Brief
Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas on a unique llama trek. Start with a scenic drive from Cusco to Lamay town, and from there we will take you to a small local mountain community, where you’ll meet friendly local muleteers and their llamas. From there you will start the trek to the historic Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site, an important Inca military site and religious tambo, while taking in breathtaking views of the Vilcanota mountain range and the Sacred Valley. Visit Pukamarca (Red Village), with its ancient Inca terraces, trails, water channels, and bridges. Enjoy a yummy picnic lunch surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes. The trek ends at Lamay Village, where your participation supports local Andean community employment and the reintroduction of llamas to the Andean ecosystem.
On day two, transfer to Ollantaytambo train station, where you’ll board your train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. With your private local guide, you will visit Machu Picchu, including key sites such as the Temple of the Sun and Intihuatana Stone. In the evening you will return to Cusco after visiting these two gems bringing unforgettable memories of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu adventure.
Highlights
- The Sacred Valley of the Incas is very rich in Inca history and culture, offering stunning views of the Vilcanota mountain range and surrounding landscapes.
- Experience a unique llama trek guided by friendly local muleteers, who will lead you through ancient Inca trails and connect you with the Andean culture.
- Visit Huchuy Qosqo, an important Inca military site and religious tambo that offers majestic views of the Sacred Valley.
- Discover Pukamarca, a hidden Inca village known for its ancient terraces, water channels, and archaeological remains.
- Enjoy a delicious outdoor picnic lunch at the historic Huchuy Qosqo site, surrounded by the Andean nature.
- Visit Lamay Village, where you’ll experience local Andean culture and support sustainable community employment in the region.
- Board the touristic train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), travelling along the Urubamba River, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding Andes mountains and lush landscapes.
- Enjoy an interesting guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, uncovering its secrets and architectural marvels, including the Temple of the Three Windows and the Main Plaza.
- Discover iconic sites like the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana Stone, and Inca terraces as you learn about the rich Inca’s history and culture of the Inca civilisation.
Itinerary
Day 1: Sacred Valley Llama Trek to Huchuyqosco & Lamay Village
Morning Departure from Cusco
Begin your adventure with a scenic drive from Cusco to Lamay town, then to a small mountain community where you’ll meet your friendly local muleteers and llamas who will carry the food and equipment for your picnic lunch.
Hike to Huchuyqosqo
When you reach the highest point of the trek, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas mountains and its river.
On this nice trail, you will see agricultural terraces following the Urubamba River. You will also pass the Red Village (Pukamarca), a fascinating Inca site with hidden trails, ancient stairs, and bridges.
Visit to Huchuyqosqo
The main attraction of this trek will be when reaching out to Huchuy Qosqo, a strategic Inca site and military tambo. Explore this Inca’s site, learn about its history as the refuge of the Inca Wiracocha, and enjoy a delicious outdoor picnic lunch surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Return to Lamay Village
After your visit to Huchuy Qosqo, descend to Lamay Village, completing your trek before we transfer you to your hotel located in the Sacred Valley.
This local experience also contributes to the local economy and the reintroduction of llamas to the Andean ecosystem.
Overnight in the Sacred Valley
Meals: Lunch
Day 2: Machu Picchu Day Tour
Today after breakfast we will pick you up from your Sacred Valley hotel between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM by private car, which will transport you through the scenic Andean mountains to the Ollantaytambo train station; this route takes approximately 25 minutes.
Touristic train to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town
When you get to Ollantaytambo train station, you will board your tourist train to Aguas Calientes, departing at either 7:45 AM or 8:29 AM. This tourist train of a 1.50 hour ride offers breathtaking views of the Urubamba River.
Please be aware that the schedule may vary depending on your Machu Picchu entry fee availability.
Arrival and Welcome at Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes town (Machu Picchu town), you will be greeted by our staff, and after giving you some important instructions, you may have some free time to explore the town, eat, or freshen up before taking the bus up to Machu Picchu citadel, which takes approximately 25 minutes (8km). Your Machu Picchu ticket will provide access to the Machu Picchu tour circuit (usually Circuit 01 or 02, subject to availability). Our expert local tour guide will be there waiting for you to start your guided tour for about a 2.5-hour exploration of the Inca citadel, explaining the history, architecture, and significance of key monuments like the Temple of the Sun and Intihuatana Stone. This is a good opportunity to ask as many questions as you can to know more about Inca’s civilisations.
Return to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu town back to Ollantaytambo, then to Cusco
After your guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, you’ll catch the bus down to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town. Once in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town, you’ll have some free time to explore the town, enjoy a meal, or purchase souvenirs before your train departs around 3:20 PM or 4:48 PM, taking you back to Ollantaytambo train station in approximately 1.50 hours. Upon arrival, we will be waiting for you to transfer you back to Cusco city by a private car.
Arrival in Cusco
You will be back in Cusco around 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, where you will be dropped off at your hotel, concluding your memorable Machu Picchu day trip.
Meals: Breakfast
If you have available time to add an additional tour, such as a city tour, a visit to the Rainbow Mountain, a visit to Humantay Lake, an experiential tour, or any other tour of your preference, we can add that activity to your itinerary and recalculate the rate.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Welcome pack and briefing either at your hotel or Airbnb, or at our office in Cusco City, depending on your preference
- Private excursion to Huchuy Qosqo
- Entrance ticket to Huchuy Qosqo
- Outdoor Picnic lunch
- Trek with llamas and local muleteers
- Community fee
- Private transfer from Sacred Valley hotel to Ollantaytambo train station.
- Round-Trip Train Tickets from Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town to Ollantaytambo
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu (General entrance). Circuit 1 or Circuit 2 depending on availability
- Round-Trip Bus Tickets to/from Machu Picchu Citadel
- Private Local Guide at Machu Picchu Citadel
- Door-to-Door Service
- 24/7 Machu Picchu Day Trip by Aantur Perú On-Call Support, including WhatsApp support, ensuring you have assistance whenever needed during your Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour.
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Tips (for guides, drivers, waiters, luggage porters, etc)
- Entry fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Beverages during meals (unless specified in the itinerary)
- Personal expenses
Prices are not valid on the following dates:
- April 13th to 20th
- June 21st to 26th
- Dec 31st to Jan 03rd
Recommendations or Essential Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu
- Bring Your Identification Document or Passport
Ensure you bring the passport or ID used to purchase your Machu Picchu tickets. It’s required for entry to the site, and you’ll need to present it when checking in at the entrance. - Arrive Early at the Train Station
To ensure a smooth journey, arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure. This will give you ample time to check in and prepare for the scenic ride to Aguas Calientes. - Limit Your Luggage
When traveling to Machu Picchu, keep in mind that only 5 kg (11 lbs) of luggage is allowed on the train to Machu Picchu. Travel light to make your journey more comfortable. - Pack Smart for the Day
We recommend carrying a small backpack with essentials for your Machu Picchu visit, including: - Camera to capture stunning views.
- A hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
- Mosquito repellent to keep insects at bay.
- A water bottle to stay hydrated during your exploration.
- Wear Comfortable and Non-Slippery Shoes. As you will be exploring the ancient terraces and climbing stairs at Machu Picchu, make sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip. This is essential for safely navigating the site’s uneven surfaces.
