Begin your day with a shuttle ride up the winding mountain road to Machu Picchu. In the company of your private expert guide, explore the mystical ruins, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial stonework that define this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The panoramic views of Huayna Picchu Mountain serve as a stunning backdrop as you uncover the secrets and spiritual essence of the ancient citadel.
After your immersive tour, descend once more to Aguas Calientes by shuttle, then board the Vistadome train for your return to Cusco. Sit back and enjoy the changing landscapes during the four-hour journey to Poroy Station, where your private driver and English-speaking representative will be waiting to escort you to your hotel.
Please note, strict luggage restrictions apply aboard the Vistadome:
1) Only one piece of hand luggage is permitted per guest, weighing a maximum of 11 lbs (5 kgs). 2) Hand luggage cannot be larger than 62 linear inches. Baggage that exceeds weight or measurement restrictions will not be permitted. Please speak to your LolaRoute Expert for more information.
Board a shuttle bus in Aguas Calientes and begin the 30-minute ascent up Machu Picchu Mountain on a switchback road carved into the mountainside. Buses depart frequently, leaving Aguas Calientes approximately every 30 minutes.
Steeped in mystery, the mountain citadel of Machu Picchu has dazzled visitors since its discovery by American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Believed to have been constructed sometime around 1450 CE and abandoned just over a century later, it is one of the world’s most prized heritage sites, and for good reason; complementing a fascinating history and incredible architecture are unforgettable views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the wild Urubamba River some 2,000 feet below. Your LolaRoute Specialist and your private guide will be catering to your personal interests and providing an informative overview of the history and architecture of this ancient citadel, gain a firsthand understanding of – and intimate appreciation for – the pièce de résistance in Peruvian travel. Depending on the timing of your arrival, you will visit the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel found atop Machu Picchu, to enjoy a leisurely lunch either before or after your in-depth tour.
Board a shuttle bus at the entrance to Machu Picchu and make the 30-minute return to nearby Aguas Calientes. Shuttle buses depart frequently, leaving Machu Picchu approximately every 30 minutes.
Accomodation: Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel.