tours lima to machu picchu

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Machu Picchu Tour From Lima

Epic 2-day machu picchu tour from lima or cusco.

The 2-day Machu Picchu Tour from Lima  begins with a flight from Lima to Cusco and then train to Machu Picchu. Our private tours pick you up from Cusco airport and shows the sacred valley Inca sites on the way to Ollantaytambo station. Embark on a scenic train journey to Machu Picchu town and receive an assistance to your hotel upon arrival. The small town of Machu Picchu offers a nice atmosphere to eat, drink or simply to take a walk before you go to sleep.

Machu Picchu Tour Package from Lima allows you to visit the UNESCO heritage site and wonder of the world in 2 days. Tours from Lima to Machu Picchu also reveal the iconic monuments of the Incas and Peru’s most famous historical landmarks. Take an exceptional guided tour of the intriguing stone structures as you learn the history of the ancient Incas. Your private guide no only explains the history behind each group, but also shows some of the best photo spots at this magical place.

Our Machu Picchu Tours from Lima are ideal and interesting for those who are short on time. This all-inclusive tour to Machu Picchu is perfect for cruise passengers or people on a business trip in Lima. This tour itinerary seems to be very short and fast, but it is more than enough to visit the must-see destinations of Cusco region. Discover the best highlights of the Sacred Valley, and world-famous Machu Picchu on this 2-day incredible journey.

Mapi Tour guarantees exclusive excursions that allow you to truly immerse in the destination like no other. Make your dream trip a reality by the hand of local experts and make the most of your time in Peru.

BEST 2-DAY MACHU PICCHU TOUR FROM LIMA 

The 2-day Machu Picchu Tours from Lima generally begin with a flight to Cusco, tour to sacred valley, then train to Machu Picchu town, and visit the Inca site with your private tour guide.

Embark on this fascinating experience, exploring the Inca sites of Chinchero, Maras salt mines, Moray and Ollantaytambo . Late in the afternoon, board the train to Aguas Calientes town and stay the night at your selected hotel.

The next day take the early shuttle bus and receive your private guided tour of the Inca city of Machu Picchu . Experience all the groups of interest and return to Aguas Calientes for lunch time. Take the return train to Ollantaytambo and then board a private van back to Cusco for your flight to Lima.

DETAILS OF MACHU PICCHU TOURS FROM LIMA:

• Pick up Location: Cusco airport.
• Tour Duration: 2 days/1 night
• Max Elevation: 3,762m/12,342ft.
• Tour Service: Private tour.
• Physical Grading: Moderate.
• Tickets: All entrance tickets.
• Highlights: Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu.
• Drop off Location: Cusco airport.

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Itinerary & Map

Machu picchu tour from lima 2 days itinerary.

Day 1: Flight from Lima to Cusco – Private Van from Cusco to Ollantaytambo – Train Trip to Machu Picchu – Hotel overnight.

After one hour flight on your own, you arrive in Cusco city (Morning schedule). Here you will be picked up by our private guide and transportation. Once aboard, you will head toward Chinchero and experience the step by step weaving demonstration process. This place also shows you the Inca site and beautiful colonial church.

Next, continue in your private vehicle to Maras’ Salt mines . Visit 4 thousand salt pans built by Maras and Pichingoto andean communities. Your expert guide will explain to you the way how the salt is extracted and sold on the market.

After, take a scenic journey through crop fields and remote villages to Moray . This spectacular Inca complex comprises four circular depressions with stone terraces in its cotour. Most scholars theorize that they were used to acclimate crops to different altitudes.

Later, take a guided tour of Ollantaytambo and the last Inva village. You will delve into the Inca history and local culture. Enjoy your dinner before you take the train to Machu Picchu pueblo at 7:00 pm. Once there, you will be assisted to your hotel.

Day 2: Bus to Machu Picchu – Guided Tour of Machu Picchu – Return by Train to Ollantaytambo – Transfer By Private Van to Cusco Airport – Flight to Lima.

In the morning eat your breakfast and take the first bus along with your guide to Machu Picchu. Learn the history of the Inca empire as you visit the ancient structures of Machu Picchu on a private guided tour.

Return to Machu Picchu town and have lunch before boarding the train. The train leaves at 2:55 pm to Ollantaytambo station. Upon arrival, you will be met by our driver and taken to the airport of Cusco. We highly recommend booking the flight tickets for as late as possible.

Prices & Inclusions

Our private tour to Machu Picchu from Lima is perfect for friends, couples, and families because you can leave any date you wish. With our 2-day tours to Machu Picchu, you set your pace to maximize your experience. You don’t have to wait for others, this trip starts with only 02 travelers.

PRICES PER PERSON:

2 – 3 People – $ 710.00 4 – 5 People – $ 0.00 6 – 7 People – $ .00

TOUR INCLUDES:

• Private vehicle.
• Expert Tour Guide.
• Sacred Valley Tourist Ticket.
• Lunch in Ollantaytambo.
• RT train tickets.
• RT bus tickets.
• Lunch in Machu Picchu pueblo.
• Machu Picchu Tickets.

TOUR EXCLUDES:

• Domestic flight ticket.
• Meals not mentioned in paragraph included.
• Drinks or snacks.
• Any item not specified in paragraph included.

BRING FOR 2-DAY MACHU PICCHU TOUR FROM LIMA:

• Original passport.
• Rain jacket or poncho.
• Trekking boots (rather than sneakers).
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun.
• Sunblock, minimum 30 SPF.
• Bottle of water.
• Personal medical kit with prescriptions.
• Cash for tipping staff and buying souvenirs.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR TOUR EXPERIENCES AROUND PERU

We design a custom-made travel to connect you with our country through your interests. Feel free to modify this prearranged itinerary and other vacation packages of our website. You decide where to visit, how long to spend in each place, type of accommodation that suits you best, and more including:

• Adding extra activities to your itinerary.
• Assisting with planning a business trip.
• Getting hotel Upgrades.
• Arranging any special packages to celebrate important occasions, whether it’s an anniversary, birthday, retirement, honeymoon, or other events.

Contact us to help you planning the adventure of your dreams.

Client Reviews

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Trip Level:

Trip details:.

Length: 2 days / 1 night Tour Type: Private Service

Price From:

USD $: 710.00

Cultural Tours

Virtual Tour:

Highlights:.

• Maras salt mines
• Ollantaytambo
• Machu Picchu

OTHER TOURS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN

• Email: [email protected]
• Mobile: (+51) 984 714 180
• Address:| Picchu Alto R’ N-12 Cusco – Perú
• Web: www.mapitourperu.com
• Mon to Sat: 9:00am to 8:00pm

• 1 (800) 980-0435 or your travel advisor

6 Days / 5 Nights

A memorable journey to lima and machu picchu, we personalize.

There’s no formula, we simply listen to you and make it happen.

We expertly plan

From your itinerary to the small details, we prepare it all on your behalf.

We don't settle

Refining your itinerary until you’re happy, even while you’re traveling.

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Rated Excellent by Tripadvisor

Discover the “City of Kings” on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and its fascinating colonial buildings, streets, and squares in a European style. Then, pass through the Rome of America, located in the South of Peru, and get lost among Inca palaces and baroque colonial churches. And finally, arrive at the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where dreamy landscapes, unique Inca palaces, and a phenomenal climate will be waiting for you. Can you ask for more? Of course, Machu Picchu will be the delicious cherry on top of this wonderful experience in Peru.

For these reasons, our tour “A memorable journey to Lima and Machu Picchu” promises to explore the best of the Andean country in an exclusive and private way. You will enjoy luxurious hotels and fully personalized services in the Peruvian Capital and you will pass through the ancient capital Inca Cusco and its beautiful Sacred Valley to disembark at the magnificent Machu Picchu. Your tour is fully customizable with only the most exclusive and luxurious suppliers for you.

PERU – LIMA

Arrive at your hotel in lima after your international flight and recharge your energy for our city tour, lima – cusco - sacred valley, welcome to cusco by enjoying awanacancha andean camelid zoo and pisac inca neighborhood, sacred valley, explore the last inca fortress of ollantaytambo, the inca salt mines of maras, and the circular terraces of moray, sacred valley - machu picchu- cusco.

CONQUEST THE MOST INCREDIBLE INCA CITADEL, MACHU PICCHU, ON AN UNFORGETTABLE DAY!

EXPLORE THE MAGICAL CITY OF CUSCO AND KNOW WHY IT IS CONSIDERED THE ROME OF AMERICA

Cusco – lima, say goodbye to peru in the best way with us, full itinerary, day 1: peru – lima.

We know how exhausting international flights can be, so we will save you from the stress of navigating alone at the moment of your arrival in the Peruvian capital. At Lima Airport, our Machu Travel Peru host will be looking for you at the arrival gate to accompany you to the hotel of your preference.

Once you have settled in your room, you can take a comforting shower, leaving behind the fatigue of such a long flight, and rest or you can take advantage of the time to enjoy the best Peruvian gastronomy with a tasty lunch (on your own) in your hotel or surrounding areas.

Later, we will begin a fantastic city tour of Lima's colonial and modern zones.

You can lose yourself among French-style, republican squares like the Plaza San Martin or the City's main square (Plaza de Armas) while wandering by a charming colonial alley called Jirón de la Unión. Following this, our guide will lead you to the colonial Monastery of San Francisco, where you can appreciate its beautiful Spanish baroque architecture and some religious sculptures from colonial times. But, the best of all will be exploring the hidden underneath its enigmatic catacombs! Here, you’ll know why this monastery was considered the first cemetery for the first Lima inhabitants.

After you return to your hotel, why not enjoy a beautiful afternoon at your own pace by exploring zones of Miraflores, a Lima tourist district, walk in the beautiful Kennedy Park or go shopping in the famous Larcomar Mall center.

In the evening, for dining, we recommend you consider the restaurants Central or Maido, which are considered the best in the country and currently holding 1st and 6th, respectively, in the world’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2023. Please remember that, due to their popularity, it is necessary to secure reservations in advance!

• Overnight in Lima.
• Included meals: None.

DAY 2: LIMA – CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY

Our adventure in Andean lands is about to begin! After a satisfying breakfast provided by your hotel, our host will take you to Lima airport and send you on a comfortable, 75 minute flight to Cusco, the ancient Imperial Inca City.

You can watch the Pacific Ocean merge with blue skies through your plane window which give way to gigantic dunes. These, in turn, collapse on the slopes of gigantic Andean mountains. Which were conquered many centuries ago by the impressive Inca civilization.

On your arrival to Cusco, our local host will be waiting for you at the zone of arrival national flights at Cusco airport with a sign with your name. “It is not altitude sickness… it is the feeling of being close to heaven” is a phrase he’ll often say about the altitude. Thus, to avoid altitude sickness, we’ll move directly from Cusco airport to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, located 600 meters below Cusco. But please don't worry, you will get to enjoy all the wonderful sights of Cusco at the end of our journey once your body is perfectly acclimatized to the altitude.

Upon entering the Sacred Valley of the Incas, we will visit an exceptional project called Awanacancha, where you’ll be able to appreciate the 4 types of South American camelids bred in captivity: the llama, the alpaca, the guanaco, and the vicuña. Also, you can feed them and learn to distinguish them. As if this were not enough, the Sacred Valley locals who work there will show you how they use their Inca ancestors’ techniques to transform the delicate fur of these animals, especially the alpaca and vicuña, into beautiful and colored clothes through traditional weaving, like multi-colored belts and exquisitely embroidered blankets, among others.

Then, we’ll continue descending through the valley slope until we reach a spectacular Inca archaeological site over a hill called Pisac, with magnificent terraced fields on its hill slopes, among Inca enclosures, squares, temples, and even an Inca cemetery! Our first contact with a rich Andean past! Descending into the modern town, we will lose ourselves among the colored stands of the famous Pisac traditional market, where we will be fascinated by its beautiful handicrafts made by local people, like fabric crafts, sculptures, jewelry, and paintings with Andean thematic.

Next, we will go to a charming restaurant in the middle of the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley to enjoy a delicious lunch made from local ingredients, fully included in our program. You can choose the restaurant, in advance, with the advice of our travel consultants.

Finally, we’ll go to our hotel in the middle of the spectacular scenery of the Sacred Valley and you can enjoy a delicious dinner here, on your own. A well-deserved sleep is guaranteed tonight!

• Overnight in Sacred Valley.
• Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch.

DAY 3: SACRED VALLEY

The Sacred Valley still has treasures to discover, and you will not miss a thing! This day assures an unforgettable trip in a perfect climate. The Sacred Valley is known for its charming climate 365 days a year. First, you'll enjoy a delicious breakfast at your luxury hotel. Then, with our guide, we will begin our adventure through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Discover Ollantaytambo, a fortress that was the last Inca refuge in Andean lands during the Spanish invasion. Wander among its narrow alleys, temples, enclosures and squares of well-carved, perfectly fitted, stone architecture. This incredible experience will be accompanied by stories and myths that your guide will tell you about the place. One notable mention, the fantastic ancient love story legend about an Inca military General and a beautiful Princess, the daughter of the Inca emperor Pachacutec.

Next, you will go to a charming restaurant in the middle of the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley, to enjoy a delicious and exclusive lunch made from local ingredients. As if this were not enough, the variety of flavors and colors in its menu, dishes, and drinks will surprise you.

Then, our next stop will be the white slopes of Maras. There, you will enjoy the brightness of 2,000 small Inca salt wells that are still used by local people today to provide themselves with salt. By the way, the Maras salt is recognized worldwide as being perfect for grills and barbecues.

Moving on, our guide will transfer up to Moray, where you'll be fascinated by a series of circular terraces, in the form of rings, that go into the earth's deeps. These circle terraces were used as an Incan laboratory to acclimatize crops. They sowed a specific type of seed in each circular terrace, from the smallest and deepest ring to the largest, to see the quality of the harvest they obtained.

Finally, we’ll return to the hotel to for a deserved rest, you can take a relaxing shower or, maybe, enjoy a fantastic dinner on our own.

DAY 4: SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU- CUSCO

Conquest the most incredible inca citadel, machu picchu, on an unforgettable day.

The day to conquer Machu Picchu has arrived! After a delicious breakfast in your hotel, our host will take you to Ollantaytambo train station to dispatch you on a charming and comfortable train heading to Aguas Calientes, the modern town of Machu Picchu. The magical train trip will last one and a half hours, crossing the spectacular Peruvian jungle, always accompanied by the singing of exotic birds, leafy undergrowth, and the Vilcanota river that will follow the train's movement, like a snake on the lookout for its prey!

Once you arrive at Aguas Calientes train station, our local guide will await you at the arrivals gate. With your guide, you’ll go to the bus station to take a “CONSETTUR” bus heading to the top of a mountain where Machu Picchu citadel is located. After 35 minutes of the bus trip, the bus will drop you at the same entrance gate to Machu Picchu.

Then, you will enter the famous Inca citadel to start living the magic there! You can get lost between enclosures, squares, temples, and stone alleys perfectly carved and fitted. Exploring for two hours the mysteries and magic of an Inca citadel that continues to amaze the world with its beauty. Of course, as a soundtrack, you will listen to the stories of its construction, inhabitants, and function from your private guide.

Once the tour is over, but not before taking your dream photo of Machu Picchu, our tour guide will dispatch you in a CONSETTUR bus returning to Aguas Calientes town. There you’ll enjoy a fantastic lunch included in our program in one of the best restaurants in the zone.

Next, you’ll have to go to the Aguas Calientes train station to take your train to return to Cusco. There, you will take a comfortable train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy train stations. Whatever station you arrive at, another member of our staff will wait for you to transfer to the Cusco Hotel, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner on your own, before taking a relaxing shower and enjoying a well-deserved rest.

Don't worry; as you can see, you will always be assisted at any departure or arrival point!

OPTIONAL: If you want to continue enjoying Machu Picchu, this package, like all the others, can be fully customized by adding a night in Aguas Calientes. So, on the following day, you'll be able to enjoy a second visit to the enigmatic Inca citadel or hike to nearby mountains like Huayna Picchu and get fabulous photos of Huayna Picchu. Just tell us your requirements, it’s as easy as that!

• Overnight in Cusco.

DAY 5: CUSCO

Are you ready to visit the beautiful, old, Capital of the Inca empire, the “Rome of America” . Of course, we refer to Cusco!  After your hotel provides a comforting and delicious breakfast, your guide will be ready to transport you into the past.

First, you’ll explore the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, with its giant rocks perfectly fitted into its structure. The tour will continue by visiting the Qenqo Inca ceremonial center with its ancient sacrifice vestiges. Then, the Inca, military barrack, Puca Pucara will fascinate you with its beautiful views of Cusco. Following, our guide will show you the retreat place of the Inca sovereign called Tambomachay, with its beautiful water fonts, where the sovereign spent long periods resting and hunting.

Then, we will return to Cusco Center to lose ourselves in its charming stone alleys by appreciating the renaissance architecture of the Cathedral of Cusco and its famous painting collection of unique art style called "Escuela Cusqueña".

Later, your guide will lead you to Qoricancha temple, located a short distance from the Cathedral, where you will be fascinated with the mix of Inca and Spanish architectural styles, besides some original remains of the Inca temples inside it.

Finally, our tour will end in the main square. You might enjoy a nice lunch or dinner on your own in one of the nearby restaurants, or we can arrange transport to drop you off at your hotel. Whatever your decision, tell your guide what you would like to do!

• Included meals: Breakfast.

DAY 6: CUSCO – LIMA

The worst part of a trip is when those good adventures you will remember forever, end. That is why Machu Travel Peru wants to save you the penalty. You will only have to enjoy a comforting breakfast fully included in your hotel reservation and let yourself go.

At a predetermined hour, MACHU TRAVEL PERU staff will transfer you to the Cusco airport and dispatch you on a flight to Lima.

Do you like the sound of our tour? Do you have extra requests or questions? Please don’t hesitate to write to us. We will always be attentive to personalize your dreams in Peru at your desire!

NOTE: This program will allow you to visit Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Moray, Salineras, and Machu Picchu. Additionally, you can add more exciting day tours in Cusco or another destination in Peru. Please take a look at our package list for more options.

The price is fully customizable and can be tailored and flexible to your personal preferences and style, the price is basically based on final accommodation, travel dates, and other custom preferences during the tour.

Request your PERSONALIZED QUOTE now.

• 5 nights lodging at the hotels mentioned in the program, For Double Occupancy.
• All Excursions and Tours In Private Service.
• All transfers and transportation with a private van.
• A Professional Driver.
• All entrance tickets to all the attractions mentioned in the program.
• Round trip VISTADOME train ticket to Machu Picchu.
• Round trip bus ticket to Machu Picchu.
• Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.
• Meals as indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
• A Professional English-Speaking Tour Guide.
• Personal attention.

NOT INCLUDED:

• International flight tickets.
• Domestic flights from Lima to Cusco & Cusco to Lima.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mount; extra charge of US$ 20.00 p/p.
• Travel insurance.

Top Pick Accommodations

Best hotels recommended for you.

The list below shows our recommended hotels that our travel experts have selected for each destination to make your vacation the best experience featuring superior service, good location, and all facilities necessary for a comfortable stay.

We can book any hotel for you, even if it is not on our list. Please just contact our travel experts for more information.

JW MARRIOTT HOTEL LIMA

HILTON LIMA MIRAFLORES

SHERATON LIMA HISTORIC CENTER

AC HOTEL LIMA MIRAFLORES

CASA ANDINA PREMIUM MIRAFLORES

PULLMAN LIMA MIRAFLORES

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON LIMA MIRAFLORES EL PARDO

CASA ANDINA SELECT MIRAFLORES

COSTA DEL SOL WYNDHAM LIMA AEROPUERTO

HOLIDAY INN LIMA AIRPORT

ALLPA HOTEL & SUITES

EL TAMBO UNO HOTEL

JW MARRIOTT EL CONVENTO CUSCO

ARANWA CUSCO BOUTIQUE HOTEL

BELMOND HOTEL MONASTERIO

PALACIO DEL INKA, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL

CASA CARTAGENA BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA

PALACIO NAZARENAS CUSCO

ANTIGUA CASONA SAN BLAS CUSCO

CASA ANDINA PREMIUM CUSCO

SONESTA HOTEL CUSCO

WYNDHAM COSTA DEL SOL CUSCO

HOTEL SAN AGUSTIN PLAZA CUSCO

NOVOTEL CUSCO

MAYTAQ WASIN BOUTIQUE HOTEL

CASA ANDINA STANDARD CUSCO PLAZA

CASA ANDINA STANDARD CUSCO CATEDRAL

CASA ANDINA STANDARD CUSCO KORICANCHA

CASA ANDINA STANDARD CUSCO SAN BLAS

TAMBO DEL INKA, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT & SPA, SACRED VALLEY

Sacred Valley

ARANWA SACRED VALLEY HOTEL & WELLNESS

RIO SAGRADO BELMOD HOTEL SACRED VALLEY

INKATERRA HACIENDA URUBAMNBA

CASA ANDINA PREMIUM VALLE SAGRADO

SONESTA POSADAS DEL INCA YUCAY

SAN AGUSTIN MONASTERIO DE LA RECOLETA BOUTIQUE

We can book any Peru hotel for you, even if it is not on our list. Please just contact to our travel experts for more information.

Speak to our travel experts at call 1 (800) 980-0435

Destinations visited: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

Style: Religious, Cultural, Archaeological, Adventure and Experiential.

10 YEARS of positive action.

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Best experience in Peru!!

• By: Marilyn S.
• Visit in: September 2024

Absolutely amazing experience! From the pickup arrangements at airports and hotels, tours, restaurants, accommodations and more importantly guides and drivers. Adolfo (guide) and Alfran (Driver) were...

This was an unbelievable trip!

• By: Sarah & Rich

Machu Travel Peru did an outstanding job organizing. Within 24 hours of submitting an inquiry, I had an itinerary in my inbox and an agent to...

Peru - So much more than expected

• By: Edward Franco
• Visit in: August 2024

The trip was different from what we were expecting, in a great way. Machu Travel Peru organized a few days in Lima, next the rain forest...

A memorable journey to Lima and Machu Picchu - 6 Days / 5 Nights

Let's make your perfect vacation.

Your trip will be personalised, just for you, by one of our expert travel designers.

So let us know as much as you can about your wishes and your needs. Then we can create your bespoke trip, with accommodation, activities and expert local guides, all to suit you.

Ancient Inca and Traditional Lima

Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Lima

From $ 1369 USD / 6 Days

Explore Peru's highlights with our 6-day tour of Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lima. Visit ancient Incan ruins, immerse yourself in the local culture, and indulge in delicious cuisine. Discover the vibrant city of Lima and its stunning architecture. Book now for an unforgettable journey through Peru's most iconic destinations.

Discover Peru's best on our 6-day tour of Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lima. Experience ancient ruins, local culture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant cities.

Adrienne Moss

How we work

Ancient Inca Ruins

Colonial Charm

Vibrant artisan markets

Amazing food

Day 1 : Arrival in Cusco & transfer to Sacred Valley

• Our Peru For Less travel representative will greet you at the airport in Cusco. Our company representative will answer any remaining questions you may have about your trip and provide you with everything needed for your upcoming journey. Your private transfer will take your preferred hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Day 2 : Sacred Valley Tour

Day 3 : machu picchu tour, day 4 : free day in machu picchu and return to cusco, day 5 : cusco city tour and lima overnight, day 6 : lima city tour & departure from lima.

Zero postponement fees up to 30 days before arrival, transferable travel credit , and only a 30% deposit required to secure your trip.

We had a wonderful experience with your company. The transport, tour guides, hotels and trains were wonderful. Diana was a great guide for us on the first day. Our Machu Picchu guide was great as well. I would definitely recommend them again. Your team did a wonderful job in all areas.

Prices per Person

• 5 nights in Peru Hotels based on US standards
• All tours stated in the itinerary with English-speaking guides
• Ground transportation and entrance fees
• Breakfast at all hotels
• Trains: Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo

Not Included:

• Lunches or dinner (unless otherwise specified)
• Airport taxes

Foodie Highlights

Effortlessly combine top-rated restaurants to any itinerary.

Central & MIL owner-chef Virgilio Martinez has partnered with Peru for Less to offer you gourmet dining experiences that will broaden your understanding of Peru.

Top Pick Hotels

Palacio del Inka

Plazoleta Santo Domingo 259, Historic Center, Cusco

Casa Andina Premium Cusco

Plazoleta de Limacpampa Chico 473, Historic Center, Cusco

Casa San Blas

Tocuyeros 566, San Blas, Cusco

Anahuarque Boutique Hotel

Calle San Agustin 236, Cusco

Additional Services

Customize this itinerary by adding extra days to any location. Please contact one of our expert travel advisors for pricing.

