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. 

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, we will continue to the historic town of Ollantaytambo, where we will arrive around 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. We will take a guided tour in this archaeological area, which features well-ordered constructions of megalithic stones and agricultural terraces built on the mountainsides. Some passengers may prefer to enjoy the views from below, while the more adventurous will dare to climb the stairs to explore it from above. In this town, you will also discover the charm of the Living City of the Incas, which retains the same streets and houses from the past. Depending on your train ticket, you will have free time to explore the charming village of Ollantaytambo on your own or head directly to the train station. In the latter case, our transport will drop you off at the nearest point to the station. Please note that, depending on the time of year, access to certain areas may be limited; in those cases, you will need to walk about 10 minutes from where our transport leaves you to the station. 

Afterward, you will board the train heading 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 

Once there, you will head to your hotel to rest and prepare for the big day ahead.

DAY 2:

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

After breakfast, it will be time to board the tourist bus to Machu Picchu, where you will enjoy an unparalleled shared guided tour of the main temples, staircases, plazas, pathways, and other stunning areas of this architectural complex, including the Intiwatana.

After marveling at the tour, you will board the tourist bus to return to the village of Aguas Calientes.

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

Depending on your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, you will have the opportunity to have lunch either before or after visiting the ruins. Afterwards, you will need to return by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. After this train journey,  you will board shared transport to the central station in Cusco, where our private transport will be waiting to take you to your hotel. The day before, we will share an explanatory video to help you navigate quickly. If you prefer, you can request private and direct transport from the Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco for an additional cost.

Note: 

The itinerary may vary depending on the train schedule you get when booking the tour, as well as the availability of the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu. It is recommended that passengers book as far in advance as possible, especially during high season (June - September) or holidays.

Price of the Machu Picchu Tour by train includes: 

• Pick up from your accommodation in the Historic Center of Cusco. Sometimes, access is limited due to the narrow streets of the city; if that’s the case, the guide will suggest a nearby point for the pick-up. 
• Shared tour of the Sacred Valley. The tour will be conducted in Spanish and English. 
• Lunch in Urubamba on Day 1.
• Round-trip Train Ticket Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes, Expedition Category or Round-trip Train Ticket Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes, Voyager Category. (Round-trip train tickets must be from the same company and category. You can request a category upgrade from our advisors.) 
• Tourist bus ticket (round trip) Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu.
• Admission ticket to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Center.  
• Shared tour with a professional guide in English and/or Spanish at Machu Picchu (for Portuguese or other languages, please check availability). 
• Shared transport from Ollantaytambo Station to Cusco Station (you can request an upgrade to private transport from Ollantaytambo Station to your accommodation in the historic center of Cusco with our advisors). 
• Private transport from Cusco Station to your hotel.

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.

Price of the Machu Picchu Tour by train excludes:

• Transfer from hotels outside the city of Cusco, such as Urubamba, Pisac or others available; you should check if there are any extra charges with Guru Explorers.
• Tip for the guide.
• Beverages.
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes (It can be added in the reservation process).
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner or other food not specified in the itinerary.
• Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
• Entrance ticket to hot springs in Aguas Calientes.

What to Bring to the Machu Picchu Tour:

• Consider that Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes are above (2,000 masl / 6,561 ft); its climate varies according to the time it is visited.
• It is recommended to choose: comfortable shoes, light clothing, hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, rain gear (especially in November - April).
• Repellent against insects (important in Machu Picchu)
• Passport or DNI.
• ISIC card if you are a student.
• Travel insurance.
• Bathing suit and towel (optional for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
• Devices for audiovisual recording (cell phone, camera, video cameras).
• Cash (local currency).

