Machu Picchu By Observatory Train: An Unforgettable Experience
Experience the magic of the Machu Picchu By Observatory Train, the most scenic way to enjoy a Machu Picchu Full Day Tour from Cusco.
This Machu Picchu One Day Tour combines luxury, breathtaking landscapes, and history as you travel through the Sacred Valley on the exclusive Observatory Train. With panoramic windows, fine dining, and stunning views of the Andes, this Machu Picchu Day Trip by Train offers the perfect balance of comfort and adventure. From boarding in Ollantaytambo to arriving at the Lost City of the Incas, every detail of this full day visit to Machu Picchu is designed to make your journey unforgettable.
With Tunqui Expeditions, your Machu Picchu One Day Guided Tour includes private experts, seamless logistics, and guaranteed departures for the best one day tour to Machu Picchu.
Whether you call it the Machu Picchu Express Day Tour, the Machu Picchu Day Trip Package, or the Cusco to Machu Picchu One-Day Excursion, this all-inclusive adventure ensures you discover the wonder of Machu Picchu in comfort and style. Don’t miss the chance to book the ultimate Machu Picchu Day Tour – Cusco’s top-rated one-day experience.
Machu Picchu By Observatory Train – Full Day Tour from Cusco
Join our Machu Picchu By Observatory Train tour from Cusco and journey to one of the most breathtaking places on Earth – the legendary Lost City of the Incas. Travel through stunning Andean landscapes aboard the Observatory Train, with its panoramic windows and open-air balcony, before arriving at Machu Picchu, home to wonders like the famous Temple of the Sun.
Experience the magic of ancient ruins set against misty mountains – a true photographer’s dream and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. This Machu Picchu Day Trip by Train is designed for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an unforgettable journey to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Highlights of the Machu Picchu One Day Tour
Start and end the tour at your hotel in Cusco
Scenic private ride through the Andes to Ollantaytambo
Board the Observatory Train with panoramic views
Explore the Lost City of the Incas with expert guides
Visit iconic sites, including the Temple of the Sun
Round-trip travel to Cusco in a single day
Why Choose the Observatory Train?
Unmatched Scenic Views: Admire the beauty of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River through wide panoramic windows and an exclusive open-air observatory.
Luxury & Comfort: Spacious seating, attentive service, and a premium travel experience that makes your journey as memorable as Machu Picchu itself.
Cultural Connection: Discover Peru’s heritage with landscapes, local communities, and on-board experiences that immerse you in Inca culture.
Book Your Machu Picchu Day Trip Now
Don’t miss the chance to explore Machu Picchu By Observatory Train – the most scenic and comfortable way to reach this world wonder. With breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and expert guidance, this is truly the best one-day tour to Machu Picchu. Book today and make your dream adventure a reality!
Itinerary
1
Day
Machu Picchu By Observatory Train
Unforgettable Machu Picchu One Day Tour by Observatory Train
Begin your unforgettable Machu Picchu Day Trip By Observatory Train with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Enjoy a scenic two-hour drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with stunning views of the Urubamba mountain range, until you arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station.
Here, you will board the famous Observatory Train, one of the most incredible rail journeys in the world. This 1 hour 45 minute ride will take you to the charming town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you’ll admire breathtaking landscapes: ancient Inca farming terraces, vibrant local communities, and the Urubamba River flowing beside you as the train winds through the valley.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, a short shuttle bus will bring you to the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu. With your professional English-speaking guide, enjoy a 2–3 hour guided tour of the most important temples, terraces, and ceremonial sites. Afterwards, you’ll have time to explore at your own pace and feel the magic of this New Wonder of the World.
After the visit, return by shuttle to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time for lunch before boarding the Observatory Train back to Ollantaytambo. Your private driver will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, completing this Machu Picchu One Day Tour – a full-day experience you will never forget.
Note: Machu Picchu entrance tickets are limited. We recommend booking your Machu Picchu Full Day Tour from Cusco at least 2 months in advance.
What’s Included & Not Included Machu Picchu By Observatory Train
Our Machu Picchu By Observatory Train – Full Day Tour is designed to give you a seamless, all-inclusive experience from start to finish. With private transfers, first-class train service, and a professional guide by your side, you can focus on enjoying one of the world’s greatest wonders while we take care of every detail.
