Overview:
Travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu on board the Andean Train enjoying the amazing views of the highlands, spend the night in Aguas Calientes, visit Machu Picchu early in the morning, and return on the Panoramic Train to Ollanataytambo.
Highlights of the Tour:
Pick your hotel at any location in Cusco city at 8 am and drive for 30 minutes with your exclusive transportation and tour guide to Awanacancha Alpaca center, Where you will see Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas, and guanacos. Your Tour guide will explain to you the main difference between these famous South American Camelids, visit the textile center to learn the weaving process, how the locals get the natural colors, and you can shop as well.
It’s then another 30 minutes to Lookout Point of the Sacred Valley to take a spectacular view of the Andes, Urubamba River, and the Sacred Valley’s farming lands on the Incas. You will visit the Pisaq Archaeological site, located on top of the Mountains with impressive stone walls, Agricultural terraces, irrigation systems, and the Inca Empire’s largest Cemetary. After exploring with amazing views, you will drive to visit the Local handcraft Pisaq Market, where artisans offer their ceramics, textiles, jewelry, Andean instruments, alpaca products, and souvenirs. Then go for 1 hour to Urubamba for Lunch in a Local Restaurant with various local Peruvian dishes, using fresh products from the area.
After enjoying a delicious lunch, You’ll drive to the highlands and out of the Sacred Valley to visit Moray, the mysterious circular shape farming terraces used probably for agricultural experimentation. Afterward, move on to picturesque Maras town, famous because they are salt producers since Inca Times. Explore the more than 3000 salt ponds, learn the harvesting process, and buy souvenirs before heading back to Ollantaytambo.
Then you will visit Ollantaytambo, the Last Living Inca citadel, named this way because the current city is built above the ancient Inca buildings. The locals used the same foundations, the same doorways from the Inca Buildings. They just made the second floor; even the water channels have run with water since Inca Times. Ollantaytambo also has an impressive archeological site with temples, terraces, storehouses, and we can find the heaviest Inca monolithic transported from another mountain located 5 km away. After exploring the city, you will take the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) and spend the night in a hotel.
Wake up early in your hotel, have breakfast, and you’ll take the first buses up to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you need to show an original passport to enter the citadel at the checkpoint. Your tour guide will take you on a short hike first to the Sungate of Inca bridge before taking you to explore the fortress. The will be a guided tour for about 3 hours, visiting the most remarkable terraces, storehouses, temples, palaces, and giving some free time to explore by yourself or take the extra hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (Montaña). These additional hikes are optional and not included in the tour.
After exploring Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, have lunch (not included), and take the Vistadome Panoramic train. Back to Ollantaytambo and then our modern van back to Cusco. The arrival time is around 7.30 pm back to your hotel.
Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains: A fantastic alternative tour to the popular “Rainbow Mountain”. Palcoyo rainbow mountains offers a more relaxed and peaceful place option is best for those who don’t want to hike 4 hours round trip, providing an amazing view of 3 distinct rainbow mountains, the stone forest and the Ausangate glacier in the distance in only a short 30 min walk (0ne way). Checacupe 3 bridges: Checacupe is a special place where you will see 3 different bridges and have the oportunity to cross the Inca bridge which is an amazing experience.
What to Take for this trip
Covid-19 measures to keep you safe during traveling
Price per person: USD$ 750