Cusco: Full-Day Trip to Machu Picchu With Hotel Transfers

Embarking on a full-day journey to the iconic Machu Picchu from Cusco promises an unforgettable experience for any traveler. This all-inclusive adventure combines convenient hotel transfers, a scenic bus ride, and a picturesque train journey, culminating in a guided tour of the Inca ruins. Led by certified local experts, visitors will uncover the rich history and engineering marvels that have captivated the world. With stunning Andean vistas and ample free time to explore the charming town of Aguas Calientes, this excursion offers a seamless and comprehensive way to take in the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. But the true allure lies in what awaits beyond the first glimpse of Machu Picchu’s iconic silhouette.

Key Points

• A full-day guided tour from Cusco to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu, including round-trip transportation via bus, train, and shuttle.
• The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, with a 3-hour guided exploration of the Inca ruins and historical insights from a certified local expert.
• Pickup and drop-off services are available from hotels and Airbnbs within 1.5 km of Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, ensuring a seamless start and end to the adventure.
• The itinerary includes a 1.5-hour bus journey to Ollantaytambo, a 1.75-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes, and a 25-minute bus ride to the Machu Picchu entrance.
• Customers can expect panoramic views of the Andes, the Urubamba River, and the captivating scale and grandeur of the Inca construction at Machu Picchu.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview

This full-day trip to the iconic Machu Picchu site from Cusco offers an immersive experience, allowing travelers to explore the ancient Inca citadel at their own pace.

The guided tour lasts approximately 3 hours, providing an in-depth look at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests will enjoy dramatic views of the High Andes while taking advantage of free time to wander Machu Picchu and the nearby town of Aguas Calientes.

The day-long excursion includes round-trip transportation via bus, train, and shuttle, as well as an English and Spanish-speaking guide.

With a duration of 12 hours, this comprehensive full-day adventure is perfect for those seeking a seamless and memorable journey to one of Peru’s most renowned destinations.

Transportation and Itinerary

The tour begins with pickup from hotels and Airbnbs within a 1.5 km radius of Plaza de Armas in Cusco.

Travelers then board a tourist bus for the 1.5-hour journey to Ollantaytambo. From there, they’ll take the train to Aguas Calientes, which takes around 1.75 hours.

Finally, they’ll board a bus for the 25-minute ride up to the Machu Picchu entrance. The guided tour of the ancient Inca citadel lasts approximately 3 hours.

Afterward, guests have 1 hour of free time in Aguas Calientes before the return journey by train and bus back to Cusco, with the total travel time adding up to around 12 hours.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

Guided by a certified local expert, travelers explore the impressive ruins of Machu Picchu, the iconic ancient Inca citadel perched high in the Andes. During the 3-hour guided tour, visitors learn about the site’s rich history, architecture, and significance within the Inca Empire. The tour follows various circuits, allowing guests to discover temples, plazas, and panoramic viewpoints.

Circuit	Duration	Highlights
2A	2-3 hrs	Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun, Main Plaza
3	2-3 hrs	Inca Bridge, Intipunku (Sun Gate), Terraces
5	2-3 hrs	Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Condor Temple

This guided exploration provides travelers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the engineering feats and spiritual significance that once defined this breathtaking Inca sanctuary.

Scenic Highlights

Towering mountain peaks and lush, verdant valleys provide the breathtaking backdrop for Machu Picchu, an engineering marvel perched atop a high Andean ridge.

Visitors are mesmerized by the dramatic vistas of the surrounding Andes, with the majestic Huayna Picchu mountain rising in the distance.

The ancient citadel’s strategic location on a narrow ridge offers panoramic views in all directions, from the winding Urubamba River to the verdant terraced slopes.

Exploring Machu Picchu’s ruins and plazas, one is captivated by the sheer scale and grandeur of the Inca’s construction, set against a stunning natural landscape that has endured for centuries.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes round-trip transportation from the hotel to the train station, as well as the round-trip train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and the round-trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.

You’ll also get a certified local guide to explore the ancient Inca citadel. The entrance fee to Machu Picchu is included, subject to availability.

However, food, drinks, and any large bags or luggage aren’t covered. Be sure to bring your valid passport, a camera, water, and rain gear, as there are restrictions on re-entering Machu Picchu and the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

Important Information

Travelers should bring their valid passport, a camera, water, and rain gear when embarking on this full-day trip to Machu Picchu.

The journey isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments as there’s no re-entry allowed once exiting the ancient citadel.

Visitors should be aware that all transportation is provided, including the round-trip bus from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu entrance, but food, drinks, and luggage or large bags aren’t included.

The tour offers some flexibility in terms of circuit options, subject to availability, allowing guests to customize their Machu Picchu exploration to some degree.

Customer Feedback

The full-day trip to Machu Picchu has an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 144 customer reviews.

Highlights of the experience include:

• Praise for the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides who enhanced the visit to the ancient citadel.

• Efficient transportation, with smooth transitions between bus, train, and shuttle services.

• Excellent value for money, with customers feeling the price was fair for the experience provided.

• Some issues with hotel pickup and drop-off logistics, with a few travelers reporting delays or confusion.

• A desire for more flexibility in the tour itinerary to accommodate individual interests and pacing.

Booking and Cancellation

Customers can book the full-day Machu Picchu trip through the tour provider’s website or by contacting their customer service team. The trip is non-refundable, and cancellations are not permitted. A 5% discount is available for advance bookings.

Booking and Cancellation
Booking Options	Website	Customer Service
Discount	5% off	N/A
Cancellation Policy	Non-refundable	N/A

It’s important to review the booking and cancellation policy carefully before finalizing the reservation. The tour provider emphasizes the non-refundable nature of the trip, so customers should ensure they can commit to the schedule before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend My Time at Machu Picchu Beyond the Guided Tour?

Yes, travelers can extend their time at Machu Picchu beyond the guided tour. Once the tour ends, visitors are free to explore the site independently for as long as they’d like before catching the return transportation.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

Yes, there are discounts available for children and seniors on this Machu Picchu tour. Children under 8 receive a 50% discount, and seniors over 65 get a 10% discount off the regular adult price.

How Reliable Is the Train and Bus Schedule During the Trip?

The train and bus schedules are generally reliable, but can be subject to occasional delays due to weather or other factors. The tour operator works to minimize disruptions and get travelers to Machu Picchu as efficiently as possible.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Into Machu Picchu?

Visitors can bring their own food and drinks into Machu Picchu, but they’re not allowed to re-enter once they’ve exited. It’s best to carry only the essentials to avoid any issues with security or logistics during the tour.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for the Machu Picchu tour, but visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Layers are recommended as the weather can be cool and changeable at the high-altitude site.

Recap

This full-day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco provides a comprehensive and unforgettable experience. Travelers will enjoy convenient hotel transfers, a scenic bus and train journey, and a guided tour of the iconic Inca ruins. With stunning views of the Andes, ample free time in Aguas Calientes, and a wealth of Inca history, this excursion is a must-see for any visitor to the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: