Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco is a popular activity as the full day trip to Rainbow Mountain Cusco. This tour with an English speaking local tour guide is an excellent option for visiting Machu Picchu in a limited time.
This tour to Machu Picchu begins with an early morning transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo Train Station. Here, you will be boarding a 1 hour and 30 minutes train to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes).
Our tour guide will meet you on arrival. We will transfer you to the citadel by bus for an informative tour of the complex. This two hour guided tour begins with a visit to the Temple of the Sun. We will also be touring the Sacred Plaza, and other fascinating places in the Inca citadel.
After the guided tour, you will have plenty of time to soak in the pristine views of the complex. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also climb Huayna Picchu. It is a mountain next to the Inca Citadel that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding areas.
If you wish to hike the Huayna Picchu, it is highly recommended that you secure your permit while booking the tour. Only 200 people are allowed to hike to Huayna Picchu each day and the permits are sold out months in advance.
Overall, a day trip to Machu Picchu is an excellent way to explore the Inca Citadel. So, book your tour to Machu Picchu with our English speaking local guide. Get ready for a memorable train ride and exploration of one of the world’s most fascinating places!
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Cusco Hotel Transfer
04:00 AM
Get ready for a memorable Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco! You can expect a full day of adventure and exploration as you journey to one of the world’s most iconic destinations. You’ll start your day early with a comfortable train ride from Ollantaytambo train station to the Inca Citadel.
Once you arrive, you’ll meet your tour guide. Your guide will take you on a journey through history as you explore the fascinating architecture of Machu Picchu. You’ll have time to visit Machu Picchu on your own and take photos.
You can also climb Huayna Picchu for incredible views. Overall, you can expect an incredible experience filled with breathtaking views, fascinating history, and memorable memories!
Begin your Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco with an early morning pick-up from your hotel around 4:00 am. Board a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and head to Ollantaytambo train station. It is located approximately 1.5 hours (65 km or 40 miles) away from Cusco.
Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes, a journey that takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley, as the train meanders along the Urubamba River, showcasing the stunning Andean landscapes.
Once you reach Aguas Calientes, a local guide will be waiting for you at the train station. After a brief introduction, take a 25-minute bus ride (8 km or 5 miles) up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Prepare to be amazed by the awe-inspiring beauty of this ancient Incan citadel.
Embark on a 2-hour guided tour through the iconic ruins. You will be visiting the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and the terraced agricultural fields. Your guide will share insights about the history, culture, and architectural wonders of the Inca civilization.
Following the tour, you’ll have about 2 hours of free time to further explore the site on your own. You can take pictures, or simply soak in the incredible panoramic views of the Andes and surrounding cloud forest.
Afterwards, make your way back to Aguas Calientes. Here you can grab a delicious lunch and spend some time browsing the local markets for unique souvenirs.
Finally, board the return train to Ollantaytambo. From there, you will be transported back to Cusco by a private vehicle. You will be arriving at your hotel around 8:00 pm, concluding your memorable day trip to Machu Picchu.
The number of days you spend in Machu Picchu depends on your personal preferences and the type of experience you’re seeking. Generally, a single day is sufficient to explore the main archaeological site, especially if you’re on a guided tour.
However, if you want to take your time and explore the surrounding areas, hike nearby trails such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, or spend more time in Aguas Calientes, you might consider a 2-3 day itinerary.
For those interested in trekking, longer itineraries are available, such as the 4-day Inca Trail or the 5-day Salkantay Trek, which include multiple days of hiking and camping before reaching Machu Picchu.
Yes, you can visit Machu Picchu in a day, especially if you’re starting from Cusco or the nearby town of Ollantaytambo. A typical day trip involves the following:
While a day trip is possible and allows you to see the main highlights of Machu Picchu, it can be a long and tiring day. If you have more time, consider spending a night in Aguas Calientes or adding extra days to explore the surrounding areas and enjoy a more relaxed pace.
