Peru

Machu Picchu + Sacred Valley by Train - 2 Days

In our two day service of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, we combine the most special Incan ruins the surrounding area has to offer. You will enjoy unparalleled landscape of the Peruvian Andes throughout your journey and get a true taste of the local culture.

Machu Picchu + Sacred Valley by Train - 2 Days

In our two day service of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, we combine the most special Incan ruins the surrounding area has to offer. You will enjoy unparalleled landscape of the Peruvian Andes throughout your journey and get a true taste of the local culture.

Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are a must see when visiting Cusco. With our expert guide by your side you will learn all about the landscape, Incan history, and why the area is so important. The tour starts by exploring the Sacred Valley while enjoying the Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins along with Chinchero textile market, combining a beautiful train ride through the cloud forest which surrounds Machu Picchu. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, you will check into your comfortable hotel and have the evening to explore the area. The next day we wake up extra early to enjoy Machu Picchu at sunrise while your guide gives you a detailed tour of the ruins. After the tour, you and your guide part ways and you will have free time to soak in the powerful views or take a hike to the beautiful Huayna Picchu (additional entrance fee). In the late afternoon you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where you will transfer to a van and depart back to Cusco.


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Trip ITINERARY

Day 1

Sacred Valley
Elevation: 2900 m / 9,514 ft

You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco between 7am-7:30am for the start of your tour. Our first stop will be Awanacancha Alpaca farm where you will get a glimpse of local Peruvian animals such as Alpacas, llamas and viñuna. Here your guide will explain the history of the animals and why they are important to the economy. In addition to that you will visit the textiles center displaying local crafts and trade item and be able to appreciate the best works of craftsmanship that the Incas produced.

From here we will take the road that leads to Pisac stopping for a moment at El Mirador del Valle Sagrado- the Sacred Valley lookout point to soak in the incredible views of the Andes Mountains. We will then make our way to the Pisac archeological site where your guide will give you an overview of the area and allow you to explore. Continuing on to Urubamba we will stop for lunch at a local Peruvian buffet where you can enjoy a plethora of fresh Peruvian style dishes to feast on.

After lunch we will have time for one last stop- Ollantaytambo, the second most important ruins behind Machu Picchu. Here we will walk the ruins and enjoy a guided tour as we soak in the spectacular craftsmanship surrounding us. We will then board the train from Ollantaytambo and make our way to Aguas Calientes.

The train journey itself is filled with stunning views and will take just under 2 hours. Once you arrive to Aguas Calientes you will check you into your hotel and have free time to enjoy the village. If you would like to take advantage of the time you have this evening, you can visit the Machu Picchu museum, the orchid exhibition, or the butterfly garden, located 40 minutes outside the village (walking), or simply relax in the hot springs near town.

*Overnight in Aguas Calientes

Day 2

Machu Picchu
Elevation: 2430 m / 7,972 ft

Today is the most magical day of your journey. Depending on your entrance time to Machu Picchu your guide will help you determine the best time to wake up for your tour. If you have the early entrance you will wake up around 4am to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu and see the sun rise over the ruins. If you have a later entrance you will be able to enjoy a it more sleep before taking the bus up to the ruins (entrance times will be assigned to you depending on how far in advance you book). Your guide will take about 2 hours explaining the highlights of Machu Picchu and the beautiful sites. Afterwards, you and your guide will part ways and if you have booked the option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain (must be requested in advance and has an additional cost) you will have time for your hike and have free time to walk the ruins on your own. In the afternoon, you will get back on the bus and head to Aguas Calientes town. You will then board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where a private van will be waiting for your ride back to Cusco arriving between 6-8pm.

Additional information

This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or other events which are beyond our control. We will always do our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible.


Accommodation information

It is assumed you will share a room, either a double, matrimonial or triple. If you prefer your own room when booking alone there will be a single supplement charge assed which must be requested in advance. Rooms include private bathrooms with hot showers and wifi. We can also upgrade your hotel, if you prefer something fancier. Please remember that the services in Aguas Calientes may not be comparable to that of Cusco.