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:

• You must choose the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu in the purchase process. Prices vary if you are not part of the Andean Community (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia).
• The train schedule and access to Machu Picchu may vary depending on availability. We recommend making reservations as far in advance as possible.
• By regulation of the train company, it is not allowed to carry backpacks, suitcases or large bags. The only things allowed are small bags or backpacks up to 5-6 kg.
• For the transfer from Cusco, you should consider that sometimes, access is limited by the narrow streets of the city; if this is the case, the guide will suggest a nearby pick-up point.
• 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.
• “Guru Explorers” values ​​your time and strives to respect the tour schedule; however they may vary for reasons beyond our control (weather, natural disasters, field conditions, among other demonstrable

Not allowed:

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

Not recommended for:

• People in wheelchairs

Cancellation Policies:

• Please consider the following:
  • The Ministry of Culture does not refund tickets to Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Huayna Picchu Mountain.
  • The train company charges a 10% administrative fee for cancellations.
• Cancellations made 11 days or more in advance will incur a penalty of USD 90 per person, corresponding to administrative costs, the Machu Picchu ticket, and the train company fee.
• Cancellations made 4 to 10 days in advance will be refunded 50% of the amount paid.
• Cancellations made 3 days or less in advance will not be refunded.
• There are no refunds for entries to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Date Changes:

• Please consider the following:
  • Date changes are subject to the availability of train tickets and Machu Picchu entry tickets.
  • Any price difference for the train tickets will be charged (Guru Explorers will do its best to avoid increases).
  • If the new tour date to Machu Picchu falls in a different year than the original, the ticket will be forfeited, and a fee of USD 50 will be charged for the purchase of a new ticket.
• Date changes requested 11 days or more in advance will incur an additional 15% fee, corresponding to the fee for changing the Machu Picchu entry ticket and the train company.
• Date changes requested 4 to 10 days in advance will incur an additional 25% fee, corresponding to the fee for changing the Machu Picchu entry ticket and the train company.
• Date changes cannot be made 3 days or less in advance.
• There will be no refunds for delayed flights, train delays, bad weather, or other external factors.

WHY CHOOSING US?

The experience that makes you live the beauty of this mountain of colors is inexplicable, it is really a personal encounter between you and nature. We want to be part of that experience that you will live in the temple of the sun in Machu Picchu and sacred valley of the Incas tour. If you are still wondering why choose us? We would like you to read 7 outstanding characteristics of our service:

QUALITY: 

When you go to a teacher, it is because you want to answer all the questions. In a matter of travel, money, time and enjoyment, you have to choose the best options available and that is what “Guru Explorers” is all about, giving you the perfect balance for the adventure you DESERVE.

EXPERIENCE: 

To become “Guru Explorers”, we are still world travelers, but experts in Cusco, Lima, and the most important destinations in Peru. We lived bad and good experiences, valuing that the main difference lies in the details, so we know what elements are essential for your trip. We are travelers and we strive to enhance your experience! 

TRANSPARENCY: 

We are here to provide you with the best and most accurate information and description of our tours. We are not supporters of hidden costs, that is why we provide the necessary information so you can choose the inclusions or upgrades you are looking for.

SECURITY: 

You entrust us with your time, your money and your expectations and that is why we fine-tune every detail to guarantee the trip you dream of.

FLEXIBILITY: 

Although we have pre-established packages; they can be adapted to your needs and to make plans that are suited to you, so that you can visit any place in Peru, with the expertise of “Guru Explorers”. We adapt trips for special occasions such as your corporate trips, honeymoon, birthday, social, cultural or sports event during your visit to Peru, offering you complete advice to achieve and exceed your expectations.

PASSION: 

Before being tour guides, we are travelers, explorers, adventurers; That makes us passionate about creating the best experiences in the time you invest for yourself and those you love.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: 

We promote Responsible and Sustainable Tourism, not affecting the traveler, nor exploiting the communities that receive it or their environment. We create more human and respectful experiences of Heritage.

Do you want a different trip to Machu Picchu? We won't keep you waiting!

How is the weather in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is located a thousand meters or 3,280 feet below the city of Cusco and is in part of the jungle or jungle, so the rain can appear at any time of the year. The usual maximum temperature can reach 28 ° C (82 ° F) and the minimum, which is usually in the early morning, can reach -2 ° C (-36 ° F).

Can I go from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu without a bus?

The option of walking up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is available in the private service if desired. In the group service, due to the itinerary schedules, the entire group must go together with the outward journey, so they would only have the possibility to return walking, if they wish.