INCLUDES
Personalized pick-up from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley
Comfortable private van transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
Round-trip journey on the Vistadome Observatory Train
Shuttle bus service to and from Machu Picchu
Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Exquisite lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel (next to Machu Picchu)
Professional private tour guide accompanying you from hotel to hotel
Drop-off at your hotel at the end of the tour
DOES NOT INCLUDE
Breakfast
Travel insurance
Additional meals or services not mentioned above
Before you go Machu Picchu By Observatory Train
Travel Information – Tunqui Expeditions
At Tunqui Expeditions, we want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and carefree as possible. This section answers the most common questions about traveling with us. Please read the following carefully—it will help you prepare for your Machu Picchu One Day Trip From Cusco or any of our other tours.
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, simply contact us—we’ll be happy to assist you.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Yes. During your trip, your main luggage can be safely stored at our office (arranged during your pre-departure briefing or via email) or at your hotel, free of charge.
Any equipment not needed for your trek or day tour can be stored at your hotel. Nearly all hotels in Cusco offer this service. For valuables, we strongly recommend using the hotel safe and requesting an itemized receipt—this is often required by insurance companies in the rare event of theft. For extra peace of mind, you can also place credit cards or documents inside a sealed, signed envelope.
Pick-up of Guests
All pickups are within Cusco City. For convenience, we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center of Cusco.
Our staff will confirm the exact pickup time the day before your Machu Picchu One Day Tour.
Pickup times may vary between 30–45 minutes due to traffic conditions.
Keep in mind that Cusco has many narrow cobblestone streets and steep slopes. Some hotels and Airbnbs do not have vehicle access. For this reason, we advise choosing accommodation with good access for pickups.
Return to Cusco
The return from Machu Picchu involves several steps, but don’t worry—we take care of everything for you.
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (25 minutes). Boarding is on a first-come basis.
Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (1 hour 45 minutes). Your guide will provide your tickets and boarding details. Please be at the platform at least 30 minutes before departure.
Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (1 hour 30 minutes). Our representative, easily identified by Tunqui Expeditions clothing, will be waiting to escort you.
Drop-off at your hotel in Cusco (or as close as possible if located on a restricted street).
Group Tours
Our group tours bring together travelers of all ages and fitness levels. Please remember:
Each participant can walk at their own pace.
Sometimes, groups may request changes to the tour, but the guide will decide whether modifications are possible after consulting with everyone.
Strikes and Demonstrations
Strikes and protests are common in Peru and may affect transportation. Roads can be blocked, and train services may be interrupted. In such cases:
We will do everything possible to continue your Machu Picchu Day Trip as planned, even if it requires adjustments such as leaving earlier than scheduled.
If cancellations are unavoidable, our operations team will coordinate with you directly.
Your safety is our top priority, and decisions will always be made to protect it.
Lost Objects
Please keep track of your belongings at all times. Remember to collect your items when leaving our vehicles, restaurants, or other facilities. Tunqui Expeditions is not responsible for lost personal items during your tour.
Packing list Machu Picchu By Observatory Train
Packing List for Your Machu Picchu By Observatory Train
Remember to check this list before packing your bags to ensure you don’t forget anything important. Traveling light and prepared will make your journey more comfortable. Have a wonderful trip with Tunqui Expeditions!
Essentials
Valid passport (mandatory for entry to Machu Picchu).
Extra money in soles (for snacks, souvenirs, or personal expenses).
Personal medication (if required).
Reusable water bottle or CamelBak.
High SPF sunblock (factor 70+ recommended).
Clothing
Light footwear or sandals for relaxing.
Comfortable walking shoes or trainers for the tour.
Warm jacket for cool mornings and evenings.
Waterproof jacket and/or rain poncho (essential in rainy season).
Sun hat to protect your face and neck.
Wool hat or beanie for cold weather.
Sunglasses with UV protection.
Equipment
Medium trekking backpack (15–25 liters) for daily essentials.
Recommended
Camera and charger (to capture every unforgettable moment).
Price Machu Picchu By Observatory Train
The “Machu Picchu By The 360 Observatory Train” can leave any day of the week, the whole year.
Group Price: US$ 450.00 per person
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Notice that PayPal charges a fee of 7%, which we ask the client to cover since it’s due to the use of its service. This tax is just for online deposits so that you will pay the remaining in cash (the briefing day in Cusco) without charges.
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Student Discount
US$20.00 off
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years old or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of the passport at the time of booking. It must be valid and not expire within the travel dates. Please send it to
Cancellation Policy
Non-refundable
The cancellation policy is up to 07 days before the travel date to cancel without penalty. Otherwise, a 100% penalty applies. The refund excludes the value of the entrance to the Machu Picchu Citadel as MINCUL does not allow changes or refunds.