Sacred Valley Ceramic Class

Muña Restaurant in the lovely Sacred Valley provides the venue for this 2-hour ceramic class. Participants will learn the basics of Peruvian pottery-making and craft a personal piece to take home. A prestigious Peruvian ceramic artist will walk you through the process from preparing clay to learning traditional painting methods and techniques so you can make your own unique piece of Andean art. Price available upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Tipon, Piquillajta and Andahuaylillas Tour

Experience the “Southern Valley” of Cusco with a 4-hour expert guided tour of Tipon, Piquillajta and Andahuaylillas. At Tipon, you will discover an extensive Inca site famous for beautiful gardens and sophisticated irrigation systems. In Piquillacta you’ll explore this administrative capital of the southern portion of the pre-Inca Wari Empire. Next, meet Andahuaylillas, home to a dazzling 17th-century church, known as the “Andean Sistine Chapel.” Price available upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Stand Up Paddleboarding

Experience the incredible landscapes of Cusco and the Sacred Valley from a different perspective – by water! With this unique tour you will paddle Lake Piuray, enjoying the peace and snow capped mountains in the distance. You will have a safety briefing with an expert instructor to get used to the board and practice different techniques before setting out to explore. Price available upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Sacred Valley Mountain Biking Tour

This exhilarating 6 hour biking tour will take you to prized sites in the Sacred Valley. From the starting point, you will bike to the Moray archeological site, the oldest known horticultural experimental center in the world. Next, you will continue biking to the community of Maras, where you will explore the vast Maras salt mines that predate the Inca and are active to this day. Price available upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Sacred Valley Full Day River Rafting

Raft on the Urubamba River with category 2 currents. This rafting tour is suitable for everyone, with no previous rafting experience required. Before hitting the rapids, you will learn the basics, and then have two hours on the river to paddle and take in the beautiful Andean valley. An expert expert guide will be on board to explain the interesting history of the region. Price available upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Ziplining and Mountain Climbing

If you aren’t afraid of heights and crave an adrenaline-filled adventure, this tour is for you. Begin with mountain climbing the rock formations that make up the hillsides of the Sacred Valley. Once you reach the highest point of the climb, you will start to descend into the valley – this time on a series of zip lines. Professional equipment and expert guide throughout. Price available upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Maras and Moray Tour

Head to two unique sites located between Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Maras and Moray. The first stop is Moray, which is the oldest inca archaeological site, known for its circular terraces that served as horticultural experimentation centers. Next, Maras is the site of pre-Inca salineras (salt ponds). The stunning Maras salt mines are still active today and maintained cooperatively by the Maras community. Price available upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Meet our staff

Since 1998, the Peru for Less team has been composed of a diverse group of expert travelers and professionals hailing from cities across Peru and from countries around the world. Despite our different backgrounds, we share two things in common: a passion for exploring and a belief that responsive and caring customer service is the surest path to creating an excellent and comfortable vacation experience.

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Machu Picchu, Cusco, Titicaca, Amazon, Lima, Paracas, Arequipa & Colca

9 days from $ 1919

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Cusco , Machu Picchu , Travel Tips

Getting from Lima to Machu Picchu

Discover the best ways to get from Lima to Machu Picchu in 2024 . Public bus, hop-on hop-off bus, train or plane. We have all of the info!

Lima to Machu Picchu – The most complete guide ever written, updated every 3 months! We show you the various ways of getting from Lima to Machu Picchu, analyzing planes, buses, treks, and trains! Contact us if you have any questions at all that we may help with.

Did you know: Peru Hop was setup by 2 Irish guys in 2013 and has been voted #1 Travel Company in Peru for 2024 – Click here for more info .

Brief Summary (much more detail below):

To get from Lima to Machu Picchu, you need to first get to Cusco. You have the following options:

• Go from Lima to Cusco by bus. The route via Huacachina (Desert Oasis), Arequipa (Colca Canyon), and Puno (Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca) is recommended. Peru Hop is the best option, with Cruz del Sur being the best of the rest.
• Go from Lima to Cusco by plane. Latam is by FAR the best airline, do not book with cheaper airlines that cancel regularly. IMPORTANT: by taking a plane direct to Cusco instead of a bus, you will need more time to acclimatize to the altitude.
• Once in Cusco, the best way to Machu Picchu is to take a Tour with a reputable tour company as it can be complicated to organize entrance tickets, train tickets, bus transfers, and a guide (you CANNOT enter Machu Picchu without a guide), and you often save money (as well as stress) by taking a tour or trek. We strongly recommend Yapa Explorers , based on their variety of tours to Machu Picchu, reliability and our passengers’ feedback!

Getting from Lima to Machu Picchu and deciding on the best transport and tour companies is not always easy, but below we have compiled over 10 years of knowledge into the most complete guide ever written, helping you to choose what’s best for you given your time constraints and budgets. Scroll below for info on trains, treks, and more.

Contents of this page:

STEP 1: Getting from Lima to Cusco

STEP 2: Getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu

• Trekking your way to Machu Picchu
• Getting to Machu Picchu Quickly
• Getting to Machu Picchu Cheaply
• Pricing and Practical Information

STEP 3: Lima to Machu Picchu – How To Book

• Lima to Cusco by bus or plane
• Cusco to Machu Picchu by bus or train

Lima To Cusco By Bus: What You Need To Know

To get to Machu Picchu from Lima, you first need to get to Cusco.

Cusco is almost 10,000ft above sea level and separated from Lima by the Andes Mountains. This means altitude problems often affect tourists who go directly to Cusco and altitude sickness is very common.

Experts recommend taking a bus to Cusco (stopping along the way) as the ascent to Cusco is then more gradual and recent statistics launched by the Peruvian Tourism Board have shown that bus travelers are 3 times LESS likely to be affected by altitude than those who travel via plane.

Buses in Peru are safe as long as you go with formal companies like Peru Hop or Cruz del Sur. A non-stop journey to Cusco (not recommended) takes around 22hours, so it is STRONGLY recommended you break up the trip with stops at the incredible Huacachina Oasis or Arequipa and Puno.

THINKING OF VISITING MACHU PICCHU?

Full South to Cusco

Enjoy the full experience from Lima to Cusco with Peru Hop.

Bus Routes to Cusco – what you MUST know:

Buses in Peru are very safe as long as you go with formal companies. The accidents that do happen are often with informal companies (the cheapest-priced companies). Informal companies offer low prices compared to the best companies such as Peru Hop or Cruz del Sur and often cut corners on safety to reduce costs.

There are 2 main routes from Lima to Cusco by Bus:

Route A: LIMA – NAZCA – CUSCO (Direct but not recommended):

This route takes you from Lima to Nazca and then travels through the Andes mountain range, passing Abancay before arriving in Cusco approximately 22 hours later.

This is the fastest way from Lima to Cusco by bus, however, it has a bad reputation. There have been many bus crashes and hijackings along this route. The winding roads are both curvy and steep and are especially dangerous in the rainy season. It is best to avoid this route to Cusco.

Route B: LIMA – NAZCA – AREQUIPA – CUSCO (strongly recommended):

This route takes you further down south from Lima to Arequipa and then takes you back up North from Arequipa to Cusco.

The road is much safer and there is also a LOT to see along the way. Recommended stops include Paracas , Huacachina , Arequipa , and Puno if you have time. This is the most common route taken in Peru and exposes tourists to the beauty of Peru along the way to Machu Picchu.

Peru Hop Bus

Peru Hop are the most popular bus company in Peru. The company has a 96% rating on TripAdvisor from more than 3,000 reviews. However, before deciding whether to book with them, take the following into account:

• Peru Hop sell bus passes that cover all/some of the destinations between Lima and Cusco. The “quickest” pass to Cusco is the 3 days/2 night option with overnight local stops included along the way
• Peru Hop is more suited for those with a little more time (e.g. more than 6/7 days in Peru). If you have less than 6 days in Peru, it is probably worth taking the direct buses to Cusco

To fully understand how Peru Hop works click here .

Cruz Del Sur Bus

Cruz del Sur is the second-best bus company in Peru and has a reasonably good safety record. Their buses are excellent with bed-like seats on many of their buses. Before deciding whether to book with them, take the following into account:

• For direct buses from Lima to Cusco, they take the direct route that we do not recommend above.
• To go the safest route, you would need to buy a Lima to Arequipa ticket and then a Arequipa to Cusco ticket.

Booking on their website is quite straightforward, and whilst they have don’t have excellent TripAdvisor reviews, they are still definitely one of the best bus options in Peru.

If you are nervous about flying, then it is best to avoid Lima to Cusco by plane, as the flight has to cross over the Andes Mountains, turbulence is very common. This mixed with Cusco’s rain and stormy weather makes for some nervous moments.

One of the biggest issues with flying from Lima to Cusco is the altitude and the fact that you have gone from sea level to 10,000ft+ very quickly. This is not good for your body and is the reason why approximately 75% of tourists report feeling ill for their first 2 days in Cusco after flying.

If you plan to travel by plane, we strongly recommend Latam Airlines, as the “cheaper” airlines often cancel based on our experience.

Finally, if traveling by plane, make sure you do some day trips from Lima or day trips from Cusco to see other parts of Peru as well, as it would be a shame to come to Peru and “only” see Machu Picchu!

Train enthusiasts might get disappointed when visiting South America because there aren’t as many trains in operation here. Although uncommon, there is a way to take at least part of your trip by train.

The only train to Cusco leaves from Puno. The train from Puno to Cusco is the Andean Explorer, a luxury tourist train that will take approx. ten hours to get to Cusco during a scenic day trip. Fares are quite expensive – a one-way trip will cost at least $280, it is a very luxurious experience.

STEP 2: Getting From Cusco To Machu Picchu

So whether by bus or by plane, you have made it from Lima to Cusco! Now it is time to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu lies about 80 kilometers northwest of Cusco, although that sounds close, it is actually quite far given the Andes Mountains are blocking a direct route!

There are 2 main ways of getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu:

A – Taking a trek from Cusco (usually between 3 and 5 days depending on what trek you choose)

B – By Bus & Train combination (possible in 1 long day, or 2days/1 night)

A – Trekking your way to Machu Picchu

There are 3 popular treks to Machu Picchu, each of which we will discuss further below, in no particular order:

1. OFFICIAL INCA TRAIL

This is by far the most famous way to get to Machu Picchu and the most famous trek in South America. Only 500 people are allowed on the trail each day, including porters and guides. It is necessary to get a permit to trek the trail. To secure a permit you must book six months in advance , costing around $650-$1250.

If you are willing to plan that far in advance you will not be disappointed. The trail winds through the Andes overlooking snow-capped mountains as well as cloud jungle forest. You will arrive at Machu Picchu just in time to watch the sunrise from the sun gate .

Most Inca trail treks are 4 days with three nights camping but there are options for 2, 5 and even 7 days. The difficulty of the trek is moderate to hard.

2. SALKANTAY TREK

The Salkantay trail is a good alternative for those not wanting to wait six months to see the citadel. Salkantay is the name of a mountain in la Cordillera Vilcabamba. The Salkantay pass takes you to altitudes above 4600m , which makes the already challenging trail that much more difficult. Prices range from $230 to $300 for a 4-day hike that you need to book a few days in advance.

3. INCA JUNGLE TREK

If you aren’t an experienced trekker and walking for four days straight isn’t your cup of tea, maybe the Inca Jungle Trek would be perfect for you. It is the most varied trek out there, and with prices ranging between $220 and $300, it is also the cheapest. This trek offers biking, hiking, ziplining and rafting on your way to Machu Picchu.

Important tips on picking your Tour or Trek Operator for Machu Picchu:

• Do not just opt for the cheapest company – this is usually a BIG mistake. You don’t want to get left behind somewhere in the jungle (it happens) so shop around and see who provides the best responses to your questions and concerns
• If you don’t have time to spend a day interrogating tour operators in Cusco, check FindLocalTrips , which lets you compare operators’ itineraries and prices all in one location. Everything is in clear English too, which is not always the case when contacting tour operators directly.
• Avoid companies like G Adventures, Bamba Experience, Intrepid etc – their markup is more than 100%. If you go directly to the trek operators (e.g. via their websites or with FindLocalTrips then you will see the prices are usually a LOT cheaper.
• Make sure you know what your tour includes. Every good trek to Machu Picchu will include your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (with the option for Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu), your accommodation, food (with exception of the last day) and your transport back from Machu Picchu to Cusco, usually by the train.

Best way to get from Lima to Cusco: The Full South to Cusco pass is the best option to get to Machu Picchu without missing out on any of Peru’s other hidden gems along the way.

B – Getting to Machu Picchu Quickly via Bus & Train

A one day tour is the fastest way to get to Machu Picchu. It involves taking a 2-hour bus ride to Ollantaytambo (winding roads through the Mountains), a 90-minute train to Aguas Calientes, a bus up to the complex itself, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, a bus down from the complex and a train ride back so you can arrive in Cusco in the late evening. Prices start from $230. Tour operators can be found here

If you prefer, you can also spread the journey over two days for a similar price, spending the night in Aguas Calientes town.

Getting to Machu Picchu Cheaply (NOT recommended)

Editor Note: It is NOT recommended to follow this route due to safety concerns and accidents in the past. We STRONGLY recommend booking a tour or trek with a reputable company.

To get to Machu Picchu cheaply you need to combine a couple of different modes of transport. Firstly take a taxi to the Santiago Terminal in Cusco and get a local bus to Santa Maria. It is advisable to go early.

From Santa Maria, continue your journey to Santa Teresa. There are a bunch of minivans stationed on the square in the town. They will take 45/60 minutes of bumpy road through the jungle to Santa Maria. Here in Santa Maria you then need to book a taxi to Hidroelectrica.

Be aware that the roads between Santa Maria, Santa Teresa and Hidroelectrica are in really bad condition and the minibus vans or taxis will take you along sheer cliff-sides and hairpin turns. This is extremely dangerous in the dark and during the rainy season, do exercise caution when considering this option.

From Hidroelectrica you will follow the Inca train trail tracks by foot (the road ends here) to Aguas Calientes. It is a flat hike and should not take more than 3 hours. Leave early enough so you don’t get stuck walking in the dark. Avoid getting hit by the train and watch out for packs of stray dogs.

Once in Aguas Calientes you can hang out and call it an early night. The next morning you have two options to go to the Inca Citadel:

• By bus: It is recommended to go early in the morning to Machu Picchu, so start waiting in line at 4.30-5.00am. The earliest bus leaves at 5.30 and the latest at 15.30. A one-way ticket costs 12 dollars.
• On foot: the walk up Machu Picchu is basically a lot of stairs. It is demanding but if you take your time and leave around 4-4.30, it should be manageable. You could see it as part of your experience or maybe you want to keep all your energy for exploring the complex or your hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Machu Picchu – Pricing and practical information

• Inca Trail Treks sell out MONTHS in advance due to limitations from the government
• Machu Picchu Inca Jungle Trek and Salkantay Trek can usually be booked 1 or 2 days before, except in July high season when you should book at least a few days in advance
• 1-day and 2-day tours by bus & train should be booked in advance
• For further tips about what to bring and things like that, check out our Machu Picchu page here

Lima To Machu Picchu – How To Book

Step 1: lima to cusco.

Bus Options:

• Public Bus – you can search bus tickets on Cruz del Sur’s website here . Remember to book Lima to Arequipa and then Arequipa to Cusco
• Private Bus with stops – you can search Peru Hop tickets here . Choose whatever pass suits your time schedule.

Flight Options:

• Plane – you can search plane tickets directly on Latam’s website here

STEP 2: Cusco to Machu Picchu

Trek Options

• Inca Trail (4 days) – search and compare operators here
• Inca Jungle Trek (3 or 4 days) – search and compare operators here
• Salkantay Trek (4 or 5 days) – search and compare operators here

Tour Options:

• 1 Day Tour – search and compare operators here
• 2 Day/1 Night Tour – search and compare operators here

IMPORTANT: If you would like to organize a full complete trip: learn everything you need to know about Machu Picchu tickets or check out our passes to find the perfect option!

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Editor Picks: The Best Machu Picchu Tours from Lima

Discover one of the true humanmade wonders of the world, Machu Picchu, on these incredible tours from Lima, Peru.

(Photo: Tourradar.com)

One of the great wonders of the world, Machu Picchu was constructed in the 1400s for Inca emperor Pachacuti. During the Spanish Conquest it was abandoned and lay unknown to the outside world until 1911 when American historian Hiram Bingham came across it. Not surprisingly, it features on the wish list of many travellers. Being remote and at an altitude of 2,430 meters, tours are an increasingly popular way to get there, especially from Peru’s capital city Lima.

Machu Picchu Adventure

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the distance from Lima to Machu Picchu and the difficulty of reaching the revered site in the first place mean that longer tours are more common. Adding-in the time required to acclimatize to the Andean altitude and to visit some of the other landmarks in the region, you’ll see your money stretch so much further, the longer the tour you take. This eight-day trip is top value and a highly competitive itinerary, which includes time to explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. From $1,500 per person.

Book at Gadventures.com

Explore Machu Picchu

Another popular iteration of the eight-day tour from Lima to Machu Picchu involves taking the train from Ollantaytambo to Agua Calientes (the main stop for people attempting to reach Machu Picchu). The train is a great way to explore the Andean landscape, and a perfect introduction of what is to come. Beyond the tour to Machu Picchu, you will also be able to visit the Inca salt pans at Urubamba, and many other Inca ruins, such as the temples and plazas of Pisac. From $1,935 per person.

(Photo: Intrepidtravel.com)

Inca Trail & Amazon Adventure

Explore the worlds of Incas and Amazons on a 12-day tour with Intrepid, where real emphasis is put on experiencing Machu Picchu in the most genuine way possible. For most people, this means hiking the Inca Trail, a challenging but fascinating three-day trek through the Andes, slowly gaining altitude as you go. This also means seeing the ruins at sunrise, before the main tourism buses, which drive up from Aguas Calientes, start to dilute the experience. This is a round-trip tour from Lima. From $2,085 per person.

Book at Intrepidtravel.com

Peruvian Highlights

Start out by crossing the Andes by plane to Puerto Maldonado, gateway to Peru’s Amazon Rainforest on this eight-day tour of the country. You’ll spend a few days in a jungle lodge amid the monkeys, birds and other wildlife before stepping back into an Andean land steeped in traditional South American history. From Cusco to Machu Picchu, you will see the finest examples of Inca architecture and pieces of their civilization left behind. This tour ends in Cusco. From $2,179 per person.

Book at Contiki.com

Sacred Land of the Incas

This final tour from Lima sees guests embark on an immersive, 15-day cultural tour of the so-called Sacred Land of the Incas. During the trip you’ll visit some incredible destinations, including the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca, and trek to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail. You’ll also take an exhilarating walk through the Amazon rainforest at night, and a tour of a cocoa museum in Cusco. As with all tours on this list, all hotel accommodation, plus an expert guide, most meals and transport are included. From $3,230 per person.

Book at Tourradar.com

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• Salkantay Mountain
• Machu Picchu
• Ollantaytambo
• Colca Canyon
• Lake Titicaca
• Sacred Valley of the Incas
• Amazon Rainforest
• Nazca Lines
• Choquequirao
• Walking & Trekking Tours
• Short Hikes & Tours
• Cultural Discovery
• Family Holidays
• Pristine Rainforest
• Multi-Adventure Tours
• Peru Travel Packages
• Luxury Holidays Tours
• Inca Trail Alternative Treks
• 2025 Tickets & Guide
• San Martin School
• Reusable snack bags
• Reforestation with Native Trees
• Essentials Peru
• The best time to visit Peru
• What to bring on a Hike
• Things to do in Peru
• Getting to Machu Picchu
• Inca Trail Trek & Tours FAQs
• Camping Equipment
• How to Book & Payment
• Booking terms & conditions
• Coronavirus Travel Policy

Machu Picchu Tour from Lima

2 Day train tour to Machu Picchu  is one of the most stress-free trips available. Transportation and lodging are completely taken care of, and travelers on the Machu Picchu overnight get to experience the beautiful, ancient Incan city without several days of hiking. 

While this more demanding option appeals to some, the ease of the train ride (with beautiful views of the landscape) to Aguas Calientes, a night in a comfortable hotel, a tour of the city, and transportation home sound more appealing to many tourists. 

Machu Picchu 2 day tour is an especially good travel option for seeing the historical location if pressed for time, for anyone who missed the chance to reserve a spot on the Inca Trail but still wants to see the city, for families with small children, or for those who are less physically able. Machu Picchu is a Wonder of the World and should be available to all people who want to visit, not just those who can hike long distances.

In the lost citadel we can explore the area, seeing the markets and crafting houses around the site. Interacting with people of the area while learn the custom of each one.

Already climbing to the lost city of the Incas where is the principal attraction, we have to up among the beautiful trees, exploring the ruins and take the pictures we can estimate the magnificence of monuments and the panoramic views from Huayna Picchu mountain to the lost citadel.

Lima to Machu Picchu Overview

Sustainable Tourism :  Inca Trail Machu  is very keen and happy to promote and practice sustainable tourism by being eco-friendly and supporting local communities

Service level : Comfortable service and accommodation private

Machu Picchu Tour Operator : Inca Trail Machu

Crew : Inca Trail Machu Representative in Cusco and a professional tour guide at Machu Picchu .

Age Requirements : 2+ (All travelers under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult!).

Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x snack bag

Accommodation : Hotel in Machu Picchu (Double, Matrimonial or single room with private bathroom)

Transportation : Transportation by private vehicle, a train round trip.

2 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Lima

Quick itinerary:.

Day 01: Lima - Cusco - Machu Picchu 06:40 - Flight from Lima to Cusco. 08:00 - Arrival to Cusco and transfer to the train station. 09:30 - Ollantaytambo train station. 11:15 - Train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes). 12:55 - Arrival and transfer your hotel Susana Inn 3* (Single room with private bath). 13:10 - Free time, you can explore the small town and have a lunch (not included). 16:00 - Our guide will be visiting your hotel for your briefing (20 min approx).

Day 02: Machu Picchu - Cusco - Lima 05:30 - Wake up and transfer to the bus station. 06:00 - Tourist bus to Machu Picchu. 07:00 - Enter to Machu Picchu. 07:30 - Guided Tour in Machu Picchu (2 hrs). 12:30 - Bus down to Machupicchu Town (Aguas Calientes). 13:00 - Arrival and have a lunch (not included). 14:30 - Train return to Ollantaytambo. 16:10 - Arrival to the train station and transfer from Ollantaytambo to the airport. 19:45 - Flight from Cusco to Lima.

Highlight of Machu Picchu Day Tours :

• A comfortable and quick way to get to Machu Picchu.
• Opportunity to view the Sacred Valley of the Incas as well as subtropical nature on the way to the Inca citadel.
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
• Time off to explore and discover Machu Picchu on your own.
• An opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu  Mountain.

Machu Picchu tours from Lima

Did you think that Machu Picchu was at the Lima and you are surprised that it's not there? " Inca Trail Machu tour operator " have the best trip option to Machu Picchu for you. We can offer you the 2 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima . We provide local flight tickets from Lima to Cusco. Once you arrived at Cusco. Our driver will be waiting in the airport and will take you to the train station to Machupicchu Town (Aguas Calientes) where you'll spend the nigth.

The second day. Wake up early and take the bus up to Machu Picchu then you'll start the citadel visit itadel with a professoinal tour guide. In the afternoon you will take the train from Machupicchu Town (Aguas Calientes) back to Ollantaytambo train station. Upon the arrival you'll be transfer from the train station to the Cusco airport. Finally catch a night flight from Cusco to Lima. Here you have the best itinerary for your holidays, please let us know if we can help you to organize it. If you have questions, you can contact by WhatsApp:   +51997434941 , our staff will reply ASAP. or you can send us by emiail your doublt:  [email protected] .

Extra Optional Activities in Machu Picchu Tour

Mandor water fall walk tour.

It is well known that the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and the Salkantay Trek are the most adventurous and famous experiences around Machu Picchu, however this is an extra option for those who are looking for a peacefull, light walk to one of the  least known tourist destinations.

From Machupicchu Town (Aguas Calientes) you'll walk for about 1hr throug a landscape of abundant vegetation crowned by the 30-meters  Waterfalls of Mandor, you are welcome to get into the cool, crisp pool this waterfall makes, but be forewarned — it’s quite chilly!

Our professional guide will pick you up from your hotel and bring you back once the excursion is over.

Machu Picchu Waterfall walk

Did you know there is a magic waterfall just minutes from Machupicchu Town? a local guide will take you through a botanic garden to this peaceful and unknown place. Amazing landscapes for the whole family. After a pretty easy and short walk, you'll be ready to make your own apacheta at the Machu Picchu Waterfall.

Rock Carving

Inca Trail Machu is working with local artists from the "Rumimaki Carvers Association". Develop a new talent with a group of professional carvers who will teach you the ancient Peruvian technique of rock carving.

A 2 hours lessons that finish with your own piece of art. What are you waiting for?.

