city.

Meanwhile, visitors who wish to walk to Machu Picchu must depart one and a half hours before their designated visitation time.

In January 2021, new visitation routes or circuits were introduced at Machu Picchu with the aim of preserving the archaeological site for future generations. Each visitor follows a circuit according to the type of entrance ticket they have purchased, whether it’s for visiting Machu Picchu only, Huayna Picchu mountain, or Machupicchu mountain.

For more detailed information about the different circuits and specific entrance schedules, we invite you to read this link on Schedules and New Circuits for Visiting Machu Picchu or to contact us directly. We can provide you with all the necessary information and address any questions you may have.

This package is the Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Salt Mines of Maras 5D / 4N

What the tour includes:

  • Transfers Airport / Hostel / Airport.
  • Tourist ticket (income to visit City Tour, Sacred Valley)
  • Excursion: City Tour (Transportation, guide and income to the archaeological complexes visited on this tour)
  • Excursion: Salinas de Maras and Moray (Transportation, guide and income to the archaeological complexes visited on this tour)
  • Excursion: Sacred Valley (Transportation, guide and income to the archaeological complexes visited on this tour, buffet lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes)
  • Tour in Machu Picchu (Round trip transportation to the train station Round trip tourist train tickets from
  • Ollantaytambo -Aguas Calientes Bus tickets up and down Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu, Entrance to
  • Machupicchu, Guided Tour in Machu Picchu
  • 01 night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes (Name of the hostel is the Tambo inn Tambo B&B
  • 03 nights of Hostel in Cusco (MamaSimona, Hatun Quilla, Ecopacker
  • Transfer from the hostel to the airport

Does not include:

  • Meals that are not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Income to Cusco Cathedral that is part of the City tour (its value is 25 soles per person)
  • Entrance to the Qoricancha or Temple of the Sun that is also part of the City tour (its value is 15 soles per person)
  • Income to the Salineras de Maras 10 soles per person


Starting at

$ 659.00USD

per person

Contact travel advisor +51 940 110 208

Day By Day

Day 01.- Reception in Cusco – Excursion of the City Tour

We will wait for you at the airport to welcome you and transfer you to the selected hotel in Cusco, where an aromatic coca tea will be served that is stimulating for the height of the city, and then you can rest and have lunch before the start of the city tour. .

1:30 City Tour Tour: Where you will visit the Temple of the Sun or Qoricancha, then you will go by bus to the 04 ruins surrounding the City. The Fortress of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and finally “Tambomachay. Then we will transfer you to your hotel where you will spend the night.

  • Tour modality: Adventure, cultural and archaeological
  • Degree of difficulty: None
  • Tour Departure Times: 1:30pm,
  • Period: All year round, recommended April – November
  • Language: English, Spanish
  • Group size: City Tour: 20 people
  • City tour duration: 6 hours
  • Average height (3,330 m.s.n.m)

Day 02.- Tour Salinera Maras _ Moray Archaeological Complex

We pick you up from your hotel. The tour will start at 8:30 a.m. about. The first stop will be at the Salineras de Maras, which are made up of more than 5,740 small wells which are filled with salt water that emanates from a natural spring. From there you can see the Urubamba mountain range and the snow-capped peaks of “Apu Verónica” (5,682 meters above sea level) and “Chikón” (5,530 meters above sea level). Its important occupation began when the nobles of the Inca Empire were stripped of their palaces in Qosqo and had to go out and settle in other small towns such as Maras. It has a church made of adobe, typical of small-town religious architecture, inside the church canvases from the Cusqueña School are kept.

Then you will visit the Archaeological Complex of Moray. Inca agricultural research center located at 3500 meters above sea level. After making these 2 visits we will return to Cusco, where you will have the afternoon to enjoy the city of Cusco. In the evening at 9:00 p.m. You will board the bus to the city of Puno from the terminal.

  • Tour modality: Cultural and archaeological
  • Degree of difficulty: None
  • Tour departure times: 8:30 a.m.
  • Period: All year
  • Language: English, Spanish
  • Group size: Maras and Moray: 20 people
  • Tour Duration: 4 hours
  • Average height: (3,375 m.a.s.l.)

