The best time to visit Machu Picchu from Cusco by train is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This period usually has less rain and clearer skies, providing beautiful views of the site. June to August are the busiest months, so planning your visit in May or September might help you avoid the largest crowds while still enjoying good weather.

It's important to mention that the Machu Picchu Full Day Tour from Cusco is available every day and also all year round. However, during the rainy season, expect rainy days and delays in trains and flights due to bad weather, and maybe poor visibility. The advantage of the rainy season is that you will get amazing deals and find places like Machu Picchu less crowded.

A standard day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu typically lasts about 14 to 15 hours. This includes an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco, travel time by bus and train, visiting Machu Picchu with a tour guide, some free time to explore on your own, and the return journey by train and bus back to your hotel in Cusco. Tours usually start early in the morning, around 4:00 a.m., and return to Cusco late in the evening, around 7:30 p.m.

There are many types of tours available, depending on what you're looking for. Basic group tours are popular and economical, while private tours offer a more personalized experience. For those who love adventure, there are trekking tours that involve walking to Machu Picchu over several days.

The most popular tour is the Day Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco. This amazing package allows you to explore Machu Picchu in a single day, traveling by bus and train from Cusco, visiting the Inca citadel, and returning to Cusco on the same day.

You can choose between a private tour or a group tour, and you can opt for basic trains, panoramic or luxury trains, with or without meals in luxury hotels like Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge

Yes, you can hire a local tour guide in Machu Picchu. However, you need to purchase the Machu Picchu tickets, train tickets, and bus tickets far in advance and arrange the transfer by yourself.

We recommend booking a tour package that includes transfers, train tickets, entry tickets, and a tour guide to ensure you have a wonderful time in Machu Picchu. Tours and tickets can sell out, especially during the peak season.

To avoid disappointment, it's best to book your tour several weeks, or even months, in advance. At Ultimate Trekking, you can also book a Private Guide service, and we can recommend where to buy all the necessary arrangements for the tour.

For a Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco, you should bring the following:

• Daypack or Backpack: Comfortable for short hikes.
• Passport: Essential for entry into Machu Picchu.
• Machu Picchu Ticket: Printed or digital
• Train Tickets: Printed or digital
• Bus Tickets: Printed
• Cash: For purchasing snacks, souvenirs, and any unexpected expenses.
• Water Bottle: 1-2 liters of water
• Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, fruits, etc., for quick boosts of energy.
• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the high-altitude sun.
• Hat and Sunglasses: Shield yourself from the sun's rays.
• Rain Jacket or Poncho: Weather can be unpredictable, especially in the Andes.
• Comfortable Shoes: Sneakers or hiking shoes with good traction.
• Camera or Smartphone: Capture the breathtaking views and memories.
• Light Jacket or Layers: Mornings and evenings can be chilly.
• Insect Repellent: Protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
• Small First Aid Kit: Band-aids, pain relievers, altitude sickness medication, etc.
• Hand Sanitizer and Tissues: Maintain cleanliness throughout your journey.
• Plastic Bags: Keep your stuff dry in case of rain or trash
• Travel Insurance Information: Just in case of emergencies.

The high altitude of both Cusco and Machu Picchu can affect your health. Spend a few days in Cusco to adjust before your tour. Stay hydrated, eat light meals, and consider medication if you often get altitude sickness. The site requires a lot of walking, often uphill, so a moderate level of fitness is beneficial.

Prices can vary widely, generally starting at around $300, and can go up to over $600 per person. This price typically covers transportation, entry fees, a guide, and sometimes meals. More luxurious tours will cost more but provide additional comforts and services.

At Ultimate Trekking, we include transportation to and from Cusco, entrance fees to Machu Picchu, the services of a professional guide, and all transfers. The guide is specifically for Machu Picchu and will explain the site's historical background and show you all the major landmarks.

Yes, it's possible to go to Machu Picchu on your own. You'll need to handle your own transportation, tickets, and any guides you wish to hire on-site. Remember, tickets must be purchased in advance, as they are limited and can sell out quickly.

The most popular way to reach Machu Picchu is by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, followed by a short bus ride to the ruins. Alternatively, you can choose to hike part of the way via one of the trails, such as the Inca Trail, which offers a more adventurous approach.

Yes, at Ultimate Trekking, we offer packages that include visits to other attractions around Cusco, such as the Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu 2-day tour. These combinations are perfect for those who want to explore more of the region's rich history and beautiful landscapes.

When buying tickets for Machu Picchu, you can choose from several options:

General Ticket: This ticket includes visiting the Citadel through Circuit 1 or 2, which covers viewpoints and the center of Machu Picchu. The general ticket to Machu Picchu can sell out quickly. If it does, you may only be able to purchase a combined ticket, which includes a mountain hike along with your visit to Machu Picchu.

