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Bus ,Train
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2400 metres
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cusco
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All Year
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English, Spanish
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Easy
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2-15
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1
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80
Overview
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel set high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, at 2,430 meters above sea level . It is renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone walls, astronomical alignments, and panoramic views, and is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world
Itinerary
Leaving from Cusco very early in the morning (around 03:30am!) we'll travel by bus (2 hours) to the village of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley where we'll board our train (aproximately 06:15) to Aguas Calientes. With beautiful scenery throughout the journey the train journey itself is an experience. Following the course of the river down the Sacred Valley you'll arrive to Aguas Calientes and head straight up to Machu Picchu for your guided tour. The tour lasts for about 2 hours Through circuit 1,2,3 or 4 only one circuit can be chosen, we recommend circuit CIRCUIT NUMBER 2 during which you'll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel ,
After your tour you'll have free time to explore the site by yourself. Later in the afternoon you take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you will ahve time to take lunch and then take the train back to Ollantaytambo (aprox. 2 hours) and then carry on by bus to Cusco (another 2 hours).
Train (Expedition class) back to Cusco time: 16:55pm (to be confirmed depending on season and on the availability).
Expected arrival time in Cusco: 21:00pm
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Pick-up and drop off at your hotel hotel
- Transportation by bus to Ollantaytambo and ollantatytambo back to cusco
- round trip by Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and aguas calientes to ollantaytambo
- Entrance to Machu Picchu and 2 hour guided tour of the site
- Return bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
The Cost Excludes
- Meals
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Tips
- Travel Insurance - you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We buy the Circuit 2 ticket for our Machu Picchu tour from Cusco, so you will visit with our guide the upper and lower part of Machu Picchu. This circuit is recommended because you will visit the whole of Inca City.
Unfortunately, when Circuit 2 tickets for Machu Picchu are sold out on the official website, we are unable to obtain them, as all tickets are purchased directly through the official Peruvian government platform.
As an alternative, we will purchase two tickets: Circuit 3 (Route 3B) and Circuit 1 (Route 1B). You will first visit Circuit 3 with our guide for approximately two hours, then exit and re-enter Machu Picchu to visit Circuit 1 independently for one hour, with clear instructions provided by our guide.
This combination allows you to see both the lower and upper sections of the citadel, including the main temples and iconic viewpoints. An additional fee of USD 45 applies for the extra ticket.
Yes, we can still arrange your trip to Machu Picchu. When tickets for a preferred date are sold out through the official government platform, we are able to secure permits for the Short Inca Trail. These permits include entrance to Machu Picchu and allow access via Circuit 3, Route 3B.
Please note that this alternative option is more expensive, as the Short Inca Trail permit already includes the Machu Picchu entrance ticket. This ticket provides access only to the lower part of the archaeological site, which means it does not allow entry to the upper viewpoints and therefore does not include the classic panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
Choosing this option involves an additional fee of USD 75. Despite these limitations, it remains a reliable solution for travelers who wish to visit Machu Picchu when standard entrance tickets are no longer available for their preferred date.
Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it should be the same passport you sent us to reserve your Machu Picchu ticket. Your passport will be checked at the Machu Picchu checkpoint when you board the train.
According to Peruvian Law, you have to be under 18 years old at the time of your visit to Machu Picchu (if you are 18 or over, you need valid student cards).
All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $20 USD.
For children from 2 to 11 years old, a discount is $30 USD.
All students have to send a copy of their passport and student card at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at v1llarru3l@gmail.com
Yes, it is possible but not recommended, because you have to climb Machu Picchu Mountain first then do the guided tour at Machu Picchu Ruins. The reason why you climb the mountain first is because there is no afternoon Schedule. The last Schedule is 9 am. To climb the Mountain takes 3 hours and you end up very tired so you don’t enjoy the Machu Picchu tour.
Yes, we can organize your trip in Private Service. Our Price depends on how many people you are. Send us an email to Info@abexpeditions to send you a quote in Private Service.
There are many places to see in Machu Picchu Citadel, but here are some of the important places to visit:
The Guardhouse: This is the place where you will take the classical picture of Machu Picchu.
The Temple of the Sun: It stands as one of the most emblematic structures within Machu Picchu, deserving of exploration and appreciation.
Inca House. It stands as an essential architectural marvel within Machu Picchu, positioned at the heart of the citadel.
The Sundial: This stone is located close to the central plaza of Machu Picchu and is thought to have been used by the Incas for astronomical purposes.
The Temple of the Condor: This Inca site is located in the lower part of Machu Picchu.
Water mirrors: One of the structures found at Machu Picchu is a circular construction resembling a plate, crafted from stones intricately carved into the ground. When these formations are filled with water, they create a reflective surface that mirrors the sky above.
Our Machu Picchu tours from Cusco are rated as easy so you don’t need to be an expert hiker. Basically, the tour is just sightseeing. You will only need to walk in Machu Picchu citadel.
