Cusco To Machu Picchu Day Trip

Embarking on a day trip from Cusco to the iconic Machu Picchu is an opportunity to take in the wonders of the Inca civilization. This comprehensive excursion seamlessly combines transportation, including bus, train, and bus rides, culminating in a guided tour of the ancient citadel. Along the way, travelers will be treated to stunning Andean vistas and historical insights from a bilingual professional guide. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Machu Picchu captivates visitors with its architectural marvels and enigmatic past. With convenient booking options and free cancellation, this day trip provides an accessible and hassle-free way to explore one of the world’s most renowned archaeological wonders. What awaits those who embark on this journey is a transformative experience that…

Key Points

Comprehensive day trip from Cusco to the iconic Machu Picchu ruins, priced from €340.03 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Convenient transportation including bus, train, and bus rides, with a 3-hour guided tour of the ancient Inca citadel.
Scenic train journey through the Sacred Valley and a thrilling bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
Bilingual professional guide providing historical insights and seamless return journey to Cusco.
Meeting point at the lively Plaza Kusipata in Cusco, with departure times from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM.

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Trip Details

This Cusco to Machu Picchu day trip is a convenient and immersive experience that allows travelers to explore the iconic Inca citadel in a single day.

Priced from €340.03 per person, the trip lasts for one day and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers will depart from Plaza Kusipata in Cusco, taking a 1.5-hour bus/coach ride to Ollantaytambo Train Station. From there, they’ll embark on a scenic 2-hour train journey to Aguas Calientes, followed by a 30-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu.

After a 3-hour guided tour of the ancient ruins, the return journey includes a bus, train, and bus/coach ride back to Cusco.

This comprehensive experience showcases the best of Machu Picchu in a single day.

Itinerary

The day trip begins with a departure from Plaza Kusipata in Cusco, where travelers will board a bus or coach for the 1.5-hour journey to Ollantaytambo Train Station.

From there, a 2-hour train ride takes guests through the stunning Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes.

A 30-minute bus ride then whisks them up to the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu, where a 3-hour guided tour awaits.

The return journey includes:

Bus ride from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
110-minute train ride back to Ollantaytambo
1.5-hour bus or coach trip to Cusco

This seamless itinerary provides a comprehensive Machu Picchu experience in just one day.

Highlights

Travelers on this day trip can expect a comprehensive guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu ruins, providing an in-depth exploration of this remarkable historical site.

The highlight of the journey is the scenic bus ride from Aguas Calientes to the ancient citadel, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Andes mountains.

Along the way, the train ride through the Sacred Valley promises stunning vistas of the lush, verdant landscape.

With a professional bilingual guide leading the way, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, making for an unforgettable and enriching experience.

Inclusions

Included in the day trip’s price are:

Tourist transportation between Cusco and Ollantaytambo roundtrip
An Expedition tourist train ticket (Peru Rail train)
A tourist bus ticket (Consettur) for the ascent from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
A bilingual professional guide to lead the tour of the iconic ancient citadel

Visitors will enjoy:

A scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley
A thrilling bus journey from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
An informative and comprehensive guided tour of Machu Picchu

These inclusions ensure a hassle-free and immersive experience, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the wonder of Machu Picchu.

Convenient roundtrip transportation from Cusco to the UNESCO World Heritage site is also provided.

Meeting Point

Plaza Kusipata, located in the heart of Cusco, serves as the departure point for this comprehensive Machu Picchu day trip. This lively plaza, surrounded by colonial architecture and bustling with local activity, is where the tour begins. Travelers will meet their guide here before setting off on their Machu Picchu adventure.

Meeting Point	Location	Departure Time
Plaza Kusipata	Cusco	6:30 AM
Plaza Kusipata	Cusco	7:00 AM
Plaza Kusipata	Cusco	7:30 AM

The meeting point is easy to find, and the guide will be on hand to ensure a smooth start to the day’s activities. From here, the journey to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu begins.

Departure From Cusco

After meeting at the lively Plaza Kusipata in Cusco, the day’s Machu Picchu adventure begins with a bus/coach transfer to Ollantaytambo Train Station, about 1.5 hours away.

Along the journey, you’ll:

Gaze out the window at the picturesque Andean landscapes
Catch glimpses of traditional Quechua villages and farms
Feel your excitement build as you get closer to the start of the train ride

Arrive at the charming town of Ollantaytambo, ready to board the train for the next leg of your journey.

From here, it’s a scenic 2-hour train ride through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu.

Train Journey to Aguas Calientes

The train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, takes approximately 2 hours, offering travelers a scenic ride through the captivating Sacred Valley.

The train winds its way along the Urubamba River, providing breathtaking views of the rugged mountainous landscape. Passengers can admire the lush, verdant flora and the towering Andean peaks that surround them.

The train’s comfortable carriages and large windows allow for optimal sightseeing, making the journey a highlight of the day trip.

As the train approaches Aguas Calientes, the anticipation builds, knowing that the iconic Machu Picchu awaits just a short bus ride away.

Bus Ride to Machu Picchu

Upon arriving at Aguas Calientes, travelers typically board a bus that whisks them up the winding mountain road to the entrance of the iconic Machu Picchu.

This 30-minute bus ride offers stunning vistas of the surrounding Andes, with the ancient citadel coming into view as the bus climbs higher.

The bus ride is an integral part of the Machu Picchu experience, allowing visitors to:

Admire the dramatic landscapes of the Andes
Catch glimpses of the iconic ruins as they draw near
Feel the anticipation build as the destination comes into sight
Appreciate the engineering feat of constructing a road to this remote location

The bus ride is a scenic and convenient way to reach the entrance of Machu Picchu, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration of this ancient wonder.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Visitors can bring their own food and drinks to Machu Picchu. However, they should be mindful of not littering and disposing of waste properly to preserve the natural beauty of the site.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required to Book This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum group size – you can book it for yourself or as part of a larger group. Just be sure to reserve early, as space is limited on the popular Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco.

What Should I Pack for the Day Trip to Machu Picchu?

One should pack light, comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, snacks, and water. Bring a small backpack to carry essentials, as the terrain can be rugged. Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions on the day trip.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Machu Picchu Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this Machu Picchu tour. The tour is suitable for travelers of all ages. Children are welcome to join, as long as they can manage the day’s activities.

Can I Extend My Stay in Machu Picchu After the Tour Ends?

Travelers can extend their stay in Machu Picchu after the guided tour ends, but they’ll need to book separate tickets and accommodations. This allows more time to explore the iconic ancient ruins at a leisurely pace.

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