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Marco, our guide with Wayna Picchu in background

Holiday 2016 Machu Picchu by Train

Example 7 Day Tour
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Explore the great ruins of Machu Picchu and wander through village markets where ancient traditions live on in the hearts of the Andean people. One of our most popular Peru tours, the journey also includes the important Inca ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Spend two days exploring the lost city of Machu Picchu, wander the witches' market in Cusco, bargain over tapestries in Pisac, and walk off the beaten path in the rural Andes. This easy paced week-long Peru trip is perfect for anyone with a sense of curiosity and adventure.
Guide Ayul explains how to get the different colorsThe parade in Cusco Us, and a Peruvian native with his llamas near Pisac, PeruVisit the awesome ruins of Sacsayhuaman during your Peru travelsThe Cathedral in CuscoThe terraces at Pisac.  You can see the graineries at the top.  At the Pisac MarketPlaza de ArmasHow often have we seen this photo?  Why not take it yourself!Plaza de ArmasThe Moray archeological site, we hear music and watch.Llamas at AwankanchaAt the MarketOverlooking the Plaza de Armas, Cusco - double rainbow Pisac vendorsBeth enjoying the fantastic Inca ruins at SacsayhuamanPlaza de Armas in QuitoAbove Machu PicchuAnother jaw-dropping view in the Sacred Valley.Inca agricultural terraces of MorayVisit the Plaza de Armas in Cusco on your Peru tourMachu Picchu - llamas in the central plazaThe most touristy shot of the bunch, but how could we resist this sweet woman and her llama?Machu Picchu trekking and tours Moray GreenhouseCusco town squareThree lovely ladies (and puppy) chat with us in Moray.Preparing for the parade at Plaza de ArmasPisac marketMarco, our guide with Wayna Picchu in background
Highlights
  • Arrive early and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu
  • Tour the ruins and town of Ollantaytambo
  • Visit a local textile market which hosts indigenous artist from around Peru
  • Explore Cusco's colonial churches, markets, & ruins
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Lima

Arrive to Lima on the flight of your choice today. After picking up your luggage and clearing customs, walk across the street to the comfortable and conveniently located Ramada Costa del Sol Hotel. Settle into your room and rest up for your Peru tour ahead.

Day 2: Fly Cusco

Andean history comes alive in Cusco. Quechua-speaking descendents of the Incas fill the streets and markets, colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the Conquistadors, and campesinos (Peru's rural farmers) in colorful dress move busily back and forth across the plazas. In the afternoon, you'll explore Cusco's largest open market and the adjacent witches' market. After tasting a few unique local foods, visit the Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco, a local organization committed to preserving the region's weaving traditions (If visiting the Sacred Valley on Sunday, you will visit their center in Chinchero instead). Watch weavers demonstrate their craft and learn about the history and processes of Peru's most well-known art form.

Day 3: Sacred Valley

This morning, journey into one of the most beautiful areas of Peru. The Sacred Valley often becomes one of the highlights of your trip and you will soon see why! The day is flexible based on your interests, market days, and the weather!You'll test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the great textile markets in the area. You may also hike to the inspiring ruins of Pisac or take a short walk through the countryside to the seldom-visited town of Maras, where pre-Columbian salt mines still operate today. Visit the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, thought to have been a nursery to experiment with and modify different varieties of crops. Eventually, you make your way to the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo and overnight.
 

Day 4: Ollantaytambo Ruins | Train to Machu Picchu

In the morning, visit the ruins and town of Ollantaytambo. During the Inca Empire, Ollantaytambo served as a royal estate and later a refuge after the Spanish conquered Cusco in 1537. The ruins feature expansive terraces and well-preserved architecture, and the town is still laid out as it was during the Incan empire, allowing its visitors to glimpse the history which still exists within its boundaries.

Board the train and follow the Urubamba River as it tumbles its way towards the Amazon and the sacred city of Machu Picchu, Peru. Tour ancient canals that still bring water from the high mountains to the baths used by Inca priests. As visitors, you are welcomed to respectfully dip your hands in the cool water. After your guided tour of Machu Picchu, you'll return to the village of Aguas Calientes (located at the base of Machu Picchu). Enjoy one of many excellent local restaurants or end your day soaking in the hot springs after exploring one of the most magical archaeological sites in the world.

Day 5: Free Day at Machu Picchu | Return to Cusco

Today is your chance to watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu and to listen to the spirits of the city's past inhabitants before the hikers from the Inca Trail arrive. You can choose to book a permit to climb the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu, hike to the Sun Gate which overlooks the ruins or take a walk through the lush cloudforest to the Temple of the Moon. In the afternoon, you'll return by train to Cusco with your guide. (Let us know if you would like help arranging entrance fees or hiking permits for today – these are not included and sell out in advance!)

Day 6: Explore Cusco

Enjoy today is free to relax and explore with your guide or on your own. You can visit the churches and surrounding ruins, such as the enormous Sacsayhuamán ruins that overlook Cusco (these ruins showcase building blocks the size of pickup trucks). You can also wander through the bustling Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco, shop for love potions in the local markets, or people watch from the cafes and restaurants that line these lovely streets. For those bursting with energy, horseback riding, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting (Class III-IV) can be arranged. The evening is yours to take in some of Cusco's varied and exciting nightlife where live folk music and excellent food abounds! Enjoy your last night of your Peru vacation.

Day 7: Fly Lima | Return home

  • 1 Breakfast
Or with more time, extend your trip with a visit to the Amazon or to Lake Titicaca. Click here to see our Peru extensions!

Accommodations

Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) - Hotels

Lima - Hotels

Cusco - Hotels

Sacred Valley - Hotels

Dates & Prices

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Included
  • 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch
  • 6 Nights Accommodations
  • 5 Days Guide Service
Excluded
  • Both Arrival and Departure Transfers are excluded.
  • International Flights
  • Meals not Included
  • Airport Departure Tax
  • Optional Excursions
    • $60 for return visit to Machu Picchu on second day + $20 local bus to ruins

Map

When to Go

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Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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