A Cultural Journey Through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes town

- Hotel pick up in Cusco at 8:30am
- Private transport to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Explore the archeaological site of Pisaq, including its famous handicrafts market
- Continue to the village of Ollantaytambo, where we will visit the archaeological complex
- Board the train to Aguas Calientes
- Check into your hotel
- Free time to enjoy the town on your own

Day 2: Aguas Calientes town – Machu Picchu – Cusco

– Early breakfast at the hotel.
– Board the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu
– A 2 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
      –  Optional: Upgrade to include Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike.
– Return to Aguas Calientes by shuttle bus.
– Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping.
– Take the train back to Ollantaytambo.
– Transfer back to Cusco by private vehicle.
– Arrival at your Cusco hotel at approxiamately 6:30 pm (18:30 hrs)

Itinerary – Two Days of Valley Highlights and Inca Heritage

Day 1: Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes town

Your journey through the Scared Valley will start at 8:30am, when you will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco. Our private transport will take you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, stopping at the archaeological site of Pisaq. In Pisaq you will be able to enjoy the wonders of the valley. Just like Machu Picchu the archaeological center of Pisaq was built in harmony with nature. Pisaq has an enormous cultural attractiveness, because of its colonial streets and the surrounding impressive hills form a charming landscape. It is also famous the handcraft market. As we continue our trip we will be able to enjoy the magnificent scenery of mountains and snow-covered mountaintops.

Next we arrive to the village of Ollantaytambo where we will visit the archeological complex, whose type of construction is as old as its´ great stones. The complex presents a collection of houses, temples, platforms, colcas and several enclosures of which the function is unknown. The village of Ollantaytambo is seen as the last Andean village because of the houses and narrow streets that shows us the Inca style of construction.

After our visit we will drop you of at the train station where we will take the train to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the peruvian landscapes along the way. Aguas calientes is known as the town of Machu Picchu, is a pedestrian town, no cars allowed. Here you will spend the night in a hotel and rest up for your adventure the next night.

Day 2: Aguas Calientes town – Machu Picchu – Cusco

To maximize the experience and beat the crowds, start your amazing trip to Machu Picchu early. You will depart your hotel at 5:30 a.m. to take the shuttle bus to the Machu Picchu entrance following a hearty breakfast. This picturesque 25-minute ride offers stunning views of the surrounding Andes as it winds up a lush mountainside.

At 2,430 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu is tucked away between towering peaks in the center of the Andes Mountains, where the Amazon rainforest starts to take shape. Once thought to be a lost city, explorer Hiram Bingham brought it to the attention of the world in 1911, and today it is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

You will receive a two-hour guided tour of the Inca citadel once you reach the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. Your knowledgeable local guide will explain the history behind the most significant parts of the ancient city, such as the agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, royal residences, and sacred plazas.

You will discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s amazing history, engineering feats, and cultural significance as you travel, including plenty of time for photos and enjoying the space.

You can choose to hike Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu if you have reservations for admission in advance, let us know if you are interested in booking this. Both hikes provide sweeping views of the verdant valleys below and the entire archaeological site.

Following your visit, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy some free time to unwind, eat lunch at a neighbourhood eatery, browse handcrafted trinkets, or, if you missed it the day before, soak in the hot springs.

You will take the train to Ollantaytambo, a quaint town in the Incas’ Sacred Valley, in the afternoon. Your incredible two day journey will come to an end when our driver picks you up at the station and takes you straight back to your hotel in Cusco.

Inclusions – Everything Arranged for a Seamless Two-Day Experience

Included

• Private transportation to the Sacred Valley
• Entrance to Pisaq
• Lunch in the Sacred Valley
• Train tickets round trip from Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Bus to Machu Picchu
• Entrance to Machu Picchu
• Return transportation to Cusco

Not Included

• Breakfast and lunch the second day
• Tips for guides

Travel Info – Key Details for a Two-Day Cultural Route

1. Briefings

   All briefings are done at our office at 5:00 PM one or two nights before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Xtreme Tourbulencia office team. Briefings are approximately 40 minutes long.

2. Pickups

   Xtreme Tourbulencia is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel. As long as your hotel is in the center of Cusco city, we will coordinate this pickup based on a time that your guide will discuss at the briefing. Pick up times may vary 30 – 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pickups.

   Cusco is an old city with cobblestoned streets and very narrow passageways. Smaller hotels and Airbnbs are often located on streets that cars can´t pass through.

   They also are frequently on hillsides with long steep climbs, making it difficult to carry luggage. We highly recommend that you book accommodations with better access. We have a list of hotels that are all comfortable with easy access to pick up and drop off.

3. Huaynapicchu/Machu Picchu Mountain

   Machu Picchu is most beautiful when seen from above, which is why hiking one of the mountains next to the ruins is very popular to do after your tour.

   Huaynapicchu is the most popular and must be booked in advance since it sells out very quickly. This hike takes approximately 1 hour to the top, and another 45 minutes back down. Tickets are sold in time sessions stating when you can start this hike. The first session is from 7-8 AM, and the 2nd session is from 10-11 AM.

