Cusco To Machu Picchu – Machu Picchu Tours

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Cusco to Machu Picchu Tour Details

Embarking on a Cusco to Machu Picchu tour promises an unforgettable journey into Peru’s ancient history. From the historic city of Cusco, you will travel to the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu by train.

Starting your trip in Cusco, you will soak in the city’s vibrant blend of Inca and colonial architecture. From here, you’ll kick off the scenic journey to Machu Picchu. Depending on your preferences and fitness level, you can either opt for traditionals tours to Machu Picchu. Such as the Inca Trail, the challenging Salkantay Trek, or the comfortable train journey.

The train journey, particularly, offers a unique experience. You will board from the Ollantaytambo train station, located around 1.5 hours (65 kilometers or 40 miles) from Cusco. Train companies such as Peru Rail and Inca Rail will whisk you through the Sacred Valley’s awe-inspiring landscape. The journey will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, offering you a chance to relax and marvel at the passing scenery.

Once in Aguas Calientes, a 30-minute bus ride will take you to the entrance of the iconic site. You will then enter Machu Picchu and be witness of its mystical aura. The citadel will captivate you with its grandeur and mystery.

We highly recommend Cusco to Machu Picchu tours because they’re super organized, convenient, and offer an awesome cultural experience. So, embark on this trip of a lifetime, and let the ancient spirit of the Incas guide your way.

What to expect from the Tour

The Cusco to Machu Picchu tour will open up a world filled with ancient history and stunning landscapes. You will start in Cusco, once the center of the Inca Empire. Then, you’ll embark on a journey towards Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will get to appreciate the engineering marvel of the Incas amidst the majestic Andean mountains.

The tour will guide you to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there, you will board a train that will take you through the Sacred Valley. It will be a picturesque trip that will last for about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Then, you will arrive in Aguas Calientes. A 30 minute bus ride will transport you to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Remember that the tour includes bus tickets and train tickets.

The breathtaking beauty of the site will make every moment of the journey worth it. Remember, the best time to visit Machu Picchu from Cusco is between May and September. The weather is usually dry and the views are even more spectacular.

Includes

  • Transfer from your hotel and back to cusco
  • Train tickets, round trip
  • Bus ticket, Round trip
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu
  • Professional guide

Excludes

  • Huayna Picchu Entrance
  • Meals
Cusco to Machu Picchu Tour Itinerary

Full DayCusco to Machu Picchu Tour

Your trip to Machu Picchu tour will kick off early. We will leave Cusco at around 7 AM. From Cusco to Ollantaytambo, there is an hour and a half drive.
Ollantaytambo is a rad town located at the western end of the Sacred Valley.

In total, the time to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu citadel is approximately 5 hours.

Arriving at the Ollantaytambo train station around 8:30 AM, you’ll then board a train to Aguas Calientes. This scenic journey will last about 1.5 to 2 hours. As we wind our way through the mountains, we’ll reach altitudes of up to 7,972 feet above sea level. You’ll get to enjoy breathtaking views of the towering Andean peaks and the lush, verdant Urubamba River Valley.

Around 11 AM, we will arrive in Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Here, you will catch a 30-minute bus ride up to the Machu Picchu site. You will then tour the citadel from approximately 12 PM to 5 PM. As you explore this iconic Inca site, you’ll learn about its history, architecture, and spiritual significance.

Afterwards, you will return to Aguas Calientes by bus. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore this small town nestled in the Andes and have dinner. We will then catch an evening train back to Ollantaytambo, and then a bus back to Cusco. By 10 PM, you should be back in your Cusco hotel, filled with memories of a lifetime.

Photos
FAQs

1What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city set high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, above the Urubamba River valley. Constructed in the 15th century and later abandoned, it is renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone walls and intriguing astronomical alignments.

2Where is Machu Picchu located?

Machu Picchu is located in the Cusco Region of Peru, South America. It’s set on a mountain ridge, 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) above sea level.

3Who built Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu was built by the Incas, an indigenous civilization that dominated the Andean regions of South America before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century.

4When was Machu Picchu built and discovered?

Machu Picchu was built around the year 1450 during the height of the Inca Empire. It was abandoned approximately 100 years later, around the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. The outside world remained largely unaware of it until it was brought to international attention by archaeologist Hiram Bingham in 1911.

5Why was Machu Picchu built?

While the exact purpose of Machu Picchu is still a subject of debate among historians, it is generally believed to have been a royal estate or sacred religious site for Inca leaders.

1 Review
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Mason Johnson

Solo Traveller

Cusco to Machu Picchu tour was a remarkable journey filled with history, breathtaking landscapes, and seamless logistics. The knowledgeable guides shared fascinating stories, and the well-planned itinerary ensured a smooth and unforgettable experience. A must-do for anyone seeking to explore the wonders of Peru.

June 3, 2023