GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration: 1 Full Day
Size of group: Small groups – maximum 15 people in Machu Picchu.
Starting point: Cusco
Point of Arrival: Cusco
Travel style: Archaeological and cultural tour.
Difficulty level: Easy
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.
Departure dates: Daily depares
Recommendation: Book this excursion to Machu Picchu at least 1 month before as the tickets sell out quickly.
TOUR DETAILS
Information
INTRODUCTION
Machu Picchu sits at 2,400 m.a.s.l. (7,874 ft) and was one of the most important political, religious, administrative, and cultural centers of the Inca Empire. Today it is the most visited archaeological site in South America, welcoming close to 2 million visitors per year. The site stands out for the quality of its architecture: stone pavements, temples, dwellings, agricultural terraces, storehouses, canals, and fountains, all built using a masonry technique that continues to be studied.
This 1-day excursion starts early in Cusco. The journey includes a scenic train ride through the valley to Aguas Calientes, from where a bus climbs the mountain to the entrance of the archaeological site. Once inside, you will take part in a guided tour and then have free time to explore at your own pace. The areas accessible during free time depend on the type of entry ticket purchased, as each circuit authorizes access to specific sections of the site.
Before setting out on this journey, we invite you to get a glimpse of what awaits. Breathe, imagine, and get ready: Machu Picchu is waiting for you. Welcome!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the history and architecture of the Inca citadel with the guidance of a knowledgeable local guide.
- Travel by train through the Sacred Valley, canyon landscapes, and cloud forest to Aguas Calientes.
- Suitable for couples, groups of friends, families, and travelers interested in nature and history.
- Entry ticket, train, and bus included according to the selected circuit.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off included from accommodations in central Cusco.
ITINERARY
TOUR SCHEDULES
- 4:00 a.m. Hotel pickup.
- 4:10 a.m. Transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station.
- 6:10 a.m. Train to Aguas Calientes.
- 8:10 a.m. Arrival in Aguas Calientes.
- 8:30 a.m. Transfer to the bus station to travel up to the Machu Picchu citadel.
- 9:30 a.m. Arrival and start of the guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, approximately 2 hours.
- 11:30 a.m. Free time.
- 12:00 p.m. Bus back down to Aguas Calientes.
- 12:30 p.m. Arrival in Aguas Calientes.
- 1:00 p.m. Lunch.
- 4:20 p.m. Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- 6:20 p.m. Arrival at Ollantaytambo train station.
- 8:20 p.m. Transport from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco.
- 8:30 p.m. Arrival in Cusco and transfer to your hotel.
* The present schedule is referential since it can vary according to the physical condition of each tourist and availability of train departure times.
1 FULL DAY
CUSCO CITY – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO CITY.
At 4:30 a.m. we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco (3,400 m.a.s.l.) and transfer you by private transport for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the Ollantaytambo train station (2,800 m.a.s.l.).
At Ollantaytambo you will board the train to Aguas Calientes. At the time of booking you can choose between two options: Expedition Train or Vistadome Train, depending on your preference. The journey takes 1 hour and 40 minutes, with views of the valley, the mountains, and the cloud forest, arriving in Aguas Calientes (2,000 m.a.s.l.) at around 9:30 a.m.
Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes station, one of our guides will meet you and accompany you to the bus station to take the bus up to the Machu Picchu citadel. At the archaeological site you will take part in a guided tour of approximately 2 hours. After the tour you will have free time to explore the site and take photos.
We suggest taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes with enough time to have lunch at a local restaurant, browse the craft market, or visit the thermal baths in town.
In the afternoon, make your way to the train station for the return journey to Ollantaytambo, where a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Cusco. Estimated arrival in Cusco is at 8:30 p.m.
- Walking time: In Machu Picchu 2 to 3 hours.
- Distance to go: The time and distance you want to walk.
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate.
- Climate: Warm and/or Humid.
- Altitudes of the Tour: Aguas Calientes village 2,000 m.a.s.l., Machu Picchu at 2,400 m.a.s.l.
* If you want to hike to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, please ask for available tickets when booking this tour because it is subject to availability, only 400 tickets per day.
Included services
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel on arrival day in Cusco.
