From Cusco: Full-Day Tour to Machu Picchu

Exploring the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. This full-day tour from Cusco offers an all-inclusive adventure, taking visitors on a journey through the stunning Andean landscape to the iconic citadel. With an early start, a scenic train ride, and a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed site, the tour promises to be both enlightening and breathtaking. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking to witness one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites, this Machu Picchu excursion from Cusco is an opportunity not to be missed.

Key Points

• A full-day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu, priced at $460 per person, with round-trip transportation, train journey, guided exploration, and lunch included.

• Departs from Cusco at 4:00 a.m., with a 2-hour drive to Ollantaytambo, a 2-hour train ride, and a 30-minute bus ride to the Machu Picchu entrance.

• Provides a 2.5-hour guided tour of the Inca citadel, led by a professional bilingual guide, offering insights into the history and cultural significance of Machu Picchu.

• Includes a scenic train journey along the Andes, with hourly departures from Ollantaytambo station and frequent services from Peru Rail.

• Offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing full refunds up to 24 hours before the tour, and excludes certain expenses to provide personal spending flexibility.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This full-day tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco offers visitors a comprehensive experience to discover one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Priced from $460 per person, the tour lasts a day and provides a live Spanish and English-speaking guide. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now, pay later option available.

The itinerary includes transportation from Cusco, a scenic train journey, guided exploration of the Inca citadel, and lunch in Machu Picchu Pueblo.

With all the key inclusions like tickets and transfers, this tour provides a seamless way to experience the magic of Machu Picchu.

Itinerary Details

The tour departs from Cusco at 4:00 a.m. with pickup from hotels in the historic center.

After a 2-hour drive, travelers board a tourist train for a 2-hour journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

From there, they take a 30-minute bus ride to the Machu Picchu entrance.

A 2.5-hour guided tour follows, unveiling the history and mysteries of the iconic Inca citadel.

Afterwards, the group returns to Machu Picchu Pueblo for lunch and free time to explore the town.

The return journey retraces the route, with the tour arriving back in Cusco around 8:30 p.m.

Included in the Tour

The tour includes a comprehensive set of services to ensure a seamless Machu Picchu experience. Travelers will enjoy round-trip transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, followed by tourist train tickets to and from Machu Picchu town. Upon arrival, a bus transfer takes them to the citadel’s entrance, where a professional bilingual guide leads a 2.5-hour tour. Lunch in Machu Picchu town is also provided. Plus, all necessary entrance tickets are included. To complete the journey, transportation from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco is arranged.

Inclusions	Details
Transportation	Hotel transfer, round-trip train, bus
Entrance Tickets	Machu Picchu
Guided Tour	Professional bilingual guide
Meals	Lunch in Machu Picchu town

Excluded From the Tour

While the tour package includes a comprehensive set of services, there are a few items that aren’t covered.

Meals not mentioned in the itinerary, such as breakfast and dinner, are the responsibility of the travelers. Travel insurance is also not included, so it’s recommended to obtain adequate coverage before the trip.

Plus, the cost of water, drinks, and personal purchases like souvenirs aren’t part of the tour package.

These exclusions allow travelers to have more flexibility and control over their spending during the tour.

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Highlights of the Tour

Travelers embarking on this full-day tour to Machu Picchu can look forward to discovering one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

The guided tour of the Inca citadel provides an in-depth exploration, allowing visitors to learn about its rich history and Andean culture. With professional bilingual guides, guests can capture memorable moments and gain a deeper understanding of this iconic site.

The comprehensive itinerary also includes a train journey, bus transfer, and lunch, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Whether it’s marveling at the architectural marvels or simply soaking in the breathtaking views, this tour offers a remarkable opportunity to uncover the grandeur of Machu Picchu.

Departure and Transportation

Departing from Cusco’s historic center at 4:00 a.m., the tour begins with a 2-hour journey to Ollantaytambo train station.

Once there, participants board a tourist train, either Inca Rail or Peru Rail, for a 2-hour ride to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

From the town, they transfer to a Consettur bus for a 30-minute trip up the mountain to the Machu Picchu entrance.

This efficient transportation system ensures a seamless journey to the iconic Inca citadel.

After the guided tour, the return trip follows the same route, with the group arriving back in Cusco around 8:30 p.m.

Train Journey to Machu Picchu

Boarding the tourist train at Ollantaytambo station, travelers embark on a 2-hour rail journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo. The train ride offers stunning views of the Andes, with the lush green landscape and snow-capped peaks providing a picturesque backdrop.

Train	Duration	Frequency	Departures
Inca Rail	2 hours	Hourly	6:10 AM, 7:10 AM, 8:20 AM
Peru Rail	2 hours	Every 30 minutes	6:00 AM, 6:30 AM, 7:00 AM

Upon arrival at Machu Picchu Pueblo, travelers disembark and transfer to a bus for the final 30-minute journey to the entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel, where the guided tour of the ancient Inca site begins.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

Upon disembarking at Machu Picchu Pueblo, travelers transfer to a Consettur bus for the final 30-minute journey to the entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel.

The professional bilingual guide then leads a comprehensive 2-hour and 30-minute tour, providing insights into the history, architecture, and cultural significance of this iconic Inca site.

Visitors can:

• Explore the intricate stone structures and marvel at the engineering feats of the Inca civilization
• Learn about the role of Machu Picchu in the Inca Empire and its rediscovery in the early 20th century
• Capture breathtaking views of the surrounding Andes mountains and the Urubamba River below

After the guided tour, travelers have time to independently explore the ruins and take in the serene atmosphere of this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized for Group Sizes?

The tour can be customized for different group sizes. Pricing and inclusions may vary based on the number of participants. Travelers should inquire about group discounts and tailored itineraries when booking this Machu Picchu day tour.

Does the Tour Operate on a Daily Basis?

The tour operates on a daily basis. The full-day tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco is available year-round, allowing visitors to experience this wonder of the world at their convenience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no formal dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, layered clothing suitable for the varying temperatures at Machu Picchu. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended for the site’s uneven terrain.

Are There Any Age or Physical Restrictions?

The tour doesn’t have any age or physical restrictions, but visitors should be reasonably fit as the terrain in Machu Picchu can be challenging. Guests with mobility issues may require special assistance.

Can the Return Time to Cusco Be Adjusted?

The return time to Cusco can’t be adjusted, as the tour has a fixed itinerary and transportation schedule. Guests must adhere to the return time of approximately 8:30 p.m. to ensure a smooth journey back from Machu Picchu.

Recap

This full-day tour from Cusco offers a comprehensive experience of Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. With round-trip transportation, a guided exploration of the citadel, and a delicious lunch, it’s an exceptional opportunity to take in the rich history and stunning natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour’s seamless logistics and carefully curated itinerary ensure a memorable and hassle-free adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: