IMPORTANT INFORMATION

CUSCO AIRPORT PICKUP & ARRIVAL

We include a complimentary transfer from Cusco Airport to your hotel. Therefore, please share your complete flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Meanwhile, our representative will wait outside the arrival terminal holding a sign for Apple Travel. (Be sure to step completely outside the building, because airport rules prohibit drivers from entering the terminal).

THE PRE-TOUR BRIEFING

Your pre-tour briefing takes place at 6:00 PM the evening before your trip at our Cusco office:

Address: Calle Garcilaso 210, Office 201, Second Floor (Casa del Abuelo), Cusco.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Yes! In fact, you can store your main luggage free of charge in our secure Cusco office or directly at your Cusco hotel while you are on the tour. Because train companies restrict carry-on bags to 5 kg (11 lbs) per passenger, we recommend taking only a small daypack on the train.

HOW DO I BOOK THE 1-DAY VISTADOME TOUR?

Step 1: Complete the reservation form on our website by clicking the BOOK NOW button. We require the following details for every traveler in your group to reserve Machu Picchu entrance permits and Vistadome tickets:

• Full legal name (matching your passport exactly)
• Gender
• Passport number
• Date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY)
• Nationality

Step 2: Pay a deposit of $211 USD per person to confirm your booking so we can purchase your non-refundable official tickets.

HOW DO I PAY THE REMAINING BALANCE?

You can pay remaining balances in cash (US Dollars or Peruvian Soles) at our Cusco office to avoid extra credit card fees. Multiple ATMs are available near the main plaza in Cusco. Alternatively, online payments via VISA or PayPal incur a 5.5% processing fee. PayPal payments should be sent directly to appletravelperu@gmail.com.

CAN I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER TICKETS ARE PURCHASED?

However, Peruvian government regulations make official Machu Picchu permits and train tickets non-refundable, non-transferable, and strictly tied to the booked date. Consequently, you cannot change departure dates once we issue tickets, and initial deposits remain non-refundable.

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE TOUR?

Yes, you must bring your original physical passport. Specifically, train agents and government rangers inspect physical passports at checkpoints, verifying that the number matches your entry permit exactly.

However, if you renew your passport, send us copies of both your old and new passports before your trip. We can update your official registration for a $25 USD fee. Alternatively, you can carry both your old and new physical passports on the tour to avoid the fee.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THIS TOUR?

Weather in the Andes changes rapidly throughout the day. Therefore, we recommend dressing in flexible layers to handle chilly morning transfers, warm afternoon sun, and sudden mountain rain. Overall, a warm jacket, sun protection, and a waterproof shell or poncho are essential items to bring along.

IS TIPPING EXPECTED?

Overall, tipping is voluntary but greatly appreciated by our local guides, drivers, and support staff. Indeed, if you are pleased with the service provided, leaving a gratuity is a customary way to support local team members and their families.

IS THE VISTADOME TRAIN EXPERIENCE WORTH IT?

Upgrading to the Vistadome train provides a vastly superior travel experience compared to standard rail options. First, the train features large wrap-around panoramic windows on both the sides and roof, offering unobstructed views of the dramatic Andes and cloud forest canyon. In addition, passengers enjoy leather seats, complimentary local snacks, and onboard cultural entertainment including a live Saqra dance performance and an alpaca fashion show on the return trip. Therefore, it is ideal for travelers seeking comfort and maximum visual enjoyment in a single day.

CAN I CLIMB HUAYNA PICCHU OR MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN ON A 1-DAY TOUR?

Yes, you can add an optional extra mountain climb to your 1-day itinerary. However, government permits for Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are strictly limited and sell out months in advance. Consequently, you must request this extra ticket at the time of your initial booking. Furthermore, undertaking an extra mountain climb requires an early train departure from Ollantaytambo to ensure you have enough time inside the sanctuary before your return train.

HOW LONG IS THE VISTADOME TRAIN RIDE?

The rail ride between Ollantaytambo station and Aguas Calientes takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes each way. Meanwhile, you can relax, take photos through the panoramic windows, and enjoy the onboard snacks as the train winds through the Urubamba River valley.

HOW MUCH FREE TIME WILL I HAVE AT MACHU PICCHU?

After your official 2-hour guided tour concludes, you will have time to take final photos and absorb the surroundings before exiting. Afterwards, you will take the shuttle bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch or explore the town before boarding your return Vistadome train.

WHAT TIME DO WE RETURN TO CUSCO?

Return arrival times in Cusco depend on your exact train departure schedule. Typically, most travelers arrive back at their Cusco hotel between 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM, following the train journey to Ollantaytambo and your private hotel transfer.