Machu Picchu by train 2 days program

DESCRIPTION

1° Day. Early train ride to Aguas Calientes

Early in the morning, at 5:30 am, transfer to the Train Station of San Pedro in Cusco. The train leaves at 6:00 am towards Aguas Calientes, a modern little town close to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The train ride to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful journeys that visitors can experience in our country. The first 30 minutes the train makes its way up following a zig zag route ascending level by level to the upper part of the Cusco city, passing popular neighborhoods, allowing travelers to enjoy a fantastic view of the sunrise over Cusco. Afterwards the train starts to descend gradually to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, riding throughout lush fields and small villages. From this moment on, the trip offers great natural sceneries, with many staggering views fo the Andes. After passing the villages of Ollantaytambo, the train will start to descend more and more, riding along the edge of the Urubamba River, till finally reach the small towm of Aguas Calientes, where a representative from our agency will welcome you at the train station and then will take you (on foot, no taxis in this town) to your hotel. On this day we will not visit Machu Picchu, but on the next day (in case you want to visit Machu Picchu on this day, you can do it, but at your own expense). The day is free, so you may wander around the village, or go to visit the Museum of Machu Picchu, which is located down hill, about 1 kilometre away from Aguas Calientes. The museum of Machu Picchu shows fine Inca artifacts found at the zone, virtual videos of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and great pictures of the discovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham. At Aguas Calientes, if you wish, you can go late in the afternoon to relax in the thermal baths. The hot springs are located on the upper section of the village; you may ask for orientation at the hotel. Overnight at the selected hotel.

2° Day. Early guided visit to Machu Picchu. Return to Cusco.

In order to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere in Machu Picchu and avoid large numbers of tourist, it is advisable to go there early in the morning; therefore we will leave at 5:30 am, after breakfast. Our guide will pick you up in your hotel and then will take you to the local bus station to catch the bus that goes up to the ruins of Machu Picchu. The bus ride to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu lasts around 20 minutes and it follows a steep winding path, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Upon your arrival, our guide will show you the most important sectors of this great Inca City, such as the great Intiwatana (solar clock), the Sun Temple, the urban sector, the agricultural sector among others.
Machu Picchu was long thought to be legendary, and thed in 1911, the explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it remains. Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It is probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The guided tour in Machu Picchu will last about 2 hours, and afterwards you will have free time to explore the ruins on your own, and if you wish, you might climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain, the huge mountain that appears on the background in every classic picture of Machu Picchu. It takes about one hour or so to get to the top, following very steep stairs, though is a little hard, at the top you will be rewarded with one of the most impressive views in your lifetime. Later on, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch and also to explore the many craft shops in Aguas Calientes. Finally, at around 4:00 pm, we will take the train back to the city of Cusco, arriving there after nightfall.

End of the tour.

Included . 

• Pick up from your hotel in Cusco.
• Train tickets to Aguas Calientes with the VISTADOME service. (round trip)
• 01 night mid-range accommodation in Aguas Calientes
• Bus up/down to Machu Picchu.
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
• English speaking guide.
• Transfer to your hotel.

 

Daily Departures:

05:30 h.

Accommodation in Cusco:

• In order to meet you easily in the city of Cusco, we might book also a hotel or hostel room for you, depending on your budget. We have especial deals with hotels and hostel in Cusco. Do not hesitate in asking.