Guided visit to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu
Morning train ride through the sacred valley of Urubamba to the "Lost City of the Incas," Machu Picchu. Perched 8,200 feet above the valley, it was hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungles for 400 years until discovered by Hiram Bingham of Yale University in 1911. Archaeologists believe that the Inca "Virgins of the Sun" took refuge from the Spanish Conquistadors here. Guided tour of the ruins upon arrival. Lunch is at the Belmond’s Sanctuary Lodge located just a few steps from the Inca citadel. Lunch is included.
(All activities and excursions start from
your hotel in Aguas Calientes or in Machu Picchu)
Hike to Huayna Picchu
Machu Picchu
Hike to the steep stone-paved trail of Huayna Picchu, the pyramid-shape mountain above Machu Picchu to enjoy an impressive and breathtaking “condor view” of the site. The few of those who climb the peak take advantage of the opportunity to see the even more impressive Temple of Moon. Tucked into a complex of caves hidden from the main ruins is an otherworldly shrine — possibly a burial site — built directly into the mountain rock. The Temple of the Moon features some of the finest stonework in Machu Picchu
The main reward for the climb up the ancient stone stairs is the most incredible view that can be achieved (short of a helicopter) of how Machu Picchu was carefully integrated into its natural surroundings. Among skyscraping Andean peaks tower in the distance while the winding Urubamba River nearly wraps itself around the main site. Do not miss it; Huayna Picchu is “what most people miss at Machu Picchu” (BBC Travel).
Level of Difficulty: Moderate.
The last five minutes is challenging.
Duration: Ascending 45 to 60 minutes,
descending 30 to 45 minutes.
Duration of complete tour:
From your hotel in Aguas Calientes
back to your hotel: 3 hours.
Tip: Rest every 15 minutes and hike at your own pace.
All travelers will get to the top, some in 40 minutes
some in 2 hours, but all make it. It is worth it.
Entrance is limited. Advanced reservations is required.
(All activities and excursions start from
your hotel in Aguas Calientes or in Machu Picchu)
Inca Trail - Full Day Hike
Four-Day Inca Trail Take the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Arrive at Machu Picchu on the very same trail used by the Incas.
The Inca Trail is rated among the best trekking trips in the world because of the exquisite beauty of its natural surroundings. On this full day hike on the Inca Trail you arrive at Machu Picchu on the very same trail used by the Incas, you enter the citadel through the legendary Sun Gate.
Take the train to Km. 104, hike along the snowcapped Andes overlooking the Urubamba Valley, visit the spectacular religious site of Chachabamba, have lunch by a beautiful waterfall, explore the amazing agricultural terraces of Wiñay Wayna before descending into the cloud forest to encounter the legendary Sun Gate. This is a lifetime “Exceptional Experience” you will be proud you took. Guided tour is on the following day. Box lunch is included.
Duration: 6 hours
Level of Difficulty: 4 hours easy, 2 hours moderate
Due to the overwhelming demand reservations must be made well in advance.
Hotel accommodation in Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes is required.
Four-Day Inca Trail
Stroll to Mandor Valley and Waterfalls
Machu Picchu
The fascinating journey through Mandor Valley offers a spectacular landscape along with exotic flora and faunaincluding butterflies and rare birds. This excursion is a favorite for bird-watchers and trekkers. 2.5 hours
Level of Difficulty: Easy
(All activities and excursions start from
your hotel in Aguas Calientes or in Machu Picchu)
Hike to the Sun Gate and Inca Bridge
Machu Picchu
In Inca times, the Sun Gate was one of the entrances to the citadel and also the end of the legendary “Inca Trail”. A leisure 40-minte stroll will take you to this impressive site. The tour is followed with a visit to the “Inca Bridge” a secret entrance to Machu Picchu used by the Inca army.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Level of Difficulty: Easy
(All activities and excursions start from
your hotel in Aguas Calientes or in Machu Picchu)
Thermal Baths of Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu
After your visit to Machu Picchu, there is nothing more relaxing than to enjoy the hot springs of Aguas Calientes. A short 10-minute walk through town you arrive at the thermal baths Aguas Calientes, where you can recover, surrounded by nature. This activity has a low level of difficulty. 2 hours.
(All activities and excursions start from
your hotel in Aguas Calientes or in Machu Picchu)
Manuel Chavez Museum
Machu Picchu
This museum provides excellent information on the archaeological excavations of Machu Picchu and the methods used by the Incas for building their temples and cities. Best when visited after the citadel. The museum displays a collection of original objects made of stone, metal, ceramic. It is a result of archaeological research in the recent decades in Machu Picchu and in the Inca Trail. 2 hours.
(All activities and excursions start from
your hotel in Aguas Calientes or in Machu Picchu)
Guided tour of the Open-Air Market of Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu
Visit the outdoor market town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes), which has many shops with Andean products and crafts. This big and colorful market is overwhelming for the variety quantity of products displayed. The vendors have items for every budget, from small ornaments to more expensive handicrafts. 2 hours.
(All activities and excursions start from
your hotel in Aguas Calientes or in Machu Picchu)
Hike to Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Mountain, offers one of the most spectacular views of the famous Inca citadel. At the summit of the mountain is where Inca priests performed special rituals. Follow the path towards the Sun Gate and before reaching the Guard House turn right to find the beginning of the trail to Machu Picchu Mountain. At 10,007 feet above sea level, you will enjoy supreme vistas of the citadel along with panoramic views of unique mountain scenery.
Duration: Ascending 90’, descending 60’, complete tour 3.5
hours. Rest every 20 minutes and hike at your own pace. From
hotel to hotel: 4 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
Spaces are limited, reservation is needed:
(All activities and excursions start from
your hotel in Aguas Calientes or in Machu Picchu)
Tribute to Mother Earth (Pago a la Tierra)
Machu Picchu
The Pachamama or Mother Earth is so far one of the major divinities to man the Andes. Mother Earth is the one who provides food and life and therefore thank you on a “tribute to the earth”, is an ancient ceremony that will connect us with one of the purest expressions of the ancient Andean culture. 1.5 hours
(All activities and excursions start from
your hotel in Aguas Calientes or in Machu Picchu)
Cooking demonstration classes
Machu Picchu
Discover the secrets on how to prepare some of the dishes and drinks most emblematic Peruvian cuisine classes will be provided by a renowned local chef. 45 minutes.
(All activities and excursions start from
your hotel in Aguas Calientes or in Machu Picchu)
Hike to Putukusi Mountain
Machu Picchu
You will find this hike a spectacular one. From the summit of the round-shape mountain of Putukusi you will enjoy a sideview of the citadel along with panoramic views of Mandor Valley, Vilcanota River, the town of Aguas Calientes and surrounding mountains. Several parts of the trails have a 45-degree angle and the last part of the trail consist of seven sets of almost-vertical wooden ladders, one of them is four stories high. The wooden ladder are slippery and have mold on the sides, use a hand sanitizer at the top.
Duration: 5 hours
Level of Difficulty: Most challenging.
(All activities and excursions start from
your hotel in Aguas Calientes or in Machu Picchu)
Machu Picchu Excursion (L)
Machu Picchu
Morning train ride through the sacred valley of Urubamba to the "Lost City of the Incas," Machu Picchu. Perched 8,200 feet above the valley, it was hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungles for 400 years until discovered by Hiram Bingham of Yale University in 1911. Archaeologists believe that the Inca "Virgins of the Sun" took refuge from the Spanish Conquistadors here. Guided tour of the ruins upon arrival. Lunch is at the Orient Express’ Sanctuary Lodge located just a few steps from the Inca citadel. When riding aboard the luxury train “Hiram Bingham”, the excursion includes brunch, four-course dinner and open bar aboard the train. “Tea Time Goodies” at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, located just a few steps from the Inca citadel are also included.
(All activities and excursions start from
your hotel in Aguas Calientes or in Machu Picchu)
Free day in Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu
Free morning to enjoy one of the most incredible sights on earth, the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Take as much time as you need to study these magnificent ruins or hike the steep stone-paved trail of Huayna Picchu, the pyramid-shape mountain above Machu Picchu for a breathtaking view of the site (reservation and extra fee are needed). Or stroll to the Inca Bridge a secret entrance used by the Inca's army or walk toward the Inca Trail to find the historic Intipunku or Sun Gate or just enjoy the thermal springs of the town. Afternoon return train ride. Ask for our Machu Picchu Exceptional Experiences.
(All activities and excursions start from
your hotel in Aguas Calientes or in Machu Picchu)