Brief
Embark on a thrilling Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco, one of the most iconic full-day tours to Machu Picchu. Begin your adventure with a 2-hour bus ride from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. There, you’ll board a scenic train to Machu Picchu. Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and rolling hills. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, take a short bus ride up to Machu Picchu. A local guide will lead you through the ancient Inca ruins. They will reveal the Inca civilisation’s history. Visit well-known places like the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana Stone. Dive into the vibrant culture of the Inca civilisation. After your tour, enjoy free time to wander. Take in the breathtaking views of the Machu Picchu mountain. In the evening, return to Cusco by train and bus. You will be filled with memories of this world-famous wonder.
Highlights
- Visit Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. A knowledgeable guide will show you its ancient Inca ruins.
- Take a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu. It goes through the breathtaking Sacred Valley. You will see stunning views of the Andes Mountains.
- Explore iconic sites like the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana Stone, and Inca terraces. Learn about the Inca civilisation’s rich history and culture.
- Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu. It will uncover its secrets and marvels, like the Temple of the Three Windows and the Main Plaza.
- Capture stunning photos of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains. The views are perfect for panoramic vistas.
Itinerary
Machu Picchu Exploration & Return to Cusco
Early morning pick-up from Cusco City
Your Machu Picchu adventure begins with a prompt pick-up from your Cusco hotel between 4:00 AM and 4:15 AM. A minibus will take you through the Andes to the Ollantaytambo train station. The trip takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Train journey to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)
At Ollantaytambo, train staff will help board the 6:10 AM or 6:40 AM trains to Aguas Calientes. This scenic 1.5-hour train ride offers stunning views of the Urubamba River. Its waters glisten under the Andean sun, framed by rugged terrain. It sets the tone for an unforgettable day.
Arrival and Welcome to Aguas Calientes
After you arrive in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town, our friendly staff will greet you. They will hold a sign with your name. After a brief intro and some instructions, relax for a bit. Then, head to the Aguas Calientes bus station. From there, you will take the Machu Picchu bus for a scenic 30-minute ride up to the Inca citadel. This lets you prepare for your tour and enjoy the views on the way up, depending on your Machu Picchu entry time.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu Citadel
Your Machu Picchu ticket lets you access the tour circuit. This is usually circuit 01 or 02, depending on what’s available. Our expert local guide will lead you on a 2.5-hour tour of the Inca citadel. They will explain its history, architecture, and key monuments. These include the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana Stone. This is your chance to learn about the Inca civilisation. You’ll also soak in the breathtaking vistas.
Return to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)
After your guided tour, you will descend back to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town by bus. The journey takes about 25 minutes. It gives you time to reflect on the day’s discoveries and relax before heading back.
Leisure Time in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)
Upon returning to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town, you’ll have some free time. You can explore the charming town, enjoy a meal, or buy souvenirs before your return journey. You can relax at a local cafe or stroll through the market. The town is a great place to unwind before you continue your journey.
Return train journey to Ollantaytambo
Your return train will leave Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town around 2:30 PM or 3:20 PM. It will take 1.5 hours to get to Ollantaytambo. Follow the train staff’s instructions for a smooth journey back to Cusco.
Arrival in Cusco
We expect to arrive back in Cusco around 6:30 to 7:00 PM. We will drop you off at your hotel. This will end your memorable Machu Picchu day trip.
Meals: None
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Welcome pack and briefing either at your hotel or Airbnb, or at our office, depending on your preference.
- Excursions are available as either as group tours or private services, depending on the program you choose
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu (General entrance). Circuit 1 or Circuit 2 depending on availability.
- Shared or private Local Guide in Machu Picchu depending on the program you choose
- Shared or private transportation to/from Ollantaytambo in a comfortable vehicle depending on the program you choose
- Door to Door Service
- Train tickets to/from Machu Picchu
- Budget: The Voyager or Expedition Bimodal Service with a shared guided tour in Machu Picchu (Upgrade to Vistadome Service for an additional cost)
- Round-Trip Bus Tickets to/from Machu Picchu Citadel
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B: breakfast, L: lunch, D: dinner, BL; Boxed Lunch)
- 24/7 Machu Picchu Day Trip by Aantur Perú On-Call Support, including WhatsApp support, ensuring you have assistance whenever needed during your Machu Picchu tour.
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Tips (for guides, drivers, waiters, luggage porters, etc)
- Entry fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Accommodation
- Beverages during meals (unless specified in the itinerary)
Prices are not valid on the following dates:
April 13th to 20th
June 21st to 26th
Dec 31st to Jan 03rd
Recommendations or Essential Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu
- Bring Your Identification Document or Passport
Ensure you bring the passport or ID used to purchase your Machu Picchu tickets. It’s required for entry to the site, and you’ll need to present it when checking in at the entrance. - Arrive Early at the Train Station
To ensure a smooth journey, arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure. This will give you ample time to check in and prepare for the scenic ride to Aguas Calientes. - Limit Your Luggage
When traveling to Machu Picchu, keep in mind that only 5 kg (11 lbs) of luggage is allowed on the train to Machu Picchu. Travel light to make your journey more comfortable. - Pack Smart for the Day
We recommend carrying a small backpack with essentials for your Machu Picchu visit, including: - Camera to capture stunning views.
- A hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
- Mosquito repellent to keep insects at bay.
- A water bottle to stay hydrated during your exploration.
- Wear Comfortable and Non-Slippery Shoes. As you will be exploring the ancient terraces and climbing stairs at Machu Picchu, make sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip. This is essential for safely navigating the site’s uneven surfaces.
