Machu Picchu Day Trip

The Machu Picchu Day Trip offers travelers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. Beginning with an early morning departure from Cusco, this tour takes guests on a scenic journey through the Andes, culminating in a guided exploration of the ancient Inca citadel. With a focus on personalized attention and immersive experiences, the day-long excursion promises an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this Machu Picchu day trip may just be the perfect addition to your Peruvian itinerary. The only question that remains is: are you ready to embark on this remarkable journey?

Contents hide

1 Tour Overview and Pricing

2 Itinerary and Travel Details

3 Highlights of the Tour

4 Inclusions

5 Group Size and Flexibility

6 Departure and Return

7 What to Expect

8 Booking and Cancellation

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

Comprehensive day tour of Machu Picchu from Cusco, including transportation, guided exploration, and admission to the iconic Inca citadel.
Early morning departure at 3:00 am, followed by a scenic 2-hour bus ride and 4-hour train journey to reach Machu Picchu.
Guided tour of Machu Picchu starting around 10:30 am, providing insights into its history and architecture.
Flexible scheduling and small group size (maximum 9 participants) for a personalized and immersive experience.
Hassle-free booking and cancellation policies, with a full refund available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Machu Picchu Day Trip offers an opportunity to explore the iconic Inca citadel for €538.03 per person.

The tour lasts a full day, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can reserve their spot without upfront payment, paying later.

The experience includes hotel pickup in Cusco at 3:00 am, a 2-hour bus ride to Ollantaytambo, and a scenic 4-hour train journey to Aguas Calientes.

From there, a 30-minute bus takes visitors to the ruins, where an expert guide leads a tour starting around 10:30 am.

After ample time to explore, the group descends to Aguas Calientes and takes a train back to Ollantaytambo, arriving in Cusco by 8:30 pm.

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Itinerary and Travel Details

Departing from Plaza Kusipata at 3:00 am, the tour kicks off with a 2-hour bus ride to Ollantaytambo.

From there, guests embark on a 4-hour scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes.

The trip includes:

A 30-minute bus ride from Aguas Calientes to the iconic Machu Picchu site.
A guided tour of the ancient citadel starting around 10:30 am.
Descent back to Aguas Calientes around 2:00 pm, followed by a 4:30 pm train departure to Ollantaytambo and an 8:30 pm arrival back in Cusco.

The itinerary combines efficient transportation, ample exploration time, and stunning views throughout the day.

Highlights of the Tour

One of the highlights of this Machu Picchu day trip is the 4-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Travelers will be captivated by the scenic vistas as the train winds through the Andes mountains.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, the group will then take a 30-minute bus ride up to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.

An expert guide will lead the exploration of this iconic site, providing insights into its rich history and architectural wonders.

Ample time is allotted for visitors to admire the ancient structures and take memorable photographs.

The return journey by train and bus offers additional opportunities to soak in the breathtaking natural beauty of the region.

Inclusions

This Machu Picchu day trip includes an expert local tour guide fluent in both English and Spanish.

The tour also provides the following:

Round trip transportation to the train station from your Cusco hotel, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Train fares between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the scenic 4-hour journey.
Bus tickets for the 30-minute ride between Aguas Calientes and the entrance of Machu Picchu, so you can focus on exploring the ancient ruins.

Admission to Machu Picchu and first aid services are also included, making this a comprehensive and worry-free tour.

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Group Size and Flexibility

How small is the group size for this Machu Picchu day trip? The tour group is limited to just 9 participants, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience. This small group size allows for better interaction with the expert local guide and more flexibility in navigating the ancient Incan citadel.

Tour Group Size	9 participants max
Flexibility	Check availability for starting times and select participants and date
Personalization	Intimate experience with expert guide
Interaction	Better interaction with guide

This small group size and flexible scheduling make the Machu Picchu day trip an ideal choice for those seeking an immersive and customized tour of this iconic Peruvian landmark.

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Departure and Return

The day trip to Machu Picchu starts early, with a 3:00 am hotel pickup in Cusco.

After the pickup, the group takes a 2-hour bus ride to Ollantaytambo. From there, they embark on a 4-hour scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.

Once in Aguas Calientes, they board a 30-minute bus to reach the entrance of the iconic ruins. The guided tour of Machu Picchu begins around 10:30 am.

At 2:00 pm, the group descends back to Aguas Calientes, where they catch the 4:30 pm train to Ollantaytambo.

The day ends with an arrival back in Cusco around 8:30 pm.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect an immersive experience during the Machu Picchu day trip. The tour provides an in-depth exploration of the ancient Inca citadel, with an expert guide leading the way. Guests will have ample time to admire the site’s stunning architecture and natural surroundings, capturing breathtaking photos along the way.

What to See	What to Do	What to Bring
Ancient Inca ruins	Explore the site	Water/snacks
Machu Picchu Mountain	Take photos	Sun protection
Stunning vistas	Participate in guided tour	Comfortable shoes
Architectural wonders	Enjoy the train ride	Cash for souvenirs

The day is filled with scenic transportation, including a 4-hour train journey and bus rides, offering travelers the opportunity to soak in the captivating Andean landscape.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the Machu Picchu day trip is straightforward, and travelers can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour operator offers several flexible options:

Travelers can book the tour online through the operator’s website, securing their preferred date and time.
For those who prefer to plan closer to their travel dates, the tour can be reserved up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour is fully refundable if canceled at least 24 hours prior to the departure time, providing travelers with peace of mind.

With these hassle-free booking and cancellation policies, exploring the iconic Machu Picchu has never been easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Bring for the Tour?

The traveler should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a light rain jacket, snacks and water, and any necessary medications. It’s also wise to bring some cash for any additional expenses or souvenirs.

Can I Extend My Stay in Machu Picchu?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Machu Picchu. The tour includes transportation to and from the site, but you’re free to explore on your own after the guided tour is complete. Simply purchase any additional entrance tickets needed for your extended visit.

Is There an Option to Hike to Machu Picchu?

Yes, there are hiking options to reach Machu Picchu. Hikers can take the classic Inca Trail, which takes 4 days, or opt for the shorter Salkantay or Lares trails which take 2-3 days. These hikes provide stunning scenery and a more immersive experience.

Are Meals Provided During the Tour?

The Machu Picchu day tour doesn’t include meals, but there are various food options available along the way. Travelers can purchase snacks, lunch, or refreshments at Aguas Calientes before and after exploring the ancient Inca citadel.

What Is the Dress Code for the Machu Picchu Visit?

The dress code for visiting Machu Picchu is casual and comfortable. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy walking shoes, lightweight and breathable clothing, and sun protection such as a hat and sunglasses. Dressing in layers is recommended due to the varying temperatures.

Recap

The Machu Picchu Day Trip offers an unforgettable experience, immersing travelers in the rich history and stunning architecture of this ancient citadel. With a scenic journey, guided tour, and intimate group size, this tour provides a personalized and immersive adventure in the Andes. Travelers seeking an unforgettable day can confidently book this Machu Picchu excursion.

You can check if your dates are available here: