Machu Picchu Full Day the ultimate experience to visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a single day. If you are looking for the most direct and exciting way to visit the legendary Inca citadel without staying overnight outside of Cusco, get ready for a day that will change your life forever. Our full day tour to Machu Picchu will take you from your hotel in Cusco to the top of the mountain where the citadel rises among the clouds, surrounded by cliffs, lush vegetation, and the Urubamba River winding hundreds of meters below. With transportation, train, expert guide, and all entrance tickets included, all you need to bring is your passport, your sense of wonder, and the desire to experience something extraordinary.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Witness the citadel of Machu Picchu at dawn, when the first rays of sunlight illuminate its ancient terraces and the surrounding mountains emerge from the morning mist.
- Walk through the temples, plazas, ceremonial fountains, and residential sectors of the best-preserved Inca citadel in the world with an expert guide.
- Enjoy a spectacular train journey through the Andes and the cloud forest, with stunning views of mountains, deep valleys, and lush vegetation.
- Discover the mystery of a city that remained hidden for centuries in the jungle until its rediscovery in 1911, and learn the theories about its construction and purpose.
- Experience it all in a single day, returning to Cusco at night with your heart full of unforgettable memories.
Itinerary.
We pick you up at your hotel at 3:30 am from hotels, Airbnbs, houses, and apartments in the historic center of Cusco. We will depart very early to make the most of this special day. We will travel for approximately 2 hours in our tourist transport to the Ollantaytambo train station, crossing dark landscapes that will gradually be lit by the first rays of the Andean sun.
Upon arriving at the Ollantaytambo station, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). The train ride lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes and is an experience in itself: the train descends through a spectacular canyon alongside the Urubamba River, between mountains covered with lush vegetation, crop fields, and small waterfalls cascading from the top of the cliffs. Keep your camera ready, the scenery is simply incredible.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our representative will greet you at the station and escort you directly to the bus that will take us on an exciting 25-minute ride up a winding road to the entrance gate of the citadel of Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft). Your guide will handle all the entry procedures as you prepare for the most anticipated moment.
As you step through the gate of Machu Picchu, the citadel will reveal itself before your eyes in all its magnificence. Your guide will lead you on a guided tour of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes through the most important sectors: the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana or Inca sundial, the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Serpent, the ceremonial water fountains, the agricultural zone with its impressive terraces, and the residential and urban sectors. As you walk through every corner, your guide will share the history, mysteries, and theories surrounding this citadel that remained hidden for over 400 years among the mountain vegetation.
After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace, take photographs, sit in silence to contemplate the scenery, or find that special corner that will be etched in your memory forever.
When you are ready, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch at one of the town's restaurants and pick up your belongings. In the afternoon, we will board the return train to Ollantaytambo, and from there our transport will take you back to the city of Cusco, arriving approximately between 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm.
What is included
- Pre-departure information service.
- Expert tour guide English – Spanish.
- Tourist transportation Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
- Train ticket Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Bus ride up and down Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
- Entrance to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu (approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes).
- First aid kit
- 24/7 customer service
What is not included
- Breakfast and lunch.
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional, subject to availability).
- Tips for the guide and staff.
- Additional snacks and drinks.
What do I need to bring for the Machu Picchu Full Day?
- The original passport, it is essential to board the train and enter Machu Picchu. Entry is not permitted without a passport.
- Cash in soles for lunch, purchases, snacks, and tips.
- Comfortable layered clothing. The weather at Machu Picchu can change quickly between intense sun, morning mist, and light rain. A waterproof jacket or poncho is essential.
- Comfortable and waterproof footwear with good grip for walking on uneven terrain and stone steps.
- Items to protect yourself from the sun: high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
- Insect repellent, especially for Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
- A reusable water bottle and energy snacks for the journey.
- Personal medications, including altitude pills if needed.
- Camera or phone with a charged battery. The moments you will experience deserve to be captured.
How long does the Machu Picchu Full Day last?
The tour lasts approximately 18 to 19 hours. Pick-up is at 3:30 am and the return to Cusco is approximately between 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm. It is a long day but absolutely rewarding.
Why is the pick-up so early?
The 3:30 am schedule is due to the time required for the overland transfer to Ollantaytambo, the train journey, and arriving at Machu Picchu at a convenient time to make the most of your visit. However, the journey is comfortable and you can rest during the transport and train ride.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Access to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is optional and subject to availability, as spots are very limited. There is an additional cost and we recommend booking well in advance. If you wish to include either mountain, please indicate this at the time of your reservation. Please note that the ascent requires additional time and you should consider this within your visiting schedule.
How long in advance should I make my reservation?
You must make the reservation at least 3 days before. However, we recommend booking as far in advance as possible, especially during high season (May to September), as train tickets and Machu Picchu entrance tickets have limited availability and sell out quickly.
Do I need to make a deposit to guarantee my reservation?
Yes, it will be guaranteed with a deposit payment of the total cost of the tour per person through our 2 forms of payment mentioned in our Book Now form. Important: None of the requested deposits include transaction fees.
What is the best time to do the Machu Picchu Full Day?
The best season is from April to October, during the dry season, when skies are clearer and the views of Machu Picchu and the Andes are most spectacular. From November to March, the rainy season may bring showers, but the vegetation is greener and more lush, and the experience is equally wonderful. Machu Picchu is visitable year-round.
Where will the information session take place?
This meeting will be held the night before the departure of the tour in the lobby of your hotel, apartment, hostel or family home in Cusco. You could also do it at our office located on Calle Portal de Panes, office 201 (second floor). Plaza de Armas de Cusco.