- Hotel pickup in Cusco and tourist transport to Ollantaytambo train station on the day of the excursion.
- One-way train ticket in tourist service from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Professional tour guide for the visit to Machu Picchu.
- Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu entry ticket.
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu of approximately 2 hours.
- Return train ticket in tourist service from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
What should you bring
LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS TO TAKE TO MACHU PICCHU FROM 1 DAY
Weather at high altitude can change throughout the day, with lower temperatures especially in the early morning hours. Below you will find a list of recommended items for this excursion. If you do not have any of them, you can purchase what you need in Cusco before departure, as the city has a good selection of stores with travel and outdoor gear.
Please check the following list before packing your bag for the Machu Picchu full-day excursion:
Documents
- Original passport.
- Excursion ticket issued by us.
Essentials
- Small backpack.
- Water bottle.
- Some snacks like cookies, candies, chocolates, cereals.
- Extra cash, if you want to buy some souvenirs of the excursion.
Clothes and shoes
- Comfortable shoes.
- Waterproof clothing: rain jacket and rain poncho (from November to March).
- Bathing clothes, if you want to visit the Thermal Baths of Aguas Calientes.
- Hat to cover from the Sun.
Pharmaceutical products
- Personal medicines, plasters and anti-inflammatory pills.
- Insect repellent.
- Sunscreen.
- Skin and lip cream.
Other articles
- Sunglasses.
- Camera with batteries and extra memory cards.
- Good overall health and a good sense of humor.
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED
- Snacks
- Meals during the tour
- Personal items
- Transportation to the hotel on the return trip
- Tips
Frequent questions
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Here you will find the most Frequently Asked Questions from our Clients. Before asking anything, we invite you to carefully read these questions and answers, as well as all our links about this Tour. This will help you to find out in a simple, fast and practical way.
1. IS IT MANDATORY TO HAVE A GUIDE TO ENTER MACHU PICCHU?
Yes. For several years, the Ministry of Culture has required every visitor to tour the citadel accompanied by an authorized official guide. In our tour, this service is already included, so you do not need to hire one separately or worry about finding one at the entrance. The guide will explain the history, architecture, and meaning of each sector throughout the entire tour.
2. WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE IN MACHU PICCHU?
The weather in Machu Picchu is variable and can change throughout the day. No matter the month of your visit, always bring a waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
The site is located within the area known as cloud forest or mountain jungle, with dense vegetation, the presence of orchids, ferns, and bromeliads, and occasionally mosquitoes.
Machu Picchu is located at 2,400 meters above sea level, a considerably lower altitude than Cusco, which results in warmer temperatures and higher humidity. Temperatures can reach 25°C. The site is surrounded by higher peaks that frequently remain covered in mist.
During the dry season, from April to November, early mornings can be cold and cloudy. As the morning progresses, the sky tends to clear and the temperature rises. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat are recommended during this time. Please keep in mind that there may be rain in June and clear days in December.
During the rainy season, from mid-November to mid-April, rainfall is frequent, although sunny days are still possible. February is the month with the heaviest rainfall and is not the most recommended period to visit the site.
3. DO I NEED TO BRING ADDITIONAL MONEY FOR MY TOUR?
If you would like to purchase snacks such as cookies, dried fruit, or chocolates, or additional drinks such as sodas or energy drinks, you can find them in the local shops in the area. For souvenirs and handicrafts, the artisan market in Aguas Calientes is the closest option. You may also visit the town’s hot springs, with an entrance fee of S/ 20.
We recommend bringing between S/ 150 and S/ 300 in cash for personal expenses or unexpected costs during the tour.
4. ARE THERE DISCOUNTS FOR CHILDREN AND STUDENTS?
This tour offers discounts and special rates for infants, children, and students:
Infants under 2 years old travel free when accompanied by their parents.
Children between 3 and 8 years old receive a USD 100 discount per person. A scanned copy of the passport must be sent at the time of booking.
Students with an ISIC card receive a USD 20 discount.
5. HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK THE MACHU PICCHU TOUR BY TRAIN AND HOW DO I BOOK?
The general recommendation is to book several weeks in advance, especially if your trip takes place between May and September, when demand increases due to the dry season. Entrance to the citadel has a limited daily capacity regulated by the Ministry of Culture, and train tickets also sell out quickly during these dates. Booking in advance ensures your preferred schedule and helps you avoid last-minute unavailability.
You can book this tour up to one day before the departure date. Payment is divided into two installments:
First installment (prepayment): this is made online from anywhere using a credit or debit card. The amount is USD 200 per person.
Click on the Book link to complete this step.
Second installment: this is paid in person at our office, located in the historic center of Cusco, up to one day before the tour.
Steps to book:
Complete the booking form available through the Book link.
Make the prepayment: we accept credit and debit cards from any bank, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, and UnionPay.
Receive your voucher: we will send it to you by email immediately once the prepayment has been confirmed.
Other payment methods: if you prefer, you may also consult with our team about other available options to complete your reservation.
6. CAN I CHANGE OR CANCEL THE DATE OF MY RESERVATION?
Changes or cancellations depend on the policies of each service included in the reservation. In the case of Machu Picchu entrance tickets, once issued, they do not allow date changes, cancellations, or refunds, according to the policies established for access to the archaeological site.
Regarding train tickets, any modification or cancellation is subject to the conditions of the railway company and may generate penalties or additional charges.
For this reason, we recommend carefully reviewing your travel date before confirming the payment of your reservation. If you have any questions, you may contact us before making the payment to verify the exact conditions of your service.
7.WHY DO SPOTS SELL OUT SO QUICKLY?
The Tourist Use Regulations for this area are regulated and supervised by the Ministry of Culture, a government agency of the Peruvian State. These regulations are strict, and once the 5,000 available spots for each day have been sold, there is no possibility of purchasing additional spaces.
Now that you know the reason behind the high demand, we recommend booking your spot as soon as possible. To do this, it is necessary to book through a tourism agency authorized by the Peruvian Government to operate in the area, such as our agency, Incredible Peru Tours – IPT.
Remember to book your excursion as far in advance as possible, as spots usually sell out quickly for this magnificent trip.
Availability and prices
IMPORTANT:
- The available permits shown on our website are always Updated and in Real Time
- These available permits are being constantly purchased, so their number will decrease as the hours and days go, until they are finished.
- Please note that the available permits are not only for our Company, but for all Tour Operators Authorized to carry out this package.
- We recommend booking your excursion as soon as possible, to avoid missing out on this great experience
- If you are interested in doing this tour and want to reserve permits or want more information, contact us: WhatsApp: +51 984525006 / +51 984683047 or write to: info@incredibleperutours.com
WHY ARE TICKETS FOR MACHU PICCHU SOLD OUT SO QUICKLY?
According to the current Tourist Use Regulations, there are only 5,000 tickets available in total for this tour; so they are very limited.
- These Regulations of Tourist Use of the area are written and controlled by the Ministry of Culture (branch of the Peruvian Government). The norm is 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 for the high demand, it is clear that you need to book your tickets 4 months in advance through a travel agency authorized by the Peruvian Government to operate, like ours, Incredible Peru Tours – IPT.
PRICES
Our rates are fixed and include no hidden fees. We are committed to offering the best service at the best price.
The price varies depending on the return train service selected. You can choose between two options according to your preference:
1. MACHU PICCHU WITH EXPEDITION TRAIN
| Category | Price | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | USD 350 | From 18 years old |
| Student | USD 330 | From 9 to 25 years old. Scanned copy of valid student ID required |
| Child | USD 270 | From 3 to 8 years old. Copy of passport required |
| Infant | Free | From 0 to 2 years old, traveling with parents |
2. MACHU PICCHU WITH VISTADOME TRAIN
| Category | Price | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | USD 420 | From 18 years old |
| Student | USD 400 | From 9 to 25 years old. Scanned copy of valid student ID required |
| Child | USD 340 | From 3 to 8 years old. Copy of passport required |
| Infant | Free | From 0 to 2 years old, traveling with parents |
PLEASE CONSIDER:
- Our passion is family trips, so if you are traveling with children, please contact us to offer our promotions.
- Our company also has promotions and discounts for groups of students and groups of friends. Please 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 doing this tour and want to reserve tickets or want more information, please contact us: Cell phone: +51 984525006 / WhatsApp: +51 984683047 or write to: info@incredibleperutours.com




