MachuPicchu from Sacred Valley

Machu Picchu Full Day from Sacred Valley

Enjoy a full day tour to Machu Picchu in an easy, relaxed, and well-organized way, combining transport and train journey from Cusco or the Sacred Valley. We will take care of everything: transportation, train tickets, entrance fees to Machu Picchu, and a professional tour guide. Your adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel and transfer to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where the journey to discover Machu Picchu begins.

This is one of the most popular routes for tourists visiting Machu Picchu, thanks to its flexibility. It allows you to combine different categories of trains and multiple access routes to explore the Inca citadel.
Below, you’ll find our ideal suggestion for experiencing this unique journey to Machu Picchu.
 

Suggested Itinerary 

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu

• 5:0 AM: Transfer from the hotel to the train station in Ollantaytambo
• 7:45 AM: Train journey to Aguas Calientes
• 9:15AM: Arrival in Aguas Calientes.
• 10:30 AM: 30-minute bus ride to the top of the mountain where Machu Picchu is located.
• Tour: Guided tour of the Inca citadel
• 15:20 ,16:22,18:20 hrs: Return to sacred valley by train and then continue by transport to Cusco.

Detailed

Estimated schedule: 5:00 - 20:30 hrs

The journey begins with a transfer from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to the train station in Ollantaytambo, located approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by car from Cusco, and even less from different locations in the Sacred Valley. From there, we will board the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), nestled at the foot of the majestic Machu Picchu mountain at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level.
During the 1 hour and 45 minutes train journey from Ollaytaytambo, you will enjoy spectacular landscapes, featuring towering mountains, lush valleys, and picturesque villages along the Urubamba River.

Upon your arrival in Aguas Calientes, your guide will be waiting to accompany you on a 30-minute bus ride up the mountain to the entrance of Machu Picchu. According to your assigned entry time, you’ll present your tickets and Passport to begin the guided tour.

You will explore Machupicchu Inca Site for approximately two hours, walking through ancient temples, plazas, trails, and viewpoints that show the magnificence of the Inca civilization. After the tour, you will return to Aguas Calientes. There, you’ll have time to enjoy lunch or take a short walk around town if time permits, before boarding the return train to Cusco.

At the scheduled time, you’ll begin the return journey by train and vehicle to Cusco, arriving at your hotel approximately four hours later.

Note: Return train schedules on the same route are subject to the entry time on your Machu Picchu ticket and may be at 15:20, 16:22 or 18:20
 

Optional hikes to waynapicchu:

If you are interested in hiking to the summit of Huayna Picchu Mountain during your one-day trip to Machu Picchu, it is important to know that this hike is quite demanding and requires good physical condition. You should be prepared to walk on steep terrain and climb steep stairs. Additionally, the hike can be challenging if you have a fear of heights, as there are narrow sections exposed to cliffs. However, if you are in good shape and have the right mindset, this hike will be a memorable and breathtaking experience.
 

Huayna Picchu Mountain (Young Mountain)

Huayna Picchu is located north of the citadel at an altitude of 2,693 meters (8,835 feet), and its entrance is from within Machu Picchu itself. The hike is of moderate difficulty, covering approximately 300 meters (984 feet) along a steep path with stone steps. Along the way, you will see ancient Incan structures and agricultural terraces perfectly built into the mountainside.
From the summit, you will enjoy a privileged and complete view of the entire Machu Picchu citadel. Due to its strategic location, it is believed to have served both astronomical and religious functions, as well as a control point for the Inca civilization.

Entry Information & Schedule

There are two entry time slots between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, each limited to 75 visitors. Reservations must be made well in at less 4 months in advance to secure a spot and ensure it aligns with your scheduled visit to the citadel. 

You will be able to hike independently before or after your guided tour of Machu Picchu, or you may request the assistance of a personal guide for a more enriching experience.
 

Included Services: 

  Pick-up from your hotel
  Transfers Cusco – train station – Cusco, 
  Entrance to Machu Picchu (We prioritize Route 2 for the visit, and if it sells out, we go with Route 3)
  Official tour guide in Machu Picchu
  Round-trip bus (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes)
  Round-trip tourist train of your choice

Not Included:

• Meals .- You can enjoy breakfast at your hotel or ask for a box breakfast to take with you on the train. In Aguas Calientes, you'll also find a variety of restaurants and cafés perfect for lunch or dinner
• Huayna Picchu .- You'll need to purchase a new ticket 56 usd,  Since availability is limited, we recommend booking at least 3 to 4 months in advance. Here, we’ll provide you all the information you need.
• Expenses not mentioned in the program.- These are personal expenses not covered by the program, including meals, train rescheduling fees, medical costs or medication, and entrance to optional attractions like the hot springs
   

What Should We Bring for Our Trip?

General Items:
  Passport or Identification Document
  Comfortable walking shoes
  Lightweight backpack for personal belongings
  Cell phone/Camera
  Personal snacks
  Personal medication
  Mosquito repellent

For Cold or Rainy Weather:
  Warm clothing
  Waterproof jacket/Rain poncho

For Sunny Weather:
  Sunscreen
  Sunglasses with UV protection
  Long-sleeve shirts or blouses (recommended)
  Hat or cap

Additional Recommendations
Here are some important recommendations to keep in mind before your trip to Machu Picchu.

•  Weather Conditions: Cusco has two distinct seasons: rainy season (November to March) and dry season (April to September). The rainiest month is February.
• Entrance & Train Tickets: Machu Picchu entry times and route are subject to availability, and train schedules depend mainly on your entry time to the citadel.
• Altitude Sickness: The trip to Machu Picchu is perfect for gradual acclimatization, as the site is located in the cloud forest at approximately 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) in Aguas Calientes and 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) in the Inca citadel.
• Starting & Ending in the Sacred Valley: This tour can begin and end in the Sacred Valley, depending on your hotel location. We take care of all planning to ensure a seamless experience.
• Overnight Stay in Aguas Calientes: If you wish to spend a night in Aguas Calientes before or after visiting Machu Picchu, there are various accommodation options available, from budget to luxury hotels, as well as numerous restaurants. Contact us for assistance with your travel plans.
• recommended for All Ages: This trip is recommended for both children and seniors, as the difficulty level is minimal.
   

 Price Per Person

Prices will vary depending on the number of people in your group and the type of train service you choose. There are different categories of trains - from standard and panoramic services, to more exclusive options that include observation cars. At the highest level is the luxurious Hiram Bingham train, which offers an elegant and unique journey by train.

Types of Train to Machupicchu

Currently, there are two companies that offer train services to Machu Picchu: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both operate from different stations located in Cusco and the Sacred Valley: San Pedro (in Cusco’s historic center), Poroy (about 20 minutes from the city),  Ollantaytambo (in the heart of the Sacred Valley) and Aguas Calientes town or Machupicchu villages.