Exploring the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a bucket-list item for many travelers. With a two-day, one-night tour from Cusco, adventurers can experience the UNESCO World Heritage site’s breathtaking vistas and rich history. This inclusive package provides round-trip transportation, train and bus tickets, and an expert-led guided tour, all for a reasonable price. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Andean explorer, this tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the wonder of Machu Picchu. What are the secrets this iconic site holds?
Key Points
- Two-day, one-night Machu Picchu tour from Cusco priced at $310 per person.
- Tour includes round-trip transportation, train and bus tickets, and guided exploration of Machu Picchu.
- Flexible booking policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Scenic train ride through Andean landscapes and 2.5-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Option to reserve the tour without upfront payment.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This two-day, one-night tour of Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru, is priced from $310.00 per person.
Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s no need to pay upfront – customers can reserve their spot and pay later.
The tour includes round-trip transportation from Cusco, train tickets, bus tickets, and admission to Machu Picchu. A guided tour of the historic site lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
Guests will have 3 hours of free time in Aguas Calientes before returning to Cusco. Gratuities, meals, and private guides aren’t included in the package price.
Love the evening vibe? Here are more after-sunset activities we've covered in Cusco
Itinerary and Duration
The tour begins with a van transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, a journey that takes approximately 2 hours.
From there, guests board a train for a 2-hour scenic ride through the Andean landscapes to Aguas Calientes.
Upon arrival, a bus transports them to the entrance of Machu Picchu, a 30-minute journey.
The guided tour of the ancient Inca citadel lasts approximately 2.5 hours, allowing visitors to explore the Main Plaza, Royal Residence, Temple of the Three Windows, Circular Towers, sacred Sundial, and cemetery.
Afterward, guests have 3 hours of free time in Aguas Calientes before the return trip to Cusco.
Experience Highlights
One of the highlights of the Cusco: Machu Picchu Tours is the scenic train ride through the Andean landscapes to Aguas Calientes.
The tour also includes a guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring the site’s main highlights such as the Main Plaza, Royal Residence, Temple of the Three Windows, Circular Towers, sacred Sundial, and cemetery.
Visitors will learn about the historical context of Machu Picchu, built in the 1450s by the Inca emperor Pachacuti and later abandoned after the Spanish conquest, hidden by the jungle for centuries.
Inclusions
The Cusco: Machu Picchu Tours package includes round-trip transportation between Cusco and Ollantaytambo, as well as train and bus tickets for the journey to Machu Picchu.
An entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2) is also provided, along with a personalized small group tour (up to 8 people) led by an official English-speaking guide.
Plus, transportation from Cusco city to the hotel is included.
The tour doesn’t cover gratuities, meals, drinks, or private tour guides, which are available at an additional cost.
Participants should check availability before booking.
More Great Tours NearbyCancellation and Reservation Policies
Although the Cusco: Machu Picchu Tours package offers the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, customers can also opt to reserve their spot and pay nothing today.
This flexible booking policy provides travelers with the following benefits:
-
Ability to secure their tour without an upfront payment
-
Option to cancel with no penalties if plans change
-
Opportunity to take advantage of the tour’s availability before it sells out
-
Confidence in planning their Machu Picchu experience in advance
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Cusco
Transportation and Logistics
Reaching the iconic Machu Picchu site involves a well-orchestrated journey through the Andes.
Travelers depart Cusco by van for a 2-hour ride to Ollantaytambo. From there, they board a 2-hour train to Aguas Calientes. Finally, a 30-minute bus whisks them up to the Machu Picchu entrance.
The guided tour of the ruins lasts approximately 2.5 hours, allowing ample time to explore the Main Plaza, Royal Residence, and other key landmarks.
Afterwards, visitors enjoy 3 free hours in Aguas Calientes before the return journey to Cusco.
This seamless transportation network ensures a hassle-free experience reaching the once-forgotten Inca citadel.
Machu Picchu: History and Significance
Built in the 1450s by the Inca emperor Pachacute, Machu Picchu was a remarkable feat of engineering and a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.
Machu Picchu, constructed in the 1450s by the Inca emperor Pachacute, was an engineering marvel and a testament to Inca ingenuity.
This ancient citadel perched atop a mountain ridge showcases:
-
Expertly crafted stone structures, including the Main Plaza, Royal Residence, and Temple of the Three Windows.
