Machu Picchu Moderate 4 days

On this day, you will explore the marvelous Sacred Valley of the Incas, also known as the Valley of Vilcanota. We’ll start the day by visiting the archaeological complex of Pisac, situated high up on a mountain. This wonderful place is comprised of groups of terraces and architectural structures scattered across its slopes and at the top of the mountain, offering a marvelous blend of landscape and constructions. Next, we’ll head to the craft market where you can admire a wide variety of artworks dating back to ancient times. We’ll pass through Urubamba, where we’ll pause for lunch. Here, we’ll sample typical Peruvian cuisine with a variety of dishes including salads, soups, hot dishes, the famous ceviche, and delicious desserts. After lunch, we’ll visit the architectural complex of Ollantaytambo, a living village built to guard the entrance of this part of the valley and protect it against potential invaders. We’ll have the opportunity to walk through its streets and gain a clearer idea of what this military, religious, and cultural center was like during the Inca Empire. Following the visit, we’ll board the train bound for Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, a hotel representative will be waiting to take you to your hotel. 

IMPORTANT TIPS

Always with a good breakfast accompanied by coca tea, we recommend that you only carry a small backpack to spend the night in Aguas Calientes (money, light clothes, documents, camera and personal hygiene items). So your trip will be more comfortable and quiet. The rest of your luggage can be left in the luggage storage of the hotel in Cusco, since on the return you will return to the same hotel.

After the visit to Ollantaytambo you will have free time until the departure time of your train. Time you can use to know the streets of the town and interact with the local people.

If you like to drink coffee, do not miss the opportunity to experience one of the best coffees in the world, which is produced in the Quillabamba jungle and you can find it in several of the Ollantaytambo establishments.

• Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch

In the morning, according to the scheduled time, our guide will pick you up at your hotel to go to the bus station where you will climb 400m along a winding path for 20min to reach the incredible wonder of the world “The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu”, also known as “The Lost City of the Incas”. Upon arriving at the Machu Picchu citadel with our guide, we will pass through the entrance and begin the tour of the entire citadel. For around 2h30m we will visit the main places in Machu Picchu.

We return to the town of Aguas Calientes in the afternoon, where you will have free time to enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants (lunch not included). After lunch, we will take the train to Ollantaytambo (depending on train departure time availability). The return will follow the same route as the departure. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, the train representative will be waiting to take you to the bus heading to your hotel in Cusco.

TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION

Since January 1, 2019, the rules regarding the entrance to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary changed.

Now the time limit for the visit is 04 hours with entry shifts every hour. Our guided tour starts 8:00 am, as the overnight will be in Aguas Calientes.

The visit to the citadel of Machu Picchu is a one-way path; once through a part of the way, there’s no return to that point. Also, there’s no re-entry, once we leave, we can’t re-enter. Re-entering is only possible if your ticket includes the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu moutains.

In that case, you can only have a 1:30h guided tour, approximately, since it takes more time to climb the mountain.

Important Tips

We suggest you to leave your bags in the luggage storage of your hotel in Aguas Calientes, taking with you only the entrance ticket, documentation, money, a hat, repellent and sunscreen. On the return, you may get back your bags on the way to Cusco.

If the schedule allows, we recommend visiting the Chavez Ballon Museum, wich is the site museum of Machu Picchu. Admission from 12:00h is free, just present your valid passport.

In both low and high seasons, it will be necessary to line up to board the bus and the train towards and back from our destination. Our crew will help in order to save your time.

TIPS THAT CAN MAKE YOUR TRIP EVEN MORE INCREDIBLE

• Request an exclusive guide
• Resquest lunch at the amazing Sanctuary Lodge. Just ask to one of our consultants to make the purchase (USD 45,00 per person)

• Overnight : Hotel in Cusco
• Meals: breakfast

Depending on the time of your flight, we will collect you from your hotel and take you to the Cusco airport. This marks the end of our services. 

• Check in: 12:00 check out : 9:00 am
• Meals: Breakfast

NOTE: If your return time is later than your check-out time, you can use the hotel’s common areas while you wait.