Day 03.- Tour of the Sacred Valley and the Connection to Aguas Calientes

We will pick you up at your hotel at 08:10 a.m. to start our trip to the impressive Sacred Valley of the Incas, on the way we will have views of beautiful landscapes and small towns, we will also make some stops at the viewpoints of Qorao and Taray from where we will observe the peaks of the mountains and the Vilcanota River that passes through this valley, we will have time to visit the typical Pisaq market where we will be able to observe and buy some handcrafted souvenirs made by the inhabitants with ancestral traditions, after the respective explanation we will go to the Archaeological Complex of PISAQ, it is located 30 minutes from the City of Cusco, where we will find Inca constructions and terraces of great importance since these served as an adaptation area for some products of the Inca region, in addition to serve as a surveillance site for the entrance to the Sacred Valley. Here we will have a guided tour for approximately 2 hours where our guide will give us extensive information about the Archaeological Complex.
Then we will go to the town of Urubamba where we will have a delicious buffet lunch with typical food of the region in a tourist restaurant, then we will continue our journey until we reach the town of Ollantaytambo, the famous Living Inca Town, where we will have the guided visit to the Archaeological Complex , from where we will also see the impressive face that stands out on the hill, of the famous God Tunupa.

We will board the train at the Ollantaytambo station at approximately 4:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. towards the town of Aguas Calientes, where the hotel staff awaits us to take us to the hotel, where we will spend the night. (Optionally we can enjoy the hot springs of this place)

  • Tour modality: Adventure, cultural and archaeological
  • Degree of difficulty: None
  • Tour departure times: 08:10 a.m.
  • Period: All year round, recommended April – November
  • Language: English, Spanish
  • Group size: 16 people
  • Tour duration: 2 hours
  • Average height: (2,792 m.)

Day 4.-Guided tour in Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

Very early after our breakfast at the Hotel, we will board the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, we will make a 30-minute trip arriving at the citadel of Machu Picchu. Once inside Machu Picchu we will be able to appreciate the majestic sunrise then we will have a guided tour of approximately 2 hours accompanied by a specialist guide who will give us substantial and concise information about our historical and cultural legacy as well as a broad description about our imposing Machu Picchu, after the guided tour we will have free time to explore Machu Picchu on our own in addition to taking souvenir photographs, later we will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes to enjoy our lunch with the greatest tranquility, finally we will board the train In the direction of Ollantaytambo where our tourist bus will wait for us to return to the city of Cusco and transfer you to your hotel.

  • Tour modality: Cultural and archaeological
  • Degree of difficulty: None
  • Tour Departure Times: 4:00 a.m.
  • Period: All year round, recommended April – November
  • Language: English, Spanish
  • Group size: 16 people
  • Tour duration: 2:30 hours
  • Average height: (2,490 m.)

Day 5.- Goodbye Cusco and transfer to airport

You will tell us the time your flight leaves and we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer to the airport and thus conclude our services.

Price

Price: $ 659.00 USD per person

DISCOUNT

  • icon students Student Discount: $20 USD
  • icon teen Discount for Under 18: $30 USD
  • icon children Discount for Under 7: $50 USD

Imagen de WhatsApp 2023 10 20 a las 15.42.24 8cf752d1

STUDENT DISCOUNT:

The student discount is available to students worldwide who meet the requirements of the Peruvian government. It can be applied when purchasing tickets for Machu Picchu directly from the Peruvian government.

To qualify for the student price, make sure you meet the following requirements:

Your student ID must be an original document issued by your university, made of PVC material.

  • The student ID must include the following printed information:
  • University information.
  • Student’s name.
  • Student’s photograph.
  • The student ID must have a valid expiration date printed on it, which is valid for only one year. For example, if you plan to visit Machu Picchu in 2024, the expiration date on your ID should be 2024 or 2025. If you visit Machu Picchu in 2024, the maximum allowed expiration date is 2025.
  • The student discount is available only for students 25 years of age or younger.
  • The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is not valid for the discount, even if it meets the requirements mentioned above.
  • The only accepted document for the student price is the original student ID that meets the requirements set by the Peruvian government. Other documents, such as certifications or virtual cards, are not accepted as proof of student status.
  • To request the student price, please send a photo of both sides of your student ID to inkatrailbackpacker@gmail.com when booking the tour. If you send it later, you will not be eligible for the student discount.
  • Feel free to contact us if you have further questions or need assistance.

