This 2-day adventure blends the Sacred Valley’s highlights with Machu Picchu. Day 1: scenic drive through Ollantaytambo, lunch in Santa Teresa, then a 3-hour hike along train tracks to Aguas Calientes. Relax, visit hot springs, and enjoy dinner with a Machu Picchu briefing. Day 2: early bus to the citadel for a guided tour of Inca history, free time to explore or climb Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain, then train and bus back to Cusco.
The Circuit 1 route is a deep-immersion journey that takes the "back door" into the Incan sanctuary through the hydroelectric station.
Instead of a direct rail connection, you traverse the Sacred Valley by van to Santa Teresa, descending into the high jungle where the air is warm and heavy with the scent of tropical flora. The core of this expedition is the three-hour trek along the jungle rail tracks, a flat but scenic walk that puts you at the base of the mountains in Aguas Calientes by evening.
You’ll stand on the upper terraces of Machu Picchu the following morning, where Circuit 1 provides the highest panoramic perspective of the granite citadel and the surrounding peaks. This is the choice for travelers who prefer the physical reality of the jungle trail and the social atmosphere of Santa Teresa over a standard train carriage.
Because official tickets are strictly regulated and high-demand circuits often sell out months in advance, you should book your Machu Picchu Circuit 1 tour today to lock in your entry.
This is a high-energy, 16-hour commitment spread across two days. Expect a long, winding van ride through the mountains followed by a significant 10km (6-mile) walk along the tracks. The jungle section is warm and buggy, while the early morning at the ruins can be misty and cool. Circuit 1 specifically involves the upper terraces, which offer the best aerial views but require navigating steep stone steps. It is a rugged, budget-conscious alternative to the luxury train tours.
Our clients suggest that the walk from the hydroelectric station is the highlight of the trip, but warn that you must bring high-strength insect repellent for the "sandflies" that swarm the tracks at sunset.
If you want a photo of the "classic" Machu Picchu postcard view, travellers who booked tours with us note that Circuit 1 is the best ticket to have, as it takes you to the highest vantage points.
Don't forget a small flashlight or headlamp. Our past travellers mention that if your walk along the tracks runs late, the jungle gets dark very quickly and there is no artificial lighting along the way.
The van ride to Santa Teresa involves many sharp curves. If you are prone to motion sickness, travelers recommend taking medication before the 6:00 AM pickup.
The jungle route is highly sensitive to the seasonal rain cycles of the Amazon basin.
Recommended Start Time: 6:00 AM. Starting at this hour is essential to ensure you have enough daylight to complete the three-hour walk from the hydroelectric station to the village.
The walk from the hydroelectric station is flat and follows the train tracks, so it isn't steep, but it is long (about 3 hours). You should be in good walking shape.
We secure Circuit 1 or 2 based on government availability. Both provide the classic views, but Circuit 1 focuses more on the upper platforms.
Yes. We strongly recommend leaving your main luggage at your hotel and only carrying a small backpack for the overnight stay in the jungle.
These are basic, clean accommodations designed for travelers. They include beds and private or shared bathrooms.
Yes. We provide the tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and the bus from there back to the city.
Book it today with Machu Picchu Guided Tours or simply following this link.
