Cusco: Machu Picchu Day Trip With Train + Entrance Ticket

Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, serves as the gateway to one of the world’s most iconic archaeological marvels – Machu Picchu. This day trip from Cusco promises to whisk travelers on a breathtaking journey through the Andes, culminating in an immersive exploration of the lost Inca city. With a scenic train ride, guided tour, and free time to soak in the site’s grandeur, this small-group adventure offers a personalized experience that delves into the rich history and cultural significance of this UNESCO-listed wonder. But what lies beyond the iconic citadel’s walls, waiting to be discovered?

Key Points

• This day trip from Cusco includes round-trip transportation, train ride, bus service, a guided tour, and entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
• The tour duration is approximately 13 hours, and the per-person pricing ranges from $302.83 to $378.53, with potential savings of up to 20%.
• The tour is limited to a small group of 12 participants, and a non-refundable cancellation policy applies.
• Visitors must bring a valid passport, comfortable shoes, and are prohibited from bringing drones, professional cameras, tripods, and large backpacks.
• The itinerary may be subject to change based on availability and other factors, and travelers should confirm details before the trip.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Machu Picchu Day Trip offers an activity that takes travelers on a comprehensive journey from Cusco to the iconic Inca citadel.

The tour lasts around 13 hours and is priced from $378.53 to $302.83 per person, representing a potential savings of up to 20%. This small-group experience is limited to 12 participants and features a non-refundable cancellation policy.

Passengers will be picked up from various locations in Cusco and embark on a multi-leg transportation adventure, including a tourist bus, train, and bus, to reach the ancient ruins.

The tour includes the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu and a guided exploration of the site.

Itinerary and Experience

As part of the Machu Picchu Day Trip, travelers embark on a multi-faceted journey from Cusco.

The experience begins with a tourist bus to Ollantaytambo, followed by a 1.75-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes.

After a 25-minute bus trip, visitors arrive at the Machu Picchu entrance, where they enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the iconic Inca citadel.

Afterward, they’ve free time in Aguas Calientes for lunch before returning by bus, train, and bus back to Cusco.

The main stop during the return journey is the Plaza de Armas in Cusco.

This comprehensive tour allows travelers to fully experience the wonders of Machu Picchu in a single day.

Included and Excluded Items

As part of the Machu Picchu Day Trip, the tour package includes round-trip transportation from the hotel to the train station, round-trip train travel from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and round-trip bus service from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu entrance.

Plus, the tour includes a certified local guide and entrance to Machu Picchu.

However, the package excludes food and drinks, with lunch being on your own. Tips are also optional.

Travelers should bring a valid passport, comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, and water.

Prohibited items include drones, professional cameras, tripods, and backpacks.

Important Preparation Tips

Proper preparation is essential for a successful Machu Picchu day trip. Start by packing comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen to protect against the Andean sun. Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views, but leave large backpacks, drones, and professional equipment at home, as they are not allowed on the site. A valid passport is a must, as it’s required for entry. Check your pickup time, which depends on the train departure, and note that hotel pickup is only available within Cusco’s Historic Center. Lastly, be aware that re-entry to Machu Picchu is not permitted, so plan your time wisely.

What to Bring	What’s Not Allowed	Important Documents
Comfortable shoes	Drones	Valid passport
Hat	Professional cameras
Sunscreen	Tripods

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Transportation and Logistics

The day trip to Machu Picchu involves a well-coordinated series of transportation modes. Guests are picked up from various locations in Cusco and taken by tourist bus to Ollantaytambo.

From there, they board a train for the 1.75-hour journey to Aguas Calientes. A bus then transports them up the mountain to the Machu Picchu entrance.

After the guided tour, visitors have free time in Aguas Calientes before retracing their steps – bus to train, train to Ollantaytambo, and bus back to Cusco.

The return trip takes approximately 4 hours. This seamless logistics ensures guests maximize their time exploring the iconic Inca citadel.

Machu Picchu Visit Regulations

Visitors to Machu Picchu must adhere to a set of regulations to preserve the integrity of the ancient Inca citadel.

Drones, professional cameras, and tripods are prohibited, as they can damage the delicate ruins. Backpacks are also not allowed, as they can interfere with the flow of foot traffic. Guests must bring a valid passport and wear comfortable shoes.

Re-entry to Machu Picchu isn’t permitted, so visitors must plan their time carefully. The Machu Picchu visit is strictly regulated, with specific entry times and limits on the number of people allowed.

These rules ensure that everyone can enjoy the wonder of this UNESCO World Heritage site while respecting its preservation.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

This tour has a non-refundable cancellation policy. Once you’ve booked, the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu can’t be refunded if you need to cancel.

Alternative routes may be available if the scheduled trains are sold out, but these will incur additional costs.

It’s important to note that the itinerary is subject to change, so you should check the availability of start times before booking.

If you do need to cancel, the non-refundable entrance ticket will be deducted from any refund you receive.

Itinerary Subject to Change

Itineraries for the Machu Picchu day trip are subject to potential changes. The tour operator notes that the provided schedule may vary depending on availability and other factors.

For instance, if the scheduled train to Aguas Calientes is sold out, an alternative route may be used which could incur additional costs.

Plus, while the tour includes specific pickup locations and times, these are dependent on the train departure, which can be either 4:00 am or 6:00 am.

Travelers should double-check the availability and starting times prior to the trip. The operator emphasizes that the itinerary is subject to change, so participants should remain flexible and prepared for potential adjustments during the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend My Stay in Aguas Calientes After the Tour?

Yes, travelers can extend their stay in Aguas Calientes after the tour. However, they’ll need to arrange their own accommodations and transportation back to Cusco separately from the tour package.

Is There an Option to Hike up to Machu Picchu Instead of Taking the Bus?

Yes, there is an option to hike up to Machu Picchu instead of taking the bus. Hikers can take the Inca Trail or the Machu Picchu Mountain hike, which offer scenic routes and a more physically demanding experience.

Can I Purchase Additional Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets on the Day of the Tour?

The tour operator doesn’t offer the option to purchase additional Machu Picchu entrance tickets on the day of the tour. The entrance tickets are included in the tour package and are non-refundable once exhausted.

Do I Need to Book My Train Tickets Separately, or Are They Included?

The train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back are included in the tour price. You don’t need to book them separately. The tour package provides round-trip transportation and entrance to Machu Picchu.

Is Photography Allowed Within Machu Picchu During the Guided Tour?

Photography is generally allowed within Machu Picchu during the guided tour, but the use of drones, professional cameras, and tripods is prohibited. Visitors should check with the tour guide for any specific photography guidelines.

Recap

This Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the iconic Inca citadel. With a scenic train ride, guided tour, and free time, travelers can enjoy the history and beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The small-group format ensures a personalized experience, making it a must-do activity for anyone visiting the Cusco region.

You can check if your dates are available here: