Description
This two-day tour is the most balanced and recommended option for those who wish to explore the treasures of the Sacred Valley and the wonder of Machu Picchu without rushing. By staying overnight in the town of Aguas Calientes, you can rest and be among the first to ascend to the citadel the following day. From the impressive terraces of Pisac and the living fortress of Ollantaytambo to the mysticism of the Inca city, this journey offers a deep immersion into the engineering and legacy of the Inca Empire.
Resume
- Day 1: Cusco – Pisac – Buffet Lunch – Ollantaytambo – Train journey – Night in Aguas Calientes.
- Day 2: Bus to Machu Picchu – Guided tour of the Citadel – Return by train and bus to Cusco.
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY – AGUAS CALIENTES The adventure begins around 7:30 a.m. with the pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Our first destination will be the Pisac archaeological complex, located approximately 45 minutes from the city. Pisac is recognized for its impressive agricultural terraces and its elegant Inca architecture, a reflection of the advanced knowledge of this civilization. This site was part of the Qhapaq Ñan, the extensive network of Inca roads that connected the entire empire. At midday we will head to Urubamba, where we will enjoy a buffet lunch with the best of Peruvian gastronomy. In the afternoon we will visit the majestic fortress of Ollantaytambo, an important military, religious, and agricultural center in Inca times. Here, its enormous stone walls, terraces, staircases, and turrets stand out, in addition to preserving its original urban layout, one of the few that remain intact. This complex was developed by the Inca Pachacútec as the administrative center of the Sacred Valley. At the end of the visit, we will board the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night.
DAY 2: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO Very early we will head to the bus station to ascend to Machu Picchu. The journey lasts approximately 25 minutes along a zigzag road to the entrance of the sanctuary. Once in the citadel, we will perform a guided visit of around 2 hours, where we will learn about the history, architecture, and importance of this impressive site. The tour includes the agricultural and urban area, with plazas, temples, roads, staircases, terraces, and a sophisticated hydraulic system that supplied water to the entire city. Machu Picchu stands out for its exceptional engineering, perfectly integrated into the natural environment. At the end of the tour, we will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch. Then we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our transport will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Include
- Entrance fees to Pisac and Ollantaytambo
- Tourist transportation
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English)
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba
- Hotel night in Aguas Calientes
- Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
- Pre-tour information
- Transfer Ollantaytambo – hotel in Cusco
- Train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (round trip)
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
Not include
-
Hotel night in Cusco
-
Food
-
Services not mentioned
-
Dinner in Aguas Calientes
Recommendations
- Carry original passport or identity document
- Arrive 30 minutes before at the train station
- Carry cash (soles or dollars)
- Small backpack with camera, hat, sunscreen, repellent, and water
- Use comfortable and non-slip footwear
- Carry snacks and water
- Visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes
- Permitted luggage on the train is up to 5 kg per person
- In high season there may be lines for the bus to Machu Picchu.
The visual experience
Important
- Documentation: It is mandatory to carry your valid original Passport or ID throughout the entire trip. Entry to Machu Picchu is not permitted without the physical document used for the reservation.
- Luggage on the train: Railway companies only allow one carry-on bag or small backpack of up to 5 kg per person. You can leave your heavy luggage at your hotel in Cusco.
- Availability: Due to high demand, it is recommended to book at least 2 months in advance to secure entrance tickets and the most convenient train schedules.
- Included Services: The package covers transportation, trains, buses, entrance fees, a professional guide, and one night of hotel stay in Aguas Calientes.
