Day 1: Cusco – Sacs Farm – Pisaq Market – Pisaq Archaeological Center – Ollantaytambo – Train to Aguas Calientes
To begin your train tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, we will pick you up at any hotel in Cusco between 7:00 am and 8:00 am, depending on your train schedule. Together with your guide, you will take our private transportation to the first stop, the alpaca farm Awanacancha. Here, you will see traditional Inca animals such as llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos. Your guide will provide you with information about this place, show you a potato exhibition and a textile center where high quality alpaca wool is woven and coloured.
Afterwards, we will head to the Sacred Valley viewpoint to enjoy breathtaking views and take pictures. Next, we will visit the famous Pisaq Market, where the women of the Andean villages sell textiles and vegetables. The market is open every day, but it is busiest on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
After the market visit, we will continue to the Inca archaeological site of Pisaq, located on the top of the mountain in the Sacred Valley. Your guide will take you to the most impressive sites, and then we will continue through the valley for approximately 45 minutes until we reach Urubamba, where we will have lunch with a variety of fresh dishes served at a buffet.
Afterwards, we will head to Ollantaytambo, home to the second heaviest Inca monoliths. The archaeological centre features the incredible Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Moon and the Temple of the 10 Niches. This living Inca city features narrow walkways lined with water channels. If your train departs at 7pm, you will have time to explore more of the city and enjoy dinner. If your train departs at 3:36 pm, you’ll need to head to the train station to catch the train to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have dinner (train times depend on how far in advance you booked and/or train availability).
The journey to Aguas Calientes takes less than two hours, descending into the Cloud Forest where you will see orchids, bromeliads and ferns. Our representatives will meet you at the train station and take you to the hotel.
Hotel: La Cabaña or similar.
Type of tour: Historical and cultural, by private transport.
Meals: Included.
Highlights: Visit to the alpaca farm, Inca archaeological site of Pisaq, Pisaq market, Ollantaytambo village and archaeological site, personalized service.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes Village – Visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco On this day, you will visit Machu Picchu, the famous Sacred City of the Incas.
Your guide will recommend the best time to start the day. Most people prefer to get up at 4 am to walk to the bus station and take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu.
It is nice to arrive at the ruins when they open at 6am to appreciate the sunrise over the archaeological complex. After a 25 minute bus ride, the guide will take you to a strategic point to observe the Inca architecture of Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise (depending on the weather). You will be able to take your postcard photo of Machu Picchu before more tourists arrive.
Then, we will begin a two-hour guided walking tour, exploring all the famous sites of this impressive Inca citadel such as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, the Intihuatana (sundial rock), the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the handicraft sector, the Temple of the Condor and many others.
After the tour, you will have time to explore the ruins on your own. If you wish to hike to Huayna Picchu* (must be booked in advance as they are sold out and cost $75 per person), your guide will tell you where to start this hike, which takes about 2 hours round trip.
Machu Picchu Mountain is also an alternative option to Huayna Picchu. This hike is more difficult and takes at least three hours round trip (at an additional cost of $75 per person).
For your return from Machu Picchu, it is recommended that you return to Aguas Calientes early enough to enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants.
Be sure to arrive at the train station 30 minutes before departure. The train schedule is generally 4:20 pm to Ollantaytambo, from where you will take our private transportation back to Cusco.
If you wish to upgrade to the Vistadome train, you can opt for trains departing at 4:43 pm or 5:23 pm. Both Vistadome trains will take you to Poroy station, where our driver will pick you up and take you back to Cusco.
Prices
As long as the two-person minimum is met, our train tours can depart any day of the week, all year round.
The Cabin (or similar).
This is a 3-star hotel. You will be expected to share a room, either twin, double or triple. There is a surcharge of $60 per person for single rooms if you book alone. Rooms include private bathrooms with hot showers and wifi. We can also upgrade your hotel if you prefer something more luxurious. Remember that the service in Aguas Calientes may not be comparable to that in Cusco.
