The day before your adventure begins, you'll meet with your guide in the city of Cusco. During this short meeting, you'll receive all your tickets and entry passes, get a full rundown of the tour itinerary, and learn the exact pick-up time for the following morning. The guide will also share tips on how to organize your optional visit to the Alcamayo Waterfalls and the relaxing hot springs in Aguas Calientes. START - From Cusco to Ollantaytambo At the scheduled time, your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco. You’ll head to the Ollantaytambo train station via a comfortable minibus. Once there, you’ll be informed of your assigned train to Aguas Calientes. Please note that the guide will not accompany you on the train ride. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and offers stunning scenery, including snow-capped peaks, the winding Vilcanota River, lush semi-tropical zones, and glimpses of the high jungle.

Upon arrival at the Aguas Calientes train station, a team member will be waiting to escort you to your accommodation and confirm the pick-up time for your visit to Machu Picchu the next day. Once you’ve checked in, the afternoon is yours to relax and explore this charming mountain town, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. In addition to wandering through the charming streets of Machu Picchu town, Howlanders recommends two optional activities to make the most of your first day: Alcamayo Waterfalls: Embark on a scenic 1.5-hour hike from Aguas Calientes to reach the impressive Alcamayo Waterfalls—an ideal choice for nature lovers looking to stretch their legs and take in the lush surroundings. Aguas Calientes Hot Springs: Unwind in the natural hot springs of Machu Picchu Pueblo. For the best experience, we suggest visiting before 3:00 PM, as it tends to get crowded later in the afternoon with other travelers.