Cusco: Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain Tour

Exploring the iconic Machu Picchu and scaling the thrilling Huayna Picchu Mountain in a single day – now that’s an adventure worth embarking on. This Cusco tour promises awe-inspiring landscapes, enriching historical insights, and an unforgettable experience. While the early start and steep hike may not be for the faint of heart, the stunning vistas from atop Huayna Picchu could very well make it all worthwhile. But there’s more to consider before booking this bucket-list item…

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Key Points

This one-day tour from Cusco includes a guided visit to the iconic Machu Picchu and the challenging hike up Huayna Picchu mountain for panoramic Andean views.
The tour is priced at $478 per person and includes train transportation, bus transfers, and entrance fees, but does not cover meals.
Despite an early 4 AM hotel pickup, the tour allows for ample exploration time at both Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
Customer reviews highlight the challenging nature of the Huayna Picchu hike, referred to as the "stairs of death," and concerns over the high pricing.
The tour guide, Diego, is praised as a highlight of the experience, providing valuable insights into the history and significance of the ancient Inca citadel.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Cusco: Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain Tour," offers a comprehensive exploration of the renowned Machu Picchu site.

Priced from $478 per person, this one-day adventure includes a train ride, bus transfers, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and the challenging ascent of Huayna Picchu mountain.

With an early 4 AM hotel pickup, the tour provides ample time to experience the majesty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hikers can admire the Andean landscapes from atop Huayna Picchu, while the guided Machu Picchu tour allows visitors to explore and capture the awe-inspiring ruins.

Lunch and transportation are the traveler’s responsibility.

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

Itinerary Details

After an early 4:00 a.m. hotel pickup, travelers embark on a 1.5-hour train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.

From there, they’ll take a bus transfer to the Machu Picchu access door.

From there, travelers will take a bus transfer to the Machu Picchu access door, ready to begin their adventure.

The tour includes:

A 2.5-hour hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain, offering stunning Andean vistas.
A 2.5-hour guided tour of the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
A return journey by bus to Aguas Calientes, where travelers can enjoy lunch on their own, before taking the train back to their hotel.

Meals aren’t included in the tour price.

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pick-up and return transfer, round trip Expedition/Voyager train ticket, bus transportation to and from Machu Picchu, an English-speaking guide during the Machu Picchu visit, and entrance to the archaeological site and Huayna Picchu mountain.

However, meals aren’t included, so you’ll need to budget for lunch on your own in Aguas Calientes.

This guided experience allows you to explore Machu Picchu and ascend Huayna Picchu, ensuring you maximize your time at these iconic Inca ruins without the hassle of arranging logistics independently.

Tour Highlights

Though the tour includes an ascent of Huayna Picchu, offering breathtaking Andean vistas, the highlight for many is the guided exploration of the iconic Machu Picchu ruins.

Visitors can:

Wander through the ancient Inca citadel, marveling at the precise stonework and the ingenuity of its construction.
Capture stunning photographs of the dramatic landscape, with the iconic peaked mountain and lush green valley below.
Gain insights from the knowledgeable guide, who brings the site’s history and significance to life.

The opportunity to experience Machu Picchu firsthand is the true highlight of this unforgettable tour.

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Customer Feedback

Based on the provided customer feedback, 1 review is currently available for this Machu Picchu tour.

The overall rating is a concerning 1 out of 5. Customers reported issues with the confusing tour description, unexpected early start time, and the challenging "stairs of death" hike up Huayna Picchu.

Although the high prices were a concern compared to self-guided options, travelers praised the tour guide Diego as a highlight.

There's plenty more to explore in Aguas Calientes

Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu: What to Expect

Exploring the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. The tour includes an ascent of Huayna Picchu, a challenging but rewarding hike offering incredible views over the ruins.

Visitors can expect:

An early 4 AM pickup, followed by a 1.5-hour train ride and bus transfer to reach the site.
A 2.5-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, uncovering its history and architectural wonders.
A strenuous 2.5-hour hike up Huayna Picchu, navigating steep stairs and paths with stunning vistas.

Guests should come prepared for an adventurous yet unforgettable day exploring this iconic ancient wonder.

Preparing for the Hike

Preparing for the hike up Huayna Picchu requires some planning and preparation.

Wear sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks. The ascent is steep and challenging, with over 1,000 stairs, so you’ll need to be in good physical shape. Pace yourself and take breaks as needed.

Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Bring sun protection like a hat and sunscreen. Be aware of altitude sickness symptoms and descend immediately if you experience dizziness or nausea.

The hike takes about 2.5 hours, so allow ample time to complete it before your Machu Picchu tour.

Getting the Most Out of Your Machu Picchu Experience

With the challenging hike up Huayna Picchu out of the way, visitors can now fully enjoy the wonders of Machu Picchu.

After the arduous climb up Huayna Picchu, visitors can now fully enjoy the wonders of the iconic Machu Picchu.

To get the most from this ancient site, consider these tips:

Explore the various viewpoints and ruins at your own pace, taking time to soak in the breathtaking vistas.
Engage with the knowledgeable guide to learn about the Inca’s sophisticated engineering, architectural marvels, and cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Savor a local lunch in Aguas Calientes before the return journey, allowing you to refuel and reflect on the day’s incredible experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or Elderly Travelers?

This tour may not be suitable for children or elderly travelers. The strenuous hike up Huayna Picchu mountain and early start time could be challenging for these groups. They may prefer a slower-paced Machu Picchu experience.

What Happens if the Weather Is Bad on the Day of the Tour?

If the weather is poor on the tour day, the hike up Huayna Picchu may be cancelled for safety reasons. However, the guide will still lead the Machu Picchu tour, though the views may be limited. Travelers should be prepared for changeable mountain weather.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Water on the Hike?

Visitors can bring their own food and water on the hike to Huayna Picchu. Having snacks and hydration is recommended, as the trek can be strenuous. However, no meals are included in the tour package, so lunch must be purchased separately.

Is There an Option to Visit Machu Picchu Without Hiking Huayna Picchu?

Yes, there’s an option to visit Machu Picchu without hiking Huayna Picchu. Many tour packages offer a Machu Picchu-only tour that allows you to explore the ancient site without the added challenge of the Huayna Picchu hike.

Can I Store My Luggage Somewhere During the Tour?

The tour operator likely offers luggage storage facilities for participants. Guests can safely stow their belongings while exploring Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, so they don’t have to carry extra items during the hike and tour.

The Sum Up

The "Cusco: Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain Tour" offers a thrilling one-day adventure, treating visitors to breathtaking Andean vistas and the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu. While the early start and rigorous hiking may not suit everyone, the opportunity to explore this iconic destination is well worth the effort. With stunning scenery and enriching historical insights, this tour promises an unforgettable Peruvian experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: