Trip at a Glance
Highlights of the tour
- Detailed narratives from MAYUC’s multilingual experts on Inca building techniques, offering more depth than brief summaries in comparable trips.
- Agency-provided vehicles with proficient drivers ensure steady travel, contrasting with potential waits in communal setups from other providers.
- Covered fees for train, bus, and entry eliminate surprise expenses, unlike some packages where these add up separately.
- Time for independent wandering after guided parts makes the visit more personal than strictly timed alternatives.
- Use of regionally sourced natural foods for the included lunch, with adaptability for preferences, surpasses basic provisions in similar MAYUC or rival outings.
- Ongoing coordination by a MAYUC staffer maintains flow, a benefit not standard in many day excursions.
- Focus on specific Andean geography and traditions provides richer context than overviews in competing services.
Trip Details
- Duration: 1 day
- Starting Price: 330 USD per person
- Advance Payment Required: 50 USD
- Lowest Elevation: 2233 meters
- Highest Elevation: 2233 meters
- Total Distance Covered: 12 kilometers
- Suggested Time of Year: March through December
- Tour Category: Standard cultural visit
- Main Areas Explored: Machu Picchu and related Inca structures
Trip Summary
DAY 1 — MACHU PICCHU TOUR FULL DAY
- Pickup from hotel and transfer to train station in Poroy or Ollantaytambo.
- Board train to Aguas Calientes, viewing Andean valleys and the Urubamba river.
- Take bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- Visit key areas: Royal Rooms, Main Plaza, Temple of the Three Windows, Solar Clock, Circular Tower, Royal Cemeteries.
- Free time for photos and exploration.
- Bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch.
- Train return to Cusco and hotel drop-off.
TRIP ITINERARY
MACHU PICCHU TOUR FULL DAY
The tour starts with a pickup from your Cusco hotel in the early morning. From there, private transportation owned by MAYUC, driven by experienced personnel, takes you to the train station at Poroy or Ollantaytambo.
At the station, board the train to Aguas Calientes. Travelers can select between PeruRail, which provides more frequent departures and options like Vistadome with wide windows for views, or Inca Rail, which includes amenities such as complimentary drinks and snacks along with observation areas. The ride passes through the Sacred Valley, showing mountain ranges and following the Urubamba river.
Upon reaching Aguas Calientes, proceed to the bus station. A short bus trip leads up to the Machu Picchu site. Throughout this segment, a MAYUC representative monitors the schedule.
The guided portion begins at the Inca site. First, explore the Royal Rooms, where living quarters for important figures stood. MAYUC guides, with extensive route knowledge, explain the stone arrangements and their purposes in Inca daily life.
Next, move to the Main Plaza, a central open space used for gatherings. Details cover how it connected various parts of the complex.
Then, head to the Temple of the Three Windows, featuring openings that frame surrounding views. Explanations highlight its possible ceremonial roles.
Continue to the Solar Clock, a carved stone linked to time measurement. Guides describe Inca methods for tracking seasons.
Visit the Circular Tower, a rounded structure with precise fittings. Information includes its potential uses in observations.
End the structured visit at the Royal Cemeteries, areas for burial practices. Throughout, the guides provide thorough accounts based on Andean historical records.
After the group session, use free time to walk around, capture images, or observe the setting. This allows personal pace.
Later, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy a relaxed lunch there, featuring organic local ingredients.
In the afternoon, board the return train to Cusco. The choice of PeruRail or Inca Rail applies here as well, with their respective features.
Finally, private transportation from MAYUC transfers you back to the hotel. A representative ensures all steps align.
Inclusions
Included
- Transfer from hotel to train station and back: Private rides by MAYUC vehicles with trained drivers, covering the start and end in Cusco for convenience.
- Round-trip train ticket: Service on selected company, including scenic routes through valleys, with options for panoramic or amenity-focused rides.
- Official guide: Experts from MAYUC fluent in multiple languages, offering in-depth info on Inca sites and traditions to international visitors.
- Bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu: Round-trip for access, allowing focus on the visit without logistics worries.
- Lunch at Machu Picchu area: Meal with natural, locally grown items like fresh produce; international variations possible with added costs via reservations.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu: Covers access to explore the Inca structures, included to streamline the day.
- First aid kit: Basic medical supplies carried by staff for minor issues during travel or at the site.
Not Included
- Hotel in Cusco or Aguas Calientes: Accommodations before or after the tour; arrange separately based on your stay plans.
- Breakfast: Morning meal not provided; eat at your hotel or pack light items for the early start.
- Tips: Optional payments to guides or drivers; give based on satisfaction, usually in small local amounts.
- Personal insurance: Coverage for health or trip interruptions; obtain your own policy for peace of mind.
- Additional snacks or drinks: Beyond the included lunch; bring or buy extras if needed during free time.
