The Essential Inca Trail is a great option for people who do not have much time to do a long hike to reach the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. On the route, you will appreciate the beauty of the landscape with its unique geography, followed by the Wilkamayu River (Sacred River).
A good opportunity for observing orchids, and birds and getting to know impressive archeological sites. Finally, arrive at Inti Punku, Sun's Gate, from where you will be able to see Machu Picchu for the first time.
Our team will be waiting at the Cusco airport to take you to the hotel. We recommend drinking the famous Coca tea, known for helping with any altitude sickness symptoms.
After checking in at the hotel, our team will inform you about the city’s sights with a map, while also indicating restaurants, exchange offices, shops, and more.
Important Note: Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level. Therefore, we highly recommend you take a few hours to get used to the altitude before exploring the beautiful Historic Center of Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel.
From 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Enjoy the different sightings within the historic center of Cusco with our local guide. (Exclusive tour available for Viagens Machu Picchu passengers only).
In the afternoon, we’ll start the Archaeological City Tour with a visit to the different attractions within the city and its surroundings, like Sacsayhuaman, the Qoricancha Temple, Q’enqo, and more.
Optional Visit: The Qosqo Center of Native Arts has daily presentations of typical Andean music and dances from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We recommend you arrive 45 minutes in advance. Tickets are already included in the package.
Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel.
On this day, we’ll depart in the morning for the Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour. We will make our first stop to visit the Awanacancha Traditional Textile Museum, just after enjoying the magnificent view of the Sacred Valley.
Following the itinerary, we’ll continue to visit Pisac, a small town recognized for its authentic cultural expression and the outstanding Pisac Archeological site. Later, we’ll have lunch in Urubamba, located right at the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Finishing the tour, we’ll get to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll get to visit one of the oldest villages within this valley and its towering archeological site. Finishing our day of adventures, we’ll head back to Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.
We’ll begin our adventure leaving early from the hotel to the Ollantaytambo station to board the train heading to Km 104, from where we will start our first journey, then we will visit the archaeological complex of Chachabamba (2250 m.s.n.m), where agricultural products were produced to be taken to Machu Picchu.
Continuing our adventure to Wiñaywayna, we will appreciate the geographic beauty of the Urubamba River and the varieties of orchids of the place along the way. After a couple of hours, we would have arrived at Wiñaywayna, and our guide would explain everything about this outstanding Inca site.
After a pleasant lunch, in the afternoon we continue our trip to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), from where we’ll be able to visualize the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, just before descending to the village of Aguas Calientes where we’ll spend the night in a comfortable and cozy lodging.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
The wait is finally over, now it’s time to live the dream! Our team will take you from the hotel to board the bus up to Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu’s main entrance.
Our professional guide will provide all the details about this wonder of the world, including the mysteries and fascinating facts of the Inca culture. After our time in Machu Picchu, we’ll go back to Aguas Calientes to return to the city of Cusco by train.
Overnight in Cusco.
Now, if you’d like to spice up your experience in Machu Picchu, please check out these additional services:
♦ Exclusive lunch at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Hotel, located just in front of the entrance to Machu Picchu.
♦ Return on the Vistadome train, a panoramic train with first-class seats.
♦ Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain. The most in-demand additional hike within Machu Picchu. This mountain offers an outstanding view of the citadel and great picture opportunities.
For further information, please contact our sales team.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Our team will be waiting for you at the hotel to take you to the airport 2 hours before your flight departure. This will be the last of our services.
Quick Tip: If your flight from Cusco to Lima departs in the afternoon, we encourage you to visit some of the museums within the historic center: The Contemporary Art Museum, the Regional Museum, the Coricancha Museum, and the Popular Art Museum. Don’t worry about the entrance fees, they are all included in your Cusco Tourist Ticket!
Check-In & Check-Out Times:
- Cusco: Check-in time at 10:00 a.m. | Check-out time at 9:00 a.m.
- Aguas Calientes: Check-in time at 9:00 a.m. | Check-out time at 10:00 a.m.
Hotels with breakfast
• 04 hotel nights in Cusco
• 01 hotel night in Aguas Calientes
Tours and Excursions
• Walking Tour in Cusco | Free of Charge
• Archaeological City Tour in Cusco | Regular Service
• Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour + buffet lunch | Regular Service
• Guided Tours in Machu Picchu | Regular Service
• Touristic Train | Cusco or Ollantaytambo > Km 104
• Specialized equipment for the trekking
• Essential Inca Trail 2 days/1 night | Regular Service
• Optional: Vegetarian food without any increase
• Specialized staff - cook, guides, support team, porters
• Assistance with first aid kit with oxygen balloon
• Tourist bus | Aguas Calientes > Machu Picchu > Aguas Calientes
• Entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
• Tourist Train | Machu Picchu > Ollantaytambo or Cusco
• Tickets to all archaeological complexes to visit
Transfers all in private
• Transfer Airport > Hotel in Cusco
• Transfer | Hotel in Cusco > Cusco or Ollantaytambo Station
• Transfer to Cusco or Ollantaytambo Station > Hotel in Cusco
• Transfer Hotel in Cusco > Airport
Benefits of Viagens Machu Picchu
• 24-hour assistance in Spanish and English.
