Peru's Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu by Train
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Peru's Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu by train, where breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences await. Begin your adventure in Cusco, exploring its colonial charm and vibrant markets. Discover the traditional weaving techniques at the Ccaccaccollo Community and savor a meal at the Parwa Community Restaurant. Traverse the Sacred Valley, visiting the Maras salt pans and the intriguing ruins of Moray. Experience the ancient site of Ollantaytambo before a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. The highlight of your trip is a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. With comfortable hotel stays and seamless transport, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning vistas, ensuring an unforgettable Peruvian adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Hotel Prisma
Arrive at any time.
Arrive early and spend some time exploring the city. Meet the group at the welcome meeting, check for the start time on the welcome note at the hotel.
Additional Information: Please note: hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
ACTIVITY: The adventure begins today. Feel free to explore, but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. Your G Representative will review the details of your tour.
Day 2: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Hotel Inka Paradise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Fill up on breakfast at your hotel in Cusco before walking to the Cusco Cathedral where your guide will meet the group for your walking tour of Cusco's colonial side. See the colonial and Inca architecture visible throughout the city and visit the Sapantiana staircase waterfall aqueduct before having lunch near the main plaza. Afterwards, walk back to the hotel and enjoy free time for the rest of the evening.
ACTIVITY: Spend time on a group walking tour of the colonial areas in Cusco. Start in Cusco City and finish with a visit to the Sapantiana waterfalls before having a delicious lunch at a restaurant near the main plaza.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Take advantage free time to further explore this lovely city.
Day 3: Cusco/Ollantaytambo
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Stop at the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, opt to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar).
Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing. Opt to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them.
Have lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn about the G Adventures for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Visit the Ccaccaccollo community centre which G Adventures travellers' donations helped create in 2005, thereby enabling local women to sell traditional textiles to travellers. See local weaving and dyeing techniques used to create garments and souvenirs, and learn how the Planeterra weaving co-operative has impacted the community and those who visit it. This includes the purchase of alpacas to provide a steady supply of wool, looms, and sewing machines as well as several training courses on production, sales and small business management.
ACTIVITY: In the rural village of Cuyo Chico in the Sacred Valley, a group of families joined together to create a small business based on their traditional adobe ceramic crafts. Using clay from their surroundings, they mold bowls, plates, and all manner of decorations. Learn about the ceramics process as well as the traditional adobe brick-making that forms the basis of houses throughout the valley, all while taking in a spectacular view of the Pisac Ruins. After the demonstration, peruse the items for sale directly from the artisans in their shop.
ACTIVITY: Contribute to sustainable tourism in Huchuy Qosqo, a small village of 65 families in the Sacred Valley, by eating at the Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn how the resident-run restaurant was kickstarted by G Adventures and the Multilateral Investment Fund, to become a successful farm-to-table program that boosts the local economy and several spin-off microenterprises.
Day 4: Ollantaytambo
Location: Moray, Maras, Chincheros, Ollantaytambo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy the Sacred Valley with your G representative today. Explore the sites of the Maras Salt Mines and the ancient Incan agricultural terraces of Moray. Continue on a scenic drive through small villages and stunning views of the Andean countryside. Then visit the Chincheros ruins. Known to the Incas as the birthplace of the rainbow, this site offers stunning views of the Andean countryside. Return to Ollantaytambo for the evening.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.ACTIVITY: Drive a little more than an hour to get to the Moray archaeological site. Tour these unique Inca ruins, consisting of circular terraces and a sophisticated irrigation system located at 3500m (11483 ft). Learn about the history and study of this fascinating site – speculation has it that it was an Inca agriculture experiment station. Visit the impressive Maras Salt Mines, after Moray. See thousands of individual ancient salt pools spilling over a hillside. Learn about the different varieties of salt, and try the renowned pink salt, famous worldwide.ACTIVITY: Set out on a scenic drive above the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Stop along the way to look out over small farms carved into the hills and small villages dotted along the landscape. Enjoy the views and have lunch near Maras, opt to relax, explore the surroundings.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.ACTIVITY: Chincheros is known to the Incas as the birthplace of the rainbow. This typical Andean village has Inca ruins, a colonial church, and sweeping mountain views. Explore the ruins and check out the impressive architecture of this ancient place.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 5: Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes
Location: Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast visit the Ollantaytambo ruins where you'll walk up the 200 stone steps to reach the top. Then, catch the scenic train to Aguas Calientes. After enjoying a quick orientation walk around the town of Aguas Calientes the group will have free time for optional activities. Opt to visit the Machu Picchu Museum, the Mandor Waterfalls, and the butterfly garden. Or consider taking a dip in some thermal baths to relax those muscles.
ACTIVITY: Explore this ancient site right in the heart of Ollantaytambo city. Learn about the principles of Incan architecture and get a first taste of climbing around a massive ruins site.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
ACTIVITY: The group will arrive at Aguas Calientes with their assistant guide or CEO and they will have an orientation walk through the town of Aguas Calientes. Your CEO can then help you coordinate any optional activities you may want to try during your time here.
