1.-A perfect plan to visit the spectacular Sacred Valley of the Incas including its Archaeological sites in a short version as the famous Pisac Town and Pisac Archeological site, one of the most vibrant villages in the Valley, the Andean, hippy town of Pisac has become the most popular destination in the Sacred Valley – and it’s not just because of its proximity to Cusco. The small, Andean community still keeps its traditional way of life and offers visitors spectacular Inca sites that cling to the cliffside high above the town. The confluence of Andean traditions and new-age mysticism – throw in plenty of textiles and souvenir shopping – has made Pisac the highlight of any trip through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Pisac is a perfect example of Inca city planning still intact. You’ll find your narrow, cobble-stoned streets that lead to the Plaza de Armas. When walking around, look up and you’ll be able to spot the magnificent ruins etched into the canyon side. Ollantaytambo another great example of Incan architecture. In the mid-15th century the Inca Emperor Pachacuti conquered the town of Ollantaytambo and re-built it as a religious, political and military complex as well as a resting place for the Inca nobility. The fortress is located on the western side in the area known as Aracma Ayllu and is made up of a series of imposing, terraces, temples, platforms, paths and walls and offers excellent views of the surrounding countryside, the town of Ollantaytambo itself and the Incan storehouses or ‘Qollqa’ built on the Pincuylluna mountain opposite the ruins; after a wonderful day go to rest at the foot of the mountains in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town)
The second day, you will have the option of being in the Inca city very early in the morning to be one of the first people in there, where you will have a guided tour information for 2 hours, then free time to walk and explore around Machu Picchu by your own or if you want climb the Waynapicchu Mountain or to walk around the last part of the Inca Trail “IntiPunku” the SUN GATE or to go to Inca bridge, the most exciting 2 days tour is about to start.
2.-This two days full program starts with an early pick up in your accommodation in Cusco 7:40am – 8:00am with lots of different visiting stops along the way, ending up in Ollantaytambo town train station, after visiting the archaeological site we catch a proper standard train schedule between after 16:00Hrs, 19:00Hrs or 21:00Hrs, depending on train availability having as first day final destination Aguas Calientes where you spend your first and only night before visiting Machupicchu in the next day.
3.- This daily departure two days trip definitely allows you to do all your extra activities you might have in mind after the group guided tour in Machupicchu such the Inka Bridge, The sun gate or the Famous Huayna Picchu or Machupicchu Montaña. You will see more info about those extra activities further down.
Train schedules some times vary suddenly without previous notice. They may run the times 30 – 45 minutes later or earlier. Of course before going or starting with the program you will have everything 100% confirmed at briefing time a night previous the tour at our office in Cusco.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
“As a responsible and experienced tour operator we make sure you will visit Machu Picchu properly, which means five to six hours in the citadel or maybe longer: guided tour + exploring by your own including your possibly extra activities like Huaynapicchu, Montaña or the sun gate. The average time of most of tourist visiting, staying in the citadel is of 05-06 hours total”
DAY 01:
CUSCO – PISAC – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES.
Departure in Cusco: Early in the morning 7:40am – 8:00am approx.
Your train will be for after/ between 16:00Hrs, 19:00Hrs or 21:00Hrs to Aguas Calientes from Ollantaytambo.
Starting Elevation: Cusco 3,400-meter ASL / 11, 155 feet ASL
Guided tour & Places to visit:
Pisac & Ollantaytambo (Lunch in Urubamba – not included)
Pisac Town: 2,972-meter ASL / 9,751 feet ASL
Pisac Inka Site: 3,300-meter ASL / 10,827 feet ASL
Urubamba: Lunch place (not included)
Ollantaytambo: 2,792-meter ASL / 9,161 feet ASL / Train station.
Driving Distance: 111Km / 69.00 Miles – all day – with stops and visits along the way.
Train Journey Distance: 44Km / 27.5 Miles – 1.40Hrs approx.
