Cusco is recognized as the 'Archaeological Capital of America'.
Cusco, Cuzco or Qosqo are the names by which the ancient capital of the Inca Empire is known. It is a center for archaeological scholars from all over the world who come to Peru to discover the wonders of Machu Picchu and the other ruins scattered throughout the valley.
It was an important administrative center for the Spanish Empire (Viceroyalty of Peru), and can be seen in the large number of manifestations of colonial art and architecture that can be found throughout the city and especially its Plaza de Armas. Today, Cusco is the largest tourist center in the country, receiving more than one million visitors a year.
Cusco is the oldest urban settlement in all of the Americas, more than 3,000 years old, but pre-ceramic samples have been found as old as 5,000 years. The origins of the first inhabitants of the city are lost in legend. Inca legends say that the founders of the city were Manko Qhapaq and Pachakuteq.
At the top of the mountain, large and impressive stone blocks joined together, the most important political and religious center of the Inca empire: Machu Picchu.
Located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, the sacred Inca citadel built around 1450 and discovered in 1911, still hides enigmas and mysteries about its real purpose that remain hidden to this day and arouse the interest of both visitors and archaeologists from around the world.
Due to its strategic location on top of a high mountain, there are several theories about what it could have meant to the Incas. Some argue that it was built as a great mausoleum for the Inca Pachacutec, while others claim that it was an important administrative and agricultural center whose cultivated areas were used for the sustenance of its inhabitants. However, it is also considered that it was used as a necessary link between the Andes and the Peruvian Amazon or as a resting place for the Inca governor.
The truth is that Machu Picchu is one of the greatest symbols behind the impressive architecture and engineering of the Inca Empire. Although its origin is still under study, the value and transcendence it represented in its time, as well as its imposing design, have earned it to be considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
The tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco, is one of the most classic and incredible tours, where you can explore small villages outside the city of Cusco and also its archaeological sites.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located 15 km (9 miles) north of the Inca capital of Cusco at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). The Sacred Valley was once the Inca empire’s main point for the extraction of natural wealth, and one of the most important areas for corn production in Peru.
We have to admire the advanced agricultural techniques of the Incas and their system of andenería (terraces): system of platforms composed of small groups of farmland, arranged in the form of tiers on the hills, where crops are planted. The valleys were also a place of worship to the Pachamama (mother earth).
The Sacred Valley is a must-see destination in Peru and has become one of the most important tourist centers in the country. There are numerous impressive Inca ruins, such as Ollantaytambo, Pisaq and Moray. The Sacred Valley also has two of the most important handicraft markets in the Cusco region: Pisaq and Chinchero.
The Inca Trail is not the only route to Machu Picchu. The city of Machu Picchu was connected by a network of roads known as Qhapaq Ñan.
The great adventure of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is for those who live passionately, always looking for a new experience!
The Inca Trail is a fascinating dream to fulfill and is the most famous trek in all of South America. The beauty of the views and the archaeological sites surrounding the Inca Trail are unsurpassed.
This tour is ideal for those who are full of energy to hike to Machu Picchu on the trip of a lifetime with the Classic Inca Trail 4 days 3 nights.
The Inca Trail Peru is a well established trek that takes travelers from km. 82 (the starting point 40 minutes from the town of Ollantaytambo) to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (also called Inti Punku).
Se trata de la montaña de los Siete Colores, también conocida como Vinicunca o Arcoíris.
Also known as the “Hill of 7 colors”, vinicunca, and colorful mountain, gift of nature for the enjoyment of our eyes. This unique mountain is located more than 100 km from the Imperial City of Cusco, belonging to the town of Pitumarca, is one of the main tourist attractions of Peru recently discovered and made known in 2016.
Vinicunca means “mountain of colors”. It is also known as Rainbow Mountain, Cerro Colorado or in English as Rainbow Mountain. It is located at 5200 meters above sea level and belongs to the Ausangate snow-capped mountain in the Vilcanota mountain range, it is the fifth highest mountain in Peru.
Its coloration is natural due to the large amount of sedimentary stones in erosion, what makes it so beautiful and impressive is how these stones are formed to give it the appearance of a rainbow (7 colors).
Although it is commonly called Rainbow Mountain (Cerro Colorado or Seven Colors Mountain), its real name is Vinicunca, which comes from Quechua.
If you are looking for a hike out of the ordinary, here are the hikes you are looking for
In Cusco you will find countless activities and tourist routes that you can explore; many of them include a visit to Machu Picchu, whether you are looking for a quiet and classic tour or adventure experiences with a touch of immersion with the coexistence with local people.
Live exciting moments in real contact with nature that remains untouched by the hand of man, all well preserved; walk in contact with nature, and the local fauna; if you are patient you will see many animals that come out to walk trusting; since each one is prohibited.
Enjoy hikes of 2 to more days; enjoy good food along the route; professional local guides and discover the magic of visiting this beautiful country that awaits you.
Exciting adventures, all over Peru, wide variety of experiences.
Peru has become in recent years the most fashionable destination in South America. There is no shortage of reasons: an impressive variety of ecosystems, breathtaking landscapes, beautiful cities full of history, culture, traditions, beaches, fauna, flora… and, of course, its delicious and famous gastronomy.
From the Amazon to the desert, from the high peaks of the Andes to the Pacific, passing through the valleys and high plateaus, the country enchants with its incredible contrasts. Although the reasons to visit the country are really endless, we want to show you some compelling arguments for you to embark on the exciting adventure of discovering it. Are you up for it?