   Again, this refers to the timeframe when you can start your hike. We usually book the second session so you can enjoy your tour with your guide first. You will do this hike on your own, but your guide will show you where to begin.

   Machu Picchu Mountain is a bit longer and a bit less popular. It takes 2 hours to the top and another 1 hours to the bottom. Again there are two time windows – from 7-8 AM and 9-10 AM and we usually purchase the second time window. 4 Day treks, the Trekkers CAN NOT do this hike and enjoy a tour of the ruins. Time will not allow for this.

   Hiking either mountain will allow you to have some extra time at the ruins once you complete, as listed above.

4. Machu Picchu Entrance Times

   Entry times to Machu Picchu are fixed and non-adjustable. Nevertheless, a grace period is typically granted to accommodate unexpected delays.

   Schedules (*)	Peak Season: Arrival Policy (**)	Low Season: Arrival Policy (**)
   06:00 am	Until 06:30 am	Until 06:45 am
   07:00 am	Until 07:30 am	Until 07:45 am
   08:00 am	Until 08:30 am	Until 08:45 am
   09:00 am	Until 09:30 am	Until 09:45 am
   10:00 am	Until 10:30 am	Until 10:45 am
   11:00 am	Until 11:30 am	Until 11:45 am
   12:00 pm	Until 12:30 pm	Until 12:45 pm
   01:00 pm	Until 01:30 pm	Until 01:45 pm
   02:00 pm	Until 02:30 pm	Until 02:45 pm
   03:00 pm	Until 03:30 pm	Until 03:45 pm

   (*) Entry time at the main gate of the Inca city of Machupicchu.

   (**) Entry at the control points of Machupicchu, Waynapicchu, and Huchuypicchu mountains does not have a grace period.

5. Health Concerns

   You must be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you might have. While our guides are not medical professionals, they do have first aid training. We also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.

   You are responsible for assessing whether a tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions.

   Xtreme TourBulencia will not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the tour based on your unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.

   If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, and you still wish to visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip. Since this will be a new trip, it may require additional fees. We will use as much of the original itinerary to keep costs low.

   If you experience issues while hiking and can not continue, a porter will accompany you to the closest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and bring you to the nearest health clinic.

6. Group Tours

   Group tours are made up of all different types of people, with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to a group tour, you agree that some people might be slower or faster than you are.

   Everyone can go at their own pace for the trek, and the guide will work with the group to spend time with everyone. Groups might request some modifications to the tour, and the guide will work with everyone to make the best decision for the group.

7. Strikes

   Unfortunately, strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our tours. Roads are often blocked, and trains stopped. We will make sure your trek continues as planned, even if that means leaving the night before your start date.

   Under these circumstances, tours might need to be canceled. But our operations department will coordinate with you in this situation. Your safety is always our top concern and will dictate how we decide.

8. Lost Items

   You are responsible for your items throughout the tour. Please be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our vans, your tents, restaurant, etc.

   Do not leave anything unintended during your hike. Other trekkers or teams might pick it up not knowing whose it is.

9. Tips

   Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. While we pay good wages to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Please know that this is not obligatory and that you should never feel pressured into this.

   Typically the participants in a group pool their tipping money together for the porters and chef. The amount recommended is $20 USD per person per trek.

   For the guide, this is more personal and needs to be decided based on your relationship with them and done separately from the group. Porters and Chefs prefer soles if possible. Guides are happy with U.S. dollars, Peruvian Soles, or even your credit card.

10. Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is inexpensive and strongly recommended. With trips being planned months ahead of time, you never can predict what could happen. Adventure travel includes more risk than the average trip.

    Insurance is a way to protect the investment you have made on this journey. We can help recommend an agent to walk you through this type of insurance if needed.

11. Weather

    Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December so just be prepared.

    No matter what month you are doing the trek, make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.

    Also, prepare for four seasons. Several of the treks through the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.

    It’s also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.

    More Information About the Weather (BOTÓN)

12. Altitude Sickness

    As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs.

    Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do, so if you have more time to acclimate you won´t be bored.

    With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office, and we will help you get to a doctor.

    Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea.

    Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.

    Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness if they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slow, and it will give your body time to adjust to the elevation.

    Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.

    You must remember that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly and drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea.

    If anything does happen and you, unfortunately, get sick, let your guide know right away. Xtreme Tourbulencia guides are trained to help you get through it.

13. Getting To Cusco

    The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.

    The best way to get to Cusco is by air, and there are several options in airlines. LATAM tends to be the most expensive but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land, and any inclement weather will stop air traffic.

    Bus travel is always available, and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.

