Machu Picchu Full Day Tour: Explore the Inca Citadel in One Day

✔️Frequency: This tour of Machu Picchu is available all year long and is therefore offered at any time during the year allowing flexibility for travelers.
✔️Type of Service: This is a guided goup tour and recommended guides speak English. With a capacity of 8, it promises a personal experience while visiting Machu Picchu.
✔️Availability: This tour is available to be booked any day of the week. If you are booking during high season, you should check permits for Machu Picchu during the booking process as they may be limited.
✔️Difficulty: Easy, The tour meets at a lower elevation than Cusco, making it an easy tour for most travelers, including those not fully acclimatized.  
Peru's most recognizable tourism destination, Machu Picchu, is absolutely worth visiting if you are in Cusco. Join this full-day tour of Machu Picchu, designed for travelers wanting to see this incredible Inca site on a short trip and experience amazing scenery along the way on scenic valley landscapes and the views of the Urubamba River. The spectacular panorama of beautiful mountains along the way and the lovely town of Aguas Calientes will enhance the experience, making your journey to the Inca city of Machu Picchu charming, memorable and exhilarating.

Explore the Sacred Incan Citadel of Machu Picchu

While exploring Machu Picchu, you will learn about the unique history and elements of this ancient Inca archaeological site while walking through several different sectors:

✔️The Urban area: Be amazed at the beautiful building structure of the temples, plazas, and royal homes in Machu Picchu. 
✔️The Agricultural Terraces: See how the Incas had advanced methods to grow crops in a high-altitude environment. 
✔️The Sacred Sites: Learn about the religious nature of these sites, like the temple of the sun believed to be built as a ritualistic astronomical observatory.

✔️Each sector provides a different view into Incan culture, engineering, and spirituality, and this is one of Peru's premier cultural and historical attractions. 

Maximize Your Time with a Full-Day Machu Picchu Tour

This full-day tour to Machu Picchu is perfect for those looking to make the most of their time in the region. The tour includes transport from Cusco to Machu Picchu, with a scenic train ride and bus journey, ensuring a hassle-free visit. Since Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, it’s important to book your tickets in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons when tickets for entry and additional permits for hikes like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain can sell out quickly.

Prepare for High Altitude and Stay Safe

Before your Machu Picchu adventure, it’s crucial to ensure you’re properly acclimatized to the high altitude of Cusco (3,400 meters / 11,200 feet). Spending a few days in Cusco will help you adjust to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness, ensuring a more enjoyable and comfortable visit to the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Drink plenty of water and take it easy on your first few days to fully enjoy this incredible experience.

Why Visit Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu offers breathtaking views, fascinating history, and a sense of spiritual awe. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adventure traveler, or someone seeking unparalleled natural beauty, Machu Picchu will leave you with lasting memories. Its historical significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its striking beauty make it one of the most visited destinations in the world.

Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu

✔️ Book tickets early: Due to limited access, tickets for Machu Picchu and permits for additional hikes like Huayna Picchu can sell out, especially during high season.

✔️ Wear comfortable footwear: The terrain at Machu Picchu can be uneven and requires walking, so make sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.

✔️ Bring water and sunscreen: The high-altitude sun can be intense, and staying hydrated is essential for your health and enjoyment.

Day 1 - Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Early Morning Departure: Your day will begin with an early morning pick up from your hotel at 4am, it will be 2h drive to Ollantaytambo train station from where you will take the train to Aguas Calientes town.

Train Ride to Aguas Calientes. The train journey to Aguas Calientes is a scenic ride through the Sacred Valley, offering picturesque views of the Andes Mountains, the Urubamba River, and the lush vegetation of the region.

Arrival in Aguas Calientes: Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, Our tour guide will be waiting for you at train station – waiting area, he will welcome you to the Machu Picchu town, you’ll have a bit of free time to have breakfast, or relax before your visit to Machu Picchu.

Bus Ride to Machu Picchu: You’ll take a shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes and includes a series of switchbacks up the mountain.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu: Once at Machu Picchu, your guide will take you to the upper part of the citadel from where you will enjoy and have the best views of Machu picchu, you will have plenty time to enjoy it, Your guide will provide historical and cultural insights, explaining the significance of the various structures and the history of the Inca civilization. he will do the walking guided tour taking you to the most important sites in the citadel, he will be your fotografer as well taking you to the most popular spot for great pictures. the guided tour last around 2h, once you complete it, you will say good bye.

Return to Aguas Calientes: After your visit to Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch and waiti for the return train.

