Machu Picchu full Day will take you to explore the main attractions of the Inca city ofÂ
Machu Picchu, its enigmatic temples, its impressive vegetation and its sacred buildings that have lasted for thousands of years and that until now is an enigma. Enjoy this tour with a guaranteed local operator Let’s Go Inca Trail!
| Duration |
Full Day |
| Season |
From January to December except February for maintenance |
| Departure |
Daily |
| Return |
Private car |
| Importarnt |
The citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful of the Inca empire because it was built to be the abode and refuge of the most select of the Inca aristocracy, the routes that led to Machu Picchu were forbidden for the common population, it was their location a military secret. Feel its eneregy and explore the real inca steps through Machu Picchu. |
Full Day Machu Picchu
The day starts with an early morning rise to transfer to Cusco train station for a four- hour train journey to the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, also known as “The Lost City of the Incas”We will arrive at a little town known as Aguas Calientes. From the station we will direct by a 30-minute bus drive, climbing 6km of winding road, to the incredible Machu Picchu!!!.
Upon arrival, we will participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds. After the tour, you will have time to explore the citadel and take some amazing photos. Finally we will come back to Cusco by train in the afternoon, and transfer to your Hotel.
Recomendations
- Warm clothes/waterproof jacket (depending on season)
- Sun protection cream
- Insect repellent
- Original passport
- Extra money for personal cos
Access to Machu Picchu:
The access point to Machu Picchu is through Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Town). This small town does not have access by road, being impossible to reach by car or bus. It is necessary to combine means of transport including train, car, or walk. Once there, Machu Picchu is at the top of the mountain in Aguas Calientes.
In Aguas Calientes, you have the option to take a walk or take a bus to the top. To enter the citadel, you must have an entrance ticket to Machu Picchu – which are available online or through several points of sale in Cusco. Tickets are NOT sold outside the entrance to Machu Picchu and there is a limit of 2500 per day, while tickets that include Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are limited to only 400 per day. During the high season, tickets to admissions to these additional sites end with weeks in advance so it is recommended to book 4 or 3 weeks before.
Machu Picchu Mountains:
Did you know that Machu Picchu is surrounded by amazing inca paths in the mountains? Discover with us the incredible Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain:
- Huayna Picchu:
It is the highest peak mountain of Machu Picchu with Inca structures in the upper part at 2,720 m.a.s.l. The walk takes about 50 minutes uphill to reach the top of the mountain from where the landscape is very impressive and you can see the main square of Machu Picchu about 600 meters down and the Urubamba canyon everywhere. The walk is quite difficult and requires a good physical condition.
- Mountain Machu Picchu:
It is located at the southwest end of Machu Picchu and is a longer, less steep and less crowded walk. It also offers great views of Machu Picchu and its surroundings, and note that it is more longer climb than Huayna Picchu (it takes approximately 1 hour 30 to the top).
The discovery of Machu Picchu:
- Hiram Bingham ‘rediscovered’ the Lost City of the Incas in 1911. However, Machu Picchu was already known by some local families, long before the arrival of the professor at Yale University.
- According to the Cusco writer Americo Rivas, 9 years before the arrival of Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu, the Peruvian farmer AgustÃn Lizárraga visited the Inca Citadel. In the place he left his name written as proof of his visit.
- Hiram Bingham baptized Machu Picchu as the ‘Lost City of the Incas‘, because when he arrived at it; he believed it was the city of Vilcabamba, the last refuge of the Incas after the conquest.
- Bingham’s team extracted a total of 40,000 artifacts from the Inca City of Machu Picchu to be taken to Yale University.
- These objects included silver statues, jewelry, bones, ceramics and even mummies. Most of these objects have been returned to Peru as of 2014.
The construction of Machu Picchu
- The ‘Lost City of the Incas’ is located in the middle of two mountains, 2,430 meters high. These two mountains seen from the ‘Casa del Guardián’ form the classic postcard of Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu is a Quechua word (the language of the Incas) which means ‘Old Mountain’.
- The City of Machu Picchu was built as a royal residence for the Inca and his family in the mid 1400, by the Inca Pachacútec.
- Since its re-discovery, more than 30% of Machu Picchu has been rebuilt to give a clearer idea of how the structures were originally viewed. The restoration continues today.
- Machu Picchu was built around 1450 during the heyday of the Inca Empire. In 1572, just over a century later, it was abandoned after the arrival of the Spaniards.
 The ‘Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu’
- The buildings of Machu Picchu are made of stones that fit perfectly and have remained so for more than 500 years without the use of any type of forge, mortar or glue.
- More than 50% of Machu Picchu is underground as a base for some buildings or as water channels and drainages for rainwater, irrigation and consumption.
- Machu Picchu is divided into 2 zones: agricultural and urban. It is estimated that little more than 1000 people lived in this hidden city among the mountains.
- Machu Picchu was never finished, it was only abandoned. Thanks to this, the Spaniards could not destroy it or modify it as they did with other Inca cities.
- Machu Picchu had enough water sources and enough terraces to comfortably support more than 4,000 people. This is four times the population that once inhabited the city.
- The famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered one of the best treks in the world. Without a doubt, it is one of the most spectacular way to enter Machu Picchu.
Safety Recommendations in Machu Picchu:
- If you travel to Machu Picchu on your own, it is most likely that you will be in a minibus or taxi (at least part of the trip). They usually drive dangerously on narrow roads on cliffs with dangerous curves. Accidents are frequent so it is better to avoid traveling in this way or make sure you do not travel at night or rainy season.
- Like any tourist site, be careful with your belongings.
- This is a good option if you are looking for a Short trip, and Also you can combine this visit with the Sacred Valley of the Incas tour, just tell us and we will make your dream trip true!