Machu Picchu Hike

• Short Inca Trail
• Machu Picchu hike 3 days
• Inca Trail 4 days
• Salkantay Trek
• Choquequirao Trek
• Lares trek to Machu Picchu
• Inca Quarry Trek

Day 01: Lima - Machu Picchu

The Machu Picchu tours from Lima commence as our transfer picks you up from Astete International Airport and transports you to the railway station, either at Poroy (40 minutes from Cusco) or Ollantaytambo (1 hour and 40 minutes from Cusco). Boarding a train, you'll enjoy a scenic 1 hour and 45 minutes journey through diverse landscapes, passing lush fields and vibrant villages nestled in the foothills of the Andes. The route offers breathtaking views of mountains and the magnificent Urubamba River flowing through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Upon reaching Aguas Calientes , a town below Machu Picchu, our Representative greets you at the railway station and guides you to the hotel.

The first day doesn't involve a Machu Picchu tour. Instead, you settle into your hotel, and the remainder of the day is free. You can explore the thermal baths (hot springs) and the charming surroundings of Aguas Calientes or engage in additional activities in Machupicchu town, such as a walk to Mandor Waterfall , a rock carving tour, and more.

Day 02: Machu Picchu - Lima

On the second day of the Machu Picchu tour from Lima , an early wake-up precedes your transfer to the bus station. There, you board a shuttle bus for a 25-minute journey along a zigzag path to the archaeological complex of Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival, your Tour Guide introduces Circuit 1 or 2 , showcasing key attractions like the main square, Sun Temple, Intiwatana (Sun Clock), Royal Rooms, Temple of the Three Windows, and Royal Incas Cemetery. This guided tour lasts about 2 and a half hours. Following this, you have the option to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking panoramic photos of Machu Picchu. Don't forget your camera to capture this visit to "One of the New 7 Wonders of the World"!

After exploring the site, take a shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) at one of the many restaurants offering traditional Andean and international cuisine. You can then choose to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes or the Museum of the Site (entrance not included).

In the afternoon, board a train back to Ollantaytambo, where our driver awaits you in front of the railway station to transfer you to Cusco. Finally, our driver will drop you off at the airport, concluding the 2-day Machu Picchu tour from Lima.

What's included?

• A representative in Cusco (Our guide will be waiting at the airport for your briefing);
• Local flight Lima - Cusco - Lima;
• Private transfer from Cusco airport to the train station;
• Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
• Meals: 1x Breakfast, 1x Snack bag;
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu circuit 1 or 2;
• Professional tour guide;
• Round-trip train to Machu Picchu;
• Bus ticket up and down to Machu Picchu;

Machu Picchu Snack Bag

What is included in the snack bag.

Inca Trail Machu will provide the snack bag for your tours to Machu Picchu and include the following:

• Small bottled water (500 ml);
• A small bottle of Gatorade (a sports drink used for rehydration);
• Cusco's cereals or Granola (it consist of kiwicha, quinoa, raisins, honey, and grated coconut);
• Small fruit-juice drink;
• 1x tangerine;
• Raisins with peanuts.

Not Included:

• Meals not details.
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain ($80).
• Transfer from the Hotel to the airport in Lima.
• Travel Insurance (While not obligatory, it is recommended in case you lose your tour or flight ticket).

Solo Traveler: If you do not like to share your room with someone else, please book the "Solo Traveler" option. We will provide a single room with a private bathroom in your Machu Picchu tours

Tour Guide & Representative

From lima to machu picchu.

If you are in the capital of Peru , Lima, our representative will contact you via phone (WhatsApp). They will send a copy of your flight tickets from Lima to Cusco by email, and our operations office will check your ticket. Don't worry; you only need to present your passport at the airport. They will also provide information about the pickup and who will be waiting at the airport.

Upon arrival in Cusco, please look for your sign at the airport. Our representative will be waiting outside the airport to transfer you to the hotel or train station.

In Machupicchu Town

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes village, our guide or representative will be waiting at the train station with your sign and will take you to the hotel.

Between 18:00 to 19:00, our guide will meet you at your hotel for your briefing. This briefing is for coordination, discussing the timing of your guided tour of Machu Picchu.

Accomodation in Machu Picchu

The following hotels in Machupicchu town are used to accomodate our travellers during your 2 day Machu Picchu tours from Lima or Cusco .

- Casa de Luz Machu Picchu

Solo Traveler to Machu Picchu tours

It doesn't matter whether you are single or your partner is not on vacation at the moment... If you are asking yourself whether you should dare to travel alone to Machu Picchu or whether you should rather stay at home, the answer can only be: pack your bags and start into adventure! Solo Machu Picchu trips are trendy and offer you the opportunity to spend a few days according to your wishes. 

Many hotels have recognized the trend and have adapted to solo travelers and offer you appropriate rooms with extra cost single room surcharges.

If you booked " Solo Traveler ". We will provide a single room with a private bathroom a surcharge of USD 30 will have to be paid. If you want an upgrade any service to the train or accommodation or do you want to stay extra night in Machu Picchu, contact us directly to [email protected]  for this to be done and confirmed to you.

IMPORTANT TO ACCOMMODATION : You must present your passport (copy) to all hotel accommodations. The national sales tax (18%) is charged to all Peruvian citizens and foreigners staying 60 consecutive days or more. You need to bring it to the Cusco office for your checking. 

UP-GRADING MACHU PICCHU HOTELS

If you would like to upgrade your accommodation, we could give you a U$ 25 discount per person (Double or Single room) and you can book your hotel by yourself or we can recommend the following:

If you want to know more information about the hotels, please click on Machu Picchu Luxury Resorts

Machu Picchu Tours with Flight Options

Flight lima cusco.

The flight departs between 06:30 to 08:30, depending on availability in your booking. It's crucial to note that for early flights, you should be at the airport 1 hour and 20 minutes before departure. For instance, if your flight is scheduled for 05:30, you'll need to wake up at 02:30 am.

If you choose to book your Machu Picchu tour from Lima, our sales executive will arrange your flight tickets from Lima to Cusco. The flight ticket includes a light service and allows for only small hand luggage. If you plan to bring extra equipment, please contact us to request more information about additional costs for your luggage.

We recommend bringing only necessary equipment for the 2-day trip. Inca Trail Machu collaborates with Latam and Sky Airline, and these companies are stringent when checking hand luggage.

Flight Cusco - Lima

Our service includes the flight from Cusco to Lima, scheduled from 8:30 to 10:00 PM. Upon arrival in Cusco, our driver will drop you off at the airport, and you can proceed to the check-in area on the second floor of Alejandro Velazco Astete International Airport. It is crucial to have your passport and flight ticket in your hand.

If you request an extra night in Cusco, our driver will drop you off at the hotel. If you need an extra transfer from the hotel to the airport, please let us know, and we can provide the transfer at the best price.

Where are pick-up & drof-off points?

Departure Point: Our driver will pick you up from Cusco airport. 

Departure Time: 03:00 - 04:00 am.

Briefing Point: Our representative will be waiting in the airport of Cusco and transfer to the train station.

Briefing Time: 18:00 - 19:00. in Machupicchu town. According to your accordinations with Inca Trail Machu staff.

Return Point: Our driver will be dropping you off at the airport of Cusco.

Additional Service

Transfer from hotel lima to airport.

If you need a transfer to Lima airport, let us know; we can provide the transfer from your hotel located in Lima. Contact us through our sales department. Extra cost.

Huayna Picchu ticket

If you want to add more experience to your Machu Picchu tour , we recommend booking the Huayna Picchu ticket. These tickets are limited to only 400 per day.

Packing list for your 2 day Machu Picchu tour

The packing list is designed for 4 days, but would also be enough for one or two days longer. During your visit to Machu Picchu , you can either leave your backpack in the hotel in Aguas Calientes, put it in the lockers, or take it with you to Machu Picchu. The backpack should not be too heavy, since you carry it all the time.

Carry-on luggage means a bag or backpack with a maximum weight limit of 5.0 kg/11 lb and measuring no more than 157 cm (height + length + width). Any luggage that does not meet these limits cannot be carried aboard the train.

In case of the Belmond Andean Explorer , permitted luggage in cabins should not exceed 05 kg / 11 lbs per passenger. In case of larger luggage, the train has a luggage storage wagon. We recommend you to carry with you everything you consider necessary for your trip, because access to the luggage storage wagon will be limited.

To protect your documents, you can use a practical dry bag, Zib bag or protective cover*.

Passport – remember to take it with you to Machu Picchu as well, then you can get a Machu Picchu stamp. What a great souvenir of the trip. International health insurance* Medical masks* Proof of vaccination digitally and in paper form (preferably in English and/or Spanish)

• Credit card or debit*
• Soles - S/100 or more, in case you want to buy any souvenir in Machupicchu town or some snack

We recommend wearing most of the items from the packing list instead of carrying them in your backpack. The weather tends to start cold in the morning and then become progressively warmer throughout the day!

• Fleece vest*
• Functional shirt*
• Long sleeve shirt
• Long pants (leggings or jeans)
• Hat or Baseball cap*
• Swimwear - in case you want to visit the hot spring
• Sneakers* that you wear
• Optional flip-flop* for the hotel

Inca Trail Machu will provide before the tour

• Train ticket around trip to Machu Picchu*
• Admission ticket Machu Picchu*
• Bus ticket up and down to Machu Picchu*
• Flight ticket – depending on the airline, the online ticket is sufficient ( Machu Picchu tours from Lima )

Doubts and Frequent Questions about Machu Picchu Tour

Here is everything you need to know to take the 2 day 1 night Machu Picchu tour .

"Cusco" at 3,399 m.a.s.l.

• "Ollantaytambo" at 2,972 m.a.s.l.
• "Hot Springs" at 2,040 m.a.s.l.
• "Machu Picchu" at 2,430 m.a.s.l.

How long I will visit Machu Picchu with me guide?  

How can i add the huayna picchu tickets to my trip tomachu picchu , is it possible to climb up to huayna picchu mountain with our guide, where can i leave the extra clothes, is there luggage storage at the stations.

Yes. Luggage storage is free for all PeruRail or IncaRail passengers at the following stations:

• Storage Ollantaytambo – From ​05:30 am. to 19:00 pm from Monday to Sunday and Holidays
• ​Storage Poroy – From 06:00 am. to 09:10 am. and from 18:00 pm to 21:00 pm.
• Storage Machu Picchu – From 08:00 am. to 22:00 pm and from Monday to Sunday and Holidays.

• Legal Information
• Payment Methods
• Social Projects
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• Classic Sacred Valley Tour (Full Day)
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3-Day Machu Picchu Tours from Lima

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Tour Details

The travel itinerary begins with an early morning pick-up from a hotel in Lima and a flight to Cusco, followed by a transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, a guided tour of Cusco includes visits to the Cusco Cathedral, the Convent of Santo Domingo – Qorikancha, the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, the stone carvings of Qenqo, the water fountains of Tambomachay, and the small fortress of Puca Pucara. 

The second day features an early trip to Machu Picchu, including a train ride to Aguas Calientes and a guided tour of Machu Picchu’s Main Temple, Temple of the Three Windows, Temple of the Condor, and Intihuatana, with optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. 

The final day involves a transfer to the airport for a flight back to Lima and transfer to the hotel. Rest easy knowing you have got transportation and ticket arrangement sorted from Lima to Machu Picchu

History of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is an Inca citadel located in the high jungles of Cusco, in Peru. It was built during the height of the Inca Empire, in the XV century. After its scientific rediscovery in 1911, Machu Picchu was mistaken as the lost capital of the Inca Empire. However, Machu Picchu was actually a religious sanctuary whose entrance was reserved to the royal Inca family. 

Most historians agree that Machu Picchu was never invaded by the Spanish. The citadel was probably inhabited by a small population of priests and priestesses until 1572 when the so-called “Inca Empire of Vilcabamba” fell after the execution of Tupac Amaru. After being abandoned, the citadel was quickly covered by the surrounding jungles. 

Over the centuries, there have been some sporadic references to a “lost Inca city” in the region of Vilcabamba, Cusco. For example, in the late XVI century, a Spanish soldier named Baltasar de Ocampo claimed that he encountered a large Inca city hidden in the high jungles of Cusco.

Machu Picchu was officially rediscovered in 1911 when an American expedition led by Hiram Bingham found the Inca ruins. This expedition elaborated detailed descriptions and blueprints of some sections of the citadel. Their findings were made public to the world by the National Geographic (external link) magazine. 

Cusco Machu Picchu is an unskippable destination when visiting Peru. This ancient citadel is one of the best-preserved Inca sites in Peru. During this tour, you will explore the main buildings of Machu Picchu, including the famous Temple of the Condor and the Intihuatana.

Why travel with us?

We are a local travel agency committed to providing the best tours and treks in Peru. Our staff have years of experience planning vacations in Peru. During our tours, our tour operator will give you unique insights about the history and traditions of all the places you will be visiting.

Our 3 day Machu Picchu Tours from Lima to Machu Picchu is perfect for exploring Machu Picchu in a short time. We also offer day tours to Humantay Lake , Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain , the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu . You can also check out our special tour package options to the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail . Explore the most incredible Inca archaeological sites of Peru with us. 

Departure & Return Location

Lima Hotel Transfer.

Departure Time

• Lima hotel transfer.
• Cusco hotel transfer.
• Round trip plane tickets from Lima to Cusco (Light opt - Carry on bag 10kg)
• Round trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Expedition train tickets).
• Breakfast on the second day.
• Round bus trip from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu citadel.
• Professional tour guide.

Not included

• Hotel in Lima.
• Hotel in Cusco.
• Breakfast on the first day.
• Any private expenses.
• Travel insurance.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain (optional).
• Entrance to Machu Picchu mountain (optional).
• Entrance to Aguas Calientes hot springs (optional).
• Vistadome train tickets (optional upgrade).
• Hiram Bingham train tickets (optional upgrade).

Recommended to carry

• Original passport.
• Sunglasses.
• Peruvian soles in cash.
• Water bottle and snacks.

Day 1 Lima - Cusco

We began our 3-day tour by picking you up from your hotel in Lima at 4:00 am. Then, we will drive to the airport to take a flight to Cusco City. Once in Cusco, we will transfer you to your hotel room. Later in the afternoon, we will pick you up from your hotel. Then, you will have a guided Cusco city tour.

Cusco Cathedral

We will first visit the Cusco Cathedral. This church houses numerous paintings of the traditional Cusco Art School. These paintings depict curious scenes that mix the Spanish and Inca cultures. One of them is “The Last Supper”, which shows Jesus Christ and his apostles eating a guinea pig.

Convent of Santo Domingo – Qorikancha

Afterward, we will visit the Convent of Santo Domingo. This colonial church was built on top of the Inca temple of Qorikancha. The Qorikancha was the main temple of the Inca Empire. It used to house hundreds of religious idols from the populations conquered by the Incas. Nowadays, some sections of the Qorikancha are still visible. Some of them are the Sun Temple, the Moon Temple, the Intipampa, and the Solar Garden, among other Inca ruins.

Sacsayhuaman

Next, we will visit the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, located outside the city of Cusco. Sacsayhuaman has huge stone walls arranged in a zig-zag layout. For this reason, Sacsayhuaman is often mistaken as a fortress. However, the archeological evidence suggests that Sacsayhuaman was actually a giant temple dedicated to the sun and thunder gods.

After visiting Sacsayhuaman, we will explore the nearby Inca site of Qenqo. Some sections of Qenqo are decorated with complex stone carvings that resemble snakes, monkeys, and llamas. Some historians propose that Qenqo was used as a sanctuary where ritual sacrifices were performed. However, the real purpose of Qenqo is still unknown to this day.

Tambomachay

Then, our next stop will be the Inca ruins of Tambomachay. This site has some Inca water fountains that still work to this day. Tambomachay was an Inca temple dedicated to the water. It also served as a retreat center for the Inca royalty.

Puca Pucara

Finally, we will visit the small fortress of Puca Pucara. This place served as an Inca military outpost. After visiting Puca Pucara, we will return to Cusco City, where we will transfer you to your hotel room.

Day 2 Cusco - Machu Picchu - Cusco

We will wake up early in the morning. After having breakfast, we will drive to the Ollantaytambo train station, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once there, we will board a train to Aguas Calientes town, the entry point to visit Machu Picchu.

The train trip to Machu Picchu takes around 1.5 hours to complete. Once we arrive in Aguas Calientes, we will board a bus to Machu Picchu. After passing the security checkpoints, we will enter the Inca citadel. 

Then, you will have a guided tour of the most famous places of Machu Picchu. You will visit the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Temple of the Condor, and the Intihuatana. If you have booked a ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain, our staff will take you to the respective entrance for your Machu Picchu trek. 

After the guided tour, we will return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to have lunch. The lunch is not included in the tour price. In the afternoon, we will board a train to return to Ollantaytambo. Once there, we will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco City.

Day 3 Cusco - Lima

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the airport for your flight to Lima. Once we arrive in Lima, we will transfer you to your hotel. 

If you want to learn more about the Inca history of Cusco or prefer a customised tour option, contact us for more information about our specialized Sacred Valley Tours.

How is the weather in Machu Picchu?

The temperatures in Machu Picchu fluctuate from a low of 9°C (48.2°F) to a high of 26°C (78.8°F) year-round. Considering weather conditions, the best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the drier months from May to September. 

How long does it take to get to Machu Picchu?

If you are starting from Cusco, you can take a train from Ollantaytambo Station to Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu Mountain). The train journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take a bus or taxi from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

From what time can you enter Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu tickets are only valid for a specific entry time slot, either morning or afternoon. You must arrive at the designated time on your ticket. The citadel is open from 6 am to 5:00 pm.

Where is the Ollantaytambo train station located?

The Ollantaytambo Train Station is strategically located in the district of Ollantaytambo, which is the endpoint of the famous Sacred Valley and leads to Machu Picchu. The station is a railway station to Machu Picchu Station in Machu Picchu Town.

How do you get to the Ollantaytambo train station?

You can reach Ollantaytambo Station from Cusco downtown by bus, taxi, or private transportation service. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes 2. You can also buy train tickets in advance on the PeruRail website or at the Ollantaytambo Station ticket office.

How is the train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes?

The train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes approximately 2 hours. It’s a scenic route that allows you to enjoy the beauty of the Andes while heading to the base of Machu Picchu.

What is the Vistadome train, and how can I book it?

The Vistadome train offers panoramic windows for breathtaking views during your journey to Machu Picchu. To book Vistadome tickets, you can visit the PeruRail website or purchase them at the Ollantaytambo Station ticket office. Or, contact us for complete information on how to make your trip to Machu Picchu a memorable one.

Related Tours

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Pedros Pores

The trip was very comfortable, all the staff treated us very kindly and the guide was very well informed of the places we visited, I was amazed with the history of Machu Picchu.

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Machu Picchu Adventure

• Fully Guided
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

Traveled in October 2023

Places You’ll See

• Explore Lima with a local cooking class
• Discover Cusco's markets and optional city tour
• Tour the Sacred Valley and traditional weaving co-op
• Visit Machu Picchu with an expert guide
• Enjoy a free day in Cusco or hike Rainbow Mountain

• Introduction
• Day 2 Lima/Cusco (1B)
• Day 3 Cusco/Sacred Valley (1B, 1L)
• Day 4 Sacred Valley/Aguas Calientes (1B)
• Day 5 Machu Picchu/Cusco (1B)
• Day 6 Cusco (1B)
• Day 7 Cusco/Lima (1B)
• Day 8 Lima (1B)

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Lima Wasi Hotel

Hotel Prisma

Hotel Inka Paradise

Seven Machu Picchu Hotel

Customer Photos

Operated by

G Adventures

Number of tours

12 to 90 years old

Response time

Response rate

G Adventures gives you the opportunity to explore interesting and unusual places at a great price. The G Adventures reviews show high ratings from satisfied customers for all aspects of the trip, so you can be assured that you will be in good hands. If you have any questions at any time during...

Sustainability Initiatives

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.5
• Itinerary Excellent 4.6
• Guide Excellent 4.8
• Transport Excellent 4.6
• Accommodation Good 3.7
• Food Good 3.9
• Tour Operator G Adventures 4.7
• Most Recent
• Most Popular
• Highest First
• Lowest First

Dates & Availability

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To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in Austria, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

• Upcoming departures
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What our customers ask about this tour

In case of emergencies, you are advised to refer to your travel vouchers which contain the emergency contact details of our local team.

Yes, we can accommodate dietary restrictions. Please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

If you have any issues with the itinerary or services provided, you should contact the tour operator directly with your concerns.

You can request additional services such as post-tour hotel stays, and we will quote them and add to your booking upon your request.

Once your flight info is provided and your booking is updated, arrival and departure transfers can be organized.

You can book additional excursions either before the tour starts or daily on the tour through your guide.

Most of our tours are based on twin share rooming. You can share with another traveller of the same gender or request a single supplement for additional privacy.

Your travel insurance must cover at least 200,000.00 USD per traveller including Medical Expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation.

Accommodations for the tour are typically based on twin share rooming. Single supplements are available upon request for an additional fee.

Visas and entry requirements are the responsibility of the traveler. Please ensure you have completed all required documents for entry.

Good to Know

• Currency S/. Sol Peru

As a traveller from USA, Canada you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F. As a traveller from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B, C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Peru. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Peru. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for Peru. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Peru. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for Peru. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Yellow fever - Recommended for Peru. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 4th November 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 4th November 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with G Adventures. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 45 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and G Adventures will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
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• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of G Adventures. Please familiarise yourself with the G Adventures payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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• Machu Picchu

• +51 984 004 472
• Machu Picchu, Cusco, Perú
• Mon-Sat: 10 AM – 5 PM

Machu Picchu Tour from Lima

Machu picchu tours 2024/2025: a trip to machu picchu from lima.

If you are looking for Machu Picchu tours from Lima, this Machu Picchu trip is perfect for you. This trip to Machu Picchu is all-inclusive from Lima..

Description

The Machu Picchu tour from Lima starts in your hotel and transfer to the Jorge Chavez International Airport in the capital of Peru. From there, you will take a flight to the Andes of Peru, arriving in Cusco, located in the south of Peru.

This trip to the Lost City of the Incas is one of the most relaxing Machu Picchu tours that Tierras Vivas offers to all travelers who don’t have much time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu. Upon arrival in Cusco, our driver will transfer you to the train station, where you will catch the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. You will spend the night in a comfortable hotel. The next day, you will visit Machu Picchu and have a guided tour. In the afternoon, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima.

During the Machu Picchu tour from Lima , enjoy the most beautiful landscapes that Peru offers. Observe the mountains through the windows of the flight. While driving through the Sacred Valley, appreciate the natural beauty of the Cusco region and the Andes. Notice the weather change from cold to warm and enjoy the view of the Vilcanota River and the green landscapes. The green mountains will accompany your Machu Picchu trip.

Machu Picchu is a New Wonder of the World, accessible to everyone who wants to visit. Book the Machu Picchu 2 days tour from Lima online now and enjoy the ride!

Departure & Return Location

Lima - Hotel

Doble or Matrimonial

Departure Time

3 Hours Before Flight Time

Price Includes

• Local flight ticket
• Train 
• Accomodation
• Entrance Fees

Tierras Vivas Crew

• A Tierras Vivas Representative

What to Expect

Machu picchu tour overview.

Sustainable Tourism : At Tierras Vivas, we are happy to promote and practice sustainable tourism by being eco-friendly and supporting local communities. Book this trip to Machu Picchu now, and a portion of your purchase will be donated to our Responsible People project.

Tour Operator : Tierras Vivas  - If you have questions or doubt about your trip, contact by WhatsApp: +51 984 004472

Service Level : Comfortable tourist-class accommodations and private transport.

Difficulty : 1 - Easy

Age Requirements : 2+ (All travellers under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult!).

Crew : A Tierras Vivas representative in Cusco, a professional bilingual Tour Guide at Machu Picchu, a driver.

Meals : 1x breafast and 1x snack bag (Please allow USD 10-15 for meals not included)

Transportation : Private van, local flight, tourist bus, a train round trip.

Accommodation : Hotel in Machu Picchu (01 night)

Guide in Another Language : If you would like a guide in a different language, let us know please, our sales department will send you a new budget travel.

Quick Itinerary:

Day 01: lima to machu picchu.

• Pick you up from your hotel in Lima
• Flight from Lima to Cusco
• Arrival to Cusco and transfer to the train station
• Train from Ollantaytambo  to Aguas Calientes
• Upon arrival and transfer to the hotel designed
• Free time to explore the town or good time to do the extra activity
• In the night, briefing with your guide

Day 02: Machu Picchu - Lima

• After breakfast, transfer to the bus station.
• Bus up to the Inca citadel.
• Enter to Machu Picchu.
• Machu Picchu guided tour.
• Bus down to Aguas Calientes town.
• Train return to Ollantaytambo.
• Arrival at the train station and transfer to the Cusco airport.
• Flight from Cusco to Lima.
• Arrival and transfer to your hotel in Lima.
• Our driver will drop you off at the hotel.
• End of the Machu Picchu tour.
• The flights from Lima to Cusco and back depend on availability. Our sales department will confirm the exact start time.
• The guided tour of Machu Picchu depends on the available circuit.

