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Intrepid Travel · Independent Short Break

Machu Picchu by Train Independent Short Break

Three-day rail journey to Machu Picchu from Cusco via Sacred Valley

Illustration of Machu Picchu by Train Independent Short Break

Intrepid Travel's 3-day independent package delivers one of South America's most famous sites without the physical demands of a mountain trek. Starting in Cusco at 3,400 metres altitude, Day 1 allows time to acclimatise with an orientation walk through the city's colonial squares, local markets, and the Chocolate Museum. Day 2 moves through the Sacred Valley, a fertile region that fed the high Andes, visiting the Pisac ruins with views over the valley and the ancient settlement of Ollantaytambo before boarding a train to Aguas Calientes. Day 3 begins before dawn with a bus to Machu Picchu, where a local guide leads a 2-hour tour of the temples, palaces, and living quarters of the ancient site. The trip includes two nights in hotels, ground transport, the train journey, and entry to all sites, making it accessible to travellers who want to see Machu Picchu without trekking experience.

What to know before you look closer

  • The price from AUD 1,020 is for the package; flights to Peru are not included and must be booked separately.
  • Altitude in Cusco is 3,400 metres; Day 1 is designed for acclimatisation with minimal activity.
  • On Day 3, the guided tour at Machu Picchu follows a pre-determined circuit route; personal exploration after the tour is not permitted.
  • The optional Wayna Picchu mountain climb is not recommended or assisted by Intrepid leaders.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Cusco

    Cusco

    Welcome to Cusco – the heart and soul of Peru. Welcome meeting at 2 pm in the hotel lobby. Take it slow while your body adjusts to the altitude (3,400 m above sea level). After the meeting, your guide takes you on an orientation walk around Cusco: visit the facade of Qoricancha Temple, the local San Pedro market, the main square, the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square, San Blas Square and the Chocolate Museum where you can sample hot chocolate made from local cacao beans. Evening is free to explore at your own pace.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Aguas Calientes

    Cusco – Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes

    Pick-up from hotel at approximately 7–7:20 am. Head to the Sacred Valley (Wilcamayo), a lush and fertile valley that has long been the main food source for the high Andes. First stop: Pisac ruins with views over the Pisac Valley and town. Explore the market. Drive through fertile lands, stop for lunch in Urubamba, then continue to Ollantaytambo to visit the archaeological site. Board the train to Aguas Calientes, travelling through the winding Urubamba Valley and arriving in the cloud forest (2,040 m) at the foot of Machu Picchu. Travel time approximately 2 hours.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  3. Day 3rail

    Machu Picchu – Cusco

    After an early breakfast, catch a bus to Machu Picchu (first bus departs 5:30 am, estimated arrival 6–6:30 am). A local guide leads a 2-hour tour through the ruins – temples, palaces and living quarters. Visitors must follow a pre-determined circuit route; personal exploration after the guided visit is not permitted. Return to Cusco by train to Ollantaytambo then transfer to Cusco. Trip ends on arrival in Cusco. Do not book onward flights before 10 pm. Travel time approximately 3 hours.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Orientation walk through Cusco includes the Qoricancha Temple facade, San Pedro market, the 12 Angled Stone, and the Chocolate Museum.
  • Day 2Train journey winds through the Urubamba Valley from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
  • Day 3Early morning bus to Machu Picchu followed by a 2-hour guided tour of the temples, palaces, and living quarters.

Included

  • 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch
  • Hotel accommodation (2 nights)
  • Bus transport
  • Taxi transport
  • Train transport (Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and return)
  • Cusco orientation walk with guide
  • Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites)
  • Machu Picchu entrance and 2-hour guided tour
  • Sacred Valley day trip including Pisac ruins and Ollantaytambo
  • Hotel pick-up and transfers

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not listed in inclusions
  • Wayna Picchu mountain climb
  • Visa fees
  • Transport and guides for Boleto Turistico sites beyond what is included

Questions travellers ask

Is the train journey included?
Yes. Intrepid Travel includes the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and the return journey, along with all transfers and a guide.
Is this a group tour or independent?
It is an independent short break. You receive a welcome meeting, guided walks, and guided site tours, but are not part of a fixed group for the entire trip.
Which train operator runs the route?
Peru Rail or Inca Rail operates the service from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes; Intrepid Travel does not specify which operator you will use.
What meals are included?
Two breakfasts and one lunch are included. Other meals are at your own expense.
Do I need to climb to reach Machu Picchu?
No. An early morning bus takes you to the site, and a 2-hour guided tour is included. No hike is required.
What does the single supplement cost?
Single accommodation is from AUD 1,420, compared to the double from AUD 1,020.

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