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Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain

Starting point:
Cusco
Duration:
2 Days / 1 Night
Activities:
Altitude:
3399 m.
Difficulty:
Average

Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain

Visiting Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain is a unique experience. You can hike along ancient Inca trails, explore the ruins, and enjoy sweeping, elevated, and panoramic views that can only be appreciated from Machu Picchu Mountain.

This comprehensive tour package to Machu Picchu Mountain and the Inca citadel offers a 2-day, 1-night experience of moderate difficulty, ideal for travelers looking to explore the historic sanctuary at a maximum altitude of 3,399 meters (10,000 feet). The all-inclusive service from Cusco includes hotel pickup, tourist transportation, round-trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo, one night's accommodation in Aguas Calientes with breakfast, Consettur buses, and official entrance fees.

The SEO-optimized itinerary details a Day 1 scenic drive through the Sacred Valley and rest in Machu Picchu Pueblo, followed by a Day 2 with a 4-hour independent ascent to the mountain summit and a bilingual guided tour of the archaeological complex. To ensure safe trekking on the steep sections, it is recommended to carry your original passport, a small backpack, wear trekking shoes with good grip, dress in layers, and protect yourself with sunscreen and a raincoat.

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Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain
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Itinerary

DAY 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Our tour begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 8:30 a.m. From there, we'll travel by tourist vehicle to the Ollantaytambo train station, enjoying a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley.
At 12:00 p.m., you'll board the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). During the journey, you'll appreciate beautiful landscapes, mountains, and the Urubamba River alongside the route.
We arrive in Aguas Calientes at approximately 2:00 p.m., where you can check into your accommodation and enjoy a free afternoon to explore the town, visit the artisan shops, or simply relax before the next day's adventure.
At 7:00 p.m., you'll have a briefing with your guide in the hotel lobby. This briefing will provide you with all the necessary information for your visit to Machu Picchu Mountain and the citadel the following day.

DAY 2: Machu Picchu Mountain – Machu Picchu Citadel – Cusco

At 7:00 AM, we begin the ascent by bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Once inside, you will be required to enter Machu Picchu Mountain at your assigned time, which in this case is 8:00 AM.
You will climb Machu Picchu Mountain independently, as Ministry of Culture regulations prohibit guides from entering the mountain. The route is challenging but completely safe and well-marked. The average round-trip time is approximately 4 hours.
After completing your ascent, you will meet your guide to begin the guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel at 11:00 AM. During the tour, you will learn about the most important sites of the sanctuary, its history, architecture, and significance within Inca culture.
At 1:00 PM, the return trip to Aguas Calientes by bus begins. You'll have free time for lunch, a stroll through the town, or simply to relax before your return journey.
At 4:22 p.m., you'll board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our tourist transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival time of approximately 6:30 p.m.

Inclusions

What's included?

  • Briefing: Before the tour, you will have an informational talk so you can enjoy the tour without any worries.
  • Hotel Pick-up: We will pick you up from your hotel before the start of the tour.
  • Transportation:
    • Group or private transportation.
    • Consettur bus in Machu Picchu, round trip.
    • Tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and vice versa.
  • Accommodation: One night's accommodation in the town of Aguas Calientes.
  • Entrance Fees:
    • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain.
  • Local and Expert Guide: Professional guide fluent in English and Spanish for the tour.
  • Meals: Breakfast provided by the Accommodation.
  • Medical assistance: The tour includes a basic first aid kit

What's not included?

  • Lunch and Dinner
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance
  • Information not mentioned in the tour.

Packing list

Essentials

Valid ID or passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates

ISIC card (if you are a student and wish to qualify for a discounted price)

Extra cash (Recommended amount in Soles)

Clothing

Hat or cap

Comfortable shoes

Jacket or winter coat

Sunglasses

Equipment

Camera

Plug adapter

Small backpack

Water bottle

Portable charger

Recommended

Snacks and energy bars

Disinfectant wipes

Respect the environment by avoiding littering and damaging archaeological sites

Recommendations

  • Bring your ID or passport.
  • Wear breathable clothing in light layers (mornings are cool, but Machu Picchu is very hot during the dry season).
  • Bring a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen.
  • Bring a raincoat or poncho in case of rain.
  • Wear hiking boots with good grip (Machu Picchu Mountain has steep sections, and if it's raining, the path becomes slippery, so walk with caution).
  • Bring enough water.
  • Bring light snacks (nuts or energy bars).
  • Bring a small backpack with only the essentials.
  • Maintain a steady pace while climbing Machu Picchu Mountain: the climb is long, and the heat makes it more demanding.
  • Avoid eating heavy meals before climb.
  • If it's raining, the path becomes slippery, so walk with caution.

