Exploring the iconic Incan citadel of Machu Picchu is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. The full-day tour provides an immersive journey, transporting visitors from Cusco via bus and train to this UNESCO World Heritage site. With round-trip transportation, entrance tickets, and a knowledgeable guide included, the tour offers a seamless way to discover the ancient ruins, temples, and breathtaking vistas that have captivated the world. As travelers embark on this unforgettable adventure, they’ll not only marvel at the stunning landscapes but also explore the fascinating history and culture of the Inca civilization. What awaits those who venture to Machu Picchu just might surprise you.

This experience made our list of the 17 Best Full-Day Tours In Urubamba.

Key Points

Machu Picchu Full Day - Key Points

  • This full-day tour to Machu Picchu includes round-trip transportation, entrance tickets, and a guided exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • The tour offers a multi-modal journey involving bus, train, and shuttle bus to access the Inca ruins, with the possibility of waiting times.
  • Experienced multilingual guides provide insights into the engineering marvels and spiritual aspects of the Inca civilization during the site visit.
  • The tour is rated 5.0 with 177 reviews, indicating a quality experience, though some travelers have reported issues with organization and time management.
  • The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available, and most travelers can participate with prior verification of details with the tour agency.

Overview of the Tour

This full-day tour to Machu Picchu, located in Cusco, Peru, offers visitors a comprehensive experience to explore the renowned Inca citadel.

With 177 reviews and a stellar 5.0 rating, the tour provides round-trip transportation, entrance tickets, and a knowledgeable guide to lead participants through the archaeological site.

Priced from $287.00, the tour can accommodate up to 20 travelers, promising an intimate and personalized experience.

The itinerary involves multiple modes of transport, including bus, train, and bus again, to reach the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Customers can expect a full day of discovery, spanning approximately 9 hours from start to finish, with included meals to fuel the adventure.

Inclusions and Costs

Machu Picchu Full Day - Inclusions and Costs

The tour includes entrance tickets to the Machu Picchu circuit 2, subject to schedule availability, as well as round-trip transportation from Cusco to the train station and back. Plus, the package covers the cost of the Ollantaytambo tourist train ticket and the bus service within Machu Picchu. Multilingual professional guides are also provided to lead the archaeological park visit. Meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are included, though additional costs may apply for other services. The maximum number of travelers is 20, and the price for this full-day experience starts from $287.00 on a non-refundable basis.

Inclusions Details
Transportation Cusco – train station – Cusco, Round trip bus in Machu Picchu
Tickets Machu Picchu circuit 2, Ollantaytambo tourist train
Guide Professional English/Spanish guide for archaeological park visit
Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner (additional costs for other services)

Pickup and Meeting Details

Machu Picchu Full Day - Pickup and Meeting Details

Pickup points are available, though clients should consult with the sellers to confirm the location of their hotel. If the hotel is situated far from the historic center, additional charges may apply. Confirmation of pickup times is subject to availability.

The tour involves traveling via multiple modes of transport, including bus, train, and bus again to reach Machu Picchu. Once there, travelers will enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological park with knowledgeable guides. The entire tour duration is approximately 9 hours round trip.

Passengers should carefully verify their travel dates and details to avoid any errors. While the tour provides convenience, some travelers have experienced delays and found the process overwhelming at times.

Tour Experience Details

Machu Picchu Full Day - Tour Experience Details

Travelers embark on a multi-modal journey to reach Machu Picchu, involving a combination of bus, train, and bus transport.

Once at the archaeological site, they’ll enjoy a guided tour led by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the history and significance of this iconic Inca citadel.

The tour experience includes:

  • Navigating multiple modes of transportation to arrive at the legendary site

  • Exploring the various sectors of Machu Picchu, such as the Inca Trail, temples, and residential areas

  • Learning about the engineering marvels and spiritual aspects of the ancient Inca civilization

  • Soaking in the breathtaking vistas and seeing the serene atmosphere of the ruins

Despite some occasional delays, the organized nature of the tour ensures a convenient and enriching experience for visitors.

Customer Feedback and Reviews

Machu Picchu Full Day - Customer Feedback and Reviews

Reviewers have offered a mix of perspectives on the Machu Picchu Full Day tour, with some highlighting positive experiences and others suggesting areas for improvement.

Many praised the tour guides’ knowledge and the breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu itself.

However, some travelers experienced issues with the organization and timing of the tour, noting delays and feeling overwhelmed by the process.

Suggestions for improvement include better time management and clearer communication regarding the tour schedule.

While some found the convenience of the organized transportation helpful, others felt the waiting times, particularly in Aguas Calientes, were excessive.

Accessibility and Participation

Machu Picchu Full Day - Accessibility and Participation

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Infant seats are available to accommodate younger participants.

Most travelers can participate, but it’s the responsibility of clients to verify their travel details and physical capabilities.

The tour agency will contact clients to confirm the specifics of the tour.

While the convenience of organized transport is appreciated, the process can be overwhelming for some due to the multiple modes of transportation involved.

Confirmation and Communication

Machu Picchu Full Day - Confirmation and Communication

The tour agency confirms pickup times and other details with clients prior to the tour. However, some travelers report that the confirmation process could use improvement in terms of communication and timeliness.

Clients are responsible for verifying their travel dates and details to avoid any errors. While the agency give you clear information, a few travelers found the overall process overwhelming, despite the convenience of the organized transport.

The agency will contact clients to confirm all the specifics, but some suggest that better time management and communication regarding tour schedules could enhance the experience.

Transport and Logistics

Machu Picchu Full Day - Transport and Logistics

This tour involves a multi-modal transport experience, combining bus, train, and shuttle bus travel to reach the iconic Machu Picchu site.

The journey begins with a bus transfer from Cusco to the train station. Passengers then board the tourist train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. From there, a shuttle bus takes travelers up the winding road to the ancient Inca citadel.

The return journey follows the same route in reverse. While this transportation system allows access to the remote location, it can also result in waiting times, particularly in Aguas Calientes, which some travelers have found excessive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Items Should I Bring for the Day at Machu Picchu?

For a day at Machu Picchu, travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection like hats and sunscreen, snacks and water, a camera to capture the stunning views, and warm layers as temperatures can be cool, especially at higher elevations.

How Fit Do I Need to Be to Complete This Tour?

While the ‘Machu Picchu Full Day’ tour involves some moderate hiking, most travelers in reasonably good shape can complete it. Participants should be prepared for walking on uneven terrain and dealing with high altitude, but no extreme fitness level is required.

Can I Extend My Stay in Machu Picchu After the Tour?

Travelers can typically extend their stay in Machu Picchu after the tour. However, they’ll need to make their own arrangements for lodging, transportation, and any additional activities. The tour itself does not include an extended stay at the site.

Is There an Opportunity to Shop for Souvenirs During the Tour?

The tour offers limited opportunities to shop for souvenirs. Passengers may have a chance to browse vendors at the entrance to Machu Picchu, but the tour’s schedule is quite packed, leaving little free time for extensive shopping.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Special Considerations for Children?

There are no explicit age restrictions for this tour, but it may not be suitable for very young children. Families should consider their child’s stamina and ability to handle the extensive walking and transportation involved. Tour operators can provide guidance on child-friendly options.

Recap

The Machu Picchu Full Day tour offers an immersive and unforgettable experience, showcasing the breathtaking beauty and rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

With round-trip transportation, guided exploration, and inclusive meals, travelers can fully enjoy the captivating Inca civilization.

The tour’s high customer ratings and thorough logistics ensure a seamless and memorable journey to one of the world’s most iconic destinations.