Highlights of the Lima to Machu Picchu

• View the Andes of Peru from your flight window from Lima to Cusco .
• A Machu Picchu tour from Lima offers the most beautiful experience during the trip.
• Comfortable and quick way on how to get to Machu Picchu.
• Opportunity to view part of the Sacred Valley of the Incas .
• Appreciate the most beautiful natural landscapes during the trip to Machu Picchu.
• Observe the running of the Vilcanota River.
• Spend a night in Aguas Calientes in the confortable accommodation.
• Enjoy a day trip to Machu Picchu with a guided tour.
• Take the opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain for panoramic photos (additional cost).

Machu Picchu Tours 2025

If you are planning to do the Machu Picchu tours in 2025 , we recommend you book in advance and request Circuit 2 Machu Picchu , where you can explore the entire Inca citadel. There are a limited number of tickets available for these circuits. The Machu Picchu tickets will go on sale in mid-October for 2025. Book now online for a 100% guaranteed departure!

Itineray Details

Day 01: lima - machu picchu.

Early in the morning, our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Lima and transfer you to Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima . You will take a local flight from Lima to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, our representative will be waiting at the airport with a sign, and he/she will call your name. It is essential to pay attention.

Once you meet our Tierras Vivas representative and driver, you will have a quick briefing about your Machu Picchu 2-day tour. Our representative will provide a snack bag and your tickets for the trip. You will then transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, a 1 hour and 30-minute trip.

Upon arrival, our driver will drop you off at the train station. It is very important to have your passport and train ticket in hand, as the train staff will require your passport and compare it with your ticket before you board.

Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu . During the trip, enjoy the spectacular and ever-changing landscapes passing through lush fields and colorful villages nestled at the foothills of the Andes. The highlights of the journey include wonderful views of mountains and the marvelous Urubamba River that flows through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The train trip duration is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Finally, you will reach Aguas Calientes. Our representative will welcome you at the railway station and accompany you to the designated comfortable hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is free for you to visit the thermal baths (hot springs) and explore the lovely surroundings of Aguas Calientes. If you want to add more experiences to your Machu Picchu tour, we recommend taking an extra activity.

Optional Activities:

• Mandor waterfull Walking tour

Day 2: Machu Picchu - Lima

In the morning, we will board the tourist bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu . During the bus trip, we will appreciate the Putucusi Mountain and the running of the Vilcanota River. The bus will follow a zigzag path until it arrives at the citadel. The bus ride lasts 30 minutes.

Once at Machu Picchu, you will need to present your passport and entry ticket at the checkpoint, where the ranger will verify the information. After the check-in, you will enter Machu Picchu and walk with your guide to the initial point of your designated circuit.

During the guided tour inside the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, our professional tour guide will introduce you to the most significant attractions, providing insightful explanations during the two-hour and 30-minute exploration (depending on the duration permitted by your ticket). It is crucial to take photos of Machu Picchu from the initial point, as the rules have changed: your ticket is valid for one-way entry only, and revisiting the starting point is not permitted after the guided tour concludes. Therefore, don't forget your camera and relish the visit to ' One of the New 7 Wonders of the World '!

After the guided tour in Machu Picchu, you can choose to climb one of the two mountains offered by Machu Picchu: Huayna Picchu or Mount Machu Picchu. It is very important to book in advance, and there is an additional cost. Alternatively, you can take the bus back to Aguas Calientes village, where you can have lunch (not included in the package). Aguas Calientes is a small tourist site with many restaurants offering both traditional Andean and international cuisine.

In the afternoon, we will take a train back to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will be waiting in front of the railway station to transfer you to Cusco airport. You will be dropped off inside the airport to complete the check-in process and board the local flight from Cusco to Lima.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Lima, concluding your unforgettable tour to Machu Picchu from Lima.

What is included?

• A Tierras Vivas representative will be waiting in airport in Cusco (Briefing for your trip Cusco to Machu Picchu);
• Transfer from Lima - Airport - Lima (Hotel or Airbnb);
• Local flight from Lima - Cusco - Lima;
• Accommodation: Hotel in Machu Picchu (01 night);
• Meals: 01 Breakfast, 01 Snack bag ( Organic cotton bag );
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu;
• Professional guide;
• Tourist train around trip to Machu Picchu;
• A shuttle bus up and down to Machu Picchu;
• Private transfers;

What is included in the Snack Bag?

• Small bottled water (500 ml);
• A small bottle of Gatorade (a sports drink used for rehydration);
• Cusco's cereals or Granola (it consist of kiwicha, quinoa, raisins, honey, and grated coconut);
• Small fruit-juice drink;
• 1x tangerine;
• Raisins with peanuts.

Not Included:

• Meals not details
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain  ($80)
• Travel Insurance (It is not mandatory, but we recommend it in case you miss your flight or encounter any emergencies)
• Transfer from the hotel to airport in Lima

Extra Budget:

Meal budget: Please allow USD 8-10 for meals not included.

Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the " Solo Traveler " option for this tour, you receive your own single room on overnight.

Local flights: It is not included the international. In case you want to book your ticket flight with us, please contact with our info department ( [email protected] ), we have the best price.

It is very important that we have got your passport details at the time of booking in order to process all air tickets! Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to each flight departure!

Essential Information

Tour guide & representative.

Upon your arrival at Cusco airport, our designated transfer will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name. It is crucial to pay attention and, once you meet your driver, they will escort you to the train station.

In Aguas Calientes, your transfer will be waiting to take you to the accommodation of your selected hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. Between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, our guide will meet you in the reception area of your hotel for a briefing.

Tierras Vivas representative:

All Machu Picchu tours are accompanied by our driver, Tierras Vivas Tour Guide, a representative, or an expedition team. The goal of our Tour Guides is to eliminate any hassle during our customers' trips and ensure they have the best experience possible. The Tour Guides provide information on the places visited, offer suggestions on what to see and do, recommend good places to eat, and introduce you to their colleagues. The Guides possess broad general knowledge of each country visited during a tour, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also utilize local Tour Guides when specific knowledge could enhance the enjoyment of visited places.

Accommodation in Machu Picchu

The following hotels in Aguas Calientes are used to accommodate our customers during our Machu Picchu 2 day tours from Lima :

-  Casa de Luz Machu Picchu

We spend a night in a small locally owned hotel rooms (either twin or matrimonial) with private bathrooms and breakfast facilities. Both hotels are situated within walking distance of the railway station.

Solo Traveler: If you are traveling on your own, and would prefer to share a tent, we'll pair you with another trekker of the same gender and there will not be an extra cost. If you prefer to have a tent to yourself a surcharge of USD 50 will have to be paid. If you want an upgrade any service to the train or accommodation or do you want to stay extra night in Machu Picchu, contact us directly to [email protected]  for this to be done and confirmed to you. 

IMPORTANT TO ACCOMMODATION : You must present your passport (copy) to all hotel accommodations. The national sales tax (18%) is charged to all Peruvian citizens and foreigners staying 60 consecutive days or more. In case the room is shared by both a taxable and non-taxable guest at the same time, the sales tax will be applied to the whole room. So please take every caution to not lose this piece of paper. You need to bring it to the Cusco office for your checking. 

UP-GRADING MACHU PICCHU HOTELS

If you would like to upgrade your accommodation, the discount is U$ 25 per person (Double or Single room). We can recommend the following:

Important note : If you want it, you can choose and book the hotel by yourself, our sales department will give you a discount for your accommodation.

If you want to know more information about the hotels, please click on Machu Picchu Hotels

Machu Picchu Train Service

On this  Machu Picchu Tours  are included the following train services:

PeruRail - Expedition Train

Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu to Cusco

IncaRail - The Voyager Train

• On the Expedition and The Voyager is not included extra service inside the train.

UP GRADING Train service:

If you prefer Vistadome train or Machu Picchu Train 360 for this trek, the extra price is U$ 50 dollars. let us know before your booking your service.

Vistadome train Machu Picchu - Perurail

The Vistadome train  have panoramic windows, which allows to appreciate the beautiful scenery along the route.Live an unforgettable experience of magic connection with nature on the Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo route on the PeruRail Vistadome train . 

In the Vistadome service you can enjoy of: 

• Long Stretch (from the Poroy Station, Cusco):
• Outbound: Snack Service
• Inbound: Snack Service
• Short Stretch (from the Ollantaytambo Station):
• Outbound: Light Snack Service
• Inbound: Light Snack Service
• Selection of hot or cold non-alcoholic drinks (one hot drink and one cold drink per person)

The 360 train Machu Picchu - Inca Rail

The only train in Peru with an entertainment app on board which will allow you to learn more about the train journey and the Inca civilization. Experience a unique way to travel to Machu Picchu , exploring the Andean landscape like never before with wider and taller panoramic windows and an observation outdoor carriage including a bar. Enjoy our appetizing selection of cold and warm drinks, prepared using fruit juices and Andean herbs, and our delicious gourmet and organic delights made with products from the Sacred Valley.

You can enjoy of:

• Comfortable seats with tables in front
• Bigger and wider panoramic windows
• Outdoor carriage including a bar to enjoy the landscape
• Gourmet and organic delights made with products from the Sacred Valley
• InTrain entertainment system.

Where are pick-up & drof-off points?

Machu picchu tours from lima.

Departure Point : Lima - We pick you up from your hotel, hostel or Airbnb in the capital of Peru  - Lima.

Departure Time : 3:00 -4:00 am.

Briefing Point : Cusco, a representative of Tierras Vivas will be waiting in the airport. 

Return Point : Cusco - Our driver will drop-off in the airport. End of the Machu Picchu tour

Machu Picchu Circuits

Machu picchu entrance hours:.

During your Machu Picchu tour from Lima , the daily schedule for tourist visits to Machu Picchu starts at 6:00 am and concludes at 5:00 pm. There are nine time slots for visitors to enter the Machu Picchu citadel, with the designated visiting hours ranging from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm. According to the new Machu Picchu rules , visitors are allowed to explore Machu Picchu with their guide for a maximum of 2 hours.

To reach Machu Picchu, visitors must board a shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes no later than 30 minutes before the time indicated on their respective tickets.

New Machu Picchu circuits:

This year, the Ministry of Culture has implemented new circuits for visiting the Inca citadel of Machupicchu . There are a total of 3 circuits, and each one is divided into subcategories that will take you on a different path through Machu Picchu . Below are the 3 new circuits:

Circuit 1 (Panoramic Circuit)

• Panoramic Circuit + Upper Terrace Route
• Panoramic Circuit + Machu Picchu Mountain
• Panoramic Circuit + Inti Punku
• Panoramic Circuit + Inca Bridge

Circuit 2 (Inca City Circuit)

• Complete Classic Circuit
• Short Classic Circuit

Circuit 3 (Royalty Circuit)

• Lower Royalty Circuit
• Lower Royalty Circuit + Huayna Picchu
• Lower Royalty Circuit + Great Cavern
• Lower Royalty Circuit + Huchuy Picchu

Since reopening, there is a limited time available to visit the Inti Huatana (Solar Clock), Templo del Cóndor (Condor Temple) complexes, and the Temple of the Sun at Machu Picchu. Additionally, the alternative routes of the Machu Picchu citadel, including Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains, Puente Inka, and Inti Punku (Sun Gate), have reopened this year, but there is also a limited time for visiting these areas

If you want to read more information, please click on Machu Picchu tickets

Advantages of the 2-day Machu Picchu tour

• This tour is ideal for traveler looking for a bit of adventure in Machu Picchu.
• The 2-day Machu Picchu tour allows you to appreciate the best landscapes of Machu Picchu in due time.
• This tour allows you to get to know the town of Aguas Calientes better. After visiting Machu Picchu, tourists can relax in the town's thermal baths.

2 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Lima

If you have a short time to visit Peru and you arrive in Lima thinking that Machu Picchu is in the capital of Peru and you are surprised that it's not there. Tierras Vivas have the best option trip to Machu Picchu for you. We can offer the 2-day Machu Picchu tour from Lima . This itinerary is the following. We provide local flight tickets from Lima to Cusco. Once you arrived in Cusco. Our driver will be waiting in the airport and transferring to the train station. You will catch Train to Aguas Calientes town, transfer to the hotel, and spend a night in the hotel.

The second day. Wake up early and take the bus up to Machu Picchu and take a guided tour in the lost city of the Incas. In the afternoon you will take the train from Aguas Calientes town to Ollantaytambo train station. Arrival and transfer from the train station to the Cusco airport. Flight from Cusco to Lima in the night. Or you have the best itinerary for your holidays, please, let us know please, we can help you to organize it. If you have questions, you can contact by WhatsApp: +51 984004472 , our staff will reply ASP. or you can send us by emiail your doublt:  [email protected]  

Machu Picchu Weather

Machu Picchu is located in the so-called " Ceja de selv a" (jungle eyebrows ), which means on the edge of the Andean highlands of the Amazon jungle . That is why it has subtropical weather that is much warmer than temperatures in Cusco. Visitors can visit it all year round because it never closes its gate.

However, there are parts of the year that are more popular and correspond to the holiday summer season of the northern hemisphere, ie June to August . In the southern hemisphere is the exact opposite, wintertime. The Peruvian winter is not quite cold there (approx. 18°C), it is basically cold only at night and early in the morning (around 0°C). The advantage of winter is that it has dry weather , so no Machu Picchu viewpoints are spoiled by heavy rains and mist.

April May and September-October are not less worth a visit, because the climate is still mostly dry and the citadel is less crowded.

November to March falls in the rainy season . The peak of the rainy season is January and especially February . The mornings are usually dry and clear, while it rains a lot in the afternoon. The best part of these months is the fact that you can enjoy Machu Picchu along with just a few tourists and the weather is warmer all day (around 25°C) and night.

If you want more information, please click in the Best time to visit Machu Picchu .

When to go?

It is one of the best questions before going to Machu Picchu, and to tell the truth only you can choose when to go to Machu Picchu. The climate in Machu Picchu and Cusco is clearly marked by 2 seasons or seasons; the rainy season and the dry season. We detail each of them below.

No matter what time you come, you should bring waterproof clothing with you since, regardless of the season, the rains can fall at any time of the year.

Conditions to enter to Machu Picchu

Acquiring your ticket alone is not sufficient for entry into Machu Picchu ; it is also essential to carry your current and valid personal documents. Failure to have documents that match the registered data on your Machu Picchu tickets will result in denial of entry to the archaeological park.

Ensure that your ticket is correctly filled out, without erasures or amendments. In the case of minors without identity documents, they can enter accompanied by their parents under their absolute responsibility. Students must present their International ISIC Card.

To enter Machu Picchu , visitors must not be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances. Firearms, flammable substances, or any objects that may disrupt order within the archaeological site are not allowed. Note that only canteens and walking sticks are permitted for water, and they are exclusively for individuals with disabilities or older adults. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the archaeological park of Machu Picchu.

Movement is only allowed in marked and designated areas. The Regional Directorate of Culture is not responsible for any accidents that may occur.

The duration of your stay in the enclosure is from the registration of the visitor to the departure time specified on the tickets (2 hours).

Extra Luggage

If you have extra luggage, you can safely leave it at your hotel in Lima. For the Machu Picchu trip from Lima , only small hand luggage is included. If you wish to bring additional equipment, please contact our sales department, and they will provide you with the additional cost.

Before visiting Machu Picchu, you can leave your luggage at the hotel in Aguas Calientes. Upon your return from the Machu Picchu visit, you can retrieve it on the day of your return from your Machu Picchu trip.

What to Take on the Machu Picchu Tour

We have divided the packing list to Machu Picchu into sections; Before coming, know that the rainy season in Cusco and Machu Picchu goes from November to March, the rest of the time the weather is dry; However, the location of Machu Picchu means that rains can occur at any time of the year, so it is advisable to always carry rain protection with you.

Travel documents

• Airline tickets (confirmation) and itinerary.
• Valid passport (it is essential, not only for the purchase of the Machu Picchu ticket, but also to identify yourself in a country that is not yours
• Credit or debit cards and cash and small denominations.

Clothes and accessories

The suggested clothing may vary according to the Climate of Machu Picchu on the day of your trip; We recommend checking the weather forecast; However, know that in Machu Picchu you can go from a clear sky to a heavy rain, in just minutes.

• Medium backpack (you will not be able to enter Machu Picchu with a large backpack)
• Hiking shoes, especially if you plan to visit some of the mountains of Machu Picchu.
• Hat or cap, to protect yourself from the sun
• Detachable pants
• Light clothing (cotton polo shirts, shorts)
• Warm clothes (nights are usually cold, especially in the dry season)
• Waterproof cover for the backpack.
• Waterproof clothing (jacket, rain poncho, windbreaker, gloves)
• Warm clothing (jacket, coat, poncho)
• Long-sleeved garments (sweaters or sweatshirts)

Basic Accessories

These elements are quite useful to enjoy your visit.

• Enough water to stay hydrated, in a walk of at least 2 hours
• Insect repellent
• Lip protection
• Sunscreen with high protection factor
• Zippered plastic bags

Electronic accessories

We know that you will not forget your cell phone, so we will not include it on the list.

• Photographic camera
• Extra batteries
• Additional storage memory
• Power adapter

Personal Hygiene Accessories

Most of these things can be purchased in Cusco or Aguas Calientes, but you may want to bring your own for convenience.

• Shampoo, shower gel, soap, towel
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
• Lotions, creams
• Shaving machine and cream
• Nail clippers, lime
• Other personal hygiene items

Most basic medication can be bought without a prescription at any pharmacy; however, antibiotics and other medications will be sold only with a prescription. If you need any special medication, it is best to bring your own prescription. Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) is the town at the foot of the Inca city of Machu Picchu, and although you can find several pharmacies, it is very likely that there are medicines that you can only get in Cusco. If you have any chronic conditions, consult your doctor before setting out on your trip.

Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour from Lima FAQs

How long does it take to get to Machu Picchu?

• Machu Picchu is located in the Andes Mountains of Cusco in Peru (South America).
• To get there, the visitor needs to take a flight to the city of Lima (capital of Peru). Then, you must take another flight to the city of Cusco.
• Once in the city of Cusco, the tourist is 74 kilometers from Machu Picchu. To get there you must take a train route through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• The trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu by train takes approximately 4 hours.

Where to sleep on the 2-day trip to Machu Picchu?

• During the 2-day trip to Machu Picchu, the visitor will be able to spend the nights in hotels in the city of Cusco, the town of Urubamba and the town of Aguas Calientes.
• There are 5-star hotels in Cusco, Urubamba and Aguas Calientes. It is also possible to get cheap accommodation.
• It is recommended to book hotel services online and in advance. Thus the visitor will be able to get the rooms of their preference and at the best price.

What are the risks of a quick visit to Machu Picchu?

• There are some risks associated with fast travel such as flight delays or itinerary clutter.
• On the 2-day trip to Machu Picchu, you will sleep little. This excursion is not for every type of traveler. It is a maximized itinerary to make the visit to Machu Picchu possible in record time.

What tour to Machu Picchu to choose for seniors?

Older adults should choose a 2-day tour to Machu Picchu as long as it does not include the ascent to the Huayna Picchu mountain.

What tour to Machu Picchu to choose for children?

If you travel to Machu Picchu accompanied by children, you can choose the 2-day tour that includes the ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain. In addition, in the town of Santa Teresa there are some perfect thermal baths to relax with the little ones.

Traveling to Machu Picchu with a tour or on your own?

Both options are good to enjoy Machu Picchu. Tours are a good option for family travel. Young people can choose to travel on their own. In that case, they should purchase the Machu Picchu ticket online and in advance.

How much luggage can i bring on the train?

The train services either Peru Rail or Inca Rail only allow you to carry hand luggage. Maximum weight 5 kilos (11 pounds). Dimensions: 150 linear meters (width + length + height). However, you can find guardian services at the Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu stations.

From what time can you enter Machu Picchu?

The entrance to the Inca City of Machu Picchu is from 06:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The buses to Machu Picchu go up from 05:30 hrs.

What is the town of Ollantaytambo?

Ollantaytambo is a famous town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco, Peru. Its fame is due to the fact that it is the only Inca town that preserves its streets and urban design. In it is the important Archaeological Site of Ollantaytambo.

How far is it from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu?

Ollantaytambo is also famous for being a mandatory route before reaching Machu Picchu. Both tourist destinations are separated by 32 kilometers apart.

Where is the Ollantaytambo train station located?

The train station is located on Avenida Ferrocarril s / n, a 15-minute walk from the Main Square of the town of Ollantaytambo.

How to get to the Ollantaytambo train station?

To get to Ollantaytambo you will need to board a minivan from Pavitos street in the city of Cusco. This trip will cost you around S /. 15 (US $ 4). The final stop of these cars is in Ollantaytambo, just a few meters from the train station.

How is the train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes?

The train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes runs along the banks of the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

This 2-hour stretch by train is considered one of the most beautiful short tours that exist. Do not forget to carry your camera well charged.

Where and when can you choose your preferred time in Machu Picchu?

When you have made your reservation with us, you will automatically receive an email in which all important questions about your day trip to Machu Picchu, the airport transfer and much more will be answered. We recommend answering this email as soon as possible so that we can start coordinating your tickets and guarantee you an excellent experience.

What is the Vistadome train and how can I book it?

This train option offers panoramic views due to the larger windows. It differs in price. There is an additional cost of USD 40 per train per person for this option.

Information about Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of the 7 wonders of the modern world. What you know of this citadel is still being discovered. It was built approximately in 1450. A.D. under the orders of Emperor Pachacutec. The beauty of the site was not accidental. The Inca ruler looked for a citadel that harmonizes with his natural environment. After the Spanish invasion in the 16th century, the place was abandoned. Several centuries later, in 1911, the American explorer Hiram Bingham found Machupicchu hidden in the thick vegetation. From that day until today, the history of ‘mapi’ is full of discoveries and mysteries. Today it is one of the most visited sites in the world.

Machu Picchu, the jewel of the emperor?

• Machu Picchu was ordered to be built by the famous Inca emperor Pachacutec (1438 - 1471) to be his resting place in a strategic point of the empire: the limits with the Amazon rainforest.
• The buildings of Machu Picchu were built in harmony with their natural environment. The Incas adapted the shapes of the mountains to build their city.
• Most of their construction is underground, since they developed a complete irrigation system to grow plants of different species in various parts.
• In Machu Picchu all types of crops were found: from tubers in the highest areas to hallucinogenic plants from the jungle parts of the empire.
• Like many of the most important Inca settlements, it was built on terraces linked by steep paths and stone steps.

Where is Machu Picchu located?

• Currently, the Inca city of Machu Picchu is located in the district of the same name, in the province of Urubamba, in the department of Cusco, in southern Peru (South America).
• If we take geography into account, Machupicchu is located 2,438 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.), between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon jungle.
• There are 3 mountains that surround the Inca wonder: the mountains Machupicchu, Huayna Picchu and Putucusi. All these mountains belong to the so-called ‘Vilcabamba Batholith’.
• Due to its location at the top of an inaccessible mountain, Machu Picchu was little known by the Spanish invaders and the nearby settlers, until it was known to the world by the investigations of the American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.

What does it mean?

• The word Machu Picchu comes from the Quechua language (language of the Incas and of many of the current peoples settled in the Andes Mountains) which means "old mountain". This name was chosen arbitrarily by the settlers who called the mountain that way.
• However, according to various investigations, the true name of Machupicchu would be ‘Patallaqta’, a Quechua word that means ‘people of the steps’.
• Currently Machupicchu is also the name by which the famous town of Aguas Calientes is known, located at the foot of the Inca wonder. The immense mountain on which the archaeological site is located is also known by that name.
• Likewise, the Peruvians baptized as ‘Machu Picchu’ a famous cocktail made from pisco (brandy symbol of Peru) and whose presentation combines the colors green, yellow and red.
• The geography where Machupicchu is located is characterized by the presence of mountains and peaks belonging to the so-called ‘Cordillera de Vilcabamba’ where the imposing Salkantay mountain stands out.
• The area has geological faults which generated an abundance of granite stones (which facilitated the construction of the Inca city). Two mountains stand out on the Inca citadel: Huayna Picchu and Machupicchu. Currently, both mountains offer the two most popular hiking trails in the area. Another of the nearby mountains is the ‘Putucusi’. Just 10 kilometers away is the famous town of Aguas Calientes.

Flora and fauna

• Machupicchu has a great diversity of butterflies and birds where the cock of the rocks stands out, recognized as the national bird of Peru.
• There are also some wild animals such as the pudu, the sachacabra, the ucumari, the llama, the vizcachas and the spectacled bear, the latter in danger of extinction.
• Among the flower species stands out, without a doubt, the more than 300 species of orchids. This flower is highly appreciated for its beauty and multi-colored shapes. Likewise, there are many species of ferns, shrubs and more.

What to see in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is impressive: it has temples, residences, platforms, roads and more. Most of these places are included in the tourist route in the company of a guide. To enter others it is necessary to take optional routes, as in the cases of Intipunku and the Inca Bridge. In other cases, such as the Temple of the Moon, the visit is included in a different ticket (entrance that includes the Huayna Picchu mountain).

