Being one of the Seven Wonders of the World makes thousands of enthusiastic visitors come to Peru every day. There’s no need to say that to discover the authentic magic of our country, it is worth taking holidays in Peru. Cusco Peru Travel highly recommends taking a Machu Picchu tour. It’s an unmissable sight for anyone visiting our incredible country.
Indeed, there are many ways to get to Machu Picchu, a good example is the famous Inca Trail. But not every traveler has time to take this 4-day trek. Some tourists really want to explore all the wonders of Peru but unfortunately, they have a very tight travel itinerary. However, they don’t want to miss the fascinating Inca Wonder.
Is it possible to do a Machu Picchu tour in just one day? Absolutely! You will be able to delight with the majesty and mystical power of the Inca Sanctuary.
Having a tight itinerary means organizing very well your journey. We recommend purchasing your train ticket in advance since there is a huge demand. The train will take you to Aguas Calientes, a town situated beneath the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
It is considered not only the safest, most comfortable and quickest way to get to the Inca ruins but also the most incredible and enigmatic way to do a Machu Picchu tour.
The train journey will bring you through impressive snow-capped mountains, valleys, rivers, and subtropical flora and fauna. You will witness an extremely beautiful and unforgettable Andean scenery. Without a doubt, one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
Two train companies are available for your Machu Picchu tour from Cusco: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Both have incredible levels of service, from standard to luxury ones. You must check out which fits you best.
Depending on what type of train service you choose, you can take the train from Cusco (Poroy Station) or Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Keep in mind that the ride from Cusco to Poroy takes around 30 minutes, while the ride to Ollantaytambo takes around 2 hrs.
When arriving in Aguas Calientes, you have two options. One is to take a shuttle bus and the other is to hike up to the Machu Picchu entrance. It’s up to you. But take into consideration how long it will take you to be in the bus queues to get to Machu Picchu.
Regardless of which way you choose, on the way, you will get your first glimpses of the ancient Inca civilization while looking at the terraces which rise through the mist. It will be sublime.
*From January to April, trains don’t depart from Cusco, you must go to the Ollantaytambo station.
**Ensure to arrive at the train station 30 min. before departure. Besides, have your personal identity document ready.
Once you arrive at Machu Picchu entrance, you have to hire a guide if you don’t have one yet. Your guide will bring you around the Sanctuary, explaining everything about the Inca Citadel, the Inca civilizations, and many more historical facts. You will also have time off to explore and discover the Inca citadel on your own. It will be your special time feeling the magical vibe of the place… Is it possible to do this tour to Machu Picchu with kids? Absolutely!
Furthermore, if you are feeling particularly energetic and consider yourself as an all-terrain hiker, you can also climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain during your Machu Picchu tour. From the top of these mountains, you will get the most stunning and breathtaking views of the Inca Citadel and the surrounding mountains. But take into consideration that the permits to climb these mountains must be purchased along with your entrance to Machu Picchu.
Finally, you will go back on foot or bus to Aguas Calientes and then take the train back to Ollantaytambo or Cusco.
Altitude sickness may impact travelers above 1,500 meters of altitude. Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 meters above sea level amid lush Andean forest vegetation. At this height, you can feel the symptoms of altitude sickness that include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
We recommend coca for altitude sickness since it increases energy levels. You can chew it or drink it as a tea (mate de coca). Chewing coca in its natural state is an age-old ancestral tradition of the indigenous Andean and Amazonian people in South America. In fact, it is very useful for a Machu Picchu tour.
If you are slightly wary of trying out coca leaves, you must know that scientifically they have neither addictive qualities nor toxic properties. The opposite, it is a very effective medicine. So, don’t be afraid to take them if you don’t want to waste any day of your journey feeling sick.
In summary, a Machu Picchu day tour will also allow you to fully enjoy and discover in all its splendor the world’s most famous architectural Inca work.
Peru has many wonders waiting for you to be discovered. Here in Cusco Peru Travel, our speciality is to make your trip an outstanding experience, fill-in this form and let your tailor-made luxury Peru vacation begin.
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