+51 953 763 009 +51 967 736 770 info@avtoursperu.com
+51 953 763 009 +51 967 736 770 info@avtoursperu.com

Machu Picchu Tours Full Day – Machu Picchu Guided Tour

(2 Reviews)
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From$300
Price
From$300
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Tour Details

We will start our full-day Machu Picchu Tour bright and early in Cusco. We begin our adventure through the Sacred Valley. We will enjoy a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, passing through breathtaking views of the lush cloud forest. Also, we will pass next to Urubamba River, and the majestic Andes mountains.

Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, we will board a bus that will take us up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. As we approach, we will be seeing the awe-inspiring sight of this ancient Inca site.

Our guided tour will take us through Machu Picchu’s archaeological wonders. This includes temples, terraces, and sacred plazas, all while learning about the Inca Empire’s rich history and culture. Our experienced tour guide will share insights into the construction, rituals, and mysteries surrounding this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We will have ample time to explore the site’s highlights. This includes the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, and the Intihuatana Stone.

For those who seek an extra adventure, you can hike to the Sun Gate. It offers panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding landscape. The natural beauty of the area, with its towering peaks and green valleys, will leave us captivated.

Machu Picchu: The World Wonder

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It sits at an altitude of 2,430 meters (7,972 feet). The site offers breathtaking views of surrounding mountains and the Urubamba River below.

Built in the 15th century, Machu Picchu served as a royal estate or religious retreat. The site features impressive stone structures, including temples, terraces, and plazas. Its purpose remains partially shrouded in mystery.

Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visitors can explore its rich history and enjoy panoramic views. Its preservation reflects the incredible engineering skills of the Inca civilization.

A Journey through History and Nature

After a memorable experience exploring Machu Picchu, we will return to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). This is where we can relax and enjoy a meal in the charming town. In the afternoon, we will catch the train back to Cusco, retracing our path through the Sacred Valley. 

We will reflect on the remarkable journey we’ve shared through the heart of the ancient Inca civilization. This tour will connect us to the majestic blend of history, nature, and the legacy of the Inca Empire.

Departure & Return Location

Hotel Cusco

Departure Time

7:00 am 

Price Includes

  • Pre-Tour Information: We will provide detailed pre-tour information a day before the trip in Cusco.
  • Personalized Transfers: We will offer round-trip transfers from your hotel in Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo.
  • Round-Trip Train Tickets: Train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back are included.
  • Bus Tickets: We will provide round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu: Entry ticket to Machu Picchu on Circuito Principal 2 (subject to availability).
  • Professional Guided Tour: We will offer a bilingual (English-Spanish) professional guided tour of Machu Picchu. Other languages available upon request (additional fees for private services may apply).

Price Excludes

  • Hotel in Cusco: Accommodation in Cusco is not included.
  • Meals: Food and drinks are not in the tour price.
  • Huayna Picchu Entrance: The ticket to Huayna Picchu is not included (inquire for availability).
  • Other Services: Any additional services not mentioned in the inclusions.

Complementaries

  • Passport: Required for entry to Machu Picchu and the train.
  • Comfortable Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm and cool weather.
  • Hiking Shoes: Sturdy and comfortable shoes, preferably with good grip.
  • Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day.
  • Snacks: Energy bars or light snacks for the trip.
  • Sunscreen: Protect yourself from UV rays at high altitudes.
  • Hat and Sunglasses: Shield yourself from the sun.
  • Rain Jacket or Poncho: Weather in the cloud forest can be unpredictable.
  • Insect Repellent:Protect against mosquitos in Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
  • Camera or Phone: Capture memories of your adventure.
  • Cash: For meals, souvenirs, and tipping (in local currency or USD).
Itinerary

Full Day

Morning Departure and Scenic Train Ride

We will start our day early, picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. We will drive to the train station at either Ollantaytambo or Poroy. The train ride from Ollantaytambo will take around 1 hour and 50 minutes. While the journey from Poroy will last approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Along the way, we will pass through the beautiful Sacred Valley. We will enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and lush landscapes. We will relax and take in the scenery, watching as the terrain changes from the highlands to the subtropical cloud forest.

Arrival at Aguas Calientes and Bus to Machu Picchu

Upon reaching Aguas Calientes, our staff will meet us at the train station. We will walk to the bus terminal for the 35-minute ride up to the Machu Picchu entrance. The winding road will offer us views of the verdant mountains and the steep river valleys. The anticipation will grow as we climb toward the hidden Inca citadel.

Exploring Machu Picchu with a Professional Tour Guide

We will arrive at the entrance to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Our professional tour guide will take us on a 2-hour guided tour of this incredible archaeological site. We will visit important areas such as the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana Stone.

The guide will explain the significance of these structures and the history of the Inca civilization. Learn how Machu Picchu remained hidden for centuries.

After the guided tour, we will have free time to explore on our own. We may choose to hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). It offers breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding Andean landscape.

The hike is moderate and will take around 1 to 2 hours round trip. From this vantage point, we will have a sweeping view of the entire site, an unforgettable sight.

Return to Aguas Calientes and Cusco

After exploring Machu Picchu, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. Here, we will have free time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or explore the quaint town. At the scheduled time, we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. Once we arrive at the station, our driver will be waiting to take us back to Cusco, where we will arrive in the evening, ending our unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu.