• The House of the Guardian - Famous construction from where the entire environment of Machupicchu was watched since it offers a panoramic view of the place. Currently, in this place tourists take the classic postcard photo.
• The Intipunku - The famous ‘Puerta del Sol’ through which the Incas entered Machupicchu from Cusco. The sun's rays were received there at the summer solstices. It consists of several walls and windows as well as a main door through which tourists who are currently on the famous 4-day trek known as the 'Inca Trail' enter. Reaching the top from the current entrance to the archaeological site takes approximately 1 hour.
• The Inca Bridge - The Inca Bridge is a rustic construction made of stone that limited the limits of the Inca empire with the east. Faced with a possible threat, the Incas destroyed the bridge to prevent invasions. Currently going there is an optional route that lasts approximately 30 minutes. It crosses sections close to cliffs but 100% safe.
• The Intihuatana - This construction is made of a large stone sculpted in three levels that directly receive the sun's rays. This sundial was used to know the sowing and harvesting seasons in the place. It is believed that the villagers who bring their hands to this construction are filled with the energy that comes from the sun.
• The Main Temple - The Main Temple is made up of an enclosure with three walls and a main platform as an offering table. It also has windows where ornaments were placed. Earthquakes and the passage of time have damaged these structures, which are uneven.
• The Temple of the 3 Windows - The Temple of the 3 Windows, as its name suggests, is made up of a stone structure with three windows that symbolize the division of the Inca world into three levels: the Hanan Pacha (heavenly world), the Kay Pacha (earthly world) and the Uku Pacha (world of the dead).
• The Temple of the Condor - This temple is made up of an irregularly shaped rock as well as a stone figure on the ground; which visually united form a figure of a condor, a sacred bird for the Incas. According to the Inca worldview, the condor communicated the earthly world with the heavenly world of the gods.
• The Temple of the Sun - This temple was one of the main religious sites in Machupicchu. It is made of many regularly carved stones that form a circumference on top of a cave. It is on the highest point of the place so it received the rays of the sun inside. Below is a staircase that leads to what would be a royal tomb, due to the relics that were found there during its discovery.
• The Temple of the Moon - This construction is also known as the ‘Great cavern’, since it is built inside a cave. It has finely carved walls and windows as well as a kind of altar where it is assumed that sacrifices were made. The Temple of the Moon is on the Huayna Picchu mountain, an hour from a fork. Visitors who come to the temple will find themselves almost alone since few people come near there.

What to do in Aguas Calientes?

In your free time in Aguas Calientes you can:

• Taking a walk to the Mándor Falls is a quiet walk is 4 km. from town.
• Another option is to go to the Hot Springs of Aguas Calientes, a place that has changing rooms and a snack bar.
• You can visit the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum where you have a panorama of the discovery and investigation of Machu Picchu.
• There is also the Model Museum of the Municipality of Machu Picchu.
•  And if you have good physical condition, experience in hiking, high-level climbing, you can encourage yourself to ascend to Putucusi Mountain.

Altitudes in Machu Picchu

At what altitude is huayna picchu.

• The Huayna Picchu mountain is at an altitude of 8,923 feet (2,720 m.s.n.m.).
• At that altitude the tourist may suffer slightly from the symptoms of altitude sickness.

At what altitude is the Machu Picchu mountain?

• Machu Picchu mountain is located at an altitude of 10,111 feet (3,082 m.s.n.m.).
• At that height, most tourists suffer from some symptoms of altitude sickness such as difficulty breathing.

At what altitude is the town of Aguas Calientes?

• The town of Aguas Calientes is at 6,692 feet (2,040 m.a.s.l.).
• At that altitude, no tourist suffers from altitude sickness.

What to do against altitude sickness?

• Stay calm - his body is trying to get used to the lesser amount of oxygen so it is extremely important that he take it easy the first few days he is in Cusco.
• Take a deep breath - Once again your body is trying to get the necessary oxygen. To provide enough oxygen to the lungs, it is advisable to stop and breathe deeply from time to time.
• Avoid alcohol - Some studies suggest that the effects of alcohol are greater in high altitude locations. Also, alcohol can exacerbate the effects of altitude sickness. Stay away from pisco, at least the first days in Cusco.
• Drink lots of water - Altitude sickness can cause a dry throat, leading to thirst. In addition, drinking water calms rapid breathing and alleviates the sensation of oxygen deprivation caused by altitude sickness.
• Acclimatize to Cusco - The city of Cusco is almost a thousand meters (3,280 ft) away. above Machu Picchu. If the tourist adapts satisfactorily to the city of Cusco, it is sure that he will not have any problem to visit Machu Picchu.
• Sorojchi Pills - One of the drugs recommended to alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness is called 'Sorojchi pills'. You can find them in any pharmacy in Cusco without a prescription.
• Bring drops of chlorophyll - This natural remedy increases the number of red blood cells in the blood. Therefore, there is more opportunity for oxygen to be absorbed by the blood. It can be found in any health food store in Cusco.
• Drink coca tea - The coca leaf has been used since before the time of the Incas as a remedy for different ailments. Currently, the coca leaf infusion is widely used in Cusco to combat the symptoms of altitude sickness.

What time is recommended to visit Machu Picchu?

While some people say that 5 or 6 hours is fine; others feel that they would have needed at least two days there. Opinions vary, but it definitely all depends on what you want to do when you get to Machu Picchu. The most advisable thing would be to go the day before and stay in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) the night before, this will give you the opportunity to board the first bus that leaves for the citadel of Machu Picchu and take the time to enjoy it. . For example, to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain you will need a minimum time of three hours (the entrance to Huayna Picchu must be obtained months before because the availability is limited). Some people feel the need to be up there as soon as possible, in addition to wanting to make their visit as long as possible.

Lima to Machu Picchu

Lima to cusco.

From the Lima airport to the city of Cusco there is a distance of 1,165 km. and it will only take an hour if you decide to travel by plane; On the other hand, the bus trip from  Lima to Cusco   takes around 20 hours. Remember that the city of Cusco is a mandatory arrival point for people wishing to reach Machu Picchu.

Arrive in Cusco by plane

A flight from the city of Lima to the city of Cusco will take about 1 hour (55 minutes to be exact), flights from Lima and any city in Peru, arrive at the Teniente FAP Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco; there are regular daily flights to and from Lima.

From the Cusco airport there are daily flights to and from Arequipa, Juliaca (Puno Lake Titicaca), and Puerto Maldonado (Tambopata), and international destinations such as La Paz (Bolivia).

The airport of Cusco has; ATMs, restaurants, gift and souvenir shops, bookstores and a small medical center. On the outskirts of the airport you will find taxis to any part of the city.

Get to Cusco by Train

From Cusco you can travel by train the city of Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the city of Arequipa and the National Park of Machu Picchu, so it is also possible to arrive to Cusco via train if you are in any of the places mentioned.

The train route from Cusco to Puno was awarded as the second most beautiful in the world.

During the train journey, you will ascend slowly to great heights. In the first half of the journey, you can enjoy the magnificent Andes mountain range, then you can enjoy the Andean plains, where you can see vicuñas and alpacas.

The trains to Machu Picchu leave from the Ollantaytambo station in Cusco, and the route through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, is considered among the most beautiful short train routes in the world; However, to get to Machu Picchu by train, you must book Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets in advance.

Arrive in Cusco by bus

You can get from Lima to Cusco by bus along the south Pan-American highway route, some people pass through the city of Arequipa during this tour: although you can get directly to the city of Cusco if you wish.

Cusco to Machu Picchu

The city of Machu Picchu does not have an airport. There are no roads from  Cusco to Machu Picchu .

There are daily departures of train and / or taxis between Cusco and Ollantaytambo. Also Bus service between the city of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) and the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu Inca on the top of the Mountain.

Train to Machu Picchu

Rail travel is the simplest option and the fastest to get from  Cusco to Machu Picchu , but also the most expensive. The railway companies that operate there are functioning as a monopoly so prices are high. Now, if you have little time to visit Machu Picchu, hiring a day tour may be the best option.

Taking advantage of the road that the ancient Incas made to reach Machu Picchu, it has been converted into a tourist destination. The traditional  Inca Trail distance  involves 40 kilometers from Piscacucho (starting point) to the sacred temple. As I say, there are different versions, but they usually offer you two or four nights. The problem: the price and the excess of demand. To be able to make this  Inca Trail Trek , you have to book well in advance. It is also mandatory to hire a guide for the  Inca Trail . Adding up everything is an important financial outlay, but everyone who does recommends it.

Adventure trip to Machu Picchu

There are many travel agencies that offer alternative routes to Machu Picchu including adventure elements: bicycle route, zip lines, bungee jumping. Actually, they sell you the complete package but they do not include everything. If you do not want complications,  Inka Jungle  is a good option, but it also implies schedules and lack of freedom. It is not expensive but you can still look for a more affordable option for your pocket.

Now with these practical tips that will help you get from  Lima to Machu Picchu  and take the trip in the most complete and comfortable way, do not miss the opportunity to visit one of the seven wonders of the world and explore the imperial city of Cusco as It is due and unhurried. Distances and travel times are not that great in Peru; However, geography requires that drivers take things slowly, and without a doubt it is the best way to travel to a destination like Peru.

Extra Activities in Machu Picchu Tour

Mandor water fall walking tour.

Machu Picchu is a must for almost all Peru travelers. Some choose the famous Inca Trail tours  or the lesser-known Salkantay trek to reach the Inca site. Most of the Inca sites are reached by train from Cusco to Machu Picchu . If you choose this option, you could take a worthwhile half-day tour to the waterfalls of Mandor .

Machu Picchu waterfall walk

Near to Machupicchu town, there is a new attraction, we work with Aguas Calientes local guides. The Machu Picchu Waterfall is located by the hot spring. Walk for 1 hr up to the head trail and see the small natural waterfall and flora of the area. During the walk, enjoy the singing of the colorful birds. If you are lucky, you can see the cock of the rocks - the national bird of Peru.

Rock Carving Activity

Tierras Vivas has responsible travel and in this opportunity offer the Rock Carving Activity. This activity involves 3 hours with a local carver, who will teach you to rock carve different sculptures of your preference. You can do a sculpture of an Inca or the god sun. This activity will help the local carvers of the Aguas Calientes "Rumimaki Carvers Association" to become worldwide known.

Similar tours to Machu Picchu

Machu picchu tours tripadvisor - reviews.

Tierras Vivas is a fully licensed tour operator and has 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor . The copy of our  Machu Picchu Tours Tripadvisor reviews  below proves our experience and enthusiasm to offer our customers the best experience for Machu Picchu.

Check our  Machu Picchu Tours Tripadvisor  comments below:

Week in Peru

Review of: 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Oliveol wrote a review May 2024 : " This tour was perfect for us! We wanted to experience the Inca trail, but had limited amount of time. This tour provided 6 miles of the spectacular trail into Machu Picchu with the most stunning views you can get. Our guide, Juan de Dios, was amazing! We started early in the morning by train to marker 104, then headed up the mountian. It's a moderate hike, but almost completely uphill... so many steps. The 'Gringo Killer' steps were hilariously true. After arriving to Machu Picchu, we headed down to Aguas Caliente to a hotel, shower and a great dinner. Then the next day for a more in-depth tour of Machu Picchu- then hiked up the WaynaPicchu Mountain for the optional experience- so glad we did. Our guide made sure everything went smoothly and we were so greatful. Tierras Vivas was also organized with everything we needed. They organize smaller groups which made for an amazing experience."

Great Experience 

Review: 2-Day Machu Picchu Tour by Train from Cusco

Zachary M Wrote a review May 2024 : "The tour was extremely well organized with written contact with Samuel the entire time! We booked the day before arriving, and they organized the entire tour including getting us admission to circuit 2 and 4 in less than 24 hours. You are very well token care of with professional drivers and transport all organized for you, no hassle and worry free way to see Machu Picchu. On top of that, our guide Samuel spoke with emotion and connection to the culture, and had a depth of knowledge much much deeper than any guide we've had (even some in Machu Picchu). Very happy with our tour and guide."

Machu Picchu 

Review: Machupicchu Guide Service

Dhyago F Wrote a review March 2024 :  "The trip was extremely easy to navigate, from the moment we landed in Cusco, through out Machu Picchu and even the hotel we were taken care of. Everyone was super friendly and accommodating. Juan Carlos our tour guide took so many photos and showed so much excitement and passion for Machu Picchu and the culture. Views were also breath taking. 10/10 recommend to a friend!"

2 Day Machu Picchu Tour

Machu Picchu Photos

Machu Picchu , the ancient Incan citadel nestled in the Andes , offers breathtaking views, rich history, and a unique cultural experience. Explore the iconic ruins, marvel at the architecture, and uncover the mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Discover Machu Picchu, the awe-inspiring Incan citadel perched high in the Andes. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts stunning panoramic views, intricate stone architecture, and a rich historical legacy. A must-visit destination for travelers seeking adventure, culture , and unforgettable experiences.

Unveil the mysteries of Machu Picchu , an iconic Incan citadel perched in the Andes. This renowned UNESCO World Heritage site offers awe-inspiring mountain vistas, masterful stone constructions , and deep historical roots. Ideal for explorers, history buffs, and those yearning for a journey into ancient civilizations.

Experience the wonder of Machu Picchu alongside its charming llamas . Set in the breathtaking Andes, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers stunning mountain views, ancient Incan architecture, and the unique opportunity to encounter llamas roaming the historic ruins. Perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Explore Machu Picchu , the legendary Incan citadel located high in the Peruvian Andes . This iconic site, surrounded by lush green mountains and misty clouds, offers breathtaking views, ancient stone architecture, and a deep connection to Incan history. A must-visit destination for adventurers and cultural explorers alike

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9 Day INCA PATH: Lima, Sacred Valley to Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Inca Path tour involves 9 day trip to Peru. From Lima to Cusco city. Visit the Sacred Valley and hike for 4 days the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Book Now!

$1450.00 | Per person

4 Day Salkantay Trek Tour | Salkantay Trek Backpaking

Salkantay Trek Backpacking to Machu Picchu is the best alternative path to the Inca Trail, known for its spectacular views and its ecological levels. Cheap

$360.00 | Per person

Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu | Vilcabamba Trek Peru

The Vilcabamba trek to Machu Picchu is a remote and amazing hike that is not very famous and this is a new alternative hike to the Inca Trail. Peru is

$700.00 | Per person

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Luxury Ancient Highlights and Machu Picchu

8 days and 7 nights luxury.

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No Hidden Fees / Luxury Tours from Lima to Machu Picchu

These are Private Vacations with Guaranteed Departures Every Day! Everything you would expect is Included.

• All Private Tours with Qualified English Speaking Guides
• All Private Transfers
• All Entrance Tickets
• All Breakfasts / Other Meals as Specified: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
• All Internal Flights
• No Hidden Fees for Paying with Visa.
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• Low $500pp Deposits. Balance Due 60 Days before Travel.
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Luxury Ancient Highlights and Machu Picchu 8 Days and 7 Nights

Begin this Luxury Peru Vacation in Lima where you will visit the Finer Districts of Peru’s Capital City and indulge in its World-Class Cuisine before flying to Cusco, the Inca Capital, to explore all of the Inca and Colonial Highlights in and around Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Inca in Private Service.

Take the Vistadome Train to and from Machu Picchu and spend two days exploring one of the Wonders of the World from the Elegant 5* Sumaq Hotel before returning to Cusco.

This Luxury Peru Vacation includes all 5* Hotels, Private Tours and Transfers, All internal Flights, and basically everything you would expect from a luxury experience.

Route - Trip Overview

Full Itinerary

1st Day Arrive Lima – Private Transfer to Hotel

Luxury 5* country club hotel lima.

Nestled in Lima’s prestigious San Isidro district, surrounded by elegant embassies, The Country Club Lima Hotel is a five-star landmark boutique that epitomizes sophistication; and one of the only hotels recognized as a Peruvian national monument.

Every detail has been conceived with luxury in mind; ornate chandeliers complement lofty, wood-beam ceilings, and 300 pieces of original artwork – on loan from the Pedro de Osma Museum – adorn the walls. Each of our 83 private luxury rooms and suites are opulent and welcoming, with many featuring exquisite marble bathrooms and deep-soaking Jacuzzis.

Enjoy excellent amenities, an award-winning restaurant, and guest privileges at the exclusive Lima Golf Club, all in a setting of warmth and intimacy.

The Country Club Lima Hotel invites you – the traveler of discerning taste – to experience the finest that Lima has to offer.

Master King or Master Double Rooms available.

Nom-smoking rooms available upon request.

2nd Day Private Lima Gastronomic Tour (B, L)

The lima gourmet company gastronomic tour.

This Lima Peru tour starts at a local roastery, where they handpick the coffee beans daily, for an organic Peruvian coffee. You will also tour the colonial streets of the bohemian district, Barranco, home to artists, musicians and the city’s top art galleries.

From here, you will visit a traditional market in the San Isidro district to try exotic fruits and local products and learn the ancient myths and legends associated with them.

The third stop is one of the city’s top seafood restaurants (cebichería), Embarcadero 41 Fusión, on Avenida La Mar in the Miraflores district – a stop other tours in Lima won’t take you. You will discover the secrets to the perfect Cebiche and Pisco Sour as you prepare the dish and cocktail yourself with the head chef and bartender.

The last stop is for lunch at la Huaca Pucllana, a restaurant within a pre-Incan archeological complex – undoubtedly a highlight of tourism in Lima Peru. This prestigious restaurant is so impressive that the King of Spain, Mick Jagger, Bill and Hillary Clinton, just to name a few, have made sure not to miss it during their trips to Lima. You will enjoy a variety of gourmet Peruvian dishes as well as four different desserts and another pisco-based cocktail.

3th Day Private Transfer – Fly Cusco – Free Day (B)

Luxury 5* j.w.marriott hotel cusco.

Located in the city’s historical center, the JW Marriott Hotel Cusco combines the needs of today’s luxury traveler with the design elements of an architecturally stunning archaeological site.

This 5-star Cusco hotel offers easy access to Peru’s iconic attractions and towns including Machu Picchu, the Urubamba Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo and Pisac. History- seekers will find Peruvian cultural artifacts in the hotel’s two exhibition halls.

Accommodations at this luxury hotel in Cusco are equipped with the latest

technology including Wi-Fi, LCD cable TVs, and oxygen systems for a fee. Designed around a colonial convent, this hotel in Peru features resort-like amenities including a Cusco restaurant with excellent Peruvian cuisine, a bar and a full- service spa offering a relaxation pool, sauna, steam room, and treatments inspired by ancient techniques.

Inca Wall Rooms

Cusco Marriott has 153 guestrooms & 7 suites in the heart of historic Cusco.

Guestrooms come with customized & authentic design decoration in king or double configurations.

Luxury amenities at our Cusco Hotel ensure a comfortable stay and include in-room safe & mini-bar.

All are equipped with Wi-Fi high-speed Internet access.

The Pool & Spa

The spa is an exclusive environment with more than 300 square meters of space, and is the ideal place for revitalization using millenarian elements combined with different techniques.

The Spa includes:

• Relaxation pool
• Treatment rooms
• Steaming chamber

*****All rooms have an oxygen enrichment system to help acclimatize you to the altitude, for extra fee.

4th Day Private Afternoon Cusco City Tour (B)

Private afternoon cusco city tour.

The Private Half Day Cusco City Tour Visits all of the Principal Inca & Colonial Attractions in Cusco

Tambomachay – This was an Inca sanctuary dedicated to the cult of water, a place reserved for Inca Royalty.

Puca Pucara – This is an Inca archaeological site located again on the peak of a hill and is thought to be a military position and an administrative centre.

Qenko – A sanctuary dedicated to the adoration of animals, and consists of ruins formed by a rocky site with stairs in a zigzag, and a main building similar to a circular amphitheatre where 19 window sills are located as a way of seats.

Sacsayhuamán – Its construction took over seven decades and required the work of approximately 20,000 men both for the foundations and hewn stone works, the transportation of materials, carving and stones setting. Many say it is as impressive as Machu Picchu itself!

Cusco Cathedral – One of the finest Colonial Cathedrals in the Americas.

Coricancha – Originally named Inti Qancha (‘ Temple of the Sun’) was the most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated primarily to Inti, the Sun God.

5th Day Private Full Day Tour of the Sacred Valley of the Inca (B, L)

Full day private sacred valley of the inca tour.

Pisac Market | Pisac Ruins | Lunch Posada Tunupa | Ollantaytambo

Pisac Market

A famed hill town, Pisac is a great place to purchase top quality Andean knitwear at lower prices than visitors will find in major cities during their travels in Peru. Woven blankets, tapestries, and alpaca garments such as sweaters and mittens, colorful fabric and accessories are found in abundance at the Pisac market in addition to pottery, jewelry, and other handicrafts.

Pisac Inca Ruins

It’s not hard to succumb to the charms of sunny Pisac, a bustling colonial village at the base of a spectacular Inca fortress perched on a mountain spur. Its pull is universal and recent years have seen an influx of expats and new age followers in search of an Andean Shangri-la.  Located just 33km northeast of Cuzco by a paved road, it’s the most convenient starting point to the Sacred Valley.

Ollantaytambo

After lunch, we proceed onto Ollantaytambo an attractive little town located at the western end of the Sacred Valley. The town is located at the foot of some spectacular Inca ruins which protected the strategic entrance to the lower Urubamba Valley. The temple area is at the top of steep terracing which helped to provide excellent defenses. Stone used for these buildings was brought from a quarry high up on the opposite side of the Urubamba River – an incredible feat involving the efforts of thousands of workers. The complex was still under construction at the time of the conquest and was never completed.

6th Day First Class Vistadome Train to Machu Picchu (B, L, D)

Luxury 5* sumaq hotel machu picchu.

Includes Gourmet Buffet Dinner, Cooking Class & Cocktail Making Class. At the foot of the imposing mountains surrounding Machu Picchu, by the banks of the Vilcanota River, stands Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel. The only five-star hotel in Aguas Calientes is architecturally inspired by the enigmatic lost city of the Incas.

Superior Deluxe Rooms Include:

• 100% Alpaca Fiber Blankets
• 100% Cotton Sheets
• Cable television
• Sound proof Windows
• International Calls
• Electronic Safety Deposit Box
• Voltage 110v / 220v
• Black-out curtains
• Turndown service

Optional Free of Charge Sumaq Hotel Cooking Class & Cocktail Making

In the Cooking Classes & Peruvian Bar, the participants will learn how to prepare the traditional Ceviche, Sumaq style, a dish based on fresh trout and exotic chili peppers from the Peruvian cost.

Also the barman from the hotel makes a memorable presentation with the preparation of Pisco Sour or any other cocktail based on seasonal fruits and Andean herbs with our unique touch.

In This culinary activity, participants will interact with the ingredients and recipes from our culinary creations, and they will be able to try everything whilst they contemplate our majestic mountains, and they can take the recipe book home to enjoy it one more time!

Cooking Classes & Peruvian Bar last 40 minutes approximately and are available for groups between 2 and 15 people, in two schedules: 11: 00 am and 2:00 pm.  Just ask to join a group at the Hotel reception.

The Vistadome Train Service

This DELUXE train ride into the spectacular land of the Inca is highlighted by amazing views of valleys, Inca farming terraces, snow capped mountains, and sub-tropical jungle.

After arriving in Aguas Calientes, a shuttle bus will transport you to this magic, sacred, and mysterious town known as Machu-Picchu.

The Vistadome service has large panoramic windows and additional windows in the roof allowing you to enjoy the mountain scenery.

A small meal and hot drink are included with the Vistadome service.

There is also a table in front of you and posh leather seats which are very comfortable with plenty of leg room.

The Vistadome also has air conditioning and heating, leather seats that adjust the body to provide comfort and relaxation during the entire trip, and a traditional show as well as a fashion show to keep you entertained – as if the amazing scenery isn’t enough.

This service allows the visitor to be immersed and feel the Andean culture through its landscapes, music, dance and food carefully prepared with local ingredients.

On-board experience with the best comfort and quality service.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu (2 – 3 Hours)

The ‘Holy Grail’ for lovers of Inca monuments, the enigmatic lost city of Machu Picchu is the most famous archaeological site in all of South America and possibly the world.

The spectacular collection of temples, terraced hills and plazas was the mountain-top citadel of the Inca under Pachacutec and Tupac Yupanqui, until the coming of the Europeans with Pizarro.

It may have the most familiar name, but Machu Picchu has refused to reveal many of its mysteries, including the secrets of its construction, function, and demise. The overgrown ruins were discovered by US historian Hiram Bingham in 1911, and the quality of the stonework hints that it was an extremely important ceremonial site.

The remains are thought to date from around 1450, built at the height of the Inca Empire, and as they escaped being plundered by the Spanish they include semi-intact icons and shrines that were defaced or removed at other sites.

Entering the site, a set of steps leads to the ruined Temple of the Sun and a series of altars and niches.  Highlights include the remains of ceremonial baths, the Sacred Plaza with its tremendous view across the Urubamba River valley, a rare shrine to the sun, and a labyrinth of passageways and cells.

