Full-Day Machu Picchu Tour
Type of Excursion
World Heritage
Transport
Train & Bus
Difficulty
Medium
Duration
15 Hours
Service
Group Tour
(max. 8 people)
Departure Times
4:00 AM or 8:00 AM
Itinerary – Early Departure
4:00 AM – Hotel Pick-up in Cusco
The excursion begins with early hotel pick-up from accommodations in Cusco, followed by transfer to the departure point for the journey towards Ollantaytambo.
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4:30 AM – Transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
The journey continues through the Sacred Valley towards Ollantaytambo, arriving in time for the scheduled train departure.
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6:30 AM – Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
The train follows the Urubamba River through the Andes, gradually descending towards the cloud-forest environment surrounding Machu Picchu.
8:00 AM – Arrival in Aguas Calientes
Upon arrival at the Aguas Calientes train station, assistance is provided before continuing towards the designated bus departure point.
9:00 AM – Bus to Machu Picchu
The shuttle bus departs from Aguas Calientes and follows the mountain road towards the entrance to Machu Picchu.
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10:00 AM – Guided Visit to Machu Picchu
A guided visit of approximately two hours provides an introduction to the history, architecture, and principal archaeological features included within the assigned Machu Picchu circuit.
1:00 PM – Bus to Aguas Calientes
After the visit, the shuttle bus returns to Aguas Calientes. Free time is available for lunch at individual expense before the return train journey.
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3:00 PM – Train to Ollantaytambo
The return journey continues by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
5:00 PM – Transfer to Cusco
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, the journey continues by road through the Sacred Valley towards Cusco.
7:45 PM – Arrival in Cusco
Upon arrival in Cusco, assistance is provided with the final transfer to the hotel, where the full-day excursion concludes.
Itinerary – Later Departure
7:50 AM – Hotel Pick-up in Cusco
The excursion begins with hotel pick-up from accommodations in Cusco, followed by transfer to the departure point for the journey towards Ollantaytambo.
8:30 AM – Transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
The route continues through the Sacred Valley towards Ollantaytambo and the train station.
11:00 AM – Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
The train follows the Urubamba River through Andean and cloud-forest landscapes on the journey towards Aguas Calientes.
An upgrade to a panoramic train service may be selected during the booking process, subject to availability.
12:45 PM – Arrival in Aguas Calientes
Upon arrival at the Aguas Calientes train station, assistance is provided before continuing with the scheduled activities.
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1:00 PM – Lunch Break in Aguas Calientes
Approximately one hour of free time is provided for lunch in Aguas Calientes. Meals are not included in the tour price.
2:00 PM – Bus to Machu Picchu
The shuttle bus departs from Aguas Calientes and follows the mountain road towards the entrance to Machu Picchu.
3:00 PM – Guided Visit to Machu Picchu
A guided visit of approximately two hours provides an introduction to the history, architecture, and principal archaeological features included within the assigned Machu Picchu circuit.
5:00 PM – Bus to Aguas Calientes
After the visit, the shuttle bus returns to Aguas Calientes. Free time is available before the scheduled train departure.
7:00 PM – Train to Ollantaytambo
The return journey continues by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
9:00 PM – Transfer to Cusco
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, the journey continues by road through the Sacred Valley towards Cusco.
11:45 PM – Arrival in Cusco
Upon arrival in Cusco, assistance is provided with the final transfer to the hotel, where the full-day excursion concludes.
Included
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco
Professional tour guide
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu – Circuit 2-A
Round-trip bus ticket
Round-trip train ticket
Not Included
Meals
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT MACHU PICCHU ENTRANCE TICKET AVAILABILITY ○ Access to Machu Picchu is limited, and entrance tickets are subject to availability. Early booking is strongly recommended, particularly during the high season from April to October. ○ Whenever possible, booking approximately three months in advance is recommended.
ABOUT THE DIFFERENT MACHU PICCHU CIRCUITS ○ Access to Machu Picchu is organised through different visitor circuits established by the Peruvian authorities to manage visitor flow and help protect the archaeological site. CIRCUIT 1 ○ Circuit 1 provides access to elevated sectors and viewpoints associated with the classic panoramic views of Machu Picchu. It does not include the same access through the interior sectors of the citadel as Circuit 2. CIRCUIT 2 ○ Circuit 2 combines panoramic viewpoints with access through important sectors of the archaeological complex and is one of the most comprehensive options for visiting Machu Picchu. CIRCUIT 3 ○ Circuit 3 provides access through lower sectors of the archaeological complex but does not include the principal elevated viewpoint associated with the classic panoramic photograph. ○ Some circuits are divided into different routes or subcategories, and selected options may include access to surrounding mountains or additional sectors. Prices and availability may vary according to the selected route.