Lowest Elevation – Aguas Calientes: 2,000 meters ASL / 6,562 feet ASL
Assistance in Aguas Calientes: One of our transfer will be awaiting your arrival to Aguas Calientes and takes you to your assigned accommodation.
Accommodation: Comfortable Basic Hostel, private bath + Breakfast.
Meeting with the Guide: Depending on the train arrival to Aguas Calientes our guide will meet you at your accommodation for a short brief to visit Machupicchu in the next day. Indications, instructions, hour and meeting places, etc.
DAY 02:
AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO
Starting time: From 4:20am approx. / Bus up to Machupicchu from 5:30am
Meals: Breakfast in the hostel or box breakfast for before crossing Machupicchu control point.
Bus Distance: 9km / 5.6 miles – 25 minutes zic zac one way (included)
Meeting with the guide: At Machu Picchu control point according the previous night instructions.
Machu Picchu Citadel: 2,450 meters ASL / 8,038 feet ASL – 02 hours touring with the guide and 03 hours exploring – hiking by your own – Extra activities, etc.
Huayna Picchu: 2,720 meters ASL / 8,925 feet ASL
Machu Picchu Montaña: 3,082 meters ASL / 10,112 feet ASL
Walk down Distance: 5km / 3.1 miles – 60 minutes Zic Zac walking down to Aguas Calientes. The bus down is not included because most passengers chose to walk down the smooth and beautiful path. (Bus cost USD 12.00 every 15 minutes, extra)
Program Difficulty: Easy – Moderate with lots of hiking and hundreds of inka steps all around the Sanctuary of Machupicchu + Walking down to Aguas Calientes from Machupicchu.
Leave Machupicchu: Two hours prior your train departure from Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
Meals: One breakfast the day you visit Machupicchu.
Adventure: Absolutely!!! You will be in the middle of the Peruvian high jungle forest.
Arrival to Cusco: See your train departure from Aguas Calientes – (Ends: City Center, near the main plaza)
DAY 1:
CUSCO – PISAC – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
We’ll pick you up from your accommodation 7:40am – 8:00am and we’ll leave to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, another really good option to visit, the views, people, local markets and the awesome Inca sites make this tour an unforgettable experience, you are invited to review our sacred valley tour of the Incas, our agency staff will contact in your accommodation to begin the journey to the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas where we will enjoy the view of stunning scenery, surrounded by mountains and glaciers in the cordillera of the Andes; the Urubamba river that forms the valley full of trees and plants native to the Peruvian south. The first part of the journey takes us to the village of Pisac, we headed to the Archaeological Park of the same name, where you can find agricultural terraces that shows the great work that developed in the agriculture, also you will be able to appreciate fine buildings of great texture; then to relax, will down to the picturesque artesanal market, where you will find diversity of manuals works developed by the villagers themselves in the region. It highlights the handicrafts made in silver, weaving and pottery. Then continue trip to Urubamba town. where you’ll have free time to have lunch, then following the Wilcamayu River (Sacred River) you we will arrive in Ollantaytambo, the other Inca site where you‘ll find one of the few places in Cusco and Peru where people continue living on the Inca Construction, almost all their streets have water channels; the religious site is located at the top where the temple of the sun is standing; In this place you’ll finish the tour approximately at 15:00 – 16:00Hrs, after a short, regular or a long free time we go to the train station of Ollantaytambo, the train station is located to 10 minutes away walking from the main square of Ollantaytambo, this is the most popular place in this site, there, you’ll take the train to AGUAS CALIENTES – town of Machupicchu.
See your final program confirmation after requested pre-payment and at the briefing time at our Cusco office one-night prior departure to see your train ticket official departure: 16:00Hrs – 19:00Hrs – 21:00Hrs to Aguas Calientes from Ollantaytambo.
Once on board on the train, the train journey takes one hour with 43 minutes approx. to Aguas Calientes train station where you will be picked up by your transfer outside of the train station. Our representative will be holding a sign with your name on it to avoid any confusion and meet you just outside the train station, upon arrival and lead you to your hostel.
We will provide you a basic decent private room with private bathroom one-night accommodation Hostel in Aguas Calientes.
