Customizable private tour with flexible start date
Overview
Machu Picchu, the Inca wonder nestled in the heart of the Andes, is one of the world’s most important archaeological sites.
Enjoy an unforgettable private tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Begin with a transfer from your hotel in Cusco, taking you through breathtaking Andean landscapes. Explore the living culture of Chinchero through its textiles and marvel at the agricultural terraces of Moray. This journey guarantees an immersive cultural experience before heading to the iconic Living Inca Village of Ollantaytambo.
Your adventure continues with an unforgettable train ride to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have ample time to settle in, explore the charming town, and prepare for your highly anticipated visit to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Private tours guarantee personalized service.
- A comfortable way to visit Machu Picchu.
- Door-to-door service: starting and ending at your hotel.
Prices & Inclusions
All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide’s discretion.
- $680.00 usd
- per person
- 2 Pax Minimum
INCLUDES:
- Pre-hike briefing
- Private transport
- General Tourist Ticket
- entrance to Machu Picchu
- Train to Aguas Calientes from Ollantaytambo
- Train back to Ollantaytambo
- Private transportation between Cusco and Ollantaytambo.
- Bus up and down to Machu Picchu
- Lunch in Urubamba
- Lunch at Machu Picchu
- Guide
- 02 nigths Hotel
DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Breakfast the first morning.
- Dinners
- Entrance to the hot springs.
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain permit
- Tips for the guide
Itinerary
DAY 1: SACRED CITY TOUR IN CUSCO
Our day tour of Cusco begins in the morning, heading to the imposing Inca site of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hill overlooking Cusco. Here, you’ll see some of the finest examples of Inca construction, including enormous, finely carved stones, perfectly fitted together to form the walls of Sacsayhuaman.
After visiting Sacsayhuaman, we’ll ascend to Qenqo, one of the most impressive archaeological sites of the Inca civilization. This sanctuary, whose name in Quechua means Labyrinth or Zigzag, offers visitors a fascinating blend of history, spirituality, and architecture. From here, you’ll also enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the city of Cusco.
Continuing our tour, we’ll stop at Puka Pukara, which means Red Fortress in English. This archaeological site features interior plazas, enclosures, watchtowers, and aqueducts. Its function was to serve as a lookout point, and it was also associated with water worship and the regeneration of the land. We’ll then continue with a visit to the Tambomachay Archaeological Site. Also known as the “Inca Baths,” this ceremonial center showcases Inca hydraulic engineering, with a series of aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls cascading down the rocky terraces. Next, we’ll head to the magnificent Coricancha, next to the Church of Santo Domingo. This was one of the most important religious centers of its time. Inside, you can admire some of the exquisitely carved sacred Inca chambers. A small, five-room museum displays the historical development of Andean culture, from the earliest settlements to the height of the Inca Empire. Its walls were once covered in gold, and life-size statues of plants and animals, all crafted from pure gold and silver, adorned its rooms and corridors. Finally, our team will drop you off at your hotel.
DAY 2: CUSCO - CHINCHERO – MORAY - OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES
Our team will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 8:00 a.m. to head to the Sacred Valley. Our first stop will be Chinchero, known for its textiles, where you’ll find a variety of garments, blankets, rugs, and other items handwoven by local artisans. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn traditional dyeing and weaving techniques from local artisans, techniques dating back to the Inca era, in local textile workshops. Next, we’ll visit the mysterious circular terraces of Moray, believed to have been an Inca agricultural laboratory.
Our next stop is Urubamba, in the heart of the Sacred Valley, where you’ll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch made with fresh, local ingredients. You’ll have a wide variety of options, including locally sourced meats and vegetables.
After lunch, we’ll continue to Ollantaytambo, the Sanctuary of the Wind, an ancient observatory and ceremonial center nestled among impressive hillside terraces. We will explore the Temple of the Sun and the Royal Baths and Fountains for a shamanic energy experience, connecting with the elements of earth, water, air, and fire. Afterward, we will travel along the murmuring river to the Temple of the Condor for a moment of silent reflection and meditation. In the afternoon, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes, a breathtaking one-hour and forty-five-minute journey through the magnificent Vilcanota Canyon. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our team will be waiting for us; we will check into your hotel.
DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we’ll take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to appreciate this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Wonders of the Modern World first thing in the morning. Your visit to Machu Picchu includes a 3-hour guided hike through the historic citadel.
Machu Picchu, known as the site of the Crystal Condor, is more than just an architectural masterpiece. It’s also a gateway to the wisdom of the entire Inca civilization and a source of powerful energy that constantly inspires travelers from around the world.
Surrounded by three majestic peaks that form a natural energy triangle, Machu Picchu offers a sacred space to pause, reflect, and connect with something much greater than ourselves. As we walk its ancient paths, each one reveals its own story and significance, inviting us to delve into its timeless wisdom.
In this powerful setting, we fully participate in a heart-opening ceremony, deeply embracing the presence of Pachamama (Mother Earth) and all the universal energies that surround us. It is a moment of pure connection, one that lingers in our hearts long after we depart.
After visiting Machu Picchu, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. We will have time for lunch, and in the afternoon, we will take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, where our Pumadventures team will meet us and transfer you directly to your hotel in Cusco. The total travel time from Aguas Calientes to Cusco is approximately 4 hours. If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, please inform us at the time of booking, as a separate permit is required.
FAQs
No, the train departs from the town of Ollantaytambo and arrives at its final station in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), located at the foot of the mountain, 9 km from Machu Picchu. To get there from Aguas Calientes, you need a 30-minute bus ride or a 1.5-hour hike along a steep trail if you’re feeling energetic.
The journey consists of a 2-hour bus ride from Cusco to the town of Ollantaytambo, followed by a 1.45-hour train ride from Ollantaytambo along the banks of the Vilcanota River, or Sacred Valley, to the town of Aguas Calientes, where the train station is located. From there, it’s either a 30-minute bus ride or a 1.5-hour hike up the trail.
The tours are guided by our Pumadventures team and usually last between 2.5 and 3 hours. According to Machu Picchu’s visitor regulations, all visitors must follow a designated circuit within the site to avoid overcrowding. Tickets for each circuit are assigned based on reservations made at least three months in advance. We will do our best to ensure that everyone traveling in a group follows the same route, provided we have passenger information three months prior. However, this is not always possible, and travelers in the same group may end up on different circuits. After the guided tour, visitors must leave the site, and self-exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.
On most of our Machu Picchu trekking trips, you can choose to take the train. If you inform us of your preference at the time of booking, there are no additional charges. However, if you change your plans later, charges may apply. The closer to the departure date you make the change, the higher the charges will be, as most services will already be confirmed and paid for in your name, and Machu Picchu entrance tickets are non-transferable.
Our team will take the train. On most trips, travelers combine all three options: some choose the Inca Trail, others visit the Sacred Valley, and others take the train. Those who choose to trek will be accompanied by our Pumadventures team during the 3- to 4-day hike, which means our team can stay with those who opt for the train.
Snacks are available on board: soft drinks, cookies, beer, etc. You can also bring your own snacks and drinking water.
Yes, there are restrooms on the train. We recommend bringing your own supply of toilet paper and hand sanitizer in case they run out.
Most of your luggage will stay at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, so you’ll only need a small travel bag for your trip to Machu Picchu and your return trip.
Some trains offer Wi-Fi, but it’s best not to rely on it and simply enjoy the 1.5-hour journey.
Yes, our staff will give you your ticket with an assigned seat number.
Yes, we can usually seat all members of the same travel group or with our team together.
Most trains are wheelchair accessible, and train staff can usually assist you on board. Just let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to help you with your needs.
Yes. If you change your mind and want to do a trek after booking the train option, you can:
Request a reservation for the Inca Trail, subject to permit and entrance fee availability. Change fees may apply. The closer to the departure date you request the change, the higher the fees will be.