FREE TIME: Spend free time getting to know the area. Maybe visit the local hot springs for a nice rejuvenating soak.
Day 6: Machu Picchu/Cusco
Location: Machu Picchu, Cusco
Accommodation Name: Hotel Prisma
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise early to enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu. After, catch the train towards Cusco.
Rise early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with your guide. Enjoy a guided visit to the ruins, then head back down by bus to Aguas Calientes to meet up with the rest of the group. Take the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo to meet the van for the ride back to Cusco.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
ACTIVITY: Set off with the local guide to explore Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples and along sculpted terraces. Feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 7: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
What's Included
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Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit
Visit the Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op to learn about traditional weaving and dyeing techniques.
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Parwa Community Restaurant in the Sacred Valley
Enjoy a meal at the Parwa Community Restaurant in the Sacred Valley, supporting local community initiatives.
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Sacred Valley guided tour
Participate in a guided tour of the Sacred Valley.
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Pottery making demonstration
Experience a pottery making demonstration in a local community.
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Visit the Maras salt pans and ruins of Moray
Explore the Maras salt pans and the ancient ruins of Moray.
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Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Enjoy a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu.
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All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is provided.
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Transport
Travel through Peru's stunning landscapes using a combination of train, public bus, and private vehicle.
What's Not Included
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Domestic flight tax
All travellers are required to pay the tax on domestic flights in Peru unless exempt as a foreign traveller.
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Yellow Fever certificate
A Yellow Fever certificate may be required upon entering the country.
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Personal spending
Personal spending on drinks, shopping, and tipping is not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Peru's stunning landscapes using a combination of train, public bus, and private vehicle, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay in hotels for 6 nights, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventure.
Meals Included
6 breakfasts, 3 lunches
Group Size
Max 16, Avg 12
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Important Notes
1. MACHU PICCHU REGULATIONS
Current and correct passport details are required at time of confirmation. For more details please see the following page . Please note that regulations have been implemented for all visitors to Machu Picchu which require that different circuits be followed within the site as a way to relieve crowding. The new circuit-based entrance tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. We will do all that is possible to get everyone traveling in a group on the same route, but be aware that it is possible that members of the same group might be visiting Machu Picchu on a different circuit and not be together during this visit. Rest assured that regardless of the circuit you will enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the site. Travellers completing the 4 day, 3 night Inca Trail will be on Circuit 5 upon reaching the site of Machu Picchu.
2. Combo Trip
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
3. All travellers are required to pay the tax on domestic flights in Peru. Foreign travellers are exempt form this, and proving you are indeed a foreign traveller can be done by providing us with your international ticket number (ITN). Travellers who do not submit international ticket numbers at least 30 days prior to Day 1 of their tour will be required to pay the domestic tax on all included flights.
4. YELLOW FEVER
It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering the country visited. Please check in with your local health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.
5. WET SEASON
Please be advised during the wet season (Jan - April) if there are periods of severe rain some of the campsites on the Inca Trail may become unusable. In the interest of your safety, there may be changes made locally to the trekking itinerary if the conditions of the campsites are assessed to be unsafe.
6. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
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Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
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Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a combination of train, public bus, and private vehicle to travel through Peru's stunning landscapes, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey.
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What can I expect from the visit to the Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op?
During the visit to the Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op, you will learn about traditional weaving and dyeing techniques. You will have the opportunity to meet the women involved and see how the Planeterra weaving co-operative has impacted the community.
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What activities are included in the Sacred Valley guided tour?
The Sacred Valley guided tour includes a visit to a women's weaving co-op, a local pottery making community, and lunch at the Parwa Community Restaurant. You will also have the option to hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses or explore the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria. ...more ...less
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What is the experience like at the Maras salt pans and ruins of Moray?
At the Maras salt pans, you will see thousands of individual ancient salt pools spilling over a hillside and learn about the different varieties of salt. At the ruins of Moray, you will tour the unique Inca ruins consisting of circular terraces and a sophisticated irrigation system, which is believed to have been an Inca agriculture experiment station. ...more ...less
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What is the significance of the Chincheros ruins?
Chincheros is known to the Incas as the birthplace of the rainbow. This site offers stunning views of the Andean countryside and features Inca ruins, a colonial church, and impressive architecture.
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What can I do during my free time in Aguas Calientes?
During your free time in Aguas Calientes, you can opt to visit the Machu Picchu Museum, the Mandor Waterfalls, and the butterfly garden. You might also consider taking a dip in the local thermal baths to relax.
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What is included in the guided tour of Machu Picchu?
The guided tour of Machu Picchu includes exploring the Lost City of the Incas with a local guide. You will learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples, and along sculpted terraces.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Peru's Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu by Train
7 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Moray, Maras, Chincheros, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26380
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans