Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu

Discover the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and embark on a hike to the stunning summit of Huayna Picchu Mountain during this full-day excursion from Cusco.

Tour Overview

Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 and 4:30 am. Although the early start may seem daunting, the day ahead promises to be filled with remarkable experiences and breathtaking views!

We will travel to Ollantaytambo, where we'll board a train to Aguas Calientes. This scenic train ride, lasting approximately one and a half hours, takes us through the breathtaking Peruvian Andes, enhanced by the panoramic windows and glass ceilings of the train carriages.

By around 7:40 am, we will arrive in Aguas Calientes and take a bus up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Once we enter the magnificent Lost City of the Incas, you’ll have the opportunity to hike to the peak of Huayna Picchu on your own. Enjoy four hours to explore the mountain and take in the stunning vistas from its lofty height of 2,500 meters.

After the hike, we will regroup for a guided exploration of the lower part of the archaeological site. This engaging three-hour tour will provide insights into the intriguing history of this Inca citadel, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Post-tour, we will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have nearly five hours to wander the town at your own pace. Sample local cuisine at a restaurant or browse the traditional crafts market!

Eventually, we’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by our return journey to Cusco, with drop-off at your hotel to conclude this extensive 19-hour experience.

Scenic Train Journey

This journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu is conducted on a tourist class train (either the Expedition or Voyager train).

Hotel Pickup Details

Pick-up will occur between 4:00 and 4:30 am from accommodations located in the historic center of Cusco. If your hotel is outside this area, we will meet you at the entrance of the Cathedral in Plaza de Armas.

Stations & Duration

Trains operating to and from Cusco may depart from either Poroy station (30 minutes from Cusco) or Ollantaytambo station (1 hour and 30 minutes from Cusco), depending on train availability. During the rainy season (December to March), Poroy station is closed, necessitating a bus ride to Ollantaytambo. We will send you an email with your exact pick-up time and the designated station after booking confirmation.

The transfer duration will vary based on the station you choose for boarding. The trip from Poroy to Aguas Calientes takes approximately 4 hours, while traveling from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Essential Information

If the activity is canceled due to strikes or poor weather conditions, we will provide you with an alternative date for the tour. If rescheduling is not feasible, we will issue a full refund, except for the entrance fee to Machu Picchu (approximately 200 PEN), which is non-refundable.

This activity follows a specific route, and you can check the maps of the routes below:

• Alternative Route 3

If you're interested in visiting the platform where the cover photo was captured, please be aware that there is an entrance fee of 65 USD per person for Route 1. Additionally, hiring a guide is optional. Should you decide to do this, the local provider will inform you about the payment procedure on-site, which will depend on the number of interested participants and their language preferences.

Trip to Machu Picchu

It is important to note that tickets for Huayna Picchu Mountain sell out rapidly. If your desired travel date has no availability, or if you prefer a traditional visit to Machu Picchu, please consider checking our Trip to Machu Picchu.

Last-Minute Options

If you're unable to secure availability for your preferred dates, you can also explore the option to book a last-minute 2 or 3-day trip to Machu Picchu.