Later in the hostel you meet our tour guide and discuss some last details before visiting the Sanctuary in the next day, meeting hour, meeting place, activities, etc.
Accommodation: Basic Hostel.
Tour Type: Historical and cultural, the tour is done by bus and train.
Meals: Not included.
Highlights: PISAC , OLLANTAYTAMBO AND MACHU PICCHU.
DAY 2:
AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
After a restful night at your hostel in Aguas Calientes, very early in the morning we will start our day to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Around 4:20am you move from your accommodation to line up at the bus station for at least 15-30minutes (longer in the high season) before catching up one of the first buses to Machupicchu from Aguas Calientes. They depart from 5:30am all day long up and down – a 25-minutes bus up in zic zac to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
At your arrival according the previous night tour guide instructions in Aguas Calientes our official tour guide for Machu Picchu is awaiting with your names, calling by your names or with a flag color that we will let you know at the briefing time in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
Once you meet your guide, plus the rest of the group which is made of 10-15 people
All the group will pass Machu Picchu control point showing original passports and official valid student cards if applied (Copies are not valid) it’s time for the guided Machu Picchu tour with our professional guide.
The tour through the temples, houses, agricultural terraces, patios and every corner of Machu Picchu will leave you speechless. Don’t be afraid ask questions to your guide, feel free, our team is here for you to complete your journey! After the guided tour you will have your own free time to keep exploring the place, take more amazing pictures or just enjoy the mystic and calmness of Machu Picchu.
“After having been in Machu Picchu five-six hours total – Leave the Sanctuary 02 hours prior your train departure from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo”
FOUR OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Right after finishing your guided tour, lace up your shoes and compliment your exploration of the UNESCO Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu with a hiking adventure. There are four trails to choose among, each option ranging in difficulty and gift new perspectives of the tropical region surrounding the archaeological site.
The easiest amazing INCA BRIDGE situated on the left-south of the park – constructed of a few narrow logs perched above a sheer vertical drop – is believed to have served as a secret entrance to Machu Picchu.
The entire trail is built into a cliffs on the western approach to Machu Picchu, snaking impressively along the side of a sheer mountainside. Most of the narrow path is in a state of disrepair and is not accessible. But the last part, which leads into Machupicchu, has been restored, along with the so-called Inka Bridge a 20-foot gap in the trail spanned by four or five planks of wood. It takes 40-50 minutes roundtrip.
THE SUN GATE main entrance from the inca trail, it takes 2.5 hours round trip.
Beginning near the Caretaker’s Hut (or Guardhouse), wooden signs for “Inti Punku” point you in the direction of the hike’s cobbled trail with a few sections of stairs that inclines gradually up the mountain away from the main citadel. It takes most people walking at a steady pace between 40 to 60 minutes to reach the top, figuring in time to rest and take photos. The surrounding mountains and beautiful valleys should be all the encouragement you need to reach the summit.
Once upon a time, imperial guards of the Inca Empire likely controlled passage into Machu Picchu at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Hiking up to the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge are FREE & more relaxed options. Since you don’t need a special entry ticket to do either hike – just your general Machu Picchu admission – these options allow you the flexibility to decide at the moment if you want to do them or not right after your guided group tour.
HUAYNA PICCHU is the dome-shaped peak that forms the iconic background seen ubiquitously in Machu Picchu photographs, and the Inca footpath winding up to its summit is the most sought after hike within the citadel. It takes 02 hours roundtrip approx.
MONTAÑA MACHUPICCHU When it comes to hiking options within the famous Inca archaeological site, Machu Picchu Mountain typically plays second fiddle to Huayna Picchu, but this towering peak offers perks that should not be overlooked.
“At the top of Machu Picchu Mountain you look down on Huayna Picchu and when it’s clear you can even see snow-capped mountains in the distance,” some expert guides said “There’s a much better panoramic view at the top of Machu Picchu Mountain and it takes just a little difference in time.” It takes 02 hours and 1/2 approx. roundtrip.
