Short itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes
- Departure from Cusco in the morning toward the Sacred Valley.
- Transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station.
- Scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes.
- Arrival in Aguas Calientes and assistance with hotel check-in.
- Free afternoon to explore the town, visit the craft market, or relax at the hot springs (optional).
- Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Day 2: Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Final transfer to Cusco, arriving around 8:00 PM.
- Early breakfast at the hotel.
- Bus ride up to Machu Picchu (5:30 AM) to witness the sunrise over the citadel.
- Guided tour of approximately 2 hours through the main archaeological areas.
- Free time (about 4 hours) to explore on your own:
- Hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) or the Inca Bridge.
- Optional: climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (requires advance booking and extra fee).
- Bus ride back down to Aguas Calientes.
- Free time for lunch (not included).
- Train ride back to Ollantaytambo.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes
We will leave Cusco in the morning heading toward the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning Andean landscapes, fertile valleys, and charming villages that still preserve ancient traditions. Once in Ollantaytambo, a town that blends living history with impressive architecture, we’ll board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes. This train journey is an experience itself, offering views as the landscape shifts from dry mountains to lush cloud forest.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our staff will assist you with hotel check-in. You’ll then have the afternoon free to stroll through this small yet charming town, explore its craft market, or unwind at the local hot springs (optional). Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and get ready for the highlight of your trip the following day. Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
Day 2: Machu Picchu – Cusco
After an early breakfast, we’ll take the bus up to Machu Picchu. We aim to arrive around 6:00 AM to witness the magical sunrise lighting up the stone structures, surrounded by misty, green-clad mountains. The guided tour lasts about two hours, covering the most important areas such as the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the agricultural terraces.
You’ll then have around four hours of free time to continue exploring at your own pace. You might choose to hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the ancient entrance for those arriving via the Inca Trail, or visit the Inca Bridge, an impressive walkway built over a cliff. If you reserved in advance, you could also climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, which offer breathtaking panoramic views of the citadel and valley.
At the scheduled time, we’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo, and from there a transfer will take us back to Cusco, arriving around 8:00 PM. This concludes a journey full of history, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.
Included
- Ground transportation Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- Train tickets Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish / English)
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes with breakfast
Not included
- Lunches or dinners
- Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
- Tickets to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (require advance booking and extra fee)
Recommendations
- Bring light clothing, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes
- Use sunscreen, a hat or cap, sunglasses, and insect repellent
- Carry your valid passport or ID (required for entry)
- Bring a small backpack with water, snacks, and personal items
- Book Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain in advance if you wish to do these hikes
- Always follow your guide’s instructions and respect the park rules to help preserve this World Heritage Site
