Tours to Machu Picchu from Cusco are one of the most convenient and exciting ways to discover this world wonder, nestled high in the Peruvian Andes. Whether you prefer a quick visit or want to take your time to explore the region in-depth, there are various options to suit all interests and timeframes.
How Many Days Should You Dedicate to Cusco and Machu Picchu?
It is recommended to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco to acclimate to the high altitude before heading to Machu Picchu. Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, offers a rich history and numerous tourist attractions. During these days, you can explore major archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha, and the Inca Museum, as well as enjoy the colonial architecture, local markets, and Peruvian cuisine. This time in Cusco is crucial for adjusting to the city’s altitude of 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), which will help you avoid altitude sickness when you travel to Machu Picchu, which sits at a lower altitude.
A visit to Machu Picchu typically takes a full day. Depending on your level of adventure, you can opt for the Inca Trail (4 days and 3 nights), which takes you through stunning landscapes and ancient Incan sites, or choose a faster option by train. A train tour to Machu Picchu can be done in a single day, or extended to 2 days and 1 night, allowing you to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes, the town near the citadel.
How to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
The most common and convenient way to get to Machu Picchu is by train. The journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes takes about 3 hours, and it is the primary gateway for visiting Machu Picchu. You can also take the train from Ollantaytambo, which is closer to the citadel, and the ride takes approximately 1.5 hours. There are several train service providers, including PeruRail and IncaRail, offering different types of services, varying in price and comfort. Economy class tickets typically cost around USD 76, while luxury services like the Hiram Bingham or Orient Express can cost between $250 and USD 500.
Once in Aguas Calientes, you will take a bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu, where a professional guide will lead you through the main points of the citadel. You will explore the urban sector, agricultural terraces, and important religious sites while learning about the Inca’s incredible engineering and the mystery behind the ancient city.
Why Choose an Organized Tour?
Opting for a tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco with a specialized agency like Qoricancha Expeditions has numerous advantages. Travel agencies handle all the logistical details, including hotel transfers, train tickets, Machu Picchu entrance tickets, bus transportation, lunch, and an expert guide who will accompany you throughout the day. Additionally, they secure the necessary permits to access Machu Picchu, making the process easier. Given that entrance to the site is limited and requires reservations, this is a huge benefit.
By choosing an organized tours to Machu Picchu, not only do you save time, but you also avoid the hassles of long queues and transportation complications. This allows you to enjoy your experience without worries fully. With Qoricancha Expeditions, you can trust that your visit will be smooth, safe, and unforgettable, enabling you to explore the wonders of Cusco and Machu Picchu without stress.
After a friend’s recommendation, we decided to book with Qoricancha Expeditions, believing they would be the perfect tour company to introduce us to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. They exceeded our expectations in every aspect. If you are looking for a tour or guide for the Sacred Valley area, look no further. You’ve come to the right place!
Our family of four had an incredible two-day tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Victor was an outstanding guide, extremely positive, professional, and knowledgeable about the relevant history of the sights we visited. Although Machu Picchu was as spectacular as one would expect, our favorite experiences occurred on the first day.
My friends and I booked the 2 day Inca Trail hike with Qoricancha Expeditions, it was a wonderful time and experience.
The hike: A solid day of hiking in our group of 7 to reach Machu Picchu. Visiting interesting inca sites along the way. The hike was challenging but manageable as you navigated up and down the mountains and through the jungle.
After we contacted many tour agencies in Cusco we have decided to go with Qoricancha Expeditions, We did the Classic 4 days Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu and it was incredible! Our guide, Simon impressed us with his in-depth knowledge of the region and his passion for helping others experience it. He had just the right blend of being informative without being overly talkative.