7th Day Revisit Machu Picchu & Vistadome Train to Cusco (B, L)

Revisit machu picchu.

Today you will enjoy further Private Guided Tours of Machu Picchu.

You may start at Dawn or as you wish. All tours are included and you are only limited by your time and energy.

The Sun Gate (2 Hours)

Inti Punku the Sun Gate marks the entrance to Machu Picchu.

It is a one hour uphill hike to the southeast of the Sanctuary, climbing more than 300 meters. The hike is on the original Inca trail and is paved with Inca stones. There is a spectacular view from the gate!

Additional Tours Available

Apu machu picchu (4 to 5 hours roundtrip).

The hike to the summit of Apu Machu Picchu is 2 ½ hours and can be quite steep in places.

This is a breathtaking hike, lot of orchids along the way, birds in the bushy areas, and with every stop the view is gets better and better. The climb is 600 meters uphill, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

*** Access to Apu Machu Picchu is controlled by special tickets which need to be purchased in advance by us. Access is 07:00 – 11:00.  Please ask to have these tickets included in your tour if desired***

Inka Bridge (Bridge 1 Hour Round Trip)

This hike is to the south west of Machu Picchu, a nice original trail that overlooks the Aobamba valley and the Hydro-electric plant.

This Inca Bridge is a part of a mountain trail that heads west from Machu Picchu. The trail is a stone path, part of which is cut into a cliff face.  A twenty-foot gap was left in this section of the carved cliff face, over a 1,900 feet drop that could be bridged with two tree trunks. When the tree trunks were removed then the trail became impassable to outsiders. The path is narrow and paved with original Inca stones.

Huayna Picchu (3 – 4 Hours)

Huayna Picchu is the mountain you see behind Machu Picchu. Towering above the north end of Machu Picchu this steep mountain is often seen in the backdrop to the classic photos of the ruins.

The mountain is steep, but stone steps are laid along most of the way and where the mountain is steeper you will find steel cables used as handrails. For fit people it is not a difficult climb.

Very Limited Access!

Only 400 people are allowed to hike Huayna Picchu each day.  You have to sign in at the entrance gate. The first 200 tickets are available for the 8:00am hike. The second 200 are available at 10:00am.

***We need to buy these special tickets in advance to be sure you will have space for this hike***

8th Day Free Day in Cusco – Private Transfer – Fly Lima & Home (B)

Included / Not Included

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Bespoke Vacations – Luxury Vacations are all about having your Vacation personalized, so you can have what you want, when you want it, and at no additional charge! For this reason we offer a free of charge service where we will personalize an Itinerary , just for you, within 24 Hours of your request. Good Communication is Important, so all our Travel consultants are based in Peru and from the United States.

Call us now, we would love to help you!

Contact us now , and we can get started on Personalizing Your Perfect Luxury Vacation to Peru, Galapagos, Machu Picchu, or wherever else you would like to Visit in South America Today

What is Included:

• All Private Tours with Qualified English-speaking guides
• All Entrance Fees
• 7 Nights in Recommended Luxury 5* Hotels inc. Breakfasts
• 7 x Breakfast, 4 x Lunch, 1 x Dinner (B,L,D)
• First Class Vistadome Train – Cusco / Machu Picchu / Cusco
• Flights within Peru – Lima / Cusco / Lima

What is not Included:

• International airfare to Peru and Taxes
• National Departure Taxes at airports
• Other Meals unless specifically stated in the Itinerary
• Personal expenses such as telephone bills, laundry expenses, beverages, etc.
• Baggage porterage and other extras not specified.

Financial Details

Destination Highlights

Tour Hotels

Country Club Lima Hotel

Av. los eucaliptos 590, san isidro, lima - peru, expedia: 4.5 | tripadvisor: 4.5.

Located in the prestigious San Isidro district, Country Club Lima Hotel is one of the most exclusive hotels in Lima and is renowned for its excellent service. It was built in 1927 and has an impressive exhibition of more than 300 pieces of art and furniture of the Pedro de Osma Museum, which can be seen in the hotel’s public spaces and rooms.

• Air Conditioning
• Room Service

JW Marriott Hotel Lima Miraflores

Malecon de la reserva 615, miraflores, lima lima 18 peru, expedia: 4.6 | tripadvisor: 4.5.

A luxury escape awaits you at our waterfront JW Marriott Hotel Lima. Situated within steps of the beach and Costa Verde, our hotel is also convenient to Lima attractions like the Cathedral of Lima and Larcomar entertainment center. Our upscale hotel offers elegant rooms with plush beds and crisp linens.

JW Marriott El Convento Cusco

Esquina de la calle ruinas 432 y san agustin, cusco peru, expedia: 4.8 | tripadvisor: 5.0.

Embrace a truly unique stay at JW Marriott El Convento Cusco. Our hotel offers a delightful blend of historic grandeur and modern comfort. Housed in a restored 16th-century convent in the heart of Cusco, our boutique hotel features two exhibition halls with ancient Peruvian artifacts.

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Av. hermanos ayar mz 1 lote 3, machu picchu, cusco.

Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel, named one of South America’s best hotels by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, is located at the foot of the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu near the beautiful Vilcanota River, and offers impressive views of the mountains and landscapes.

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How to get to Machu Picchu from Lima: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Machu Picchu, the famous Incan citadel in Peru, is a dream destination for many. Getting there from Lima requires some planning, but the trip itself is an adventure. This guide will help you plan your journey to Machu Picchu, covering the fastest routes, transportation, and tips for altitude sickness.

Whether you prefer the train, hiking the Inca Trail, or other paths, your visit will be memorable. Machu Picchu awaits, ready to amaze you.

Key Takeaways

• Lima is the gateway for 99% of foreign visitors to Machu Picchu
• The fastest way to get to Machu Picchu is by flying from Lima to Cusco, then taking the train to Aguas Calientes
• The easiest route involves taking a bus from Lima to Puno, then the luxury Andean Explorer train to Cusco, and finally the train to Aguas Calientes
• Proper acclimatization to the altitude is crucial before visiting Machu Picchu
• Advance planning is essential for securing permits and transportation to make the most of your Machu Picchu experience
• Contact us for a comfortable and personalized itinerary (Free Service)

Fastest Way to Get to Machu Picchu From Lima

Looking to visit Machu Picchu from Lima? The quickest path is by flying, then taking a train and bus. This route gets you to Machu Picchu in hours. But, it might make you more likely to get altitude sickness.

Step 1: Lima to Cusco by Air

Begin by flying from Lima to Cusco. This flight lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It’s the fastest way to reach Cusco, the starting point for Machu Picchu.

Step 2: Cusco to Aguas Calientes by Train

Next, take a train to Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu. The train ride takes 1.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the service.

Step 3: Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu by Bus

Finally, a 30-minute bus ride from Aguas Calientes takes you to Machu Picchu’s entrance.

This fast route to Machu Picchu is quick but comes with a risk. The sudden climb to high altitudes can cause altitude sickness. So, it’s crucial to take precautions and acclimatize properly.

Easiest Way to Get From Lima to Machu Picchu

The easiest way to get from Lima to Machu Picchu is by bus from Lima to Puno. This route stops at various places, letting you see Peru’s culture and sights. Then, a luxury train from Puno to Cusco helps you get used to the altitude.

Next, a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes awaits. Finally, a bus takes you to Machu Picchu’s entrance. This path is great for families or those worried about altitude sickness. It gives more time to adjust.

Step 1: Lima to Puno by Bus, With Stops

Begin by taking a bus from Lima to Puno . This trip takes about 6-8 hours, with stops along the way. You’ll see amazing landscapes and visit attractions like the Nazca Lines or Ballestas Islands. The bus fare costs between $25 to $65 USD.

Step 2: Puno to Cusco by Luxury Train

Then, you’ll get on a luxury train to Cusco . This 10-hour ride is scenic and comfortable. It helps you adjust to the altitude as you travel to the Inca Empire’s heart. Luxury train tickets cost between $150 to $300 USD.

Step 3: Cusco to Aguas Calientes by Train

In Cusco, you’ll take a train to Aguas Calientes . This trip takes 1.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the train. Train tickets from Cusco to Aguas Calientes cost $45 to $180 USD, not including luxury options.

Step 4: Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu by Bus

The last step is a bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu’s entrance . This 30-minute ride costs $12 USD. You can then explore Machu Picchu at your own pace.

This multi-step journey lets you slowly get used to the altitude. You’ll also see different landscapes and experience Peru’s culture. It makes your trip to Machu Picchu unforgettable.

how to get to machu picchu from lima

Getting to Machu Picchu from Lima has several options. The fastest way is by flying from Lima to Cusco. Then, take a train to Aguas Calientes and a bus to Machu Picchu. Another easiest route is by bus from Lima to Puno, then a luxury train to Cusco. Next, take a train to Aguas Calientes and a bus to Machu Picchu.

For an adventurous trip, consider hiking trails like the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek . These paths let you see the stunning Andean landscapes on your way to the Inca ruins.

Plan your trip well, book tickets early, and acclimatize to the high altitude. By choosing the right transportation, your journey to Machu Picchu will be smooth and memorable.

“Machu Picchu is a stunning example of the Inca Empire’s architectural and engineering prowess, perched high in the Andes Mountains.”

Travel Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu

Planning a trip to Machu Picchu needs some thought and planning. Here are some tips to make your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site smooth and memorable.

Book in Advance

Because of the limited number of visitors allowed each day, booking your tickets early is key. You can book your tickets well in advance . Tickets often sell out weeks or months before, especially during busy times. Plan your machu picchu ticket booking early to get your spot at this amazing ancient site.

Altitude Sickness Precautions

Cusco and Machu Picchu are at high elevations, which can cause altitude sickness. To avoid this, spend a few days in Cusco before your machu picchu hiking preparation . Drink lots of water, think about taking altitude sickness medicine, and watch for symptoms like headaches or nausea.

Prepare for Hiking

Many people choose to hike to Machu Picchu, either on the Inca Trail or other routes like the Salkantay Trek. Make sure to pack light, comfy clothes and gear, and get ready for the machu picchu hiking preparation before you start. The trails are tough, especially the steep stairs to the Inca citadel, so getting ready is important.

“Machu Picchu receives millions of visitors annually, making it one of the most popular destinations in Peru.”

By following these important machu picchu ticket booking , altitude sickness tips machu picchu , and machu picchu hiking preparation tips, you’ll have a great time at the legendary Machu Picchu.

The journey to Machu Picchu is an adventure that needs careful planning. You can take the fastest route from Lima or enjoy stops along the way. Either way, reaching this ancient Incan wonder is an unforgettable experience.

This machu picchu travel guide will help you plan an amazing trip. You’ll find flights, trains, and treks to choose from. The lima to machu picchu journey has something for everyone.

What is the fastest way to get from Lima to Machu Picchu?

What is the easiest way to get from lima to machu picchu, what are some important tips to keep in mind when planning a trip to machu picchu.

Machu Picchu Tours & Treks

As the mist lifts off the mountains and over the Inca ruins, Machu Picchu evokes an otherworldly feeling

It’s one of the world’s most incredible archaeological sites, with a breathtaking location to match. With all that Machu Picchu has to offer, it’s easy to understand why so many are drawn to the visitor heartland of Peru . The ultimate decision is how to get there. Choose a trek or take the train? You could hike through cloud forests along the classic Inca Trail, fulfill your Andes experience on the Quarry Trail or challenge yourself on the Choquequirao trek – it's up to you. We don’t need to tell you why the adventure is worth your while. Our local leaders will keep you safe, informed and inspired every step of the way.

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Machu Picchu highlights

Which route is right for you.

With its spectacular natural scenery and profound cultural encounters, the Inca Trail is an international beacon for trekking. Attracting thousands of hikers each year, it's a challenging yet rewarding hike that stays with you for a lifetime. Although rated moderate, the relentless uphill (and downhill) hiking is tough - the fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy it.

For an impressive hike off the beaten path, consider the Inca Quarry Trail. This lesser-known trek offers the same magical scenery of the Andes mountains, passing through local villages and visiting three smaller archaeological sites the other trails don’t. Another bonus is that the hike doesn’t require a permit – so once you book, you’re set.

Take your boots further with a challenging eight-day hike moving through high-altitude cloud forests, over mega mountain passes and along an ancient trail leading to the well-preserved Inca city ruins of Choquequirao. This trail might be secluded and not for the faint-hearted but it's also one adventure you'll never forget, and that's a promise.

Meet our team

Why choose us.

All our guides are certified local tour guides and trained in-house on Intrepid Safety Policies. Each trekking guide also receives exclusive Intrepid training, provided by mountain rescue experts in the field.

All our guides and trek leaders have been trained by medical specialists in handling altitude illness and are proficient in first aid. Our team carries oxygen cylinders on all treks for emergency use.

Our team members live and work in the Andean region, which means revenue from all our treks benefit the local economy.

We take care of the details, so you can focus more on enjoying the journey. Our tours include all meals, with essential camping equipment and the option to hire additional hiking equipment if needed.

We are proud to have the tick of approval from the Rainforest Alliance indicating that we meet and operate at the highest standards in environmental, social and economic sustainability.

We strive to use travel as a force for good. That’s why we choose to give back to the communities we visit, carbon offset all our trips and take our social and environmental responsibilities seriously. We’ve been officially certified as the world’s largest travel B Corp, which means when you choose Intrepid Travel, you can rest assured you’re traveling to improve the planet.

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Machu Picchu travel FAQs

What is machu picchu.

Machu Picchu is a magnificent reminder of the power and ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

The ancient citadel, built in the 15th century, was abandoned only 100 years later, and many mysteries remain.

Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 1983 and announced as one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, Machu Picchu makes a lasting impression.

Where is Machu Picchu?

Overlooking the Urubamba River, the site of Machu Picchu sits above the Sacred Valley – located in the Cusco region of Peru.

How can I get to Machu Picchu?

Many travellers fly into the capital of Cusco before taking the train or choosing a hiking tour. The stepping stone to Machu Picchu is Ollantaytambo, about 1.5 hours away from Cusco by bus.

From Ollantaytambo, the most common ways to get to Machu Picchu are:

• Hiking the Inca Trail (one way to Machu Picchu)
• Taking the equally scenic and rewarding Quarry Trail
• Trekking the challenging 8-day Choquequirao Trail

Can I still hike if I take the train?

So, you want to experience the Inca Trail but aren't quite up for the entire hike?

The one-day option takes you by train part of the way where you hop off and trek the trade highway of the ancient Inca empire.

You will arrive at the Sun Gate in the afternoon to take in the views of Machu Picchu.

Is hiking the only way to get to Machu Picchu?

On all of our trips that visit Machu Picchu, you can choose the rail journey instead of the hike – simply specify while booking that you’d prefer the train option. There's no extra cost for this, though please note fees may apply if you decide to change to the train option after your Inca Trail permit has already been purchased.

Learn more about taking the train to Machu Picchu

When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

You can visit Machu Picchu all year round.  The most popular time, and therefore the most crowded, is in June and July. 

Low cloud cover during the dry season from April to October also means cold nights on hiking trails, so you'll need thermals for a good night’s sleep. 

The wet season is from November to March. Temperatures rise and the region receives heavy rainfall, so waterproofs are essential if you're hiking. If you don't mind a bit of rain, the plus side is that crowds are smaller. If you want to hike the Inca Trail, note that it closes every year in February for maintenance.

Can you get to Machu Picchu in a day?

Yes, you can. Starting with an early rise in the morning, take a 1.5-hour bus ride to Ollantaytambo, then a 2.5-hour train to Aguas Calientes, followed by a 30-minute bus to Machu Picchu.

You will have a couple of hours to visit Machu Picchu and then return to Cusco the same way.

None of our trips visit Machu Picchu this way, as we believe it doesn’t allow enough time to explore (and really enjoy) the site and the Sacred Valley area.

How high is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is found deep in the cloud forest at 2440 m (7972 ft) above sea level, sitting at 1000 m (3280 ft) lower than Cusco.

What does this mean for you? In terms of altitude, you're unlikely to experience any altitude issues at Machu Picchu itself.

But be aware, trekking to Machu Picchu involves walking up and down several steep stairs, ramps and terraces at various altitudes, which can be strenuous.

Will the altitude affect me?

Most people start to feel the effects of altitude at over 2000 m (6561 ft) regardless of age, gender or fitness level. While our leaders have basic first aid training and are aware of the closest medical facilities, it is very important that you make yourself aware of the causes and effects of traveling at altitude. Monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly.

It is essential to take it easy, drink plenty of water and speak to your group leader immediately if you feel unwell.

We recommend seeing your doctor if you have health concerns before the trip, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking any medication.

Do I need a permit to hike to Machu Picchu?

Everyone hiking to Machu Picchu via the iconic Inca Trail or the shorter Inca Trail Express requires a permit. You don't need a permit to trek via the Quarry or Choquequirao trails.

If you do the Inca Trail with Intrepid, our adventure consultants secure your permit for you so you can focus on getting excited – just make sure you have your passport details handy at the time of booking.

Permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so booking well in advance is critical.

We endeavor to purchase your permit within two working days of receiving all necessary information.

What should I pack for Machu Picchu?

For a day trip exploring Machu Picchu, we recommended taking a small backpack with the essentials: sunscreen, hat, water bottle (filled before departing), a few snacks and mosquito repellent. It helps to wear breathable pants, a long shirt and a waterproof jacket – since the UV index is higher in the Andes and the site is prone to rainfall.

If you plan to trek before visiting Machu Picchu, read our detailed packing instructions in your Essential Trip Information.

What is Wayna Picchu?

Wayna Picchu (also known also as Huayna Pichu or Wayna Pikchu) means ‘young peak’ in Quechua – although the mountain appears anything but young, towering behind Machu Picchu.

Known as the ‘stairs of death’, the hair-raising climb takes about three hours to return. More recently, a cap of 400 people a day has been introduced on the number of visitors allowed to climb.

Can I climb Wayna Picchu with Intrepid Travel?

We have performed risk assessments on all our optional activities, and unfortunately, we don't consider climbing Wayna Picchu a safe activity at this stage.

Reaching Wayna Picchu involves climbing steep, narrow and exposed sets of stairs, and we just can't guarantee your safety.

Our leaders are specifically prohibited from assisting you in visiting Wayna Picchu.

What are the toilet facilities like at Machu Picchu?

There are public toilets located at the main entrance of Machu Picchu and none after entering the site – so make sure you time your stop before heading off to explore.

Take some coins with you as there is a small fee to use the toilet facilities.

What does the Rainforest Alliance tick of approval mean?

The Rainforest Alliance is a non-profit organization. It is working to build strong forests, healthy agricultural landscapes and thriving communities.

The green frog seal shows that an enterprise has been audited to meet environmental, social, and economic sustainability standards.

The Rainforest Alliance recognizes Intrepid as one of Peru's top certified tourism businesses.

Can I visit Machu Picchu if I have a disability?

Yes, but of course it will depend on your level of disability, fitness and what support will be available to you.

People who are visually impaired have completed the Inca Trail (with the right support crew, of course).

Contact us to discuss your particular circumstances and we can assess it from there.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Luxury Machu Picchu Tours

Experience one of the world's greatest wonders exactly how you want to with our private Machu Picchu tours. Hidden in a dramatic landscape where the Andes mountains meet the Amazon basin, the ancient city of Machu Picchu is waiting for you. Shrouded in mystery and built to perfection by the Inca Empire over 500 years ago, your luxury Machu Picchu experience will include a train ride or an unforgettable trekking expedition through the scenic Sacred Valley. Step foot into this UNESCO World Heritage site with an expert, local, English-speaking guide and discover its fascinating oral history.

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Fully Customizable Tours

Your personal Peru travel advisor is dedicated to customizing your Machu Picchu trip how you prefer. Browse our wide selection of luxury Machu Picchu tours below, all feature a visit to the iconic Inca citadel and tour of Machu Picchu. Contact us to plan your Machu Picchu experience complete with luxury accommodations, private transfers, and local, English-speaking guides from start to finish.

Book With Confidence

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Machu Picchu Tours

Machu Picchu Classic

Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Immerse yourself in the history of Cusco, the lush scenery of the Sacred Valley, and the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu with one week in Peru.

Machu Picchu Express

See the world heritage sites of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and tour Machu Picchu on this expedited version of our Machu Picchu Classic.

Cusco & Classic Inca Trail

Cusco, Inca Trail, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Travel in the footsteps of history by hiking the iconic Inca Trail to the UNESCO world heritage site of Machu Picchu.

Andean Highlights

Colca Canyon, Cusco, Lima, Machu Picchu & Titicaca

Experience the highlights of the Peruvian Andes by visiting ancient ruins, colonial cities, and floating islands on Lake Titicaca.

Cusco, Machu Picchu & Lima

Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Lima

Explore Lima's UNESCO sites and iconic attractions, then journey to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Marvel at stunning architecture and rich history with this unforgettable tour.

Luxury Amazon Cruise and Machu Picchu

Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Amazon Cruise

From the clouds forests of Machu Picchu to the weaving Amazon River, this itinerary will show you Peru's best natural and ancient sites.

2-day Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain

Cusco, Sacred Valley, 2-day Inca Trail, Rainbow Mountain & Machu Picchu

Walk along the famous Inca Trail and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Then take a private tour to Vinicunca, also known as the beautiful Rainbow Mountain.

The Great Regions of Peru

Amazon, Colca Canyon, Cusco, Lima, Machu Picchu, Nazca & Titicaca

Experience the full breadth of Peru and Machu Picchu in our most complete Peru tour package. Travel through multiple national reserves, visit world heritage sites, colonial cities, the Amazon rainforest, and the capital city of Lima.

Galapagos & Machu Picchu

Galapagos, Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Our Machu Picchu and Galapagos Tours allow you to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites in one phenomenal trip. Explore unique wildlife on a luxury Galapagos cruise, then visit must-see places in Peru.

Titicaca & Machu Picchu

Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Titicaca

Explore the archeological sites of the Andes. Start in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, then visit the citadel of Machu Picchu. Finish at a luxury lodge on the breathtaking Lake Titicaca.

Amazon to Machu Picchu

Amazon, Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Tour through the Peruvian Amazon rainforest with a naturalist guide then explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the famous Machu Picchu.

Mystic Amazon & Andes

Amazon, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Titicaca'

Explore the Amazon rainforest in Puerto Maldonado before flying to Cusco to discover Machu Picchu for yourself. Then, admire the scenery and cultures of Lake Titicaca.

Colca Canyon & Machu Picchu

Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Cusco, Lima & Machu Picchu

Immerse yourself into both the natural and city life of the Andes. Explore Arequipa, soak in hot springs in Colca Canyon, take a train ride through the lush Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, and discover ancient ruins in Cusco.

Sacred Valley highlights & Machu Picchu

Enhance your time in the Andes with 2 consecutive days of Machu Picchu tours. Explore the UNESCO world heritage site in detail after visiting the highlights of Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

Inca Trail & Machu Picchu

Trek the Classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in comfort with a guide, chef, and porters.

2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Hike the Inca Trail to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu in less time than the Classic 4-day Inca Trail. Spend the night in a luxury Machu Picchu hotel instead of overnight camping.

What to see in Machu Picchu

Discover Peru's most emblematic landmark, the “Lost City of the Incas”. You'll learn about the history, Incan mythology, and the mystery that surrounds this breathtaking Inca ruin atop the mountains: Machu Picchu.

The guardhouse is one of the first attractions you’ll visit on your Machu Picchu tour. This thatched-roof hut was once used by soldiers for its advantageous viewpoints. Travelers today will find this to be one of the best spots to snap their first panoramic photos of Machu Picchu.

Temple of The Three Windows

The Temple of the Three Windows is composed of three trapezoidal-shaped rock windows. The sunrise would shine through these perfectly engineered windows, illuminating the main square or “Sacred Plaza” in golden light.

Temple of the Condor

With a little bit of imagination, you’ll stand before the Temple of the Condor and see how the carved rocks look like the outstretched wings of an Andean Condor.

Sacred Rock

Stand before the Sacred Rock during your Machu Picchu tour and see if you can match the contours of the distant mountains with the ones carved into the boulder before you. Maybe you’ll feel its energy, maybe you’ll admire the view, or maybe you’ll continue onwards to the checkpoint for a Huayna Picchu hike.

Huayna Picchu

For unbeatable views of Machu Picchu from above, hike Huayna Picchu and also explore an additional set of ruins on your way to the summit. Entrance to Huayna Picchu requires a special pass, so be sure to book in advance before they sell out.

Machu Picchu Mountain

A popular alternative to hiking Huayna Picchu, the hike up Machu Picchu Mountain will also reward you with stunning overhead views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding landscapes. Like Huayna Picchu, entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain also requires a special pass so be sure to book in advance before they sell out.

The Sun Gate or Inti Punku is the original entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel and is the one through which hikers on the Inca Trail enter. In days of old, guards would stand sentry at the Sun Gate to welcome the royal visitors into Machu Picchu. On the solstice, the sunrise lines up perfectly with the Sun Gate making it not only an impressive lookout point to Machu Picchu but also an example of the Incas’ ingenious engineering.

