Tour Machu Picchu by train + Sacred Valley of the Incas 2D/1N

Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley of the Incas Itinerary:

Once the tour is booked with Guru Explorers, we will take care of acquiring the train tickets and entrance tickets to the Machu Picchu attractions. Taking into account availability, we will adapt the itinerary to the schedule you choose.

DAY 1:

Pick up from accomodation – Sacred Valley – Taray Viewpoint

After you have breakfast at your accommodation, our Guru Explorers will pick you up around 7:00 – 8:00 am on the way to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will make our first stop at the Taray Viewpoint, which offers the most beautiful panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, its snow-capped peaks, ruins of fortified citadels, gorges, and crops. In case traffic causes delays in our departure, we will skip this small stop to avoid delays in the rest of the itinerary.

Pisaq Ruins

Later you discover the charm of the Ruins of Pisac, the most extensive citadel and fortress of the Inca civilization in the Sacred Valley, an example of the ability of these people to build an impressive ceremonial architecture in the middle of the natural landscape. This place was destined for astronomical studies, agricultural production, and more.

Here, the guide will provide an explanation for the whole group from the lower area followed by time to take classic photos with the terraces in the background. Those who feel comfortable may hike up to explore the upper areas, while others can remain below and enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.

Artisan silver workshop

The Pisaq area is renowned for its outstanding silver craftsmanship, which preserves the tradition of Inca goldsmithing, fundamental to its culture and still present today. We will make a brief stop at an artisanal silver workshop to admire emblematic pieces, such as the famous Chakana, which locals continue to use as a symbol of their Inca heritage.

Lunch in Urubamba

We will continue to the town of Urubamba, where we will make a 45-minute stop to enjoy a delicious lunch at a lovely buffet restaurant (vegan and vegetarian options available). If you wish, you can upgrade your experience with lunch at the renowned restaurant “Tunupa” by adding it during the booking process.

Ollantaytambo ruins

After lunch, it will be time to visit the Ollantaytambo ruins, where we will arrive around 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. We will take a tour of this archaeological site, which features well-organized constructions made of megalithic stones and agricultural terraces built on the mountainsides. Some travelers prefer to enjoy the site from the lower area, while the more adventurous will climb the stairs to explore it from above. Depending on your train ticket, you may only be able to visit the lower part.

Finally, you will board the train to Aguas Calientes.

Note: This is a shared tour with other tourists. Some will have their final stop in Ollantaytambo to take the train, while others will continue directly back to Cusco, depending on the options each has chosen. Please follow the instructions provided by Guru Explorers in your reservation.

Aguas Calientes

Upon arrival in this charming pedestrian town, you’ll check in at your hotel.

In the evening, a Guru Explorers representative will meet with you to go over all the details for your Machu Picchu tour the following day.

This itinerary requires you to spend night 1 in Aguas Calientes or Ollantaytambo. You can add this hotel stay during the booking process.

DAY 2:

7:00 – 13:00: Breakfast – Visit to Machu Picchu

After breakfast, you will head to the boarding area, where you will line up to board the bus that will take you to the entrance of the ruins.

At the Machu Picchu ruins, the guide will be waiting for you to begin an unforgettable tour of its main temples, stairways, plazas, pathways, and other fascinating spaces within this archaeological complex.

Shared guided tour schedules:

• Shared service in English: available only for entry times at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
• Shared service in Spanish: available for all entry times from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For private services (Spanish, Portuguese, and English), guided tours are available for all entry times.

At the end of the tour of the ruins, you will say goodbye to the guide and begin the return trip by bus to Aguas Calientes.

1:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Lunch – Return to Cusco

Depending on your Machu Picchu entry time, you will have time to enjoy lunch before or after your visit.

Afterward, you will board the return train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, you will continue by shared transportation to Cusco, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Once in the city, our driver will be waiting to take you comfortably and safely to your hotel.

The day before your tour, we will send you a short video with detailed instructions to help you navigate each step of your journey with ease.

If you prefer, you can request private, direct transportation from the Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco for an additional cost.

Note: The itinerary may vary depending on train availability at the time of booking, as well as Machu Picchu ticket availability. We recommend booking as far in advance as possible, especially during high season (June–September) or holidays.

Price of the Machu Picchu Tour by train includes:

• Pre-briefing before the tour.

Day 1:

• Hotel pickup from your accommodation in Cusco’s historic center. If your hotel is not directly accessible due to traffic restrictions or narrow streets, a nearby pickup point will be arranged.
• Shared tour through the Sacred Valley, with guiding in Spanish and English. Guide accompaniment on day 1 ends at the Ollantaytambo ruins.
• Lunch in Urubamba (beverages not included).
• Tourist-class train tickets.

Day 2:

• Round-trip tourist bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
• Machu Picchu entry ticket – Circuit 2.
• Shared guided tour of Machu Picchu in English and/or Spanish (for Portuguese or other languages, please check availability). Guide services on day 2 are provided exclusively within the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
• Tourist-class train tickets.
• Shared transfer from the Ollantaytambo train station back to Cusco (private transfer upgrade available).
• Drop-off at your hotel in Cusco’s historic center.

