One-Day Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Overview
Experience an unforgettable adventure with our one-day tour to Machu Picchu, a must-do activity if you're visiting Cusco. Known ancestrally as the "Old Mountain," this ancient Andean-Inca llaqta, or settlement, was built before the 15th century and is spectacularly situated on a rocky promontory on the eastern slopes of the Central Andes in southern Peru.
During this incredible trip, you'll explore the impressive citadel built atop a hill, surrounded by the majestic Urubamba River and an imposing ring of mountains. Accompanied by an expert guide, you'll discover its vast agricultural area, comprised of a fascinating system of terraces, and the urban sector, where you'll find the Temple of the Sun, the royal chambers, the houses of the nobles, the sanctuary of the "Virgins of the Sun," and the enormous main esplanade.
This is one of the most popular tours in Cusco, designed for those who want to marvel at the history, architecture, and mysticism of Cusco, Peru's main attraction. Book your spot today and discover the timeless charm of Cusco's tourist attractions!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Train Journey and Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Pick-up and Transfer to Aguas Calientes
We will begin our service by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco and transferring you comfortably to the train station in Ollantaytambo. From there, we will embark on a fascinating and scenic train journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes), where our guide will be waiting to provide you with all the details of the tour.
Ascent to the Sanctuary and Guided Tour
We will board the eco-friendly bus that will take us to the entrance gate of the citadel. We will begin the guided tour of Machu Picchu, which lasts approximately two hours. During this time, we will explore the urban and agricultural areas in detail, visiting its impressive agricultural terraces, irrigation canals, the Temple of the Sun, the royal quarters, the houses of the nobles, and the great plaza that beautifully divides the Inca city.
Free Time and Return to Cusco
After the guided tour, you will have free time to continue exploring the Historical Sanctuary at your own pace, or if you prefer, you can take a bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes. For the return trip, you must arrive at the Aguas Calientes train station at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. The train will take you back to the Ollantaytambo station, where our transportation will be waiting for you for the final leg of your journey back to the city of Cusco.
What's Included?
Included
- Tourist pick-up and transportation (Cusco – Ollantaytambo Train Station – Cusco).
- Round-trip train tickets.
- Round-trip bus tickets (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes).
- Entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Bilingual professional guide (Spanish and English).
Not Included
- Lunch.
- Entry to the Waynapicchu mountain (Huayna Picchu).
- Tips or extra expenses.
Recommendations
- Bring a valid physical passport or national identity document (DNI).
- Bring cash for personal expenses, meals, or purchases.
- Wear clothing appropriate for the changeable cloud forest weather.
- Wear comfortable shoes (hiking boots) for walking on the stone steps.
- Use sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen) at all times.
- Bring bottled water to stay hydrated during the guided tour.
- Bring a camera with enough storage to capture the mountains and the llaqta (village).
FAQs
The tour lasts a full day. It begins in the morning with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and ends in the evening with your return to the city after visiting the wonder of the world.
During the guided tour you will learn about the two main areas: the agricultural area, with its famous terraces; and the urban area, where the Temple of the Sun, the royal chamber, the great plaza and the sector of the nobles stand out.
Yes, the program is designed so you don't have to worry about a thing. It includes round-trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo, as well as bus transportation from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of the sanctuary.
Yes, it is strictly mandatory to bring your original passport or valid national identity card. These documents will be required to board the trains and to enter the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
The citadel of Machu Picchu is located at 2490 meters above sea level. Being a considerably lower altitude than the city of Cusco (3350 meters above sea level), the symptoms of altitude sickness are very rare at this location.
Yes, after the guided tour which lasts approximately 2 hours, you will have time to continue exploring the archaeological site freely before taking your bus down to Aguas Calientes.