Machu Picchu by Train Short Break

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3 Days From

~~$720~~

$686

Machu Picchu by Train Short Break

3 Days Starting and ending in Cusco

Visiting: Cusco, Cusco - Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu - Cusco

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

GGHT

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Rail Tours

From: $720 $686 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$34

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Take an epic Short Break Adventure and see an iconic site by train, without the strain and time commitment of a hike. Discover South America’s ancient ruins, explore the best sights and wander through vibrant markets to get a real taste of Andean village life in the Sacred Valley. Take a winding train journey through the steep Urumbamba Valley to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Peru’s most famous site. The ancient ‘Lost City’ of Machu Picchu – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – is truly extraordinary and has to be seen to be believed.

Highlights

Explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu with a local guide – this is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and an absolute must-see!
Immerse yourself in the culture of Cusco while you adjust to the high altitude – see the local sights with a local guide, then sample a hot chocolate from the Chocolate Museum.
Experience traditional Andean life in the Sacred Valley – known as Wilcamayo by the Incas.
Visit the Pisac ruins in the Pisac Valley and get a great view of the town below.
Wander around the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo – one of the few living examples of a city plan that has remained the same for centuries.

Itinerary

tourhub | Intrepid Travel | Machu Picchu by Train Short Break | GGHT | Route Map

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Day 1: Cusco

Location: Cusco

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Cusco – the heart and soul of Peru. Your Short Break Adventure will kick off at 2 pm with a welcome meeting in the hotel lobby. Be sure to take it slow today while your body adjusts to the altitude (you’re 3400 m above sea level!). After the meeting, your guide will take you on an orientation walk around Cusco. Visit the facade of Qoricancha Temple, the local San Pedro market, the main square, the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square, San Blas Square and the Chocolate Museum. Here, sample a hot chocolate made from local cacao beans and maybe grab some gifts or souvenirs. There’s a small store where you’ll find various handicrafts and a variety of artisanal chocolate products, too. Then, your night is free to explore at your own pace – your guide will be able to recommend some good places to eat.

Day 2: Cusco - Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes

Location: Cusco - Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel at about 7 am. Head out to the Sacred Valley – known as Wilcamayo by the Incas, this lush and fertile valley has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces carved high into the valley walls. Your first stop is the Pisac ruins, where you can see the Pisac Valley and the town below. Explore the market and maybe barter for a few items yourself before heading out to cross the Valley. Drive through fertile lands, stopping for lunch at the town of Urubamba, then continue to Ollantaytambo – one of the few living examples of a city plan that has remained the same for centuries. Visit the archaeological site here, then head to the train station for your ride to Aguas Calientes. Depending on the time of your train, you may have some time to explore the town. Heading through the winding Urubamba Valley, arrive in the cloud forest (2040 m above sea level) at the foot of Machu Picchu – one of the Seven Wonders of the World!

Included Activities:
-Cusco - Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites, transport & guides not included)

Day 3: Machu Picchu - Cusco

Location: Machu Picchu - Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

After an early breakfast, catch a bus to Machu Picchu. When you arrive at this world wonder, a local guide will take you on a 2-hour tour through the ruins. While it’s thought Machu Picchu was built around 1440 as a country retreat for Incan nobility, there’s evidence this had been a sacred site for much longer. Another school of thought is that this was an astronomical observatory! There’s plenty of time to decide for yourself as you wander around the many temples, palaces and living quarters. After taking advantage of the endless photo opportunities, it’s time to return to Cusco, travelling first by train to Ollantaytambo, then by transfer to Cusco. When you arrive, your trip comes to an end. If you would like to extend your stay or need help with onward flights (please do not book a flight before 10 pm tonight), just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Included Activities:
-Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour

What's Included

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights)
Meals
2 breakfasts, 1 lunches
Cusco - Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites, transport & guides not included)
Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour

What's Not Included

Tipping and Gratuities
International Travel

Included Activities

Cusco - Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites, transport & guides not included)Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour

Transport

Bus , Taxi , Train

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Important Information

1. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. The passport you travel with must match the booking details provided to us. This will be used to apply for your Inca permit and if any info doesn’t match your passport, the Inca authorities will refuse your entry. Delays in providing this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.2. This trip starts in Cusco on Day 1 at 2 pm. This trip finishes upon arrival back in Cusco on Day 3. Please do not book any flights until after 10 pm this evening.

Mode of Transport

Bus , Taxi , Train

Check out our Q&As

Is this trip right for you

On Short Breaks, you maintain a good level of independence and freedom, with the added bonus of having the details sorted out for you. You’ll have lots of free time and you won’t be accompanied by a Trip Leader. This means that all included activities and tours will be run by different local Intrepid partners, and these may operate independently from each other. The included activities and transfers will operate on a join-in basis, which means that you could have your Adventure all to yourself, or others may join you along the way. If you would prefer to travel in a group with a dedicated Trip Leader, just get in touch with your booking agent and they will take you through some alternatives.

On Day 2, up to 35 people may join you for the day’s activities. The Machu Picchu tour on Day 3 will be for Intrepid travellers only, with a maximum of 16 in the group.

According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only, and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted. Please refer to the Itinerary for details.
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
How long has the tour company been trading?

Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Yes
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

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Jan 24, 2025 - Jan 26, 2025

~~$720~~ $686 (USD)