Machu Picchu by Train 2025 - 9 days
Machu Picchu by Train 2025 - 9 days
Machu Picchu by Train 2025 - 9 days
9 Days Starting in Lima, Peru and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
3203/MPBT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
13-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through Peru with the "Machu Picchu by Train 2025" tour. Begin your adventure in Lima, exploring its vibrant plazas and Spanish colonial architecture. Venture into the Amazon for a two-night stay at a lodge, where you'll enjoy nature walks, boat trips, and wildlife sightings. Discover the historical treasures of Cusco, including the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, and roam the Sacred Valley's Pisac ruins and Ollantaytambo temple. The highlight awaits with a scenic train ride to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. This tour offers a blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Miraflores
Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival at the Lima airport you’ll be transferred to our hotel in the popular Miraflores district of the city. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city before our welcome meeting at 6pm this evening where you will meet your tour leader.
Day 2: Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Miraflores
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we explore the beautiful city of Lima , also known as the 'city of kings', we'll visit the well preserved historical centre. Making our way through Plaza San Martin, we'll also take in Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace and the City Hall. Our tour of the city continues with a visit to the San Francisco Monastery and it's famous underground crypts which are home to an estimated 70,000 remains. This bright yellow architectural wonder is also home to an incredible library, holding thousands of antique texts, some of which pre-date the conquest in the 16th century. Later we'll head through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, passing by Huaca Pucllana, a clay pyramid that was the ceremonial and administrative centre of the Lima culture and later considered a sacred town by the Inca's. Next up we'll stop at El Olivar park, a peaceful space where we'll find olive trees that were brought to Peru in the 15th century from Spain. Our final stop on today's tour of Lima is El Parque del Amor, this romantic spot is situated on the cliffs of Miraflores overlooking the Pacific ocean.
Lima is fast becoming one of the gastronomic capitals of the world and later this afternoon there is the opportunity to join an exciting optional Lima Gourmet Food Tour, combining gastronomic delights with walks around the capital, experiencing the local culture. Book before you travel.
Day 3: Puerto Maldonado And The Amazon
Location: Puerto Maldonado
Accommodation Name: Overnight: The Amazon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lima - Puerto Maldonado. Transfer to Lima airport this morning and fly to Puerto Maldonado for our two night Amazon adventure! From Puerto Maldonado we take a scenic 40 minute boat ride along the meandering Madre de Dios River to our lodge, nestled in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. As we glide down the river look out for capybaras and other wildlife along the riverbank.
Arriving at the lodge, there's a short briefing by our jungle guide before we settle into our accommodation. After lunch and some time to relax we set out on our first Amazon excursion Taking a trek through the jungle our guide will point out tropical trees, medicinal plants and wildlife in the Brazil net concession. We also visit a shiringuero encampment to see the process of collecting rubber, and how it is used for many products.
Heading back to the lodge there's time to relax by the pool or in the hammocks on the terrace of your bungalow, savour an exotic cocktail at the bar or go down to the riverside to enjoy the breathtaking sunset. Before dinner we take a boat trip to observe caiman and other nocturnal creatures as they appear before experiencing our first night in the jungle!
Please note: Jungle activities and excursions may vary or be modified by your guide.
Day 4: Puerto Maldonado And The Amazon
Location: Puerto Maldonado
Accommodation Name: Overnight: The Amazon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We rise early this morning to visit Lake Sandoval, a glassy, ox-bow lake, located inside the protected Tambopata National Reserve. A packed breakfast is provided for the excursion. We set off on a 20-minute boat ride on the Madre de Dios River to the Lake Sandoval landing stage. A 3km walk through the sun-dappled rainforest leads us into the Tambopata National Reserve, which is home to many species of birds, the endangered giant river otter, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, side-neck turtles, black caimans and more! At Lake Sandoval we board small rowboats and paddle serenely around the lake, in search for giant river otters and other wildlife. When our guide finds an opportune spot where we stop to enjoy breakfast in the wild.
Returning to the lodge for lunch, there's free time to relax before we head up a lookout tower with our guide, for incredible panoramic views of the Amazon from its rooftop and a beautiful sunset. The canopy towers are ideal for birdwatching and spotting animals living at this altitude in the canopy. Keep an eye out for bright toucans, macaws and monkeys! We also a visit to a Brazil nut harvesting camp, a vital economic activity in the region. Back at the lodge you can enjoy a refreshing swim before dinner.
Day 5: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Puerto Maldonado - Cusco. We wake up early to visit a nearby clay lick, where we can observe up to five species of parrots feeding on a unique type of clay essential for their metabolism, creating a colourful and lively spectacle. We head back to the lodge for breakfast and there's some time to relax before we take the boat back to Puerto Maldonado. We visit a local market to see various local products before being transferred to the airport for our flight to Cusco.
After hotel check-in the rest of the day is free to spend at leisure adjusting to the altitude in Cysco. This beautiful city full of history and intrigue, is located 3,399m above sea level.
Day 6: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we enjoy a tour of Cusco and its nearby ruins taking in some of the city's most important landmarks. We'll start at the Plaza de Armas, built on the remains of one of the most important Incan gathering spots, it's one of the most beautiful squares in the country. We'll also visit the Cathedral, the Kenko Amphitheatre and the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Built between 1438 and 1474, Sacsayhuaman Fortress took over 20,000 labourers to build and some of the magnificent stone work measures over 4 metres in height and over 100 tons in weight. The rest of the day is free for you to independently explore this charming city.
