Price: $ 339.00
Starting from
1 Day
Driver Team + Local Guides
2450 m / 8.038 ft
Cultural/By Train
Moderate
Min 2 Persons
We typically secure Circuit 2 tickets for our day trip clients. This circuit is highly recommended. It provides a comprehensive tour of the Inca City. It covers both the upper viewpoint and the main temples. This gives you the most complete experience.
Click the BOOK NOW button on our website to begin. Select your preferred date and enter your personal information. Only the required deposit is needed initially. The outstanding balance is payable in Cusco before the tour begins.
Yes, all your necessary transportation is included. Peru Hikers offers a seamless door-to-door service. This covers your hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco. We ensure you are escorted reliably throughout the entire long day.
The dry season (May to October) offers the best weather. It provides clear skies and minimal rain. Shoulder months (April and November) also offer pleasant temperatures. These times often have slightly fewer crowds than the peak season.
Yes, student discounts are available for visitors under 18 years of age. They must provide a valid passport copy for proof of age. Visitors aged 18 or older need a valid student card that meets Peruvian regulations. These must be provided when booking your tour.
A common schedule involves departing Ollantaytambo around 6:10 AM. You will reach Aguas Calientes approximately two hours later. The return train usually departs Aguas Calientes between 4:22 PM and 6:10 PM. This schedule ensures maximum time at the citadel.
Essentials include your original passport and a small day pack. You also need walking shoes, sun screen, and insect repellent. A light rain jacket is crucial for unexpected weather changes. Carry enough Peruvian Soles for optional lunch or tips.
No, lunch is an excluded item on this particular Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco. You will have free time in Aguas Calientes after the guided tour. This allows you to choose a local restaurant that fits your budget and dietary needs.
The Expedition train offers the most efficient service at a fair price. This allows us to provide superior value for our Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco. It prioritizes efficient transit over the panoramic luxury of the Vistadome.
No, large backpacks (over 25L) are strictly not permitted inside Machu Picchu. Trekking poles are also prohibited. These rules are enforced to protect the delicate ancient structures of the citadel.
The main highlight is the deep cultural immersion provided by our local expert guides. They focus on the spiritual and astronomical significance of the Inca structures. This allows a profound connection with the ancient civilization.
You will spend approximately 3.5 to 4 hours on the train each way. We make sure this is a comfortable and scenic journey. The train ride is integral to the entire Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco experience.
The train ride is not direct from Cusco itself. It begins from either Poroy or Ollantaytambo train stations. Our service provides the essential private transfer from your Cusco hotel to the chosen station. This ensures the fastest and most seamless connection to the train line.
Perurail enforces strict baggage limits for the Expedition train. Passengers are allowed only one piece of hand luggage. This bag must not exceed 5 kg (11 lbs) and its dimensions must be no greater than 157 cm (62 inches). This rule is necessary due to limited space.
Cellular service can be intermittent, especially once the train enters the canyon towards Aguas Calientes. There is no guaranteed Wi-Fi on the Expedition train. We recommend communicating necessary information before departure. Enjoying the scenery without distraction is part of the experience.
Our tours operate year-round, but safety is our highest priority. In the rare event of extreme weather (like severe landslides) that causes train or bus cancellations, we follow Peruvian government safety protocols. We will work to reschedule the trip or provide a credit voucher if travel is impossible.
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are the best choice. The pathways inside Machu Picchu are uneven. They consist of original Inca stone steps and narrow paths. Avoid wearing sandals or new, unproven shoes. We prioritize safety and stability over fashion.
The standard tour involves a moderate amount of walking. You will navigate numerous stairs and ramps for approximately 2.5 hours. It is not an intense hike. The circuit is designed to minimize strenuous ascent while maximizing the site view.
Current regulations require all visitors to enter Machu Picchu with an official guide for their first entry. This is mandatory to ensure the preservation of the site and visitor safety. Our expert local guides guarantee compliance and enhance your cultural understanding.