Tickets for Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are limited and demand is high, especially during peak season from April to October when it’s less likely to rain. Advanced planning is a must during these months to reserve your spot for one of these hikes. Tickets for both Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain can sell out up to 03 months in advance.
Special entry ticket required:
To do Montaña Machupicchu or Huaynapicchu we must obtain a general entry + Huaynapicchu or Montaña Machupicchu ticket for Machupicchu main citadel really in advance. At the time of purchase, we select between two time slots during which you are permitted to begin the hike, of course, all this according to the time and space availability.
RETURNING TRAIN: After visiting Machupicchu – Leave the Sanctuary 02 hours prior your train departure from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
You already have your bus ticket on your hand; those buses departs from the main entrance of Machu Picchu every 15 minutes to Aguas Calientes. Easy peasy!!!
TRAIN EXPEDITION DEPARTURES: 14:55Hrs, 18:20Hrs, 20:50Hrs, 21:50Hrs
TRAIN VISTADOME DEPARTURES: 15:20Hrs, 15:48Hrs, 16:22Hrs, 18:10Hrs
Your train back ticket designation will depends on your Machupicchu entrance fee schedule, according to that we will choose the best standard train back from Aguas Calientes, after Machupichu. Of course, depending on train availabilities, on which season you are booking with us and most important, how long in advance you have done it.
Whichever your appointed train is, it will arrive in Ollantaytambo train station after one hour and 43 minutes approx. where you will be picked up by our transfer outside of the train station. The transfer will be holding a sign with your names on it to avoid any confusion. If you don’t see your names, please just await for them a bit more outside of the train station. Once our representative has picked you up, count another one hour and 43 minutes to arrive back to the city in Cusco. We will drop you off near the main plaza or around.
End of our service!!!
Please let us know your time preference for the train at the time of booking your tour with us!
AVAILABILITY: All year round – Daily departures.
WE OFFER TWO TYPES OF SERVICE:
GROUP SHARED SERVICE: You will share the entire journey with other people before and after Machupicchu – Popular – economical.
ADULT PRICE: USD 00.00 PER PERSON.
STUDENT PRICE: USD 00.00
ANDEAN COMMUNITY ADULT PRICE: USD 00.00 – PERU, ECUADOR, BOLIVIA & COLOMBIA
ANDEAN COMMUNITY STUDENT PRICE: USD 00.00 – PERU, ECUADOR, BOLIVIA & COLOMBIA.
PRIVATE EXCLUSIVE SERVICE: The entire guided tour in Machupicchu will be exclusive only for your group: Between a couple, family, friends, co-workers or study. OBVIOUSLY, this kind of service is TOTALLY personalized & upgraded from the beginning to the end. This will give you the opportunity to ask more questions in a more intimate tour.
ADULT PRICE: USD 00.00 PER PERSON.
STUDENT PRICE: USD 00.00
ANDEAN COMMUNITY ADULT PRICE: USD 00.00 – PERU, ECUADOR, BOLIVIA & COLOMBIA
ANDEAN COMMUNITY STUDENT PRICE: USD 00.00 – PERU, ECUADOR, BOLIVIA & COLOMBIA.
STUDENTS: If you are a student, you need to send us a copy/picture of both side of your student card in order to verify and get 20 dollars discount, students card must be an original ID given from the university in PVC material and it must have the next requirements: university information, personal student information, student picture, and expiration date valid only for one year, the year must coincide with the date you’ll be visiting Machu Picchu, the discount is until 25 years old. If you are older than 25 even you hold a valid student card, according to the Peruvian government rule you don’t apply to it any more.
HOW ABOUT THE FAMOUS ISIC CARD? – The ISIC international student card is no longer valid to buy the Machu Picchu entrance with a student discount. Currently, the current university card is the only valid document for this benefit.
One of the government rules says as well: All people under 17 years old they automatically pass as students, only sending us their passport copy, that’s the only way to prove with them you are under 17, in fact, they will verify and make sure you will be still with 17 THE DATES you will be visiting Machu Picchu, other ways you either don’t qualify for it.
