Machupicchu Full Day

Andes Mountain Range

3400ft

START POINT

Cusco

DURATION

Full Day

PRICE

$350

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Easy

SERVICE

Shared

START POINT

Cusco

SERVICE

Shared

DURATION

Full Day

PRICE

350
Home » Tours » Machupicchu Full Day

Experience Overview

Hidden in the heart of the Andes, the Machu Picchu Guided Tour will leave you in awe. As you walk through sacred temples, you will marvel at breathtaking terraces and immerse yourself in its rich history. Moreover, the mystique of Machu Picchu will captivate your soul as you uncover its secrets. Without a doubt, this will be an unforgettable adventure—so don’t miss the chance to join us!


Tour Itinerary:

04:00 – 13:00 | Hotel Pick-up – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

When you book your Machu Picchu Guided Tour with Waka Explorer, we take care of everything! Specifically, we handle train tickets, entrance tickets, and logistics to ensure a seamless experience.

  • Depending on your location, departure times vary:

    • From Cusco: Pick-up takes place between 03:00 – 04:00, followed by a 1.5-hour journey to the train station in the Sacred Valley.

    • From Ollantaytambo: Pick-up is scheduled around 04:30.

  • Afterward, you will enjoy a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.

  • Upon arrival, a Waka Explorer representative will be waiting to guide you to the bus station for your transfer to Machu Picchu.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
  • First, you will meet our expert guide at the entrance or a designated meeting point.

  • Then, your guided tour will take you to explore iconic landmarks, including:

    • Main temples, stairways, plazas, and terraces.

    • The Intihuatana, an ancient Incan sundial.

  • Once the guided tour concludes, you will have free time to explore the site at your own pace.

13:00 – 21:00 | Lunch – Return to Cusco
  • After the visit, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch and some free time.

  • In addition, you will have the option to relax in the hot springs before heading back.

  • Finally, you will board your return train to Ollantaytambo, where private transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. Expected arrival time is around 21:00.

Notes:

Availability: Train and entrance tickets are subject to availability. Book early, especially during high season (May – October).

Train Upgrades: Luxury train options and overnight stays in Aguas Calientes or Ollantaytambo are available upon request.

INCLUSION

INCLUDES

  • Comprehensive Pre-Tour Briefing: Before your adventure begins, we provide a detailed orientation to explain every aspect of your tour and answer any questions.
  • Private Transportation: Enjoy a comfortable round-trip transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station.
  • Round-Trip Train Tickets: Travel between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes with reserved train tickets.
  • Bus Tickets: Round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu: Your ticket to explore this breathtaking Inca citadel.
  • Bilingual Professional Guide: Learn the rich history of Machu Picchu with an expert guide in English and Spanish.
  • First Aid Kit: For your safety, we carry a fully equipped first aid kit.

NOT INCLUDED

  • Transfers from Hotels Outside Cusco City – Transportation is only provided from hotels within Cusco.
  • Gratuities for the Guide – Tips are not included and are at your discretion.
  • Meals Not Mentioned in the Itinerary – Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any other meals not specified are not included.
  • Drinks – Beverages are not part of the package.
  • Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Entry Ticket – Admission to these additional hikes requires a separate ticket.

WHAT TO BRING

  • Comfortable Footwear & Lightweight Clothing – Ensure ease of movement during your visit.
  • Sunscreen & Sunglasses – Protect yourself from the strong Andean sun.
  • Hat & Gloves – Stay comfortable in changing temperatures.
  • Rain Gear (Especially November – April) – Be prepared for unpredictable weather.
  • Insect Repellent – Essential for Machu Picchu.
  • Valid Passport or ID – Required for entry.
  • Student ISIC Card – If applicable, bring it for discounts.
  • Travel Insurance – Always a smart choice.
  • Cash in Local Currency – Useful for small purchases.
  • Camera or Phone for Photos & Videos – Capture unforgettable memories.
  • Swimsuit & Towel (Optional) – Ideal if you plan to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.