Packing List – Essentials for Valley Visits and Machu Picchu

• Copy of the passport
• Comfortable clothes for walking
• Change of clothes for overnight
• Bottle/canteen with water at least one liter
• Camera and its batteries
• Items to protect yourself from the sun (dark glasses, hat or caps for the sun)
• Snack (energy bars, dried fruit, chocolates, etc.)
• Extra money in cash, for your personal expense

Hotels – Overnight Stay in Aguas Calientes

FAQs – Common Questions About the Sacred Valley Experience

1. What can I expect from the tour guides on this Machu Picchu train tour?

   Our tour guides are certified professionals who speak fluent English and have years of experience at Machu Picchu. They’re locals who grew up hearing stories about Inca culture and know every stone of the ruins. Most travelers tell us it was an amazing experience listening to their detailed explanations about Inca engineering and daily life. The guides make the history come alive instead of just pointing out buildings.

2. Do you offer private tours for the 2-day Machu Picchu train experience?

   Yes, we offer private tours for groups who want a more personalized experience. Private groups get their own dedicated guide, flexible timing, and can spend more time at specific areas that interest them most. Many couples and families choose this option because it feels more intimate and you can ask as many questions as you want without worrying about holding up other travellers.

3. Would you highly recommend this tour over other Machu Picchu options?

   Honestly, we highly recommend this train tour if you want comfort without missing the magic of Machu Picchu. You get the full experience – sunrise visits, expert guides, overnight in the mountains – but you sleep in a real bed instead of a tent. Most of our guests say they’d choose this option again because you arrive refreshed and ready to fully appreciate what you’re seeing.

4. What's it like staying overnight in the town of Aguas Calientes?

   The town of Aguas Calientes sits right at the base of Machu Picchu mountain, so you’re literally sleeping in the shadow of the ruins. It’s a small mountain town with cobblestone streets, local restaurants, and that relaxed Andean vibe. You can walk everywhere in about 10 minutes, and there are hot springs where locals go to unwind. The town has everything you need – restaurants, shops, ATMs – but it’s not touristy in an overwhelming way.

5. Are there good dining options in Aguas Calientes during our overnight stay?

   The restaurants in the town of Aguas Calientes have really improved over the years. You’ll find everything from simple local places serving fresh trout to more upscale spots with international menus. Most places are family-run, so the service feels personal. Try the local specialties like quinoa soup or alpaca steak – it’s part of the amazing experience of being in this unique mountain setting.

6. Do I need travel insurance for this Machu Picchu train tour?

   We strongly recommend getting travel insurance before your trip. While train travel is generally safe, weather can sometimes cause delays or cancellations, especially during rainy season. Insurance also covers you for any health issues related to high altitude – even though Machu Picchu itself isn’t as high as Cusco, some people still feel effects. It’s just smart to be covered for trip interruptions or medical needs.

7. How does high altitude affect visitors on this 2-day tour?

   High altitude can be an issue, especially in Cusco where you start the tour. Cusco sits at over 11,000 feet, while Machu Picchu is at about 8,000 feet – so you actually feel better once you get there. Most people don’t have serious problems, but some experience headaches or mild nausea the first day. Drink lots of water, avoid alcohol, and consider arriving in Cusco a day early to acclimatize.

8. Do you accept credit cards for the Machu Picchu train tour booking?

   Yes, we accept all major credit cards for booking your tour. You can pay the full amount upfront or make a deposit to secure your dates. Just keep in mind that some small vendors in Aguas Calientes prefer cash, so bring some soles for souvenirs or extra meals. Most restaurants and hotels in town do take cards though.

9. Is there a student discount available for this 2-day train tour?

   We offer a student discount for travellers with valid international student ID cards. The discount applies to travellers under 25 with current enrolment verification. You’ll need to show your student ID when booking and again during the trip. It’s not a huge savings, but every bit helps when you’re traveling on a student budget.

10. Is the bus ticket to Machu Picchu included in the tour price?

    Yes, the bus ticket for the ride from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu entrance is included in your tour package. These buses run frequently throughout the day – about every 10 minutes during peak hours. The ride takes 25-30 minutes up a winding mountain road. Some people choose to hike up instead, but most appreciate having the bus option after an early morning start.

11. What happens if we miss the bus to Machu Picchu during our tour?

    Don’t worry if you miss one bus – they run regularly, so there’s always another one coming. Your bus ticket is valid for the entire day, not just one specific time. However, your guide will make sure you’re on schedule because entrance to Machu Picchu is time-controlled. Missing too many buses could cut into your time at the ruins.

12. What makes this train tour such an amazing experience compared to hiking?

    The amazing experience comes from traveling in comfort while still getting the full cultural immersion. You see the same incredible scenery as hikers but from panoramic train windows. You wake up refreshed in the town of Aguas Calientes instead of tired from camping. This means you can fully appreciate your tour guides explaining the history instead of just trying to catch your breath. It’s about quality over physical challenge.

13. How do private tours enhance the Machu Picchu experience?

    Private tours let you move at your own pace and focus on what interests you most. Your guide can spend extra time on topics you find fascinating, whether that’s Inca astronomy, architecture, or daily life. You’re not rushing to keep up with a large group, and you can take photos without waiting for 20 other people to clear the frame. It makes the whole amazing experience feel more personal and meaningful.