2-Day Excursion: Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Small Group Service
Overview
Inclusions
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- English or Spanish speaking guide.
- Tour Sacred Valley of the Incas
- One night in a 3 star hotel, breakfast included.
- Guided tour to Machu Picchu
- Tickets to Machu Picchu.
- Round trip bus tickets in Machupicchu
- Roundtrip train tickets
- Transportation back from Ollanta to Cusco.
- 2x Lunch
- Accommodation included: 1 night
- Entry/Admission - Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu
What to expect
Day 1: CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY – “AGUAS CALIENTES”
Stop At: Sacred Valley of the Incas, 0051 Peru
The tour start in Cusco at 7:30 AM, we will pick up you from your hotel 10 or 15 minutes before leaving, then we will travel by our private car to the sacred valley of the inkas for around 45 minutes, on the way we will stop in strategical points to have a nice view of the sacred valley, once we arrive to Pisaq we will visit the famous typical market of crafts and the archeological inka site of Pisac, where we will see picturesque agriculture terraces on the mountain and beautifull inka temples. Then we head to the town of Urubamba where we have the lunch in one of the restourants located there, they usually offer buffet lunch (this lunch is optional and cost $ 20 USD per person). After lunch we visit the fortress of Ollantaytambo, where descendants of the Incas are still living in the inkas houses, finally we will go to the train station to board the train which leaves at 3:37 pm to Aguas Calientes town where we arrive at 5:00 PM aproximately.
Overnight at the hotel in Aguas Calientes town.
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: One night in a 3-star hotel, breakfast included
Day 2: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
Stop At: Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Peru
This day we will start very early and after breakfast we board the first bus, we will travel for about 30 minutes to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu. We will have a guided tour of 2 hours to visit the most important places of Machu Picchu. Once the visit is finished, you will have free time to visit Machu Picchu on your own (optional, climb to the mountain Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu, this costs $ 25 USD extra per person).
You can also do hike to the sun gate or the Inka bridge, for these 02 places there are no additional payments.
At the appropriate time, we will take the bus and descend from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Ollantaytambo and then by car to Cusco, the time of arrival in Cusco will be approximately at 8:00 PM.
End of services.
Duration: 9 minutes
Meals included:
•
No accommodation included on this day.
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
Cancellation
This tour was absolutely terrible and stressful. As a solo travel the last thing I wanted was to feel like I was thrown to the wolves to fend for myself. Not to mention this was more expensive than what you can find if you book with some of the other tours on Viator or simply if you decide to boo...
This tour was absolutely terrible and stressful. As a solo travel the last thing I wanted was to feel like I was thrown to the wolves to fend for myself. Not to mention this was more expensive than what you can find if you book with some of the other tours on Viator or simply if you decide to book once you get to Cusco. I would avoid this, and book elsewhere. The different parts of the tour is outsourced to smaller groups so you will always be unsettled and confused and feel not taken care of. There was absolutely no confirmation (other than the Viator email) from the tour company about the details of the tour. I started calling the direct number given by Viator at least a week in advance but no response. I emailed as well no luck. Finally called viator to get some help- this is all the day before the tour by the way. I was in Peru with no cell service so I had to pay to be making these calls. Viator said someone would contact me within two hours- nope no one did. Called back the Viator rep said, the last representative didn't even email or contact the tour company she just made a note on the reservation. So frustrating and not to mention stressful because I was supposed to leave the next day for the tour and had no idea when or who was picking me up. Eventually, the second Viator rep got through but the person answering didn't speak English so he emailed them. It sounded like they kind of understood that I had a tour tomorrow. Eventually, I got a Whatsapp message about 8pm the night before the tour that had my train ticket attached that’s all. Again so odd, no confirmation. I have used Viator before and usually, you get a lot more details and reassurance from the tour company. I asked when I was being picked up they said between 8:10-8:20. The next day the pick up service showed up before I was ready but hadn't checked out yet so it took me about 5-10 minutes to check out but the person kept rushing me saying we are late. I tried my best to accommodate that but again I was told I would be picked up between 8:10-8:20. Once I was picked up they stopped at 3-4 more places and got a bunch of people and we were off. The guide spoke Spanish for the first 15 minutes before realizing I don't