This 2-day itinerary connects the cultural foundations of the Inca Empire with its most iconic destination. Begin in Cusco, exploring the temples and archaeological sites that defined the imperial capital, before continuing by train to Machu Picchu the following day.
It’s the perfect introduction to the Andes, combining history, architecture, and one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations in a compact, well-paced journey.
Begin your experience in Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire and today a living blend of Andean and colonial heritage.
Your tour starts with a visit to Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), the most important religious center of the Inca Empire, later transformed during the Spanish colonial period.
From here, continue to the hills above the city to explore the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán, known for its massive stone walls and commanding views over Cusco.
The journey continues through nearby archaeological sites:
Each location reveals a different layer of Inca engineering, spirituality, and urban planning.
Return to Cusco in the late afternoon with a clear understanding of how the empire functioned, setting the stage for your visit to Machu Picchu.
An early start marks the transition from history to one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries.
Pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 4:00 AM, followed by transfer to Ollantaytambo station.
Board the Expedition Train and travel through the Sacred Valley, following the Urubamba River as the landscape shifts from high Andes to cloud forest.
Arrive in Aguas Calientes, where your guide will meet you and assist with the shuttle bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Enter Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the Inca Empire.
Enjoy a 2 to 3-hour guided tour, exploring:
Your guide will explain the architectural precision, spiritual significance, and historical theories behind the citadel, transforming the visit into a deeper cultural experience.
After the guided portion, enjoy free time to explore and take photos.
Return to Aguas Calientes by bus, with time for lunch before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo.
From there, private transport takes you back to Cusco.
Transportation & Logistics
Access & Discovery
Porterage & Safety
YOUR ADVENTURE. OUR EXPERTISE.
Guest Reviews
Real experiences from travelers who slept under the Andean sky
I never thought I could sleep in a luxury bed while staring at the Milky Way through a transparent dome. The Salkantay glacier right in front of you at sunrise — absolutely unreal. Worth every penny.
SkyDomeCamps - Sky DomeWe did the full Salkantay Trek and stayed at the dome on night two. After a hard day of hiking, coming back to a real bed, hot shower and that view of the mountain? Nothing compares to that.
SkyDomeCamps - Salkantay TrekI have camped across Patagonia and Nepal but nothing matched this. The dome is warm, beautifully designed and the silence at 4,600m is something else entirely. I woke up at 3am just to stare at the stars.
SkyDomeCamps - Sky Dome