-
Intricate hydraulic engineering, with an advanced water supply and drainage system.
-
Precisely aligned structures oriented to astronomical phenomena, like the sacred Sundial.
-
Carefully planned urban planning, with residential, religious, and agricultural zones.
Abandoned after the Spanish conquest, Machu Picchu remained hidden until its rediscovery in 1911, captivating the world with its breathtaking beauty and historical significance.
What to Expect on the Tour
Embarking on the Machu Picchu tour, visitors can expect a seamless and immersive experience that brings the ancient Inca citadel to life. The comprehensive itinerary includes a scenic train ride through the Andes, a guided tour of Machu Picchu’s key landmarks, and ample free time to explore Aguas Calientes. Highlights of the guided tour include:
| Location | Significance |
| — | — |
| Main Plaza | Heart of the ancient city |
| Royal Residence | Home of the Inca emperor |
| Temple of the Three Windows | Ceremonial and religious site |
| Circular Towers | Iconic architectural features |
| Sundial | Important astronomical tool |
With round-trip transportation, pre-arranged tickets, and a knowledgeable guide, the Machu Picchu tour offers a hassle-free way to discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Machu Picchu?
No, U.S. citizens don’t need a visa to visit Machu Picchu. However, travelers should ensure they have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining before the planned trip.
What Should I Bring for the Tour?
For the Machu Picchu tour, you’ll need comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a light jacket, water, snacks, and any necessary medications. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery and historic ruins.
Is There an Option for a Private Tour?
Yes, there is an option for a private tour. The tour can be customized for a smaller group, with a personalized guide and itinerary. Private tours provide a more exclusive and flexible experience.
Can I Extend My Stay in Aguas Calientes?
Guests can extend their stay in Aguas Calientes. However, this would require booking additional accommodations and transportation separately. The standard tour package includes 3 hours of free time in Aguas Calientes before returning to Cusco.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour does not include any meals, so travelers can choose their own dining options in Aguas Calientes to accommodate any dietary restrictions. Guests are responsible for their own meals and snacks during the tour.
The Sum Up
Discover the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu with a comprehensive two-day, one-night tour from Cusco. This all-inclusive package offers unbeatable value, featuring round-trip transportation, train and bus tickets, and an expert guide. With a flexible cancellation policy and ample free time, you can learn about the breathtaking beauty of this iconic Incan site without worry.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Private Tours in Cusco
- Seven Day Ayahuasca Retreat in Cusco – Shared Private
- Wachuma (San Pedro) and Ayahuasca Retreat 4D – Private VIP
- Cusco: Private Full-Day Tour of Machu Picchu With a Local
- Wachuma (San Pedro) and Ayahuasca Retreat 4D – Private
- Private Choquequirao Trek 4D/3N
- Private Tour | Excursion Lares Trek 4 Days to Machupicchu
More Tours in Cusco
- Peru & Bolivia Tour Package: 13 Days
- Cusco | Manu Jungle Excursion 7D/6N | Wonders of Manu
- From Cusco | Manu Jungle Tour 7D/6N | Wonders of Manu
- From Cusco | Manu Jungle Excursion 7D/6N | Wonders of Manu
- From Cusco | Manu Jungle Excursion 7D/6N | Wonders of Manu
- From Cusco | Manu Jungle Tour 7D/6N | Wonders of Manu
More Tour Reviews in Cusco
Still browsing? Here are more Cusco experiences we've covered recently
- Cusco: 7 Lagoons of Ausangate Full Day
- Peru & Bolivia Tour Package: 13 Days
- South 12 Days: Ica-Arequipa-Puno-Cusco 4 Star Hotel.
- Andean Inca Marriage 6 Days – Shared
- Peru and Bolivia 16 Days 15 Nights
- Andean Inca Wedding 6 Days Basic
- Extraordinary Perú 13D | Huacachina,Uros,Machu Picchu |
- From Cusco: 4 Days Trekking to Choquequirao
- Adventure 13D in Peru and Bolivia – Machu Picchu |Hotel☆☆☆☆|
- Cusco | Manu Jungle Excursion 7D/6N | Wonders of Manu
- From Cusco | Manu Jungle Tour 7D/6N | Wonders of Manu
- From Cusco | Manu Jungle Excursion 7D/6N | Wonders of Manu
