Cusco , Peru

Machu Picchu Exclusive (Day Trip)

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14h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Named one of the New 7 wonders of the world, considered one of the most important energy centers in the world, and an iconic, world-renowned tourist destination, Machu Picchu, awaits to captivate you with its splendor! To reach the site, you have to cross the beautiful Urubamba Valley until you reach the Ollantaytambo or Poroy (Cusco) train station where you take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes. There you board a bus that will take you to the royal Incan citadel. The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, named Mixed World Heritage Site – natural and cultural – by UNESCO, always shows its best side.

Available options

Machu Picchu Exclusive (Day Trip)

Pickup included

What's included

Bus from Aguas Calientes town to Machu Picchu citadel and back

Cusco Hotel Transfer

Professional bi-lingual guide (English & Spanish)

Round Trip Vista Dome Train Ticket

Entrance to Machu Picchu

Transport from Cusco to Train Station

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco 2 hours before the departure of your train and take you to the train station in the town of Ollantaytambo. We will board a vista dome train. We will begin the journey from Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes. The views out your train windows will be absolutely spectacular as we travel beside the roaring Urubamba River and the towering mountains surrounding it!

In Aguas Calientes, our guide will be waiting for us and will accompany us to the bus station where we will board the bus to take us to the amazing citadel of Machu Picchu! There we will have our 2-hour guided tour, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, cemeteries, the Intihuatana sundial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, etc. Be amazed at the engineering ingenuity of the Incas which was so far ahead of their time and still partially a mystery today! Without having modern tools or even steel and iron to work with, the people who built this city were genius in organizing this community in a sustainable and beautiful way on the side of a mountain, even bringing water in canals through its streets for the people to use. When a Peruvian guide showed this site to Hiram Bingham, it was almost unrecognizable, covered in thick vegetation and in a state of disrepair. It has since been cleaned and restored and is now protected and treasured by the world at large!

After this tour, you are free to climb up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (Be sure to book in advance to get tickets for these!). Each mountain takes approximately 3 hours to hike up and down. Another lower-impact option for which you do not need an extra ticket is to trek to the Sun Gate, the main entrance from the Inca Trail (this takes about 2 or 2.5 hours round-trip). Another option is walking to see the Incan Bridge. Then we will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes by bus, where you can have lunch at one of the various restaurants in Aguas Calientes or at Sanctuary Lodge(lunch is on you).

At 16:22 hrs (subject to availability), we will take a vista dome train back to Ollantaytambo. This trip takes about two hours. At 18:30 hrs, we will board a private bus which will take us back to Cusco. We arrive in Cusco at approximately 20:30 hrs.

What's not included

Meals

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Cusco

Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, is a captivating blend of Indigenous and colonial influences. Known for its well-preserved archaeological sites, vibrant culture, and stunning Andean landscapes, it's a gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. The city's rich history, combined with its lively arts scene and delicious cuisine, makes it a must-visit destination in South America.

Top Attractions

Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is a stunning region filled with Inca ruins, traditional villages, and breathtaking landscapes. It's a must-visit for history and nature lovers.

Historical/Nature Full day PEN 10-50 (USD 2.50-12.50) depending on the site

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is the iconic Inca citadel and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Its breathtaking views and rich history make it a must-see.

Historical/Adventure Full day or overnight PEN 152 (USD 38) for entrance, train tickets vary

Qorikancha

Qorikancha, or the Temple of the Sun, was the most important temple in the Inca Empire. It's a fascinating blend of Inca and colonial architecture.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours PEN 10 (USD 2.50)

Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman is a massive Inca fortress with impressive stone walls and panoramic views of Cusco. It's a testament to Inca engineering and military might.

Historical 1-2 hours PEN 10 (USD 2.50)

San Pedro Market

San Pedro Market is a bustling market offering a variety of fresh produce, local crafts, and traditional foods. It's a great place to experience local life.

Cultural/Food 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cuy al Horno

Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.

Main Course Not vegetarian

Lomo Saltado

Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and fries.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian

Aji de Gallina

Shredded chicken in a creamy, spicy sauce.

Main Course Not vegetarian

Sopa de Quinoa

Quinoa soup, a nutritious and traditional dish.

Soup Can be made vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Trekking Mountain biking Whitewater rafting Visiting spas Exploring parks Enjoying local cafes Visiting museums

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the dry season, offering the best weather for exploring the city and its archaeological sites. The skies are clear, and temperatures are mild.

5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F) 41°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: Quechua, English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe with common-sense precautions

Cusco is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable tour operators
• Be cautious with street food

Getting there

By air

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport • 5 km (3 miles) from city center

By train

San Pedro Station

By bus

Cusco Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Shared taxis (colectivos) are a common and affordable way to get around Cusco. They follow specific routes and can be flagged down.

Taxis

Available • Apps: InDriver, Easy Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center San Blas San Cristobal

Day trips

Pisac

35 km (22 miles) from Cusco • Full day

Pisac is a charming town known for its vibrant market and impressive Inca ruins. It's a great day trip from Cusco.

Ollantaytambo

60 km (37 miles) from Cusco • Full day or overnight

Ollantaytambo is a picturesque town with well-preserved Inca ruins and a gateway to Machu Picchu. It's a must-visit for history and adventure lovers.

Tipon

25 km (16 miles) from Cusco • Half day

Tipon is a beautiful archaeological site with well-preserved Inca terraces and water channels. It's a peaceful and less crowded alternative to other Inca sites.

Festivals

Inti Raymi • June 24 Cusco Festival of Music and Dance • August

Pro tips

Acclimatize to the altitude before engaging in strenuous activities
Dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures
Learn a few basic phrases in Spanish or Quechua to enhance your experience
Visit the San Pedro Market early in the morning for the best selection and prices
Book tickets and train tickets in advance for Machu Picchu and other popular attractions