Exploring the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. This full-day tour offers an immersive journey, combining the iconic main site with the lesser-known Huchuy Picchu. Departing early from Cusco, the tour provides scenic transportation, including a train ride, leading to a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Adventurous participants can then opt to hike the steep trail to Huchuy Picchu, offering unique perspectives and a chance to discover a hidden gem. With efficient logistics and knowledgeable guides, this tour promises an unforgettable day – but there’s more to uncover about this comprehensive Machu Picchu experience.
This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Aguas Calientes.
Key Points
- A comprehensive full-day tour to Machu Picchu, including Circuit 4 and the optional Huchuy Picchu exploration, priced at $320 per person.
- Transportation, train travel, and bus ride to the citadel are included in the tour package.
- Professional English and Spanish-speaking guides provide insightful commentary during the 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.
- Small group size of up to 15 participants ensures an intimate and personalized experience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This full-day tour to the iconic Machu Picchu site offers an immersive experience for visitors. Priced from $320 per person, the tour provides extensive coverage of the ancient Inca citadel.
Lasting 15 hours, the excursion limits group size to 15 participants and offers live guides in English and Spanish. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour includes round-trip transportation from Cusco, train travel to Aguas Calientes, and a bus ride to Machu Picchu. After a 2-hour guided tour of the site, visitors can explore the less-visited Huchuy Picchu area.
An optional buffet lunch and thermal baths are available at an additional cost.
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Itinerary and Experience
The tour begins with a 4:00 AM pickup from hotels in Cusco, followed by a 1 hour and 40-minute drive to the Ollantaytambo train station.
Guests then board the train, departing at 6:10 AM for the scenic 1.5-hour journey to Aguas Calientes.
Upon arrival, they’ll take a 30-minute bus ride up to the Machu Picchu citadel.
A 2-hour guided tour explores key sites, including the Agricultural Zone, Temple of the Sun, and the less-visited Huchuy Picchu area, providing insight into Inca engineering.
After the tour, guests have the option to enjoy a buffet lunch or visit the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes before the return journey by train and transport to Cusco.
Inclusions
The tour package includes comprehensive transportation, from hotel pickup in Cusco to the round-trip train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and a bus ride up to the Machu Picchu citadel.
The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, covering both the Circuit 4 and the lesser-explored Huchuy Picchu areas, is also included.
Travelers will benefit from the expertise of a professional tour guide who’ll lead the exploration of Machu Picchu’s key sites, such as the Agricultural Zone, Temple of the Sun, and more.
The return transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is provided as well.
Additional options, like a buffet lunch and access to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, are available at an extra cost.
Recommendations and What to Bring
Passport and identification documents are a must for this tour, as travelers will need to present their passports and DNI (National Identity Document) upon entry to Machu Picchu.
Comfortable clothing and footwear are essential, with long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and sneakers recommended. During the rainy season, a raincoat is advised.
Stay hydrated with a water bottle, and protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sun lenses. Mosquito repellent is also recommended.
Bring low-denomination cash for any optional expenses, such as lunch or thermal baths.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews
Two customer reviews for this full-day Machu Picchu tour showcase its unique experience and impeccable service.
Based on a 5/5 overall rating from 2 reviews, travelers highlight the tour’s ability to provide a special glimpse into Inca engineering and less explored areas of the iconic citadel.
The professional, knowledgeable guide is praised for their insightful commentary, while the seamless transportation and logistics receive unanimous approval.
Customers recommend this organized tour for those seeking a comprehensive, well-executed Machu Picchu experience.
The positive feedback underscores the tour’s ability to deliver an exceptional and memorable journey to one of Peru’s most renowned archaeological wonders.
Departure and Duration
Typically, the full-day tour to Machu Picchu departs from Cusco hotels at 04:00 hours, providing ample time for the approximately 1 hour and 40-minute drive to the Ollantaytambo train station.
From there, the group boards the train at 06:10 hours, commencing a scenic journey to Aguas Calientes.
Upon arrival, a 30-minute bus ride takes the participants up to the Machu Picchu citadel.
After a 2-hour guided exploration of the key sites, the tour continues to the lesser-known Huchuy Picchu area.
The return journey retraces the steps, with the train ride back to Ollantaytambo and ground transportation to Cusco, completing the approximately 15-hour tour.
Group Size and Languages
The tour group size is limited to a maximum of 15 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
This small group size allows for better interaction with the guide and fellow travelers, fostering a more immersive and engaging exploration of Machu Picchu.
The tour is available in both English and Spanish, with live guides fluent in these languages.
This language flexibility caters to a diverse range of international visitors, allowing them to fully understand and appreciate the rich history and cultural significance of this ancient Inca citadel.
The combination of a small group size and language options enhances the overall tour experience, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience.
Cancellation Policy and Payment
Travelers may cancel their Machu Picchu tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility and peace of mind. The tour can be reserved now with no payment upfront, allowing customers to secure their spot and pay later. This hassle-free booking process simplifies planning.
Payment Options | |
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Pay Nothing Now | Reserve Your Spot |
Pay Later | Flexible Payment |
The tour can be confidently booked without worrying about last-minute changes, as the generous cancellation policy ensures a full refund if plans shift. This user-friendly approach caters to the needs of modern travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
This full-day tour to Machu Picchu doesn’t have any specific age restrictions. It’s suitable for adults and children alike, though participants should be physically capable of the activities involved in the itinerary.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?
While the tour’s itinerary is pre-set, the operator can accommodate customizations to some degree based on travelers’ preferences. Customers should discuss any special requests or modifications with the tour provider before booking to ensure they can be accommodated.
Is It Possible to Add Additional Activities During the Tour?
Yes, travelers can add optional activities during the tour, such as visiting the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes or hiking up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These activities come at an additional cost but can be booked in advance or on the day of the tour.
What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?
The dress code for this tour is casual and comfortable. The recommended attire includes sneakers, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a raincoat during the rainy season. Comfortable clothing that provides protection from the elements is key for this full-day excursion.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour package does not include lunch, so bringing your own snacks and beverages is allowed and recommended to ensure you have sustenance throughout the day.
Recap
The full-day tour to Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable experience. It includes a guided tour of the iconic citadel, optional exploration of Huchuy Picchu, and scenic transportation. With a maximum group size of 15 and guides fluent in English and Spanish, the tour ensures a personalized and enriching adventure. At $320 per person, it’s a unique opportunity to discover the wonders of Machu Picchu.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Full Day in Aguas Calientes
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