La Cabaña Machu Picchu is a warm Boutique Hotel that comes with a privileged location in the heart of Machu Picchu Pueblo, no more than 10 minutes away from the Bus Station to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, the Train Station to Cusco and Aguas Calientes, and the curative Hot Springs of Aguas Calientes. Its traditional and rustic Kichwa style was designed to make guests feel connected with this ancient culture when they're visiting the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Additional Trip Info

  • Fluent English/ Spanish speaking guide
  • Transportation from site to site in the Sacred Valley
  • Transfer to and from your hotel in Cusco
  • Accommodation in Aguas Calientes- 3* Hotel (La Cabaña or similar)
  • Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Train Tickets on Expeditions train (round trip)
  • Bus ticket up to Machu Picchu (round trip)
  • Partial tourist ticket into the Sacred Valley


  • Meals
  • Travel Insurance - We recommend  World Nomads, or Global Rescue
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu/ Machu Picchu mountain hikes (optional)
  • Gratuity
  • Upgrade to Vistadome +$75usd one way and $125 round trip
  • Huayna Picchu mountain + $75usd
  • Original passport
  • Daypack
  • Small overnight bag (limit one carry on bag per customer)
  • Comfortable walking shoes or trekking shoes
  • Rain jacket/ poncho
  • Light jacket
  • Sunhat and sunglasses
  • Sun cream
  • Insect repellent
  • Water
  • Snacks
  • Camera
  • Personal medications
  • toiletries
  • Swimsuit / towel- (if you wish to soak in hot springs- 10 soles per person)
  • Cash

Weather

Weather in the Andes can be unpredictable ranging from hot and sunny to rain, wind and cold. Hikers should be prepared with proper gear and be ready for variable weather conditions throughout the day. Small changes in the itinerary are a possibility as well as trip cancellations due to bad weather. We reserve the right to cancel a trip prior to departing Cusco if we feel conditions are unsafe. If this happens you will be refunded your deposit in full, or have the opportunity to reschedule, however trips still depart when there is rain, snow or fog and refunds are not granted due to poor weather conditions. Temperatures can range from 0 degrees Celsius in the morning to 15 degrees Celsius in the afternoon. The sun can get intense in the afternoon and we highly recommend bringing sun protection.

Altitude

Our treks take place anywhere from 10,000 feet up to 17,000 feet. It is essential to spend 2-3 days minimum in the Cusco region or similar elevation prior to taking any trek with us. We recommend staying well hydrated while you are in elevation and to get plenty of rest prior to your trek. FlashpackerConnect is not responsible if you get altitude sickness. Please consult your doctor is you are concerned with the altitude.

Tipping

Our guides and staff are paid on a per trip basis based on the number of days they spend on the trail. While tipping is not required, it is a common practice in Latin America. If you feel your guide, and crew went above and beyond to make your trip special gratuity is greatly appreciated. A common tip is 10-15% of your total trip cost

Reservations

We recommend booking 3-4 months prior to ensure availability. If your dates are flexible we can take reservations on short notice, however our treks tend to book out as we keep our group sizes very small. In order to book we send out an invoice for deposit via PayPal, and your final payment is due at least 30 days prior to your trip departure date.

Departures

Our treks depart everyday upon request with a minimum of 2 guests (Solo travelers can be matched up with existing groups)

Food

We take pride in preparing a wonderful variety of food throughout your trek. You will always be served local Peruvian style dishes in a family style manner and you will never go hungry. We can cater to any dietary needs, but ask that you notify us of your request at the time of booking. If we are not informed during your booking we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate.

First Aid

Trekking in the Andes and in high altitude can be dangerous and because of this our staff always carries a proper first aid kit along with emergency oxygen for our guests to use if they are feeling ill.

Accommodation

All accommodation on multi-day treks is tent camping. We bring quality 4 person tents but sleep a maximum of 2 persons to each tent. For tours that require hotels, accommodation is based on double or triple occupancy. Solo travelers will be matched with another guest of the same gender unless a single supplement is paid.

Group Sizes

Our treks depart everyday with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 8 guests. We can also accommodate private trips and large group trips. Group pricing is available if your group is 4 or more people.

Insurance

Travel protection is essential for your peace of mind and safety throughout the trip. Unexpected medical emergencies or illnesses prior to or during your trip could make you lose pre-paid, non-refundable payments. Emergency medical transport and air ambulances in remote locations can be extremely expensive and will probably not be covered by your medical health plan so it is compulsory that you purchase personal adequate travel insurance which is appropriate for your trip. This insurance must cover personal accident, medical expenses, air ambulance, loss of effects, repatriation costs and all other expenses which may arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience during your trip. We also suggest you purchase cancellation and curtailment insurance. When obtaining travel insurance, you must inform the insurer of the type of travel to be undertaken, especially when "adventure activities" are included in your trip. There are several insurance companies offering travel protection plans available for purchase online.

Visiting Machu Picchu

We suggest booking activities such as Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley prior to trekking the Rainbow Mountain. This will allow for proper acclamation, and prevent altitude sickness. Check out our tour packages linking the Rainbow Mountain hike with Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. If you are wanting a longer trek check out our Ausangate trek+ Rainbow mountain we offer 2,4 and 6 days options.

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