speak a word of Spanish. But he was very well informed and accommodating considering I Was the only English speaking guest. The tour of the sacred valley was disappointing, we stopped at two shopping spots and two archeological sites. All of it rushed, you will not get any time anywhere. They also didn't take us to a spot that was listed in the original itinerary. I wish I took screenshots because the itinerary has since been updated which sucks. Pisaq was nice the guide gave us a good history. I kept asking my guide about who is picking me up from Machu Pichu station and he is like that service is not included. I asked about Machu Picchu entrance ticket and he confidently told me none of that is included on this tour. Nonetheless I was freaking out at this point. He said I would have to buy my own ticket and bus tickets to get there the next day. Eventually I had him call his contacts and he apologized and said it was all included. The reason he had no idea was because the tour company that is listed on Viator outsourced their service to random small tour companies. The entire time you don’t feel taken care of because the tour guys are not taking ownership and shrugging saying well you didn't book with us you have to contact your agent. Let me tell you about the hell ollantaytambo was. That was the last stop for the day before taking the train. Before we get there I was informed that we have to take our luggage with us before we get out of the car because after the visit you have to walk to the train station. I had a backpack with all my luggage and there was no way I could carry that around for 40 minutes (that was the time we got to visit such a magnificent site of ollantaytambo) At the end I left my bag in the van rushed back down to grab my bag and walked to the train station. I was not informed I would be walking myself to the station or I would have packed accordingly. Really really poor communication or rather no communication at all. I had to walk 10-15 minutes with a heavy bag. Not cool. The train ride to Machu Picchu is pleasant and stunning, didn't get a window seat but no complaints there. Once I got there someone picked me up, the hotel was decent and decent breakfast. At this point I still don’t know what time I am going to Macchu Picchu the next day, I don’t have my bus or entrance tickets. The front desk finally got me some help and said your guide will come to visit you tonight at 8:30. The guide who came, first thing he asks me is where is your ticket to Machu Picchu and I am so confused because I thought he would give me that. So he tells me well looks like there is no ticket for you and you will not be able to go tomorrow morning but we can try to take you at 11. And I said this is a bit ridiculous and he kept mocking me and threw up his hands saying this is not my problem this is your tour company. I gave him a number of Raul (who had been sending me Whatsapp messages) so he contacted him and then the guide says oh yeah we have your ticket but no bus ticket. Can you imagine the horror that you get all the way to Machu Picchu but no idea if you will be seeing it the next day. The next day I get to the designated spot, a 10 minute walk from the hotel in POURING RAIN. No complaints it’s the weather, its totally okay. But what's not okay is me having to wait in line to buy my own ticket. The guide hands me money and says okay buy ticket and meet me here. I am like what? Anyway at that point its early, everyone is soaking wet it is what it is. The whole point of paying a tour group is everything is taken care of for you but welp nope not in this case. I finally go back to the spot, the group is gone and turns out they had lined up for the bus already. Thank God I recognized someone from the group and followed him. Get to Macchu Picchu and we are split in an English speaking and Spanish speaking group. The tour guides are knowledgeable for sure. But after the first stop I look around the group is gone. They said 10 minutes and I am making my way back to the meeting spot to find they have moved on. They didn't call or anything to say we are moving up. No big deal. Except the tour guide "lost" one of the girls on the group and we didn't find her at all for the remainder of the tour. Hopefully she got her information regardless. The tour guide ended the tour on the top so when you're walking in the ruins below you kind of have to guess what's what. It would have been good to have some guided information while in the ruins. Finally, I get back to the hostel and had to confirm who is picking me up at the train station to take me back. Hour later I got that confirmation. It was two days of hell, I was thoroughly frazzled and stressed the entire time. Save your money and book locally. I would recommend to not use this tour company or even Viator.Grateful to the Amaru Explorer team, I was delighted and they exceeded all my expectations for this trip. Machupicchu is truly amazing and enchanting.
Grateful to the Amaru Explorer team, I was delighted and they exceeded all my expectations for this trip. Machupicchu is truly amazing and enchanting.Best priced, super small groups and efficient tour. My Husband and I decided for our honeymoon to visit Cabo in Mexico and then come to Peru directly after to visit Cusco, Sacred Valley and of course the magnificent Machu Picchu! We were only in Peru 4 days so we wanted to rest, see the main sig...
