Days 1-2 – Cusco – Ollantaytambo
Today you’ll be collected from Cusco for a 2-hour journey into the Sacred Valley. You’ll stop in Ollantaytambo, a peaceful village on the railway line to Machu Picchu. You can visit the ancient fortress perched on the hills above the village (especially nice at sunrise), and there are lots of other interesting sites around the area. The town has a lovely relaxed atmosphere and some great places to eat and drink, and you’ll have plenty of free time to take it all in.
You will stay in a small, family-run hotel with lush gardens, where you can relax in a hammock, recharge and reflect. Sustainability is a key focus here. The hotel works to reduce their environmental impact and partners with REGENERA to help restore local ecosystems. A significant part of the hotel’s revenue goes towards projects that protect nature and support nearby communities, adding a more meaningful layer to your stay.
Day 3 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
This morning, you’ll take the train from Ollanta to Aguas Cailentes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Packed with travellers coming and going, there’s a lively, excited atmosphere to the town, which is famous for its natural hot springs. Here you’ll stay in simple hotel in the centre of town. Sip on a Pisco Sour, hike into the surrounding hills and try some traditional Andean cuisine.
Day 4 – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Today, you’ll be up before the sun to get to Machu Picchu for dawn. Arriving early, you can beat the tourist crowds, take a perch at the viewpoint and wait for the magic to happen. As the sun heats the valley, the wisps of mist wrapped around Machu Picchu will lift, revealing the Lost City of the Incas in its full glory. It’s a moment that you’re unlikely to forget.
Undiscovered until 1911, it’s a vast and spellbinding place which is difficult to compare. You’ll explore the ruins as part of a group, along with an official guide, in keeping with Peruvian Law introduced to protect the site. If you have the time and the stamina, you can climb one of the surrounding peaks before leaving the complex. Afterwards, you’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll wait to board your train for Cusco.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Upgrade to our In Style accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we have an alternative option available for your accommodation. Our In Style version is something a bit more special or unique but still with lots of local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your accommodation for this bite-sized trip select our In Style option below.