ABOUT THE MACHU PICCHU CIRCUIT INCLUDED IN THIS PROGRAM ○ This program includes an entrance ticket to Machu Picchu under Circuit 2-A, subject to availability at the time of booking. ○ Early booking is strongly recommended. Availability can be checked before completing the reservation.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MACHU PICCHU CITADEL, MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN, AND HUAYNA PICCHU? ○ The Machu Picchu Citadel, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huayna Picchu Mountain are three different areas and require different types of admission. Understanding the distinction is important when selecting the most suitable entrance ticket. MACHU PICCHU CITADEL – THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE ○ The citadel is the main Inca archaeological complex commonly known as Machu Picchu. Its official visitor circuits provide access to different combinations of terraces, temples, plazas, residential areas, and viewpoints. ○ A standard entrance ticket to the citadel does not automatically include access to either Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain. MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN ○ Machu Picchu Mountain is the large peak rising on the opposite side of the archaeological complex from Huayna Picchu. Its trail is longer and generally wider, with an extended ascent along stone steps and panoramic views over the citadel, surrounding mountains, and canyon. ○ Access to Machu Picchu Mountain requires a specific entrance ticket separate from standard admission to the citadel. HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN ○ Huayna Picchu is the steep, distinctive peak visible directly behind the archaeological complex in many classic photographs of Machu Picchu. ○ The ascent follows a demanding route with narrow Inca stone steps and exposed sections. Daily capacity is strictly limited, and access requires a specific ticket that includes entry to Huayna Picchu. Early booking is strongly recommended.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR HUAYNA PICCHU & MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN Are these hikes suitable for everyone? ○ No. Both hikes require good physical condition and a comfortable tolerance for heights. ○ Physical fitness: The routes include continuous, steep, and uneven stone steps at high altitude, above approximately 2,700 metres (8,900 feet). A good level of stamina, leg strength, and appropriate altitude acclimatisation are recommended. ○ Fear of heights: Some sections follow narrow paths close to steep slopes or exposed areas. These hikes are not recommended for people with severe vertigo or a significant fear of heights.
ABOUT THE TRAIN SERVICE INCLUDED IN THIS PROGRAM ○ The standard train service included in the program is Inca Rail Voyager or PeruRail Expedition, depending on availability and the confirmed schedule. ○ A panoramic train upgrade may be selected during the booking process for an additional fee, subject to availability.
PANORAMIC TRAIN SERVICE ○ The panoramic service offers upgraded seating and larger windows designed to provide broader views of the Sacred Valley and surrounding landscapes. ○ Selected services may also include live entertainment, beverages, or an open-air observation area. Features vary according to the train service and confirmed schedule.
ABOUT SPECIAL RATES Reduced rates may apply under the following conditions: ○ FOREIGN STUDENTS: A valid original student ID issued by the university is required. The student must be no older than 25 years of age, and the card must include the university information, student details, photograph, and a validity date covering the date of the Machu Picchu visit. ○ CHILDREN: Special rates may apply to travelers from 3 to 17 years of age. ○ INFANTS: Children from 0 to 2 years of age may qualify for free admission. No individual seat is assigned during transportation, and the infant must travel on the accompanying adult’s lap.
CHANGES, CANCELLATIONS & REFUND POLICY 1. CHANGE OF TRAVEL DATE ○ Requests to change the travel date are accepted only up to 7 days before the scheduled activity and remain subject to availability and additional charges, particularly during high season. ○ Date changes do not automatically apply to the Machu Picchu entrance ticket. If the activity date is changed, a new entrance ticket must be purchased and remains subject to availability. 2. CANCELLATIONS ○ Cancellations requested at least 7 days before the scheduled activity are eligible for a 60% partial refund. ○ Cancellations requested within 6 days of the scheduled activity may be considered for a refund; however, the refundable amount will depend on the circumstances and costs already incurred. ○ In cases of force majeure, including strikes, social unrest, natural disasters, or other circumstances beyond the control of the company or the traveler, a refund may be considered. The refundable amount will depend on the specific circumstances and costs already incurred. 3. REFUNDS ○ Refunds for payments made by credit or debit card may take several business days to appear, depending on the issuing bank. Transaction fees charged by local banks or the cardholder’s bank may be deducted from the refunded amount.