Brief
Take a scenic drive from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, visiting en-route the beautiful Maras salt mines, Moray (Inca terraces), and Ollantaytambo archaeological site. Enjoy a delicious lunch in Urubamba with a traditional horse dance show, then relax at a nice Sacred Valley hotel for an overnight stay.
On day two transfer to Ollantaytambo train station where you’ll board the Hiram Bingham luxury train to Machu Picchu. Enjoy first-class service and panoramic windows, pass through the breathtaking Sacred Valley, which is encircled by undulating hills and beautiful scenery.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will be taken to the bus station to take the bus to Machu Picchu escorted by your Hiram Bingham Tour Guide, where our knowledgeable private local guide will lead you through the ancient Inca ruins. Discover Machu Picchu’s most famous sites such as the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana Stone, and Inca terraces, while learning about the history of the Inca civilization. In the evening, travel back to Cusco by Vistadome train, creating unforgettable memories of your Machu Picchu adventure.
Highlights
- Experience the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a breathtaking region rich in Inca history and culture visiting the Salt Mines and Moray (Inca’s Terraces).
- Savour a special lunch with a traditional horse dance and Marinera dance show.
- View the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, which has earned a spot on the New York Times prestigious list of “52” Places to Visit in 2025.
- Enjoy stunning views of the Andes mountains by the Luxury Belmond Hiram Bingham train ride to Machu Picchu.
- Discover iconic sites like the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana Stone, and Inca terraces as you learn about the rich Inca’s history and culture of the Inca civilisation.
- Enjoy an interesting guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel, uncovering its secrets and architectural marvels, including the Temple of the Three Windows and the Main Plaza.
- Experience admirable views of the Machu Picchu mountain and Huayna Picchu, perfect for photography and panoramic views.
- Savor a delightful afternoon tea at the Tinkuy Restaurant at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, followed by an exquisite gourmet dinner on board the Belmond Hiram Bingham train before returning to Cusco.
- Enjoy the Vistadome train service with panoramic windows and a nice show on board from Machu Picchu town to Ollantaytambo.
Itinerary
Day 1: Sacred Valley Exploration & Horse Dance Show
Morning Departure from Cusco
Begin your adventure with a scenic drive from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, located just 1.5 hours away. Known for its picturesque landscapes, traditional Andean villages, and ancient Inca sites, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must-visit destination on your journey to Aguas Calientes Town or Machu Picchu Town.
Visit to Maras Salt Mines and Moray
Start your Sacred Valley tour with a first stop in Maras Salt Mines, a fascinating site where ancient Inca techniques are still used to extract salt. From there, head to the nearby Moray archaeological site, famous for its unique circular terraces believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation.
Lunch in Urubamba
Enjoy a traditional Horse dance show with a delicious traditional Peruvian lunch in the town of Urubamba, a town nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and vibrant Andean culture, it’s the perfect spot to relax and refuel before continuing your trip to visit Ollantaytambo.
Ollantaytambo Fortress
After lunch, visit the ancient Ollantaytambo Fortress, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. This fortress was once used for military, religious, and agricultural purposes. Explore the impressive Inca terraces, ceremonial platforms, and stunning ruins that have withstood centuries of history. After your visit, you will be taken to your nice hotel in the Sacred Valley to enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by the beauty of the Andes.
Overnight in Sacred Valley
Meals: Lunch
Day 2 Machu Picchu Day Trip: Luxury Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu & Vistadome Return
Your luxury Machu Picchu day trip begins with a private hotel pickup in the Sacred Valley at approximately 8:00 AM. A tourist minivan will comfortably transport you to the luxury train station in Poroy or Belmond Rio Sagrado or Ollantaytambo Train Station depending on the season for your exclusive luxury train ride to Machu Picchu. Relax and enjoy the scenic journey through the beautiful Andean mountains and the Sacred Valley, an experience that combines comfort with breathtaking landscapes.
Luxury Train Journey to Aguas Calientes
Once at the train station you will board the train which has panoramic windows for exceptional views of the surrounding Urubamba River Valley, and rugged Andean terrain. This Luxury train of a 1.5-hour ride offers breathtaking views of the Urubamba River, and includes a gourmet lunch on board enjoy a delicious meal from the Peruvian cuisine with Andean ingredients in the train’s restaurant car, ensuring an unforgettable Peruvian culinary experience while immersing yourself in vibrant Peruvian music with a live show on board.
