This unforgettable visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, will allow you to marvel at spectacular Inca architecture, taking a step back in time through Inca portals and pathways around this impressive archaeological site. You will pass through the stunning Sacred Valley landscapes on an unforgettable train ride to the magnificent Machu Picchu, where history comes alive as you follow in the ancient footsteps of the Incas. Marvel at the giant stones and intricate masonry, pass through temples along ancient pathways, all surrounded by the magnificent scenery and cloud forest setting that is this magical wonder of the world.
We will pass by your Cusco Hotel to pick you up at your preferred time, to drive the 2-hour journey to the Ollantaytambo train station. On arrival, we will board the train for a 1.5-hour journey, and pass through incredible Andean countryside and views that will be difficult to forget in this lifetime. The mountains appear to touch the sky, and the rivers flow through verdant green hills, which are simply breath-taking!
When we arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes, we will take you to your hotel where you will spend the evening. You will have the rest of the day to explore the town, and maybe visit the hot springs after which this town is named.
After breakfast at your hotel, we will take the bus up to the highlight of the excursion: Machu Picchu. Who in the world has not dreamed about visiting this ancient Inca citadel?
Once you arrive, you will enjoy a 2 hour guided tour through the passageways and staircases of one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Afterwards, you will have another 2 hours to explore the site, or even climb one of the two mountains inside the archaeological complex- Huayna Picchu o Machu Picchu Mountain (ask us about permit availability at the time of booking). The views from the top are mind-blowing!
We will then return by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have time to grab something to eat, if you so you wish, or explore the town some more. We will finish this excursion by taking the return train to Ollantaytambo, and from there, we will transfer you back to your Cusco hotel.
IMPORTANT:
Share your travel preferences and a local specialist will confirm availability and prepare the best option for you.
Your tour start when You meet your guide in Cusco around ten in the morning then head to Ollantaytambo Train station by van for the first train into the Sacred Valley.
The ride follows the Urubamba River for about 90 minutes, clouds lifting to reveal steep terraces and small farms where locals tend alpaca herds. In Aguas Calientes you check in at a hotel, you can drop your pack, maybe spill a bit of coffee on the lobby floor—oops—and join a briefing on next day’s plan. You wander through narrow streets lined with crafts stalls, wonder if the thermal baths are worth the detour, then turn in early knowing an alarm will call you well before sunrise.
At 4 am you’re on a shuttle weaving up the switchbacks to the Inca City gate. Pre–dawn air bites but anticipation warms you. Your guide leads through main plazas, explains how the Incas carved stone without metal tools, points out water channels still flowing. You push on to the Sun Gate, question if you can handle the steep climb yet you do, gasping for breath as first light unveils that iconic view. Midday train takes you back, chatter full of “did you see that wall” and “can you believe the architecture.” You arrive in Cusco by six, tired, buzzing, certain this two day trip packed more into your memory than a week elsewhere.
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Recommendations
Book at least three months in advance especially if you want Huayna Picchu permit. Arrive in Cusco two days before tour to adjust.
Climate
Mornings cool around 10 °C, midday warms to 20 °C, chance of rain from January to March peaks around 1 pm.
Recommended Season
April to October offers more sun, fewer storms. High season June to August sees more travelers; plan extra lead time.
How to Dress
Layer a moisture wicking shirt under light fleece and rain shell. Swap into shorts or trekking pants before shuttle ride.
How to Prepare Physically
Practice brisk walks on uneven ground carrying a 5 kg pack. Climb stairs or local ruins to test step stamina.
Local People
Quechua guides speak clear English and Spanish, local stall owners in Aguas Calientes often sell fresh trout dishes with friendly banter.
Who Should Join
Travelers who want a no camping experience yet still rise early for that morning magic, families with teens, couples on tight schedules.
Food on Route
Breakfast at hotel includes eggs, oatmeal, fruit. Lunch can be sandwiches or soups at market stalls. Dinner set menus offer chicken curry rice or grilled fish with local vegetables. Portions are filling and priced around US$8 to US$12 per meal.
The train leaves Ollantaytambo after a van transfer from Cusco, giving you time to check tickets and buy a snack before boarding.
Expect about 90 minutes on the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo, passing river canyons and terraced hillsides.