Recommended photo spots:

  • Classic Machu Picchu viewpoint: complete panoramic view of the citadel.
  • Intermediate viewpoints on Machu Picchu Mountain: diagonal views of Machu Picchu and the canyon.
  • Final viewpoint on Machu Picchu Mountain: open view of the valley and mountains (ideal for a postcard-perfect photo).
  • Return path: sections with vegetation and rocks that provide good contrast.

Faqs

Machu Picchu Mountain is the highest peak in the sanctuary (3,082 m above sea level) and offers sweeping views of the entire citadel, the Urubamba River, and the surrounding natural landscape.

Unlike the archaeological citadel, which is steeped in history, architecture, and Inca sites, the mountain is a steady climb, ideal for those who enjoy trekking and want a complete panoramic view.

Machu Picchu Mountain offers two entry times: 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Since it's not possible to reach these times from Cusco on a full-day tour, the itinerary is organized as follows:

Day 1: Leisurely drive to Aguas Calientes to enjoy the town in the afternoon or evening.

Day 2: Ascent of the mountain at 8:00 a.m. followed by a guided tour of the citadel.

This is the most comfortable, safe, and recommended option.

The hike takes between 3 and 4 hours in total, depending on your pace.
It's considered moderate to challenging due to its incline and altitude, but it's not as extreme as Huayna Picchu.
The trail is well-marked and can be hiked without a guide, as guides are prohibited on this mountain.

For this hike, we recommend bringing:

Snacks (fruit, energy bars, nuts).
Enough water for the entire hike.
Sunscreen and a hat.
Hiking boots with good traction.
Lightweight, layered clothing.
A rain poncho during the rainy season.
A small personal backpack.

Important: Do not leave any trash. You must take everything you bring back with you. The sanctuary is a protected area.

The views are spectacular. From the summit, you can see:

The entire citadel from above.
Huayna Picchu right in front of you.
The winding Urubamba River.
Green mountains surrounding the sanctuary.
Perfect settings for panoramic photographs.
It's a broader and more natural view than the one from Huayna Picchu.

The guide cannot enter Machu Picchu Mountain, as this is prohibited by official regulations.
Therefore, the guide will meet you at the mountain's entrance/exit point, right where the trail ends.
Once you meet up with him, you will begin the guided tour inside the citadel.

Yes. The guide will accompany you throughout the official tour of Machu Picchu, explaining the temples, enclosures, viewpoints, agricultural areas, and important historical sites.

The guided tour lasts between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the route included in your ticket.

The mountain can be visited year-round. However:

Dry Season (April – October)

Better visibility
Firm trails
Lower chance of rain
Ideal for photography.
Rainy Season (November-March)

Also accessible.
The trail may be wet or slippery.
A poncho and good footwear are essential.
Fewer tourists, a more peaceful experience.
Both seasons are good; only the preparation differs.

Yes, because Machu Picchu Mountain has limited capacity and tickets sell out quickly, especially during peak season.

It's recommended to book 3 to 4 months in advance during peak season, and at least 1 month in advance during low season.

No. The Ministry of Culture does not allow guides on this route; the hike is done by the tourist only, but everything is marked and safe.

The guide will meet you later for the tour inside the citadel.

If you want a guide to visit Machu Picchu Mountain, there is an additional fee that includes the guide's entrance fee and service.

The tour will proceed even if it rains, as the mountain does not close under normal weather conditions.
It could only be canceled in the event of an extreme weather event (very rare).

In case of rain:

Bring a poncho.
Wear shoes with good traction.
Avoid slippery areas.

After descending the mountain and visiting the citadel, you will have free time in Aguas Calientes to have lunch on your own before returning by train.

