Machu Picchu Day trip From Cusco

From Cusco: Ollantaytambo, Aguas calientes and Machu Picchu

You will be picked up early morning from your hotel and then transferred to the train station in Ollantaytambo; then, you will take the train to Aguas Calientes and enjoy the train and the landscapes. After, you will arrive at Aguas Calientes, where a representative from the agency will welcome you and escort you to the local bus station to catch the bus that goes up to Machu Picchu. The bus ride to Machu Picchu lasts approximately thirty minutes, and it follows a steep winding path, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Upon arrival, you will get into Machu Picchu’s archaeological zone; your tour guide will show you the most important sectors of this incredible Inca city, such as the great Intiwatana, The Sun Temple, the urban sector, the agricultural sector, among others. The guided tour in Machu Picchu will last about 2 hours, and afterward, you will have free time to explore the area on your own.

If you want to climb Huayna Picchu, a very popular climb with spectacular views, it’s recommended to book preferably one month beforehand. (There is a daily limit of 200 persons per day allowed to climb, so pre-book if you don’t want to miss out. Cost: $65) The round trip walking to the peak of Huayna Picchu is about an hour and a half. It is worth it for the stunning views from the top! As an alternative to the Huayna Picchu climb, you can visit Machu Picchu mountain, which gives the old Inka townsite its name. This new option lets you see Machu Picchu archeological site from the highest peak. It is less crowded, so you don’t have to book early. Cost: $65)

After finishing your visit to Machu Picchu, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch and explore this colorful town that is utterly filled with souvenirs, shops, restaurants, and bars. Finally, according to the time on your tickets, you will take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and at Ollantaytambo. Then, the transfer will pick you up at the bus to return to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.