Every place on Earth is fascinating and unique, but Peru is one of those countries that manages to be above average. This place has so many natural and cultural treasures that have fascinated people for hundreds of years, and still fascinate them today. There are thousands of reasons to go to this great destination, here are just some of the reasons why you should visit Peru.
1 Day from $ USD 100.00
Tour of Machu Picchu by Train in 1 Day
The historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, considered one of the 7 wonders of the modern world, is a mandatory tourist spot for all travelers who are passionate about history.
If you don’t have much time to stay in Cusco, then we recommend this 1-day Machu Picchu tour by train departing from Ollantaytambo train station (the only living Inca city that is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas).
Important:
We recommend booking this tour to Machu Picchu as long as you stay overnight in Ollantaytambo so that the next day very early you can take your train to Aguas Calientes.
Located on the top of the mountain in the jungle area, it was discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. It is 111 km away. from the city of Cusco. The excursion begins with a train trip (Hiram Bingham, Vistadome, Expeditión). On the way you can see the Urubamba river, the snow-capped peaks of the mountain range, the characteristic vegetation of the high forest. We will arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo where we will continue by bus (20 minutes) to the archaeological complex of “Machu Picchu”, they will have a guided tour for two and a half hours, an optional lunch. Return to Cusco or for those who want to stay longer in Machu Picchu have the opportunity to spend the night in the town of Aguas Calientes. There are several types of train to visit Machu Picchu, the HIRAM BINGHAM train, a luxury train with elegant decoration, the VISTADOME train, which is a comfortable train and the EXPEDITION train that is more economical. There are also several train departure frequencies from the Sacred Valley for those who wish to continue their trip to Machu Picchu after an excursion in the Sacred Valley or for those who spend the night there. In addition to the aforementioned lines, there are several train departure frequencies from the Sacred Valley, for those who wish to continue their trip to Machu Picchu after making the excursion to the Sacred Valley or for those who spend the night in Aguas Calientes
1, Easy
To fully enjoy our Full Day Tour to Machu Picchu do not forget to bring:
We have daily departures for this tour. The weather is dry all year round. However, between December and April, there are some rainy days, but no big deal. Machu Picchu is located on the other side of the Andes Mountains and at a lower elevation, the temperature can be around 25 ° C during the day and 13 ° C during the night. That’s why on this tour you don’t need heavy winter clothing. Click to check the Weather in Peru.
There are many destinations in Machu Picchu like Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu Mountain, Inka Bridge and Sun Gate, the first 2 you must book in advance and the last 2 are free. Click here to learn more about the Destinations inside Machu Picchu Picchu.
You may know that Machu Picchu was not the main city of the Inka Empire. However, it was a sacred temple to welcome the new year. If you are interested in knowing the chronology of the Inka history, we recommend you to visit Cusco (the capital of the Inka Empire), Click to see the Destinations in Cusco. If you visit these destinations first, you will be an expert in Inca history when you arrive at Machu Picchu.
This is not a hard hiking tour, so everyone can do it, even if they are older or children.
Read the most frequently asked questions before you make your booking
To book this tour to Machu Picchu, you can fill out the form on the “Consult Tour” button to know the special prices of our economic tours 2023.
We accept reservations at least 48 hours in advance. However, seats are limited and always subject to availability. Tickets to the Citadel of Machu Picchu are in high demand and in some cases sell out months in advance. Therefore, we recommend that you make your reservation as far in advance as possible.
The tour lasts three hours. In the first hour, you will receive a guided tour of the citadel. The rest of the time you are free to move around the citadel.
I have already bought my ticket for Machu Picchu. Is it possible to book the program where the entrance fee is deducted from the total price?
Machu Picchu is located between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest and has a warm, temperate climate with an average minimum temperature of 12°C and an average maximum temperature of 24°C. From April to October is the dry season in this area, meaning there is less chance of precipitation during this time, while from November to March is the rainy season, meaning there is more chance of precipitation during this time. Regardless of this distinction, there is a possibility of rain every day of the year since it is a subtropical area.
Machu Picchu is currently open to tourists. Machu Picchu will open on November 2, 2020. It is advisable to book the entrance to Machu Picchu a month in advance, as it depends on availability and tourist routes.
We have unbeatable prices, for Machu Picchu tour we have cheap prices and discounts for some features.
Are you Peruvian, Colombian, Ecuadorian or Bolivian? Are you traveling in a group? Are you traveling with children? Do you have a student ID? Are you traveling as part of a school function?
Is the Machu Picchu tour flexible in terms of time?
If you book the Machu Picchu 1-day tour with us, we have flexible dates in our policies, for example, you can change the date for next year.
In this year 2022, according to the new regulations of Machu Picchu, there is no free time because all groups must be supervised and accompanied by a guide from the beginning to the end of the tour.
According to the new regulations of Machu Picchu, it is not possible to bring food into the citadel of Machu Picchu. It is only possible to bring a bottle of water and a small snack.
There are several options for lunch in Machu Picchu:
The first option is to use the services of the Tinkuy Restaurant, located near the entrance gate of Machu Picchu. This restaurant offers a buffet lunch and belongs to the Belmond luxury hotel chain.
The second option is to have lunch in the village of Machu Picchu. In this small village you will find a wide range of restaurants of all qualities, prices and types.
In Cusco, I am your travel specialist, with more than 10 years of experience organizing adventure trips.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru operated by South Winds Peru. Please take a moment to complete our short form so that one of our friendly adventure consultants can provide you with all the information for the best trip of your life in Peru.
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