As an additional note, it will also depend on the physical condition of each person (take into account that they will also walk in Machu Picchu). The bus takes approximately 25 minutes to go up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, those who decide to walk up take approximately 1 hour, depending on their physical condition.

Can I stay overnight in Aguas Calientes?

Sure! you can send a message at the time of booking to be able to buy train tickets on the most convenient days. They also have the option of booking a hotel through us specifying the category of accommodation.

Can I add lodging in Aguas Calientes?

Yes, they can add it within the purchase process. For any questions, you can contact an advisor or write us an email to info@guruexplorers.com

What's the difference between the Expedition tour train and the Vistadome?

The Expedition tourist train, like the Vistadome, belongs to the PeruRail company.

The Expedition is the base category that we offer on our tours. If you want an upgrade to Vistadome or another train service, you can select it in the purchase process.

Below we describe the main characteristics of each one:

Expedition

• Comfort: leather seats and regular footwell.
• View: nice panoramic view, however, not as wide as the Vistadome train.
• Snacks: for each passenger it includes a basic snack, which is generally a cake and a drink.

Vistadome

• Comfort: more space for the feet and arms compared to the expedition train. Those who depart from Ollantaytambo, have seats distributed in rows for two passengers; For those departing from Poroy, they generally have 4-passenger group seating available, positioned face-to-face with a shared table in the middle.
• View: they have fully panoramic windows where the landscape is much better appreciated, including the roof.
• Snacks: snacks are generally served on dishes and include fruit, local bread, hot or cold drinks.
• Extra: cultural presentations are usually offered such as typical Peruvian dances and fashion shows with garments made with alpaca fiber.

For more information on these or other trains to Machu Picchu, you can enter this link.

What is the luxury train to Machu Picchu?

The luxury train is the Hiram Bingham, inspired by the 1920s, which departs from Poroy station. If you are interested in taking a tour to Machu Picchu with this luxurious and exclusive service, enter the following link to see the complete itinerary!

What is Huayna Picchu Mountain?

Huayna Picchu Mountain or Waynapicchu (in the language of the Incas) is one of the most important attractions in Cusco, considered one of the most fascinating short walks in the world. For those who do not know, the classic photo of Machu Picchu, shows the Huayna Picchu Mountain in all its splendor, so as you can imagine, when you reach the top, you have all the fabulous view of the citadel of Machu Picchu. This walk is in high demand and the entrance tickets to access them are limited, so it is recommended to make a reservation at least 3 or 6 months in advance depending on whether it is high season. Keep in mind that at Guru Explorers we consider this hike to be moderate to difficult. Check availability when making the reservation or contact info@guruexplorers.com if you have any questions.

Note: Huayna Picchu Mountain is not allowed for children under 12 years old.

What is the difference between Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain?

The Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains are two additional sections to the visit to the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Below we will show some characteristics of both walks:

Huayna Picchu Mountain

• Tickets per day: 400
• Altitude: 2,720 m (8,924 ft)
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Walking time: approximately 2.5 hours (round trip)
• Restrictions: not allowed for children under 12 years old

Machu Picchu Mountain

• Tickets per day: 800
• Altitude: 3,082 m (10112 ft)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Walking time: approximately 3.5 hours (round trip)
• Restrictions: allowed for all ages

For more information, visit our article Main Differences between Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain.

What is the difference between Machu Picchu Ciudadela and Machu Picchu Mountain?

When we talk about Machu Picchu, they can be confused between the Citadel of Machu Picchu and the Machu Picchu Mountain. The Citadel includes the ruins themselves and the classic tour to the incredible wonder, where you can take the classic photo and have it as a postcard. The Mountain of Machu Picchu is an additional hike that can be done on the same day of the visit depending on the availability of tickets to do it.

What objects are prohibited from entering the Tour to Machu Picchu?

If you want to access the citadel of Machu Picchu, you must bear in mind that you cannot enter with the following objects: selfie sticks, bag or backpack that exceeds 40 x 35 x 20, umbrella, alcoholic beverages or cigarettes in general, baby stroller , drones, etc.