Full-Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco: Everything You Need to Know

Visiting Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience, and for many, it's the highlight of their trip to Peru. If you're in Cusco and have limited time, a full-day tour to Machu Picchu is the best option to see this incredible Incan wonder. This article will guide you through everything you need to know to make your day trip to Machu Picchu smooth and memorable.

Overview of the Full-Day Machu Picchu Tour

A full-day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco typically starts early in the morning and ends late in the evening. You'll travel by train, followed by a short bus ride to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Once there, you’ll get a guided tour of the site before returning to Cusco the same day.

Here’s a rough breakdown of a typical schedule:

• 5:00 AM: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco. The drive to the train station will take about an hour.
• 6:00 AM: Depart by train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. This journey lasts around 3-4 hours.
• 10:00 AM: From Aguas Calientes, take a 45-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu.
• 11:00 AM: Arrive at Machu Picchu for a guided tour (about 2.5 hours).
• 1:00 PM: Return to Aguas Calientes by bus.
• 2:00 PM: Enjoy some free time in Aguas Calientes for lunch or shopping.
• 3:00 PM: Catch the train back to Cusco, which takes about 3 hours.
• 6:00 PM: Arrive at your train station in Cusco, and you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.
• 7:00 PM: End of your full-day tour.

Detailed Itinerary

Here’s a more detailed look at the day:

Morning Departure from Cusco

The day starts early as you’ll be picked up from your hotel around 4:00 AM. Depending on where you are staying, you’ll be taken to one of the train stations in Cusco: San Pedro, Wanchaq, or Poroy. The journey from Cusco to these stations can take between 30 minutes to an hour.

Train to Aguas Calientes

Once you board the train, the ride is scenic and comfortable. You'll pass through the Andean mountains, valleys, and even the edge of the jungle. Depending on which train station you depart from, the ride can take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours. If you're in a hurry, you can catch a train from Ollantaytambo, which only takes 2 hours but requires an additional 2-hour bus ride from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.

Bus to Machu Picchu

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, a short bus ride (around 45 minutes) will take you up to Machu Picchu. The roads are narrow, and the bus climbs steeply up the mountain. Upon arrival at the entrance, you’ll meet your guide who will take you through the site.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

The guided tour lasts about 2.5 hours and covers most of the major highlights of Machu Picchu. Your guide will share the fascinating history of the site, explain the different areas of the citadel, and help you get the most out of your visit. You’ll visit iconic places like the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, the Inca Bridge, and the agricultural terraces.

Return to Aguas Calientes

After the tour, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes by bus. You’ll have some free time to grab lunch, relax, or explore the small town. It’s a good time to do some shopping, but keep in mind that the prices are a bit higher here than in other towns like Pisac or Cusco.

Train Ride Back to Cusco

In the afternoon, you’ll catch the train back to Cusco. The return trip takes around 3 hours, and you’ll have time to reflect on the day’s adventure while taking in the views of the Andean landscape. Depending on your departure time, you might arrive in Cusco as late as 9:00 PM.

Return to Your Hotel

Once you arrive at the train station, your transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, where your journey ends.

What’s Included in the Full-Day Tour

A typical full-day Machu Picchu tour will include:

• A briefing the evening before your tour.
• Pickup from your hotel and transport to the train station.
• Round-trip train tickets between Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
• Round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.
• A guided tour of Machu Picchu.
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes (if included in your package).

What to Bring

You don’t need a lot of things for the full-day trip, but there are a few essentials you shouldn’t forget:

• Your original passport (required to enter Machu Picchu).
• Comfortable shoes (you’ll be walking a lot on uneven stones).
• Light trekking pants and a T-shirt (for comfort).
• A rain jacket or poncho (weather can change quickly).
• unscreen and insect repellent.
• A hat and sunglasses (it can get sunny).
• A camera or phone for photos.
• Water bottle (you can refill it at the water stations in Aguas Calientes).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How far in advance should I book my tickets? It’s best to book your tickets at least 3-6 months in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. The number of visitors is limited each day, so securing your tickets early is important.
2. Can I visit Machu Picchu without a guide? While it’s possible to visit Machu Picchu without a guide, it’s highly recommended to have one to make the most of your experience. A guide will provide valuable insights into the history and significance of the site.
3. What time is best to visit Machu Picchu? If you’re on a full-day tour, you’ll likely enter the site around 10 AM. This can be a good time as the crowds have already started to thin out, and the weather is usually pleasant. The mornings tend to be more crowded, especially during the high season.
4. What is the best time of year to visit? The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, from April to November. The weather is generally clear, and the skies are blue, making for better views and photos. The rainy season (December to March) can be slippery and foggy, so it’s not ideal for hiking.

Conclusion

A full-day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco is a fantastic way to experience this ancient wonder, even if you have limited time. With a mix of train travel, scenic bus rides, and a guided tour of the site, it’s an adventure you’ll never forget. Just remember to plan ahead, pack light, and be ready for a day full of awe and discovery.