Machu Picchu: Full-Day Tour From Cusco With Optional Lunch

Visiting the iconic Machu Picchu is a bucket-list item for many travelers to Peru. This full-day tour from Cusco offers an immersive experience, exploring the ancient Inca citadel and its captivating landscapes. With comfortable transportation, a scenic train ride, and a guided tour led by a local expert, the journey promises to be both enlightening and unforgettable. For those seeking an enhanced experience, an optional Peruvian lunch adds a delightful culinary component. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a memorable adventure, this tour might just be the perfect way to uncover the wonders of Machu Picchu.

This experience made our list of the 12 Best Lunch Experiences In Aguas Calientes.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Cusco includes round-trip transportation, admission to Machu Picchu, and a 2.5-hour guided tour exploring the iconic Inca site.
• The tour provides in-depth insights into the history, architecture, and cultural significance of Machu Picchu from a knowledgeable local guide.
• Visitors can take an optional contemporary Peruvian lunch at Cafe Inkaterra Restaurant for an additional fee.
• The tour is non-refundable and available in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, with hotel pickup scheduled between 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM.
• Essential items to bring include passport/ID, comfortable shoes, and sun protection, while prohibited items include pets, baby strollers, and large bags.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This Machu Picchu tour from Cusco typically lasts 15 hours and is priced from $339.00 to $311.88 per person, offering savings of up to 8%.

It’s a non-refundable tour offered in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. Pickup from Cusco hotels is between 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM, with the exact time confirmed a day prior.

The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip train and bus transportation, and admission to Machu Picchu. A 2.5-hour guided tour of the site by an expert local guide is also provided.

Travelers should bring essentials like a passport, comfortable shoes, and sun protection, as certain items aren’t allowed on-site.

Itinerary Details

Departing from Cusco, the tour first takes travelers to Ollantaytambo Station, where they board a train bound for Aguas Calientes.

From there, a bus transports them to the legendary Machu Picchu site, built by the Inca emperor Pachacuti in the 1450s.

The guided tour lasts 2.5 hours, during which an expert local guide leads visitors through the Main Square, Royal Quarters, Temple of the Three Windows, Circular Towers, Sacred Sun Dial, and Burial Grounds.

The once-thriving Inca citadel was abandoned after the Spanish conquest but remains a captivating testament to the ingenuity of its creators.

Guided Tour

The expert local guide leads visitors on a captivating 2.5-hour tour through Machu Picchu’s iconic landmarks.

Guests explore the Main Square, Royal Quarters, and the renowned Temple of the Three Windows.

The guide shares insights into the remarkable engineering feats and cultural significance of structures like the Circular Towers and Sacred Sun Dial.

The tour concludes at the Burial Grounds, offering a deeper understanding of the Inca civilization’s rituals and legacy.

Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable guide engages guests, answering questions and providing context that brings Machu Picchu’s history to life.

Inclusions

The tour package includes round-trip transportation from the customer’s Cusco hotel to the Ollantaytambo Station, where they’ll board a train bound for Aguas Calientes.

The package also covers:

1. A round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
2. Admission to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu.
3. A 2.5-hour guided tour of the site led by a knowledgeable local guide who can provide insights in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.

Plus, customers have the option to include a contemporary Peruvian lunch at the Cafe Inkaterra Restaurant in Aguas Calientes for an additional fee.

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Important Information

Travelers are advised to bring their passport or ID, wear comfortable shoes, and pack sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Pets, baby strollers, large bags, drones, selfie sticks, food, umbrellas, and walking sticks aren’t allowed on the tour.

Tickets are subject to availability, and personal data is required for issuance. Changes to data or entry dates aren’t permitted after the tickets have been issued.

Visitors will be assigned to Circuit 1, 2, or 3 depending on availability.

It’s important to be aware of these guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable Machu Picchu experience.

Booking Policies

Booking the Machu Picchu tour is subject to availability, and travelers must provide personal data for ticket issuance. Changes to data or entry dates aren’t allowed once the tickets are issued. Visitors are assigned to one of three circuits – Circuit 1, 2, or 3 – based on availability.

The tour has the following booking policies:

1. Tickets are non-refundable, so travelers should ensure their schedules are clear before booking.

2. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, but the exact pickup time (between 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM) is confirmed the day before the tour.

3. Certain items, such as pets, baby strollers, and large bags, aren’t allowed on the tour.

Customer Experience

Based on the reviews, travelers have largely praised the tour guides for their exceptional knowledge and engaging presentation of Machu Picchu’s history and significance. The smooth transportation coordination has also been noted, though some reported experiencing wait times at the end of the trip. The scenic train journey and the optional contemporary Peruvian lunch at Cafe Inkaterra Restaurant have received positive feedback as well.

Positives	Negatives
Knowledgeable and engaging guides	Some reported wait times at the end of the trip
Smooth transportation coordination	–
Scenic train journey and lunch options	–

Tour Highlights

The Machu Picchu tour from Cusco takes visitors on a captivating journey through the mystical ruins of this ancient Inca citadel.

The highlights of the tour include:

1. Exploring the iconic structures of Machu Picchu, such as the Main Square, Royal Quarters, and the Temple of the Three Windows, which offer a glimpse into the architectural prowess of the Incas.

2. Witnessing the breathtaking scenery that surrounds the site, with the towering Andes mountains providing a stunning natural backdrop to the ancient ruins.

3. Enjoying a guided tour by an expert local guide, who provides in-depth insights into the history, culture, and significance of Machu Picchu, enhancing the overall experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit Machu Picchu Without the Guided Tour?

Yes, visitors can explore Machu Picchu without a guided tour. However, a guided tour provides valuable context and insights that can enhance the experience. Independent exploration is possible, but a guide is recommended to fully appreciate Machu Picchu’s history and significance.

Is It Possible to Extend My Stay in Machu Picchu?

Yes, visitors can extend their stay in Machu Picchu beyond the guided tour. They’ll need to purchase additional entrance tickets and arrange their own transportation to and from the site at their own expense.

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting Machu Picchu?

There’s no official dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Lightweight layers, sturdy walking shoes, a hat, and sun protection are recommended to explore Machu Picchu comfortably.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at Machu Picchu?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at Machu Picchu. There are several small shops and vendors near the site offering a variety of traditional Peruvian handicrafts, textiles, and other items for visitors to browse and buy.

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

Yes, visitors can hike to Machu Picchu instead of taking the bus. The most popular hiking trail is the Inca Trail, which takes 4 days to complete and offers stunning views along the way.

Recap

This captivating full-day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu provides a unique opportunity to explore the ancient Inca citadel‘s breathtaking landscapes and architectural marvels. With comfortable transportation, a guided tour by an expert local guide, and an optional contemporary Peruvian lunch, this tour offers an unforgettable experience that allows visitors to enjoy the rich history and cultural significance of Machu Picchu.

You can check if your dates are available here: