MACHU PICCHU TEAM provides our own private transportation for all the overland driving segments. Our highly trained drivers know the mountain roads perfectly. This guarantees a safe transfer and strict punctuality for the entire group. Using our own vehicles avoids the typical delays associated with third party shared services.

To reach Aguas Calientes, you travel by train through the Andean canyon. You have the option to choose between 2 train companies for this segment. PeruRail offers a higher number of daily departure schedules. IncaRail provides a slightly different seating arrangement with wider windows for observing the natural environment.

Our guides are expert people in the subject of directing travelers from all over the world in multiple languages. They provide detailed explanations at all the Inca constructions. This guarantees that you receive accurate historical facts rather than superficial summaries during your time in the mountains.

The meals provided on the route are of natural origin and prepared with local organic ingredients. You can also opt for international gastronomy dishes during your free time. 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 to ensure perfect logistics.

Trip details

• Duration: 2 days and 1 night of travel and cultural exploration.
• Starting Point: Cusco, Peru.
• Ending Point: Cusco, Peru.
• Group Size: Up to 14 participants for the shared service.
• Difficulty Level: Regular, requiring physical endurance to walk through archaeological remains and salt pools.
• 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: Exploration of the Sacred Valley and Train Journey to Machu Picchu

• 06:30 a.m. in the morning to 07:00 a.m. in the morning: The Tour starts with pickup at your hotel in Cusco.
• 07:45 a.m. in the morning: Arrive in Chinchero and visit the Inca sites and textile centers.
• 10:00 a.m. in the morning: Visit the archaeological remains of Moray.
• 11:30 a.m. in the morning: Explore the salt mines of Maras.
• 01:00 p.m. in the afternoon: Eat a buffet lunch in Urubamba.
• 02:30 p.m. in the afternoon: Visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo.
• 03:30 p.m. in the afternoon or 04:30 p.m. in the afternoon: Travel by train to Aguas Calientes.
• 05:15 p.m. in the afternoon or 06:15 p.m. in the evening: Arrive in Aguas Calientes and check into the hotel.
• 07:30 p.m. in the evening: Meet with the guide for the tour preparation.

Day 2: Guided Tour in Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

• 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 Machu Picchu.
• 06:00 a.m. in the morning: Visit the Inca City and start the guided tour.
• 08:30 a.m. in the morning: Have free time for personal exploration.
• 09:00 a.m. in the morning: Take the private transportation back to Aguas Calientes.
• 10:00 a.m. in the morning: Have free time in the town for lunch.
• 02:30 p.m. in the afternoon or 03:20 p.m. in the afternoon: Travel by train back to Ollantaytambo.
• 04:15 p.m. in the afternoon or 05:05 p.m. in the afternoon: Board our own private transportation to Cusco.
• 06:30 p.m. in the evening: Arrive in Cusco at Plaza Regocijo.

Included

Not Included

• Group Service Adult: 410 USD per person. This applies for shared groups joining other participants.
• Group Service Student: 390 USD per person. This requires a valid physical student card.
• Group Service Child: 390 USD per person. This applies for visitors aged 8 to 17 years.
• Special CAN Adult: 370 USD per person. This applies to citizens of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, or Bolivia.
• Special CAN Student and Child: 350 USD per person.
• Extra Mountains: Huayna Picchu Mountain costs an additional 60 USD. Machu Picchu Mountain costs an additional 60 USD.
• Train Upgrades: You can upgrade to the Vistadome train for an additional 45 USD for the return journey.
• Private Service: Contact MACHU PICCHU TEAM directly for a personalized quote for exclusive private groups.

Climate in the Cusco Area

The dry season from May to October provides sunny mornings and clear skies. The temperatures reach approximately 20 degrees Celsius during the day but drop to 5 degrees Celsius at night. The wet season from November to April brings frequent rain, usually in short but heavy bursts. The weather changes rapidly. I once visited the Sacred Valley in March 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. The artisans in Chinchero are very proud of their ancient weaving techniques. Sharing a polite greeting opens the door to good conversations. You must respect the local rules and ask for permission before taking close photographs of the people.

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 towns, you have a wide variety of restaurants offering both traditional Peruvian meals and international gastronomy. You should definitely try the fresh trout caught in the nearby rivers or the traditional roasted guinea pig.

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. In Cusco, you can explore the narrow streets of the San Blas neighborhood without paying any entry fee. Observing the large stone mountains from the lower valleys costs nothing and provides a great perspective.

Affordable Eating Spots

The central markets serve 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 avenues if you want to save money, as they usually charge much higher prices. Walking just a few blocks away from the main squares 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 sites during the afternoon, the temperature increases significantly, and you will need light 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 through the different archaeological remains. The paths include uneven stone steps and dirt trails. You will reach altitudes over 3700 meters above sea level in Chinchero. 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 approximately 85 percent of visitors handle this specific itinerary without any health complications if they maintain a steady walking 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 payment and entry.
• Daypack: A small backpack with a maximum capacity of 25 liters to carry your daily items without hurting your back or violating the entry rules.
• Rain Gear: A plastic rain poncho is extremely useful in sudden wet conditions common in the Andes mountain range.
• Warm Clothing: A warm jacket or heavy coat to handle the cold morning air in Cusco and the cool evenings in the towns.
• 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 warm beanie for head coverage depending on the rapidly changing temperatures of the day.
• Sunglasses: Dark lenses with UV protection to guard your eyes against the intense glare of the high altitude sun.
• 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 in the environment.
• Insect Repellent: A strong bug spray to avoid discomfort in the tropical outdoor zones near the river and the lower valleys.
• 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 buying souvenirs from the local artisans in Chinchero.
• Personal Medications: Any specific items like pain relievers or pills for altitude sickness for your personal health needs during the trip.
• Light Shirts: Breathable t shirts to stay comfortable when the sun heats up the lower valleys during the afternoon hours.
• Personal Hygiene Items: Small packages of wet wipes and hand sanitizer to maintain cleanliness during outdoor excursions.