Machu Picchu Tours

As the principal Peru tourist attraction, renowned worldwide as one of the best places to visit in Peru, planning a trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco has never been easier. The most popular transportation option is to take a private or shared taxi from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, a small village in the Sacred Valley. From there, many Machu Picchu tours proceed by train to Aguas Calientes, the small town at the foot of Machu Picchu, where they can ascend by bus or on foot to the entrance of the Inca citadel. To return to Cusco, simply reverse the steps! For those Machu Picchu tourists seeking a more direct way of getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu, there is a luxury train that connects the entire route of Cusco to Aguas Calientes.

Because there is no lodging within the grounds of the UNESCO World Heritage site, those planning a trip to Machu Picchu can choose to stay in Machu Picchu hotels found within Cusco, the Sacred Valley, or Aguas Calientes before and after their Machu Picchu tour. If choosing Machu Picchu hotels found within Cusco, check to see if they offer additional amenities suited to your travel needs, such as airport transfers and taxi transfers to Ollantaytambo in order to catch the train to Aguas Calientes. Also, if you do not have train or entrance tickets booked, many hotels near Machu Picchu are capable of helping you purchase both upon arrival. Although, we recommend you purchase all Machu Picchu tour tickets far ahead of time, especially during peak season between the months of June and August, so as to ensure your entrance. 

Fully enjoying a Machu Picchu tour starts with your comfort and knowing what to wear throughout the vacation. When planning a trip to Machu Picchu, visitors are recommended to dress in layers as Machu Picchu temperatures can vary drastically throughout the day. Those embarking on a Machu Picchu tour should bring several pairs of light pants, t-shirts, and a light jacket. Also, consider the use of a sun hat and sunglasses during the day, a knit hat for the evenings, and comfortable hiking shoes at all times. A day backpack for sunblock, snacks, documents, and insect repellant is a must. For those who will continue their Machu Picchu tour to other parts of the country, such as the Amazon, we at Delfin suggest you bring extra, lightweight clothing for the warmer, more humid jungle climate.

The best Machu Picchu tours may include activities throughout the trip that suit everyone’s preference, from river rafting in the Sacred Valley to soaking in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes. While within the property of the Inca citadel, Machu Picchu tourists will have a chance to fully appreciate the beauty of the main structures that have proudly stood for more than five centuries, like the Inti Watana, Temple of the Sun, and Temple of the Three Windows, to name a few. Those planning a trip to Machu Picchu can also take a short, two-hour hike to and from the Sun Gate, an infamous viewpoint of Machu Picchu. For an additional cost, Machu Picchu tourists can trek Huayna Picchu, the mountain behind the ruins of the ancient city, which takes three hours roundtrip.

Lastly, while a complete Machu Picchu tour can easily fit into a five-day itinerary, those planning a trip to Machu Picchu often double the length of their vacation so that they may have a chance to fully experience the richness and diversity of a Peru attraction that is none other than the largest rainforest in the world, the Amazon. At Delfin Amazon Cruises, fine dining, customized tours, and world-class accommodations are what we do best, putting the cherry on top of your Machu Picchu tour. If you come ready for an adventure with Delfin, your eyes will be opened, taste buds indulged, and a heart filled with fond memories that will last a lifetime by the end of your Machu Picchu tour experience.