Overview
Machu Picchu’s history began in 1911, when Hiram Bingham led a small expedition to Peru in search of the “lost city” of Vilcabamba.
After arriving in Cusco, Bingham and his team traveled to Mandor Pampa, where they met a local farmer named Melchor Arteaga. There, Arteaga told them about extensive ruins high in the nearby mountains.
The following morning, Bingham and his party climbed the mountain and discovered impressive agricultural terraces and finely crafted Inca stonework, carefully cut and perfectly fitted. At the time, Bingham believed he had found Vilcabamba, a belief he held for the rest of his life—although this later proved to be incorrect.
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Day 1
Day 01: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco
Firstly, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 3:50 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., depending on your hotel’s location. Then, we will transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station for your morning train: 6:10 a.m. (PeruRail – Expedition Service) or 6:40 a.m. (Inca Rail – Voyager Service), depending on availability.
Once at the Ollantaytambo station, board the train to the town of Aguas Calientes (2,000 m.a.s.l.), with an approximate travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival, our staff will be waiting at the exit of the train station. After coordinating schedules and meeting points for the visit to Machu Picchu, you will have free time to buy fruit at the local market, purchase drinks, or enjoy a local breakfast.
Next, take the bus up to Machu Picchu, a journey of about 30 minutes. Once there, enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2.5 hours, visiting the most important areas of the citadel, including the Main Plaza, Circular Tower, Sacred Solar Clock (Intihuatana), Royal Rooms, Temple of the Three Windows, and the agricultural and urban sectors.
After the guided visit, return by bus to Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch on your own (not included). Later, board the return train to Ollantaytambo at 4:22 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. with PeruRail – Expedition Service or Inca Rail – Voyager Service, depending on schedule availability.
Finally, upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo train station, our transportation will be waiting to transfer you back to Cusco, ending the service near the main square of the city.
Inclusions
Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco Includes:
- Pick up from the airport to the hotel
- Pick up from the hotel on the day of the tour
- Round trip transportation Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- Round trip train tickets to Machu Picchu (Expedition or Voyager Service)
- Bus tickets up and down to Machu Picchu
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Best-selling ticket – Classic Circuit 2 full tour & panoramic view)
- Private Professional English Guide in Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco Does Not Includes:
- UP-GRADE only the return train service to Vistadome or 360° (USD 38.00 – Additional Cost)
- Climb to Huayna Picchu Mountain / Adult (USD 60.00 – Child between 3 and 17 years old (USD 40.00 – Additional Cost)
- Day 1 Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Packing List:
- Take your original passport
- Wear lightweight shoes
- Rain clothes in the rainy season
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Long pants
- Insect repellent
- Sunblock and hat
- Sunglasses, plastic bags
- A light individual backpack
- Camera
- Toilet paper
Pricing
Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco Group Tour Cost:
Adult Price USD 430.00
Student Price USD 410.00
If you like to apply for the student price you need to comply with the next requirements Peruvian regulation for students. If you are a student, you need to send us a copy or picture of both side of your STUDENT CARD also a picture or photo of your PASSPORT in order to verify, to get discount. The student card must be an original student ID gives from the university in PVC material, and it must have the next requirements printed on it: University information, personal student information, student picture, and expiration date valid only for one year, it year must coincide with the year that student visit Machupicchu, the discount until 25 years old. ISIC cards are not valid for the discount.
