From Cusco: 9-Day Trek – Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley, Choquequirao Trek, Short Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
Follow the footsteps of the Incas in this 9-day adventure: Choquequirao Trek, Sacred Valley exploration, and the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
From Cusco: 9-Day Trek – Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley, Choquequirao Trek, Short Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
Step into the heart of the Andes with the 9-Day Inca Legacy: Choquequirao, Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail. This immersive journey combines adventure, culture, and history, taking you from the lively streets of Cusco to the serene landscapes of the Sacred Valley and the remote archaeological marvel of Choquequirao.
Trek through lush cloud forests and dramatic canyons as you uncover the mysteries of Choquequirao, often referred to as Machu Picchu’s ‘sister city.’ Explore the rich cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley, visiting iconic sites like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
The adventure culminates with the Short Inca Trail, a scenic hike that brings you to Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku). With expert guides and carefully planned logistics, this tour offers a perfect balance of exploration and comfort for an unforgettable Andean experience.
| Departure & Return Location | Cusco Airport or Bus Station (Pickup and drop-off coordination based on your flight or bus details) |
| Departure Time | Flexible, scheduled around your arrival for your convenience |
| Estimated Return Time | Flexible, adjusted to ensure timely arrival for your flight or bus departure in Cusco |
| Guide Languages Available | Guides fluent in English and Spanish |
| Key Attractions | Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley, Choquequirao, Short Inca Trail, Machu Picchu |
Cusco Airport – Arrival – City Tour & Nearby Archaeological Sites
Welcome to Cusco, the ancient heart of the Inca Empire! Upon your arrival at Cusco Airport, our team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, embark on a fascinating city tour to explore the historical and cultural wonders of Cusco.
Start with the Plaza de Armas, home to the stunning Cusco Cathedral, before visiting Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), a former Incan temple that became a symbol of colonial transformation. Continue to the outskirts of the city to explore the majestic Sacsayhuamán fortress, Q’enqo’s ceremonial site, Tambomachay’s water temple, and Puka Pukara, a former military outpost.
This day provides the perfect introduction to Cusco’s rich history while allowing time to acclimate to the high altitude (3,400m/11,152ft).
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
Meals: None included
Hiking: Light walking
Transport: Approx. 3 hours
Cusco – Sacred Valley Tour (Pisac, Ollantaytambo & Chinchero) – Cusco
oday, discover the enchanting Sacred Valley of the Incas. Start your journey with a visit to Pisac, where you’ll marvel at the impressive Inca terraces and vibrant artisan market, a perfect spot to shop for handcrafted souvenirs.
Continue to Urubamba, a picturesque town surrounded by Andean peaks, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch break (meal not included). Next, explore Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town renowned for its massive fortress and strategic design. Finally, stop at Chinchero, a charming village famous for its colonial church and vibrant weaving traditions.
Return to Cusco in the evening to prepare for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: Approx. 2 hours
Transport: Approx. 6 hours
Cusco – Capuliyoc – Santa Rosa (Choquequirao Trek Begins)
Your trekking adventure begins with an early morning drive from Cusco to Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,350ft), where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Apurimac Canyon and the surrounding peaks of Salkantay and Humantay. After a local breakfast, meet your trekking team and begin the descent into the canyon.
The trail winds through lush vegetation, offering spectacular views of the Apurimac River. After several hours of trekking, arrive at the private campsite in Santa Rosa (1,800m/5,906ft), where you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner under the star-filled Andean sky.
Accommodation: Camping in Santa Rosa
Meals: Lunch, Tea, and Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 6-7 hours, 15 km
Transport: Approx. 4 hours
Santa Rosa – Choquequirao – Marampata
Wake up to the tranquil sounds of nature and fuel up with a nourishing breakfast. Today’s trek ascends through cloud forests and lush vegetation to the archaeological site of Choquequirao (3,035m/9,957ft), often referred to as Machu Picchu’s ‘sister city.’
Explore the site’s plazas, temples, and intricate terraces, including the famous sacred llama carvings. Learn about Choquequirao’s history, its spiritual significance, and its role in the Incan resistance. After immersing yourself in its mysteries, trek to Marampata for an overnight stay at a scenic campsite.
Accommodation: Camping in Marampata
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, and Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 7-8 hours, 10 km
Marampata – Santa Rosa – Chiquisca
Start your descent back through the Apurimac Canyon, retracing your steps while enjoying the serene beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Along the way, stop at a local hacienda to sample Cambray, a traditional sugarcane spirit, for a moment of cultural immersion.
Descend to Rosalinas Beach (1,500m/4,921ft) before beginning a gradual ascent to the Chiquisca campsite, where you’ll celebrate the day’s achievements over a hearty dinner.
Accommodation: Camping in Chiquisca
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, and Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 7 hours, 11 km
Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Ollantaytambo (via Huarocondo)
After breakfast, complete your final ascent to Capuliyoc, taking in panoramic views of the canyon one last time. From Capuliyoc, your adventure transitions from trekking to travel as you drive directly to Ollantaytambo via Huarocondo.
