Day 1: Sacsayhuaman – Pisaq – Ollantaytambo
One of our guides will pick you up at your hotel lobby at 8am. The first stop will be Sacsayhuaman, one of the most impressive ruins built by the Incas, where you can admire the Inca architecture that remains intact to this day. Here you will see the largest stone preserved in any Inca archaeological site.
After visiting Sacsayhuaman, we will head to the Sacred Valley. On the way, we will stop at Awanacancha, a weaving center and alpaca farm. Here you can observe the differences between llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos, as well as the various varieties of potatoes and corn, typical of the Sacred Valley.
Next, we will visit the archaeological complex of Pisaq, where you will see hundreds of agricultural terraces used by the Incas to grow corn, potatoes and quinoa. Nearby, you will also discover religious and astronomical aspects of Inca culture.
We will then descend to the Pisaq artisan market, where you can explore and sample some local delicacies over lunch. Afterwards, we will head through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca checkpoint that protected Machu Picchu. This site is a prime example of an intact Inca village, with water channels running through the picturesque streets. Your guide will settle you in at your hotel before you have time to explore, relax and enjoy dinner.
- Accommodation: Hotel Tunupa or Sol Natura (or similar)
- Meals: Not included
- Tickets: Included
Day 2: Maras – Moray – Chincheros – Train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
Your guide will pick you up at 8am and we will head to the Salineras de Maras, a salt mine with 3,000 plots that act as evaporation chambers. The water that seeps from the mountain runs down the slope, located 12,000 feet above sea level, and is owned by local farmers. This economic activity is crucial for the locals.
After the mines, we will visit the Archaeological Center of Moray. This site was used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory, where they built terraces and experimented with different types of vegetables and tubers. You will notice the variation in microclimate on each terrace.
Next, we will head to Chincheros, where we will see Inca terraces used to grow a variety of potatoes, and a unique colonial church built by the Spanish on top of an Inca palace. Finally, we will visit a textile center.
We will return to Ollantaytambo to take the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before resting at your hotel.
- Accommodation: La Cabaña, or similar
- Meals: Breakfast only
- Tickets: Included
Day 3: Visit to Machu Picchu
This is the most anticipated day. We encourage you to get up early to take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, which leave at 5:30 am. The bus ride takes about 25 minutes. Upon arrival, your guide will take you to a vantage point to appreciate the impressive Inca architecture and, weather permitting, enjoy the sunrise. Here you can take your classic Machu Picchu photo.
Your guide will then take you on a tour of the main sections of the citadel, which will last about 2.5 hours. During the visit, you will learn about the history and culture of the Inca Empire.
At the end of the tour, you’ll have free time to explore further on your own. If you’d like to climb Huayna Picchu (this must be booked in advance and costs $75 per person), your guide will show you where to begin the hike, which takes about 2 hours round trip. Another option is to climb Machu Picchu Mountain, a more challenging hike that takes about 3 hours round trip, at an additional cost of $75 per person.
To return from Machu Picchu, we recommend returning to Aguas Calientes at least 2 hours before the train departs to enjoy lunch at your leisure. You should be at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our driver will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel.
Day 1: Sacsayhuaman – Pisaq – Ollantaytambo
One of our guides will pick you up at your hotel lobby at 8am. The first stop will be Sacsayhuaman, one of the most impressive ruins built by the Incas, where you can admire the Inca architecture that remains intact to this day. Here you will see the largest stone preserved in any Inca archaeological site.
After visiting Sacsayhuaman, we will head to the Sacred Valley. On the way, we will stop at Awanacancha, a weaving center and alpaca farm. Here you can observe the differences between llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos, as well as the various varieties of potatoes and corn, typical of the Sacred Valley.
Next, we will visit the archaeological complex of Pisaq, where you will see hundreds of agricultural terraces used by the Incas to grow corn, potatoes and quinoa. Nearby, you will also discover religious and astronomical aspects of Inca culture.
We will then descend to the Pisaq artisan market, where you can explore and sample some local delicacies over lunch. Afterwards, we will head through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca checkpoint that protected Machu Picchu. This site is a prime example of an intact Inca village, with water channels running through the picturesque streets. Your guide will settle you in at your hotel before you have time to explore, relax and enjoy dinner.
