Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco
Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco
5.0 (47 Reviews)
1 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco City
Visit Peru’s most iconic site on a thrilling journey enjoying the gorgeous Andes landscape on this 1 day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco. Machu Picchu is a place where the wonders of history and nature blend for an unforgettable trip.
The journey begins in Cusco city, you will then travel to the train station to take a lovely train towards Machu Picchu, the picturesque villages, lush forest, and imposing Andes mountains will color your day trip. From Aguas Calientes town, as you ascend towards the ancient Incan citadel, you will be soaked up by the majestic views of the Andes mountains and the lush forest surrounding you. Arriving at Machu Picchu, you’ll be mesmerized by the unique beauty of this unique site; intricacy alleyways; impressive temples, dwellings, and crops terracings; the profound spiritual energy that creates by this wonder of the world.
Our knowledgeable and passionate Beyond Andes Travel guide will accompany you on this day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco, delivering a great history of the Inca Empire and sharing captivating stories about the ancient Peruvians who built and inhabited this awe-inspiring citadel (also, today known as “the lost city of the Incas”). During the tour, you’ll have many opportunities to capture stunning pictures and soak up the atmosphere of this mystical place.
Join us on this incredible 1 day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco where you’ll be enchanted by the stunning beauty of the landscape and the fascinating history of this ancient citadel.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS IN BRIEF:
Trip Summary
1 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco City Summary
- Tour start point: Cusco city
- Tour end point: Cusco city, Sacred valley.
- Itinerary options: You can customize this itinerary with a hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Guides: Knowledgeable, Funny, and Friendly (unique character of Beyond Andes Guides).
- Service Type: Private
- Departure: Daily departures, available for booking on any date, we require 2 people to open a new departure. Solo travelers are welcome as well.
- Limited Machu Picchu Tickets: YES!, book this tour at 2 -3 months in advance.
- Group Size: Up to 10 participants
- Best time to visit: From May through October.
Itinerary
1Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco
Experience the wonder of Machu Picchu with a carefully crafted journey that will take you on a captivating adventure like no other. You’ll be greeted by our friendly driver in the early morning (exact time TBC) who will whisk you away from your hotel lobby to the Train Station in Poroy or Ollantaytambo. From there, you’ll board the train to Machu Picchu Town, the gateway to the mystical citadel.
Once you arrive, our knowledgeable Beyond Andes guide will be waiting to take you on a journey of discovery, aboard a comfortable bus that will take you on a short 25-minute journey up the hillside to Machu Picchu itself. The UNESCO World Heritage site is an architectural and engineering masterpiece that has stood the test of time, and our guide will lead you through the complex as you explore the ancient ruins on foot.
Your guided tour of this amazing site will last approximately three hours, as our guide regales you with tales of the Inca Empire and the history and culture of the people who built and inhabited this awe-inspiring place. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore the town of Aguas Calientes and enjoy a delicious lunch.
When you’re ready, it’s time to board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in either the Sacred Valley or Cusco City. This journey is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Food
Not included
Physical Level
Easy to Moderate
Walking Distance
Short walks
Weather
Nov-April Wet season, May-Oct Dry season
Note on Itinerary
As much as we strive to provide the best travel experience for our travelers, we understand that there are external factors beyond our control that may cause unforeseen changes to your itinerary. These could range from unexpected weather conditions to political unrest or even site regulations that may affect the accessibility of certain areas at certain times. However, we want to assure you that our team at & Beyond Andes Travel will always do everything in our power to make sure that any necessary changes are communicated to you promptly and that your safety and satisfaction remain our top priority. Let us take care of the unexpected, so you can focus on enjoying the magic of Machu Picchu.
Included
- Machu Picchu entrance tickets
- Round trip train tickets
- Round trip bus tickets (shuttle service)
- Professional Beyond Andes Guide
- Transfer to the train station from your Cusco hotel and vice versa.
- Pick up from the train station in Aguas Calientes town.
Not Included
- Meals
- Hotels
- Travel insurance
- PayPal fees
What to bring
- Original passport
- Comfortable shoes or hiking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Rain gear if traveling in wet season (November – April)
- Snacks
Recommendations
- We recommend book this tour with reasonable time in advance since the tickets sell out mostly a couple of months in advance.
- Please keep in mind to bring the following: Original passport, sunblock, sunhat, fleece or jacket, rain gear/poncho if traveling in wet season (Nov to April), hand sanitizer, a bottle of water, deet or bug spray, sunglasses, camera, and some cash for meals.
Pricing List
Private Service
Tour Payment Schedule
- At time of reservation: 50% of the total balance.
- 60 days prior to departure: Balance should be paid fully, or once upon your arrival in Cusco the other 50% of final balance must be paid fully OR before the tour begins.
Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule
- Minimum fee: $70 per person
- 61-90 days prior to departure: 30% of trip cost
- 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
- 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
| Number of persons | Price per person | |
| 1 Persons | $ USD 650.00 | Inquire Now |
| 2 Persons | $ USD 395.00 | Inquire Now |
| 3 Persons | $ USD 375.00 | Inquire Now |
| 4 Persons | $ USD 350.00 | Inquire Now |
| 5 Persons | $ USD 320.00 | Inquire Now |
Travel Guide
Machu Picchu Ticket Circuits
There are 4 circuits that have been set by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture to control the flow of traffic and prevent overcrowding. See the list of each circuit on the following lines for further information.
After May 25, 2022, those doing the 4-day Inca Trail, and the 2-day Short Inca Trail will not be able to visit the whole citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the Gate of the Sun, you must go directly to the official viewpoint of Machu Picchu where you will have many opportunities to take the official classic (postcard) photo of this iconic Inca citadel, after a short while you need to leave, later on, or the following day in case of 2-day Short Inca Trail hikers you will re-enter the citadel but only to visit the lower part (Circuit #03) for your guided tour.
Circuit 01: On this route, you will visit the Guard House, from where you will have one of the best views of Machu Picchu and the Sun temple. It also allows you to visit most of the terraces and the lower part of Machu Picchu. Click here to see the circuit map.
Circuit 02: The best circuit, this circuit grants you to visit the highest part of Machu Picchu, the route connects with the Sun Gate and the Inca Bridge. It also allows you to see the middle and lower parts, like Sacred Plaza, Sacred Rock, and much more. Click here to see the circuit map.
Circuit 03: The circuit allows you to visit the sector of the agricultural terraces, the House of the Inka, the Temple of the Sun, the Ceremonial Fountains, and other constructions located in the lower section. Click here to see the circuit map.
Circuit 04: This circuit grants you to visit the lower part of the terraces and the urban sector, combined with the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and the Temple of the 3 Windows. Click here to see the circuit map.
Circuit 05: This circuit was created for the Inca Trail hikers and allows them to visit the lower part and the middle part of Machu Picchu. Click here to see the circuit map.
What to eat on this day tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
Peru is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, which features a mix of Incan, Spanish, and modern influences. Some popular dishes include:
- Ceviche: This dish is made of raw fish that is marinated in lime/lemon juice (a special lemon type from the Cusco’s jungle) and served with onions, peppers, and cilantro.
- Lomo Saltado: This hearty dish features tender strips of beef that are stir-fried with onions, local chili peppers, tomatoes, and french fries. It comes with rice (in Peru is normal to have potatoes and rice in a dish).
- Quinoa Soup: Very typical soup to the highlands of Peru, this nutritious soup is made of quinoa as a main ingredient and comes with vegetables and spices.
- Chicha: An ancient drink, it was the main alcoholic drink in the Incan empire. It is made of fermented corn and it is a popular drink in the highlands of Peru, especially for local farmers and it is often served at local festivals and celebrations.
Faqs Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco
Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel from the 15th century located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It’s believed that the Spanish never arrived and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The most popular way to get to Machu Picchu is by taking a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo town. Alternatively, you can hike the classic 4 day Inca Trail, and the 2-day Short Inca Trail option, the hikes require a permit. There are also other alternative trails to hike to Machu Picchu like Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, and Inca Quarry Trail.
Yes, you do need a ticket to visit Machu Picchu itself, tickets are limited per day to 3500 a day and the tickets sell out 2- 3 months in advance.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which runs from May through September. The weather is mild and sunny, and there is less chance of rain. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so expect larger crowds of tourist.
Most visitors spend between 3-5 hours at Machu Picchu, which is enough time to explore the site and take in the views. However, if you’re an avid hiker or history buff, you may want to spend more time or even hike Huayna Picchu mountain and Machu Picchu mountain, if so, please plan to stay a full day.
Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and bring a hat and sunscreen. Bring some snacks and water. Also, it’s recommended to bring rain gear during the wet season.
Yes, there are very strict rules to follow, see some here; visitors are not allowed to touch the ruins or climb on them. Also, drones and tripods are not allowed without a special permit. Finally, it’s important to respect the environment and pack out any trash.
Yes, there are several hotels in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu town, which is located at the base of Machu Picchu Inca citadel. Additionally, there is a fancy lodge located right next to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
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When you venture into the uncrowded spots of Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, you need a great team around you. And we have the greatest. You’ll join professional licensed guides who surpass every standard imaginable for safety and preparedness in the Cusco and other regions of Peru...
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At our company, we understand that plans can be subject to change. Whether you need to add more travelers to your party or wish to extend your trip during your stay, we are well-equipped to accommodate a wide range of requests, from the expected to the unexpected. Our experienced team has...
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