- Souvenirs: Purchases at sites or towns; budget for crafts or mementos.
- Extra activities: Any optional extensions like hikes; these require separate arrangements.
Pricing
$ USD 330.00
Price per person
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What to Pack
- Passport for foreigners, student ID for students, national ID for Peruvians: Required for train, bus, and site entry; keep in a secure pouch to avoid loss during travel.
- Personal travel insurance: Policy documents or details; useful for any unexpected events on the route, ensuring coverage for high-altitude areas.
- Student ID if used for discounts: Carry at all times if applied to tickets; verifies eligibility for reduced rates on entries or transports.
- Light clothing with a jacket: Comfortable layers for variable temperatures; jacket handles cooler mornings or evenings on the train.
- Rain gear in wet season: Poncho or coat; protects from sudden showers common November to April, keeping you dry on outdoor paths.
- Personal medication: Prescription drugs in original packaging; essential for managing conditions during the day’s activities.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat: Protection from strong sun at elevations; apply sunscreen regularly to prevent burns while exploring open areas.
- Camera and spare batteries: Device for photos; extras ensure power for capturing the full site without interruptions.
- Extra money in small bills: Local currency for buys; handy for tips, snacks, or small items at Aguas Calientes.
- Small backpack under 30 liters: To hold essentials; lightweight for easy carrying on buses and walks.
- Mosquito repellent: Spray or lotion; guards against bites in warmer, humid spots near rivers.
- Water and snacks: Bottle for hydration and light eats; maintains energy during the tour, especially with altitude.
- Comfortable shoes: Sturdy footwear; supports walking on uneven stone paths at the site.
- Binoculars: Optional for distant views; helps spot details in landscapes or wildlife from trains.
Frequently Asked Questions Machu Picchu Full Day Tour
Where is Machu Picchu located?
Machu Picchu is located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, approximately 80 kilometers northwest of the city of Cusco.
How do I get to Machu Picchu?
The most popular way to get to Machu Picchu is by taking the scenic train ride from Cusco to the town of Aguas Calientes, followed by a short bus ride to the site. Alternatively, visitors can opt for a multi-day trek along the Inca Trail.
What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this time, the weather is mild and the trails are in their best condition. However, Machu Picchu can be visited year-round, as the site offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.
What should I bring to Machu Picchu?
Visitors to Machu Picchu should bring comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen, plenty of water, and a light jacket or sweater. Visitors should also bring their passport and Machu Picchu ticket, as well as a small backpack to carry essentials.
How much time should I allow for a visit to Machu Picchu?
Most visitors allow at least one full day to explore Machu Picchu and its surrounding trails. Visitors can also opt to spend several days in the region, exploring the site at a more leisurely pace and visiting nearby attractions such as the Sacred Valley.
These are just a few of the many frequently asked questions about visiting Machu Picchu. By answering these questions, we hope to provide useful information and help make your visit to this fascinating site a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Travel Guide about Machu Picchu Full Day Tour
Grasping the Weather Patterns
Machu Picchu sees dry periods from May to October with days at 20-25 degrees Celsius and colder nights. November to April brings rain, often afternoons, with slightly warmer feels. Altitude influences quick changes, so monitor updates. Once, I layered clothes for a sunny start that turned misty by noon.
| Month | Average High (°C) | Average Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
| January | 20 | 8 | 140 |
| June | 19 | 2 | 10 |
| December | 21 | 7 | 120 |
Residents and Traditions
Local people mix Quechua heritage with daily tourism roles, often sharing stories in markets. They appreciate polite interactions and photo consents. Families maintain farming on ancient terraces, showing continuity in practices.
Common Meals
Foods include trout from rivers, potato dishes in varieties, and corn-based items. Ceviche or lomo saltado use fresh elements. A guide once shared how quinoa soups aid altitude adjustment, linking nutrition to location.
No-Cost Spots to See
Aguas Calientes streets offer free walks with river views. Site viewpoints outside paid areas give glimpses. Nearby bridges cross for nature observations without fees.
Budget Dining Locations
Vendors in Aguas Calientes sell set lunches for 10-20 soles, with soups and mains. Avoid central tourist eateries; side spots provide larger portions cheaply. Locals favor places with daily specials.
Proper Attire Throughout the Year
Opt for breathable tops and pants, with hats for sun. Wet months need waterproof layers and grippy shoes. Respect sites by covering arms and legs. Year-round, pack thermals for early trains when chill sets in.
Body Demands and Wellness Requirements
The day includes bus rides and 2-3 hours walking on inclines at 2430 meters. Basic fitness handles it, but altitude may cause fatigue. Health checks for heart or lung conditions advised; hydrate well. A companion paused often on steps but still covered the areas.
Reviews about Machu Picchu Full Day Tour
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