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Machu Picchu may be the thing to draw you in, but the breathtaking cloud forests, ancient Incan ruins, and awe-inspiring panoramas will stick with you for a lifetime. Make a short stop in Ollantaytambo and spend the night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes with a freshly prepared celebratory dinner. Get some rest and enjoy the striking sunrise above the Andes and a three-hour guided walking tour with an English-speaking guide before returning to Aguas Calientes.
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Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Depart Cusco at 8 am and travel to Chinchero by bus for a quick look around. From here, your private transport takes you to Ollantaytambo, the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti who ruled the area in the 15th century. Your guide will give you a tour of these interesting ruins before giving you some free time to do some shopping or wander the streets of this unique village. You need to be at the Ollantaytambo train station by 1 pm or 3 pm, depending on your group, to board the Expedition Train. Grab a quick bite at the highly recommended Hearts Cafe.
After a 90-minute train ride through the magnificent Vilcanota canyon, you’ll arrive at Aguas Calientes. Check-in at your hotel and indulge in some souvenir shopping or try out the hot springs that Aguas Calientes is famous for! You will have dinner with your guide and group, before getting to bed early as you will be up before dawn.
Meals: Dinner
Note: You need to buy a Boleto Turistico for $55 to visit these sites, not included in the package.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
You will be up before dawn to take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, beating the crowds and having the opportunity to see this World Heritage site in the early morning light. Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour of the site and spend some time exploring this amazing site on your own before taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and returning to Cusco via train and bus. This tour is highly recommended for those that want to experience Machu Picchu at dawn and would like to spend more time at the site.
Meals: Box lunch
Note: Permits for Huayna Picchu cost an additional $15 and need to be organized at the time of booking.
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