The train usually departs around 4:22 PM (this may change depending on availability).
Then, in Ollantaytambo, your transport will be waiting to take you to Cusco, arriving around 6:10 PM – 7:00 PM.

Pricing

Private Rate

Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain
(Price per person - minimum 2 people)

with THE VOYAGER IncaRail Train or EXPEDITION PeruRail Train

USD 359.00

With VISTADOME OBSERVATORY train (Superior category)
Only one of the routes (outbound or return) will be operated with this option; the other will be in THE VOYAGER or EXPEDITION train category

USD 419.00
Itinerary

Itinerary

DAY 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Our tour begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 8:30 a.m. From there, we'll travel by tourist vehicle to the Ollantaytambo train station, enjoying a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley.
At 12:00 p.m., you'll board the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). During the journey, you'll appreciate beautiful landscapes, mountains, and the Urubamba River alongside the route.
We arrive in Aguas Calientes at approximately 2:00 p.m., where you can check into your accommodation and enjoy a free afternoon to explore the town, visit the artisan shops, or simply relax before the next day's adventure.
At 7:00 p.m., you'll have a briefing with your guide in the hotel lobby. This briefing will provide you with all the necessary information for your visit to Machu Picchu Mountain and the citadel the following day.

DAY 2: Machu Picchu Mountain – Machu Picchu Citadel – Cusco

At 7:00 AM, we begin the ascent by bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Once inside, you will be required to enter Machu Picchu Mountain at your assigned time, which in this case is 8:00 AM.
You will climb Machu Picchu Mountain independently, as Ministry of Culture regulations prohibit guides from entering the mountain. The route is challenging but completely safe and well-marked. The average round-trip time is approximately 4 hours.
After completing your ascent, you will meet your guide to begin the guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel at 11:00 AM. During the tour, you will learn about the most important sites of the sanctuary, its history, architecture, and significance within Inca culture.
At 1:00 PM, the return trip to Aguas Calientes by bus begins. You'll have free time for lunch, a stroll through the town, or simply to relax before your return journey.
At 4:22 p.m., you'll board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our tourist transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival time of approximately 6:30 p.m.

Inclusions

Inclusions

What's included?

  • Briefing: Before the tour, you will have an informational talk so you can enjoy the tour without any worries.
  • Hotel Pick-up: We will pick you up from your hotel before the start of the tour.
  • Transportation:
    • Group or private transportation.
    • Consettur bus in Machu Picchu, round trip.
    • Tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and vice versa.
  • Accommodation: One night's accommodation in the town of Aguas Calientes.
  • Entrance Fees:
    • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain.
  • Local and Expert Guide: Professional guide fluent in English and Spanish for the tour.
  • Meals: Breakfast provided by the Accommodation.
  • Medical assistance: The tour includes a basic first aid kit

What's not included?

  • Lunch and Dinner
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance
  • Information not mentioned in the tour.
Packing list

Packing list

Recommendations

Recommendations

  • Bring your ID or passport.
  • Wear breathable clothing in light layers (mornings are cool, but Machu Picchu is very hot during the dry season).
  • Bring a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen.
  • Bring a raincoat or poncho in case of rain.
  • Wear hiking boots with good grip (Machu Picchu Mountain has steep sections, and if it's raining, the path becomes slippery, so walk with caution).
  • Bring enough water.
  • Bring light snacks (nuts or energy bars).
  • Bring a small backpack with only the essentials.
  • Maintain a steady pace while climbing Machu Picchu Mountain: the climb is long, and the heat makes it more demanding.
  • Avoid eating heavy meals before climb.
  • If it's raining, the path becomes slippery, so walk with caution.

Recommended photo spots:

  • Classic Machu Picchu viewpoint: complete panoramic view of the citadel.
  • Intermediate viewpoints on Machu Picchu Mountain: diagonal views of Machu Picchu and the canyon.
  • Final viewpoint on Machu Picchu Mountain: open view of the valley and mountains (ideal for a postcard-perfect photo).
  • Return path: sections with vegetation and rocks that provide good contrast.
Faqs

Faqs

Machu Picchu Mountain is the highest peak in the sanctuary (3,082 m above sea level) and offers sweeping views of the entire citadel, the Urubamba River, and the surrounding natural landscape.

