Machu Picchu by Train Short Break
Machu Picchu by Train Short Break
$720
Tour 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. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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. ...more ...less
Day 2: Cusco - Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes
Location: Cusco - Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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:
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Day 3: Machu Picchu - Cusco
Location: Machu Picchu - Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
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:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights) -
Meals
2 breakfasts, 1 lunches -
Cusco - Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites, transport & guides not included)
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Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Included Activities
- Cusco - Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites, transport & guides not included)
- Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour
Transport
- Bus , Taxi , Train
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Important Information
- 1. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. The passport you travel with must match the booking details provided to us. This will be used to apply for your Inca permit and if any info doesn’t match your passport, the Inca authorities will refuse your entry. Delays in providing this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
- 2. This trip starts in Cusco on Day 1 at 2 pm. This trip finishes upon arrival back in Cusco on Day 3. Please do not book any flights until after 10 pm this evening.
Mode of Transport
- Bus , Taxi , Train
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
On Short Breaks, you maintain a good level of independence and freedom, with the added bonus of having the details sorted out for you. You’ll have lots of free time and you won’t be accompanied by a Trip Leader. This means that all included activities and tours will be run by different local Intrepid partners, and these may operate independently from each other. The included activities and transfers will operate on a join-in basis, which means that you could have your Adventure all to yourself, or others may join you along the way. If you would prefer to travel in a group with a dedicated Trip Leader, just get in touch with your booking agent and they will take you through some alternatives.
On Day 2, up to 35 people may join you for the day’s activities. The Machu Picchu tour on Day 3 will be for Intrepid travellers only, with a maximum of 16 in the group.
According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only, and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted. Please refer to the Itinerary for details. ...more ...less -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Machu Picchu by Train Short Break
3 Days Starting and ending in Cusco
Visiting: Cusco, Cusco - Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu - Cusco
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GGHT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
5-99