Exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu is a bucket-list item for many travelers. This full-day tour from Cusco offers an immersive experience, taking visitors along the Panoramic Route to witness the site’s breathtaking natural setting. With a knowledgeable local guide, travelers can explore the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site, marveling at its impressive stonework and insights into the Inca civilization. From transportation to entrance fees, the tour provides a hassle-free way to discover one of Peru’s most iconic destinations.

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Key Points

Full-day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu, including transportation by bus and train and a 2.5-hour guided tour of the ruins.
Visit the Panoramic Route and capture classic postcard photos from the Guardian House.
Explore the main Inca constructions and immerse in the history and grandeur of Machu Picchu.
Tour not suitable for children under 11, pregnant women, or those with mobility impairments.
Restrictions on oversized luggage, drones, alcohol, drugs, and baby carriages.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This full-day tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco provides visitors with a comprehensive experience of the iconic Inca citadel.

Starting with pickup from accommodations in Cusco’s historic center, guests travel by bus and train to reach Machu Picchu. After a 25-minute bus ride from Aguas Calientes, they’ll embark on a 2.5-hour guided tour, exploring the main Inca constructions and taking in the classic postcard view from the Guardian House.

With free time for lunch, the tour then retraces the journey back to Cusco, arriving around 10 hours after departure.

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Itinerary Details

The full-day tour to Machu Picchu begins with pickup from accommodations in Cusco’s historic center.

The full-day tour to Machu Picchu begins with pickup from accommodations in Cusco’s historic center.

Guests then travel by tourist bus to Ollantaytambo train station, a 1.5-hour journey. From there, they take the train to Aguas Calientes, which takes 1.75 hours.

A 25-minute bus ride brings them to the Machu Picchu entrance. After a 2.5-hour guided tour of the ruins, guests have free time for lunch in Aguas Calientes.

The return journey retraces the steps – train to Ollantaytambo, then bus back to Cusco, with the entire trip lasting around 10 hours.

Tour Highlights

A classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu can be captured from the Guardian House, allowing visitors to admire the iconic view of the lost Inca city.

The guided tour also explores the main Inca constructions from high platforms, providing a personalized experience with fewer people.

Travelers can wander through the ruins and marvel at the impressive stonework and engineering feats of the Incas.

The tour offers an opportunity to take in the history and grandeur of this ancient wonder, leaving visitors with lasting memories of their Machu Picchu adventure.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes round trip transportation from the hotel to the train station, round trip train tickets, a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, a qualified local guide, and entrance to the Machu Picchu Panoramic Route with a guided tour.

Round trip transportation, train tickets, bus to Machu Picchu, local guide, and entrance to Panoramic Route with guided tour.

However, it excludes:

Food and drink
Tips (optional)
Services not mentioned

Visitors should bring a valid passport or ID, comfortable shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, and a daypack.

Restrictions include no oversize luggage, drones, alcohol, drugs, baby carriages, or party groups.

Visitors can’t re-enter Machu Picchu after the guided tour, and changes in ticket availability may affect reservations.

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Important Information

Certain groups are not suitable for this tour, including children under 11, pregnant women, and people with mobility impairments or heart problems. Visitors should bring a valid passport or ID, comfortable shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, and a daypack. Restrictions include no oversized luggage, drones, alcohol, drugs, baby carriages, or party groups. Once the guided tour is over, visitors cannot re-enter Machu Picchu. Plus, changes in ticket availability may affect reservations.

| What to Bring | Restrictions | Additional Notes |

| — | — | — |

| Valid passport or ID | No oversized luggage | Changes in ticket availability |

| Comfortable shoes | No drones | Visitors cannot re-enter after tour |

| Biodegradable sunscreen | No alcohol or drugs | |

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Booking and Cancellation

How does one book this Full-Day Tour to Machu Picchu?

Booking is straightforward – the tour offers a "Reserve now & pay later" option, allowing customers to secure their spot without upfront payment.

The tour also features a flexible cancellation policy, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides peace of mind for travelers.

The process involves:

Selecting the desired tour date and number of participants
Providing contact information and finalizing the booking
Making the full payment, either immediately or at a later time before the tour

Frequently Asked Questions

What’re some of the most frequently asked questions about this Full-Day Tour to Machu Picchu?

Can I bring large luggage or heavy items?

No, visitors can’t bring oversized luggage, drones, alcohol, drugs, baby carriages, or party groups.

Can I revisit Machu Picchu after the guided tour?

Unfortunately, visitors can’t re-enter Machu Picchu once the tour has ended.

Visitors cannot re-enter Machu Picchu once the tour has concluded.

Are there any restrictions on who can take this tour?

Yes, it’s not suitable for children under 11, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues or heart problems.

Finally, what should I bring?

Essential items include a valid passport, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, cash, and a daypack.

Additional Tips

Along With the important considerations covered earlier, there are a few more tips that can help make the most of this Machu Picchu tour.

Arrive at the train station early to ensure a smooth departure. The train is the only way to reach Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu, so punctuality is crucial.
Bring snacks and a water bottle to stay energized during the long day. The tour schedule leaves little time for meals, so being prepared with your own provisions can prevent fatigue.
Consider packing a portable charger for your phone or camera to capture the breathtaking views without worrying about a dead battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring a Camera With a Long Lens?

Yes, visitors can bring cameras with long lenses on the tour. However, it’s important to note that drones and other oversized luggage are not allowed at Machu Picchu per the tour’s restrictions.

Is Drinking Water Provided During the Tour?

Drinking water is not provided during the tour. The tour’s inclusions cover transportation, train tickets, bus fare, entrance fees, and a guided tour, but food and drinks are excluded. Visitors should bring their own water and snacks.

How Far in Advance Should I Book the Tour?

It’s recommended to book the Machu Picchu tour at least a few weeks in advance. The tour has limited availability, and tickets can sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Early booking ensures you secure your spot.

Can I Purchase Additional Tickets on the Day?

No, you can’t purchase additional Machu Picchu tickets on the day. The tour includes pre-booked entrance tickets, and visitors can’t re-enter Machu Picchu after the guided tour. Changes in ticket availability may affect reservations.

Do I Need to Arrange My Own Transportation to the Starting Point?

No, the tour includes round-trip transportation from your accommodation in Cusco’s historic center to the train station. You don’t need to arrange your own transportation to the starting point for this Machu Picchu day tour.

The Sum Up

Explore the majestic Machu Picchu on this comprehensive full-day tour from Cusco. Journey through stunning landscapes, marvel at the impressive ancient ruins, and discover the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage site. With transportation, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable guide included, this unforgettable adventure is an excellent way to experience the breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu.

You can check availability for your dates here: