Aguas Calientes

Leaving from Cusco in the morning, you'll travel by mini-bus to the village of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. From here, you'll board the train to Aguas Calientes. This journey in itself is an experience, as you’ll get to enjoy beautiful scenery and changing landscapes, all from the comfort of your seat. Following the course of the river down the Sacred Valley, you'll arrive to Aguas Calientes by about lunchtime. After checking in to your hotel, you'll have the afternoon free. If you want to take advantage of your afternoon, you can visit the Machu Picchu museum and orchid exhibition, which is a 35-minute walk outside of the village. Alternatively, you can just relax in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes (not included in the price)

Machu Picchu

Waking up early, you'll take the first bus up to Machu Picchu to enter the site as it opens. You'll have a 2-hour guided tour of the site, during which you'll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After the tour, you'll have free time to explore the site by yourself. Snap some photos, relax, and absorb the mystical surroundings. If you have permits to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, now’s the time to do so. This will take about 3 hours, round-trip. In the afternoon, you’ll catch the train back to Ollantaytambo, from where you’ll carry on by mini-bus back to Cusco.

Machu Picchu

How far in advance should I book tickets to Machu Picchu? To secure your spot at Machu Picchu, we recommend purchasing tickets online 2 to 3 months in advance. This will allow you to choose the date and time that best suit your plans, avoiding any last-minute issues. Tickets sell out quickly, so if you plan to buy them directly in Cusco, you risk not being able to get them. Booking recommendations based on the tour option: Machu Picchu + Mountain, Machu Picchu + Classic Postcard, Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu + Lower Temples: Book 2 to 3 months in advance. Machu Picchu Classic Route, Machu Picchu Classic Route (Lower Terrace): Book 3 to 4 months in advance. Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge Temples, Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon, Machu Picchu + Inti Punku: Book 1 to 2 months in advance. Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu: Book 3 months in advance.