Machu Picchu Tour by Bus

Overview

• Temple of the Sun: A masterpiece of Inca architecture, designed to pay homage to the Sun God. Its windows are perfectly aligned to capture the sunlight during the winter solstice.
• Intihuatana: Known as the “Solar Clock”, this stone pillar was used by the Incas to determine the seasons of the year. It is a place full of energy and mysticism.
• Temple of the Three Windows: This sacred temple offers breathtaking views and is an outstanding example of Inca construction skill.
• Main Plaza: The heart of Machu Picchu, where ceremonies and important events were held. From here, you can appreciate the magnitude of the citadel.
• Huayna Picchu: If you are up for an extra adventure, the climb up Huayna Picchu will reward you with unparalleled panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
• Agricultural Terraces: A system of terraces that shows the ingenious agriculture of the Incas. These terraces not only allowed cultivation in mountainous terrain, but also helped to control erosion.
• The Sacred Rock: A monument that many believe represents the Yanantin mountain, sacred to the Incas.
• Inca Bridge: A narrow and vertiginous road that shows the strategic and defensive ability of the Incas in their constructions.

Machu Picchu by bus at a glance

1. Cusco to Ollantaytambo: First, we will travel to Ollantaytambo, which is a town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this journey takes between 1.5 and 2 hours.
2. From Ollantaytambo to Santa Teresa: This trip can take between 2 and 3 hours.
3. From Santa Teresa to Hidroelectrica: From Santa Teresa, you will continue your trip to Hidroelectrica, which is the closest point to Machu Picchu that can be reached by vehicle. The trip usually takes between an hour and an hour and a half.
4. From Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes: From Hidroeléctrica, you will have to walk along the train tracks to reach Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), which is the town located at the base of Machu Picchu. The hike takes between 2 and 3 hours, but is relatively flat and does not present too many challenges.
5. Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: Finally, from Aguas Calientes, you can either walk up to Machu Picchu (which takes between 1.5 and 2 hours) or take a bus up the steep and winding road to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The bus ride is much faster and takes about 25 minutes.
6. Aguas Calientes – Cusco: Concluding our visit to Machu Picchu we will walk back to Hidroelectrica where we will board our bus back to Cusco.

Why choose our bus tour to Machu Picchu?

• BigFoot Machu Picchu, a local tour operator based in Cusco, operates this 1-day excursion to Machu Picchu.
• We cater to small groups, with a maximum of 15 people, which sets us apart from the larger tour companies.
• Our service for the Machu Picchu bus tour is not shared with other providers.
• We are a pragmatic, fast and reliable travel company, extending hospitality to individuals and groups.
• Our tour guides are up to date and in continuous professional development, eager to reveal the wonders of Machu Picchu.
• At BigFoot Machu Picchu, our guides and drivers receive immediate compensation upon completion of their tasks.
• Local prices guarantee affordability.
• Expedited booking process for your convenience.

Machu Picchu By Bus Tour Itinerary

Día 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes.

• Our trip begins with the pick up between 7:00 – 7:30 in the morning from Cusco to undertake a journey of 6 and a half hours.
• During the trip, until you reach Hidroeléctrica, you will make two stops, the first one in Ollantaytambo (10 to 15 minutes), where you will have the opportunity to buy water and/or snacks.
• Then, you will ascend to Abra Malaga, from where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the high mountain region, with snow-capped peaks, before descending into the high jungle.
• We will pass through towns such as Santa Maria until we reach Santa Teresa, where we will make our second stop (40 minutes) so that you have time for lunch.
• Then, we will continue until we reach Hidroeléctrica, the starting point for a two and a half hour hike, mostly on flat terrain, until we reach Aguas Calientes, the town that serves as a base for visiting Machu Picchu.
• From Hidroeléctrica, you also have the option of taking a train (25 minutes) if you do not wish to walk, but this has an additional cost of US$ 35 (95% of people prefer to walk).
• Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes and after settling into your accommodation, you will have a short free time to rest or visit the hot springs (with an entrance fee of S/15).
• Afterwards, a dinner will take place, during which all the instructions for the next day (overnight) will be provided.

Día 2: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Hidroeléctrica – Cusco.

The second day of the Machu Picchu tour by bus starts very early, at 5:00 a.m., we get ready to start our ascent to Machu Picchu, which involves a walk of one hour and forty minutes to reach the citadel, or if you wish you have the option to take a bus to get to the archaeological center of Machu Picchu (25 minutes, cost US$ 12).

Once we arrive at the entrance of Machu Picchu, we will meet with the guide and the group to begin the tour, we will walk and receive information from our guide for approximately two and a half hours, exploring the main parts of the citadel, including places of great importance such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Water Mirror Zone, the Temple of the Condor, the Main Square, the Intiwatana and other sites of interest.

Throughout the tour, you will also have time to take pictures and explore Machu Picchu on your own until 11:00 am, then, we will have to walk back to the Hydroelectric (3 hours), from where we will take our bus back (departure at 2:00 pm) to return to Cusco (arrival at approximately 8:00 pm).