Price of the Machu Picchu Tour by train excludes:

• Transfers from hotels located outside Cusco’s historic center. If you are staying outside this area, a meeting point can be arranged or private transportation can be provided at an additional cost.
• Tips for the guide.
• Beverages.
• Meals: breakfasts, lunch on day 2, and dinners (if you choose the hotel option, breakfast on day 2 is included).
• Entry tickets to Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or other additional hikes. These can be added as optional extras.
• Guide services on day 2 in the town of Aguas Calientes or during activities outside the archaeological site. The guided service is provided exclusively within the Machu Picchu ruins, on Circuit 2. If you would like your guide to accompany you on additional routes, this service can be requested at the time of booking.
• Tourist Ticket:
  • The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) allows entry to different attractions. It can be purchased at the entrance of each tourist destination we visit (consider that they only accept payment in cash and in local currency).
  • For this tour, you will need the Circuit III – Partial Tourist Ticket, which covers the attractions of Pisac, Chinchero, Moray and Ollantaytambo.
  • Prices:
    • Partial Tourist Ticket – Foreigners S /. 70.00
    • Partial Tourist Ticket – Peruvians S /. 40.00

See more information about the Tourist Ticket in this Article.

Recommended upgrades:

• Accommodation: this itinerary requires you to spend the night in Aguas Calientes or Ollantaytambo. You can add this hotel stay during the booking process.
• Buffet lunch on day 2 (beverages not included).
• Private transportation from the Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco. If you would like to make an additional stop along the way (for example, to pick up luggage), this can be arranged in advance for an additional cost.
• Train upgrade: enhance your travel experience with panoramic train options featuring onboard entertainment, such as Vistadome or other higher-category services. You can select this upgrade during the booking process.

What to Bring to the Machu Picchu Tour:

• Please note that Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes are located at approximately 2,000 meters above sea level (6,561 ft), and the climate may vary depending on the time of year.
• We recommend wearing comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes (high heels and footwear with rigid, thick, or platform soles are not allowed at Machu Picchu), as well as light clothing, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and rain gear (especially from November to April).
• Insect repellent (important in Machu Picchu).
• Passport or ID (must match your reservation details).
• Travel insurance (recommended).
• Cash (local currency). In Peru, there is usually a fee for using public restrooms, so we recommend bringing coins or small bills for these situations.

What considerations should you have when making the trip to the ruins of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley?

What does it mean that the tour is shared?

• It means that you can share the tour with a group of tourists from different nationalities and ages, both from Guru Explorers and other operators. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with travelers from various parts of the world! If you prefer a tour where you do not share with others, please request the Private Tour option.
• In the shared tour option, the duration of the tour may vary depending on the pace of the group members. The return time may also fluctuate depending on traffic in the area; therefore, we provide an approximate schedule. Please remember that both traffic and the pace of tourists are not the responsibility of Guru Explorers.

Other Considerations:

• The train schedule and access to Machu Picchu may vary depending on availability. We recommend making reservations as far in advance as possible.
• Due to train company regulations, large backpacks, suitcases, or bags are not allowed. Only small bags or backpacks up to 5–6 kg are permitted. Train companies offer luggage storage services; please check their operating hours in advance.
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
• Due to environmental, climatic or other factors, beyond our control, the travel itinerary may vary. If so, it will be notified promptly.
• Remember that, since these are outdoor activities, the natural features of the landscape may vary depending on weather conditions and the natural daylight. Each visit is an authentic experience, where nature reveals itself in unique and unrepeatable ways.

Not allowed:

• Pets.
• Smoking.
• Large suitcases or bags.

Not recommended for:

• People in wheelchairs

According to Peruvian regulations, foreign tourists may be exempt from the local tax IGV (VAT). As a formal and registered travel agency, we are required to submit to the local authorities a copy of the document you used to enter the country, as well as your date of entry.

For this reason, a few days before your arrival, we will contact you to request a photo of that document and ask you to let us know the date you entered Peru. If we do not receive this information, we will be required to add the 18% corresponding to the IGV tax.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Cancellation Policies:

• More than 15 days: The penalty is 130 USD.
• Between 7 and 15 days: The penalty is 180 USD.
• Less than 7 days: The penalty is 100% of the total.

Date Changes:

• More than 15 days: The penalty is 80 USD.
• Between 7 and 15 days: The penalty is 100 USD.
• Less than 7 days: The penalty is 100% of the total.

There will be no refunds in case of delayed flights, train delays, bad weather, or other external factors.

Force Majeure Policy

• Guru Explorers values your time and makes every effort to follow the itinerary. However, it may be affected by force majeure events such as weather conditions, rain, natural disasters, protests, roadblocks, or other circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, no refunds or compensation will be provided, as these are unforeseeable and unavoidable situations. Nonetheless, we will do everything possible to offer efficient alternatives and solutions for your enjoyment. Any additional costs resulting from changes or alternative activities will be the responsibility of the client and not Guru Explorers.