You turn 18 years old, but you don’t have a student card or a valid student card; definitely and unfortunately you will pass as an ADULT.
WHAT’S ANDEAN COMMUNITY OR ANDEAN COMMUNITY OF NATIONS (CAN)?
The CAN is made up of Peruvian, Colombian, Ecuadorian and Bolivian citizens and any other
Foreign residing in Peru, Colombia, Ecuador or Bolivia and can access the discount to Machupicchu by making a reservation with their IMMIGRATION CARD from the mentioned countries.
PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING: You will meet our representative and group in our office for an orientation before your program. At this time, you will get from us everything concerning to Machupicchu: Official pick up time, your entrance fees, train schedules, official group size, return train schedules, last recommendations, balance payments, etc. the meeting will be at 18:00Hrs the evening before the trip begins.
SHORT VERSION SACRED VALLEY: Guided tour and stops in: Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.
TRANSPORT: Tourist shared transport 25 – 30 people to visit those different archaeological sites along the journey before heading up to Aguas Calientes by train after a long day visit thought the sacred Valley.
OFFICIAL GUIDE IN THE SACRED VALLEY: Bilingual English & Spanish speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide. From the guide you will get a deep introduction about the culture and surrounding along the program; at the same time keep you informed, safe, sound, and comfortable on your program, so you can enjoy your time worry-free!!!
BOLETO TURISTICO: Entrance fees are included to visit Pisac and Ollantaytambo. We will have ready for you those two tickets you need for the short Sacred Valley.
ROUNDTRIP TRAIN TICKET: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo Expedition or Vistadome depending on availability and your budget preference.
TRANSFER IN AGUAS CALIENTES: An assistant awaiting for you in Aguas Calientes at your arrival, lead you to your accommodation and go on with the program – worry free!!!
ACCOMODATION: A comfortable basic 01-night accommodation hostel in Aguas Calientes – private bath and hot shower.
MEALS: One Basic breakfast (box breakfast) is included the day of your visit to Machupicchu.
BUS TICKET: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu (One way) (up)
ADMISION TICKET: Entrance fee to Machu Picchu between 6:00am to 12:00 noon – Only Machupicchu – First Group or Machupicchu Second Group – Only Machupicchu according train schedules and availability.
GROUP SIZE: Max. 16 people for the guided tour in Machupicchu
EXPERIENCED GUIDE IN MACHUPICCHU: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide. From the guide you will get a deep introduction about the culture and surrounding along the tour visit in Machupicchu; at the same time keep you informed, safe, sound, and comfortable on your program, so you can enjoy your time worry-free!!!
ASSISTANCE: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease communication and preparation with our agency leading up to your program.
TRAVEL-INSURANCE.
MEALS: Meals are not included in the program neither the first nor the second day.
FEES: Entrance fee to the hot spring in Aguas Calientes (S/ 10.00) open till 20:00Hrs. Optional.
BUS TICKET: Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes. The bus down is not included because most of the people choose to walk down the smooth and nice inka path – Bus cost USD 12.00 every 15 minutes, extra)
EXTRA ACTIVITIES:
ENTRANCE FEE TO WAYNAPICCHU MOUNTAIN: US$ 20.00 if you want to climb up this mountain you have to tell us really in advance, there are only 400 spaces per day. BOOK IN ADVANCE – Let us to know!!!
ENTRANCE FEE TO MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN: US$ 20.00 if you want to climb up this mountain you have to tell us really in advance, there are only 400 spaces per day. BOOK IN ADVANCE – Let us to know!!!
Tips: It’s a tradition, not a mandatory, our staff are well remunerated. Any amount is welcomed.
ADDITIONAL costs or delays caused by management out of control like landslides, bad weather condition, in case of itinerary modification with a view to safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability raises strikes, etc.
PACKING LIST:
*Your original passport is a must at Machupicchu control point. Not a copy – It’s not valid.
Cusco – Perú
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