Student Discount :
Student discounts apply to anyone with a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17 years old or younger. For those using a university student card to receive the discount, we require a copy of the card at the time of booking. For those booking for children 17 and under, we require a copy of their passport at the time of booking. Please send all to info@sacredexpeditionsperu.com.
-
- $25 discount per person More information about STUDENT CARD Additional Items:
There are several optional upgrades you can include on this trip. Below is a quick list of prices. See our Overview section for more details.
-
- Huayna Picchu : $75 per person
- Vistadome Train (one way) : $75 per person
- Vistadome Train (round-trip ): $125 per person
- City Tour: $150 per group of six, if booked with this tour.
Day 1: Cusco – Sacs Farm – Pisaq Market – Pisaq Archaeological Center – Ollantaytambo – Train to Aguas Calientes
To begin your train tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, we will pick you up at any hotel in Cusco between 7:00 am and 8:00 am, depending on your train schedule. Together with your guide, you will take our private transportation to the first stop, the alpaca farm Awanacancha. Here, you will see traditional Inca animals such as llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos. Your guide will provide you with information about this place, show you a potato exhibition and a textile center where high quality alpaca wool is woven and coloured.
Afterwards, we will head to the Sacred Valley viewpoint to enjoy breathtaking views and take pictures. Next, we will visit the famous Pisaq Market, where the women of the Andean villages sell textiles and vegetables. The market is open every day, but it is busiest on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
After the market visit, we will continue to the Inca archaeological site of Pisaq, located on the top of the mountain in the Sacred Valley. Your guide will take you to the most impressive sites, and then we will continue through the valley for approximately 45 minutes until we reach Urubamba, where we will have lunch with a variety of fresh dishes served at a buffet.
Afterwards, we will head to Ollantaytambo, home to the second heaviest Inca monoliths. The archaeological centre features the incredible Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Moon and the Temple of the 10 Niches. This living Inca city features narrow walkways lined with water channels. If your train departs at 7pm, you will have time to explore more of the city and enjoy dinner. If your train departs at 3:36 pm, you’ll need to head to the train station to catch the train to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have dinner (train times depend on how far in advance you booked and/or train availability).
The journey to Aguas Calientes takes less than two hours, descending into the Cloud Forest where you will see orchids, bromeliads and ferns. Our representatives will meet you at the train station and take you to the hotel.
Hotel: La Cabaña or similar.
Type of tour: Historical and cultural, by private transport.
Meals: Included.
Highlights: Visit to the alpaca farm, Inca archaeological site of Pisaq, Pisaq market, Ollantaytambo village and archaeological site, personalized service.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes Village – Visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco On this day, you will visit Machu Picchu, the famous Sacred City of the Incas.
Your guide will recommend the best time to start the day. Most people prefer to get up at 4 am to walk to the bus station and take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu.
It is nice to arrive at the ruins when they open at 6am to appreciate the sunrise over the archaeological complex. After a 25 minute bus ride, the guide will take you to a strategic point to observe the Inca architecture of Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise (depending on the weather). You will be able to take your postcard photo of Machu Picchu before more tourists arrive.
Then, we will begin a two-hour guided walking tour, exploring all the famous sites of this impressive Inca citadel such as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, the Intihuatana (sundial rock), the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the handicraft sector, the Temple of the Condor and many others.
After the tour, you will have time to explore the ruins on your own. If you wish to hike to Huayna Picchu* (must be booked in advance as they are sold out and cost $75 per person), your guide will tell you where to start this hike, which takes about 2 hours round trip.
Machu Picchu Mountain is also an alternative option to Huayna Picchu. This hike is more difficult and takes at least three hours round trip (at an additional cost of $75 per person).
For your return from Machu Picchu, it is recommended that you return to Aguas Calientes early enough to enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants.
Be sure to arrive at the train station 30 minutes before departure. The train schedule is generally 4:20 pm to Ollantaytambo, from where you will take our private transportation back to Cusco.