Day 7: Sacred Valley
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Sacred Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cusco - The Sacred Valley. Today we enjoy a full day tour of the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is the popular Pisac Market, where artisans from the region get together and exchange or buy and sell their products. Originally only held on Sundays, Pisac Market was a place for artisans from across the region to trade in their products. Today the market is a daily occurrence where locals and visitors alike can find some of the finest textiles, jewellery and clothing typical of this area of Peru. There's plenty of time to explore the market, see the variety of colourful handicrafts and textiles on offer, and barter for souvenirs.
This afternoon we visit Ollantaytambo's fortress with its enormous Inca terraces constructed on the side of a steep mountain. One of the best examples of Incan architecture, many of the inhabitants of Ollantaytambo still live according to the customs and traditions they have inherited from generations of ancestors, leading to it being known as a living Inca town. After a tour through the area we check into our hotel for the night.
Day 8: Machu Picchu
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu - Cusco. Today is the day you’ve been waiting for as you finally get a chance to witness first hand one of the most fascinating ancient sites in the world. In the morning we take a scenic train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and then board the bus to Machu Picchu – remember to look out the windows as the scenery along the way is utterly breathtaking.
Situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River and surrounded by tropical forest, the Inca city enjoys a truly spectacular setting. When we get there, a guided tour will take us through the citadel. Built in the classical Inca style with polished dry-stone walls and terraces that seem to have been crafted naturally from the rock escarpments, Machu Picchu is a spectacular testament to the greatness of the Inca civilisation. The ruins are divided into the Urban and Agricultural Sectors with features ranging from terraced fields and water fountains to storage buildings, guardhouses and religious temples as well as bridges on the trails leading out of the citadel. After a guided tour of this incredible site we return to the spa town of Aguas Calientes where there's time to stroll around before travelling by train back to Cusco.
Day 9: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. A transfer will take you to Cusco airport for your onward travel.
If you're not departing Cusco until this evening, or you've booked post tour accommodation, you may wish to join one of the optional excursions on offer today - please book in advance. You can visit the local Andean market town of Chinchero on a half day tour. Chinchero has one of the most traditional markets in South America, and here you will find locals in colourful traditional dress, buying and selling their produce.
Alternatively, for the fit and active, there's an optional full day excursion to Vinicunca, the [[Rainbow Mountain|131596]] (offered from March to November), with lunch included. After a scenic 2.5 hr drive through rugged mountain scenery, trek with a guide to the summit of Rainbow Mountain, with its striking bright stripes of mineral deposits.
Note: Optional excursions should be booked prior to departure.
What's Included
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Meals
8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners are included.
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Accommodation
5 nights in 4-star hotels, 1 night in a 3-star hotel in the Sacred Valley, and 2 nights in an Amazon lodge are included.
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Flights
2 economy flights: Lima - Puerto Maldonado - Cusco are included.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers on day 1 and day 9 are included.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours of Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu are included.
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Amazon Programme
A 3 day/2 night Amazon programme with guided sightseeing and rainforest activities, including Lake Sandoval, is included.
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Train and Bus
Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and bus to Machu Picchu are included.
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Transportation
Transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles are included.
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Tour Leader
Escorted by an English-speaking local tour leader (for groups of 4 or more), excluding in the Amazon.
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Local Guides
Services of expert local guides for included sightseeing and a naturalist guide in the Amazon are included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights and Visa
International flights and visa are not included.
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Tipping
Tipping is an entirely personal gesture and is not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes 2 economy flights, a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu, private air-conditioned vehicles for transfers and transportation, and a boat ride along the Madre de Dios River.
Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights in 4-star hotels, 1 night in a 3-star hotel in the Sacred Valley, and 2 nights at an Amazon lodge, providing a comfortable and immersive experience throughout your journey.
Age Policy
As standard they must be ages 15 or older to join this group tour. However, those aged 13+ may be considered on a case by case basis.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Amazon?
During your stay in the Amazon, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including capybaras, caimans, giant river otters, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, side-neck turtles, and numerous bird species such as toucans and macaws.
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What activities are included in the Amazon portion of the tour?
The Amazon portion of the tour includes a trek through the jungle to see tropical trees, medicinal plants, and wildlife, a visit to a shiringuero encampment to learn about rubber collection, a boat trip to observe caimans and other nocturnal creatures, a visit to Lake Sandoval for wildlife spotting, and a climb up a lookout tower for panoramic views of the Amazon.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
The tour includes 5 nights in 4-star hotels, 1 night in a 3-star hotel in the Sacred Valley, and 2 nights at an Amazon lodge. This provides a comfortable and immersive experience throughout your journey.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
Transportation includes 2 economy flights (Lima - Puerto Maldonado - Cusco), a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu, private air-conditioned vehicles for transfers and transportation, and a boat ride along the Madre de Dios River.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities such as a Lima Gourmet Food Tour, a visit to the local Andean market town of Chinchero, and a full-day excursion to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, which is offered from March to November.
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What guided tours are included in the itinerary?
The tour includes guided tours of Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Additionally, there is a 3-day/2-night Amazon program with guided sightseeing and rainforest activities.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
As standard, participants must be ages 15 or older to join this group tour. However, those aged 13 and above may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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What are the highlights of the Sacred Valley tour?
The Sacred Valley tour includes a visit to the Pisac Market, where you can find textiles, jewelry, and clothing, and a tour of Ollantaytambo's fortress with its enormous Inca terraces.
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What can I expect during the visit to Machu Picchu?
During the visit to Machu Picchu, you will take a scenic train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus ride to the Inca citadel. A guided tour will take you through the site, showcasing its terraced fields, water fountains, storage buildings, guardhouses, religious temples, and more.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 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 on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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