Inca Bridge

The Inca Bridge is a site located within the Machu Picchu citadel. Designed as a secret exit (or entrance) for the Inca army, a narrow stone pathway leads to a wooden plank bridge that can be removed. Below, the path falls into a 1,900-foot pit that would be sure to halt any foes attempting to gain access to the Machu Picchu citadel. Today, you cannot cross over it but, with additional time at Machu Picchu, you can hike, see it first hand, and understand why the “Lost City” remained undiscovered by the Spanish conquerors.

Customize Your Trip

Adventure tours.

Ask your Inca Expert travel advisor how you can make your journey to Machu Picchu even more adventurous by reserving a spot on the iconic 4-day or 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, or one of the on-site hikes at the citadel. Aerial views of the UNESCO World Heritage site from the peak of Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain will be the highlight of your trip on these epic half-day hikes.

Our Inca Expert travel advisors will help you plan a trip that is perfectly tailored to your interests and preferences.

Peru Highlights

Amazon rainforest.

The Amazon Rainforest is the largest jungle in the world. You’ll see species of plants, birds, fish, mammals, and insects as you relax in a comfortable all-inclusive lodge near the Tambopata Research Center in Puerto Maldonado. Luxury Amazon River cruises from Iquitos are an alternative option for jungle exploration done in style.

Hike the famous Inca Trail to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. This 26-mile hike through idyllic Peruvian landscapes only permits 500 people per day, so talk with your Inca Expert travel advisor today to book in advance.

Visit Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire and gateway to Machu Picchu. Tour through historical sights and Inca temples or delight in gourmet food at some of the top restaurants in Cusco.

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is a cultural and natural wonder in Peru. For impressive sunsets, a visit to the Uros and Taquile floating islands, and relaxing luxury hotels, head to Lake Titicaca.

Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley has unending sites to behold and things to do. Visit the Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo ruins, Pisac market, begin the Inca Trail, or simply relax at your scenic Sacred Valley hotel with unmissable views.

It’d be a mistake to miss out on Lima’s top restaurants and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The capital city is home to the most exclusive restaurant in Peru: Central. You can also tour through museums, art galleries, and more in the vibrant city of Lima.

Nazca Lines

The mysterious Nazca Lines are giant geoglyphs drawn into the desert floor. Soar above them to see the hummingbird, the astronaut, the spider, and many more!

Arequipa is a refreshing mix of colonial architecture, Peruvian history, and natural beauty. Visit the historical center, Santa Catalina Monastery, or various lookout points in the city for views of El Misti Volcano. Then, spot Andean condors soaring through Colca Canyon as you continue your tour through scenic Peru.

Machu Picchu Hotels

Your Inca Expert travel advisor will customize your itinerary so that you’re fully rested for an unforgettable day discovering Machu Picchu. Our Top Machu Picchu Hotel recommendations include:

Avenida Hermanos Ayar Mz 1 Lote 3, Aguas Calientes

Avenida Imperio de los Incas 608, Aguas Calientes

Prolongacion Imperio de Los Incas E - 34, Aguas Calientes

Premier properties with character

What our clients say.

" All in all we had an absolutely amazing time and the trip completely blew my expectations out of the water. The hotels were all fabulous with beautiful views. Thank you sincerely for the trip of a lifetime! "

Aggie Szymanska CA, USA Traveled to: Lima, Paracas, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley

" We wouldn’t stop talking about how well executed and planned everything was. I personally loved the Inca trail addition and I am so glad you gave that to us as an option. The hike to Huayna Picchu was also a group favorite. "

Natasha Mehta & friends NY & PA, USA Traveled to: Cusco, Lares + 2-day Inca Trail Trek, Machu Picchu

" It exceeded my expectations and I loved the people I met there. The hikes were so well organized, food was amazing, and the guides were super caring even getting the cooks to make a cake for me on my birthday on the Lares trek. "

Araceli Gutierrez MO, USA Traveled to: Lima, Cusco, Lares, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain

" Based on the trip you organized, the historical knowledge, the people, the food, the culture and the natural beauty of Peru, it was simply the best trip I’ve ever taken. This trip will forever be in my memory. "

Gilles Verrier MB, Canada Traveled to: Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Lares Trek, Machu Picchu

" Our trip to Peru was nothing short of magnificent. As for our favorite part, we loved it all. Machu Picchu was everything we thought it would be and more. We had a wonderfully successful trip to Peru! "

Steven Kopelic PA, USA Traveled to: Amazon, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco

Do I have to hike Machu Picchu?

No. Most travelers arrive at the Machu Picchu citadel by way of the train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley. The train takes you to Aguas Calientes, a town at the base of Machu Picchu. Here, a short bus ride brings you to the main entrance. Your tour will be a walking tour of the site.

What are Machu Picchu's hours of operation?

The Machu Picchu ruins are open from 6:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Sunday including holidays.

What are the best hotels near Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu hotel options are abundant in Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. Our Top Machu Picchu hotels are:

• 5-Star Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
• 4-Star El Mapi
• 3-Star Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu

How many days should I spend at Machu Picchu?

1-2 days at Machu Picchu is the ideal amount of time to see the archaeological site. Leisurely travelers can opt for two days and one night by arriving into Aguas Calientes by train, staying overnight in a Machu Picchu hotel, and touring the ruins the next day before returning to Cusco. Those short on time can do a 1-day Machu Picchu tour starting and ending in Cusco, but allot 16-17 hours this day for your whirlwind adventure.

What is the duration of a guided tour of Machu Picchu?

Your privately guided Machu Picchu tour will be 2 hours long. The Machu Picchu archaeological site operates on a one-way circuit that leads visitors to the exit of the ruins at the completion of the tour. Re-entry is not permitted with a Machu Picchu general entrance ticket.

What points of interest will I see on my Machu Picchu tour?

Your private tour of Machu Picchu will introduce you to the Guardhouse, agricultural zone, fountains, main gate, temple zone, tower, Temple of the Three Windows, astronomical observatory, Sacred Rock, Group of Three Doorways, royal enclosures, Temple of the Condor and storage area. Views of the west agricultural zone and main square will be viewed while walking through the site.

When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is in the months between April and September. The dry season in the Andes lasts from May to August, offering sunnier skies, drier weather, and the best views of the Machu Picchu ruins. Shoulder seasons in April/May ad September/October offer views of Machu Picchu with fewer crowds and good chances of pleasant weather.

Do I need a tour guide for Machu Picchu?

Yes. As of 2019, it is compulsory to enter the Machu Picchu citadel with a guide.

How long is a Machu Picchu tour?

The duration of a Machu Picchu tour is approximately 2 hours. The ruins operate on a one-way circuit that leads from the entrance to the exit of the ruins. Contact your Inca Expert travel advisor to customize your trip with more time at the ruins by including an additional entrance ticket or hiking permit.

How strenuous is a Machu Picchu tour?

Easy-Moderate. With well-marked paths for visitors to follow and railings where there are steep steps, touring the Machu Picchu citadel is doable for most able-bodied travelers. All visitors must walk up and down stone steps and along uneven paths, so those with disabilities and/or joint pain should let their Inca Expert travel advisor know ahead of time of any bodily limitations. Elderly and disabled visitors can use hiking poles with protective rubber tips.

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• South America

Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls & Rio

For a taste of the incredible wonders found here in South America, this 16-day Rio, Iguazu Falls & Machu Picchu tour will amaze and surprise. Visit majestic natural wonders along with ancient archaeological and historical ones to create what may be the perfect vacation. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, family, or group, this Rio Iguazu Falls Machu Picchu immersion is not one to be missed. Throughout your tour, you’ll enjoy the comfort of your choice of 4-star or 5-star hotels, followed by an enticing cruise with luxury suites.

Marvel At Machu Picchu & More

After overnighting in Lima, you’ll kick off your adventure by flying to the Incan Sacred Valley for an exploration of the quaint towns, ancient sites, and traditional culture. Your explorations will also include the city of Cusco, a unique testimony of the ancient Inca civilization, full of archaeological and historical wonders, along with a colorful local market.

A highlight of your time here will be a train trip up to, and exploration of, the legendary sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of the exceptional New Seven Wonders of the World. You’ll discover this Incan royal estate built in the mid-1400s with the help of your expert guide, who’ll bring the history of these remarkable ruins to life.

Be Amazed By The Amazon

A flight to Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon comes next. Here you will board the Zafiro for your cruise deep into the rainforest. Select between upper or lower deck suites, master suites, or indulge yourself with a stay in the spacious Zafiro Suite. Each one is air-conditioned and comes with its own private bathroom with hot shower.

Spend time up on the observation deck for incredible views, or enjoy a soak in the Jacuzzi while enjoying the scenery. The Zafiro also offers you an indoor and outdoor lounge to relax in during the cruise. Chef-inspired meals are served in the dining area, also with a list of selected wines to enjoy.

Naturalist guides are always available and will lead you on exciting expeditions during the cruise. Explore parts of the Amazon aboard skiffs and spot various wildlife, including caiman, tarantulas, and the famous gray and pink river dolphins. You’ll also have a unique chance to visit a local indigenous community.

As your cruise comes to a close, you’ll be transported back to Iquitos for a flight to Lima to prepare for the next part of your Peru Brazil tour.

Fall For Rio & Iguazu Falls

Your flight from Lima takes you to Iguazu, where you’ll have a chance to rest and explore the town before visiting the famous Iguazu Falls, also one of the new 7 Wonders of Nature, along with the Amazon.

Spend a day exploring the Argentinean side of the falls, walking over raised platforms and walkways for spectacular views. Spend a second day taking in the Brazilian side of the Falls for different views, which are equally beautiful and compelling. Catch a rainbow in the midst of the Fall’s mist, and experience a panoramic view of over 275 falls, including the famous Devil’s Throat at 80 meters tall!

Now that you’ve experienced the two spectacular sights of Machu Picchu and Iguazu Falls, it’s time to fly to Rio de Janeiro to discover the wonders of one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Explore the Tijuca National Park and behold the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Learn Brazil’s history by touring Rio’s old city center, seeing such buildings as the Opera House, Fine Arts Museum, and the former Imperial Palace. A cable car ride to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain is the perfect way to end your day, taking in views of the city all the way to the beaches.

All too soon, it seems, your Rio and Machu Picchu tour must come to an end, and you’ll transfer back to the airport for your return home.

Itinerary & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

Welcome to Lima!

Today you arrive in Lima! Tonight you will cozy up and unwind at the airport hotel, before your departure flight to Cusco the following day.

Lima to the Incan Sacred Valley

After a good night’s rest, enjoy a delicious breakfast before you fly from Lima to Cusco. At Cusco you will be met at the airport and transferred into the Sacred Valley. Our tours in the Cusco area always begin in the valley, which is approximately 1,000 meters (3,000 feet) lower in elevation than Cusco, so that guests may better acclimatize to the altitude.

Get ready to explore the most important ruins, which start with a trip to historic Pisac. Our expert local guide will show you around the Temple of the Sun, ancient baths, altars, fountains, and ceremonial platform, and a type of sundial carved into the volcanic rock which was used for determining the time of year. At the side of the citadel, you will see the terraces that are still used to this day to grow crops.

After a quick visit to the colorful market of Pisac to buy souvenirs, we enjoy a traditional lunch in a restaurant in Urubamba. Afterwards, we take you to visit the impressive fortress town of Ollantaytambo as we continue our trip around the ancient ruins of the Sacred Valley. Perched atop a mountain it acted as the religious, military, financial, and agricultural center of the Inca culture and we also visit the town of the same name which maintains its Incan charm as a window into the past.

Meals (B, L)

Maras, Moray and Chinchero

The Maras salt mines were an important part of the economy of the Inca culture and to this day the salt produced in these mines, recognizable by its pinkish hue, is amongst the most sought-after and expensive in the world. From there, we take you to the picturesque archaeological site of Moray which is a huge expanse of concentric terraces which the Incas used a botanical laboratory. Once finished with this leg of the tour, we enjoy a typical Andean lunch at the Casa de Barro restaurant.

Our next stop is at the PARWA Center in Chinchero, where you can learn about the centuries-old traditional textile making so important to the Andean people. You will have the chance here to buy traditional textiles and other souvenirs for your loved ones back home. Remaining in Chinchero we take in the 17th Century church built by the Spanish invaders and then the surrounding ruins, aqueducts, and agricultural terraces that sustained the local people hundreds of years ago.

The Grandeur of Machu Picchu

Today is the big day! Get ready to tick one of the New Seven Wonders of the World off your list as we head to Machu Picchu Citadel. Leaving the Sacred Valley by train, we enjoy a peaceful snake through the mountains, uphill to Aguas Calientes, situated at the foot of Machu Picchu. The views on the way to Machu Picchu itself are an intrinsic part of the trip itself and worth savoring. Built in the mid 1400’s it acted as a royal estate to two different Inca rulers, Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui and Tupac Inca Yupanqui. After 80 years of occupancy, it was abandoned, possibly due to Spanish infiltration in other parts of Peru, and remained abandoned until the early last century when efforts Hiram Bingham brought its existence to world attention.

Machu Picchu is divided into two sectors, the urban and the agricultural. Our expert guide will take you through both and show you the key spots in the ancient citadel such as the Temple of the Sun and the Room, the Intihuatana Stone, and the Room of Three Windows. The residential buildings feature exquisite stonework with no cement or mortar and are characterized by small trapezoid windows that face the morning sun. After our extensive tour, we put you back on the train to your hotel in either Cusco or the Sacred Valley.

Ancient Inca Capital City

Today, we pick you up at your hotel for your tour of Cusco and its most important archeological sites. Cusco, known as the Imperial City, and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is home to Inca structures with a smattering of colonial influence. You start your tour at the iconic San Pedro market, a local market where you can explore the myriad colors, flavors, textures and traditions of modern Cusco.

The visit continues with the Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace and cult center of the Sun God, above which the order of the Dominicans built a church. It remains standing to this day. Still standing to this day, this temple/church really is a remarkable building and an amalgamation of the two cultures. From there, we ascend to the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an impressive example of Inca military architecture. Afterwards, you will explore Q’enqo archeological site, where important Inca ceremonies took place before moving on to the Plaza de Armas, home to the Cathedral, and the centerpiece of the city.

Departing Cusco & Cruise Embarkation

AM: After breakfast, at the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and privately transferred to Cusco airport, ready to board your departure flight to Iquitos!

After your flight to the capital of the Peruvian Amazon, our guides will meet you at the Iquitos airport—waiting for you with a sign with the name of Jungle Experiences. We will then go to the Doubletree by Hilton Iquitos Hotel, the meeting point, to receive your first briefing about the trip and where you will enjoy a delicious welcome lunch. Then you will be transported by a private vehicle to the main dock of the city of Iquitos to board El Zafiro, your home for the following three nights.

PM : Our staff will show you to your suite, equipped with comfortable beds, 100% Peruvian Pima cotton sheets, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with a shower and amenities. Before setting sail, our bartender will serve you a cocktail prepared with local fruit and pisco, the most popular liquor in Peru. You can sip it while enjoying 360° views from the observation deck or a panoramic view from the indoor or outdoor lounge.

After setting sail, our naturalist guides will offer an overview of the travel itinerary, including activities, routes, information about wildlife and vegetation, geographical and historical context, as well as other useful info. If you have any doubts or concerns, our guides are always available to answer your questions.

We’ll then enjoy the welcome dinner. Start your journey by sampling the selected wines and dining Peruvian cuisine with an Amazon flare. There are many options on our menu, including vegetarian alternatives. Please let us know in advance if you have any special dietary needs. After dinner, you’ll be able to take in stunning views of the starry night sky while we start our journey to the depth of the Amazon rainforest.

Meals (B, L, D)

Ucayali River, Yanallpa of Ucayali, Tapiche River & Dorado River

AM : Before breakfast, we’ll head out on a skiff to the Yanallpa area of the Ucayali River in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, where we’ll see many native animal species. After breakfast, we’ll head out on a skiff to the Tapiche River in search of wildlife. Before midday, we’ll head back to the boat for a cooking demonstration by the executive chef.

PM : After lunch, whoever is interested may attend a talk about the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, and in the afternoon, we’ll take a skiff to the Dorado River, where we’ll fish using local techniques. Before heading back on board, we’ll enjoy a nighttime outing in search of caimans, tarantulas, and other species that make an appearance after the sun goes down. Dinner will be served onboard the Zafiro.

Ucayali River, Yarapa of Ucayali, Amazon River, Tahuayo River & Huaysi Community Visit

AM : After breakfast, we’ll set out to explore the Yarapa River, where the infamous pink and gray river dolphins swim in its black waters. Back on the Zafiro, we’ll see the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañón rivers, which give rise to the Amazon River.

PM : After lunch, we’ll take the skiff out on the Amazon River to visit the Huaysi community. There, we’ll see how the locals live and learn more about their customs with our guides, who will act as interpreters. We’ll also take a dip in the Tahuayo River and, before heading back to the boat, enjoy a colorful Amazon sunset. Back on the Zafiro, you’ll have some time to relax and enjoy live music before the presentation by the crew and farewell dinner.

Disembarkation to Lima

AM : After breakfast, we begin to disembark. On the way to the airport, stop by the Amazon Rescue Center (CREA), where biologists and volunteers take care of manatees (an endangered species) rescued by the authorities. We’ll see how the manatees are cared for and prepped for reinsertion into their natural habitat. We also get to see other animals that have been rescued from attempts to turn them into pets and other dangerous situations.

Afterward, you will be transferred to Iquitos airport for your departure flight back to Lima. Spend the night relaxing at the airport hotel before your departure flight to Brazil in the morning!

Welcome to Brazil!

Get ready to board your flight this morning – Brazil awaits!

Upon arriving in Iguazu, our local representative will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel.

Today your day is free to spend at leisure. If your accommodation is located on the outskirts of the town, you can relax and enjoy the facilities of your accommodation. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the center of town where you can walk down the main street of Foz do Iguazu, enjoying some of the local shops and cafes.

Visit the Argentinean Falls

After breakfast this morning, you will begin your exclusive tour of the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls. You’ll head towards the Iguazu National Park where you’ll climb aboard a small train at the entrance of the National Park – your first stop will be the ominously named Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) which stands at over 262ft, making it the biggest waterfall of Iguazu! Having soaked up the enormity of the Devil’s Throat, your guide will take you along the wooden walkways and trails of both the upper and lower circuit. With over 270 separate waterfalls and the copious verdant jungle of Iguazu, exploring this Natural World Wonder of the World is one of the most unforgettable experiences.

The various trails that take you above and around the waterfalls are built a few feet above the jungle floor. These raised platforms not only protect the natural habitat of the jungle wildlife but will also take you to secluded viewpoints offering unimaginable views across the whole National Park. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure while visiting Iguazu, we highly recommend booking the optional (not included) Great Adventure (Gran Aventura) boat tour that takes you right under the rainbows and mist of Iguazu’s waterfalls. Make sure to pack a change of clothes or swimwear and a watertight bag for your valuables because you will get wet!

After a full day exploring Argentina’s side of Iguazu Falls, you’ll head back to the visitors’ center and from there, your transfer will take you to your hotel in Iguazu where the rest of your evening is free to spend at your leisure.

The Brazilian Falls

After breakfast, you´ll head out again to discover the Natural Wonder of the World, Iguazu Falls. Today you’ll have a private guided tour of the Brazilian side.

Situated inside the Iguazu National Park, the Iguazu Waterfalls enthrall visitors from all over the world. This huge series of waterfalls plunge through a gorge onto the Iguazu River. They are more than 3 kilometers wide and 80 meters high! Wider than the Victoria Falls, higher than the Niagara Falls, and more beautiful than either. The falls create a never-ending spray of water and keep the sky decorated with rainbows. Walking by a 1.2-km trail, you will be treated to an amazing panoramic view of the over 275 waterfalls and the frontal view of Garganta del Diablo (or Devil’s Throat), which is the most powerful and spectacular waterfall of them all, at over 80 meters tall.

After the day at the falls, you can relax in your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Arrival in Rio de Janeiro

At the designated time you’ll be taken to Foz do Iguaçu airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro!

Landing in Rio, our local representative will be waiting for you at the airport to greet and take you to your hotel. Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, the rest of the day is free to explore some of our favorite local spots. Stroll along the long boulevards next to the beaches of Ipanema, Leblon, and of course Copacabana. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of huts selling delicious freshly squeezed juices and coconuts which will refresh you as you soak up the breathtaking cityscape.

Relax and perhaps watch the sunset at the beach before going for dinner at one of the restaurants along the promenade. We recommend trying one of Brazil’s most famous and traditional dishes, feijoada carioca (stew of beans with beef and pork served with white rice and farofa) washed down with a refreshing caipirinha cocktail or a local beer – Brahma and Skol are our favorites! Following dinner, you can go back to your hotel to relax or go to one of the local samba bars to dance the night away!

Getting to know Rio

This half-day private tour will take you to the Tijuca National Park, the world’s largest urban forest. Arriving at the top of Corcovado Mountain you’ll visit the world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. In 2007, the statue was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and standing at the base of the 124 ft. tall statue, you’ll be treated to some truly amazing views over the city. Enjoy eye-catching views of the forest below and where Rio de Janeiro’s mountains dive into the clear blue water.

After visiting the statue and the Tijuca National Park, you’ll head back to your hotel passing by the golden beaches of Ipanema and Leblon.

Sugar Loaf & City Tour

To understand the history of Brazil there is nothing better than taking a tour of the old city center of Rio. You’ll visit the impressive Cinelandia Square which was built in honor of the second president of Brazil, Floriano Peixoto, and features important buildings such as the Rio Opera House, the National Library, and the Fine Arts Museum. Continuing your tour through the historic center, you’ll also visit Rio’s Chamber of Deputies, the former Imperial Palace, and the ornate Candelaria Church.

Having explored the city from the street level, you will head towards Sugarloaf Mountain where you’ll take the cable car to its summit. Ascending the famous natural landmark of Sugarloaf Mountain you’ll be able to enjoy stunning 360-degree views across the sprawling city below, Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach, and up to Christ the Redeemer statue.

You will also get to learn how to make and taste the most famous and traditional Brazilian drink – a caipirinha !! The perfect end to a perfect day.

Return Home

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel in Rio de Janeiro , because it’s time to hit the road again as you make your way to your next destination, or return home. You will be transported to the airport at the scheduled time.

Travel safely to your next destination as you leave with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

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• All prices displayed are PER PERSON
• Child policies may apply to the cruise, lodge and/or excursions included with your tour
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Experience the Incan Heritage and Ancient Archaeology of Peru on a 10-Day Women-Only Tour

On this 10-day tour, created by women, for women, feast on Peruvian delicacies in Lima, tour the ancient Qorikancha temple in Cusco and adventure through the Ollantaytambo ruins and Machu Picchu. In Cusco, embark on a private planetarium tour uncovering the influence of astronomy on Andean culture and visit Mantay store which supports mothers and their children. In Lima, visit Casa Aliaga, an impressive mansion the Aliaga family has called home for 17 generations, and tour and dine in Museo Larco guided by an archaeologist who shares her insights. Join a Local Expert in Machu Picchu for a guided tour through the ancient ruins. Visit the salt pans of Maras in the Sacred Valley where the Incas harvested minerals, and visit a local Quechua Weaver for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to learn about their ancient weaving techniques in a private presentation. 

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How can I book flights for my tour?

When booking online, you'll be offered the option to add flights once you've selected your travel dates and room type. You can add your cabin preferences when searching for your flight. Alternatively, you can get in touch with our team. Our Travel Experts or your local Travel Advisor will be able to assist with your requirements.  

Can I add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?

Many guests choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour once you've selected your preferred departure. Alternatively, you can get in touch with our team. Our Travel Experts or your local Travel Advisor will be able to assist with your requirements.  

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Select your departure date, then review the available room options under the ‘Trip Overview’ section and choose the one that best suits your group. We have options for solo, twin and triple room configurations. If you a traveling in a party of three adult guests, please note triple rooms may have a fold out bed, or limited space for three beds. If you prefer more individual space, you may prefer to book a single room and twin room for your group of three.  

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How to Travel to Machu Picchu: Complete Guide, Tips, and Itinerary for First Timers

To travel to Machu Picchu, begin in Cusco or Lima. Take a bus or train to Aguas Calientes, then a bus to the site. Prepare for altitude sickness before your visit. Purchase tickets at the ticket office or via a tour operator. Remember, Huayna Picchu needs advance booking for entry.

Once you arrive in Peru, fly into Cusco. Spend a few days acclimating to the altitude. Cusco offers rich history and culture, making it a worthwhile stop. From Cusco, take a train to Aguas Calientes. This town serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu.

On the day of your visit, rise early to catch the sunrise at Machu Picchu. Walking around the ruins, you can explore the Temple of the Sun and the Incan agricultural terraces. Remember to stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes.