• Professional team on all tours and treks.
• Guided tours in Spanish and English; inform in advance.
• Personalized concierge and assistance to your needs during your stay.
What is not included?
• Travel insurance.
• Domestic or international airfare.
• Food and beverages not mentioned above.
• Extra Expenses: Personal, laundry, telephone calls, and details not mentioned in the itinerary.
| Hotels | Categories | Validity | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cusco:
-Rojas Inn, San Francisco Plaza, El Andariego,
or Similar Room Standard 4 night(s)
- Breakfast
Aguas Calientes:
-Flower House, Ferré Boulevard Machu Picchu, Sacred Stone Boutique,
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Breakfast
|
Economic
|
|
|||||||||
|
Cusco:
-Casona Plaza Cusco, San Agustin Internacional, Taypikala Cusco,
or Similar Room Standard 4 night(s)
- Breakfast
Aguas Calientes:
-Ferré Machu Picchu, Hatun Inti Classic, Tara Machupicchu,
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Breakfast
|
Touristy
|
|
|||||||||
|
Cusco:
-Xima Cusco ,Terra Andina, San Agustin Dorado,
or Similar Room Standard 4 night(s)
- Breakfast
Aguas Calientes:
-Taypikala, Tierra Viva Machu Picchu, Golden Sunrise,
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Breakfast
|
First
|
|
|||||||||
|
Cusco:
-Hilton Garden Inn, Sonesta Cusco, Costa del Sol Ramada,
or Similar Room Standard 4 night(s)
- Breakfast
Aguas Calientes:
-El Mapi By Inkaterra, Hatun Inti Boutique,
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Breakfast
|
Premium
|
|
|||||||||
Buffet Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant:
Located within the luxurious Sanctuary Lodge hotel (formerly Orient Express), it is the only hotel facing Machu Picchu.
• From USD 45.00 per person.
Return Train Vistadome Service:
First-class train with panoramic views.
• From USD 60.00 per person.
Return Train Vistadome Observatory Service:
Experience a journey of luxury and culture on the first-class train, with live entertainment of shows and traditional dances in the observatory car, ensuring a unique and thrilling experience.
• From USD 80.00 per person.
Entrance to Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu Mountain:
A short trail from the Inca citadel to the Wayna Picchu lookout, a strategic and unique place offering the most complete view of the Machu Picchu Citadel.
• From USD 65.00 per person.
Apukunaq Tianan Quad Bike:
These sculptures, also known as "The Abode of the Gods," are a monument aiming to represent Inca deities and Andean beliefs, offering a glimpse into the culture of this region.
• From USD 150.00 per person.
Professional Photographer:
Throughout all tours, our professional photographer will capture the most beautiful and unforgettable moments.
Price on Request.
Private Tours and Excursions:
Ideal for those who desire a more personalized service where tour schedules can be adjusted, meaning there is more flexibility and tours and excursions can be tailored according to the client's preference.
1. Would my admission ticket to Machu Picchu be refundable in case I change the date or cancel my trip?
Recently, the Ministry of Culture of Peru made an update regarding the changes to the admission ticket to Machu Picchu: all ticket sales are now final. Therefore, the tickets we purchase as a part of your tour package are not refundable, and also cannot be transferred to another person or modified to another date.
2. Do you arrange commercial and international flights?
At the moment, we do not arrange international or commercial flights. However, we will help you organize your trip and flight schedules before traveling abroad. Make sure to contact our team and get personalized assistance for planning your trip.
3. Do you organize personalized travel packages?
Yes, We do. Our main goal as a travel agency is to provide an authentic adventure in our country. Therefore, if you’re looking to travel off the beaten path or to be provided with the best trip itinerary through Peru, make sure to contact our team.
4. Do you offer private tours?
Yes, we do have private excursions to different locations in Peru. We are looking forward to guaranteeing comfort while still showing a great part of our historical and cultural heritage.
5. How do I book a travel package?
Booking a travel package is as easy as requesting a quote on any of our options. Once you’ve filled in your details, one of our travel assistants will get in touch with you. If you still have no idea what you’d like to do during your stay in Peru, don’t worry, we are here to help you.