Tipping is customary in Peru but entirely voluntary. We recommend budgeting between 10 to 20 Peruvian Soles for the driver. For the guide, a range of 40 to 60 Soles per person for the excellent day service is typical. This is a reflection of their superior service.
The Altitude Team will pick you up directly from your accommodation in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. (Pick-up times range from 4:00 AM to 7:00 AM depending on your location, and will be confirmed during your pre-trek briefing). After a hearty breakfast in Ollantaytambo, you will meet your dedicated porters and head to Km 82 to begin the legendary Inca Trail. Please remember to bring your original passport for the entrance checkpoint!
The first two hours of the journey offer a gentle, scenic hike to the magnificent Inca site of Patallacta. Following another two hours on the trail, we will stop for a well-deserved lunch. We then continue for two and a half hours to the Ayapata campsite, passing charming Andean communities where you can purchase snacks and last-minute essentials. You will arrive at camp around 5:00 PM to enjoy hot drinks and snacks, followed by a delicious dinner at 7:30 PM before resting up for the exciting days ahead.
Your porters will gently wake you early with a hot cup of traditional coca tea, preparing you for the longest and most rewarding day of the trek. We begin with a challenging four-hour ascent to the trail’s highest peak, Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,828 ft). Here, take a moment to celebrate your achievement and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Andes. Next, we descend for an hour and a half into the lush Pacaymayu Valley to rest and refuel with a freshly prepared lunch.
The afternoon features a two-hour uphill climb to the second mountain pass. Along the way, we will stop to explore the circular Inca ruins of Runcu Raccay and admire two stunning waterfalls. A final one-hour descent brings us to the remarkable Inca site of Sayacmarca for a quick tour, followed by a short 20-minute walk to our spectacular Chaquicocha campsite. After dinner, step outside your tent to marvel at the brilliant Southern Hemisphere stars, completely free from artificial light.
Start your morning with a hot tea and breakfast before embarking on a beautiful two-hour hike to the final mountain pass, Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m / 12,073 ft). This incredible vantage point offers spectacular views of the snow-capped Vilcabamba and Salkantay mountain ranges.
As we hike three hours down to our final campsite, we will explore the fascinating Inca sites of Phuyupatamarca and Intipata, surrounded by the cloud forest’s vibrant flora, exotic orchids, and diverse birdlife. After lunch, take a short stroll to Wiñay Wayna, widely considered the most stunning archaeological site on the trail, featuring incredible agricultural terraces and intricate stone buildings. We will return to camp at 5:30 PM for our final happy hour, a celebratory dinner, and a traditional farewell ceremony to express our gratitude to the incredible porters and chefs who made this journey possible.
Today brings the grand finale of your adventure: exploring the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World!
We wake up bright and early at 3:00 AM at the Wiñay Wayna campsite, enjoy breakfast, and walk to the park ranger checkpoint. When the gates open at 5:30 AM, we begin a thrilling one-hour hike through the high jungle to the famous Sun Gate (Intipunku). Prepare yourself for an unforgettable moment—your very first, breathtaking view of the Machu Picchu citadel bathed in the morning light.
From the Sun Gate, we enjoy a gentle, one-hour descent to the main lookout point, arriving around 7:30 AM for classic photographs and time to absorb the magic of the ruins. Finally, we enter the citadel for a comprehensive two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu’s most significant temples, palaces, and observatories, leaving you with plenty of time to explore this ancient wonder and capture memories that will last a lifetime.
Peru Hikers promotes responsible and sustainable tourism in the Andes while benefiting local communities.
We provide unforgettable adventure and cultural destinations such as Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Rainbow Mountain.
Traveling in small groups offers genuine and unforgettable experiences, building personal relationships and forming cherished memories.
Our tour guides are passionate storytellers who love showcasing their hometowns and taking visitors beyond the obvious.
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