Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Tour

Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Itinerary

Departure from Cusco to Ollantaytambo

Your day begins early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco’s Historic Center. Pickups usually start around 4:00 am, although the exact time will depend on the entry time assigned for Machu Picchu.

After pickup, you will travel by shared transportation to the Ollantaytambo train station, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. If you prefer, private transportation for this segment can also be requested at the time of booking.

Train Journey to Aguas Calientes

In Ollantaytambo, you will board the train bound for the town of Aguas Calientes, a charming pedestrian village also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo.

The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Along the way, the train follows the course of the Vilcanota River, passing through lush mountains and the dramatic landscapes of the Sacred Valley.

Upon arrival at the train station, a Guru Explorers representative will be waiting to provide instructions on how to board the bus to Machu Picchu and to indicate the meeting point for your guided tour of the citadel.

Bus Ride to Machu Picchu

At the scheduled time, you will proceed to the boarding area to take the tourist bus that ascends the mountain to the entrance of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

The ride takes approximately 25 minutes and follows a winding mountain road connecting Aguas Calientes with the entrance to the archaeological site.

Private Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

Upon arrival at the sanctuary entrance, or at a previously arranged meeting point, you will meet your expert guide to begin your private guided tour of Machu Picchu.

During the visit, you will explore Circuit 3A of Machu Picchu, a route that allows you to discover some of the most important sectors of the lower area of the citadel, including the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, and the Temple of the Condor, one of the most fascinating ceremonial spaces within the archaeological site.

Throughout the tour, your expert guide will share insights about the history, architecture, and cultural significance of this extraordinary Inca site while answering any questions that may arise along the way.

Huayna Picchu Hike

After the guided tour of the citadel, it will be time for the Huayna Picchu hike, the iconic mountain that rises behind Machu Picchu and offers a unique perspective of the sanctuary.

The hike takes approximately 3 hours in total (round trip) and has a moderate to challenging level of difficulty. The route follows ancient Inca trails with sections of stone stairways. From the summit, you will enjoy panoramic views of Machu Picchu.

Depending on the entry time assigned for Huayna Picchu, this hike may take place before or after the guided tour of Machu Picchu.

If you would like our expert guide to accompany you during this hike, this additional guiding service can be requested at the time of booking.

Free Time in Aguas Calientes

After completing your visit to Machu Picchu, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes. Depending on your train schedule, you will have time to enjoy lunch or explore the town before or after your visit.

Return to Cusco

Later, you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where shared transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. Finally, our transport will take you directly to your hotel in Cusco’s Historic Center.

If you prefer, private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco can also be arranged at the time of booking.

The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain tour includes:

• Briefing one day before the tour.
• Private tour of Machu Picchu – Circuit 3A.
• Professional guide in Spanish, English, or Portuguese during the Circuit 3A tour (please inquire about availability for other languages).
• Entrance tickets:
  • Entry ticket to Machu Picchu – Circuit 3A.
  • Entry ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• All transportation required for the tour:
  • Pickup from your hotel located in Cusco’s Historic Center. If the vehicle cannot access the entrance of your hotel due to traffic restrictions or narrow streets, a nearby pickup point will be arranged.
  • Shared round-trip transfer between Cusco and the Ollantaytambo train station (private transfer upgrade available).
  • Round-trip train ticket – Expedition category.
  • Round-trip tourist bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
  • Return transfer to your hotel in Cusco’s Historic Center.

The price of the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain tour does not include:

• Tips
• Meals or beverages
• Guide service during transfers or in the town of Aguas Calientes. The guided tour is provided exclusively inside the Machu Picchu archaeological site, along Circuit 3A. If you would like a guide for the hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain, this service can be added as an optional extra at the time of booking.

Optional upgrade (recommended)

• Private transportation (car or SUV depending on the number of passengers) from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, round trip: USD 19 per person each way (based on 3 passengers).

What to bring for Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain:

• Choose comfortable footwear suitable for hiking, warm jacket, cap or hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, rain gear or poncho (especially from November to April).
• Passport or ID
• Travel insurance
• Devices for audiovisual recording (cell phone, camera, camcorder)
• Cash (preferably in Soles).

What should you know before doing the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain tour?

• The schedule for trains and access to Machu Picchu may vary depending on availability. We recommend making reservations as far in advance as possible.
• Due to train company regulations, it is not permitted to carry backpacks, large suitcases, or bags. Only small bags or backpacks weighing up to 7-8 kg are allowed.
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
• Due to environmental, climatic or other factors beyond our control, the itinerary of the trip may vary. If so, we will notify you in a timely manner.
• Remember that, since these are outdoor activities, the natural features of the landscape may vary depending on weather conditions and the natural daylight. Each visit is an authentic experience, where nature reveals itself in unique and unrepeatable ways.

Not Allowed:

• Pets.
• Smoking.
• Large suitcases or bags.

Not recommended for:

• Wheelchair users.

According to Peruvian regulations, foreign tourists may be exempt from the local tax IGV (VAT). As a formal and registered travel agency, we are required to submit to the local authorities a copy of the document you used to enter the country, as well as your date of entry.

For this reason, a few days before your arrival, we will contact you to request a photo of that document and ask you to let us know the date you entered Peru. If we do not receive this information, we will be required to add the 18% corresponding to the IGV tax.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Cancellation Policies:

• More than 15 days: The penalty is 140 USD.
• Between 7 and 15 days: The penalty is 180 USD.
• Less than 7 days: The penalty is 100% of the total.

Date changes:

• More than 15 days: The penalty is 90 USD.

• Between 7 and 15 days: The penalty is 100 USD.

• Less than 7 days: The penalty is 100% of the total.

• There will be no refund in case of delayed flights, train delays, bad weather, or other external factors.

Force Majeure Policy

Guru Explorers values your time and makes every effort to follow the planned itinerary. However, the itinerary may be affected by force majeure events such as weather conditions, heavy rains, natural disasters, protests, road blockades, or other circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, refunds or compensation will not be provided, as these are unpredictable and unavoidable situations. Nevertheless, we will do our best to offer alternative options and efficient solutions to ensure you can still enjoy your experience. Any additional costs resulting from itinerary changes or alternative activities will be the responsibility of the client and not Guru Explorers.