Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco | Machu Picchu Full Day

Machu Picchu has 3 new circuits, each divided into routes to make your experience worthwhile, thus offering 10 different entry tickets, preventing crowding at certain points of the archaeological site. If you are interested in Machu Picchu Tours from Cusco, we recommend considering the different circuits to make the most of your visit.

The circuit 1 offers a panoramic view of Machu Picchu, from where you can get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu. From this spot, you can observe various important points of the Inca citadel. However, it is important to mention that you will not have the opportunity to visit the interior of the Inca citadel.

This circuit is subdivided into 4 different routes, each allowing you to visit an additional place besides Machu Picchu:

• Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain: This ticket includes the tour with circuit 1, plus the hike to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain. The hike takes approximately 3 hours, with the ascent and descent of the mountain, and the stay in Machu Picchu is 40 minutes.
• Route 1-B: Upper Terrace: This ticket only includes the tour with circuit 1, that is, the visit to the Guardian House sector and the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu. The guided tour lasts approximately 40 minutes.
• Route 1-C: Intipunku Gate: With this ticket, in addition to doing the tour with circuit 1, you can climb to the historic Sun Gate, from where you have a privileged view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains.
• Route 1-D: Inca Bridge: This ticket allows you to tour the upper terrace with circuit 1, plus visit the Inca Bridge, a construction on the edge of the mountain that connects the high jungle with Machu Picchu.

The circuit 2 is the most complete and recommended, as it covers most of the interior of Machu Picchu, besides allowing you to take the iconic photo that will immortalize your trip and gives you the opportunity to enjoy many more archaeological sites such as the Temple Plaza, the Intiwatana, and the Sacred Rock.

It is important to note that being the most recommended, the demand is higher, so reservations must be made at least 6 months in advance.

This circuit is subdivided into 2 different routes that allow you to visit the interior of Machu Picchu:

• Route 2-A: Classic Designed: With this ticket, you can visit most of Machu Picchu, plus get the classic photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian House. You will visit places like the Sun Temple Lookout, the Sacred Rock, and the Condor Temple.
• Route 2-B: Lower Terrace: This ticket also allows you to visit most of Machu Picchu, but you will not be able to access the Guardian House for the classic photo of Machu Picchu. However, from a lower terrace to the Guardian House, you can get a similar photo to the postcard photo.

The circuit 3 goes through the lower part of Machu Picchu and also allows you to enjoy the Inca citadel from another view. Additionally, it allows you to reach exclusive places of Machu Picchu royalty.

• Route 3-A: Huayna Picchu Mountain: This ticket allows you to tour Machu Picchu with circuit 3 and reach the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain. With 2 hours of ascent, you can enjoy archaeological remains at the top.
• Route 3-B: Designed Royalty: With this ticket, you will visit enclosures built only for the Inca royalty, but it does not include the classic photo of Machu Picchu. The hike lasts approximately 2 hours where you will immerse yourself in all the Inca history.
• Route 3-C: Great Cave: This ticket allows you to visit exclusive places in Machu Picchu, such as the Condor Temple, the Water Mirrors, the Twelve Niches, the Sacred Rock, and more, as well as visit the mysterious Moon Temple, a construction inside a natural cave in the middle of Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Mountain: With this ticket, in addition to the tour of the Inca royalty sector, you can hike to the top of Huchuy Picchu Mountain, the small mountain next to Huayna Picchu Mountain.

The Machu Picchu Full Day tour includes circuit 2 (subject to availability), which is the most recommended as it is the most complete and allows you to enjoy the most prominent archaeological sites.

There are 9 entry times to Machu Picchu, which you can choose depending on the time you arrive in Aguas Calientes. Below are the details of the schedules:

Entry times at 6, 7, 8, and 9 in the morning to Machu Picchu
For these schedules, it's necessary to depart very early from the city of Cusco, considering that the vehicle journey takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to the train station in Ollantaytambo. From there, we will take the train that will take us to the town of Aguas Calientes in a 1 hour and 50 minutes train ride.
If you don't like waking up very early, you can travel a day before and stay in Aguas Calientes to avoid getting up too early.

During these times, there are not many people, and the visit is calm and pleasant, offering a different perspective compared to other schedules. You will also be able to appreciate the Intiwatana at this time.

The schedules at 10, 11, 12, and 1: It is likely that the influx of people will be more abundant. If you were planning to take the classic photo without people around, it might be a bit more challenging. The sun will be at its highest point, shining directly on the sanctuary with great intensity. However, it also has its charm, as the sky will be clear, and you will have a better view of Machu Picchu.

In the afternoon, at 1 and 2 in the afternoon: Some consider this the best time to visit Machu Picchu due to the sunset between the mountains, covering the citadel of Machu Picchu with its last rays. It's a perfect panorama for photography, and the weather is cooler. You can travel on the same day; there's no need to be in Aguas Calientes the day before, but keep in mind that you will also arrive in Cusco a bit late, around 10 to 11 at night.

