DAY 1: Cusco to Santa Teresa – Journey to Refreshing Hot Springs

Begin your adventure by meeting at the Machu Picchu Reservation Office in Cusco at 6:30 a.m. From there, embark on a picturesque six-hour drive to Santa Teresa. Upon arriving in Santa Teresa, enjoy a delicious lunch in the town before heading to the naturally heated hot springs to relax and rejuvenate. After a few hours soaking in the therapeutic waters, continue your journey by car to Lucmabamba. In Lucmabamba, savor a tasty dinner and spend the night camping in tents, surrounded by the peacefulness of nature.

DAY 2: Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes – Discovering Llactapata and Hidroelectrica

On the second day, explore the fascinating Llactapata, an Inca ruin located along the Salkantay trail. This spot offers a unique view of Machu Picchu from a different perspective.

Start your day with an early breakfast at 6:00 a.m. Then, from Lucmabamba, undertake a three-hour uphill hike along the ancient Inca path to the captivating ruins of Llactapata. Take your time to enjoy the stunning views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains, and if the weather is clear, you might even see the impressive Salkantay Mountain.

Next, descend for two hours to Hidroelectrica, where you’ll have a nutritious lunch and a well-deserved break. The final part of the day involves a scenic three-hour walk along the train tracks to reach Aguas Calientes.

Upon arriving in the charming village, you’ll be taken to your lodge for a refreshing shower and some relaxation. At 7:00 p.m., gather for a final dinner at a local restaurant before retiring for the night, eagerly anticipating your visit to Machu Picchu.

DAY 3: Machu Picchu – Exploring the Ancient Citadel and Returning to Cusco

Machu Picchu Visit:

From Aguas Calientes, you have two options to reach Machu Picchu’s main gate:

1. Hike: Embark on a scenic 1.5-hour walk starting around 4:30 a.m. Begin at your hotel in Aguas Calientes and walk to Puente Ruinas, taking about 30 minutes. At Puente Ruinas, present your Machu Picchu tickets and original passports to gain entry. Then, hike uphill approximately 1,700 steps to reach the main gate of Machu Picchu, a journey that typically takes between one to one and a half hours. Upon arrival, join your group and guide to explore the ancient Inca citadel.
2. Bus: Alternatively, take a convenient bus ride costing $12. Purchase your bus ticket either the night before or on the morning of your visit. Buses depart from Aguas Calientes at 5:30 a.m., and the ride to Machu Picchu takes about 30 minutes. Upon arrival, meet your group and guide around 6:00 a.m. to begin your exploration of the remarkable site.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu:

• Your package includes a Machu Picchu ticket, typically for CIRCUIT 02, subject to availability. If CIRCUIT 02 is unavailable, CIRCUIT 03 or 04 will be provided. It is advisable to book early to secure your preferred circuit.
• An experienced tour guide will lead you on a 2.5-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, covering the circuit specified by your ticket. The guide will provide historical insights and highlight significant locations within the site, allowing time for photographs and enjoying the stunning views.
• After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own. If you’ve arranged to hike Huayna Picchu (which requires advance booking and costs $60 per person), your guide will direct you to the starting point for a hike that takes no more than two hours round-trip.
• Alternatively, you can choose to hike Machu Picchu Mountain instead of Huayna Picchu. This more challenging hike takes at least three hours for the round trip and also costs $60 per person.
• For those opting for the mountain hikes, it is recommended to return to Cusco by train to allow more time for exploration. If you prefer to return by car, consider spending an additional night in Aguas Calientes and departing from the Hydroelectric station on the sixth day to fully enjoy the mountain experience.

Return to Cusco:

After experiencing Machu Picchu, choose between two convenient return options to Cusco:

By Car:

• Begin your walk from Machu Picchu to Hidroelectrica around 10:30 a.m., a trek that usually takes three to three and a half hours.
• Arrive at Hidroelectrica by 2:00 p.m. to catch the car departing at 2:30 p.m.
• The car journey from Hidroelectrica to Cusco takes approximately six hours, arriving around 9:30 p.m. and dropping you off in Cusco’s city center.

By Train:

• After visiting Machu Picchu, walk down to Aguas Calientes, which takes 1.5 hours, or take a 30-minute bus for $12.
• Once in Aguas Calientes, explore the town and have lunch before returning to your hotel to collect your belongings and head to the train station.
• Board a train to Ollantaytambo at either 2:30 p.m. or 2:55 p.m., depending on availability. The 1.5-hour train ride offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
• Upon arriving in Ollantaytambo, a pre-arranged transfer with Machu Picchu Reservations will take you back to Cusco, a two-hour journey, arriving around 6:30 p.m. and dropping you off in the city center.