Arrive in Ollantaytambo, a charming Inca town and the perfect gateway for your next adventure: the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the trek.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Hiking: Approx. 4 hours, 8 km
Transport: Approx. 5 hours
Ollantaytambo – Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Your journey continues with the Short Inca Trail, a one-day trek that combines natural beauty, fascinating archaeological sites, and the unforgettable experience of entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Start with an early train ride from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104, where the trek begins. Hike through lush cloud forests and mountain terrain, visiting the stunning archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, an impressive complex with terraces and temples.
The final stretch takes you to the Sun Gate, where you’ll catch your first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu from above. After a moment to take it all in, descend to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night.
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch
Hiking: Approx. 6 hours
Transport: Approx. 1 hour (train ride)
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco
Wake up early for a short bus ride to Machu Picchu, where you’ll embark on a guided tour of this world-renowned Inca citadel. Explore its main landmarks, including the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, and the Intihuatana Stone, while learning about its historical, cultural, and spiritual significance.
After the guided tour, enjoy some free time to explore the site further or relax in the surrounding scenery. In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes to board the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer back to Cusco for your final evening.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: Approx. 2 hours (at Machu Picchu)
Transport: Approx. 4 hours
Cusco – Departure
On your final day in Cusco, we’ll arrange your transfer at the agreed time to either the airport or bus station, depending on your travel plans. Please let us know your flight or bus details in advance to ensure a seamless departure.
Take with you unforgettable memories of breathtaking landscapes, rich Inca history, and the adventure of a lifetime.
Accommodation: None included
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Approx. 30 minutes
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Special Discounts
- Adult (12+ Years): Standard rates apply for travelers over 12 years old.
- Student (-25 Years with Student Card): Save USD 20 with a valid Student Card for those younger than 25 years old.
- Child (3 – 11 Years): Save USD 30 for children between 3 and 11 years old.
- Infant (0 – 2 Years): Infants younger than 2 years old are free (must ride on the adult’s lap; for a separate seat, add them as a child).
- Group Discount: Automatically applied during online booking.
- Save 5% per person for groups of 5-9 people.
- Save 8% per person for groups of 10-14 people.
- Save 10% per person for groups of 15 or more people.
*Please note that the applicable age is considered at the time of completion of the trip.
Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy
Kindly take a moment to read our Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy before booking. Happy adventuring!
Payment Terms
Beginning Your Adventure – Booking Confirmation and Deposit
Your journey starts with a commitment: a 50% deposit of the total tour cost. This initial investment is pivotal in activating the extensive preparatory process, ensuring every aspect of your tour is curated to perfection.
Final Payment: The Last Step Before Your Journey Begins
The remaining 50% of the tour cost is due no later than 30 days before the commencement of your tour. This timely payment is critical to finalize all logistical arrangements, guaranteeing a hassle-free start to your adventure.
Expansive Payment Options for Ease and Flexibility
In line with our commitment to your convenience, Peru Tripper accepts a variety of payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, and PayPal. Please be aware that additional fees may apply depending on the payment method selected. Detailed payment procedures and potential fees can be found on our dedicated payment page.
Implications of Late Payments – Protecting Your Reservation
Adherence to the payment schedule is crucial. Late payments can unfortunately lead to the cancellation of your reservation, with the deposit being retained as a non-refundable fee. We urge you to maintain timely payments to safeguard your tour plans.
Policy for Last-Minute Adventurers
For those inspired to join this tour on short notice, namely less than 15 days before departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. This ensures that we can expedite all necessary preparations for your inclusion.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Terms for Clients
We recognize that life is ever-changing. However, due to the elaborate planning and expenses involved in preparing for this tour, we maintain a strict no-refund policy after booking confirmation. This underscores the importance of obtaining comprehensive travel insurance, which can offer protection against unforeseen cancellations.
Navigating Unpredictable Circumstances – Force Majeure
In extraordinary situations beyond our control, such as natural disasters or political upheavals, Peru Tripper will strive to offer alternative arrangements. This may include rescheduling your trip or issuing a credit for future travel, based on current availability and discretion.
Navigating Through Force Majeure
In the event of extraordinary and uncontrollable circumstances, such as natural disasters or significant political unrest, Huaynas Expeditions adopts a flexible approach. We prioritize your safety and satisfaction, offering to reschedule your trip or provide a credit for future travel, subject to availability.
Emphasizing the Need for Comprehensive Travel Insurance
To cover unexpected events, including trip disruptions and medical emergencies, we cannot stress enough the importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance. It’s your safety net, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey. Please note, Peru Tripper does not bear responsibility for costs arising from incidents not covered by your travel insurance.
Standard Inclusions
All package options include the following:
Exclusions:
Not included in our standard tour packages. Consider additional costs. Deluxe packages may cover some exclusions, as specified in the Additional Inclusions section.
Additional Inclusions
Deluxe Packages Only
Elevate your travel experience with our bespoke Deluxe Package, meticulously designed to offer an array of premium amenities and services.
Deluxe Packages Include:
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Packing List
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