GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration: 1 Day
Group size: Small groups – maximum 15 people in Machu Picchu.
Starting point: Cusco
Point of Arrival: Cusco
Travel style: Archaeological and cultural tour.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Climate: Warm and/or Wet.
Distance from the Walk: Variable. It depends on the area you want to explore in Machu Picchu.
Altitudes: 3,400 m.a.s.l. going down by train to 2,000 meters above sea level.
Visit Time: 2 hours with our Guide visiting Machu Picchu + 2 hours exploring on your own.
Walking distance: Variable. It depends on the area you want to explore in Machu Picchu.
Departure dates: Daily departures.
Recommendation: Book your Machu Picchu excursion at least 4 months in advance, spots fill up quickly.
TOUR DETAILS
Information
NTRODUCTION
Machu Picchu rises to 7,874 feet above sea level among the mountains of the Cusco region and is the most recognized archaeological site in South America. Built during the height of the Inca Empire, this citadel served as the political, religious, administrative, and cultural heart of its surroundings, and today draws nearly 2 million travelers every year.
Walking through its spaces means discovering a construction of extraordinary precision: stepped agricultural terraces, ceremonial enclosures of perfectly fitted stone, active irrigation systems, cobbled pathways, and residential structures that have remained intact for centuries. The technical mastery of its builders is visible in every detail.
On this full day tour combined with Huayna Picchu, you climb the iconic peak that rises above the citadel to take in a privileged view of the entire archaeological complex and the Urubamba River valley.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit Machu Picchu, one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and the most important archaeological site in South America.
- Explore temples, terraces, and ceremonial enclosures guided by a knowledgeable local expert who knows every corner of the complex.
- Discover the secrets and history of the Inca civilization through a complete and informative visit.
- Travel by train through spectacular scenery: valleys, canyons, mountains, and lush cloud forest.
- Climb Huayna Picchu and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over the entire citadel.
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu included.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco included.
- Ideal for couples, groups of friends, nature lovers, and families.
TOUR SCHEDULES
- 4:30 a.m. Hotel pickup in Cusco.
- 4:40 a.m. Transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station.
- 7:00 a.m. Train ride to Aguas Calientes town.
- 9:00 a.m. Arrival at Aguas Calientes.
- 9:20 a.m. Transfer to the bus station to head up to the Machu Picchu citadel.
- 9:50 a.m. Arrival at Machu Picchu and start of the Huayna Picchu visit.
- 12:00 p.m. Guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel and free time for photos.
- 2:00 p.m. Bus ride back down to Aguas Calientes.
- 2:30 p.m. Arrival at Aguas Calientes.
- 3:00 p.m. Lunch.
- 6:20 p.m. Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- 8:20 p.m. Arrival at Ollantaytambo station and transport back to Cusco.
- 10:30 p.m. Arrival in Cusco and transfer to your hotel.
* This Schedule is a reference, since it may vary according to the physical condition of each person and availability of Train departure times.
Itinerary
DAY 1 FULL: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – HOT WATERS – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO.
At 4:30 a.m. we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco (11,155 ft / 3,400 m.a.s.l.) and transfer you by private transport for approximately one and a half hours to Ollantaytambo train station (9,186 ft / 2,800 m.a.s.l.), where you will board the train to Aguas Calientes. At the time of booking you can choose between the Expedition Train and the Vistadome Train, depending on the service that best suits your budget and preferences.
The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes and offers spectacular scenery of mountains, canyons, and cloud forest, arriving at the charming town of Aguas Calientes (6,562 ft / 2,000 m.a.s.l.) at around 9:30 a.m.
From Aguas Calientes you will take the bus up to the Machu Picchu citadel. Once inside the complex, you will head independently to Huayna Picchu mountain, where the full hike up and back takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. After descending, your guide will meet you to begin a 2-hour guided tour of the citadel. Following the tour, you will have free time for photos and rest.
Afterward, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch at a restaurant of your choice, browse the local craft market, or visit the town’s thermal baths.
In the afternoon, head to the train station for the return journey to Ollantaytambo, approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, your transport back to Cusco will be waiting, with an estimated arrival time of 10:30 p.m.
- Walking Time: Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu total of 4 to 5 hours.
- Distance to walk: The time and distance you want to walk.
- Walk Difficulty: Moderate.
- Climate: Warm and/or Humid.Altitudes: Aguas Calientes 2,000 m.a.s.l. Machu Picchu at 2,400 meters above sea level
Included services
THIS TOUR INCLUDES
- Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel on your arrival day in Cusco.
- Hotel pickup and tourist transport to Ollantaytambo train station on the day of the excursion.
- One-way tourist train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Professional tour guide for the visit to Machu Picchu.
- Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
- 2-hour guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Return tourist train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Transport from Ollantaytambo train station back to your hotel in Cusco.
What should you bring
LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS YOU SHOULD BRING.
We give you the complete list of things to bring to the trip so you can organize a backpack in advance.
Please carefully review the following list of items and remember that everything is very important for the Success of your Tour.
Documents
- Original passport.
- Valid student card, if you are a student.
- Travel Insurance (some copies).
- Travel Coupon issued by us.
Essential
- Small backpack.
- Some snacks such as cookies, candies, chocolates, cereals.
- Extra cash, if you want to buy some souvenirs from the Excursion.
Clothes and shoes
- Thermal Jacket.
- Waterproof clothing: rain jacket and/or poncho.
- Cotton or synthetic clothing: pants, polo shirt, t-shirt, socks and underwear.
- Hat to cover yourself from the Sun.
- Hiking shoes and sandals.
Pharmaceutical products
- Personal medications.
- Insect repellent.
- Sunscreen.
- Cream for skin and lips.
Personal hygiene items
- Wet wipes.
- Deodorant.
- Toilet paper.
Other articles
- Sunglasses.
- Photo camera.
We recommend prior acclimatization, at least arriving in our City 1 day before your hike, and good health in general…
Frequent questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here you will find the Most Frequently Asked Questions from our Clients. Before asking any questions, we invite you to carefully read these questions and answers, as well as all our links about this Tour. This will help you obtain information in a simple, fast and practical way.
1. IS IT DIFFICULT TO HIKE HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN?
The hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain has a moderate to challenging difficulty level, as it includes steep paths and Inca stairways. Good physical condition, comfortable shoes, and no fear of heights are recommended. The reward is one of the best panoramic views of Machu Picchu.
2. HOW LONG DOES THE MACHU PICCHU BY TRAIN + HUAYNA PICCHU TOUR TAKE?
The tour lasts approximately one full day, starting very early from Cusco and ending at night. During the trip, travelers enjoy the train journey, a guided visit to Machu Picchu, and the hike to Huayna Picchu, one of the most requested experiences inside the historic sanctuary.
3. HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK THE ENTRANCE TICKET TO HUAYNA PICCHU?
It is recommended to book the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Tour at least 4 months in advance, as tickets for Huayna Picchu Mountain are limited and often sell out quickly, especially during high season. Booking early helps secure availability for your preferred date.
4. ARE THERE DISCOUNTS FOR CHILDREN AND STUDENTS?
Yes, for this Tour we offer discounts and special rates for infants, children and students.
- Infants under 2 years old in the company of their parents travel for free.
- Children between 3 and 8 years of age have a discount of USD $100.00 only by sending a scanned copy of the Passport at the time of Reservation.
- Students also have a discount of USD $20.00 in the following cases:
5. WHY ARE PERMITS SOLD OUT SO FAST?
According to the current Tourist Use Regulations, access to Machu Picchu is limited to 5,000 visitors per day in total, making availability strictly limited.
These regulations are established and enforced by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, the government body responsible for managing and protecting the country’s archaeological heritage. Once the 5,000 daily spots are sold out, there is no possibility of purchasing additional tickets under any circumstances.