The rescheduling policy is up to 07 days before the travel date. When rescheduling, you will need to purchase the entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Citadel again as MINCUL does not allow changes or refunds. If you need to reschedule, we recommend doing so at least 1 month in advance as tickets to the Citadel tend to sell out quickly.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
Additional Info
Not Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Our tour start and finish in Cusco. People who want to starts in the Sacred Valley must to add extra payment.
Machu Picchu By Observatory Train – Full Day Tour from Cusco
Join our Machu Picchu By Observatory Train tour from Cusco and journey to one of the most breathtaking places on Earth – the legendary Lost City of the Incas. Travel through stunning Andean landscapes aboard the Observatory Train, with its panoramic windows and open-air balcony, before arriving at Machu Picchu, home to wonders like the famous Temple of the Sun.
Experience the magic of ancient ruins set against misty mountains – a true photographer’s dream and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. This Machu Picchu Day Trip by Train is designed for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an unforgettable journey to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Highlights of the Machu Picchu One Day Tour
Start and end the tour at your hotel in Cusco
Scenic private ride through the Andes to Ollantaytambo
Board the Observatory Train with panoramic views
Explore the Lost City of the Incas with expert guides
Visit iconic sites, including the Temple of the Sun
Round-trip travel to Cusco in a single day
Why Choose the Observatory Train?
Unmatched Scenic Views: Admire the beauty of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River through wide panoramic windows and an exclusive open-air observatory.
Luxury & Comfort: Spacious seating, attentive service, and a premium travel experience that makes your journey as memorable as Machu Picchu itself.
Cultural Connection: Discover Peru’s heritage with landscapes, local communities, and on-board experiences that immerse you in Inca culture.
Book Your Machu Picchu Day Trip Now
Don’t miss the chance to explore Machu Picchu By Observatory Train – the most scenic and comfortable way to reach this world wonder. With breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and expert guidance, this is truly the best one-day tour to Machu Picchu. Book today and make your dream adventure a reality!
1 Day
Machu Picchu By Observatory Train
Unforgettable Machu Picchu One Day Tour by Observatory Train
Begin your unforgettable Machu Picchu Day Trip By Observatory Train with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Enjoy a scenic two-hour drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with stunning views of the Urubamba mountain range, until you arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station.
Here, you will board the famous Observatory Train, one of the most incredible rail journeys in the world. This 1 hour 45 minute ride will take you to the charming town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you’ll admire breathtaking landscapes: ancient Inca farming terraces, vibrant local communities, and the Urubamba River flowing beside you as the train winds through the valley.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, a short shuttle bus will bring you to the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu. With your professional English-speaking guide, enjoy a 2–3 hour guided tour of the most important temples, terraces, and ceremonial sites. Afterwards, you’ll have time to explore at your own pace and feel the magic of this New Wonder of the World.
After the visit, return by shuttle to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time for lunch before boarding the Observatory Train back to Ollantaytambo. Your private driver will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, completing this Machu Picchu One Day Tour – a full-day experience you will never forget.
Note: Machu Picchu entrance tickets are limited. We recommend booking your Machu Picchu Full Day Tour from Cusco at least 2 months in advance.
What’s Included & Not Included Machu Picchu By Observatory Train
Our Machu Picchu By Observatory Train – Full Day Tour is designed to give you a seamless, all-inclusive experience from start to finish. With private transfers, first-class train service, and a professional guide by your side, you can focus on enjoying one of the world’s greatest wonders while we take care of every detail.
INCLUDES
Personalized pick-up from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley
Comfortable private van transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
Round-trip journey on the Vistadome Observatory Train
Shuttle bus service to and from Machu Picchu
Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Exquisite lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel (next to Machu Picchu)
Professional private tour guide accompanying you from hotel to hotel
Drop-off at your hotel at the end of the tour
DOES NOT INCLUDE
Breakfast
Travel insurance
Additional meals or services not mentioned above
Travel Information – Tunqui Expeditions
At Tunqui Expeditions, we want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and carefree as possible. This section answers the most common questions about traveling with us. Please read the following carefully—it will help you prepare for your Machu Picchu One Day Trip From Cusco or any of our other tours.
