Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Your adventure to Machu Picchu begins before dawn: at 4:00 AM, transportation will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to begin the journey through the Sacred Valley. For almost two hours, the bus travels through Andean landscapes that gradually illuminate with the first rays of sunlight, until you reach Ollantaytambo, the Inca town where time seems to stand still.
There, you will board the train—between 6:30 and 8:00 AM—that winds alongside the Urubamba River. It is one of the most beautiful journeys in the world: expansive windows, imposing mountains, and the murmur of the water accompanying you to Aguas Calientes.
Upon arrival (9:00 AM), a 30-minute bus ride will take you zigzagging up the hillside to the entrance of Machu Picchu. From the first glimpse, the citadel welcomes you, shrouded in mist or bathed in sunlight, depending on the mood of the Andes. With your certified guide, you’ll embark on a two-hour tour, exploring corners steeped in history and enjoying one of the most iconic views of the site.
After visiting Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus back down to the town of Aguas Calientes (a 30-40 minute ride). After descending, you’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo and then be transferred by bus to the Imperial City of Cusco, arriving at approximately 8:00 pm.
A gentle tip for the journey: bring your passport (it’s required for entry), dress in layers—it’s cold at dawn and hot at midday—and don’t forget your camera. Machu Picchu isn’t just visited; it’s experienced.
- Pickup
- 4:00 AM from your hotel in Cusco
- Guided tour
- 2 hours at Machu Picchu
- Meals included
- Traditional lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Return
- Cusco at approximately 8:00 pm