MACHUPICCHU ONE DAY TOUR

Fitting Machu Picchu into a whirlwind one-day adventure, this tour promises an immersive exploration of the iconic Incan citadel's architectural marvels and historical mysteries.

Exploring the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu in a single day is an enticing prospect for many travelers. The Machu Picchu One Day Tour offers a comprehensive experience, whisking visitors from Cusco to the iconic Incan citadel and back. With guided exploration, transportation, and train tickets included, this tour promises an immersive journey through the site’s architectural marvels and historical mysteries. While the quick turnaround may raise questions, the tour’s logistics suggest a well-organized and efficient way to discover one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites.

Key Points

  • A one-day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu, with transportation, guided tour, and return journey included, starting at Kč 12,697 per person.
  • The tour includes a bus ride, train journey, and guided tour of the main enclosures of Machu Picchu, providing insights into its architectural brilliance and historical mysteries.
  • The tour is limited to 10 participants and available in English and Spanish, with a duration of approximately 12-14 hours.
  • Participants are required to bring a camera, biodegradable sunscreen, and insect repellent, and must provide a copy of their passport prior to the tour.
  • The tour offers an opportunity for further exploration of Machu Picchu after the guided tour, as well as time for reflection during the return journey to Cusco.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Machu Picchu One Day Tour is a comprehensive day trip that allows visitors to explore the iconic Inca citadel.

Priced from Kč 12,697 per person, the tour lasts one day and has a limited group size of 10 participants.

It’s available in English and Spanish, with pickups from the Centro Histórico.

The itinerary includes transfers, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and return transportation to Cusco.

Inclusions cover transportation, train tickets, and entrance fees.

Optional upgrades and extras are available.

Preparation and restrictions apply, and travelers must send a copy of their passport before the tour.

Itinerary

After hotel pickup and transfer to the bus station in Cusco, the day begins with a 04:20 – 06:20 bus ride from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.

Guests then take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, arriving around 08:05.

From there, a bus transports them to the Machu Picchu entrance, arriving at 08:45.

The guided tour of the historic site lasts from 09:00 – 11:30, covering the main enclosures.

Afterward, guests have free time and lunch in Aguas Calientes before the return journey by train and bus, arriving back in Cusco around 18:30.

Machu Picchu Experience

Guests arrive at Machu Picchu around 08:45 and embark on a guided tour that lasts until 11:30. The tour covers the main enclosures and highlights of this ancient Inca citadel.

Guests arrive at Machu Picchu around 08:45 and embark on a guided tour that lasts until 11:30, covering the main highlights of this ancient Inca citadel.

The tour guide provides insights into:

  • The architectural brilliance and engineering feats that went into Machu Picchu’s construction.

  • The spiritual and astronomical significance of various structures within the site.

  • The mysteries surrounding the sudden abandonment of this once-thriving settlement.

After the tour, guests have free time to explore Machu Picchu further before returning to Aguas Calientes for lunch.

Afternoon Returns

After the tour, guests return to Aguas Calientes for lunch.

They board the train at 14:30 for the 16:10 journey to Ollantaytambo. From there, a bus ride takes them back to Cusco, arriving at the Centro Histórico around 18:30.

The afternoon returns are well-coordinated, ensuring a smooth transition from Machu Picchu to the final drop-off location. Guests have the chance to relax and reflect on their Machu Picchu experience during the return journey.

The entire day trip is designed for efficiency and convenience, allowing participants to make the most of their time at the iconic ancient site.

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Inclusions

The tour includes several key elements to ensure a seamless Machu Picchu experience. The package covers hotel-to-bus station transfers, roundtrip bus and train transportation, and a professional tour guide.

Highlights include:

  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu

  • Consettur bus service to and from the site

  • Option to upgrade train service based on availability

Plus, travelers can choose to add on a special entrance ticket to Huaynapicchu for an additional cost.

However, personal expenses, tips, and food aren’t included. It’s recommended to come prepared with essential items and be mindful of prohibited items.

Optional Extras

While the one-day Machu Picchu tour includes essential elements, travelers can opt for additional services at an extra cost.

For those seeking a unique experience, a special entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu is available for $80. This allows access to the iconic mountain peak overlooking the main Machu Picchu ruins.

Travelers should also budget for personal expenses and tips, as well as any additional food not covered in the tour.

Travel insurance is recommended but not included.

These optional extras provide opportunities to customize the tour and enhance the Machu Picchu adventure.

Preparation and Restrictions

To ensure a seamless and enjoyable Machu Picchu experience, travelers should prepare accordingly.

The recommended items include:

  • Camera to capture the stunning vistas

  • Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent to protect against the elements

  • Comfortable clothing and cash for personal expenses

It’s important to note that alcohol and drugs are prohibited on the tour.

Travelers are also required to send a copy of their passport prior to the tour.

Important Information

Participants must send a copy of their valid passport prior to the tour. This ensures the tour operator can properly manage the necessary logistics.

During the tour, alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited. These substances aren’t allowed on the premises and can result in removal from the tour without refund.

Participants should pack a camera, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable clothing, cash, a charged smartphone, and biodegradable insect repellent. These items will enhance the Machu Picchu experience.

Finally, travel insurance is recommended to protect against unexpected circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. However, it’s important to consider the physical demands and duration of the tour when deciding if it’s suitable for children. Participants should be able to handle the full-day itinerary comfortably.

Is It Possible to Upgrade to a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, it’s possible to upgrade to a private tour. The tour provider offers a private option based on availability, which would provide a more personalized experience compared to the group tour. Interested travelers can inquire about the private tour upgrade when booking.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Types of Cameras or Photography Allowed?

There are no specific restrictions on the types of cameras allowed. However, guests should refrain from using flash photography as it can damage the ancient Inca structures. Plus, tripods may be prohibited in certain areas of Machu Picchu.

Can the Tour Itinerary Be Customized to Accommodate Special Requests?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized to accommodate special requests. It’s a fixed one-day tour with set transfers, train schedules, and activities. However, travelers can upgrade their train service based on availability.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students, Seniors, or Local Residents?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts for students, seniors, or local residents. The price of the Machupicchu One Day Tour is fixed at Kč 12,697 per person, regardless of the participant’s age or residence status.

The Sum Up

The Machu Picchu One Day Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the ancient Incan citadel. With included transfers, guided tours, and train tickets, this tour provides a comprehensive and immersive experience for visitors. Whether you’re interested in the architectural marvels or historical mysteries, this tour ensures you’ll have an unforgettable journey into the heart of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco in the evening.

You can check availability for your dates here: