2 Days Machu Picchu by Train Tour & Sacred Valley: Is It Worth It?

Thinking about seeing Machu Picchu? A great way to do it, in just a short time, is the ‘2 Days Machu Picchu by Train with Sacred Valley’ tour. This tour is, really, quite popular, and it gives you the opportunity to check out the highlights of both the Sacred Valley and, well, Machu Picchu itself. Getting it right can really make a big difference in your experience, though. So, let’s explore the pros and cons and decide if it’s the right option for your trip.

First Impressions: Setting the Scene in Sacred Valley

The adventure starts, usually, in Cusco, a city way up in the Andes, so you want to spend some time there getting used to the height before doing anything else. Then, you get moving in the Sacred Valley. I have to say, the views are quite amazing, with these giant mountains sort of protecting the area. We went to some local spots, and the guides shared a little info about the history and how things are around there. Places such as Pisac or Ollantaytambo showed off some history, too it’s almost as if the area wanted to hold on to the heritage from before.

The drive to the Sacred Valley lets you see different things you wouldn’t spot just hanging out in Cusco. It gives you this feel for how life actually is in this area. In Pisac, you get to wander through the local market, which is, in fact, extremely colorful, and look at things made by locals – textiles and crafts and such. Keep your eyes peeled. Just a heads up, you’ll likely be pushed to purchase souvenirs! Remember, shopping can, actually, help the community, so it is always worth it if something grabs you!

Ollantaytambo has some great ruins; too it’s almost like traveling into the distant past. The location has, you know, some history being really old. And that’s important! Once we were done exploring Ollantaytambo, we made our way to the train, and that’s when the trip began moving forward. We sat back, checked out the views, and relaxed ahead of arriving in Aguas Calientes. All aboard!

Train Ride to Aguas Calientes: More Than Just Transportation

Now, the train to Aguas Calientes might seem like your everyday train, but believe me, it’s far more enjoyable than that. It becomes, really, a special experience. The ride follows along the Urubamba River, surrounded by hills that you just would not believe. The carriages have large windows, so you get to soak in every detail of nature’s masterpiece as the train moves. I’d suggest getting yourself a comfortable seat; it really enhances everything as it travels slowly into Aguas Calientes.

The PeruRail and Inca Rail trains offer this relaxing way to take in some stunning scenery, is that not so lovely? The views, especially, tend to be remarkable, so keep that camera out. There are food and drink services offered. Although they’re extra on top, the comforts really assist to settle you prior to stepping onto Machu Picchu’s ancient grounds. I believe a Pisco Sour really puts you in a vacation mindset!

After getting to Aguas Calientes, most trips include your lodging already ready and waiting. Once there, you can take some time and walk around Aguas Calientes; the little town provides stores and restaurants for one to unwind pre-Machu Picchu. Getting familiar with your surroundings as well, may, certainly, make exploring the site more peaceful.

Machu Picchu: Experiencing the Lost City

Alright, this is the highlight: Machu Picchu. Very early, so plan ahead, the guide makes sure everything’s smooth with the line, and then you get into the lost city. Being right in front of these structures made by the Incas, with those mountains just hanging about nearby, is just quite the view. Make sure to find somewhere to stand and soak it all up as you breathe it all in.

A decent guide will definitely fill you in with historical tidbits. So you may actually understand the meaning and history of the place. You’ll stroll around the Primary Plaza, check out the Sun Temple, and then understand how the Incas put all these perfect rocks in place, all these moons ago. If possible, walk about while picturing those living there once; it may well alter how one sees those old ruins.

Depending upon what tour you picked, sometimes you are able to get extra hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. In case you’re up for the trip, they each deliver awesome viewpoints; though, you probably need to secure the place to ascend well beforehand. Whether you get involved with the hikes or simply stroll those main paths; those perspectives coming from Machu Picchu tend to be amazing to consider for yourself.

What to Expect: Physical Demands and Altitude

Heads up! You need to know that the altitude can be tricky when visiting Machu Picchu, like your body getting confused. Both Cusco, that is almost always the initial stop, and Machu Picchu happen to be at altitudes that, for some people, really, may cause some sickness. I definitely tell travelers to just take things calm to start with; that is something super important to prevent illness. Try drinking coca tea too; some swear it assists your adjustment.

Also, do recall those areas round Machu Picchu tend to be uphill, sometimes, testing physical stamina, even slightly. When it comes to physical condition, being moderately fit enables the excursion considerably easier. In order to prepare yourself, go on walks consistently and, for real enthusiasts, integrate hiking for preparing the body for some walking over bumpy or inclined surfaces that could come up on location during the Machu Picchu tour.

Don’t be shy! The tempo should remain what feels appropriate. Make certain that there’s time left, when needed, for taking rests coupled with hydrating correctly – the elements assist significantly by preserving energy yet sustaining top quality throughout those expeditions with either city streets near Cusco plus routes running down to or on Machu Picchu ruins.

Accommodation and Food: What’s on Offer?

Normally those two day Machu Picchu via Train journeys contain accommodation located near Aguas Calientes which varies by cost although standard-wise every single area includes those basics wanted by all such as clean bedrooms while decent bathrooms for comfort following those busy days.

Try seeing what individuals thought pertaining to past travels as it can offer quite reliable info; I certainly checked prior. Food choices have all; standard Peruvian dishes besides foreign choices situated inside town- giving the prospect being versatile when eating when visiting Machu Picchu for several experiences plus meals; there’s something good suited right no matter tastes plus affordability degrees that travelers may possess at a given visit span!

I tell people testing classic dishes like Lomo Saltado possibly trout ceviche allows one for linking far more tightly with Peru’s culture that would, also, increase feelings experienced by these amazing moments through travels there that simply feel special, very.

Choosing the Right Tour Operator: Key Considerations

Okay, seriously, tour operators vary so it may well prove fundamental conducting the careful screening of options by researching, as your place. One aspect definitely involves confirming permits, specifically those to see both Inca Trails also additional areas requiring ahead consent, that way reducing hitches possibly difficulties later; and thus doing checks ensures dependability!

I strongly advise checking for traveler opinions along websites since often, traveler experiences demonstrate quite thoroughly of trip excellency, just what client treatment methods have got going by with; these aspects let someone gauge how smooth and joyful one certain package might turn out following acquisition . See any package elements also! What meals may that include- exist tickets inside locations mentioned: those could become essential as you’re costing trips versus personal wishes!

Those skilled guides frequently enhance trips greatly which enables everyone understand deeper both old contexts plus significance through Machu Picchu & all area around them. Those skilled, definitely are prepared giving special points possibly accounts developing special impressions of history associated alongside all location aspects!

Is This Tour Right for You?: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Okay so here’s like all final verdict when concerning if Machu Picchu on two dayers with a rail rides including parts on the Holy Valley fit great. It feels as that great selection if you might squeeze time mainly by yet hoping grab awesome pieces stemming off the place, really including checking holy valley aside when having train journeys by themselves which can appear lovely!

It doesn’t work nicely given tight finances possibly anyone expecting deeply immersion concerning historical zones; such travellers perhaps should assess further slower choices getting more intensive in some given historical pieces. One needs contemplate altitude parts or demands made physically! Make this one wonderful escape considering precisely ones specific targets are together through comfort settings when it gets about exploration through world wonder that truly touches through deep ways within.

Just make time to appreciate a moment inside ruins since there is nothing like absorbing any awesome vista through world that just shines inside stories of our history plus civilization at some point once with something touching. Really amazing; so much history here!