Additional Upgrades for package is the Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Salt Mines of Maras 5D

Train schedule

The schedule for the return train at the end of the Tour/Trek is the Expedition Train, departing at 6:20 p.m. or 7:00 p.m., depending on availability.

If you prefer an earlier train for the return journey, we can arrange it for an additional cost of $35 per person. The available times are 2:55 p.m. or 4:35 p.m. We also offer the option to book the Vistadome train at 3:40 p.m. for an additional cost of $65 per person. Please let us know in advance which train schedule you prefer. Please note that none of the reserved trains go directly to Cusco; they only go to the Ollantaytambo or Poroy stations. In any case, we will ensure that transportation will be arranged to pick you up and bring you back to Cusco.

Can I change my return train ticket to an earlier one at the Aguas Calientes station?

Yes, you can make this change in person at the Aguas Calientes train station. However, they will ask you to pay an additional fee for changing the ticket, and the change will be subject to availability of space and train schedules.

How long does the return trip to Cusco take?

The return journey to Cusco takes approximately 3 hours. First, you will board a train in Aguas Calientes, which will take you to the Ollantaytambo train station for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Then, a transfer from our office will be waiting for you at the train station exit with a sign bearing your name to drive you back to Cusco in a car or van for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Finally, they will drop you off at your hotel or hostel. You will receive your train tickets once your Machu Picchu tour has concluded.

what to bring

What you need to bring:

  • A light backpack or briefcase (there is a weight limit between 5 to 6 kilos maximum).
  • Original passport and migration card (TAM).
  • A canteen with water is mandatory. The authorities will not allow the use or/or entry of plastic bottles to Machu Picchu.
  • Wear sneakers or light shoes or tennis.
  • Drink plenty of fluids on your excursions.
  • Raincoat (long poncho) in the rainy season.
  • Long sleeve shirts.
  • Long pants.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat for sunny days.
  • Sunglasses, plastic bags.
  • Medicine and/or items for personal use
  • Camera or camcorder and films.
  • Have on hand checks and coins in small denominations soles or dollars.
  • Bathing clothes for the thermal baths (optional).

Why Us

Inka Trail Backpacker a certified company?

Inka Trail Backpacker is an adventure tour operator, traditional travel and Eco tourism that has been authorized to be an operator on the route of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu since 2014.

All tourism companies that wish to be operators on the Inca Trail network to Machu Picchu must be certified and have an Inca Trail operator license granted by the government of Peru. This process is very rigorous and strict; not everyone who participates can be successful. This authorization is renewed every year in the month of December and at Inka Trail Backpacker we have the operator authorization of the Inca Trail valid until March 2025. We have a team that is only in charge of renewing our authorizations year after year and thus continue to be a company. authorized to carry out tours through the Inca Trail in its different versions.

Our license as an Official Travel and Tourism Agency in Peru is under the name of Inka Trail Backpacker E.I.R.L
Our authorization to organize tours through the Inca Trail is under the name of INKA TRAIL BACKPACKER E.I.R.L. We also work with the authorizations of the associated companies of which we are a part, such as INTI SUN TREK E.I.R.L and GRUPO CAMINOS DEL PERU E.I.R.L. Duly registered on the official website of the Peruvian Government: www.machupicchu.gob.pe.

Inka Trail Backpacker cares about the well-being of its workers?

Yes, the fact of offering lower and accessible prices does not mean that we neglect the pay and well-being of our porters or the staff that work with us. Since the end of 2014, Inka Trail Backpacker has been paying the porters who work the Inca Trail a salary of 200 Soles per person for the 4-day trek plus their transportation cost and the cost of their food, we also provide them with adequate equipment for that they can carry out their work in the best way. That is almost 20% above the legally required minimum wage agreed with the Porters Union which makes Inka Trail Backpacker a competitive company that offers good treatment and good benefits for them. After conversations with our porters, they tell us that only a few trekking companies pay them the same as we do and that only two companies pay a little more (they charge their clients around US$150 per person more than we do). Of the other 170 operators authorized to operate the Inca Trail only 60% pay the legal salary and 40% pay less than the legal salary, this is difficult to prove as their porters receive a low salary, but they are asked sign receipts showing they get more!compared to we charge less for tourists who book with us Inka Trail Backpacker

Travel with like-minded travelers:

As a traveler, you know that one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of going to new places is the people you meet along the way. By booking a trek or tour with us, you can be sure that your group will have travelers looking for adventure similar to yours in the Peruvian Andes. Our groups offer a great opportunity to meet new people and network in a friendly environment. You never know who you’ll meet!

Our work with local Communities:

We are really proud of the work we do for our local communities. This is the main focus of our company. We have worked directly with the villages to help them meet their needs. All the products we buy for food on our walks come from local farmers and markets, so we guarantee that our food has fresh and organic ingredients.

100% guaranteed departures

At Inka Trail Backpacker, we like to think that we trek a little differently than our competitors. We stand by our clients and guarantee that we meet 100% of our departure dates on our trips, even if you are a solo traveler, you will always find a place within our groups that you can join.

Travel Info

Necessary medical information:

All our participants must inform us if they have or have had any illness that may affect their personal or group progress during the walk. They will also need to bring their own medications. We recommend that you visit your doctor before making your reservation if you have any health problems.

Visa for Peru:

In general, if you are Latin American, North American or European, you will not need it. If you are a citizen of Mercosur, all members can enter Peru just by carrying your DNI or with a valid passport. If you are from a non-Mercosur country then you will need a valid passport and in some exceptional cases depending on your country of origin, a visa. Here the complete relationship.

If you are a minor you will need to pass in the company of your parents. If you are a father and you are traveling with children, you will need a marriage certificate, birth certificate of the child.

Vaccines:

No vaccine is mandatory, but the Peruvian Ministry of Health “recommends” getting vaccinated against Yellow Fever to go to certain regions of the jungle. Normally nobody does, so it’s up to you if it’s worth the risk or not. In several countries this vaccine is free and when it costs, it is not expensive.

Climate and environment in Cusco:

If you are Argentine, Ecuadorian, Chilean, Colombian or you come from a place where it is hot in summer as much as possible, in Cusco it is the opposite. Do not think that your summer is replicated in this region. The periods of intense and cold rain are between December and April while in the capital it is very hot. Be it summer or winter, in Cusco at some point of the day it is cold. Always wear a coat. It is typical that in sunny places you feel hot and in shady places cold. The sun is radiant, and with the climate of the place it can damage your skin. Bring sunscreen and/or buy cocoa paste pills at pharmacies, which are very cheap and useful.

Location of MachuPicchu, unlike the city of Cusco, it is located on the edge of the jungle, that is, at a hybrid point where the mountains meet the jungle and the vegetation changes, showing characteristics of both regions at times. The best season to visit is usually between July and October (high season) when there is not much rain and always blue skies, however this place is visited all year round and it never disappoints.

Altitude sickness:

Perhaps you have never experienced a lack of oxygen. This is commonly felt in Cusco due to the height and makes everything cost triple the effort so you do not have your usual physical resistance which will be diminished. Your digestion will be a little slower and your sleep dense and deep. The ideal is to stay calm the first day to acclimatise. It is very normal that all pharmacies sell pills for altitude sickness. Coca tea also helps as well as candies.

Health and safety:

The city of Cusco is safe in the places where you see yourself surrounded by tourists, the center, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu. Avoid walking alone in the night markets or too far from the center with things of value and tourist appearance. Be aware of your pockets at fairs or areas where you are very close to people. In one of the most touristic cities in the world, petty theft and scams are predictable. To avoid this, simply do not leave your valuables alone or trust free things. Do not trust the excesses of unjustified kindness of strangers who will usually always want something from you.