Having covered essential travel logistics and highlights, let’s delve deeper into the vital tips for a smooth, enjoyable experience at Machu Picchu, including what to pack, how to navigate the site, and local customs to consider.

Table of Contents

What Is Machu Picchu and Why Should You Visit It?

Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is renowned for its archaeological significance and stunning architecture, serving as a testament to the Inca Empire’s ingenuity.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognizes Machu Picchu as a World Heritage Site, reflecting its cultural and historical importance. UNESCO states that the site is “an outstanding example of the architectural and engineering achievements of the Inca civilization.”

Machu Picchu features impressive stone structures, terraces, and sophisticated agricultural systems. It sits at an elevation of 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The site includes the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and various other significant structures that highlight Incan cosmology and astronomy.

According to the National Geographic Society, the citadel served multiple purposes, including religious, agricultural, and residential functions. It likely housed Incan rulers and priests who performed rituals linked to sun worship, demonstrating their connection to the divine.

In 2019, Machu Picchu attracted over 1.5 million visitors, according to the Ministry of Culture of Peru. This number highlights the increasing popularity of the site and its potential economic impact on local tourism.

Machu Picchu’s significance extends beyond tourism. It fosters cultural pride among Peruvians and contributes to the local economy by providing jobs and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Visiting Machu Picchu benefits the local environment by encouraging conservation projects. Experts suggest limiting visitor numbers, improving waste management, and promoting alternative tourism strategies to minimize environmental impact.

Incorporating technology, such as digital ticketing and visitor tracking systems, can enhance management efforts. Collaboration with local communities is also essential to ensure sustainable development and preservation of this iconic site.

How Do You Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?

To get to Machu Picchu from Cusco, travelers can take a combination of train and bus services or trek through the Inca Trail, depending on their preference for convenience or adventure.

Traveling by train and bus involves these steps:

Start from Cusco : Leave Cusco early in the morning. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the train station in Ollantaytambo, located about 60 kilometers from Cusco.

Train to Aguas Calientes : Board a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town nearest to Machu Picchu. The train ride lasts approximately 1.5 hours and offers scenic views of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River.

Bus to Machu Picchu : Once in Aguas Calientes, take a short bus ride to the Machu Picchu entrance. This bus journey takes about 25 minutes and includes winding roads with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Exploring Machu Picchu : Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, visitors can explore the archaeological site, which operates from 6 AM to 5 PM. It is advisable to book tickets in advance due to high demand.

Trekking the Inca Trail offers a different experience:

Permits Required : Trekkers must obtain a permit in advance, as only a limited number are issued each year for the Inca Trail.

Trekking Duration : The Inca Trail typically takes 4 days and involves hiking approximately 43 kilometers. This trek includes overnight camping at designated sites.

Guided Tours : Most trekkers join guided tours, which provide necessary support, including meals and camping equipment.

Arrival at Machu Picchu : Trekkers reach Machu Picchu early in the morning on the final day of the hike, experiencing the sunrise over the ancient site.

For both options, ensure you purchase entrance tickets to Machu Picchu ahead of time. It is essential to plan your travel dates early, as tickets often sell out months in advance.

What Are the Different Train Options to Reach Machu Picchu?

To reach Machu Picchu, travelers primarily use one of the following train options: PeruRail and Inca Rail. These services provide varying levels of comfort and travel experience.

• Luxury Train Services
• Backpacker Train Option

These train options cater to different budgets and preferences, making it important to understand the specifics of each.

PeruRail : PeruRail operates multiple train services to Machu Picchu, including the Expedition, Vistadome, and Sacred Valley trains. Each service provides a unique experience and is designed for different comfort levels. The Expedition train offers a basic yet comfortable journey with spacious seating, while the Vistadome features panoramic windows for scenic views. The Sacred Valley service combines a premium experience with gourmet meals. PeruRail is known for its punctuality and scenic routes alongside the Urubamba River.

Inca Rail : Inca Rail also offers several service levels, such as the Voyager, 360° Train, and the First Class train. The Voyager service provides a mix of comfort and affordability. The 360° Train includes glass-ceiling viewing areas and offers a unique travel experience. For luxury, the First Class train offers high-end amenities and gourmet dining. Inca Rail focuses on delivering a pleasant experience with good customer service.

Luxury Train Services : Luxury train services, like the Belmond Hiram Bingham, offer an exclusive and premium experience. This train includes fine dining, guided excursions, and luxurious interiors. Travelers can enjoy exquisite meals while taking in breathtaking scenery. These services often appeal to those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime journey, albeit at a higher price.

Backpacker Train Option : For budget travelers, the backpacker train option provides a simple and affordable way to reach Machu Picchu. Though lacking some luxury amenities, this option is suitable for those on a tighter budget. These trains typically have basic services but still provide a means to enjoy the scenic landscape leading to the ancient site.

In summary, the train options to reach Machu Picchu vary from budget-friendly services to luxury experiences, catering to different travel styles and preferences.

How Can You Hike to Machu Picchu from Cusco?

You can hike to Machu Picchu from Cusco by taking the Inca Trail or alternative trekking routes, ensuring proper permits, transportation, and preparation.

The Inca Trail is the most famous route, leading directly to Machu Picchu. It requires a special permit, which should be obtained well in advance. The trek typically takes four days and includes stunning views, ancient ruins, and diverse ecosystems. Each day, hikers cover approximately 10 to 14 kilometers, ascending to a maximum altitude of about 4,200 meters. The trail is well-marked but can present challenges due to steep sections and changing weather.

There are alternative routes available for those wishing for less-traveled paths. Options include the Salkantay Trek and the Lares Trek. The Salkantay Trek is known for its breathtaking landscapes and takes about five to seven days. The Lares Trek offers a cultural immersion through rural communities and usually spans three to four days.

Transportation options connect Cusco to the trailheads. Travelers can book a bus or train to Ollantaytambo, which serves as the gateway to the Inca Trail. Train services operate daily and take approximately two hours to reach Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu. From there, visitors can take a short bus ride or hike up to the ruins.

Preparation is essential for a successful hike. This includes physical conditioning, as the trek involves long days of walking at high altitudes. Proper gear is crucial, including sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, and layered clothing to accommodate temperature changes. Travelers should also carry enough food and water, as well as personal items and a basic first aid kit.

Finally, it is advisable to consider guided tours. Professional guides provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and flora/fauna along the route. Thus, trekking to Machu Picchu can be a transformative experience, combining adventure with cultural enrichment.

What Are the Best Times to Visit Machu Picchu?

The best times to visit Machu Picchu are during the dry season, which runs from May to September, with June and July being peak months.

• Dry Season (May to September)
• Wet Season (October to April)
• Early Morning or Late Afternoon Visits
• Avoiding Peak Tourist Days

To understand why these periods are important, we will explore each aspect further, along with various perspectives and practical tips.

Dry Season (May to September) : The dry season consists of the months from May to September. This period is characterized by lower rainfall and more stable weather, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor exploration. According to the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, attendance peaks in June and July. Many visitors prefer to travel during this time due to the clear skies and comfortable temperatures, typically ranging from 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C). However, increased tourist traffic can lead to crowded spaces.

Wet Season (October to April) : The wet season lasts from October to April, producing heavier rainfall and colder temperatures. November and March are considered transitional months, with fewer tourists and lower prices. Although rain can lead to trail closures, the landscape becomes lush and vibrant, offering a unique visual perspective. Visitors can enjoy a less crowded experience during this time. Some travelers argue that the rain adds to the mystique of Machu Picchu and enhances the experience.

Early Morning or Late Afternoon Visits : Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can reduce exposure to crowds. Early morning visitors can witness the sunrise over the ruins, which is a breathtaking sight. Conversely, those who visit in the late afternoon may experience fewer tourists and favorable lighting for photography. The PeruRail report from 2021 highlights that flexible timings can significantly enhance the visitor experience.

Avoiding Peak Tourist Days : Disregarding peak days can lead to a more enjoyable visit. National holidays or weekends typically see higher visitor numbers. Observational reports indicate that the best days to visit are often mid-week, as this is when the site is least congested, allowing for better exploration.

In summary, the optimal time to visit Machu Picchu depends on weather preferences, crowd levels, and personal experience desires. Each season offers distinct advantages and potential drawbacks, allowing travelers to choose what best suits their needs.

Which Months Offer the Best Weather for Visiting?

The best months for visiting typically include the spring and fall seasons, specifically April to June and September to November. These periods provide moderate temperatures and less rain in many destinations.

Ideal Months: – April to June – September to November

Regional Considerations: – Tropical Destinations: December to February may offer dry conditions. – Arctic Destinations: March to May can provide optimal weather for exploration.

Seasonal Climate Variations: – Wet Season: July to September may include heavy rainfall in tropical areas. – Summer Heat: July and August can be extremely hot in some regions.

Personal Preferences: – Avoid Crowds: Traveling during shoulder seasons can mean fewer tourists. – Cost-Effectiveness: Off-peak travel often results in lower prices.

Understanding the various attributes of the best months for visiting helps ensure a more enjoyable experience.

Ideal Months: The term ‘ideal months’ refers to the times of the year when weather conditions are most favorable for travel. April to June and September to November are generally recognized as preferable due to moderate temperatures and reduced precipitation. For example, visits to Europe in spring often feature blossoming gardens and fewer crowds compared to summer.

Regional Considerations: Regional considerations encompass the climate variability that exists in different geographical areas. In tropical destinations, the dry season typically runs from December to February, making it an excellent time for sun-seekers. In contrast, arctic regions see optimal exploration weather from March to May, when temperatures are milder but still cool enough for winter sports.

Seasonal Climate Variations: Seasonal climate variations denote the changes in weather patterns throughout the year. The wet season, commonly experienced from July to September, often includes heavy rains in tropical areas; this can disrupt travel plans. Conversely, summer heat in July and August can be oppressive in regions like the Mediterranean, potentially impacting the comfort of outdoor activities.

Personal Preferences: Personal preferences play a key role in deciding when to travel. Many travelers seek to avoid crowds; visiting during shoulder seasons allows for a more serene experience. Additionally, traveling during off-peak times often leads to cost savings on flights and accommodation, as prices typically rise during high-demand months.

How Does the Time of Day Affect Your Experience at Machu Picchu?

The time of day significantly affects your experience at Machu Picchu. Morning hours often provide clearer skies and cooler temperatures. Early visitors can enjoy fewer crowds. This leads to a more tranquil atmosphere for exploration. Sunrise at Machu Picchu also offers stunning visuals. The sunlight illuminates the ruins beautifully.

In contrast, afternoon visits can bring larger crowds. More tourists arrive later in the day, which can create a bustling environment. Additionally, afternoon weather tends to be warmer and may include rain. This can limit visibility and make hiking less enjoyable.

Choosing early morning visits enhances both the scenic experience and the overall enjoyment of the site. In summary, visiting Machu Picchu during different times of day creates distinct experiences, impacting visibility, crowd levels, and overall enjoyment.

What Do You Need to Know Before Visiting Machu Picchu?

Before visiting Machu Picchu, you need to prepare by understanding key information about the site, entry requirements, and the surrounding area.

• Entry Tickets and Time Slots
• Best Time to Visit
• Travel Logistics
• Health and Safety Precautions
• Cultural Etiquette

Understanding these key points ensures a smooth and enjoyable visit to Machu Picchu.

Entry Tickets and Time Slots: Entry tickets for Machu Picchu are mandatory and allow access to specific time slots. Visitors must book their tickets in advance. According to the Ministry of Culture in Peru, tickets can be purchased online through official channels. The site limits the number of daily visitors to preserve its sanctity. As of 2023, tickets remain limited and often sell out months ahead, underscoring the need for early planning.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, from May to September. In these months, rainfall is minimal, making hiking and exploration more enjoyable. However, June and July witness the highest tourist traffic, which can lead to crowded conditions. In contrast, the rainy season from November to March presents challenges with mudslides and limited visibility. Thus, understanding seasonal patterns can enhance your experience.

Travel Logistics: Travel logistics include transportation to Aguas Calientes, the town nearest to Machu Picchu. Visitors typically take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to reach Aguas Calientes. The train journey offers breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley. Once in Aguas Calientes, travelers ride a bus that ascends to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Consider booking train tickets well in advance to secure preferred times and seating.

Health and Safety Precautions: Health and safety precautions are crucial for a successful visit. Machu Picchu sits at an altitude of 2,430 meters (7,970 feet), which can affect visitors. Symptoms of altitude sickness may occur, including headaches and nausea. Staying hydrated and acclimatizing in Cusco before the visit helps minimize risks. Additionally, it is wise to follow safety guidelines pertaining to hiking trails and stay within designated paths to avoid accidents.

Cultural Etiquette: Cultural etiquette is important when visiting significant historical sites. Travelers should respect the site by not touching the ruins, avoiding littering, and following any posted guidelines. Photography is encouraged but should be done respectfully. Engaging with local customs and supporting community initiatives fosters goodwill and enhances the overall visitor experience. Being aware of these practices contributes to preserving the heritage of Machu Picchu.

What Are the Entrance Fees and Tickets Procedures?

The entrance fees and ticket procedures for attractions can vary significantly depending on the location and type of venue. Visitors typically need to understand these aspects before planning their visit.

Types of tickets: – Standard admission tickets – Group tickets – Children and senior tickets – Special event tickets – Annual passes

Ticket purchasing procedures: – Online booking – On-site purchasing – Third-party vendors – Reservation confirmation

Entrance fee factors: – Peak vs. off-peak pricing – Additional fees for guided tours – Discount eligibility

This variety leads to differing experiences among visitors, as some may prefer the convenience of online purchasing, while others may enjoy the spontaneity of buying tickets on-site.

Types of Tickets : Types of tickets include various categories to accommodate different audiences. Standard admission tickets allow entry to the venue. Group tickets provide discounts for several individuals purchasing together. Children and senior tickets offer reduced prices for specific age groups. Special event tickets grant access to events that occur at the venue, such as concerts or exhibitions. Annual passes allow unlimited access for a year, potentially benefiting frequent visitors.

Ticket Purchasing Procedures : Ticket purchasing procedures primarily differ based on convenience. Online booking is a popular option, as it allows visitors to secure tickets in advance and avoid long lines. On-site purchasing is still available in many locations, which provides flexibility to last-minute travelers. Third-party vendors may offer tickets, sometimes at a premium, and reservation confirmation is crucial to verify that tickets are valid and accessed properly.

Entrance Fee Factors : Entrance fee factors can significantly affect the price paid by visitors. Peak vs. off-peak pricing can change ticket costs based on the time of year, with higher fees during busy seasons. Additional fees for guided tours may apply for those seeking a more informative experience. Lastly, discount eligibility , which can include promotions for students, military personnel, or local residents, can provide substantial savings for certain groups, encouraging wider accessibility.

How Can You Prepare for the Altitude When Visiting Machu Picchu?

To prepare for the altitude when visiting Machu Picchu, acclimatization, hydration, diet, and gradual ascent are essential strategies.

Acclimatization: Spend a few days at a higher elevation before your visit. This allows your body to adjust to lower oxygen levels. Research shows that spending at least 48 hours in places like Cusco, which is about 11,000 feet (3,400 meters) above sea level, can significantly improve tolerance to altitude (Wiltshire, 2020).

Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration exacerbates altitude sickness. It is recommended to consume at least 3-4 liters of water daily at higher elevations. A study by Roach and Hackett in 2001 emphasizes the importance of hydration in reducing symptoms of altitude sickness.

Diet: Eat a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, which can provide a quick source of energy. Foods rich in carbohydrates, like potatoes and rice, can help maintain your energy levels while at altitude. Avoid heavy meals and excessive alcohol consumption, as they can contribute to sluggishness and increase the risk of altitude sickness.

Gradual Ascent: Ascend slowly when hiking to higher elevations. Avoid rapid increases in altitude, as they can lead to altitude sickness. The general rule is to not ascend more than 1,000 feet (300 meters) per day. According to the Wilderness Medical Society (2019), this gradual increase helps to minimize the risk of health issues.

Medication: Consider consulting a healthcare provider about medications like acetazolamide. This medication can help prevent altitude sickness. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (Bojanowski et al., 2017) highlights its effectiveness in individuals traveling to high altitudes.

By following these strategies, individuals can better prepare for the altitude at Machu Picchu and enhance their overall experience.

What Are Some Tips for First-Time Travelers to Machu Picchu?

First-time travelers to Machu Picchu should prepare well for an enjoyable and safe experience. Planning ahead, staying hydrated, and respecting the cultural significance of the site are essential.

• Book Tickets in Advance
• Choose the Right Season
• Pack Appropriately
• Stay Hydrated
• Respect Local Culture
• Consider Guided Tours

Transitioning to the details, each of these tips will enhance your experience at Machu Picchu and ensure you appreciate this wonder fully.

Plan Early : Planning early allows travelers to secure accommodations and transportation. The high demand for tickets can lead to scarcity during peak seasons. According to a report by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, advance planning is recommended for optimal access.

Book Tickets in Advance : Booking tickets in advance is crucial, as daily visitor limits exist. Tickets for Machu Picchu sell out quickly, especially during the tourist season. The official site advises booking at least 2-3 months in advance to avoid disappointment.

Choose the Right Season : Choosing the right season can significantly affect your experience. The dry season, from May to September, offers clearer skies and better hiking conditions. However, visiting during the rainy season can provide fewer crowds, allowing for a different experience.

Pack Appropriately : Packing appropriately is vital for comfort and safety. Travelers should include essentials like sturdy hiking shoes, water bottles, sunblock, and rain gear. A 2021 study by the Tourism Bureau of Peru highlighted that proper attire enhances enjoyment and safety.

Stay Hydrated : Staying hydrated is important due to the altitude and physical activity involved in hiking. The CDC recommends drinking plenty of water to prevent altitude sickness and maintain energy levels during your visit.

Respect Local Culture : Respecting local culture enriches the travel experience. Visitors should learn about Incan history and traditions. Engaging with local guides helps travelers connect with the cultural significance of Machu Picchu.

Consider Guided Tours : Considering guided tours allows for a deeper understanding of the site. Knowledgeable guides provide historical context, leading to a richer experience. Travelers can choose from various tour options, depending on their interests and budget.

By implementing these tips, first-time travelers can enhance their experience and create lasting memories at Machu Picchu.

How Can You Avoid Crowds and Make the Most of Your Visit?

To avoid crowds and make the most of your visit, plan your trip during off-peak hours, choose lesser-known attractions, and utilize advance reservations for popular sites.

Planning your visit during off-peak hours can significantly reduce your exposure to crowds. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be less busy. For example, a study by the National Geographic Society in 2020 indicated that visiting popular destinations before 9 a.m. can lead to a more peaceful experience, as tourist numbers drop considerably.

Choosing lesser-known attractions can provide a more enjoyable experience. Popular sites often attract tourists in large numbers, while hidden gems offer unique insights without the crowds. For instance, visiting local parks or cultural sites that are less promoted often provides a more authentic experience.

Utilizing advance reservations for popular sites is vital in managing crowds. Many tourist attractions offer timed entry tickets to control the number of visitors. A survey by TripAdvisor in 2021 revealed that 85% of travelers noted that planning ahead decreased wait times and improved their overall visit experience.

By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy a more fulfilling and less stressful visit, free from large crowds.

What Essentials Should You Pack for Your Trip to Machu Picchu?

Packing for your trip to Machu Picchu requires careful consideration of essential items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

• Proper Footwear
• Weather-Appropriate Clothing
• Water Bottle
• Sun Protection
• Camera or Smartphone
• Personal Identification

Many travelers have varying opinions on what to pack. Some emphasize the importance of lightweight gear due to the altitude, while others argue that comfort is key. Moreover, opinions on whether to bring professional camera equipment versus a smartphone for photography may differ. Regardless of perspectives, the following details will further clarify the essentials for a successful journey.

Proper Footwear: Proper footwear is crucial for navigating Machu Picchu’s varied terrain. Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes with good traction will enhance comfort and support during the climb. According to the Peru tourism board, comfortable footwear can prevent injuries and blisters on the steep paths.

Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Weather-appropriate clothing consists of layers that can adapt to changing temperatures. Mornings can be cool while afternoons may become warm. Light moisture-wicking shirts, long pants, and warm layers for cooler moments are recommended. A study by the National Weather Service indicates variable weather patterns in the region.

Water Bottle: A reusable water bottle helps travelers stay hydrated at high altitudes. It’s essential to drink water regularly, especially in an area known for its elevation. The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of hydration for maintaining energy levels and preventing altitude sickness.

Sun Protection: Sun protection includes sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The higher elevation increases UV exposure, making it crucial to protect the skin and eyes. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for effective protection in such environments.

Rain Gear: Rain gear, like a waterproof jacket or poncho, protects against sudden rain showers common in the area. The Peruvian climatology department notes that the region experiences a rainy season, typically from November to March. Rain gear can enhance comfort and enjoyment during a visit.

Snacks: Snacks such as energy bars or trail mix provide a quick energy boost during hikes. Maintaining energy levels helps travelers make the most of their exploration. A study from the University of Florida highlights that convenient, nutrient-rich snacks improve endurance during physical activities.

Camera or Smartphone: A camera or smartphone enables travelers to capture breathtaking scenery. While some prefer DSLRs for high-quality photos, others find smartphones sufficient for social sharing. According to research by the Photographic Society of America, mobile photography is increasingly popular due to accessibility and convenience.

Backpack: A lightweight backpack is essential for carrying daily necessities and keeps hands free. The American Hiking Society emphasizes the importance of balanced weight distribution in avoiding strain during hikes.

Toiletries: A small kit of toiletries ensures comfort during travel. Basic items include toothbrush, toothpaste, and biodegradable soap. Environmental guidelines from the International Ecotourism Society recommend using eco-friendly products to minimize ecological impact.

Personal Identification: Personal identification, such as a passport or ID, is required for entry. It is advisable to carry a photocopy and keep the original secure. The U.S. Department of State emphasizes the importance of carrying identification while traveling for safety and identification purposes.

By carefully considering these essentials, travelers can prepare effectively for their adventure to Machu Picchu, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience.

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£1599pp—11-night Peru tour inc Machu Picchu

Discover the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and vast Lake Titicaca on this action-packed trip

Why We Love This Deal

Explore a gorge deeper than the Grand Canyon, visit Lake Titicaca's islands, and savour ceviche. At £1599 per person, this Peru tour includes your flights, accommodation, and excursions throughout.

W hat's included

• Return international flights
• Transfers and domestic flights as per the itinerary
• Overnight at the Ibis  Lima  Larco Milaflores
• Two nights at the Casona Plaza Hotel AQP,  Arequipa
• Overnight stay at the Pozo del Cielo,  Chivay
• Two nights at the Hacienda  Puno
• Three nights at the Agustos  Cusco  Hotel
• Two nights at the Ibis  Lima  Larco Milaflores
• Daily breakfast and two lunches
• All entry fees and tours with an English-speaking guide as indicated in the itinerary

When Depart from London , Birmingham , or Manchester on select dates from 23 November, 2024 –5 March, 2025.

Fly from Aberdeen, Belfast, Bristol, Glasgow, or Newcastle from £1699 per person.

Travel in April from £1699 per person. 

For more information or to book online, see our partner's website . 

Itinerary highlights

• Arequipa…  its city centre is UNESCO-listed and adorned by a  white volcanic stone building. It's " one of the most  visually stunning cities  in Peru"  ( Fodor 's). Enjoy an included half-day city tour and discover the fascinating  Santa Catalina Monastery . 
• Colca Canyon…  head to a canyon that's over 4000-metres deep. You'll watch the huge Andean condors flying through the valley and experience the breath-taking mountain scenery. Take an optional tour to  La Calera hot springs in the Colca Valley.  
• Lake Titicaca...  head out on an included full-day trip to Lake Titicaca—the largest lake in South America. You'll visit the unique floating Uros islands, crafted from totora reeds. Head to Taquile island for lunch, and explore its stone paths with magnificent lake views.
• Machu Picchu**...  between the mist and the peaceful Andean peaks lies the Lost City of the Incas. With an included guided tour, you can discover the history of this unsolved archaeological mystery.
• Cusco...  take in the hum of activity on the Plaza de Armas. Views of the Andean mountains abound all over the city. Wander the cobbled colonial streets, and head out after dark to sample some pisco sours. Take an optional tour to the striking  Vinicunca  (Rainbow Mountain).
• Lima...   explore the city's colonial architecture and visit the Museo Larco. You'll also see Casa Aliaga—the former home of the conquistador Jerónimo Aliaga.

Other options Alternatively, hike the Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain , and zip-line over the Sacred Valley   on this 10-night tour from £1799 per person.

Transfers & baggage Shared transfers are included throughout. Checked baggage is included on some departures; check with Exoticca when booking. 

£1599pp

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Select dates Nov, 2024–Mar, 2025

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Welcome, Travelzoo Member . You now have access to confidential offers. To access Confidential Offers in the future, you can use the link from your email, or the link under My Account on the Travelzoo website. This page is only accessible to Confidential Offer members.

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