Machu Picchu by Train Short Break
Experience 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1873
Tour Type:
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Bus,Taxi,Train
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: GGHT
Starts: Cusco, Peru
Finishes: Machu Picchu - Cusco, Peru
Duration: 3 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (2), Lunch (1),Accommodation: Hotel (2 nts)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,210 ($403 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Colin - Traveled, March 2024
This trip would have to rate in the highest experience I have witnessed in my life
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2024
Charles - Traveled, February 2024
This trip was excellent. Intrepid were very helpful supportive and made everything run smoothly. I am grateful for them for there ongoing work and level of customer satisfaction which made it a very special trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
Uwe - Traveled, January 2024
This trip was very well organized each step of the way we were met by a very well informed guide and since I get car sick our guide made sure I could sit in the front of the bus
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/18/2024
Simmone - Traveled, November 2023
Simmone · Traveled November 2023 We had the best time on this tour all our guides were brilliant with their knowledge and care. They made the trip. We were guided to our train and meet all our transfers easily. The train was great experience to Machu Picchu. Just amazing Machu Picchu. Review submitted 30 Nov 2023
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Jakob - Traveled, July 2023
What a great company to travel with! All of our expectations were surpassed. We will definitely be travelling with intrepid again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2023
Bethany - Traveled, June 2023
Amazing tour! I only had a couple days to explore Cusco and Machu Picchu and I really feel like this tour made that happen. All the tour guides were friendly, helpful, and so personable. Intrepid really helped make this happen when I had some travel schedule conflicts.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/11/2023
Amber-Leigh - Traveled, May 2023
It’s a go-go-go trip, and so so so worth it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2023
Ronald - Traveled, March 2023
The Intrepid Machu Picchu trip was sensational. The guide was just perfect and allowed for us to really gain the experience in an environmentally sensitive manner. Would recommend to anyone. Prof Ron Bartsch AM
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2023
Marie - Traveled, March 2023
An absolutely fantastic trip with knowledgeable guides. Do it!!!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2023
Vivienne - Traveled, October 2022
Go elsewhere! I did this as a solo female traveller, and was very disappointed. Whilst the activities are excellent (Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu), it is more of an outsourced itinerary with a series of tickets, where you are expected to travel alone by bus and train, not an accompanied tour. Accommodation is very poor and pick ups were unreliable, even at night. Staff did not respond when contacted. Knowing what I know now, you can book it all yourself and have a safer time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2022
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