You are not allowed to carry luggage; you can only enter with a small backpack measuring 40x35x20 cm (16x14x8 inches) to carry small personal items.

• Identification document used to register for entry to Machu Picchu.
• Sunscreen.
• Windbreaker jacket.
• Rain poncho (according to the season).
• Trekking shoes.
• Insect repellent.
• Lightweight clothing.
• Water.
• Sunglasses.
• Hat.

• Carrying backpacks, bags, or purses larger than 40x35x20 cm (16x14x8 inches).
• Entering with food.
• Entering with any type of alcoholic beverage or while intoxicated.
• Carrying walking sticks, umbrellas, parasols, portable seats, tripods, camera or cellphone stabilizers, or any other extension or stabilization element for filming and/or photography.
• Drones are prohibited in Machu Picchu.
• Entering with animals, except for guide dogs.
• Feeding domestic or wild animals.
• Entering with any type of aerosols.
• Engaging in any type of graffiti.

Learn more at www.machupicchu.gob.pe about the restrictions when visiting Machu Picchu.

The visit to Machu Picchu is available all year round, but many consider the months of May, June, July, August, September, and October as the perfect season to travel to Machu Picchu. During these months, the sun shines brightly in the mornings and evenings, with a refreshing breeze.

In November and December, the rainy season begins again, and the landscapes gradually turn lush green while the evenings become colder. Although some days may surprise you with rain, the tours continue as usual. Machu Picchu takes on a different appearance, with mist covering the sanctuary, adding a touch of mystery as it dissipates in the air. While exploring Machu Picchu, it might get very cloudy or even rain at some point, but you can still enjoy your tour with a poncho or waterproof jacket.
Many visitors actually enjoy visiting Machu Picchu in the rain more than on a sunny day because it offers a unique perspective of this wonder of the modern world. If you are not a fan of rain, it is more likely to clear up after 11 am, increasing your chances of finding Machu Picchu with clearer skies.

In January, February, and March, the rains are more frequent. During this period, it is considered the low tourist season, which has a significant advantage if you plan to travel during these months, as there will be fewer crowds. On the other hand, the advantage is that the landscapes are lush and the weather is cooler compared to other seasons.
If you have already decided to travel during this season, we advise you to buy your tickets to Machu Picchu for the time slots starting from 11 am, as this increases the probability of finding Machu Picchu with clearer skies. The average number of rainy days per week varies from 3 to 4 days, and some days the rain may be light but last the entire day, while other days it might only rain for a few hours but with greater intensity. In the early morning hours, Machu Picchu is usually cloudy during these months.

Keep in mind that we are in the Andes, and the weather here is very unpredictable. Nevertheless, the information provided aims to give you a close approximation of the climate during each season. We look forward to your visit, CuscoPeru.com will have everything organized for you, and we have many satisfied passengers who have enjoyed the experiences and services we provide all year round.

Although you can reserve your ticket to Machu Picchu one day in advance, it is highly recommended that you make your reservation at least five or six months before your visit. Entries are limited and it is advisable to book in advance. If you wish to visit Huayna Picchu (WAYNAPICCHU), consider booking it 3 months before your visit.

These recommendations are important to ensure your experience in Machu Picchu is the best, as popular tickets like circuit 2 sell out very quickly.

The solution for travelers who couldn't book in advance is to purchase tickets with alternative entries, circuit 1 (upper part) or circuit 3 (lower part).

There are certain times of the year when you won't be able to get a last-minute ticket due to demand. It can be cumbersome for you to reserve your ticket, so our recommendation is to book well in advance and contact our agency to secure your visit to Machu Picchu. Contact CuscoPeru.com who will be happy to assist you.

The most recommended way to prevent altitude sickness is gradual acclimatization, which means ascending moderately to adapt to the decreasing oxygen levels as you gain altitude. We advise spending at least one day in Cusco without engaging in extreme physical exertion to acclimate to the high altitude.

Taking care of your diet is also important. Eating light, easily digestible foods will aid in the acclimatization process.

Staying hydrated is crucial; make sure to drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water while you're in Cusco. Get a minimum of 8 hours of sleep daily before your tours to keep your body rested and avoid excessive physical exertion. As a natural remedy, you can drink mate or herbal infusions that aid digestion during your stay.

Yes, there are options available for Machu Picchu tours from Lima and other major cities in Peru. These tours usually include flights from Lima to Cusco, transfers from the airport, and transportation to Aguas Calientes. Additionally, some packages may offer accommodation and guided tours in Cusco before heading to Machu Picchu. The Machu Picchu packages from Lima are ideal for those seeking a hassle-free travel experience, allowing you to enjoy the majesty of Machu Picchu with all the logistical details covered.

To ensure your tickets to Machu Picchu, it is recommended to make a reservation at least two months in advance, especially during the high season (May to October). Tickets for the most popular circuits and for Huayna Picchu sell out quickly due to high demand. If you are considering tours to machu picchu, such as an all-inclusive package or an affordable full-day option, don't hesitate to make your reservation with us.