Excursion to Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain

Visiting the iconic Machu Picchu and conquering the challenging Huayna Picchu mountain is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. This full-day excursion from Cusco promises an unforgettable adventure, complete with a scenic train ride, guided tour, and ample time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site. Though the itinerary seems enticing, recent traveler feedback suggests the service quality and booking reliability may be cause for concern. Delving deeper into the details could help determine if this Andes adventure is worth the investment.

Key Points

• The Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountain excursion is priced at $450 per person and includes a scenic train ride, guided tours, and free time.
• The itinerary involves a 1.5-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes, a challenging 2.5-hour hike up Huayna Picchu, and a 3-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu.
• The package includes hotel pickup, minibus/bus, and round-trip train tickets, but meals and drinks are not included.
• Based on customer reviews, the overall experience has been rated 1 out of 5 stars due to booking errors, lack of communication, and additional costs.
• Recommendation is to research alternative providers with positive feedback before booking this excursion.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Excursion Overview

The excursion to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountain offers visitors a chance to explore one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.

Priced from $450 per person, this full-day adventure includes a scenic train ride, guided tours, and free time to discover the historic ruins and local markets.

The excursion features a challenging hike up Huayna Picchu mountain, providing breathtaking views of the ancient Inca citadel.

Set out on a challenging hike up Huayna Picchu for breathtaking views of the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Cancelation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and customers can reserve their spot without paying upfront.

The experience promises an unforgettable journey through Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

Itinerary Details

Departing from Cusco, the excursion begins with a train ride to Aguas Calientes, lasting approximately 1.5 hours and offering scenic views along the way.

Arriving around 7:00 am, guests then take a bus transfer to the Machu Picchu entrance.

The itinerary includes hiking the Huayna Picchu mountain, a 2.5-hour route.

After the hike, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, is provided for 3 hours.

The excursion allows for approximately 5 hours of free time in Aguas Calientes for meals and visiting the artisan market before the return train to Ollantaytambo and drop-off at the Cusco hotel around 9:00 p.m.

Guided Tour and Exploration

A guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu provides visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the historic Inca citadel.

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and covers:

• Exploration of the main plazas, temples, and residences

• Explanations of the architectural features and engineering marvels

• Insights into the spiritual and cultural significance of the site

• Opportunities to capture stunning panoramic views

• Time for independent exploration and photography

After the guided tour, guests enjoy approximately 5 hours of free time in Aguas Calientes to explore the artisan market, dine, and relax before the return journey to Cusco.

Inclusion Details

As part of the excursion, travelers can expect a comprehensive package that includes hotel pickup and return transfer, transportation by minibus or bus, and round-trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Plus, the tour provides a guided tour of Machu Picchu, access to the Huayna Picchu Mountain, and entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage site. However, food and drink are not included in the package. To better understand the inclusions, here is a detailed breakdown:

| Inclusion | Details |

| — | — |

| Transportation | Hotel pickup, minibus/bus, round-trip train |

| Guided Tour | 3-hour tour of Machu Picchu |

| Site Access | Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu Mountain |

| Meals | Food and drink not included |

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Pricing and Booking

The excursion to Machu Picchu is priced from $450.00 per person. Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The booking offers a "reserve now & pay later" option, allowing travelers to secure their spot without paying upfront. Some key details:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

• Reserve now & pay later

• Duration: 1 day

• Departure from Cusco to Ollantaytambo railway station

• Train ride to Aguas Calientes with scenic views

However, previous customer reviews indicate potential issues with booking errors, lack of communication, and additional costs incurred, leading to significant dissatisfaction.

Traveler Feedback

Over 1 review has been left for this Machu Picchu excursion, and the overall rating is a concerning 1 out of 5 stars.

Travelers have reported issues such as booking errors, lack of communication, missed pickups, and additional costs. The experience has been described as a scam with poor service leading to significant dissatisfaction.

Potential customers should consider this feedback carefully before booking. While the itinerary and inclusions seem promising, the negative reviews raise serious concerns about the quality and reliability of this excursion.

Customers may want to research alternative providers with more positive feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’re some common questions travelers have about this Machu Picchu excursion?

• Can I bring my own food and drinks?

• How difficult is the Huayna Picchu hike?

• Is there an option to explore Machu Picchu without hiking Huayna Picchu?

• Will I’ve enough time to see everything?

• Can I extend my stay in Aguas Calientes?

The excursion includes entry to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, but food and drinks aren’t provided.

The Huayna Picchu hike is strenuous, taking 2.5 hours.

There’s an option to just explore Machu Picchu without hiking Huayna Picchu.

Guests have about 5 hours in Aguas Calientes, but extending the stay requires booking additional transportation.

Planning Your Trip

When planning your trip to Machu Picchu, it’s important to keep a few key considerations in mind.

First, book your excursion well in advance, as tickets and spots can sell out quickly.

Decide if you want to hike Huayna Picchu or not, as access is limited.

Plus, consider your travel dates carefully, as the weather and crowds can vary significantly throughout the year.

Finally, be prepared for potential issues, as past customer feedback indicates problems with this particular excursion.

With proper planning, you can maximize your chances of a smooth and memorable Machu Picchu experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Visit Other Sites Besides Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu?

Yes, visitors can explore other sites near Machu Picchu, such as the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, the Moray terraces, and the Salt Mines of Maras. However, the main excursion focuses on visiting Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Huayna Picchu Hike?

There are age restrictions for hiking Huayna Picchu – it’s not suitable for young children. The minimum age is generally 12 years old, though some operators may allow younger hikers with adult supervision.

What Should We Bring for the Huayna Picchu Hike?

Hikers should bring sturdy hiking shoes, water, snacks, sun protection, and a light jacket for the Huayna Picchu hike. It’s also recommended to pack trekking poles and bring extra layers as the weather can be unpredictable.

Are There Any Alternate Transportation Options to Aguas Calientes?

Travelers can also take a bus to Hidroeléctrica and then hike along the Inca Trail to Aguas Calientes, which may provide a more adventurous and scenic route than the train. However, this option requires more time and physical exertion.

Can We Extend Our Stay in Aguas Calientes After the Tour?

Travelers can extend their stay in Aguas Calientes after the tour. They’ll have around 5 hours of free time to explore the town, eat, and visit the artisan market before the return train journey to Ollantaytambo.

The Sum Up

The Excursion to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountain offers an unforgettable experience, but traveler feedback suggests service and booking reliability issues. Prospective travelers should thoroughly research the tour operator, read reviews, and ensure their expectations align with the experience. Despite the concerns, the opportunity to explore the iconic Machu Picchu and hike Huayna Picchu remains a compelling draw for many adventurous travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here: