MACHU PICCHU TEAM utilizes our own private transportation for the overland segments to Ollantaytambo. Our highly trained drivers know these specific mountain paths perfectly. This guarantees a completely safe and highly punctual transfer from your hotel directly to the train station.

To reach Aguas Calientes, you will travel by train. You have the option to choose between 2 railway companies according to your personal preferences. PeruRail offers a higher number of daily departure schedules. IncaRail provides a slightly different seating arrangement with wider panoramic windows to observe the natural environment.

You spend 1 night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes. This overnight stay is completely essential because it helps your body adapt to the altitude before the main physical activity. Sleeping near the historical area also allows you to visit the archaeological remains very early in the morning before the large groups of travelers arrive from the city.

Our guides are expert people in the subject of directing travelers from all over the world in multiple languages. During the visit to the Inca constructions, they provide a detailed explanation of every sector. You will receive completely accurate historical facts rather than superficial summaries during your exploration.

The meals you consume on this route are of natural origin and prepared with local organic ingredients. You can also opt for international gastronomy dishes during your free time in the town. This option may lead to additional costs depending on the specific restaurant you choose. You can make inquiries about these food alternatives to our travel agency reservation team.

A representative from MACHU PICCHU TEAM will be aware of your itinerary at all times. This constant monitoring ensures that all logistics proceed exactly according to the established plan. You receive continuous professional assistance from the first day until your final return to the city.

Trip details

• Duration: 2 days and 1 night of travel and historical exploration.
• Starting Point: Cusco, Peru.
• Ending Point: Cusco, Peru.
• Group Size: Up to 10 participants for the standard shared service.
• Difficulty Level: Easy, requiring light physical effort to walk through the archaeological remains.
• Languages Available: English, Spanish, and additional languages upon request.
• Transportation Type: Our own private transportation with highly trained drivers and train services.
• Guide Expertise: Expert guides in the subject of directing travelers from all over the world in multiple languages.

Trip Summary

Day 1: Cusco to Aguas Calientes

• 10:00 a.m. in the morning: The Tour starts with pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
• 11:45 a.m. in the morning: Arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station.
• 12:55 p.m. in the afternoon: Travel by train to Aguas Calientes.
• 02:30 p.m. in the afternoon: Arrive and check into the hotel.
• 07:00 p.m. in the evening: Meet with the expert guide for a detailed briefing.

Day 2: Machu Picchu and Return

• 05:00 a.m. in the morning: Eat breakfast at the hotel.
• 05:30 a.m. in the morning: Board the private transportation up to the Inca City.
• 06:00 a.m. in the morning: Visit Machu Picchu and start the guided exploration.
• 08:30 a.m. in the morning: Have independent time at the archaeological remains.
• 12:00 p.m. at noon: Take the private transportation back down to Aguas Calientes.
• 02:30 p.m. in the afternoon: Travel by return train to Ollantaytambo.
• 04:00 p.m. in the afternoon: Arrive at the station and board our own private transportation.
• 06:30 p.m. in the evening: Arrive at your hotel in Cusco.

Included

Not Included

• Group Service Adult: 310 USD per person. This applies for shared groups joining other participants.
• Group Service Student: 290 USD per person. This requires a valid physical student card.
• Group Service Child: 290 USD per person. This applies for visitors aged 8 to 17 years.
• Special CAN Adult: 290 USD per person. This applies to citizens of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, or Bolivia.
• Special CAN Student and Child: 270 USD per person.
• Extra Mountains: Huayna Picchu Mountain costs an additional 20 USD. Machu Picchu Mountain costs an additional 20 USD.
• Upgrades: You can upgrade to the Vistadome train for an additional 25 USD for one way, or an additional 50 USD for a round trip.

Climate in the Cusco Area

The dry season from May to October provides sunny mornings and clear skies, making it the preferred time for many visitors. The temperatures remain around 20 degrees Celsius during the day but drop significantly at night. The wet season from November to April brings frequent rain, usually in short but heavy bursts. The mist surrounding the mountains gives the Inca City a unique appearance. The weather changes rapidly. I once visited in February and experienced bright sun immediately followed by heavy rain, so always carry your plastic poncho in your daypack.

Local People and Culture

The residents in the Andean region are highly welcoming and maintain their traditions carefully. They speak Spanish and Quechua, while English is very common in the main tourist areas. Sharing a polite greeting opens the door to good conversations. You must respect the local rules and follow the marked paths to protect the historical environment. The local people appreciate visitors who show genuine interest in their ancient culture.

Common Meals

The food is of natural origin and with local organic ingredients. You can find excellent dishes featuring large corn, potatoes, and quinoa. In the town of Aguas Calientes, you have a wide variety of restaurants offering both traditional Peruvian meals and international gastronomy. The traditional markets offer the most authentic flavors. You should definitely try the fresh trout caught in the nearby rivers.

Free Places to Visit

While waiting in the town before your return train, you can walk around the main plaza or follow the paths near the river freely. Observing the large stone mountains from the lower valley costs nothing and provides a great perspective of the geographical area. You can also visit the local artisan market located right next to the train station without paying any entry fee.

Affordable Eating Spots

The central market in the town serves large plates of local food for under 5 USD. You can find thick soups or rice dishes very easily. Avoid the large restaurants located directly on the main avenue if you want to save money, as they usually charge much higher prices. Walking just 2 blocks away from the center reveals excellent small eateries.

Year Round Clothing

You must dress in layers. The early morning in the city is very cold, requiring a heavy jacket. By the time you reach the lower altitude of the historical site, the temperature increases significantly, and you will need light t shirts. Breathable materials are highly recommended. Your footwear must be comfortable enough for several hours of continuous walking on stone paths. I usually start the morning with a thick sweater and remove it as soon as the sun shines over the mountains.

Physical Effort and Health Needs

This 2 day route does not involve long hiking distances, but you will walk continuously for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes inside the Inca constructions. The paths include uneven stone steps. You should spend at least 1 full day adjusting to the altitude in the city before taking this tour. Drink hot coca tea and eat light meals upon arrival. Statistics show that the vast majority of visitors handle this specific itinerary without any health complications if they maintain a steady pace.

FAQs

• Original Passport: Your physical passport is strictly required for identification at the train station, the hotel, and the entry controls of the Inca City.
• Student Card: Your original physical student card, if applicable, to verify your discount qualification at the time of your entry.
• Daypack: A small backpack with a maximum capacity of 25 liters to carry your daily items without hurting your back.
• Rain Gear: A plastic rain poncho is extremely useful in sudden wet conditions common in the Andes.
• Warm Clothing: A warm jacket or heavy coat to handle the cold morning air in Cusco and the cool evenings in the town.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher to protect your skin from the intense solar radiation at high altitudes.
• Headwear: A wide brimmed hat or a beanie for head coverage depending on the changing temperatures of the day.
• Sunglasses: Dark lenses with UV protection to guard your eyes against the intense glare.
• Walking Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sneakers with good grip for the uneven stone steps inside the Inca constructions.
• Reusable Water Bottle: A container for constant refills, keeping your daily hydration easy while reducing plastic waste.
• Insect Repellent: A strong bug spray to avoid discomfort in the tropical outdoor zones near the river.
• Electronic Devices: A camera or smartphone with a portable battery bank to take pictures of the archaeological remains without losing power.
• Local Currency: Cash in Peruvian Soles for minor transactions, extra meals, or local shopping.
• Personal Medications: Any specific items like pain relievers or pills for altitude sickness for your personal health needs.