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, simply contact us—we’ll be happy to assist you.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Yes. During your trip, your main luggage can be safely stored at our office (arranged during your pre-departure briefing or via email) or at your hotel, free of charge.
Any equipment not needed for your trek or day tour can be stored at your hotel. Nearly all hotels in Cusco offer this service. For valuables, we strongly recommend using the hotel safe and requesting an itemized receipt—this is often required by insurance companies in the rare event of theft. For extra peace of mind, you can also place credit cards or documents inside a sealed, signed envelope.
Pick-up of Guests
All pickups are within Cusco City. For convenience, we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center of Cusco.
Our staff will confirm the exact pickup time the day before your Machu Picchu One Day Tour.
Pickup times may vary between 30–45 minutes due to traffic conditions.
Keep in mind that Cusco has many narrow cobblestone streets and steep slopes. Some hotels and Airbnbs do not have vehicle access. For this reason, we advise choosing accommodation with good access for pickups.
Return to Cusco
The return from Machu Picchu involves several steps, but don’t worry—we take care of everything for you.
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (25 minutes). Boarding is on a first-come basis.
Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (1 hour 45 minutes). Your guide will provide your tickets and boarding details. Please be at the platform at least 30 minutes before departure.
Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (1 hour 30 minutes). Our representative, easily identified by Tunqui Expeditions clothing, will be waiting to escort you.
Drop-off at your hotel in Cusco (or as close as possible if located on a restricted street).
Group Tours
Our group tours bring together travelers of all ages and fitness levels. Please remember:
Each participant can walk at their own pace.
Sometimes, groups may request changes to the tour, but the guide will decide whether modifications are possible after consulting with everyone.
Strikes and Demonstrations
Strikes and protests are common in Peru and may affect transportation. Roads can be blocked, and train services may be interrupted. In such cases:
We will do everything possible to continue your Machu Picchu Day Trip as planned, even if it requires adjustments such as leaving earlier than scheduled.
If cancellations are unavoidable, our operations team will coordinate with you directly.
Your safety is our top priority, and decisions will always be made to protect it.
Lost Objects
Please keep track of your belongings at all times. Remember to collect your items when leaving our vehicles, restaurants, or other facilities. Tunqui Expeditions is not responsible for lost personal items during your tour.
Packing List for Your Machu Picchu By Observatory Train
Remember to check this list before packing your bags to ensure you don’t forget anything important. Traveling light and prepared will make your journey more comfortable. Have a wonderful trip with Tunqui Expeditions!
Essentials
Valid passport (mandatory for entry to Machu Picchu).
Extra money in soles (for snacks, souvenirs, or personal expenses).
Personal medication (if required).
Reusable water bottle or CamelBak.
High SPF sunblock (factor 70+ recommended).
Clothing
Light footwear or sandals for relaxing.
Comfortable walking shoes or trainers for the tour.
Warm jacket for cool mornings and evenings.
Waterproof jacket and/or rain poncho (essential in rainy season).
Sun hat to protect your face and neck.
Wool hat or beanie for cold weather.
Sunglasses with UV protection.
Equipment
Medium trekking backpack (15–25 liters) for daily essentials.
Recommended
Camera and charger (to capture every unforgettable moment).
The “Machu Picchu By The 360 Observatory Train” can leave any day of the week, the whole year.
Group Price: US$ 450.00 per person
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Notice that PayPal charges a fee of 7%, which we ask the client to cover since it’s due to the use of its service. This tax is just for online deposits so that you will pay the remaining in cash (the briefing day in Cusco) without charges.
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Student Discount
US$20.00 off
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years old or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of the passport at the time of booking. It must be valid and not expire within the travel dates. Please send it to
Cancellation Policy
Non-refundable
The cancellation policy is up to 07 days before the travel date to cancel without penalty. Otherwise, a 100% penalty applies. The refund excludes the value of the entrance to the Machu Picchu Citadel as MINCUL does not allow changes or refunds.
The rescheduling policy is up to 07 days before the travel date. When rescheduling, you will need to purchase the entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Citadel again as MINCUL does not allow changes or refunds. If you need to reschedule, we recommend doing so at least 1 month in advance as tickets to the Citadel tend to sell out quickly.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
Additional Info
Not Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Our tour start and finish in Cusco. People who want to starts in the Sacred Valley must to add extra payment.
Salkantay 4 days
The Salkantay trek was incredible and the ability to do it in 4 days rather than 5 was perfect for our holiday planning. We were in a small group (just us, our guide, our cook and our horseman). All of our meals, transport and the logistics of park entries were looked after for us. Our guide Miguel was knowledgeable and had done the trek many times in the past.