To secure your entry, it is necessary to book through a travel agency authorized by the Peruvian Government, such as Incredible Peru Tours – IPT.
Reserve your excursion as far in advance as possible, as spots sell out quickly and demand remains high throughout the year.
6. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MACHU PICCHU ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE AND THE MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN?
Our Tour includes the Entrance Ticket to the Archaeological Site of Machu Picchu. This means a guided tour of about 2 hours through the most interesting places in Machu Picchu, which will be led by our Professional Guide.
Machu Picchu Mountain is a large mountain that is next to the Archaeological Site of Machu Picchu (2,400 meters above sea level). This Mountain has an ancient Inca Trail to access its summit, which is 3,000 meters above sea level. You can do this hike on your own in an average of 3 hours between going up and down the Mountain. From its top here is an impressive 360° panoramic view of the entire place.
As you can see it is an optional route, which can be done after visiting Machu Picchu. So we should give you an additional Entrance Ticket for this Mountain.
The entrance price to this Mountain is $80 dollars, and we recommend you reserve it at the time of booking the tour, for permits are very limited (only 400 people per day can hike this Mountain).
7. DO I NEED TO BRING ADDITIONAL MONEY TO MY TOUR?
Yes, if you want to buy snacks such as cookies, dried fruit, chocolates, etc. or additional drinks such as soda, beer or an energy beverage, since it is possible to purchase these products in small commercial stores.
Also, if you want to buy souvenirs of the trip, they can be found at the Handicraft Market in Aguas Calientes village. There is also the option of visiting the village’s Thermo-medicinal Baths, the Admission Price is 20 soles. For all this, we recommend that you bring between 150 and 300 Peruvian soles. You may not need to spend any of this money, but in the event of an Emergency, make sure to have enough cash.
8. HOW DO I BOOK MY TOUR?
Booking this tour is safe, easy, and flexible. We offer convenient payment options that allow you to confirm your excursion with an initial deposit and pay the remaining balance up to 1 day before your tour date.
First payment: Make a prepayment of USD $200 per person from the comfort of your home through our secure payment system. We accept all major credit and debit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Union Pay, and more.
Second payment: Pay the remaining balance in person at our main office located in the Historic Center of Cusco, up to 1 day before your tour.
To book, follow these 3 simple steps:
- Complete the booking form using the Reserve link.
- Make the prepayment of USD $200 per person with your credit or debit card.
- Receive your travel voucher by email immediately after your payment is confirmed.
Other payment methods: If you prefer to pay via PayPal, Western Union, bank deposit, bank transfer, or any other method, contact us and we will send you all the information needed to complete your booking.
9. IF I ALREADY PAID MY FIRST FEE AND DECIDE TO CANCEL, WILL I BE REFUNDED?
Unfortunately No. We will not be able to make any type of refund or change dates for Tours that are paid in Installments. All Pre-Payments of USD $200.00 are not refundable or transferable since this money will be invested immediately in all the Procedures and Reservations necessary to carry out the Tour, as well as in the purchase of Permits and Tickets for Machu Picchu. We will carry out these procedures at the Ministry of Culture of Peru (Peruvian Government Branch managing the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu).
10. WHY SHOULD I BOOK MY TOUR WITH INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
There are very good reasons to book your excursion with Us, let’s look at some:
- Strategic location: Our office is located in the Historic Center of Cusco, allowing us to provide efficient coordination and personalized attention at any time.
- Authorized and 100% local agency: We are a Peruvian tourism agency, fully authorized and with over 15 years of experience organizing tours to the region’s top destinations. All our documentation is current and up to date, and we are recognized as an Authorized Operator of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, giving you the confidence and security of a serious, service-committed company.
- Best price with no hidden fees: We offer all-inclusive tours at accessible prices with no intermediaries. As a direct tour operator, we manage costs locally and employ local staff, allowing us to guarantee the best value for your money.