Inclusions

what does the Machu Picchu bus tour include?

• Briefing: One day prior to the tour, we provide relevant information and deliver all required tickets.
• Tourist transportation: Cusco – Hydroelectric – Cusco. We use minibuses with capacity for 15 or 20 people, all equipped with a first aid kit.
• Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner will be provided on the tour.
• Lodging: We offer private rooms with bathroom and hot water at the Hotel Intiwatana El Tambo or a similar establishment.
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu: We guarantee the availability of the entrance ticket to the citadel.
• Guide Service: Bilingual English and Spanish professional guide.
• Guided tour in Machu Picchu: We will have a 2 hour guided tour in the complex of Machu Picchu where our guide will tell us all about this world wonder.

Not Included

• Meals not mentioned (ask for this).
• Train on any route
• Bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

Additional Things To Upgrade

• Machu Picchu Mountain Climbing + Circuit 3: $60 USD
• Huayna Picchu Moutain Climbing + Circuit 4: $60 USD
• Huchuy Picchu Moutain Climbing + Circuit 4: $60 USD

What To Pack for Machu Picchu tour by Bus

• Original passport (mandatory for entry to Machu Picchu).
• Valid student card (if applicable and booked as a student).
• Compact backpack or daypack (the smaller, the better).
• Stylish shirt and pants suitable for Machu Picchu (consider the importance of the photos you’ll take).
• Sun hat and sunglasses.
• Sunscreen lotion.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Rain jacket or poncho.
• Some cash for passport stamp (S/1), restroom (S/2), souvenirs, or restaurant expenses (can be pricey).
• Camera for capturing memories.
• Comfortable walking or trekking shoes.
• Insect repellent.
• Personal medications.
• Small first aid kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW TO BOOK MACHU PICCHU BY BUS WITH BIGFOOT MACHU PICCHU?

To book your Machu Picchu by bus 2 day tour with us, you must click on the top “BOOK NOW“, then choose the day of your departure, fill in all the personal information and lastly is the payment which can be done by credit or debit card.

WHAT CIRCUIT WILL YOUR MACHU PICCHU BY BUS FOLLOW?

The Machu Picchu ticket is “Llacta Machupicchu + circuit 1, 2, 3 or 4” this is the best ticket to visit Machu Picchu as you get your classic photo and the most popular places.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU?

The best time to explore Machu Picchu is during the transitional months of April, May, September, October and November. These months offer minimal rainfall, and temperatures are pleasantly mild, avoiding the cold winter nights of the high season. In addition, the number of visitors tends to be lower during this period.

Aditional Info

Things To Know

• Under the new regulations, visitors are restricted to a 2-hour stay at Machu Picchu, though enforcement can be challenging without constant guard intervention.
• You must carry your passport when visiting Machu Picchu, as it’s required for entry.
• Standard entry tickets do not allow re-entry, even if you don’t spend the full 2 hours allotted. Guided tours typically last 2 to 3 hours.
• If you have a Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain ticket, start by hiking the mountain before the guided tour.
• Exercise caution when taking selfies or jumping photos, as these activities are the primary causes of accidents in the mountains.
• Park rangers encourage visitors to leave Huayna Picchu mountain by 12:30 pm and Machu Picchu mountain by 12 pm.
• It’s advisable to wear training shoes or lightweight walking shoes.
• Strong insect repellent is recommended.
• Machu Picchu is a unique site, and you can obtain a distinctive passport stamp if desired.

Toilets

Unfortunately, there are no restrooms or food stalls available inside Machu Picchu. We recommend using the restroom located just inside the entrance before entering the site, which costs two soles.

Mistake

In case of cloudy or rainy weather, once you leave the main viewpoint where the classic photos are taken and begin your tour of Machu Picchu, you will not be able to return later if the weather improves. Please note that once you are on the trail, there are watchmen with whistles who make sure that visitors follow the designated circuit, leaving no room to turn back.

Food and Water

Regarding food and water, it’s advisable to bring your own supplies. While the ticket states that eating within the site is not allowed, you can carry a discreet, small snack with you. Of course, it’s crucial not to litter. Additionally, please bring your water in reusable flasks or canteens, as Machu Picchu is committed to reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles.

Strikes

Strikes and roadblocks are common occurrences in Peru and may impact our Machu Picchu day tours and rail services to and from Machu Picchu. We will make every effort to ensure that your Machu Picchu private tour by train proceeds as planned, with some necessary adjustments.

In the event of a strike occurring on the day of your Machu Picchu 1-day tour, we will transfer you to Aguas Calientes town on the evening before your scheduled start date. You will visit Machu Picchu as originally planned. After your visit to the Inca Ruins, you will be required to undertake an additional 3-hour hike from Aguas Calientes to Hydroelectric. From there, we will drive for approximately 7 hours to return to Cusco. You can expect to be dropped off at your hotel around 11:00 pm.