Budget Friendly Machu Picchu Tour – 1 Day

Experience the magic of Machu Picchu on a full-day journey to one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

Our budget friendly tour is designed for travelers who want to enjoy this unforgettable experience spending a little less in services. The main difference lies in the logistics: you’ll travel in a larger group, and we select less in-demand train schedules to reduce costs.

Despite these adjustments, your time exploring Machu Picchu and the overall quality of service remain just as complete and well planned as in our regular tours. You’ll still have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views, learn about the fascinating history of the Inca civilization, and immerse yourself in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Take advantage of this opportunity to discover Machu Picchu in a smart and affordable way.

INCLUDED:

• Pre-tour briefing.
• Transfer from your hotel to the bus terminal in Cusco.
• Round-trip bus ticket from Cusco to Ollantaytambo station.
• Round-trip train ticket Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.
• Round-trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
• Machu Picchu entrance ticket – Circuit 2 (subject to availability).
• Professional group tour guiding service in English – Spanish. (Ask about other languages; private service available at additional cost.)

NOT INCLUDED:

• Hotel in Cusco.
• Meals.
• Other services not mentioned.

What Is the 1-Day Budget Friendly Tour to Machu Picchu Like?

Your travel experience begins days before departure with a pre-tour briefing, where we provide important information to help you prepare for your visit.

On the day of the tour, we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the bus terminal. Together with a group of travelers going on your same tour, you will travel by bus to the Ollantaytambo train station. This journey lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes through the very nice views and landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.

Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, you will board the train to Aguas Calientes. This scenic journey of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes follows the Urubamba River, offering spectacular views of mountains, small villages, and lush landscapes.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our guide will welcome you at the train station. You will then head to the bus terminal for a 25-minute ride up to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

Here begins your guided visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, lasting approximately 2 to 3 hours. During the tour, you will learn about the fascinating history of the site, the development of its impressive stone architecture, its engineering techniques, and other captivating details about this mystical city and the amazing way it was built in complete harmony with nature.

After the guided tour, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes . You will have free time to stroll through its streets, visit artisan markets, or enjoy the local gastronomy before heading to the train station.

Later, you will board the return train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, the bus will be waiting to ensure a safe and comfortable transfer back to Cusco. The estimated arrival time in Cusco is approximately 11:00 p.m., where our transportation will take you from the train company’s station or office back to your hotel.

What are the key features of the Budget Friendly Tour?

LARGER GROUPS:
Operating in larger groups allows us to reduce costs without affecting the duration of the guided visit or the type of entrance ticket. The tour includes access to Circuit 2 and the classic panoramic viewpoint.

BUS TRANSFER TO THE TRAIN STATION:
The buses transporting travelers from Cusco to Ollantaytambo typically accommodate up to 30 passengers.

What is the difference between the regular and budget friendly Machu Picchu tours?

The main difference is group size; this Budget friendly tour operates in larger groups, allowing for a lower price and the regular tour operates with a maximum of 10 participants, and therefore has a higher cost.

For the Budget Friendly Tour, hotel pick-up in Cusco may begin earlier, as additional time is required to collect all group members. The same applies to the return transfer. Train schedules selected for the Budget Friendly Tour are usually less requested and therefore more economical. The Regular Tour offers more preferred and convenient train schedules.

Please consult our agency CuscoPeru.com for updated schedules and pick-up policies.

INCLUDED:

• Pre-tour briefing for Machu Picchu.
• Transfer from your hotel to the bus terminal in Cusco.
• Round-trip bus ticket: Cusco – Ollantaytambo.
• Round-trip train ticket: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.
• Round-trip bus ticket: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2, subject to availability).
• Professional group guiding service in English–Spanish (Other languages available upon request in private service at additional cost).

NOT INCLUDED:

• Hotel in Cusco.
• Meals.
• Other services not mentioned.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Bring your passport or ID used for booking
• Comfortable, non-slip walking shoes (you will climb steps at Machu Picchu)
• Bring a small backpack with the following items:
  
  • Camera
  • Sun hat or cap.
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent.
  • Rain jacket layer (It is the Mountain Forest so precipitations can happen at any season)
  • Water bottle and personal snacks

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Travel light; only hand luggage up to 5 kg (11 lb) is permitted on the train.
• Machu Picchu involves many steps and uneven paths, so wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing.

NOTE: NOT AVAILABLE FROM MARCH TO JULY

IMPORTANT:

• TRAINS: Our service includes the EXPEDITION or VOYAGER Train for the round trip; you can upgrade to the VISTADOME Train category for an additional USD 40 per person, only for the return trip.
• HOTELS: You can choose packages based on the type of Hotel, you can also opt for Hotels that are not listed in our offer, before confirming you must inform us of the hotel you prefer and we will add it to the package.
• If you wish to upgrade to the VISTADOME OBSERVATORY Train, there is a fee of USD 60 per leg/segment.
• PRIVATE: Consult with one of our advisors if you want any of the services in private.

To start your reservation process please send us the following information:

• Name and surname:
• Passport No.:
• Nationality:
• Date of birth:
• Sex:
• Phone:
• It is very important your information about your hotel in the city of Cusco, so we can pick you up there at the beginning of the tour..

1. Payment by credit card VISA or MASTERCARD through our system www.cuscoperu.com/payment the system charges an additional 5% (SSL secure system and foreign bank transfer fees).
2. Sending the advance via Western Union coordinating with our sales representative and sending the request to info@cuscoperu.com, then you must send us the MTCN code of your deposit.
3. Payment via deposit to our company's account at BBVA Banco Continental Cuenta Corriente: Account Code. Interbank: (CCI) 011 201 000100028495 18 - CUSCOPERU.COM Tour Operator SRL - SWIFT CODE: BCONPEPL - you must add U$89.00 which is the charge that our bank makes to our account for international transfer and administrative expenses, you should also consult your bank about the additional amount that you will be charged.
4. Payment by credit card VISA - MASTERCARD with the PAYPAL system generating the payment order that we would send you from CuscoPeru.com e-commerce If you accept this option you will have a 7% surcharge.