From Cusco: Full Day Machu Picchu

Exploring the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu from Cusco is a must-do experience for any traveler. This full-day tour offers a seamless way to visit the iconic site, with roundtrip transportation, train tickets, and a guided tour included. Discover the rich history and architecture of this breathtaking citadel, perched high in the Andes mountains. After a delicious lunch, you’ll have time to wander the streets of Aguas Calientes before making your way back to Cusco. What secrets will this journey unveil?

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Key Points

Comprehensive full-day Machu Picchu excursion from Cusco, priced at $349 per person, with roundtrip transportation, train tickets, and guided tour.
Pickup from Cusco hotels around 4:00 a.m., followed by a scenic train journey to the town of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu.
Expert bilingual guide-led tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, providing insights into its history, architecture, and significance.
Scenic lunch in Aguas Calientes, allowing exploration of local Peruvian cuisine and market before the return journey to Cusco.
Return trip by train and tourist transport, with expected arrival in Cusco around 8:30 PM, concluding the full-day Machu Picchu experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of Machu Picchu Tour

The full day Machu Picchu excursion from Cusco offers travelers a comprehensive experience of exploring the iconic Inca citadel.

Priced from $349 per person, the tour includes roundtrip transportation, train tickets, bus tickets, entrance fees, a guided tour, and lunch.

Lasting approximately 1 day, the tour is limited to 10 participants and is available in English and Spanish.

Pickup from Cusco hotels is included.

The itinerary covers a lengthy journey to reach Machu Picchu, followed by a guided tour of the site and free time to explore the nearby town of Aguas Calientes.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Aguas Calientes

Cusco Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation in the historic center of Cusco around 4:00 a.m. You’ll travel to Ollantaytambo by tourist transport, then board the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.

| Pickup | Transportation | Arrival |

|——–|—————|———|

| 4 AM from Cusco hotel | Tourist van to Ollantaytambo | Train to Aguas Calientes |

| Included | Included | Included |

| Approximately 1 hour | Around 1.5 hours | Around 1.5 hours |

| Comfortable van | Safe, reliable | Scenic rail journey |

| English/Spanish guide | Complies with regulations | On time and efficient |

From Aguas Calientes, you’ll take a bus up to the Machu Picchu citadel for your guided tour.

Train Journey to Aguas Calientes

From Ollantaytambo, you’ll board a comfortable train for the scenic 1.5-hour journey to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.

This train ride offers stunning views of the Urubamba River and the surrounding Andes mountains.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll then take a short bus ride up the winding road to the entrance of the Machu Picchu archaeological site, where your guided tour will commence.

The train schedule is coordinated to ensure you have ample time to explore the wonder of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco in the evening.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

After arriving at the Machu Picchu site, guests embark on a comprehensive guided tour led by an expert bilingual guide.

The tour provides in-depth insights into the history, architecture, and significance of this iconic Inca citadel. Visitors learn about the engineering marvels, religious rituals, and daily life of the Inca people.

The guide leads the group through the main plazas, temples, and dwellings, pointing out the intricate stonework and offering detailed explanations.

This guided exploration offers a deeper understanding of Machu Picchu’s grandeur and the mysteries that still surround this remarkable ancient site.

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Lunch in Aguas Calientes

Following the guided tour of Machu Picchu, guests enjoy a scenic lunch in the charming town of Aguas Calientes.

Nestled at the base of the ancient citadel, the town offers a variety of restaurants serving local Peruvian cuisine. Travelers can savor traditional dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and quinoa salads, while taking in the stunning mountain views.

The lunch break provides a chance to refuel and explore the shops and markets of Aguas Calientes before the journey back to Cusco.

With its vibrant atmosphere and delectable fare, the midday meal complements the Machu Picchu experience.

There's plenty more to explore in Aguas Calientes

Exploring Aguas Calientes

After their guided tour of Machu Picchu, travelers have ample free time to explore the charming town of Aguas Calientes.

Also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, the town offers several activities:

Browse the local markets and shops for Peruvian handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
Visit the Manuel Chávez Ballón Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Inca civilization.
Relax in the natural hot springs that give the town its name.
Hike to the Putucusi Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

With its vibrant atmosphere and scenic setting, Aguas Calientes provides a delightful end to the Machu Picchu experience.

Return Journey to Cusco

With their exploration of Aguas Calientes complete, travelers now embark on the return journey to Cusco.

They’ll board the train at the Aguas Calientes station for the ride back to Ollantaytambo. From there, tourist transport will take them the rest of the way to Cusco, where they’re expected to arrive around 8:30 PM.

The return trip marks the end of the full-day Machu Picchu excursion. Despite some issues with organization and communication reported by past customers, the tour provides a convenient and comprehensive way to visit the iconic Inca site from Cusco.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a range of services to facilitate the Machu Picchu excursion.

This includes:

Transportation from the hotel in Cusco to the train station, and from the train station in Ollantaytambo back to Cusco.
Train tickets for the journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) and the return trip.
Bus tickets for the shuttle from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu site and back.
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, a guided tour, and lunch in Aguas Calientes.

The tour excludes travel insurance, personal purchases, and any additional food or drinks not mentioned in the inclusions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food Into Machu Picchu?

You can bring your own food and snacks into Machu Picchu. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator or local authorities for any restrictions or guidelines on bringing outside food into the historical site.

What Is the Policy for Children on This Tour?

The tour policy allows children to participate, but there’s no specific pricing or age limit mentioned. Customers should contact the provider to inquire about any child-friendly accommodations or discounts available.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

There aren’t any discounts mentioned for seniors or students on this tour. The pricing is listed as $349 per person, with no mention of reduced rates for specific age groups or student status.

Can I Extend My Stay in Aguas Calientes After the Tour?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Aguas Calientes after the tour. However, the tour package doesn’t include any additional accommodation or activities beyond the scheduled itinerary. You’ll need to make your own arrangements for an extended stay.

What Should I Bring to Ensure a Comfortable Experience?

To ensure a comfortable experience, bring layers of clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, snacks, water, and any necessary medications. Pack light to easily navigate the terrain. Consider bringing cash for personal purchases or emergencies.

The Sum Up

This full-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco provides an unforgettable opportunity to explore the legendary Inca citadel. With roundtrip transportation, train and bus tickets, entrance fees, a guided tour, and lunch included, it’s a convenient and comprehensive way to experience the awe-inspiring ancient site. Travelers can expect a memorable day immersed in Machu Picchu’s rich history and stunning natural surroundings.

You can check availability for your dates here: