Complete 2024 Guide For Machu Picchu Full Day

For this 2024, We invite you to join us on a unique tour: the Machu Picchu full day experience But before we dive into the experience itself, let us take you on a journey back in time, where the magic of this ancient land comes to life alongside Auri Peru.

We will make you enjoy every moment special and unique by providing you with a personalized service. You will learn how to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco, some tips during the tour and, above all, the options from which you can choose to get to Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco.

Machu Picchu full day

We recommend you see: Huchuy Picchu Mountain in Machu Picchu the new hiking adventure awaits

1.- HISTORY OF MACHU PICCHU

Currently one of the new Seven Wonders of the Modern World, Machu Picchu is an architectural masterpiece of the ancient Inca civilization, which has captivated millions of visitors from around the world since its rediscovery in 1911 by explorer Hiram Bingham.

Machu Picchu means “Old Mountain” in Quechua, it is strategically located on the crest of a mountain at an altitude of approximately 2,430 meters above sea level, dominating the surrounding landscape with its imposing terraces, temples and ceremonial plazas.

What makes Machu Picchu even more fascinating is its intricate architecture, which adapts perfectly to the rugged mountainous terrain. The stone structures perfectly assembled, without the use of mortar, demonstrate the mastery of the ancient Inca builders. From the famous Intihuatana, an astronomical observatory that serves as a sundial, to the Temple of the Sun and royal residences, every corner of Machu Picchu tells a story of ingenuity and sophistication.

2.- EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING TO MACHUPICCHU

Planning the trip to Machu Picchu full day is our specialty and we will be more than happy to help you, but it is important to know that you must prepare everything in advance and on time. Here we show you what you need to know before traveling to Machu Picchu from Cusco.

• Travel season: The best time to visit Machu Picchu from Cusco is undoubtedly the dry season (May to October) where the weather is much more pleasant and stable so we do not have as much rain. But if the trip takes place during the rainy season, then plan to bring a rain jacket.
• Documents: It is important to know that to visit Machu Picchu you must have your current identity document. Only Latin American countries can enter with the ID, other countries must necessarily present the Passport.

Passport Machu Picchu

• Entry tickets: This is something very important to consider, since entry tickets are limited per day and are separated by time. To properly carry out the Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco, you must take into account having your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu reserved in advance, identifying the time that best suits your planning. If you want to make your reservation directly you can do so through the Joinnus website.

Machu Picchu Entrances Tickets

• Train tickets: For your Machu Picchu full day experience, it is essential to know how to properly choose the train category, there are 2 train companies and 3 services type from you can choose from (Standard, Panoramic and Luxury), if you are interested in knowing more you can read our article about Inca Rail or Peru Rail.
• Duration of the trip: The Machu Picchu tour from Cusco lasts 1 full day, its starting time will depend on the type of train service you choose. Once in the Inca citadel you will enjoy an average of 3 hours of guided tour with a professional tour guide specialized in traditional tourism.

• Detailed itinerary: Before proceeding with your reservation for the Machu Picchu tour from Cusco, remember to review the itinerary in detail to have a clear idea of the planned activities and the places you will visit during the day.

• Camera and additional batteries: For your Machu Picchu full day experience, do not forget to bring a camera or your mobile phone to capture the incredible landscapes and moments that you will find in Machu Picchu. Also, bring extra batteries or a portable charger to ensure you don’t run out of power.

3.- MACHU PICCHU FULL DAY OVERVIEW

Your Machu Picchu full day experience begins early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 06:00 am, our transportation will take you directly to the town of Ollantaytambo where you can walk to the train station. There the company staff helps you board your selected car. Close to the indicated time, a melodious bell rings and at exactly 08:29 am the trip to Aguas Calientes begins in the Vistadome panoramic service. During the tour you will have a celebration with music and dancers that will make the trip pleasant. . When you arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes, they give you instructions on how to get to the tourist bus station and after waiting in a short queue and a trip of approximately 30 minutes, you will finally arrive at the control gate of the Inca citadel.

Here you will pass a small document check and finally enter Machu Picchu. The tour will last approximately two hours in which you will be able to visit many spaces such as the guardian’s house, the terraces, the urban center, the main square, the Intihuatana, sacred rock, the temple of the condor and other important places, all in company of a private english speaking guide. After having concluded the guided tour and leaving the Inca citadel, the guide will direct you inside the Sanctuary Lodge hotel, which is located next to the control gate, so you can taste the delicious lunch trying the exquisite flavors of the local cuisine.

Once satisfied with the food, you will return by tourist bus again to Aguas Calientes where you will enjoy a brief free time to visit the town on your own. Finally you must return to the train station at 16:15 pm, because you must be there 30 minutes before waiting for the train. At 16:22 pm your Vistadome panoramic train begins the return journey to Ollantaytambo, you will also enjoy live music and a small fashion catwalk for travelers who wish to buy a souvenir. When you arrive at the train station our transportation is waiting for you to finally return to your hotel in Cusco.

Train to Machupicchu

Important: Remember that these schedules are flexible. Everything would depend on the train schedule/service of your preference.

 4.- DETAILED ITINERARY

Important: Although the traditional Machu Picchu full day service considers the Vistadome  observatory service, you can upgrade to the exclusive Hiram Bingham train, learn more about this at the following link: Hiram Bingham Service Information

5.- PRICE

The price of this Machu Picchu full day service depends on the number of people, travel season and other aspects to take into account. The best way to plan your trip is with Auri Peru, contact us now and get a personalized quote for you.

6.- SOME FAQ

• 6.1.- Can I bring luggage to Machu Picchu?

For your Machu Picchu full day experience, you only need to bring small day luggage, in this case a personal backpack that can hold your documents, some snacks, a canteen with water and personal items. Large backpacks are not allowed to enter the citadel so you can always leave it at the hotel or at the entrance door you can find lockers where you can leave it.

Luggage to bring to Machu Picchu

• 6.2.- Should I visit Machu Picchu in the morning or afternoon?

Your Machu Picchu tour from Cusco already has a recommended timetable, which in this case is at 11:00 am, the time of day in which the presence of fog is scarcer and thus the probability of rain is not as high, the option in the afternoon is also very suitable for those who have a little more time, so if your plan is to choose one of the later schedules, consider spending that night in Aguas Calientes to be able to return to Cusco the next day.

• 6.3.- How much time in advance should I book my Machu Picchu entrance ticket?

To make the Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco without problems, we recommend that you make your reservation up to three months in advance. However, if your plan is to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu during the high season between the months of June to August, then consider at least four months early because tickets are easier to sell out and this can affect your planning to fully enjoy the Machu Picchu full day experience.

• 6.4.- What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

The best time to enjoy your Machu Picchu Full Day experience is undoubtedly the dry season since the climate is much more pleasant, there is not as much rain and the temperature is adequate. This mainly occurs during the months of May to November, the rest of the year is part of the rainy season so the weather is much more changeable the lower temperature and can directly affect our experience.

What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu

• 6.5.- What circuits exist in Machu Picchu?

For all the visit options to Machu Picchu there is a total of four circuits, each with different characteristics.

• Circuit one and two are the most complete since they allow us to travel to the upper part of the citadel, which gives us access to the watchman’s house, places from where you can obtain the famous postcard photo of Machu Picchu, in addition to allowing us to spend a little time. more time inside the citadel and enjoy each of the spaces in the company of our guide.
• Circuit three and four are the shortest because they only allow you to enter through the lower part of the citadel. These types of circuits are mainly intended for travelers who cannot walk far to have an experience just as close to the citadel, of course as in these we cannot enjoy the postcard photo.

Circuits Machu Picchu

• 6.6.- Can I explore Machu Picchu on my own?

Yes you can do it, however you must take into account that to properly enjoy the Machu Picchu full day experience it is important to have the assistance of a specialized tour guide since this allows you to get to know not only the place but the history behind it. of each enclosure that you can find within the Inca citadel.

• 6.7.- How much time does a Machu Picchu tour take?

Regularly the visit to the city of the Inca Machu Picchu lasts an average of two or three hours, however this can always be extended a little since when our guide gives you information he always expands a little more and ends up giving you historical, cultural and traditional information, so each tour can last up to 30 minutes or even an hour. This is important to consider during your planning so that the schedules can be coordinated properly.

Machu Picchu Tour

Now you have everything important to start your planning for the Machu Picchu full day experience, Auri Peru has good news for you confirming that we have availability to visit the Inca citadel in 2024, contact our experienced travel advisors to start this incredible adventure.

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