Best priced, super small groups and efficient tour. My Husband and I decided for our honeymoon to visit Cabo in Mexico and then come to Peru directly after to visit Cusco, Sacred Valley and of course the magnificent Machu Picchu! We were only in Peru 4 days so we wanted to rest, see the main sights and leave. We avoided altitude sickness by drinking liquid Chlorophyll. Chlorophyll has a similar molecular structure to human blood. Chlorophyll increases the amount of red blood cells in the human blood, which increases the protein Hemoglobin that carries oxygen. We did not use the pills we were given from our doctor before leaving the USA. Chlorophyll work wonderfully! Two days before our tour emailed Raúl, the representative of the travel agency South America Exploor. He confirmed our reservation. The company has tours daily and they are “Pros”! They will make sure they pick you up on time and get you to where you need to go! From the moment I met our first guide Juan Carlo I knew we were in store for a excellent and fun day in the Sacred Valley! He is very intelligent, beyond knowledgeable and fun! Juan Carlo will ensure you have a great time/day in the Sacred Valley and Olltambuyo. Mild gripe and something they can work on is allowing an additional 30 minutes to shop in the Famous Pisac Market directly after visiting the Sacred Valley before heading to lunch! In my opinion this was one of the best shopping areas in the region. The gem shop we stop at was very Insightful on life, energy and gems. Just needed more time to explore other stores! I love to shop! After lunch we took a 4pm train ride to Aquas Calientes (Hot Waters). It was a nice time of day to take the train, because there was still sunlight out. You are able to see the natural and magnificent beauty outside the train while you trek up to the city along the side of the phenomenal Urubamba River/Amazon River. When we arrived in Aguas Calientes we were greeted by the fabulous Hotel Host Diana! She was beyond nice, very informative about Aquas Calientes and where to eat! The hotel is a 4 min walk from the train. Extremely close. I asked Diana what her favorite restaurant was and she recommend Mapacho Craft Beer & Peruvian Cuisine. The restaurant was not only delicious, but quite the party and super fun. They even gave the husband and I two complimentary Pisco Sours!! Mmmmm Our magnificent tour guide Marcial came looking for us the night we arrived in Aquas Calientas to discuss the our tour to Macchu Picchu. We missed meeting him that night as we were enjoying our time and partying late at the Mapacho Restaraunt! Marcial left our tickets with Diana. He met us at 5:45 AM at the hotel, then we caught the bus to the Magnificat Machu Picchu. It is everything you have dreamed about and more! Having Marcial as our guide made it even more spectacular! He is positive, spiritual, extremely passionate and LOVES what he does! He is educated and has a degree in tourism as well! Beyond knowledgeable and fun to spend time with. After our Machu Picchu tour concluded my husband reminded Marcial that we had a second day lunch included in our tour package. Marcial took us to the designated restaraunt which was Tupana Wasi (II) for our lunch and joined us. We had a lot of laughs and the food was incredible! The food was some of the best we had in Peru! My only other mild gripe besides not having enough time to shop was having to take the return train so late at 7pm. My recommendation to the tour company would be to book the train between 3-4pm. This would give you time to eat after Machu Picchu then be able to take the train in sun light to Ollytambuyo, see the beauty outside and arrive to Cusco at a decent hour instead of in the dark at 11pm at night. Other than that, this excursion will not disappoint! Excellent Excursion. Thank you South America Exploor travel agency!For anyone going to Machu Picchu via tour group service. Please read this review, as a first time goer to Machu Picchu and South America. I've learnt a lot and enjoyed so many things about Peru. Now for these tour groups - There are several things you need to brace yourself for in advance before...
For anyone going to Machu Picchu via tour group service. Please read this review, as a first time goer to Machu Picchu and South America. I've learnt a lot and enjoyed so many things about Peru. Now for these tour groups - There are several things you need to brace yourself for in advance before going on them. 1) Early starts - You will begin the journey in your hotel in Cuzco to catch the train to Aquas Calientes usually in the evening where you will stay the night at a random hotel or hostel. These usually provide some sort of breakfast in the morning. But you have to get up at 5am to check out and catch the bus at 6am where you will still have to wait for the tour guide. 2) Dealing with lots of uncertainty - I didnt receive any tickets, accommodation details only until 2 hours prior the tour begins/catching your bus or train. Despite booking months in advance and asking for details beforehand. You will have to go on a gut instinct as I had to WhatsApp message the tour group, what exactly was going on. And they only drip fed the information. For example, I didnt know which bus to take as I had no bus ticket. I get a message that the hotel staff will print it out for me and another person will drop off my Machu Picchu ticket when I arrive. 3) Control your bladder Toilet stops are a luxury as they will make sure you go see everything in a limited amount of time. So the tour group essentially divides the tourists to smaller tour group so they can get a profit too from what I observed. This is fine but what happens is that everyone experiences different levels of quality. I enjoyed the tours with Elizabeth for Sacred Valley and Raul did his best but felt like he rushed the tour.The guides -Julio day one & Augustine day two- were beyond patient, great command of English, and just pneomenal! We had three young women (two are amputees) with us that enjoy photography and with that both guides were extremely patient. We were met both times when debarking the train with our ...
The guides -Julio day one & Augustine day two- were beyond patient, great command of English, and just pneomenal! We had three young women (two are amputees) with us that enjoy photography and with that both guides were extremely patient. We were met both times when debarking the train with our name on a sign (which could of been stressful). The transportation - buses and cars- were very clean, hotel was clean and comfortable. The trip was just as advertised and I would highly recommend it! IT WAS A GREAT TIME!Con esta excursión visite el Valle Sagrado y Machupicchu en 2 dias, todo fue excelente (guias, transporte y comidas). Recomiendo llevar impermeable para la lluvia. 100 % recomendable.
Con esta excursión visite el Valle Sagrado y Machupicchu en 2 dias, todo fue excelente (guias, transporte y comidas). Recomiendo llevar impermeable para la lluvia. 100 % recomendable.