Day Highlight: Early access to the fabled stone citadel with prime morning light and dedicated archaeological guidance.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 6:00 am. to head to Ollantaytambo arriving at approx. 7:30 am. and from there we will take a train to Aguas Calientes. The Machu Picchu train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes approx. 4 hours, and there are many grand views along the way.
Our staff will be waiting for you at the train station in Aguas Calientes and together we will take the bus to Machu Picchu for 25 minutes once in Machu Picchu, our guide will give you a guided tour. You will see the main square, the circular tower, the sundial, the royal quarters, the temple of the three windows and the Inca royal cemeteries. The guided tour of Machu Picchu lasts approx. 3 hours and after the tour you will have free time to traverse, take pictures or just walk around the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
You will have the afternoon free before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo for lunch, witness the hot springs in Aguas Calientes or witness the small market or museum. Finally, around 06:00 pm, you will travel by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then by bus to Cusco.
Day Technical Data:
- Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.
- Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.
- Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.
- Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.