If you wish to upgrade to the Vistadome train, you can opt for trains departing at 4:43 pm or 5:23 pm. Both Vistadome trains will take you to Poroy station, where our driver will pick you up and take you back to Cusco.
Prices
As long as the two-person minimum is met, our train tours can depart any day of the week, all year round.
The Cabin (or similar).
This is a 3-star hotel. You will be expected to share a room, either twin, double or triple. There is a surcharge of $60 per person for single rooms if you book alone. Rooms include private bathrooms with hot showers and wifi. We can also upgrade your hotel if you prefer something more luxurious. Remember that the service in Aguas Calientes may not be comparable to that in Cusco.
Student Discount :
Student discounts apply to anyone with a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17 years old or younger. For those using a university student card to receive the discount, we require a copy of the card at the time of booking. For those booking for children 17 and under, we require a copy of their passport at the time of booking. Please send all to info@sacredexpeditionsperu.com.
-
- $25 discount per person More information about STUDENT CARD Additional Items:
There are several optional upgrades you can include on this trip. Below is a quick list of prices. See our Overview section for more details.
-
- Huayna Picchu : $75 per person
- Vistadome Train (one way) : $75 per person
- Vistadome Train (round-trip ): $125 per person
- City Tour: $150 per group of six, if booked with this tour.
Day 1: Cusco – Sacs Farm – Pisaq Market – Pisaq Archaeological Center – Ollantaytambo – Train to Aguas Calientes
To begin your train tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, we will pick you up at any hotel in Cusco between 7:00 am and 8:00 am, depending on your train schedule. Together with your guide, you will take our private transportation to the first stop, the alpaca farm Awanacancha. Here, you will see traditional Inca animals such as llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos. Your guide will provide you with information about this place, show you a potato exhibition and a textile center where high quality alpaca wool is woven and coloured.
Afterwards, we will head to the Sacred Valley viewpoint to enjoy breathtaking views and take pictures. Next, we will visit the famous Pisaq Market, where the women of the Andean villages sell textiles and vegetables. The market is open every day, but it is busiest on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
After the market visit, we will continue to the Inca archaeological site of Pisaq, located on the top of the mountain in the Sacred Valley. Your guide will take you to the most impressive sites, and then we will continue through the valley for approximately 45 minutes until we reach Urubamba, where we will have lunch with a variety of fresh dishes served at a buffet.
Afterwards, we will head to Ollantaytambo, home to the second heaviest Inca monoliths. The archaeological centre features the incredible Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Moon and the Temple of the 10 Niches. This living Inca city features narrow walkways lined with water channels. If your train departs at 7pm, you will have time to explore more of the city and enjoy dinner. If your train departs at 3:36 pm, you’ll need to head to the train station to catch the train to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have dinner (train times depend on how far in advance you booked and/or train availability).
The journey to Aguas Calientes takes less than two hours, descending into the Cloud Forest where you will see orchids, bromeliads and ferns. Our representatives will meet you at the train station and take you to the hotel.
Hotel: La Cabaña or similar.
Type of tour: Historical and cultural, by private transport.
Meals: Included.
Highlights: Visit to the alpaca farm, Inca archaeological site of Pisaq, Pisaq market, Ollantaytambo village and archaeological site, personalized service.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes Village – Visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco On this day, you will visit Machu Picchu, the famous Sacred City of the Incas.
Your guide will recommend the best time to start the day. Most people prefer to get up at 4 am to walk to the bus station and take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu.
It is nice to arrive at the ruins when they open at 6am to appreciate the sunrise over the archaeological complex. After a 25 minute bus ride, the guide will take you to a strategic point to observe the Inca architecture of Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise (depending on the weather). You will be able to take your postcard photo of Machu Picchu before more tourists arrive.
Then, we will begin a two-hour guided walking tour, exploring all the famous sites of this impressive Inca citadel such as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, the Intihuatana (sundial rock), the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the handicraft sector, the Temple of the Condor and many others.
