Exploring the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. This tour from Cusco offers an all-inclusive adventure, from the scenic train ride to the guided tour of the ruins. Adventurers can even opt to hike up Machu Picchu Mountain for stunning panoramic views. But the real question is – what surprises await those who embark on this unforgettable journey?

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Key Points

Comprehensive full-day tour from Cusco to the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, including transportation, train journey, and guided exploration.
Option to climb Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic views of the ancient ruins.
Tour includes hotel pickup, professional bilingual guide, train and bus tickets, and lunch.
Moderate fitness level required; maximum group size of 15 people.
Confirmation of reservation and valid passport required; recommended items include comfortable clothing and sun protection.

Tour Overview

This day tour offers an immersive experience to the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

The tour starts with an early morning pickup from your Cusco hotel, followed by transportation to the Ollantaytambo train station.

The tour begins with an early morning pickup from your Cusco hotel, followed by transportation to the Ollantaytambo train station.

You’ll then take the scenic Expedition train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.

From there, a bus will transport you up to the ruins, where a bilingual guide will lead you on a comprehensive tour.

After exploring the site, you can opt to climb Machu Picchu Mountain for stunning panoramic views before returning to Cusco.

Looking for more options in Cusco? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

What’s Included

The tour package includes a range of services to ensure a seamless Machu Picchu experience.

It provides hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco, along with a professional bilingual guide.

Transportation includes the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.

Lunch, drinks, and the optional entrance fee to Huaynapicchu Mountain are also covered.

While tips are optional, all other essentials like round-trip train and bus tickets are included.

With these inclusions, travelers can focus on exploring the iconic Machu Picchu without worrying about logistics.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Pickup points for the tour include hotels in central Cusco or a designated meeting point.

The group meets at the Inca statue in Plaza Mayor del Cusco, Peru at 4:00 am. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Travelers need to have their current, valid passport ready. This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and a moderate fitness level is required as the group size is limited to 15 people maximum.

This tour requires travelers to have a valid passport and a moderate fitness level, with a maximum group size of 15 people.

Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of booking.

What to Expect

Upon booking, travelers will receive confirmation of their reservation.

This guided tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users and requires a moderate level of physical fitness. The group size is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers.

The tour doesn’t include entrance fees to Huayna Picchu, which are subject to availability. Guests are advised to bring comfortable clothing, sun protection, a waterproof jacket or rain poncho, cash, a sun hat, water, snacks, and a camera.

Infants must be seated on laps during the transportation portions of the tour.

Recommendations and Essentials

Although a current valid passport is required for this tour, travelers should also consider bringing comfortable clothing, sun protection cream, a waterproof jacket or rain poncho, cash, a sun hat, water, snacks, and a camera.

Infants must sit on laps during the tour. The level of physical fitness required is moderate, and the tour has a maximum of 15 travelers. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Following these recommendations and packing the essential items will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable Machu Picchu experience from Cusco.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Getting to Machu Picchu

To reach the iconic Machu Picchu site, the tour begins with a hotel pickup in Cusco.

Travelers are then transported to the Ollantaytambo train station, where they board the EXPEDITION Train for the scenic journey to Aguas Calientes.

Travelers are transported to Ollantaytambo to board the EXPEDITION Train for the scenic journey to Aguas Calientes.

From there, a bus takes them directly to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

The tour provides round-trip transportation, making the logistics seamless.

Throughout the journey, a bilingual guide offers insights and assistance.

With the included train and bus tickets, travelers can focus on exploring the wonder of Machu Picchu without the hassle of arranging separate transportation.

The Machu Picchu Mountain Hike

After exploring Machu Picchu, visitors have the option to take on the challenging hike up Machu Picchu Mountain.

This strenuous 2-hour trek offers breathtaking views of the iconic ruins and the surrounding Andes. The trailhead starts at the entrance to Machu Picchu, and the ascent is steep with over 1,700 steps.

Hikers must be in good physical condition and bring proper gear like sturdy shoes, water, and sun protection.

Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain is limited, so it’s recommended to secure tickets in advance.

For those seeking an added thrill, the Machu Picchu Mountain hike is an unforgettable experience.

The Sum Up

This tour offers an unforgettable experience at the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a scenic train ride, a professional guided tour of the ruins, and an optional hike to Machu Picchu Mountain for stunning panoramic views. With all the logistics taken care of, you can focus on enjoying the rich cultural heritage of this magnificent site.