Hygiene is very important to maintain health. Try whenever possible to see how the food served to you is treated. It is common for tourists to get sick to their stomachs from trying everything. To avoid this, be careful, and avoid things that are sold on buses and street vendors, especially fried foods and artisanal cheeses that can be carriers of dangerous bacteria. Boiled, freshly cooked or well washed food will almost always be fine. Long walks on rocky terrain can make you easy prey to dislocations or similar injuries. Wear good shoes. Cusco has good health care places that cater specifically to tourists. To access them do not forget to have travel insurance. Compare them all here so you can choose the cheapest travel insurance.

Discounts:

The ISIC Card IS NO LONGER VALID to buy the Ticket to Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail with a student discount.

Now students will be able to access this benefit with the UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD from the university where they study, this document being the only one valid for this purpose. For more information visit the following link http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/items/estudiantes.html

Lodging: Peru is one of the cheapest countries in South America so you can get rooms at ridiculously low prices. However, what you get is directly related to what you pay. You can review lodgings, see the photos and compare all the lodgings at http://hospedaje.mochileros.org so you will have a clearer idea.

Faqs

What happens if you renew your passport?

If you renew or change the number or names of your passport or documents after having made the reservation of the tour / trek, you must send us a photograph of the new passport; we will make the change with the authorities before you arrive in Cusco; the extra cost to make the change is $20 that will cover expenses in the change of Entrance to the Inca Trail, Entrance to Machu Picchu and train tickets. If you do not want to pay the $20 for the corresponding changes, you must bring your new and old passport or document to show it to the authorities (Inca Trail, Entrance to Machu Picchu, train tickets). If you do not have the 2 passports, you will have to buy a new entrance to the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and the train on your own, the costs could be around $100.

What type of Hostel is reserved for this tour?

In Cusco: we will book at the MamaSimona, Hatun Quilla and Ecopacker hostels. These hostels offer comfortable beds, hot water for the bathroom, Wi-Fi and breakfast.
In Aguas Calientes, we will book at the Tambo Inn or/or Tambo B&B hostels. These hostels offer comfortable beds, hot water for the bathroom, Wi-Fi and breakfast.
NOTE: We guarantee the hostel reservation mentioned only if you make your reservation in advance. Otherwise, we may have to offer alternative accommodation.

Can I change the hostel for a hotel in Cusco and Aguas Calientes?

Yes, each traveler has their own expectations of accommodations. That is why we offer you the option of booking your own independent hostel.
Reserve it yourself or have us reserve it for you.
If you wish to book your own hostel independently we will offer you a $10 per person discount on the tour price. You can use this money to pay for an alternative hostel.

The return train schedule: The return train included in the package is the Expedition; departure are: 6:20pm, 7pm and 8:20pm DEPENDING ON AVAILABILITY. If you prefer the earlier train return we can reserve it for an additional $25; hours are: 2:55pm or 4:35pm. You also have the option to reserve the Vistadome train for an additional cost of $65. Please, tell us in advance which is the train schedule of your preference. It is important that you know that none of the trains go directly to Cusco, the trains only arrive at the Ollantaytambo or Poroy stations. In any of the cases we will always guarantee a return bus to Cusco.

Can I change my return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo for an earlier one?

Yes, you can make this change in person at the Aguas Calientes train station. However, they will ask you to pay an additional fee to change the ticket and this change will be subject to the availability of spaces and schedules on the train. In this case you will be responsible for assuming the costs related to your return transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

How long will it take to return to Cusco?

You will travel for about three and a half hours before returning to Cusco. And this is divided into a one and a half hour trip on the train until you reach the Ollantaytambo train station. From there our driver will pick you up outside the train station. Our drivers will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it, so there will be no confusion. If you don’t see our driver initially, just wait for him outside the station. Once our driver has picked you up you will travel for another hour and a half before returning to Cusco.

Where to store your things:

You can leave or store the things that you will not take to the Inca Trail in the hotel or hostel where you are staying. Most of these establishments have warehouses where they will store your things. If you do not trust the place where you are staying, we will gladly store your belongings in our office.

Other trips you might like

Why you should travel with Inka Trail Backpacker ?