Cusco: Machu Picchu Tour 1 Day and Huayna Picchu Mountain

Exploring the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and the captivating Huayna Picchu Mountain is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This comprehensive one-day tour provides an efficient and convenient way to experience these UNESCO-listed wonders. Whether you’re seeking a challenging hike or an immersive cultural journey, this excursion promises to leave you awestruck by the sheer beauty and historical significance of these Andean landscapes. From the intricate stonework to the unparalleled vistas, the discoveries await those who embark on this remarkable adventure.

Key Points

• This 1-day tour offers a comprehensive Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountain experience, including round-trip train tickets, bus transportation, and an English-speaking guide.
• The tour includes a 2.5-hour hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain, providing the best views and experiences of the Inca citadel.
• The tour features awe-inspiring Andean landscapes, intricate Inca stonework, and a challenging but rewarding hike up Huayna Picchu.
• The tour is priced at CZK 10,857 per person, with the option to book now and pay later, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The itinerary includes an early 4:00 AM departure, a 1.5-hour train journey, bus transportation to the Machu Picchu entrance, and a 2.5-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu.

Tour Details

This 1-day Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountain tour offers travelers a chance to explore the iconic Inca citadel and its surrounding Andean landscapes.

Priced at just KČ 10,857 per person, it’s an affordable way to tick this wonder of the world off your bucket list. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to book now and pay later, it’s highly convenient too.

The tour includes round-trip train tickets, bus transportation to and from Machu Picchu, and an English-speaking guide to lead you through the historic site.

Hikers will also get to conquer the challenging Huayna Picchu Mountain, offering unparalleled views of the ancient ruins below.

Itinerary

The tour begins with an early 4:00 AM departure from the hotel, followed by a 1.5-hour train journey to the Ollantaytambo station. Travelers then take a bus from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu entrance, where they’ll embark on a challenging 2.5-hour hike up the Huayna Picchu Mountain to enjoy the best views of the iconic Inca citadel.

After the hike, visitors will receive a guided tour of Machu Picchu, lasting approximately 2.5 hours. The tour then returns by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch, followed by the train journey back.

This itinerary offers several advantages:

1. Optimal timing to beat the crowds and enjoy Machu Picchu’s serene atmosphere.
2. A chance to conquer the iconic Huayna Picchu Mountain for stunning panoramic vistas.
3. A guided exploration of the Inca ruins, ensuring a deeper understanding of the site’s history and significance.

Highlights

Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountain offer some of the best views and experiences in the Andes. Visitors can gaze upon the iconic Inca citadel from the summit of Huayna Picchu, taking in the awe-inspiring Andean landscapes and intricate Inca stonework below. The hike up Huayna Picchu is challenging but rewarding, offering breathtaking panoramas that showcase the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Best Views	Andean Landscapes	Inca Stairs
Machu Picchu from Huayna Picchu	Snowcapped peaks	Impressive Inca engineering
Surrounding valleys and rivers	Lush forests	Intricate stonework
Inca ruins and terraces	Winding mountain trails	Preserved ancient pathways
Distant mountain ranges	Unique flora and fauna	Glimpse into Inca civilization
Serene and sacred atmosphere	Rugged, awe-inspiring terrain	Architectural marvels

Inclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as round-trip train tickets and bus transportation to and from Machu Picchu.

It also covers the entrance fees for both Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, along with the services of an English-speaking guide during the Machu Picchu visit. This comprehensive inclusion ensures a hassle-free and enriching experience for the traveler.

The key inclusions that make this tour exceptional are:

1. Seamless transportation logistics, allowing you to focus on the journey rather than the logistics.
2. Knowledgeable English-speaking guides who provide insights into the history and significance of Machu Picchu.
3. Secured access to both Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, enabling you to fully explore this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Exclusions

While the tour package covers a comprehensive array of services, there are a few exclusions travelers should be aware of. Specifically, meals not mentioned in the itinerary aren’t included in the tour price. This means that breakfast, lunch, and dinner – except for the lunch in Aguas Calientes – are the responsibility of the traveler.

It’s advisable to budget for these additional expenses, which can vary depending on personal preferences and dining choices. The tour also doesn’t cover any optional activities or personal expenses incurred during the trip.

Train to Ollantaytambo

Travelers embark on the initial leg of their Machu Picchu journey by taking a 1.5-hour train ride from their hotel to the Ollantaytambo station.

This scenic train ride offers a glimpse into the Andean countryside, allowing passengers to admire the stunning mountain vistas and verdant landscapes. The train is a comfortable and efficient mode of transportation, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo station, travelers will:

1. Stretch their legs and prepare for the next stage of the tour.
2. Gather their belongings and follow the guide’s instructions to board the bus.
3. Anticipate the breathtaking views and historic wonders that await them at Machu Picchu.

Bus to Machu Picchu

From the Ollantaytambo station, travelers board a bus that takes them on a winding journey up the mountainside to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

This bus ride offers captivating vistas of the Urubamba River and the surrounding Andes, setting the stage for the incredible experience that awaits.

The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes, navigating through small villages and lush vegetation before reaching the checkpoint where visitors must present their tickets to enter the Machu Picchu site.

The bus service is efficient and well-organized, ensuring a smooth transition from the train to the iconic Inca citadel.

This bus transfer is a seamless part of the overall Machu Picchu tour experience.

Hiking Huayna Picchu

Hikers’ ascent up the Huayna Picchu mountain offers unparalleled vistas of the iconic Machu Picchu ruins below. This strenuous 2.5-hour hike rewards adventurous visitors with a bird’s-eye view of the Inca citadel, surrounded by the dramatic Andes peaks.

Navigating the steep, stone steps and narrow trails requires caution, but the journey is well worth the panoramic payoff at the summit.

Along the way, hikers will encounter:

1. Breathtaking lookout points providing sweeping perspectives of the Urubamba River and lush, surrounding valleys.
2. Remnants of ancient Inca structures that cling to the mountain’s slopes, offering a glimpse into the civilization’s architectural prowess.
3. A sense of personal achievement and pride in conquering this challenging, yet deeply rewarding trek.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Weather Like During the Tour?

The weather during the tour is typically cool and dry, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F). Guests should pack layers, as the temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day, especially on the hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Visitors can bring their own food and drinks for the tour. However, it’s important to note that there are limited dining options at Machu Picchu, so packing a lunch is recommended. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the site.

How Fit Do I Need to Be for the Hike?

The Huayna Picchu hike is considered moderately challenging, requiring a good level of fitness. Travelers should be able to hike uphill for 2.5 hours, navigating steep Inca stairs. Proper preparation and pacing can help most visitors complete the trek.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There’s no minimum age requirement for this tour, but children must be able to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain, which takes 2.5 hours. Families with young kids should consider if their children can handle the strenuous trek.

Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?

Yes, you can store your luggage during the tour. The tour operator provides luggage storage at their office before the tour starts, so you can leave your belongings in a secure location while you explore Machu Picchu.

Recap

This one-day tour to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the ancient Inca citadel and its captivating mountain.

With round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide included, it’s a comprehensive and convenient way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hikers will be rewarded with unparalleled views of the Inca ruins from the top of Huayna Picchu, making this tour a must-do for any visitor to Cusco.