Exploring the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a bucket-list item for many travelers. The full-day tour from Cusco promises an immersive experience, whisking visitors through stunning Andean landscapes to this UNESCO World Heritage site. With a guided tour and free time to wander the ruins, the day is well-structured to maximize both the historical and scenic highlights. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking breathtaking vistas, this tour offers a chance to uncover the mysteries of one of the world’s most captivating archaeological wonders.
Good To Know
- A full-day excursion from Cusco to the iconic Machu Picchu, with round-trip train and bus transportation included.
- Personalized experience with a maximum group size of 15 and a guided tour of the Machu Picchu ruins.
- Breakfast and lunch provided during the tour, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable experience.
- Explore the historic Ollantaytambo town, a gateway to Machu Picchu, with its well-preserved Inca ruins and traditional architecture.
- The tour has a 93% traveler recommendation rate, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction.
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Tour Overview
The Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco is a full-day excursion that takes travelers to the iconic Inca citadel.
It’s a highly-rated tour with 93% of travelers recommending it. The group size is limited to 15 people, ensuring a more intimate experience.
The tour includes round-trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, plus a bus ticket to ascend to Machu Picchu. Breakfast and lunch are also provided.
Travelers can explore the UNESCO-listed site with a guide and have 2.5 hours for walks and leisure time in Machu Picchu town before returning.
The tour operates in Cusco, Peru, and confirmation is received at booking.
Inclusions
The Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco offers a comprehensive package that ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for travelers.
The tour includes an entrance ticket to the iconic Machu Picchu site, as well as round-trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and a bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to the ruins.
Breakfast and lunch are also provided, ensuring that visitors can fully enjoy the experience without worrying about meals.
With a maximum group size of 15, travelers can expect a personalized and intimate tour.
The tour’s inclusions cater to the needs of visitors, allowing them to focus on exploring the UNESCO-listed wonder of Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
The Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco offers a well-structured itinerary that optimizes the sightseeing experience. Guests are picked up from their Cusco hotels at 6:30 AM and transported to Ollantaytambo, where they board a train to Aguas Calientes.
Upon arrival, they take a bus up to the iconic Machu Picchu site. The guided tour of this UNESCO-listed wonder lasts approximately 2.5 hours, allowing ample time to explore the ruins and take in the breathtaking views.
Afterward, travelers have free time to wander the charming town of Aguas Calientes before returning to Cusco.
The key elements of the Machu Picchu Tour itinerary include:
- Hotel pickup in Cusco
- Transport to Ollantaytambo
- Train ride to Aguas Calientes
- Bus to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of the ruins
- Free time in Aguas Calientes
Cusco
Guests on the Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco start their day with a pickup from their hotel at 6:30 AM.
From there, they’ll embark on a 2-hour private transport journey to Ollantaytambo. This town serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu, and it’s where travelers will board the train for the 1.5-hour ride to Aguas Calientes.
The tour is designed to make the most of the day, providing a seamless experience from Cusco to the iconic Inca citadel. With a maximum of 15 travelers per group, the tour ensures an intimate and personalized exploration of Machu Picchu, led by a knowledgeable guide.
Ollantaytambo
From Cusco, travelers reach the historic town of Ollantaytambo, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
This quaint town is known for its well-preserved Inca ruins and cobblestone streets. The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes 1.5 hours, allowing travelers to admire the stunning Andean scenery.
Ollantaytambo features:
- Inca-era archaeological site with impressive stone terraces
- Traditional Quechua architecture and culture
- Numerous local markets and artisan shops
- Easy access to the Urubamba River for outdoor activities
- Convenient transportation hub for Machu Picchu excursions
From this charming town, the journey to the iconic Machu Picchu can begin.
Machu Picchu
Upon reaching Machu Picchu, visitors are immediately captivated by the sheer scale and grandeur of the UNESCO-listed site. Guided tours provide an in-depth exploration of the ancient Inca ruins, offering insights into the site’s rich history and architectural wonders. Guests can marvel at the iconic terraced structures, stone temples, and sweeping vistas that characterize this breathtaking location.
| Machu Picchu Highlights | ||
|---|---|---|
| Inca Trail Hike | Terraced Structures | Sacred Temple of the Sun |
| Inti Watana Stone | Wayna Picchu | Amphitheater |
With 2.5 hours allotted for on-site exploration, travelers have ample time to enjoy the magic of Machu Picchu before returning to Aguas Calientes and Cusco.
Additional Information
What else do travelers need to know about this Machu Picchu tour from Cusco?
First, travelers will receive confirmation of their booking. Plus, this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible.
Most travelers will be able to participate. However, the tour is non-refundable, so any cancellations won’t receive a refund.
According to customer feedback, there was one negative review regarding guide availability and refund issues, though the overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
- Confirmation received at booking
- Not wheelchair accessible; stroller accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Non-refundable; cancellation won’t receive a refund
- Notable negative review regarding guide availability and refund issues
Customer Feedback
The tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 15 reviews. The vast majority of travelers, 93%, recommend this tour.
Fourteen reviews awarded the tour 5 stars, while one reviewer gave it 1 star. The negative review cited issues with guide availability and refund policies.
The tour receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers, though some have experienced minor problems.
Travelers should carefully review all details, including cancellation policies, before booking to ensure the tour meets their expectations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no specified dress code for this tour. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves extensive walking at Machu Picchu. Layering is advised due to the changing mountain climate.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?
Travelers can bring their own food and drinks for the tour. The tour includes breakfast and lunch, but extra snacks or beverages are allowed if desired. However, glass containers are not permitted.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour has no age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to join the tour. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the lengthy itinerary and physical demands.
Can We Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?
There’s no information provided about extending the tour duration. It appears the tour has a fixed itinerary and schedule. Travelers should plan accordingly and communicate any special needs in advance to see if accommodations can be made.
Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour itinerary can’t be customized as it’s a pre-set package. However, travelers can inquire about adding extra activities or extending the duration, though this may incur additional fees. The tour operator’s policies should be checked for any customization options.
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The Sum Up
The Full Day Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco provides an immersive experience, blending stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Travelers embark on a seamless journey, enjoying personalized guidance through the iconic Inca citadel. With convenient transportation and a small group size, this tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the wonders of Machu Picchu.