- Expert guides, cooks, and porters: Our team, locally known as “The Steel Team”, is highly trained to assist all types of groups: families, couples, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Guaranteed departures: We operate 100% of our excursions. Unlike other agencies, we do not wait for a minimum number of passengers to confirm a departure. Even with a single traveler, the tour runs on the reserved date at the price listed on this site, with no surcharges. Our groups are small, averaging 4 to 8 people.
- Commitment to our staff: We care about the well-being of our workers. We provide cooks and porters with permits, accommodation, transport, uniforms, meals, and health insurance, along with fair wages in line with their work. We also support social programs that benefit children in local communities in the areas of health and education.
- Sustainable and responsible tourism: We are a company committed to the environment and the responsible use of natural resources. We use biodegradable dishwashing detergents in our kitchen and actively participate in Inca Trail cleanup campaigns.
- Personalized support: We are available to answer all your questions at any time. Contact us by phone or email from anywhere in the world and we will provide you with the attention you deserve.
Availability and prices
IMPORTANT:
- The availability shown on our website is updated in real time.
- Please note that these spots are shared among all authorized tour operators for this route, meaning availability decreases continuously as time goes by. Once sold out, they cannot be recovered.
- We recommend booking your excursion as far in advance as possible to secure your spot and make sure you do not miss out on this experience.
- If you are interested in taking this tour and would like to reserve your spaces or want more information, please contact us: WhatsApp: +51 984 525 006 / +51 984 683 047 or write to us at: info@incredibleperutours.com
WHY ARE SPOTS FOR MACHU PICCHU SOLD OUT SO FAST?
According to the current Tourist Use Regulations, there are only 5,000 permits available in total for this route, so they are very limited.
These Regulations for tourist use of the area are written and controlled by the Ministry of Culture (branch of the Peruvian government). The norms are strict and once the 5,000 permits for each day are sold, there is no option to purchase additional ones.
Now that you know the reason behind the high demand, reserve your spot as soon as possible, through a Tourism Agency Authorized by the Peruvian Government to operate, like ours,
Incredible Peru Tours – IPT.
Remember to book your excursion as soon as possible, as tickets sell out quickly for this magnificent trip.
PRICES
We are committed to providing you with a quality service under the best market conditions, guaranteeing competitive and transparent rates throughout the year.
The prices of the excursion to Machu Picchu are shown in American dollars and for each person. The service is operated in Group Service mode (on average 8, maximum 10 travelers).
Prices vary depending on the return train service selected, with the tourist train as the recommended option. To suit your preferences and budget, you can choose between two service options at the time of booking.
1. MACHU PICCHU WITH TRAIN EXPEDITION
- ADULT: USD 450 (From 18 years of age and older).
- STUDENT: USD 430 (Between 9 and 25 years of age – For this price, you must email us a scanned copy of the current Student Card)
- CHILD: USD 360 (Between 3 and 8 years of age – For this price, you must email us a copy of the passport).
- INFANT: USD 0 (Between 0 and 2 years of age. Free of charge, traveling with parents).
2. MACHU PICCHU WITH VISTADOME TRAIN
- ADULT: USD 520 (From 18 years of age and older).
- STUDENT: USD 500 (Between 9 and 25 years of age – For this price, you must email us a scanned copy of the current Student Card).
- CHILD: USD 430 (Between 3 and 8 years of age – For this price, you must email us a copy of the passport).
- INFANT: USD 0 (Between 0 and 2 years of age. Free of charge, traveling with parents).
A CONSIDERATION
- Our passion is family travel, so if you are traveling with children, get in touch to offer our promotions.
- Our company also has promotions and discounts for student groups and groups of friends. Contact us to receive our offers.
- Incredible Peru Tours – IPT for your peace of mind does not have any hidden charges or expenses.
- If you are interested in taking this tour and would like to reserve your spaces or want more information, please contact us: Cell phone: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or write to us at: info@incredibleperutours.com