ADDITIONAL INFO

Important Information for Visiting Machu Picchu

  • Bring Your Passport: You must carry your passport as it is required for entry to Machu Picchu.
  • Single Entry Policy: Standard Machu Picchu tickets do not allow re-entry once you leave, even if you haven’t used the full 2-hour visit time.
  • Ticket Availability: Machu Picchu tickets are limited to 5,600 per day, so it is strongly recommended to book at least two months in advance.
  • Non-Refundable Tickets: All Machu Picchu tickets, including those for Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be rescheduled, as per the regulations of the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
  • Photo Safety: Avoid risky selfie angles and jumping photos, as these are the leading causes of accidents in the area.
  • Recommended Footwear: Wear comfortable training shoes or lightweight hiking shoes for the best experience.
  • Mountain Climbing Restrictions: The Machu Picchu day tour from Cusco does not include climbing Machu Picchu Mountain due to time constraints.
  • Sunrise Limitation: You won’t be able to see the sunrise at Machu Picchu on this one-day tour, as the earliest possible arrival time is 8:00 AM.
  • Insect Protection: Strong insect repellent is essential, as there are many mosquitoes.
  • Passport Stamp: You can get a unique Machu Picchu stamp on your passport as a special souvenir.
  • Ideal for All Travelers: This one-day tour is perfect for couples, families, friends, and children.
  • Physical Fitness Requirement: A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended for this tour.
  • Best Option for Limited Time: This full-day tour is the ideal choice for travelers with a tight schedule.
  • Arrival in Cusco: You must arrive in Cusco at least one day before your Machu Picchu day tour.
  • Guided Tour Duration: The guided tour inside Machu Picchu lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Group Size: The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 participants.

Prohibited Items Inside Machu Picchu

  • Walking sticks are not allowed, except for those who require them for medical reasons.
  • Drones, tripods, and selfie sticks are strictly prohibited.
  • Walking canes for elderly visitors must have a rubber tip instead of a metal one.
  • Professional cameras are not permitted, and permits for professional photography cost over $300, so avoid bringing equipment that looks too professional.
  • Large backpacks are not allowed. Only small bags can enter Machu Picchu, so leave your larger backpack at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.

FAQ

How can I book the Rainbow Mountain tour with Waka Explorers?

For now, bookings are made directly through our contact form on the website. Just follow these steps:

  1. Fill out the contact form with your details and the date you’d like to take the tour.
  2. You can also click on “Plan Your Trip” and send us a message via WhatsApp or email.
  3. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible to coordinate the details and answer any questions.
  4. To secure your spot, a prepayment is required at least 2 days before the tour.

What are the payment methods?

You can securely pay through PayPal, Stripe, or Visa.

Which Circuit Will Your Machu Picchu Tour Follow?

For our Machu Picchu tour from Cusco, we purchase Circuit 2 tickets, allowing you to explore both the upper and lower sections of the citadel with our guide. This circuit is highly recommended as it covers the entire Inca City.

How Can I Pay the Outstanding Balance?

The remaining balance must be settled at least one day before your trip and can be paid in cash (USD or soles) or via credit card (a 2.9% service fee applies). We highly recommend paying in cash to avoid transaction fees.

Can I Change My Departure Date After Booking?

Yes, but a change requires purchasing a new Machu Picchu ticket and paying a penalty for modifying the train ticket. The additional cost for rescheduling your Machu Picchu excursion is $100 per person.

Circuit 2 Tickets Are Sold Out for My Preferred Date. Can You Still Arrange My Tour?

If Circuit 2 tickets are no longer available, we cannot secure them either, as we purchase tickets directly from the official Peruvian website. However, we offer an alternative:

  • We will purchase two tickets: one for Circuit 1 and another for Circuit 3.
  • First, you will explore Circuit 3 with our guide for two hours.
  • After exiting, you will re-enter on your own to visit Circuit 1 for one hour.
  • This arrangement ensures you still experience the main attractions, iconic viewpoints, and temples within Machu Picchu.
  • Since this requires purchasing two separate tickets, there is an additional cost of $45 per person.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu?

The ideal months to visit Machu Picchu are April, May, September, October, and November. These months have minimal rainfall, pleasant temperatures, and fewer tourists, making them the best times to explore the citadel comfortably.

Top Attractions to See During Your Machu Picchu Day Trip

Machu Picchu is filled with incredible archaeological sites. Some of the most important places include:

  • The Guardhouse: The best spot for capturing the classic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu.
  • The Temple of the Sun: One of the most significant and well-preserved structures in the citadel.
  • Inca House: A key architectural site located in the heart of Machu Picchu.
  • The Sundial (Intihuatana): A stone structure believed to have been used by the Incas for astronomical observations.
  • The Temple of the Condor: Situated in the lower section of Machu Picchu, this temple is shaped like a condor in flight.
  • Water Mirrors: Circular stone structures carved into the ground that reflect the sky when filled with water.

Is Altitude Sickness a Concern at Machu Picchu?

No, altitude sickness is usually not a problem at Machu Picchu, as it sits at a lower altitude than Cusco and the Sacred Valley. If you haven’t experienced altitude sickness in Cusco, it is unlikely to affect you at Machu Picchu.

Do I Need to Be in Excellent Physical Shape?

Not at all! Our Machu Picchu tours from Cusco are classified as easy, requiring no advanced hiking skills. The tour primarily consists of sightseeing and walking within the citadel.

Why choose Waka Explorers?

  • Trips Managed by Local Experts
  • Personalized Small Group Tours
  • Customized Packages
  • Environmental Commitment
  • Great Value for Money

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