Our sales team will take care of all the details involved with your trip as well as give you options about the different destinations to visit in our country. You’ll realize that planning a trip abroad has never been easier.
6. How far in advance should I book my trip?
We usually recommend booking your trip at least 2-3 months in advance, especially if you’re planning on a long stay in Peru. Viagens Machu Picchu works with 3 to 5-star hotels and most of them request booking weeks in advance, as well as tours, train rides, transportation options, and other services.
7. What is the best train for Machu Picchu: Expedition or Vistadome?
We recommend you take the Expedition train on the way to Aguas Calientes since most of the departure times are generally when it’s dark. The expedition train has simpler wagons with smaller windows.
Usually, the return takes place during daylight, which is why we recommend you take the Vistadome train with panoramic windows to enjoy the visually striking scenery this road has to offer. In addition, the Vistadome train offers onboard service and typical dance shows.
8. Are the train tickets included in the package?
Yes, all of our packages include round-trip train tickets. Except for those who may choose to go to Machu Picchu by trek. In this case, we’ll only cover the return ticket.
9. Can I choose seats on train trips?
Unfortunately, Peru Rail (the railway company) does not allow passengers to choose seats on any of their different types of trains. The distribution of these is done automatically by the company’s system.
10. During the trip to Machu Picchu, where will my largest luggage stay?
Bags that weigh more than 5kg are not allowed on the train or in the Archeological Site of Machu Picchu. Therefore, you must leave your large luggage in the storage service of your accommodation.
For your trip to Machu Picchu, we highly recommend you carry a light backpack with just the essentials for your comfort.
11. What are the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains?
Those are the surrounding mountains of the Inca Citadel. Huayna Picchu is located 2,720 meters above sea level and offers an outstanding view of the archaeological site as well as several Inca ruins along the trail.
The Machu Picchu Mountain is located at 3,082 meters above sea level and serves as another viewpoint to the famous historical sanctuary. However, the trek to its summit is significantly less challenging than the Huayna Picchu mountain.
To trek either of these mounts, you must purchase an additional entrance ticket well in advance. For more information, please contact your travel agent.
12. What Currency is Used in Peru?
Nuevo Soles is the local currency in Peru, banknotes come in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, and 10. Whilst coins come in 5, 2, 1, 0.50, 0.20, and 0,10 units.
13. What is the best currency to use in Peru: US Dollars or Soles?
Almost all establishments accept payments in US Dollars, but we highly recommend you have both Dollars and Soles (the local currency) since there might be places where you’ll need to pay with the Peruvian currency.
14. What are the Peru entry requirements?
Depending on your nationality, you would either need a tourist visa, valid passport, or your national I.D. card to enter Peru, for example:
- Passport: Concerns to every country that isn’t in the Andean Community. It must have a validity of at least 6 months.
- Tourist Visa: This applies to visitors from Venezuela, Haití, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Cuba.
- National I.D. Card: Valid for all the members within the Andean Community as, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
Changes & Cancellations
1. If a tour is canceled due to weather conditions, do I get a refund?
Tour cancellations due to bad weather conditions have no refund, as they are factors beyond our control. However, we’d like to ensure the integrity of our passengers by acknowledging that some other situations may be taken into account. Therefore, if there is any inconvenience, make sure to contact your travel agent.
2. Can I change the starting date of my travel package?
Yes, you can change the starting date of your travel package. However, an administrative fee between 10% and 50% of the total value of the package will be charged, depending on the proximity to the original date of your trip (this is subject to availability and supplier policies).
3. Can I cancel my trip?
Affirmative, you can definitely cancel your trip. Your options for a refund are, however, subject to certain rules. Only a limited sum will be refunded by Viagens Machu Picchu under the following circumstances:
- There won't be a fee if you cancel up to 50 days before your trip, and you'll get a 10% reduction on the contractual package's worth on the deposit commission and other administrative services.
- A 50% fee of the package's total value will be charged for cancellations made between 39 and 21 days before the start date.
- An 80% fee of the package's total value will be charged for cancellations made between 39 and 21 days before the start date.
- The full amount of the package will be withheld for cancellations notified less than 7 days before the start date.
Important Note: Machu Picchu Travel will have up to 50 days to refund the money to the passenger, according to the aforementioned conditions, counted from the date of cancellation of the trip.
For further information, we have a section with the most Frequently Asked Questions about Peru, Machu Picchu, and our company.
To confirm your booking, we will send you a link with 50% of the total amount; the remaining 50% must be paid 15 days prior to the trip. Payment can be in US Dollars, credit, or debit card. For payment in installments of the remaining value, please consult your travel agent.
Our current payment methods are through PayPal and Visa.