Machu Picchu – Full Day | The Abroad Guide

Machu Picchu, the legendary Incan citadel, beckons travelers to embark on an unforgettable journey. This full-day tour offers a seamless experience, whisking visitors from Cusco to the breathtaking archaeological site. With round-trip transportation, guided exploration, and all necessary tickets, the stage is set for an immersive encounter with one of the world’s most awe-inspiring wonders. Whether it’s your first or hundredth visit, the magic of Machu Picchu promises to captivate and inspire.

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Key Points

This full-day tour offers a comprehensive experience of visiting the iconic Machu Picchu, including a 2.5-hour guided tour.
The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, and train and bus transfers to Machu Picchu.
Participants must be physically capable of climbing 200 steps to enter Machu Picchu, and certain restrictions apply for individuals with specific health conditions.
The tour is non-refundable, and participants are required to bring essential items such as a passport, comfortable shoes, and personal medication.
The tour operates rain or shine, and participants should be prepared for varying weather conditions and security measures during the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Machu Picchu – Full Day tour is priced from $350.00 per person and lasts 12 hours.

It’s offered in English and Spanish, though the cancellation policy is non-refundable.

The tour departs from Cusco and returns there around 12pm.

The itinerary includes a 2-hour bus to Ollantaytambo, a 1-hour 50-minute train to Aguas Calientes, a bus transfer to Machu Picchu, a 2.5-hour guided tour, and the return journey.

Included are hotel pickup, professional guides, entrance tickets, and all transportation.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, altitude sensitivity, or other health conditions.

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Itinerary Details

As per the itinerary, the tour begins with a 3:30am hotel pickup.

Next, a 2-hour bus/coach ride takes guests to Ollantaytambo. From there, a 1 hour 50 minute train ride leads to Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu Town).

A 2-hour bus ride takes guests to Ollantaytambo, followed by a 1 hour 50 minute train ride to Aguas Calientes.

After a bus transfer, a 2.5-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu commences.

The return journey starts with a 9:50pm train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus back to Cusco, arriving around 12pm.

Inclusions

This tour includes hotel pickup and round-trip tourist transport between Cusco and Ollantaytambo.

You’ll also get a professional guide who speaks English and Spanish, as well as entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.

The price covers round-trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and bus transfers between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.

With these inclusions, you can focus on exploring the ancient Inca citadel without worrying about logistics.

Just remember to bring your passport, comfortable shoes, and any necessary personal items to make the most of your Machu Picchu adventure.

Participant Restrictions

Although Machu Picchu is an awe-inspiring and bucket-list worthy destination, this tour may not be suitable for certain participants.

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, vertigo, respiratory problems, or back conditions. Plus, it’s not suitable for individuals over 264 lbs (120 kg) or those over 70 years old.

Participants with specific health conditions, such as altitude sickness or epilepsy, should also reconsider.

For safety reasons, visitors must pass through airport-style security and climb 200 steps to enter Machu Picchu, which can be challenging for some.

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Important Information

Travelers should bring their passport, comfortable shoes, camera, snacks, credit card, sunscreen, personal medication, and cash for this tour.

Prohibited items include pets (except assistance dogs), baby strollers, smoking, drinks, electronic devices, and various other items.

All visitors must pass through airport-style security, and climbing 200 steps is required to enter Machu Picchu, as there’s no elevator.

The tour occurs rain or shine, so participants should be prepared for varying weather conditions.

Security measures and physical requirements are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at the iconic Machu Picchu site.

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Getting to Machu Picchu

The tour begins with a 3:30am hotel pickup, followed by a 2-hour bus/coach ride to Ollantaytambo.

From there, it’s a 1 hour and 50-minute train ride to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Visitors then take a bus up the mountain to the ancient Inca citadel.

The guided tour of Machu Picchu lasts 2.5 hours, allowing ample time to explore this wonder of the world.

The guided tour of Machu Picchu lasts 2.5 hours, allowing ample time to explore this wonder of the world.

At the end of the day, the return journey follows the same route back to Cusco, arriving around 12am.

What to Expect at Machu Picchu

Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, visitors can expect to be awestruck by the breathtaking views of the ancient Inca citadel perched atop the Andes mountains.

A guided tour of the ruins provides fascinating insights into the Inca’s advanced engineering and construction techniques. Visitors will explore the intricate network of plazas, temples, and terraces, marveling at the precision of the stonework.

The tour includes climbing 200 steps to enter Machu Picchu, so a moderate level of fitness is required.

After the tour, there will be time to wander the site independently and capture stunning photos before returning to Cusco.

Tips for a Successful Visit

To make the most of a visit to Machu Picchu, visitors should keep a few key tips in mind.

Arrive early to beat the crowds and catch the sunrise. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for the steep terrain and bring layers for the changeable weather. Carry snacks, water, and any necessary medications.

Respect the site’s rules and regulations, such as no smoking or climbing on the ruins. Be prepared for the high altitude and take time to acclimate.

With these simple preparations, travelers can ensure a safe, memorable, and hassle-free experience at this iconic Incan citadel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to Machu Picchu?

According to the tour information, visitors are not allowed to bring drinks onto the Machu Picchu site. However, they can bring their own snacks and personal medication. It’s recommended to bring cash for any purchases at the site.

Is There a Way to Avoid the Long Hike to the Ruins?

There’s a bus option that takes visitors directly to the Machu Picchu ruins, avoiding the long hike. However, this bus requires advance reservations and costs an additional fee beyond the tour package.

Can I Leave and Re-Enter Machu Picchu During the Tour?

No, visitors cannot leave and re-enter Machu Picchu during the tour. The tour is a guided experience, and once inside, there’s no in-and-out access. Visitors must remain within the site for the duration of the 2.5-hour guided tour.

How Crowded Is Machu Picchu During the Tour?

Machu Picchu is quite crowded during the peak tourist season, with up to 2,500 visitors per day. The tour give you a guided experience, but guests should expect to share the iconic site with many others.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes?

Yes, there are numerous shops and markets in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) where visitors can purchase souvenirs and handicrafts. However, there are no shops or vendors inside the Machu Picchu archaeological site itself.

The Sum Up

The Machu Picchu tour provides a comprehensive experience, whisking you from Cusco to the iconic Incan citadel. With round-trip transportation, guided exploration, and insider knowledge, you’ll maximize your time and learn about the wonder of this ancient wonder. Whether you’re a history buff or outdoor enthusiast, this full-day excursion offers an unforgettable journey to the heart of Peru’s rich cultural heritage.