Arrival at Aguas Calientes and Transfer to Machu Picchu
Arriving at Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Village) at 12:24 PM, you will be escorted by your Hiram Bingham tour guide to an exclusive Hiram Bingham charter bus for a 25-minute scenic drive up to the entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes town, you will be welcomed by our staff, and after giving you some instructions, you may have some free time to explore the town, eat, or freshen up before taking the bus up to Machu Picchu citadel. Your Machu Picchu ticket will provide access to the Machu Picchu tour circuit (usually Circuit 01 or 02, subject to availability). Our knowledgeable local tour will be there waiting for you to start your guided tour for about a 2.5-hour exploration of the Inca citadel, explaining the history, architecture, and significance of key monuments like the Temple of the Sun and Intihuatana Stone. This is a good opportunity to ask as many questions as you can to know more about Inca’s civilisations.
Afternoon Tea and Return Journey
After your guided tour, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the luxurious Tinkuy restaurant at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, where you’ll have access to Wi-Fi and can unwind with a cup of tea, delicious snacks, and desserts. At 4:00 PM, board the charter bus back to Aguas Calientes for your return to the train station.
- Note: We encourage you to book at least 45 days prior to your trip to this tour in order to ensure your entry fee to Machu Picchu.
Afternoon Tea and Return Journey
After your guided tour, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the luxurious Tinkuy restaurant at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, where you’ll have access to Wi-Fi and can unwind with a cup of tea, delicious snacks, and desserts. At 4:00 PM, board the bus back to Aguas Calientes for your return to the train station.
At 5:50 PM, board your luxury train back to Poroy or Belmond Rio Sagrado or Ollantaytambo Train Station. Enjoy the luxurious train service with a relaxing ride through the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival at any of those stations, our staff will meet you and escort you on your return trip by private car to Cusco, where your luxury Machu Picchu day trip concludes.
Meals: Lunch
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Welcome pack and briefing either at your hotel or Airbnb, or at our office in Cusco City, depending on your preference
- Private transportation and tour guide for your Sacred Valley Excursion
- Entrance tickets to Maras Salt Mines, Moray, and Ollantaytambo Fortress.
- Special lunch with a horse dance show.
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu (General entrance). Circuit 1 or Circuit 2 depending on availability
- Private transportation from your hotel in the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo train station
- Private Local Guide at Machu Picchu Citadel
- Door-to-Door Service
- One-Way Belmond Hiram Bingham Luxury Train tickets from Rio Sagrado or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town
- Round-Trip Bus Tickets to/from Machu Picchu Citadel
- Gourmet Lunch on board the Belmond Hiram Bingham Luxury Train
- Typical Peruvian show on board the luxury train
- Afternoon Tea-Time at the Tinkuy Restaurant
- One-Way Vistadome Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town to Ollantaytambo
- 24/7 Machu Picchu Day Trip by Aantur Perú On-Call Support, including WhatsApp support, ensuring you have assistance whenever needed during your Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour.
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Tips (for guides, drivers, waiters, luggage porters, etc)
- Entry fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Accommodation
- Beverages during meals (unless specified in the itinerary)
- Personal expenses
Prices are not valid on the following dates:
- April 13th to 20th
- June 21st to 26th
- Dec 31st to Jan 03rd
Important note:
Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train service offers an exclusive luxury journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. However, to ensure entry to the Machu Picchu archaeological center, it is important to note that Hiram Bingham passengers can only be guaranteed entry tickets if they have their tickets issued at least 45 days before their travel date.
Recommendations or Essential Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu
- Bring Your Identification Document or Passport
Ensure you bring the passport or ID used to purchase your Machu Picchu tickets. It’s required for entry to the site, and you’ll need to present it when checking in at the entrance. - Arrive Early at the Train Station
To ensure a smooth journey, arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure. This will give you ample time to check in and prepare for the scenic ride to Aguas Calientes. - Limit Your Luggage
When traveling to Machu Picchu, keep in mind that only 5 kg (11 lbs) of luggage is allowed on the train to Machu Picchu. Travel light to make your journey more comfortable. - Pack Smart for the Day
We recommend carrying a small backpack with essentials for your Machu Picchu visit, including: - Camera to capture stunning views.
- A hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
- Mosquito repellent to keep insects at bay.
- A water bottle to stay hydrated during your exploration.
- Wear Comfortable and Non-Slippery Shoes. As you will be exploring the ancient terraces and climbing stairs at Machu Picchu, make sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip. This is essential for safely navigating the site’s uneven surfaces.
