Machu Picchu Citadel Tour from Cusco

Transportation from hotel + Train + Bus + Entrance tickets + Guide + Return to hotel

Price
$355.00

Machu Picchu Citadel Tour from Cusco

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Transportation from hotel + Train + Bus + Entrance tickets + Guide + Return to hotel

The Machu Picchu Citadel Tour from Cusco is a full-day experience designed to showcase Peru’s most iconic archaeological site with comfort and expert guidance. You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:45 a.m. and travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there, enjoy one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, following the Urubamba River as the landscape transitions from high Andean mountains to lush cloud forest.

Upon arrival in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), you will meet your professional guide, who will prepare you for your visit to the legendary Lost City of the Incas. Entry circuits are assigned based on official availability: priority is Circuit 2A or 2B (Classic Route) when available; if sold out, Circuit 3B (Royalty Temples) is provided; and if unavailable, Circuit 1B, which includes the classic panoramic photo viewpoints, is assigned.

Enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour of the citadel, followed by free time in Aguas Calientes before returning by train and private transfer to your hotel in Cusco, completing an unforgettable journey to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

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Price

Ages 12 and older (Adult)
Tourist Price: 355 USD per person
Andean Countries*: 332 USD per person
Ages 3–11 (Child)
Tourist Price: 255 USD per person
Andean Countries*: 232 USD per person
Student (ages 18–25)
Tourist Price: 315 USD per person
Andean Countries*: 290 USD per person
Infant (under 2 years)
Tourist Price: 42 USD per person
Andean Countries*: 42 USD per person

Student rates apply only to travelers ages 18–25 with a valid university student ID card. Andean country rates apply to citizens of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia with valid proof of nationality.

What Is Included?

04:45 Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. If you choose to upgrade to Huaynapicchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, pick-up is at 02:00 to catch the first available train.
Transportation to Ollantaytambo train station: group service for solo travelers or private service for groups of two or more. (Please bring your own snacks for the journey.)
07:45 Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), arriving at 09:15.
Meet your professional tour guide at the exit of the Machu Picchu Pueblo train station.
Round-trip bus tickets between Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) and the Machu Picchu Citadel.
Official Machu Picchu entrance ticket (assigned circuit and entry time based on availability at the moment of purchase).
11:00 — 2.5-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu in group service.
Free time in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) after the guided visit.
18:20 Train ticket from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Ollantaytambo, arriving at 20:05.
Transportation from Ollantaytambo train station back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving at 22:00.

Please note: All departure and tour times listed above represent the most common schedule. Exact timings may vary depending on the official Machu Picchu entry ticket time available at the moment of purchase.

Optional upgrade available: Huaynapicchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain can be added subject to availability and require an earlier departure.

What is not included?

Meals and personal snacks
Huaynapicchu Mountain hike (optional upgrade available)
Machu Picchu Mountain hike (optional upgrade available)
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and service staff

What to bring

Original passport (required for train travel and Machu Picchu entry)
University student ID card (only valid if it clearly shows full name, university name, and a current expiration date; ISIC cards are no longer accepted)
Small daypack (lightweight and easy to carry)
Reusable water bottle or water to drink
Rain jacket or poncho (weather can change quickly)
Comfortable clothing in layers — early mornings are cold and daytime temperatures can be warm
Sun hat or cap
Sun protection (sunscreen and sunglasses)
Insect repellent (especially for mosquitoes in the cloud forest)
Personal medications
Basic toiletries
Light snacks that can be eaten in one serving (food is not permitted inside Machu Picchu; please be discreet)
Cash in Peruvian Soles for tips and souvenirs

Fitness Requirements

The Machu Picchu Citadel Tour is rated EASY. Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven stone paths and stairs for short periods, typically up to 20 minutes at a time, at a relaxed pace. No technical hiking experience is required.

Availability

The Machu Picchu Citadel Tour from Cusco operates daily and is available year-round. January, February, and March fall within the wet season, during which rain showers are common. Travelers visiting during these months are advised to bring a reliable rain jacket and waterproof their personal belongings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Yes. The Machu Picchu Citadel Tour is rated EASY and suitable for travelers of all ages who are comfortable walking for short periods on uneven stone paths.

Which Machu Picchu circuit will I receive?

Entry circuits are assigned based on official availability at the time of booking. Priority is given to Circuit 2A or 2B (Classic Route). If unavailable, Circuit 3B is assigned, and if that is also sold out, Circuit 1B, which includes the classic panoramic viewpoints.

If none of the above circuits (2A, 2B, 3B, or 1B) are available at the time of booking, the following alternatives will be offered:

Circuit 1A or Circuit 3A for an additional USD 16 per person, subject to availability
Circuit 3B VIP for an additional USD 135 per person, subject to availability

Can I upgrade to Huaynapicchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Yes. Optional upgrades to Huaynapicchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain are available subject to official availability and require an earlier departure from Cusco.

Are the tour times guaranteed?

The times listed in the itinerary represent the most common schedule. Exact departure, train, and entry times may vary depending on the Machu Picchu entrance ticket time available at the moment of purchase.

Is food allowed inside Machu Picchu?

Food is not permitted inside the Machu Picchu Citadel. Small snacks that can be eaten discreetly outside the entrance are recommended.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is highly recommended but not mandatory. Coverage should ideally include medical expenses, accidents, trip interruptions, and loss of personal belongings.

What happens in case of bad weather?

The tour operates year-round, including during the rainy season. In the event of bad weather or other circumstances beyond our control, services may be delayed or modified for safety reasons. Please note that Machu Picchu entrance tickets are non-changeable once issued, and no date or time modifications are permitted after issuance. Any refunds or exceptions are subject solely to government and supplier authorization.

Can I change or cancel my booking?

Changes and cancellations are subject to the terms and conditions outlined above, including applicable cancellation fees and deadlines.

Terms & Conditions

The Machu Picchu tour is non-transferable. Changes to the departure date are not permitted without incurring applicable cancellation fees.
All cancellations must be submitted in writing and are subject to cancellation penalties.
Cancellations or date changes made with 10 or more days’ advance notice will incur a USD 180 cancellation fee per person.
Cancellations made with less than 10 days’ advance notice will incur a 100% cancellation fee of the total tour cost.
If a participant abandons the tour for any reason, including altitude, health, or personal decision, no refund or claim will be accepted.
Participants agree to cover all expenses resulting from tour abandonment, including but not limited to meals, accommodation, return transportation, and medical costs.
Personal travel insurance is mandatory. Coverage must include personal accidents, medical expenses, loss of property, and any other expenses arising from injury, loss, or damage.
Certain services may be interrupted or canceled due to circumstances beyond our control, including weather conditions, natural disasters, civil unrest, or labor strikes. If the tour is canceled for safety reasons, we will coordinate with suppliers to seek refunds only when such refunds are authorized by the respective suppliers.