MACHU PICCHU TOUR BY EXPEDITION TRAIN – 1-DAY
We wake up early for the big day we have all been waiting for ahead of us. Pick -up is at 4:00am from your hotel lobby before driving in our Orange Nation´s private van to Ollantaytambo Train Station to catch the 6:10 am train. The drive goes through the alpine meadows lying amongst the various mountains with colorful peaks, beautiful valleys, Inca farming terraces built by hand in the form of amphitheaters, snowcapped mountains and sub-tropical jungle along the way to Aguas Calientes; the town at the base of Machu Picchu. The sacred Vilcanota River will accompany us throughout the trip until we have arrived in Aguas Calientes.
Our guide will be waiting for us at the train station in Aguas Calientes when we arrive at approximately 7:30 am and take us up to Machu Picchu on a shuttle bus. We will begin our adventure exploring the Lost City of the Incas with a 2 hour guided tour of the site seeing many of the important places and learning the ancient history of Machu Picchu.
After the tour, when you have had your fill of the incredible views of Machu Picchu, we take a bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes lunch is waiting with numerous restaurants to choose from (lunch not included). There might be some time for shopping, or sightseeing depending on how long your lunch takes.
The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 4:22pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. You can expect to arrive at your hotel about 8:00pm.
EXPEDITION CLASS TRAIN
Expedition service leaves from Ollantaytambo – Located about a 2 hour drive from Cusco, depending on traffic.
This is a more economical train experience with all the quality and benefits of Peru rail has to offer.
*** There is not enough time in this tour to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
*** If you wish to do the extra hike, you can book an extra night in Aguas Calientes for yourself and let us know so we can book the train departure a day later. Please let us know at booking.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- 4 am transfer from your hotel lobby to Ollantaytambo by private van
- Expedition train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Entrance ticket for Machu Picchu
- Two hour tour with English-speaking guide
- Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, then transfer to your hotel in Cusco
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is not possible with the time schedule
- Drinks
- Meals
- Tips for your guide
The Machu Picchu Tour is available on any date that is best for you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 participants.
| No. OF PEOPLE | PRICE |
| 2 to 8 people | $ 327 USD per person |
***Private service is available for $40 USD more per person.***
***All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 people with no more than 8 people!***
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Please read the following information carefully. It will help you answer all of your questions about our services and tour
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
We will pick you up from the Cusco airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading ORANGE Nation outside the arrivals. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangements).
THE BRIEFING
The briefing will be held the night before your trek at 6pm in our office ,which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Absolutely! While you are your tour to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.
HOW TO BOOK THE MACHU PICCHU TOUR
FIRST, you to fill out the booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click the link here – BOOK NOW.
Please have the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase the necessary entrance tickets to Machu Picchu or the train tickets without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.O.B. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 per person, in order to purchase your entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket. You can make your deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco and avoid the additional 5.5% International transaction fee. We have many ATMs within the historic center to withdraw money. You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address orangenationperu@gmail.com to complete the payment.
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30.
For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40.
Children under the age of 2 are free.
All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Sorry, the answer is No. Once the tickets for Machu Picchu have been purchased, the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the tickets have been bought. Tickets are also non refundable nor transferable. If you cancel your Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is non refundable!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT FOR THE MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
Definitely! You MUST bring your original passport with the same passport number you sent to us to book your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other entrances and reservations. They will check when you enter Machu Picchu and board the train.
In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, you must send us a COPY of your old passport to secure your permit, and we can change it when we have a COPY of your new passport or new name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to enter Machu Picchu and the train. If you do not have both, you will not be allowed to enter Machu Picchu or get on the train.
Remember to check your current passport to make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of your arrival to Peru!!! The Government of Peru is enforcing the existing law that requires all foreign travelers to have a passport valid for a minimum of six months past the time of entry into Peru. Peruvian authorities will deny entry into Peru for travelers not meeting this requirement.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON A MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
The weather is very unpredictable and always changing, so it is difficult to say with any certainty. We recommend that you be prepared for warm weather, possible rain (Orange Nation provides rain ponchos), and a warm jacket in case of the cold.
ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
Of Course! We will drop you off at your hotel when we return from the trek or tour. If you are staying in the Sacred Valley, we will pick you up and/or drop you off there as well!
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Welcome to Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, located at 11,152 ft (3,399 meters) above sea level, where lack of oxygen is the only thing that can prevent you from enjoying your trip. Don’t waste one day feeling sick, prevent altitude sickness before your trip to Cusco.
For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as shortness of breath, discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, and even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract Soroche Quechua for high-altitude sickness.
Don’t do anything other than rest
If you travel from Lima to Cusco, the effect can be immediate. Cusco literally takes your breath away. This lack of oxygen, scientifically known as hypoxia, begins to manifest itself at 7,874 ft (2,399 m) above sea level. That’s why right after landing in Cusco, visitors can feel fatigued and have difficulty walking. It is advisable to take it easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.
Stay hydrated
How do people feel after a night of drinking? Really thirsty! That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.
Discovering coca
No one knows the effects of high altitude better than indigenous people. Coca is the best natural medicine to combat altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its curative powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. It contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2, and calcium, among other nutrients. Coca makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb oxygen, suppresses hunger, combats fatigue, headaches and can ease your stomach. Try drinking coca tea, which is found in the lobbies of most hotels in Cusco.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip is appreciated. It means a lot to the staff and their families who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires better service and is a major part of the tourism industry across many ORANGE Nation destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you want, depending on how you feel about the quality of service and the length of your tour.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
We are a local, sustainable & responsible tour operator which functions according to the ethical principles of tourism. Protect the environment and help the indigenous communities by respecting their culture and religion. We have trained all of our staff to know, understand, and respect the local communities and the people living there.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING?
- A small daypack with 2-3L water to drink
- Snacks
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera and rain jacket or poncho
- A fleece or jacket, basic toiletries
- Hat for the sun , sunscreen, insect repellent
- Passport (you cannot board the train or enter Machu Picchu without your passport)
- Money for souvenirs, drinks, food and tips
Christian B
10/10 Amazing experience
If you’re thinking about which agency to use, look no further- Ray and Jimmy went well above and beyond and made this a memorable, safe, fun, and professional experience.
Ray is the most knowledgeable guide I’ve ever had in any country for any excursion - during both the Short Inka Trail and the actual tour of Machu Picchu, Ray’s expertise shined through in his ability to give us a detailed background on every aspect of the history, climate, nature, flora, animals.. anything!
Likewise, Ray and Jimmy were truly the friendliest, kindest hosts that I could have imagined our group having.
Thank you both so much and I will definitely book with you again if (when) I come back!
Matt A
Awesome experience!!
Did the 2 day Inca trail with Ray and Jimmy they were great and knowledgeable. Ray not only guided us along trail to Machu Picchu but also was an excellent photographer and taught us the history. It was a group of 10 and we had a great time. Even everything going on in Peru, we always felt in good hands.
Rius
Short Inca Trial (2-Day)
This tour was the perfect experience for our (group of 10) short trip to Peru. The trail was sometimes challenging, but the views and history made it all worth it. Ray and Jimmy were our guides and imparted sooo much knowledge about the history of Peru, Inca, and beyond. I would definitely recommend!