At Alpaca Expeditions, we believe that visiting Machu Picchu is more than a tour — it is a moment that stays with you forever. Guided by professionals born and raised in the Andes, we invite you to experience this journey with depth, care, and meaning. From the first light of day in Cusco to your return in the evening, every detail is thoughtfully arranged so you can travel with peace of mind and focus on what truly matters: the emotion of standing before Machu Picchu, feeling its energy, its silence, and its powerful legacy. Walk ancient paths, take in breathtaking views, and connect with a place where history, nature, and spirituality converge. This is not just a visit — it is an experience designed to inspire and remain in your memory long after the journey ends.
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We will pick you up very early from your hotel in Cusco and transfer you comfortably to the train station in Ollantaytambo. The service is organized and efficient, ensuring a punctual departure and a smooth experience from the very beginning of the day.
At the Ollantaytambo station, you will board the train to Aguas Calientes. This is a panoramic journey of approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, during which you can enjoy stunning Andean landscapes, rivers, and mountains along one of the most beautiful railway routes in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, your guide will be waiting to escort you to the bus station. From there, you will take the bus that ascends for approximately 25 minutes along a winding road to the entrance of the Machu Picchu archaeological sanctuary. Before entering, public restrooms are available (approximate cost: 2 soles), as there are no facilities inside the site.
The visit to Machu Picchu operates under an official circuit system implemented by the Peruvian government and UNESCO to preserve the site and control visitor flow. The available circuits are Circuit 1, Circuit 2, and Circuit 3, with Circuit 2 and Circuit 3 being the most recommended. Circuit 2 offers the most complete experience, including the famous classic panoramic viewpoint, while Circuit 3 follows a similar route but does not include access to this elevated viewpoint. Due to high demand, Circuit 2 must be reserved in advance.
Once inside the sanctuary, visitors with Circuit 2 will begin the tour at the main viewpoint near the Guardian’s House, while those with Circuit 3 will start at the agricultural terraces. You will have time for iconic photos, followed by a 15 to 30-minute introduction, and then a guided tour lasting approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, exploring temples, terraces, palaces, ceremonial fountains, and residential areas, as your guide explains the historical, spiritual, and architectural significance of the site.
After completing the visit, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. All visitors, regardless of circuit or additional hikes, exit from the same location. You can expect to return to town around 1:00 p.m., leaving free time for lunch (not included, but highly recommended).
In the afternoon, you will board the Expeditions Train for the return journey to Ollantaytambo, typically departing between 2:30 p.m. and 3:20 p.m., enjoying once again the beautiful scenery of the Sacred Valley along the way.
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, Alpaca Expeditions transportation will be waiting to transfer you back to Cusco, with a direct transfer to your hotel and an estimated arrival time of around 8:00 p.m. If an airport transfer is required, it can be arranged in advance.
Alpaca Expeditions is a 100% peruvian, indigenous owned company. Started by Raul Ccolque, a former porter and tour guide, Alpaca Expeditions separates ourselves by our dedication to both our customer and our team. We work very hard to make sure that all our clients needs are taken care of throughout the tour with us. At the same time, we never forget about our brothers and sisters working tirelessly for us to make all of this possible. Responsible and sustainable tourism that gives as much to our community as to our clients.
Everyone on the Alpaca Team is from Cusco region, living the traditions and history they share with you while on one of our tours. Our guides are all graduates of university studying tourism, history and english. Our chefs are trained every February by a professional cooking team learning new meals, adding varieties of entrees for all types of eating. And all our porters are from HUARQUI, HUACAHUASI, PATACANCHA, QUISWARANI, CANCHACANCHA, QUEYUPAY, UMACHURCO and CCACCACCOLLO villages, very often working this job on top of maining their farms back at home. Most of our team has been with us for years, as we have the most loyal, hard working, happy employees in Cusco. We know how lucky we are to have the best team trekking and you will immediately fall in love with all the men and women who call Alpaca Expeditions their home.
Our goal at Alpaca Expeditions is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We create journeys that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Journeys you can be proud of and can share with everybody around you.
In the pursuit to stand out from the rest, Alpaca Expeditions has obtained four ISOs plus our carbon footprint certificate to date. These achievements result from our efforts to implement the internationally-recognized integrated management system. They also represent our commitment to all of our clients and staff of operating sustainability and responsibility in every way possible.