After the tour, you will have time to explore the ruins on your own. If you wish to hike to Huayna Picchu* (must be booked in advance as they are sold out and cost $75 per person), your guide will tell you where to start this hike, which takes about 2 hours round trip.
Machu Picchu Mountain is also an alternative option to Huayna Picchu. This hike is more difficult and takes at least three hours round trip (at an additional cost of $75 per person).
For your return from Machu Picchu, it is recommended that you return to Aguas Calientes early enough to enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants.
Be sure to arrive at the train station 30 minutes before departure. The train schedule is generally 4:20 pm to Ollantaytambo, from where you will take our private transportation back to Cusco.
If you wish to upgrade to the Vistadome train, you can opt for trains departing at 4:43 pm or 5:23 pm. Both Vistadome trains will take you to Poroy station, where our driver will pick you up and take you back to Cusco.
Prices
As long as the two-person minimum is met, our train tours can depart any day of the week, all year round.
The Cabin (or similar).
This is a 3-star hotel. You will be expected to share a room, either twin, double or triple. There is a surcharge of $60 per person for single rooms if you book alone. Rooms include private bathrooms with hot showers and wifi. We can also upgrade your hotel if you prefer something more luxurious. Remember that the service in Aguas Calientes may not be comparable to that in Cusco.
Student Discount :
Student discounts apply to anyone with a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17 years old or younger. For those using a university student card to receive the discount, we require a copy of the card at the time of booking. For those booking for children 17 and under, we require a copy of their passport at the time of booking. Please send all to info@sacredexpeditionsperu.com.
-
- $25 discount per person More information about STUDENT CARD Additional Items:
There are several optional upgrades you can include on this trip. Below is a quick list of prices. See our Overview section for more details.
-
- Huayna Picchu : $75 per person
- Vistadome Train (one way) : $75 per person
- Vistadome Train (round-trip ): $125 per person
- City Tour: $150 per group of six, if booked with this tour.
Itinerario
El Tour Valle Sagrado de los Incas Día Completo comienza a las 8 de la mañana puntualmente. Pasaremos a recogerte en el lobby de tu hotel para iniciar nuestro viaje por una ruta serpenteante al norte de Cusco, deteniéndonos en un conocido punto llamado El Mirador. Desde aquí, podrás contemplar el impresionante Valle Sagrado y sumergirte en la historia inca.
El Valle Sagrado de Machu Picchu fue una región clave para los incas, destacada por sus fértiles llanuras en las alturas de los Andes, así como por sus elaboradas terrazas agrícolas y canales de riego.
Luego nos dirigiremos hacia las ruinas de Pisac, donde explorarás y aprenderás sobre la cultura inca. Podrás admirar obras maestras en piedra y las impresionantes terrazas agrícolas. Después de la visita, descenderemos al pueblo de Pisac para explorar su mercado artesanal, donde podrás disfrutar de un tiempo libre buscando souvenirs únicos antes de reunirnos para almorzar en un restaurante andino local.
Después del almuerzo, continuaremos nuestro recorrido a lo largo del río Urubamba hasta llegar a Ollantaytambo. Aquí visitaremos las impresionantes ruinas, una muestra destacada de la arquitectura inca, construida durante el apogeo de esta civilización. Este sitio es notable por sus formaciones rocosas que representan al dios inca, Wiracocha.
Al finalizar el Tour Valle Sagrado – Día Completo, regresaremos a Cusco y te dejaremos en tu hotel.
Includes
- Professional Guides: All our guides are graduates of National Universities and Institutes of Cusco. Originally from the region, they are committed to sharing their cultural heritage. They are fun, professional and will ensure your safety and satisfaction.
- Hotel: We include a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, usually the Hotel La Cabaña, based on availability. You can upgrade to any other hotel in town by paying the price difference. It is also possible to book this tour without a hotel, with a $50 discount per person on our listed price. The price is based on a two-person occupancy per room, and there is a $50 surcharge for a single room at La Cabaña (prices may vary depending on the hotel category).