• Machu Picchu Mountain + Circuit 3: This ticket allows you to hike Machu Picchu Mountain and have a guided tour of Machu Picchu through Circuit 3.
• Circuit 1 or 2 + Inca Bridge: This option allows you to enter the Inca Bridge and then explore Machu Picchu through Circuit 1 or 2.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain + Circuit 4: This ticket allows you to explore Machu Picchu through Circuit 4 and hike to Huayna Picchu.
• Circuit 4 + Huchuy Picchu Mountain: With this ticket, you can explore Circuit 4 in Machu Picchu and then take a short hike to Huchuy Picchu.

Other premium tickets to Machu Picchu are the Inca Trail Permits. These permits allow you to arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, explore the viewpoints of Machu Picchu, and then have a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel through Circuit 3 or 4.

It's wise to book your tour a few months in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the peak season from June to August. This helps ensure that you get a spot on the train and entry to the site, as both can sell out quickly.

When visiting Machu Picchu on a day tour from Cusco, there are certain restrictions on photography to be aware of. While taking photos for personal use is usually allowed, there are rules and guidelines in place to preserve and respect the site. Here are some common restrictions:

No Commercial Videography: You can't take videos for commercial purposes, like advertising or promotions, without permission.

Respect for Cultural and Political Symbols: It's not allowed to take pictures with business brands, country flags, political party symbols, or anything else commercial or political. This helps maintain the historical and cultural integrity of the site.

Respect for Sacred Sites: Respect the site's sacredness and cultural importance. Avoid climbing on structures, touching artifacts, or taking inappropriate poses for photos.

Guidelines for Photography: While you can take photos for personal use, try to follow some guidelines to minimize the impact on the site and other visitors. For example, avoid using tripods or selfie sticks in crowded areas and respect roped-off sections.

Guided Tours: If you're on a guided tour, your guide will give you specific instructions and guidelines about photography. It's important to follow their instructions and respect any additional rules they may have.

Overall, while taking photos is allowed at Machu Picchu, visitors should do so responsibly and with respect for the site's cultural and historical significance.

During our day tour to Machu Picchu, meals are not included. However, we can add any of your preferred restaurants to the tour. We will be happy to accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Whether you have allergies, are vegetarian, vegan, or have other specific dietary needs, just let us know when you book your tour.

Group sizes can vary, but many tours aim to keep the experience intimate and manageable. Usually, our day tours are around 6 to 10 people. Smaller group sizes ensure that you can hear and interact with your guide more effectively.

Look for operators who have good reviews and a professional presence online. They should be registered with the local tourism authorities and provide clear, detailed information about their tours. Recommendations from past travelers and travel forums can also guide your choice.

Yes, at Ultimate Trekking, we implement sustainable practices to help preserve Machu Picchu. These include limiting group sizes, employing local guides, and supporting local communities. It's important to choose a tour operator that follows these practices to contribute to conservation efforts.

Our tour guides are well-trained in first aid and are familiar with the area. We constantly monitor our operations, and in case of an emergency, we have a well-trained staff ready to support you. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.

Overnight stays directly at Machu Picchu aren't allowed; however, many visitors choose to stay in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), a nearby town. Staying overnight allows you to relax in the charming town, visit the hot springs, and maybe even visit Machu Picchu for a second time.

Our tours generally focus on the most significant and culturally important parts of Machu Picchu, including the viewpoints, the Temple of the Sun, the Room of the Three Windows, terraces, and other remarkable places. These sites offer insight into the advanced architectural and astronomical knowledge of the Inca civilization.

Weather can greatly impact your visit. During the rainy season, the site may be misty and paths slippery, while in the dry season, you're more likely to enjoy clear skies and sunnier days. Always check the weather forecast in advance and prepare accordingly.

While Spanish and English are the most common languages offered by tour guides, we can also offer private services in other languages like French, German, and sometimes Japanese. If you need a tour in another language, it's best to arrange this in advance.

There are usually no strict age limits for visiting Machu Picchu, but the site's physical demands may not be suitable for very young children or those with significant mobility issues. Elderly visitors or anyone with health concerns should consult with a tour operator to discuss if the trip is right for them.

To book the Machu Picchu Full Day Tour, you need to make an initial payment of $200. This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable, and it is due in the event of cancellation.

Private tours are available and offer a personalized experience. With these tours, you can choose your own timing, pace, and areas of interest, and have more direct interaction with your guide. The price will vary depending on the number of travelers. Contact us to receive a personalized quotation.

Machu Picchu presents challenges for disabled visitors due to its uneven terrain and steps. However, recent improvements have made parts of the site more accessible. It's important to discuss specific needs with your tour operator in advance to ensure they can accommodate you.

For iconic shots of Machu Picchu, head to the Guardhouse for a panoramic view, climb up to the Sun Gate for a breathtaking perspective, or capture the architectural detail at the Main Plaza. Early morning or late afternoon light can provide dramatic effects for your photos.

Also, the views from Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Montaña are unique and not to be missed.

Guided tours typically delve into the history of Machu Picchu as a retreat for Incan royalty, the site's discovery in 1911, and the mysteries surrounding its purpose and abandonment. You'll learn about Incan building techniques, their connection to the natural world, and the layout of this ancient city.