This blog is here to help travelers get the best out of the smartest ways to visit two of the most famous travel destinations in South America: Machu Picchu and Cusco. If you’re planning your very first trip to the Andes or just looking to get the best out of your limited time in the region, this blog is the perfect travel guide for you.
Key Takeaways
- A day tour of Machu Picchu from Cusco is one of the most popular and efficient ways of experiencing the iconic site.
- Exploring Machu Picchu and Cusco is an unmatched cultural and historical experience.
- Working with the best Machu Picchu tour operators is important.
- There are several options available when it comes to Machu Picchu tours from Cusco, ranging from day tours to several-day treks.
- Advance planning is necessary, especially when it comes to entrance tickets, as Machu Picchu has a daily limit on the number of visitors.
Few places on Earth evoke the imagination quite as strongly as the Sacred Valley of Peru. Cusco, once the very heart of the Inca Empire, and Machu Picchu, the mystical mountain-top city that defied the ages, make one of the greatest combinations of places to visit on the planet. But with so many routes, types of tours, and tour companies to select from, many potential travelers find themselves confused before even booking a plane ticket.
A day tour of Machu Picchu from Cusco serves as the foundation of most tours, providing a complete immersion into the experience without requiring a multi-day commitment.
Why Should You Visit Both Machu Picchu and Cusco?
If you’re considering exploring Machu Picchu and Cusco, then you’re not just looking to visit two attractions – you’re looking to immerse yourself in one of the greatest chapters of human civilization. When you visit Machu Picchu, you get:
- Cultural richness – From the Inca Empire to colonial times and the local culture, all within one area.
- Nature – From the cloud forests to the mountains and the roar of the Urubamba River.
- Spirit – From the sacred energy of the ruins to the ancient wisdom of the Incas.
- Food – From the local ceviche at San Pedro Market in Cusco to the high-end restaurants near the ruins.
What Are Your Best Options for Getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
One of the adventures in Peru is getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco. There are no roads that lead directly to Machu Picchu, and the only options are taking the train or trekking. The options for getting to Machu Picchu are as follows:
- Train and Bus Combination: This is the most popular option for getting to Machu Picchu. It involves taking a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then taking a bus up to Machu Picchu.
- Inca Trail Trek: This is a 4-day trek through the Andes. It is considered one of the top five trekking routes in the world.
- Salkantay Trek: This is another option for trekking to Machu Picchu. It is a tougher trek, but it is less crowded.
- Hydroelectric Route: This is another option for getting to Machu Picchu, involving a train up to a certain point, then a 3-hour trek along the railway line to Aguas Calientes.
Machu Picchu tours from Cusco via the train and bus route are recommended for those travelers who want to have the whole Machu Picchu experience without trekking.
How Do You Make the Most of Your Time Inside Machu Picchu?
Time is of the essence as you are inside Machu Picchu. This is how you make the most of it:
- Arrive Early: The first entry slot is at 6:00 AM, and it is recommended that you take this slot as it is less crowded.
- Hire a licensed guide: Machu Picchu is undoubtedly an incredible site, but the tales that go along with it make it all the more incredible.
- Choose Your Circuit: Machu Picchu has been divided into various visitor circuits, and you can choose the one that suits you the best.
- Add a Mountain Hike: Both Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are incredible spots, and the views are simply stunning.
What Should You Do in Cusco Before or After the Tour?
Cusco is a city that should be spent at least two to three days on. Do not rush through Cusco.
Top experiences to have in Cusco:
- Sacsayhuamán – Massive Inca fortress overlooking Cusco, just a short hike away from Plaza de Armas
- Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) – Once the most sacred temple in the Inca Empire, now a hybrid with a Spanish church
- San Blas – Artisan district with narrow streets, stunning views of the valley
- Sacred Valley – One day trip to Pisac market, Ollantaytambo ruins, and Salt Terraces at Maras
- Local Cuisine – Cuy, chicha morada, and lomo saltado at a local picanteria
When exploring Machu Picchu and Cusco, do not just use Cusco as a transit city, it is a destination that should not be rushed through.
How Do You Choose Among the Best Machu Picchu Tour Operators?
Of course, not all Machu Picchu tours are created equal, and the best Machu Picchu tour operators share some key characteristics:
- They employ licensed, certified, and educated Machu Picchu tour guides with a real passion for the history and archaeology of the Incas.
- They offer small Machu Picchu tours that are more intimate and immersive.
- They are transparent with their tour costs and don’t charge additional fees for train tickets, entrance fees, or bus tickets.
- They are flexible with regards to tour schedules.
- They have excellent ratings from previous customers on review sites such as TripAdvisor or Google.
Book Your Machu Picchu Adventure Today!
Are you ready to go from dreamer to planner? Machu Picchu Explorers is your go-to source for all things in Machu Picchu and the wonders of the Andes. This premier Machu Picchu tour operator has perfected the art of hassle-free travel, whether you’re looking for Machu Picchu tours from Cusco or an immersive experience in the Sacred Valley.
So, go ahead, visit Machupicchu Explorers, and leave the details to the experts, while you concentrate on the magic!
FAQs:
1. What is the length of a Machu Picchu day tour out of Cusco?
The length is 12 to 14 hours round-trip, including train travel and visiting Machu Picchu.
2. Do I need to book my Machu Picchu tickets in advance?
Yes, Machu Picchu tickets tend to sell out weeks in advance, so book your tickets as early as possible.
3. Is Cusco worth visiting beyond Machu Picchu?
Yes, Cusco has world-class ruins, food, and culture that are not to be missed.
4. What is the best time of year to take Machu Picchu tours out of Cusco?
May through October is the best time to take Machu Picchu tours out of Cusco, as it is the dry season with clear skies and optimal trekking conditions.
5. Are the best Machu Picchu tours out of Cusco expensive?
The best Machu Picchu tours out of Cusco are not expensive.