- Accommodation: Hotel Tunupa or Sol Natura (or similar)
- Meals: Not included
- Tickets: Included
Day 2: Maras – Moray – Chincheros – Train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
Your guide will pick you up at 8am and we will head to the Salineras de Maras, a salt mine with 3,000 plots that act as evaporation chambers. The water that seeps from the mountain runs down the slope, located 12,000 feet above sea level, and is owned by local farmers. This economic activity is crucial for the locals.
After the mines, we will visit the Archaeological Centre of Moray. This site was used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory, where they built terraces and experimented with different types of vegetables and tubers. You will notice the variation in microclimate on each terrace.
Next, we will head to Chincheros, where we will see Inca terraces used to grow a variety of potatoes, and a unique colonial church built by the Spanish on top of an Inca palace. Finally, we will visit a textile center.
We will return to Ollantaytambo to take the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before resting at your hotel.
- Accommodation: La Cabaña, or similar
- Meals: Breakfast only
- Tickets: Included
Day 3: Visit to Machu Picchu
This is the most anticipated day. We encourage you to get up early to take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, which leave at 5:30 am. The bus ride takes about 25 minutes. Upon arrival, your guide will take you to a vantage point to appreciate the impressive Inca architecture and, weather permitting, enjoy the sunrise. Here you can take your classic Machu Picchu photo.
Your guide will then take you on a tour of the main sections of the citadel, which will last about 2.5 hours. During the visit, you will learn about the history and culture of the Inca Empire.
At the end of the tour, you’ll have free time to explore further on your own. If you’d like to climb Huayna Picchu (this must be booked in advance and costs $75 per person), your guide will show you where to begin the hike, which takes about 2 hours round trip. Another option is to climb Machu Picchu Mountain, a more challenging hike that takes about 3 hours round trip, at an additional cost of $75 per person.
To return from Machu Picchu, we recommend returning to Aguas Calientes at least 2 hours before the train departs to enjoy lunch at your leisure. You should be at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our driver will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel.
Includes/Does not include Includes:
- Professional Guides: All of our guides are graduates of universities and institutes in Cusco and have a deep knowledge of the region. They are committed to sharing their cultural heritage in a fun and professional way, ensuring your well-being and a wonderful experience.
- Hotels: This tour includes one night in Ollantaytambo and one night in Aguas Calientes. If you wish to extend your stay before or after the tour, we can easily arrange this. Rooms are based on double occupancy, with a supplement for single occupancy. We also offer the option of booking the tour without hotels included, if you prefer.
- Transportation: All necessary transportation is included. We will pick you up at your hotel around 1pm on the first day and accompany you until you return to your hotel around 8pm on the last day.
- Train tickets: Train tickets are in tourist class. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is at 7:00 pm, and from Aguas Calientes to
Ollantaytambo is at 4:20 pm We also offer the Vistadome service, with departures at 3:37 pm from Ollantaytambo and at 4:43 pm from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.
- Entrance tickets: Your 10-day tourist ticket and entrance to Machu Picchu are included in the tour.
Not Included:
- Meals: Breakfast is served at your hotel, but all other meals are at your own expense. We will make stops at restaurants with full menus so you can choose.
- Huayna Picchu: This optional hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain, next to Machu Picchu, is not included. It is a 45-minute hike to the top and is done after the Machu Picchu tour. You should plan this visit at least a month in advance due to its popularity and keep in mind that it is done without a tour guide. The cost is $75 per person.
- Flights: Flights to Cusco are not included. It is recommended to arrive in the city at least two days before the start of the tour, as flights may be delayed or cancelled. Make sure your return flight does not coincide with the end date of the tour, as you will return to Cusco around 8 pm on the third day.
- Tipping: Although not mandatory, tips are appreciated and should be based on your satisfaction with the service received during the trip.
- Travel Insurance: It is not mandatory, but it is recommended to have travel insurance. It is especially useful for those who are not used to the altitude of Cusco, as it can take a day or two to adjust. This insurance can help in case you need medical attention for altitude-related problems.
