Cusco to Machu Picchu

Sacred Valley Journey to Ollantaytambo

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. Then, we will drive you by private transport through the Sacred Valley of Incas to Ollantaytambo train station.

During this scenic journey, you’ll witness breathtaking Andean landscapes and experience the beauty of the region where the Incas built their empire. The drive takes you through emerald valleys, past traditional mountain villages, and along winding mountain roads with spectacular views at every turn.

Train Journey to Aguas Calientes

Here, you will board the train to Aguas Calientes. This scenic train ride is one of the most memorable parts of your journey, offering panoramic views of the cloud forest and the Vilcanota River as you descend toward the Lost City.

The train winds through dramatic mountain scenery, and you’ll experience the landscape gradually transforming from high-altitude terrain to lush subtropical cloud forest. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this iconic journey that connects you to Machu Picchu.

Arrival and Hotel Transfer

At Aguas Calientes, our representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel in town. Aguas Calientes is the gateway town to Machu Picchu, where you’ll spend your night before exploring the citadel.

Evening at Leisure

You will have the evening to yourself. Take time to explore the town at your own pace and experience the local atmosphere. You can visit the natural hot springs in the town, after which the town gets its name. These thermal mineral waters offer a relaxing way to unwind after your travel day.

You may also choose to:

• Explore local shops and markets
• Enjoy dinner at one of the town’s restaurants
• Walk through the charming streets
• Rest at your hotel and prepare for tomorrow
• According the time arrival, you can walk to Mandor fall water

Evening Briefing

Later in the evening, our tour guide will meet you at the hotel and brief you on the following day’s itinerary. Your guide will explain what to expect at Machu Picchu, share fascinating information about the site, and answer any questions you may have.

Transfer to Machu Picchu

Have breakfast at the hotel in Aguas Calientes, then walk to the bus station. According to your Machu Picchu ticket schedule, you’ll board a shuttle bus to Machu Picchu.

Once aboard, you’ll enjoy a 30-minute drive up the hill toward the citadel. As you ascend, anticipation builds for the remarkable experience ahead. Our guide will assist you in clearing security and entering the citadel.

View of Machu Picchu

Once you enter the citadel, our guide will lead you along your booked circuit. A stunning view awaits. The clouds will clear, and the sun’s golden rays will shine on the walls of Machu Picchu (weather permitting). This is the magical moment that makes Machu Picchu one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.

For Circuits 1 & 2: You’ll walk up to the Guardian House, where from this high vantage point, you’ll have a panoramic view of the entire citadel. The early morning light bathes the ancient structures in gold, revealing the architectural genius of the Incas. You’ll experience the citadel in its most serene and spiritual state.

For Circuit 3: You’ll enter and walk down to the lower section of the Inca citadel, offering a different perspective and unique viewing angles of Machu Picchu.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

Your knowledgeable guide will lead a comprehensive 2.5-hour guided tour, exploring the most important archaeological sites based on your circuit selection.

MT MACHU PICCHU CIRCUIT DETAILS

Circuit 1 – Panoramic Overview

You’ll enjoy panoramic views throughout the 2-hour exploration. After your tour, you’ll return to the main gate. If your circuit includes optional climbs to Machu Picchu Mountain, Intipunko Gate, or the Inca Bridge, you can explore these independently.

Circuit 2 – Complete Guided Experience

Temple of the Sun — An exquisitely crafted sacred temple
Sacred Plaza — The ceremonial center of the citadel
Intihuatana Stone — An ancient structure of mysterious spiritual significance
Agricultural Terraces — Evidence of Incan engineering and farming innovation
Royal Residence — The quarters of Incan nobility
Temple of the Three Windows — An iconic Incan structure
Water Channels and Fountains — Examples of advanced hydraulic engineering
Your guide will share the history, mysteries, and significance of each site, bringing this ancient civilization to life.

Circuit 3 – Lower Citadel Exploration

Inca Terrace
Temple of the Sun
Principal Plaza of Machu Picchu
Sacred Rock
Lower Inca Citadel
Temple of the Condor
Exterior views and surrounding areas

Optional Mt Machu Picchu: Mountain Hikes

If you’ve booked a hike on Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, our guide will direct you to the trailhead.

Huayna Picchu — Climb to the summit of this iconic mountain for 360-degree views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valleys. The hike features steep ancient stone steps and takes approximately 1.5 hours round trip.

Machu Picchu Mountain — An alternative hike offering elevated views of the citadel from a different perspective. This trail is longer but less steep and takes approximately 2 hours round trip.

Both hikes provide unforgettable views and unique perspectives of the Lost City. Space is limited, so advance booking is essential.

Return to Aguas Calientes

After exploring Machu Picchu, you’ll return by shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes. Here, you’ll have lunch at a local restaurant (not included) where you can enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine and reflect on your morning at the citadel.

Train Return to Ollantaytambo

In the afternoon, you’ll board a train from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo. During the return journey, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the cloud forest and Vilcanota River from a different perspective. This is a perfect time to relax and reflect on your incredible experience.

Return to Cusco

Our Mt Picchu Hike representative will meet you upon arrival in Ollantaytambo and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco. The drive back through the Sacred Valley takes approximately 2 hours, concluding your unforgettable 2-day Machu Picchu tour.

• Pre-briefing — Our guide will visit your hotel the evening before for a briefing
• Accommodation — 1 night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Meals — 1x breakfast and 1x snack
• Machu Picchu entrance ticket
• Professional tour guide in Machu Picchu
• Round-trip train tickets (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes)
• A shuttle bus up and down to Machu Picchu.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
• Private transport through the Sacred Valley.

• Meals on day one (except breakfast on day two)
• Train beverages and snacks
• Optional mountain hikes (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain)
• Hot springs entrance fee
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses and tips.

All Machu Picchu tours include a professional tour guide and Mt Picchu representative. Our guides and representatives are experienced tourism professionals who speak multiple languages and hold university degrees in their fields.

Every year, our team receives comprehensive training in traveler care and first aid certification to ensure your safety and comfort throughout your journey.

Our Goal: We are committed to making your Peru experience seamless, enjoyable, and free of complications. Our guides and representatives are dedicated to assisting you at every step and ensuring your complete satisfaction.

THE MT PICCHU REPRESENTATIVE

Your Mt Picchu – Inca Trail Machu representative is personally responsible for overseeing every aspect of your tour to ensure smooth operations without any issues. Throughout your trip, your representative will maintain contact with both your driver and guide to coordinate all logistics.

Contact Information: Your representative will request your WhatsApp number as the primary communication method. This ensures we can reach you quickly if needed and provides you with direct access to support throughout your journey. In case of any emergency, you can call your representative immediately at the provided phone number.

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light layers for changing temperatures
• Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
• Rain jacket
• Water bottle
• Camera with charged batteries
• Valid passport (required for train)
• Altitude medication if needed