Yes breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes is included, usually served from 6 am so you can fuel up before the shuttle.
You must Buy your Machu Picchu entry ticket at least two weeks ahead, high season may sell out faster so plan early.
Yes if you arrange the permit at least two months before, spaces are limited to 400 per day and often fill quickly.
You’ll cover about 3 to 4 km on uneven stone paths during the guided tour and extra for the optional Sun Gate hike.
Yes two shuttle rides are included one up in the morning and one back after your guided visit.
Dress in layers with a warm mid layer and a rain shell, shuttle windows open slightly and temperatures drop at 2,430 m.
Carry about US$60 in small bills to cover lunch dinner, tips, souvenirs and any optional entrance fees like Huayna Picchu.
Minimum age is 12 years old; families with younger teens often find the pace manageable but check altitude tolerance first.
Guides are bilingual in English and Spanish, they break down Inca engineering, customs and legends in simple terms.
Yes toilets are located only near the entrance gate so plan your shuttle timing accordingly to avoid lines.
Peru rail services can run up to 30 minutes late; guides will adjust the schedule but afternoon plans may shift slightly.
Some hotels and cafés offer Public Wi-Fi; don’t rely on it for heavy uploads, use power bank to preserve battery.
At 3:45 pm you board the train back to Ollantaytambo then transfer by van to your Cusco hotel arriving around 5:30 pm.
Explore Machu Picchu at a relaxed pace with an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
This unforgettable visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, will allow you to marvel at spectacular Inca architecture, taking a step back in time through Inca portals and pathways around this impressive archaeological site. You will pass through the stunning Sacred Valley landscapes on an unforgettable train ride to the magnificent Machu Picchu, where history comes alive as you follow in the ancient footsteps of the Incas. Marvel at the giant stones and intricate masonry, pass through temples along ancient pathways, all surrounded by the magnificent scenery and cloud forest setting that is this magical wonder of the world.
We will pass by your Cusco Hotel to pick you up at your preferred time, to drive the 2-hour journey to the Ollantaytambo train station. On arrival, we will board the train for a 1.5-hour journey, and pass through incredible Andean countryside and views that will be difficult to forget in this lifetime. The mountains appear to touch the sky, and the rivers flow through verdant green hills, which are simply breath-taking!
When we arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes, we will take you to your hotel where you will spend the evening. You will have the rest of the day to explore the town, and maybe visit the hot springs after which this town is named.
After breakfast at your hotel, we will take the bus up to the highlight of the excursion: Machu Picchu. Who in the world has not dreamed about visiting this ancient Inca citadel?
Once you arrive, you will enjoy a 2 hour guided tour through the passageways and staircases of one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Afterwards, you will have another 2 hours to explore the site, or even climb one of the two mountains inside the archaeological complex- Huayna Picchu o Machu Picchu Mountain (ask us about permit availability at the time of booking). The views from the top are mind-blowing!
We will then return by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have time to grab something to eat, if you so you wish, or explore the town some more. We will finish this excursion by taking the return train to Ollantaytambo, and from there, we will transfer you back to your Cusco hotel.
IMPORTANT:
Travelers to Peru require a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry. Most nationalities (USA, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, Brazil) do not require a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days. Comprehensive travel insurance covering high altitude is strongly recommended.
Hotel nights feature comfortable 3-star boutique hotels in private en-suite rooms. On mountain treks, we provide premium 4-season Eureka tents (2 persons in a 4-person tent), foam sleeping mattresses, spacious dining tents with tables and chairs, and clean portable toilet facilities.
Your tour begins in Cusco, Peru. We include airport arrival transfer to your hotel. An informative briefing with your professional trekking guide takes place at your Cusco hotel at 6:00 PM the evening before your tour begins.
We had great tours with them! Rosa Guide very good and with a lot of information!
We had an incredible experience with the tours! Everything was very well organized, from the schedules to the support during the trips. The guides were very attentive, helpful, and gave us a lot of interesting...
A wonderful experience, very punctual, capricious, service at all times, no doubt was the best choice, me and my friends felt very safe.
The Yacana was our best choice of trip. Always inquisitive and ready to serve us. Super we indicate!