Day Statistics:
  • Distance traveled by train: 110 km (68 miles) from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (round trip)
  • Distance hiked (optional): 2.4 km (1.5 miles) to Sun Gate (round trip)
  • Highest altitude: 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) at Machu Picchu
  • Lowest altitude: 2,040 meters (6,692 feet) in Aguas Calientes
  • Difficulty level: Easy to moderate, depending on the hike

EXTRA CONSIDERATIONS

  1. Machu Picchu’s Three Circuits


    When visiting Machu Picchu, it’s important to understand the three available circuits. Each circuit offers different experiences to manage the flow of visitors and ensure a more enjoyable tour. These circuits allow us to explore various parts of the citadel without overcrowding, ensuring that our visit is comfortable and memorable.

  • Circuit 1 offers panoramic views and the classic photo of Machu Picchu. It has four routes:
    • Route 1-A: Includes the Machu Picchu Mountain hike, taking around 3 hours.
    • Route 1-B: Covers the upper terraces and lasts about 40 minutes.
    • Route 1-C: Includes the Sun Gate hike for excellent views of the citadel.
    • Route 1-D: Leads to the Inca Bridge, showcasing an impressive mountain-edge construction.
  • Circuit 2 is the most complete and recommended option, offering both interior exploration and the classic Machu Picchu photo. This circuit provides access to iconic sites like the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, and Intihuatana. Circuit 2 is highly popular, so booking six months in advance is advisable.
    • Route 2-A: Covers most of Machu Picchu and includes the famous photo from the Guardian’s House.
    • Route 2-B: Allows exploration of the site, but the photo is taken from a lower terrace instead of the Guardian’s House.
  • Circuit 3 goes through the lower part of Machu Picchu, offering unique views and exclusive access to royal areas. It has four routes:
    • Route 3-A: Includes the challenging Huayna Picchu hike with a two-hour ascent.
    • Route 3-B: Focuses on the royal enclosures but does not offer the classic photo.
    • Route 3-C: Features the Great Cavern and the Temple of the Moon.
    • Route 3-D: Takes us up Huchuy Picchu for a rewarding hike.
  1. Circuit 2 for Machu Picchu Full Day Tour


    Our Machu Picchu Full Day tour includes Circuit 2, depending on availability. This circuit is the best choice as it offers a thorough exploration of the main archaeological sites. We will be able to enjoy a complete visit, taking in significant landmarks while capturing the iconic Machu Picchu photo.

  2. Advance Booking and Availability


    Due to high demand, it’s important to book Circuit 2 at least six months in advance to ensure availability. If this circuit is fully booked, we will discuss alternative options to ensure a rich experience of Machu Picchu.

By planning ahead and understanding the circuits, we will be able to make the most of our Machu Picchu visit.

Photos
  • cusco-machu-picchu-peru
  • water-architecture-amazing
  • stone-ruins-near-machu-picchu
  • exploring-sacred-valley-beautiful
  • inti-punku-gateway-to-machupicchu
FAQS

1How long is the train ride from Cusco to Aguas Calientes?

The train ride takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes from Ollantaytambo and 3 hours and 30 minutes from Poroy.

2What is the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu?

The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to September) for clear skies and ideal hiking conditions.

3Is the hike to the Sun Gate included in the tour?

Yes, after the guided tour, we can optionally hike to the Sun Gate, which takes about 1 to 2 hours round trip. This is upon request because it is another circuit.

4Can we visit Huayna Picchu on this tour?

A visit to Huayna Picchu is not in our tour package. Tickets must be booked separately and are subject to availability.

5What altitude is Machu Picchu located at?

Machu Picchu is at 2,430 meters (7,972 feet), lower than Cusco, which is at 3,400 meters (11,152 feet).

6Will we have free time to explore Machu Picchu?

Yes, after the guided tour, we will have time to explore Machu Picchu on our own.

7Are meals included in the tour?

Meals are not in our package, but we will have time to eat at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes.

8What should we do if the weather changes?

Weather is unpredictable, so bringing a rain jacket or poncho and layers is essential for comfort. We recommend to travel during the dry season to avoid sudden weather changes.

9Do we need to bring our passport?

Yes, a passport is necessary for entry to Machu Picchu and the train, and we can get a special passport stamp at the site.

10How difficult is the Machu Picchu Tour?

The tour is easy to moderate, with some walking on uneven terrain. Optional hikes like the Sun Gate are more challenging.

11How early do we need to depart for the tour?

We will depart early, usually between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM, depending on the train schedule.

12Is there a limit on how much time we can spend at Machu Picchu?

Yes, we typically have about 4 hours, including the guided tour and free time.

2 Reviews
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Shamira P.

Solo Traveller

We couldn’t have asked for a better day tour of Machu Picchu. Everything was seamless—from the hotel pickup to the train ride and the fascinating guided tour of the ruins. Our guide brought the history of the Incas to life.
We appreciated having free time to explore on our own as well. This was a truly unforgettable day, and we would do it again in a heartbeat.

noviembre 19, 2022

James T.

Solo Traveller

Our Machu Picchu tour was absolutely incredible! The entire day was perfectly organized, from the early morning pickup to the breathtaking train ride through the Sacred Valley.
The hike to Machu Picchu itself is stunning, and our guide’s deep knowledge made the visit even more special. The optional hike to the Sun Gate was challenging but offered the most amazing views of the site. Highly recommend this tour!

abril 16, 2021