MACHUPICCHU BY CAR

• TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS
• Comfortable Clothing: Light layered clothing. Machu Picchu weather is subtropical (15-22°C) with possible rain. Bring waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes. Sneakers or light trekking shoes with non-slip soles for walking through the citadel.
• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV protection sunglasses, hat or cap. Solar radiation is intense in Machu Picchu.
• Cash: Bring soles for lunch in Aguas Calientes (approx. S/30-50), bathroom entrance at citadel (S/2), handicraft purchases, voluntary tips and snacks.
• Hydration: Reusable water bottle. Stay hydrated during the tour. Water refill points available in Aguas Calientes.
• Small Backpack: Light backpack (maximum 25 liters or 5 kg allowed in Machu Picchu) with water, camera, documents, snacks, rain poncho and sunscreen.
• Camera or Phone: ESSENTIAL to capture iconic Machu Picchu views. Bring extra battery or powerbank. Tripods and selfie sticks not allowed in the citadel.
• Documents: ID or original Passport MANDATORY (same used for tour reservation) for Machu Picchu entry and train boarding.
• Weather: Humid subtropical climate (15-22°C). Rainy season (November-March) requires poncho. Dry season (April-October) has sunny days but cold mornings.
• Schedule: Early departure from Cusco. Full day approximately 14-16 hours. Return to Cusco at night (approx. 8:00-9:00 p.m.).
• Machu Picchu Rules: Follow established circuit, do not touch walls, no food entry, no smoking, no drones. Respect sanctuary norms.
• Lunch: Not included. Multiple restaurant options in Aguas Calientes with menus from S/30-50. Book in advance during high season.
• Luggage: Bring only essentials. Large backpacks must be left in storage in Aguas Calientes (additional service approx. S/5-10).
• Hot Springs: Optional in Aguas Calientes (entrance approx. S/20). Bring swimsuit if planning to visit after the tour.

• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• Is previous experience or good physical condition necessary? No, it is not necessary. The Machu Picchu tour has an easy to intermediate difficulty level, with walking through the citadel on stone paths and stairs. Accessible for most travelers including families. Recommended to be acclimatized to Cusco altitude, although Machu Picchu is at lower altitude (2,438 m.a.s.l.).
• What does this tour include? Includes tourist transportation Cusco-Ollantaytambo-Cusco, round-trip train (Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo), bilingual professional guide (Spanish/English), Machu Picchu entrance ticket, bus tickets Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes, first aid kit, and permanent assistance throughout the tour.
• What services are NOT included? Not included: meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), drinks and snacks, entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain (requires separate ticket and advance reservation), entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain (requires separate ticket), and voluntary tips.
• How long does the tour last and what is the altitude? The tour lasts Full Day (14-16 hours approximately), from early morning until return to Cusco around 8:00-9:00 p.m. Machu Picchu is at 2,438 m.a.s.l., lower altitude than Cusco, with warmer subtropical climate (15-22°C).
• How many days do I need to be in Cusco before the tour? Recommended to be at least 1 day in Cusco before the tour. Although Machu Picchu is at lower altitude than Cusco, minimal acclimatization helps. This tour is ideal for early days in Cusco.
• What places will we visit during the tour? You will visit: Sacred Valley (impressive Andean landscapes on the way), Ollantaytambo (Inca fortress and living town with original stone streets), Machu Picchu (iconic Inca citadel, World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World with sacred temples and ceremonial plazas), and Aguas Calientes (picturesque tourist town at Machu Picchu base with artisan market and optional hot springs). Experience combining archaeology, Inca history and unique landscapes.

• IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE BOOKING
• Total duration: Full Day (14-16 hours approximately).
• Departure: Early morning with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
• Altitude: Machu Picchu is at 2,438 m.a.s.l. (lower altitude than Cusco). Warmer subtropical climate.
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Documentation: MANDATORY to carry ID or original Passport (same document used for reservation). Without this document, entry is not permitted.
• Acclimatization: Recommended to be at least 1 day in Cusco before the tour, although Machu Picchu is at lower altitude.
• Guide language: Spanish and English subject to availability.
• Service type: Group with tourist transportation, train and bus.
• Entrance fees: Machu Picchu entrance ticket INCLUDED in the tour.
• Restrictions: Tour accessible for most travelers. The citadel has many stairs and irregular terrain. Not recommended for people with very limited mobility.
• Weather: Humid subtropical (15-22°C). Possible rain any time. Rainy season (November-March), dry season (April-October).
• Clothing: Light layered clothing, comfortable non-slip shoes, hat, sunscreen and rain poncho.
• Luggage: Only small backpack allowed in Machu Picchu (maximum 25 liters or 5 kg). Leave large backpacks in storage.
• Lunch: Not included. Restaurant options in Aguas Calientes (approx. S/30-50).
• Experience: Cultural and historical tour. Ideal to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, perfectly organized to optimize your time.
• End: Return to your hotel in Cusco approximately between 8:00-9:00 p.m.
• Machu Picchu Rules: Mandatory circuit, do not touch structures, no food entry, follow guide instructions.

Planning to drive to Machu Picchu? We'll explain the route via Hidroeléctrica, the costs, and everything you need to know. The cheapest way to get there.

This map details the scenic vehicle route from Cusco to the hydroelectric station, the starting point for the final hike to Aguas Calientes. Discover key towns along the way, such as Ollantaytambo, Santa María, and Santa Teresa, and the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley and the jungle. The perfect visual guide for your budget-friendly adventure to Machu Picchu, avoiding the train and exploring the heart of the region.