Visit Machu Picchu! This tour offers an alternative entrance that lets you explore Machu Picchu and provides a view of the archaeological center from the Huchuy Picchu mountain. This is especially if you couldn't secure your last-minute entry to Machu Picchu.
This circuit gives you the chance to enter Machu Picchu and visit the lower part of the citadel, including the Inca House, the Temple of the Sun, the Water Mirrors, the Industrial area, the agricultural sector, the eastern Qolqas, and the Sacred Rock. To access the Huchuy Picchu mountain, note that entry is from 7:00 hrs. until 12:00 hrs. and the Condor enclosure (Temple of the Condor) is open from 10:00 hrs. until 13:00 hrs. This tour is designed for travelers who couldn't plan their visit to Machu Picchu in advance.
We will start our day early, picking you up from your hotel at 3:00 a.m. in Cusco to transport you to the train station in Ollantaytambo, emphasizing our personalized service in small groups. We will board a train that will take us through the Sacred Valley of the Incas and along the Vilcanota River, arriving at Aguas Calientes, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Upon our arrival, a guide will lead us to the bus station for a 25-minute ride to the renowned Archaeological Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. Our expert guide will immerse us in the rich history and architecture of this ancient Inca City.
We explore Huchuy Picchu, a Sacred Waka, and other archaeological sites within the complex, surrounded by diverse flora and fauna. From this "Small Mountain", you will appreciate a panoramic view of the archaeological site, the Vilcanota river canyon, and the Vilcabamba mountain ranges, with the imposing APU PUMASILLO.
After the tour, we will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and explore its picturesque town. Then, we will embark on our return train journey to Ollantaytambo. There, a representative will be waiting to take us back to your hotel in Cusco, concluding our fascinating full-day tour to Machu Picchu and Huchuy Picchu.
Important: Please note that train schedules are approximate and may vary depending on departures and availability.
Important: Please note that train schedules are approximate and may vary depending on departures and availability.
Early in the morning, we will begin our journey by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at 3:00 a.m. and driving to the train station in the charming town of Ollantaytambo. From there, you will board the train that travels through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, offering a magnificent journey from the majestic Andes mountains to the lush jungle in Aguas Calientes. This thrilling train journey lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes, our representative will greet you and accompany you to the bus that will take you to the Archaeological Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes about 25 minutes.
Finally, we will arrive at the historic sanctuary to start our tour of Machu Picchu. Take a moment to recharge, stretch out your arms, and immerse yourself in the magic of this ancient place. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the Inca citadel, a moment you've undoubtedly been eagerly awaiting.
Huchuy Picchu, whose name in Quechua means "Small Mountain," is a Sacred Waka located within the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, in Cusco, Peru. Here, you will also find other archaeological sites surrounded by a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna. The mountain and its archaeological sites offer a magnificent view of the site itself, the canyon crossed by the Vilcanota river, and the majestic Vilcabamba mountain ranges, with the imposing APU PUMASILLO.
Just like the Huayna Picchu mountain, the Incas built stone steps leading to the top of Huchuy Picchu. Today, the hiking route to the top (which takes about 1 hour) is one of the new adventure attractions when visiting Machu Picchu, offering panoramic views of the entire site.
After this unforgettable moment, our guide will begin the tour to provide a deeper understanding of the history and architecture of this wonderful place. It's essential to note that the visiting time is currently limited to a maximum of 3 hours. Within the Machu Picchu citadel, we can explore the different areas it was divided into, its population distribution, and discover intriguing details, like the fact that, despite being isolated, the citadel was self-sufficient.
Once the tour concludes, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch and explore the charming town. Here, you will find numerous restaurants and craft shops. Later, we will board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our representative will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name. From there, our transport will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, thus concluding our thrilling one-day tour to Machu Picchu and Huchuy Picchu.
Important: Train schedules are indicative and may vary based on departures and availability.
Visit points for the Machu Picchu and Huchuy Picchu tour
Expedition or Voyager Train
1 ticket for Royalty Circuit 3 or lower part + Huchuy Picchu
Group guide
Vistadome or 360 ° Train
1 ticket for Royalty Circuit 3 or lower part + Huchuy Picchu
Group guide
Vistadome or 360 ° Train
1 ticket for Royalty Circuit 3 or lower part + Huchuy Picchu
Private guide
IMPORTANT:
To start your reservation process please send us the following information:
MACHU PICCHU, A PLACE FOR GREAT EXPERIENCES.
We know you have many questions, traveling to Machu Picchu is easy, but you should consider certain important points to make your experience in Machu Picchu the best.
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 tours to Machu Picchu 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:
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:
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.
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.
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 tours to Machu Picchu 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 planning an all-inclusive Machu Picchu tour or an affordable full-day Machu Picchu tour, don't hesitate to make your reservation with us.
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