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Sally B
Ausangate 5-days trekking
We did the 5-day Ausangate trek with Silvio and Dani as our guides, and they were wonderful, kind, attentive, and responsive to our needs. When some members of our group started feeling the effects of the high altitude, they helped adjusting the itinerary, shortening the trek from 5 days to 4 to keep everyone safe and comfortable. The cook was fantastic as well. He accommodated the various dietary restrictions in our group with ease and prepared something different for every meal; we enjoyed each one. Experience highly recommended!!
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Desirée M
Authentic andian experience
Incredible experience, went on Ausengate hike, going along for the 4 day trek. The team took good care, the food was the best part, beautiful landscapes, went through rainbow mountains, red valley, and seven lakes. It was initially planned for 5 days, but the group felt, we are not doing well with the weather and tiredness, and sylvios team adapted to that, and we cut short the hike, but still visiting most of the points.
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Manthan S
Amazing 6-Day Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain
We had an incredible experience with Tunqui Expeditions on the 6-Day Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain. Everything was well organized from start to finish, and the entire team did an excellent job. Our guide, Omar, was outstanding. He was kind, professional, and always ready to help. He made sure everyone was safe, comfortable, and enjoying the trek, while sharing interesting information about the mountains and local culture. His positive attitude and encouragement made the challenging days much more enjoyable. The food throughout the trek was also excellent. We were impressed by the quality, variety, and freshness of the meals, especially considering we were camping at high altitude. The Ausangate landscapes are absolutely breathtaking, and Rainbow Mountain was a fantastic way to end the trek. We highly recommend Tunqui Expeditions to anyone looking for a well-organized trekking company, and if you have Omar as your guide, you're in great hands!
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Przemysław S
Salkantay review
I had a great time with Tunqui expeditions. They were very accommodating and allowed us to change the start date due to illness. On the trek itself our guide Noé was insightful and very understanding of our pace, our cook Juvenal was great and our muleteer Alfredo was lovely.
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Dhruv V
Ruta de Ausangate
Hicimos el circuito de Ausangate de 4 días con Tunqui y fue una experiencia increíble! Estaba todo muy bien organizado, aunque la ruta puede ser algo dura ellos se encargan de hacerlo lo más cómodo posible. Especialmente agradecidos a nuestro guía Uber, que además de conocer bien el terreno estaba siempre atento a nuestras necesidades y a hacer el camino ameno. Y para completar el equipo Augusto el cocinero hizo unos platos deliciosos y variados todos los días y Pascual el arriero tenía todo controlado para que el campamento estuviera a punto. Volvería a elegir esta compañía para una aventura de este tipo sin duda.
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Irene E
Amazing experience!
Amazing trek with our guide Veronica, chef Thomas and horsemen Pablo. We had a wonderful time. Landscapes were stunning. Thomas prepared the most delicious meals. Tunqui expeditions is an amazing company who gives back to the community. We did the Asanguate and rainbow mountain 3 days trek in the end of June. Temperature were fine in the day when the sun is out but cold at night (-10 at night) and early in the morning so prepare your gear accordingly. Tunqui was well equipped with sleeping bags to handle the cold nights. Thank you so munch Tunqui!
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Dominique C
Perfect family trip
Experienced and very flexible guides , very willing to make changes to the program in line with last minute requests. Whole trip extremely well organized from landing to take off .
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Dirk W
Experiencial sensorial imperdible!
Tuve una experiencia sensorial maravillosa! Mi guía local fue Johan Sikos. Estuvimos haciendo turismo comunitario en el parque de la papa, conociendo las lagunas turquesas increíbles! Con vista a los nevados y la sierra imponente. Johan fue más que un guía, fue un hermano, parcero, amigo. Me habló de su historia y de las comunidades, me enseñó Quechua, su amor por la gastronomía ( gran chef de profesión) estuvimos realizando el ritual gastronómico ancestral de la pachamanca que fue una de las experiencias más hermosas que haya tenido! Una experiencia sensorial inmejorable! Gracias infinitas Johan y q su agencia.
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Juliana G
Inca Trail hike 2 day with hotel
We participated in the short Inca trail. It was an amazing experience breathtaking views, great support. Once in a lifetime trip, would recommend this company for their support! Noe was our guide, he was knowledgeable and pleasant to assist us on our Inca journey!