Unlike the archaeological citadel, which is steeped in history, architecture, and Inca sites, the mountain is a steady climb, ideal for those who enjoy trekking and want a complete panoramic view.

Machu Picchu Mountain offers two entry times: 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Since it's not possible to reach these times from Cusco on a full-day tour, the itinerary is organized as follows:

Day 1: Leisurely drive to Aguas Calientes to enjoy the town in the afternoon or evening.

Day 2: Ascent of the mountain at 8:00 a.m. followed by a guided tour of the citadel.

This is the most comfortable, safe, and recommended option.

The hike takes between 3 and 4 hours in total, depending on your pace.
It's considered moderate to challenging due to its incline and altitude, but it's not as extreme as Huayna Picchu.
The trail is well-marked and can be hiked without a guide, as guides are prohibited on this mountain.

For this hike, we recommend bringing:

Snacks (fruit, energy bars, nuts).
Enough water for the entire hike.
Sunscreen and a hat.
Hiking boots with good traction.
Lightweight, layered clothing.
A rain poncho during the rainy season.
A small personal backpack.

Important: Do not leave any trash. You must take everything you bring back with you. The sanctuary is a protected area.

The views are spectacular. From the summit, you can see:

The entire citadel from above.
Huayna Picchu right in front of you.
The winding Urubamba River.
Green mountains surrounding the sanctuary.
Perfect settings for panoramic photographs.
It's a broader and more natural view than the one from Huayna Picchu.

The guide cannot enter Machu Picchu Mountain, as this is prohibited by official regulations.
Therefore, the guide will meet you at the mountain's entrance/exit point, right where the trail ends.
Once you meet up with him, you will begin the guided tour inside the citadel.

Yes. The guide will accompany you throughout the official tour of Machu Picchu, explaining the temples, enclosures, viewpoints, agricultural areas, and important historical sites.

The guided tour lasts between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the route included in your ticket.

The mountain can be visited year-round. However:

Dry Season (April – October)

Better visibility
Firm trails
Lower chance of rain
Ideal for photography.
Rainy Season (November-March)

Also accessible.
The trail may be wet or slippery.
A poncho and good footwear are essential.
Fewer tourists, a more peaceful experience.
Both seasons are good; only the preparation differs.

Yes, because Machu Picchu Mountain has limited capacity and tickets sell out quickly, especially during peak season.

It's recommended to book 3 to 4 months in advance during peak season, and at least 1 month in advance during low season.

No. The Ministry of Culture does not allow guides on this route; the hike is done by the tourist only, but everything is marked and safe.

The guide will meet you later for the tour inside the citadel.

If you want a guide to visit Machu Picchu Mountain, there is an additional fee that includes the guide's entrance fee and service.

The tour will proceed even if it rains, as the mountain does not close under normal weather conditions.
It could only be canceled in the event of an extreme weather event (very rare).

In case of rain:

Bring a poncho.
Wear shoes with good traction.
Avoid slippery areas.

After descending the mountain and visiting the citadel, you will have free time in Aguas Calientes to have lunch on your own before returning by train.

The train usually departs around 4:22 PM (this may change depending on availability).
Then, in Ollantaytambo, your transport will be waiting to take you to Cusco, arriving around 6:10 PM – 7:00 PM.

Pricing

Pricing

Private Rate

Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain

with THE VOYAGER IncaRail Train or EXPEDITION PeruRail Train

USD 359.00

With VISTADOME OBSERVATORY train (Superior category)
Only one of the routes (outbound or return) will be operated with this option; the other will be in THE VOYAGER or EXPEDITION train category

USD 419.00

Steps to reserve

1.Book easily through our form

2. Verify the information and complete the payment.

3. Receive your booking confirmation by email.

1. Book easily through our form

Press the Book Now button to access our booking system. There you will need to complete the following information:

  1. Date and alternative date of travel.
  2. Number of travelers.
  3. Traveler details.
  4. Additional services if desired.
  5. Contact details.
2. Verify the information and complete the payment.

After entering your details and continuing, you will need to accept the terms and conditions to proceed with the payment..

Payments are processed securely through the IZI PAY platform.

3. Receive your booking confirmation by email.
If your payment is processed successfully, you will receive a confirmation email with your booking details. That's it! It's that easy.
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