- Transportation: All transportation is included on this tour. You will be picked up directly at your hotel around 8am to begin the tour. There will be time for dinner in Ollantaytambo before taking the Expedition train at 7pm to Aguas Calientes. The return train to Ollantaytambo is Expedition class and upgrades to the Vistadome are available for $75 per person one way, or $125 per person round trip (subject to availability). Upon arrival at the train station, you will be taken back to your hotel in Cusco. Your round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is also included.
- Train Tickets: Train tickets are in Expedition tourist class. Your train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes will be at 4:36 pm and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo at 2:30 pm. If you wish to change to the Expedition train, you can change to the Expedition train at any time.
- Vistadome , will cost $75 one way or $125 round trip. Vistadome times will be 3:37 pm from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and 3:20 pm from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Meals: During the tour of the Sacred Valley we will stop for lunch, and dinner will be at a restaurant in Ollantaytambo. Breakfast will be served at your hotel. All three meals are included in your tour.
Not Included
- Huayna Picchu: Huayna Picchu mountain is next to Machu Picchu and is a 45 minute hike to the top. The climb down is quite steep so not recommended if you are afraid of heights. It is done unguided after the Machu Picchu tour and costs $75 per person. It should be booked at least 2-3 months in advance due to its popularity. Please note that the weather is unpredictable.
- Day Packs: It is suggested to carry snacks, water, a hat, light clothing, insect repellent, etc. in a small backpack. We do not provide this and it should not exceed 25L.
- Flights: Flying to Cusco can be tricky. Delays are common and it’s not uncommon for flights to be canceled. It’s recommended to arrive in the city at least two days before your trek’s start date. LAN Peru is the most reliable airline. Avianca and Peruvian Airlines are also acceptable. You won’t be returning from your trek until around 8pm on the second day, so make sure your flight isn’t until the next day.
- Tipping: Tipping is always appreciated and should be based on your satisfaction. While it may not be customary for you, it is of considerable importance to the people who will be assisting you during your trip.
- Travel Insurance: Not mandatory but always recommended. For those living at sea level, landing in Cusco requires an adjustment period. Most need a day or two to adjust. In case you have difficulty adjusting to the altitude, it is suggested to have insurance for the tours you take.
Packing list for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour by train
On the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour by train, remember that there will be no porters to help you carry your belongings on this trip, so you should try to pack as light as possible. We recommend that you bring a good quality backpack that is light and
comfortable.
It is important to note that due to local regulations, your backpack must not exceed 25L. All larger packages cannot be brought into Machu Picchu and will need to be stored outside the gates.
What to bring for this activity
- original passport
- Comfortable shoes to walk in Machu Picchu
- 1 liter of water in reusable containers
- Comfortable clothing for hot and cold climates.
- Rain clothes
- Solar protection
- Insect repellent
- extra money for souvenirs
Covid-19 measures to keep you safe while traveling
- Covid-19 measures to keep you safe while traveling shall be updated as and if needed.
Why Choose Sacred Expeditions Peru?
Here’s how booking with us, you make a positive impact:
- Intimate Experiences: We focus on creating intimate travel experiences by capping our group sizes at 8 participants during the pandemic and 16 during standard operations. This allows us to provide personalized service tailored to each traveler’s needs.
- Fair Treatment of Staff: Our dedication to equity is reflected in the fair wages and respect we extend to all our porters, cultivating a nurturing and inclusive work environment for both men and women.
- Social Impact: Your reservation plays a vital role in supporting social initiatives in Cusco, enabling us to provide local children with essential resources such as computers and internet connectivity.
- Comfort in Nature: We prioritize your comfort on all camping tours by providing portable toilets and hot showers, ensuring a more enjoyable outdoor experience.
- Transparent Practices: We uphold a commitment to transparency, which is why we do not charge any booking or credit card fees, allowing you to plan your trip without unexpected costs.
- Join Us: Experience the beauty of travel with Sacred Expeditions Peru, where your journey not only enriches your life but also positively impacts the communities we serve.