Return to Cusco: In the late afternoon you’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo where our driver will be waiting for you and take you back to Cusco your hotel, completing your full-day tour of Machu Picchu.

✔️Accomodation: book on your own

✔️Tickets: Include

✔️Meals: Not Include

What you need to take for this tour:

✔️ Tickets and Documents: 

• Printed tickets for Machu Picchu and any additional hikes ( your guide will take them)

• Original Passport .

✔️ Comfortable Hiking Shoes:

• Durable, supportive shoes with good traction.

✔️ Clothing Layers:

• Base layer that wicks moisture

• Warm layer ( fleece or lightweight jacket)

• Rain jacket or poncho (based on weather)

✔️ Hat and Sunglasses:

• Wide brimmed hat for sun protection

• Uv protected sunglasses.

✔️ Quick Dry Pants:

• Lightweight, breathable pants that dry quickly.

✔️ Backpack:

• Comfortable small day pack to carry essentials (25L recommended).

✔️ Reusable Water Bottle:

• Stay hydrated! There are refill stations!

✔️ Snacks:

• Energy bars, nuts, or dried fruits for quick energy boosts.

✔️ Camera or Smartphone:

• To capture the stunning views (don’t forget a power bank!).

✔️ Sunscreen:

• Any high spf sunscreen to protect skin from the uv rays.

✔️ Insect Repellent:

• Especially needed in summer months.

✔️ Daily Medications:

• Any daily medications needed and small first aid kit.

✔️ Toiletries:

• Travel size hand sanitizer and tissues.

✔️ Lightweight Blanket or Travel Pillow:

• To keep comfortable when traveling.

✔️ Notebook and pen:

• To jot down thoughts or sketches to remember the experience.

What's Included in the Machu Picchu Full Day Tour.

✔️  Round-Trip Transportation Between Cusco and Ollantaytambo:

Your trip starts with easy transportation back and forth from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. This particular aspect of the package ensures stress-free travel to the train station without any concerns. Take in the scenic views while relaxing, and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead at Machu Picchu.

✔️  Round-Trip Expeditions Train Tickets

Take in the spectacular landscapes of the Andes. The train ride will give you panoramic horizons of lush valleys, rivers, and stunning mountains that mark the beginning of your adventure. Once you're comfortably seated, you can relax back and soak in the amazing scenery as you make the final approach to what is possibly the most famous site in the world.
The ticket you receive upon arrival provides entrance to the site that is not only World Heritage site but is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, "the Lost City of the Incas." 

✔️  Entry to Machu Picchu

The ticket grants entry to the remarkable citadel, including superb landscapes. To ensure that you are able to start with the Circuit 2 hike, which is the most sought after option of travelers, we highly suggest that purchase your tickets in advance. You will pass by important landmarks within the Incan civilization, including: Urban, Agricultural and Religios sector. This is an once in a lifetime experience, and your ticket also provides entry to the fascinating world of the Inca civilization, stunning views, that will surely provide you with an unforgettable experience! 

✔️  Round-Trip Bus Transportation to Machu Picchu

Conveniently travel to the entrance of Machu Picchu with included round-trip bus transportation. The bus ride takes you along a winding road that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This comfortable and efficient transport option allows you to focus on the experience ahead without the stress of navigation.

✔️  Experienced Guide for Machu Picchu

Enhance your exploration of Machu Picchu with our local experienced guide. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the site. Their knowledge will help you understand the stories behind the ruins, making your visit even more enriching and memorable.

With Qoricancha Expeditions, you’re not just visiting Machu Picchu; you’re embarking on a carefully curated journey that combines convenience, comfort, and cultural immersion.

EXCLUDED

❌  Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner.

❌  Gratuities: Because gratuities are optional, you may want to give your driver and guide a gratuity if you choose. 

❌  Travel insurance: Not optional, but highly advised.

UPGRADE ONES: you may upgrade to the following: 

✔️  Huayna Picchu : It cost $75 each ticket

✔️  Vistadome Train: One Way $65  // Round Trip: $120

✔️  Hiram Bingham Luxury Train : Each way $520

Adult, Group service

$ 355.00 USD 

per person (Min. 2 people)

PRIVATE TOUR

This tour can be run as a private experience, and prices will vary based on the group size:

• $500 per person: For 2-3 people

• $450 per person: For 4-5 people

• $400 per person: For 6 -7 people

• $355 per person: For 8 or more people

If you would like a more customized experience, select the private tour that works for your size!