Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu
2 Days / 1 Night

To begin the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Train Tour, we will pick you up from any hotel in Cusco at either 7 or 8 a.m., depending on what train you take back after your tour. You and your tour guide will take our private transportation to the first stop, the Awanacancha Alpaca farm. Here, you will see the traditional animals of the Incas: llamas, alpacas, viñuna, and guanaco. Your guide will give you background information and show you a potato display and a textile center, displaying how the wools are woven and colored. Good quality alpaca wool will be for sale. Then, we’ll drive to El Mirador del Valle Sagrado, the Sacred Valley Lookout Point, for amazing views and photos.

We will visit the famous Pisaq Market, where women come down from the Andean villages to sell their textiles and vegetables. The market is open daily but is busiest on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

After the visit to the market, we will continue the journey up to the Pisaq Inca Archeological site, located on top of Pisaq Mountain in the Sacred Valley. Your tour guide will take you to the most impressive spots.

Then, we will drive along the valley for about 45 minutes until we reach Urubamba, where we will stop for lunch. You will have a fantastic selection of fresh dishes served buffet-style. After lunch, we will drive to Ollantaytambo to see the second-heaviest Inca monoliths. The ruins have an impressive Temple of the Sun, Moon, and The Temple of the 10 Niches. This living Incan town displays narrow walkways lined with water channels.

Your departing train will be at 16:36 p.m., you will need to head to the train station 30 minutes before and catch your train to Aguas Calientes, where you may have dinner there (the train schedule will depend on how far in advance you are booking and the availability of the train.) The train trip to Aguas Calientes is just under two hours, descending into the Cloud Forest, where you will see orchids, bromeliads and ferns. Upon arrival, our representatives will meet you just outside the train station and lead you to your hotel.

(MUST BOOK IN ADVANCE TO SECURE BETTER CIRCUITS FOR MACHU PICCHU CITADEL VISIT)

Today is the most important day of your visit to Peru and your trek, as you will explore one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the citadel of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is strictly regulated by the Peruvian government and UNESCO. After the pandemic, authorities implemented changes to preserve and manage visitor traffic, introducing up to 10 different circuits. Of these, the most significant and distinct are circuits 1, 2, and 3. The most recommended circuits are 2 and 3, with Circuit 2 being the best for those who haven’t completed the Inca Trail, as it includes the famous viewpoint. Circuit 3 is nearly identical to 2 but skips the main viewpoint. It is crucial to book your visit well in advance to secure Circuit 2 for the most comprehensive experience of Machu Picchu.

You will wake up early at your hotel, often taking a packed breakfast, as it’s essential to arrive early at Machu Picchu. Although an early rise can be tiring, this unique experience is absolutely worth it. After breakfast, you’ll leave larger items like suitcases and duffle bags at the hotel, bringing only a small backpack with essentials such as sunscreen, mosquito repellent, hat, camera, original passport (and student ID if applicable), and water. You’ll walk approximately five minutes to the bus station. The first bus departs at 5:30 AM, but arriving earlier is necessary as there will be a queue. Seating is not guaranteed and depends on arrival order. The bus ride takes around 25 minutes to Machu Picchu’s entrance. Before entering, it’s recommended to use the public bathrooms (cost: 2 soles).

Once inside, those with Circuit 2 will head to the Machu Picchu viewpoint near the Watchtower, while Circuit 3 begins at the agricultural terraces. Here, you’ll have time for iconic photos and receive an introductory talk (15-30 minutes) about Machu Picchu’s history. Your guided tour through temples, palaces, terraces, fountains, and residences will last around 2.5 to 3 hours, with ample opportunities for photos and videos. Afterward, you’ll have approximately 30 minutes of restricted free time. For additional exploration, you may consider purchasing a separate ticket for Circuit 1 to revisit the viewpoint, though this must also be booked in advance.

Visitors who reserved Huayna Picchu mountain will return to the Huayna Picchu entrance to begin their ascent. This climb takes about 45 minutes up, with 30 minutes at the summit and 45 minutes to descend back to Machu Picchu. This ticket is limited to 400 people daily and requires advance booking.

Those without Huayna Picchu or an extra Circuit 1 ticket will exit Machu Picchu after the guided tour and return to Aguas Calientes by bus. Everyone will eventually exit Machu Picchu from the same location, whether returning from mountain hikes or viewpoints. Aim to be back in Aguas Calientes around 1 PM for a final lunch together (not included but highly recommended). The Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo departs approximately at 2:55 PM. This comfortable train, featuring large windows, offers beautiful views ideal for photography. An upgrade to the Vistadome train is possible, though it departs later and features dance performances and alpaca clothing sales at higher prices.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, Alpaca Expeditions transportation will bring you back to Cusco, where smaller vehicles will take you directly to your hotel or Airbnb, typically arriving by 8 PM at the latest. Airport transfers can also be arranged.

Although the day is long and busy, it is incredibly rewarding and memorable. We take pride and care in ensuring the best experience for all our travelers.