Embark on an immersive full day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco with our English speaking tour guide. Immerse in the views and the history of the Inca citadel and one of the renowned world wonders.
Machu Picchu, the 15th century Inca citadel nestles high up in the mountain ridge. It is often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas”. UNESCO designated Machu Picchu as a world heritage site in 1983.
In 2007, it was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Machu Picchu was built during the rule of the Inca emperor, Pachacutec in the mid 1400s. It was inhabited for less than 100 years and was abandoned when the Spanish invaded Peru.
In 1911, Hiram Bingham III rediscovered Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu soon became one of the popular tourist attractions.
On this Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco, we will be giving you an immersive tour for two hours. During the guided tour, we will be visiting the main parts of the citadel like the Temple of the sun, temple of three windows, Inca ceremonial site.
We will also visit the Intihuatana stone which is believed to have been used by the Incas as sundial.
After the tour, you will have an option of hiking the Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain. If you wish to do so, then it is highly recommended that you let us know while booking the tour. You will need permits to hike to these peaks. Permwhich are often sold out months in advance.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season in the country, between March and November. During these months often the skies are clear and you will be getting a stunning view of the citadel.
The train services operated by Peru Rail and Inca Rail. We will be booking your train to Machu Picchu on either of these service providers based on availability.
For a more immersive experience, do check out our two day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour package.
Do take a moment to check our reviews on Tripadvisor.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
0330 AM
A trip to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience that offers stunning views, fascinating history, and a glimpse into the culture of the Incas. Here are some things to expect on your Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco:
Your epic Machu Picchu full day tour begins with an early morning transfer from your hotel in Cusco. We will be driving through the Sacred Valley of the Incas for two hours to Ollantaytambo train station.
Here you will be boarding the train to Aguas Calientes. The two hour train ride offers staggering views of the Peruvian Andes as it would snake through some highland villages and farms. Once we get closer to Aguas Calientes, you will witness a change in weather as it gets warmer in the region.
Our representative will meet you at the train station in Aguas Calientes and will transfer you to the bus terminal. Here you will be boarding the 30 minutes bus ride up the hill to Machu Picchu citadel.
Once we reach the entrance of the citadel, local authorities will verify your original passport against the Machu Picchu entrance ticket by local authorities.
As you enter the citadel, you will witness the golden rays of the rising sun beaming on the walls of the Inca citadel.
Our tour would begin with a brief introduction to the Inca Empire and Andean mythology. We will be visiting some prime parts of the citadel like the farming terraces, religious centers, remains of the royal quarters and Inca temples and more.
After this immersive tour, you will have some free time to explore the citadel on your own. If you want to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains, our tour guide will be directing you to the respective trailhead.
Alternatively, you can hike to the Sungate (Intipunku) to relish a staggering view of the Inca citadel. This is the point of entrance to those hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Once you have soaked into the views and the history of the citadel, we will be exiting and taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes town.
Aguas Calientes, as the name suggests, is home to natural hot springs. You will have some free time here so you can visit the hot springs or market or simply rest and have lunch at one of the local restaurants here.
In the evening, we will be taking the train back to Ollantaytambo train station. We will meet you on arrival and will transfer you to the hotel in Cusco. We will be reaching Cusco by 09:00 PM.
The amount of time it takes to tour Machu Picchu can vary depending on how much of the site you want to explore and how much time you have available. Here are some general estimates:
Guided tour: A guided tour of Machu Picchu typically takes around 2-3 hours. However, it depends on the pace of the tour and the size of the group.
Self-guided tour: If you choose to explore the site on your own, you can expect to spend anywhere from 3-5 hours at Machu Picchu. This can vary depending on your level of interest in the site, as well as how much time you want to spend taking photos and enjoying the scenery.
Hiking: If you plan to hike to the Sun Gate or climb Huayna Picchu, you should allow extra time for these activities. The hike to the Sun Gate takes about 1-2 hours round trip, while the climb to Huayna Picchu can take 2-3 hours round trip.
Overall, it’s a good idea to allow at least half a day to explore Machu Picchu, and preferably a full day if you want to take your time and explore the site in depth. Additionally, keep in mind that the site is open from 6:00am to 5:00pm, so plan your visit accordingly.
If you’re planning a day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco, you’ll need to allow enough time to tour the site and return to the train station in time for your departure. Here’s a rough estimate of the time required:
Train journey: The train journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes takes around 4 hours each way, so you’ll need to allow at least 8 hours for travel time.
Bus ride: Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you’ll need to take a bus up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes each way.
Tour time: The amount of time you spend touring Machu Picchu will depend on your preferences, but as mentioned earlier, a guided tour typically takes around 2-3 hours.
Return journey: After touring Machu Picchu, you’ll need to take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and catch your train back to Cusco.
Overall, you should plan to spend a minimum of 10-12 hours for a day trip to Machu Picchu, with a full day (or even overnight) being ideal if you want to explore the site in depth and have more time to enjoy the stunning scenery.
It is mandatory to have a tour guide at Machu Picchu. A knowledgeable guide can enhance your experience by providing insights into the history and significance of the site, pointing out important features, and answering any questions you may have.
A guided tour can also help you to navigate the site and make the most of your visit. Machu Picchu is a large and complex site, and a guide can help you to understand the layout and significance of each area.
In addition, guided tours are often more efficient than self-guided exploration. Guides can help you to avoid crowds and take advantage of the best photo opportunities. Finally, having a guide ensures that you don’t miss any important features or details of the site.
Machu Picchu is located at an altitude of 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level. The site is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River. It and is surrounded by towering peaks that reach up to 6,000 meters (20,000 feet) in elevation.
The high altitude of Machu Picchu can have an impact on visitors, particularly those who are not acclimated to the altitude. It’s important to take things slowly, stay hydrated, and be aware of any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Machu Picchu was built in the mid-15th century, during the height of the Inca Empire. It was constructed as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Machu Picchu was abandoned less than 100 years later during the Spanish conquest of Peru.
Machu Picchu was largely forgotten by the outside world until it was rediscovered by the American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Since then, it has become one of the most famous and popular tourist destinations in the world.
